ICT in the workplace
Allows us to:
Work wherever we have access to a computer and the internet
Communicate more effectively with employees and customers
Identify and adapt to changing trends
Perform tasks that are difficult/ dangerous for humans to do
The computer
(multi-purpose devices, we can load programmes on them which allows us to perform a variety of
tasks)
Factors that determine computer power:
1. The speed and performance of the CPU
2. The amount and type of storage it has
3. The size of the memory
4. The type of graphics card installed
Portable computers:
Laptops:
(portable computers which use miniaturised parts that have a low power consumption, to allow for
portable computing on battery power)
Built in devices included: keyboard, stylus, mouse, touchpad
Power settings: -Specifying that a computer should conserve power by starting to “sleep” when it
has been used for long periods of time
-Setting the brightness of the screen to reduce power consumption
-Choosing a balance between power consumption and performance
Tablets:
(portable computers with a touch or pen sensitive screen which allows the user to directly interact
with the screen)
Uses: for quick, small scale computing
Hybrid:
(portable computers that combine the functions of a laptop and a tablet, it has a detachable
keyboard)
Smartphones:
Digital convergence: combines the features and technologies of many separate devices into one
single device
Servers:
(computers that provide resources and services to other computers (clients) that are linked in a
network)
, Clients:
(computers that uses the services and resources provided by the servers. They are not as
powerful as servers and also include mobile devices)
Dedicated devices:
(devices such as ATM’s and GPS that are designed to only perform one specific task. THEY ARE
NOT CLASSIFIED AS COMPUTERS)
Protecting your information
The theft of hardware affects the following (besides
hardware replacement):
The data on your computer might not have been backed up properly
The data on your computer might be very private
Information is being stored on portable devices that can easily be stolen
Anti-theft strategies:
Use devices such as cable locks to anchor hardware to a solid object
Use lockable cabinets (with ventilation) in which you place your hardware
Use motion sensors and alarms that detect when your hardware is moved
Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS):
Protects against: power outages/ surges and spikes
How it works: connects to the mains (constantly charging its battery), so that if the power goes out,
it will immediately provide power to the computers connected to it. This gives you more time to
save and shut down
Input devices- image capture
Digital camera:
Point and shoot: a camera that does not allow you to change lenses, it is compact and is
designed for quick use without fussing about technical settings
Digital Single-Lens Reflex: a camera that allows you to change lenses, it is for professional use
and allows for more control over technical settings
Advantages:
-You can see the images immediately
-Allows you to take many photos
-Allows you to easily transfer the images to a computer for editing
Allows us to:
Work wherever we have access to a computer and the internet
Communicate more effectively with employees and customers
Identify and adapt to changing trends
Perform tasks that are difficult/ dangerous for humans to do
The computer
(multi-purpose devices, we can load programmes on them which allows us to perform a variety of
tasks)
Factors that determine computer power:
1. The speed and performance of the CPU
2. The amount and type of storage it has
3. The size of the memory
4. The type of graphics card installed
Portable computers:
Laptops:
(portable computers which use miniaturised parts that have a low power consumption, to allow for
portable computing on battery power)
Built in devices included: keyboard, stylus, mouse, touchpad
Power settings: -Specifying that a computer should conserve power by starting to “sleep” when it
has been used for long periods of time
-Setting the brightness of the screen to reduce power consumption
-Choosing a balance between power consumption and performance
Tablets:
(portable computers with a touch or pen sensitive screen which allows the user to directly interact
with the screen)
Uses: for quick, small scale computing
Hybrid:
(portable computers that combine the functions of a laptop and a tablet, it has a detachable
keyboard)
Smartphones:
Digital convergence: combines the features and technologies of many separate devices into one
single device
Servers:
(computers that provide resources and services to other computers (clients) that are linked in a
network)
, Clients:
(computers that uses the services and resources provided by the servers. They are not as
powerful as servers and also include mobile devices)
Dedicated devices:
(devices such as ATM’s and GPS that are designed to only perform one specific task. THEY ARE
NOT CLASSIFIED AS COMPUTERS)
Protecting your information
The theft of hardware affects the following (besides
hardware replacement):
The data on your computer might not have been backed up properly
The data on your computer might be very private
Information is being stored on portable devices that can easily be stolen
Anti-theft strategies:
Use devices such as cable locks to anchor hardware to a solid object
Use lockable cabinets (with ventilation) in which you place your hardware
Use motion sensors and alarms that detect when your hardware is moved
Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS):
Protects against: power outages/ surges and spikes
How it works: connects to the mains (constantly charging its battery), so that if the power goes out,
it will immediately provide power to the computers connected to it. This gives you more time to
save and shut down
Input devices- image capture
Digital camera:
Point and shoot: a camera that does not allow you to change lenses, it is compact and is
designed for quick use without fussing about technical settings
Digital Single-Lens Reflex: a camera that allows you to change lenses, it is for professional use
and allows for more control over technical settings
Advantages:
-You can see the images immediately
-Allows you to take many photos
-Allows you to easily transfer the images to a computer for editing
