IT Gadgets and Their Applications
Smartwatch 360
Smartwatches can run applications and simultaneously play audio tracks or radio streamed to Bluetooth headphones. These watches have a touchscreen and are like smartphones. They come with internet access, enabling features like GPS navigation. With Bluetooth connectivity, the watch can help place calls and send/receive messages.
Google Glass
Google Glass is a wearable, voice-controlled Android device resembling eyeglasses. It displays information directly in the user’s field of vision. Google Glass uses augmented reality to provide relevant information based on input like voice commands. It has in-built Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and camera connectivity.
Drone Camera
A drone is an unmanned aircraft navigated automatically or by human control, even beyond the line of sight. It includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a ground-based controller, and a communication system between them.
Pen with Camera/Spy Pen
A spy pen looks like an ordinary pen but has a hidden digital camera inside. It is used to record video and can often be carried discreetly in a pocket or hand.
Applications of Computers
Scientific Research
Computers were first used in scientific research due to their speed and accuracy. They can store, analyze, and process large amounts of data. Computers are capable of controlling robots for tasks in hazardous environments, such as areas inaccessible to humans.
Books Publishing
With desktop publishing, you can create page layouts for a multitude of books on your personal computer. Nowadays, newspapers, magazines, and books are designed using DTP (Desktop Publishing) and printed at once. They are then placed and distributed so that we can get them every morning.
E-Learning
Instead of a book, it is easier to learn from e-learning software. It not only contains text but also images and animations. So, it is very easy to understand everything.
Defence
There is software embedded in missiles. Software is used for controlling the flight and targeting in ballistic missiles. It is also used to control access to atomic bombs.
Concept of Hardware and Software
A computer is a combination of hardware and software, which instructs it to perform operations.
Hardware:
The physical components of a computer, which may be electronic, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, or optical components. Examples of components are microprocessors and ICs.
Software:
It is the set of computer programs, procedures, and associated documentation related to the effective operation of a computer system.
Difference Between Hardware and Software
Hardware refers to the physical components, while software provides the instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
Categories of Software
Types of Software
- System Software
- Operating System
- Language Processor
- Device Drivers
- Application Software
- General Purpose Software
- Customized Software
- Specific Purpose Software
1. System Software
A computer is a machine, and to accomplish any task, it requires some instructions. These sets of instructions are known as programs. The system software is a collection of programs that control the internal functioning of a computer (reading data from input devices, displaying results on screen, shutting down the system, managing files internally, etc.) and extend the processing capabilities of the computer. These software programs are generally written in low-level languages, which interact with the hardware at a very basic level.
a. Operating System:
It performs all the basic tasks like file management, memory management, process management, handling input and output, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. The operating system allows the user to work on the computer without knowing technical details about hardware and its working. Some examples of Operating Systems include Linux, Unix, Windows, iOS, MS-DOS, OS/400, etc.
b. Language Processor:
A language processor is known as a translator that converts a program written in a high-level language into low-level language (machine language). This conversion is necessary because a computer is a machine, and it can understand only machine language in terms of binary digits 0 and 1. Therefore, the system programs which perform this job are known as language processors. A language processor is a mediator or guide that converts one language into another language.
Types of Language Processor:
- Assembler: Converts the program written in assembly language into machine language. Example: Assembly Language → Machine Language.
- Compiler: Converts the entire program written in a high-level language into machine language in one go. Example: C++ Compiler.
- Interpreter: Converts the program written in a high-level language into machine language line by line and executes it simultaneously. Example: Interpreter for Python.
c. Device Drivers:
To run input/output devices, there is a need for a driver that translates commands from the operating system into commands that the specific hardware can understand.
Utility Software
Utility software is very beneficial for the user as they perform functions like file management utilities, disk backup, restoring files, security from viruses or spyware, antivirus utilities, etc. In general, programs that make our computer more secure and user-friendly are considered utilities. Utility software helps to manage, maintain, and control the computer resources.
Utility Software's -
- File Management Software: Manages various files and folders in a disk. Examples: FileCommander, PathFinder, Directory Opus, etc.
- Antivirus Software: Protects the computer system from viruses and other harmful programs. Examples: Norton Antivirus, McAfee, Quick Heal, etc.
- Disk Defragmenter Software: Reorganizes files and unused space on a computer’s hard disk to improve performance.
- Backup Utility Software: Helps users back up selected files or an entire hard drive onto another disk or cloud storage. Examples: Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.
- Encryption/Decryption Software: Enables users to protect data while transmitting it over the internet. Examples: Cryptography, LastPass, VeraCrypt, etc.
- Compression Utility: Compresses large files to reduce their size. Examples: WinZip, RAR, StuffIt, WinAce, etc.
2. Application Software
Application software is also known as applications, which are meant for end-users. For example, software for preparing school results, library management systems, accounting bills, and so on.
a. General Purpose Application Software:
The software that helps in managing files in a database, creating text documents, formatting them, preparing presentations, and designing graphics are called general-purpose application software.
- Word Processing Program: Used to create text documents and format them. Examples: MS Word, WordPad, OpenOffice.org Writer, WordPerfect, etc.
- Spreadsheet Program: Used to create electronic spreadsheets and perform various arithmetic and mathematical computations.
