GENERAL CONCEPTS
When you input data, the computer receives this information and
COMPURTERS & THEIR USES
converts it into binary code. Computers can only understand and
TYPES OF COMPUTERS process information in this binary format
MULTI-PURPOSE COMPUTERS PROCESSING
1. Supercomputers (fastest, most powerful, and most expensive) The Central Processing Unit (CPU) serves as the computers brain
2. Mainframes ( powerful computer with exceptional processing The CPU takes tee binary code from the input stage and performs the
capabilities and performance. Can support multiple users at necessary calculations to transform it into meaningful info. CPU
once)
collaborates with the computer’s memory to receive instructions on how
3. Servers ( provide or “serve” information and resources. Powerful
processors and large storage capacity) to display and manipulate the data
4. Workstations (high-performance computer with high-resolution
graphics)
STORAGE
5. Desktop computers ( stationary devices) Where the computer saves input data in its memory bank
6. Laptops ( portable computers) 1. CPU writes data into temporary storage (Random Access
7. Tablets (smaller and more portable) Memory , RAM)
8. Smartphones ( handheld computers) 2. Computer waits for user instructions to transfer data from RAM
to more permanent storage
DEDICATED DEVICES 3. When commanded, computer saves the data to the disc drive in
• ATM machine either a default loc, or a user-specified loc
• DVD player 4. User can retrieve stored info any time
• Anti-lock braking systems in vehicles for safety
• MP3 players for music
OUTPUT
• Drones Computer takes processed pixels and displays them
• Airbag control systems Output devices (printers, screens, speakers) transform raw computer
data into usable, visible info that humans can understand
HOW DO COMPUTERS WORK?
INFORMATION PROCESSING CYCLE
IPSOC
INPUT
Where data enters the computer system
, WHY DO WE USE COMPUTERS COMPUTER RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
1. SAVING TIME REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURIES (RSIs)
2. COMMUNICATION COSTS
3. EFFICIENCY Occurs when you perform the same movements repeatedly over
4. SAVING LABOUR extended periods, causing damage to muscles, tendons and nerves.
5. ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY Commonly affects;
6. EFFECT ON TIME AND DISTANCE Hands
7. ENVIROMENTAL PURPOSES – SAVING PAPER Wrists
8. GLOBAL COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING SOCIAL NETWORKS
Arms
AND WEB TOOLS
CONVERGENCE CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, becomes
WHAT IS CONVERGENCE compressed. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and bain in the
Refers to the combining of different technologies to create a single, more thumb, index and middle finger
advanced product that can perform multiple functions
EXAMPLE
BACK STRAIN AND POSTURE PROBLEMS
A smartphone – phone calls, camera technology, MP3 player for music, Sitting in poor positions for extended periods can cause significant back
GPS, handheld gaming device, personal organiser for scheduling problems. This can lead to chronic back pain and long-term spinal issues
BENEFITS OF CONVERGENCE EYE STRAIN AND COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME
• Cost saving – instead of buying multiple devices Staring at computer screens for hours can cause eye fatigue, dry eyes,
• Convenience – carrying one device blurred vision and headaches. This collection of symptoms is often
• Space efficiency – less storage space needed called computer vision syndrome.
• Simplified management – one device to charge, update, maintain
ERGONOMICS
SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging furniture,
GREEN COMPUTING equipment and workspaces to make people more comfortable
and efficient while working. When applied to computer use,
Practice of designing, manufacturing, using and disposing of
ergonomics focuses on how we interact with our input and output
computer hardware, software and networks in ways that reduce
devices to reduce the physical strain on our bodies
their environmental impact
KEY GREEN COMPUTING PRACTICES
1. Sustainable printing practices
2. Energy conservation (energy-efficient devices, enable sleep
function)
3. Proper disposal methods (recycle through certified e-waste
programs)
, HARDWARE COMPONENTS
INPUT DEVICES STORAGE DEVICES
1. KEYBOARD
2. POINTING DEVICES HARD DISC DRIVES (HDDs)
3. SCANNING AND READING DEVICES • Provides slow but reliable long-term data storage for computer
4. VIDEO DEVICES (WEBCAMS, CAMERAS) data.
5. AUDIO DEVICES (MICRO-PHONES) • Use magnetic storage technology with spinning discs and moving
6. BIOMETRIC DEVICES read/write heads to access data.
7. POINT OF SALE SYSTEMS, POS ( ATM MACHINE)
• Available as internal drives built into the computer or external
drives that connect via USB or other interfaces.
PROCESSING DEVICES • Slower than modern alternatives, HDDs offer large storage
Form the core of any computer system capacities at lower costs per gigabyte
• Suitable for storing large amounts of data that don’t require
MOTHERBOARD frequent access
Serves as the main circuit board that connects all computer components SOLID-STATE DRIVES (SSDs)
together. It provides the physical foundation for the computer system,
housing the CPU, memory slots, expansion slots, and various connectors • Fast long-term storage
• Flash memory technology, no moving parts
CPU AND GPU • Provide significantly faster data access speedÞ quicker system
boot times, faster file transfers and overall system
The central processing unit (CPU) – completes general processing tasks responsiveness
of the computer, executing instructions from programmes and • More expensive per gigabyte
coordinating system operations. The brain of the computer
The graphics processing unit (GPU) – specialises in graphics processing PORTABLE STORAGE
task, handing the complex calculations required for rendering images, Flash discs (USB drives/thumb drives) – very small, non-volatile, portable
videos and 3D graphics devices that connect to computers using USB ports. Provides convenient
storge for transferring files between different computers and creating
MEMORY SYSTEMS backup copies of important data
Random access memory (RAM) – provides very high-speed storage that Memory cards – non-volatile storage devices used mainly for storing
temporarily stores data the CPU currently uses. RAM is volatile memory, digital info in cameras, smartphones and other portable devices.
meaning contents are lost when power is removed. The amount & speed
of RAM significantly affects system performance OPTICAL STORAGE
Read-only memory (ROM) – non-volatile memory that retains info even CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs are portable storage devices that use optical
when the computer is powered off. When computer starts up, it uses the tech to store data. Data files from a computer can be copied to these
information stored in ROM to begin the boot process and initialise system devices using the appropriate writer
components. Contains firmware & basic system instructions to function
When you input data, the computer receives this information and
COMPURTERS & THEIR USES
converts it into binary code. Computers can only understand and
TYPES OF COMPUTERS process information in this binary format
MULTI-PURPOSE COMPUTERS PROCESSING
1. Supercomputers (fastest, most powerful, and most expensive) The Central Processing Unit (CPU) serves as the computers brain
2. Mainframes ( powerful computer with exceptional processing The CPU takes tee binary code from the input stage and performs the
capabilities and performance. Can support multiple users at necessary calculations to transform it into meaningful info. CPU
once)
collaborates with the computer’s memory to receive instructions on how
3. Servers ( provide or “serve” information and resources. Powerful
processors and large storage capacity) to display and manipulate the data
4. Workstations (high-performance computer with high-resolution
graphics)
STORAGE
5. Desktop computers ( stationary devices) Where the computer saves input data in its memory bank
6. Laptops ( portable computers) 1. CPU writes data into temporary storage (Random Access
7. Tablets (smaller and more portable) Memory , RAM)
8. Smartphones ( handheld computers) 2. Computer waits for user instructions to transfer data from RAM
to more permanent storage
DEDICATED DEVICES 3. When commanded, computer saves the data to the disc drive in
• ATM machine either a default loc, or a user-specified loc
• DVD player 4. User can retrieve stored info any time
• Anti-lock braking systems in vehicles for safety
• MP3 players for music
OUTPUT
• Drones Computer takes processed pixels and displays them
• Airbag control systems Output devices (printers, screens, speakers) transform raw computer
data into usable, visible info that humans can understand
HOW DO COMPUTERS WORK?
INFORMATION PROCESSING CYCLE
IPSOC
INPUT
Where data enters the computer system
, WHY DO WE USE COMPUTERS COMPUTER RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS
1. SAVING TIME REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURIES (RSIs)
2. COMMUNICATION COSTS
3. EFFICIENCY Occurs when you perform the same movements repeatedly over
4. SAVING LABOUR extended periods, causing damage to muscles, tendons and nerves.
5. ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY Commonly affects;
6. EFFECT ON TIME AND DISTANCE Hands
7. ENVIROMENTAL PURPOSES – SAVING PAPER Wrists
8. GLOBAL COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING SOCIAL NETWORKS
Arms
AND WEB TOOLS
CONVERGENCE CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, becomes
WHAT IS CONVERGENCE compressed. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and bain in the
Refers to the combining of different technologies to create a single, more thumb, index and middle finger
advanced product that can perform multiple functions
EXAMPLE
BACK STRAIN AND POSTURE PROBLEMS
A smartphone – phone calls, camera technology, MP3 player for music, Sitting in poor positions for extended periods can cause significant back
GPS, handheld gaming device, personal organiser for scheduling problems. This can lead to chronic back pain and long-term spinal issues
BENEFITS OF CONVERGENCE EYE STRAIN AND COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME
• Cost saving – instead of buying multiple devices Staring at computer screens for hours can cause eye fatigue, dry eyes,
• Convenience – carrying one device blurred vision and headaches. This collection of symptoms is often
• Space efficiency – less storage space needed called computer vision syndrome.
• Simplified management – one device to charge, update, maintain
ERGONOMICS
SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging furniture,
GREEN COMPUTING equipment and workspaces to make people more comfortable
and efficient while working. When applied to computer use,
Practice of designing, manufacturing, using and disposing of
ergonomics focuses on how we interact with our input and output
computer hardware, software and networks in ways that reduce
devices to reduce the physical strain on our bodies
their environmental impact
KEY GREEN COMPUTING PRACTICES
1. Sustainable printing practices
2. Energy conservation (energy-efficient devices, enable sleep
function)
3. Proper disposal methods (recycle through certified e-waste
programs)
, HARDWARE COMPONENTS
INPUT DEVICES STORAGE DEVICES
1. KEYBOARD
2. POINTING DEVICES HARD DISC DRIVES (HDDs)
3. SCANNING AND READING DEVICES • Provides slow but reliable long-term data storage for computer
4. VIDEO DEVICES (WEBCAMS, CAMERAS) data.
5. AUDIO DEVICES (MICRO-PHONES) • Use magnetic storage technology with spinning discs and moving
6. BIOMETRIC DEVICES read/write heads to access data.
7. POINT OF SALE SYSTEMS, POS ( ATM MACHINE)
• Available as internal drives built into the computer or external
drives that connect via USB or other interfaces.
PROCESSING DEVICES • Slower than modern alternatives, HDDs offer large storage
Form the core of any computer system capacities at lower costs per gigabyte
• Suitable for storing large amounts of data that don’t require
MOTHERBOARD frequent access
Serves as the main circuit board that connects all computer components SOLID-STATE DRIVES (SSDs)
together. It provides the physical foundation for the computer system,
housing the CPU, memory slots, expansion slots, and various connectors • Fast long-term storage
• Flash memory technology, no moving parts
CPU AND GPU • Provide significantly faster data access speedÞ quicker system
boot times, faster file transfers and overall system
The central processing unit (CPU) – completes general processing tasks responsiveness
of the computer, executing instructions from programmes and • More expensive per gigabyte
coordinating system operations. The brain of the computer
The graphics processing unit (GPU) – specialises in graphics processing PORTABLE STORAGE
task, handing the complex calculations required for rendering images, Flash discs (USB drives/thumb drives) – very small, non-volatile, portable
videos and 3D graphics devices that connect to computers using USB ports. Provides convenient
storge for transferring files between different computers and creating
MEMORY SYSTEMS backup copies of important data
Random access memory (RAM) – provides very high-speed storage that Memory cards – non-volatile storage devices used mainly for storing
temporarily stores data the CPU currently uses. RAM is volatile memory, digital info in cameras, smartphones and other portable devices.
meaning contents are lost when power is removed. The amount & speed
of RAM significantly affects system performance OPTICAL STORAGE
Read-only memory (ROM) – non-volatile memory that retains info even CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs are portable storage devices that use optical
when the computer is powered off. When computer starts up, it uses the tech to store data. Data files from a computer can be copied to these
information stored in ROM to begin the boot process and initialise system devices using the appropriate writer
components. Contains firmware & basic system instructions to function
