, 1.1 Computers in our everyday lives
Why we use computers
Efficiency
Accuracy Reliability Communication
Computers save the -Ensured by Computers can be Efficiency, accuracy and
following: quality programs relied on to do tasks: reliability of computers
-Time and quality data -Accurately combined with ability to
-Labour -Mass -Without tiring communicate, enable us
-Resources production on -Without getting bored, to:
assembly lines etc. -Virtually eliminate time
-Performing and distance as business
same tasks over constraints
and over with -Communicate and share
100% accuracy information in many
different ways globally
-Save on communication
costs
-Interact socially on a
world-wide scale
When comparing computers you should look at:
• How powerful they are – e.g. speed of CPU and how much RAM
• What they are used for – servers / basic office applications
• Their size (mobility) – range from huge mainframe computers to hand-held devices
• Software they use – we refer to operating systems as ‘platforms’ and to computers as
‘Linux machines’ or ‘Windows machines’
Types of computers
Non-portable computers
• Generally, consist of a system unit, monitor, mouse and keyboard
• They are:
o Large in size
o Not meant to be moved around
o Generally, more powerful than mobile or portable computers
• All-in-one units are easier to transport and take up less space but are more difficult to fix or
upgrade
• Desktop computer
• Server
Entry-level computer
• Cheapest to purchase in range
• Lower hardware specifications
• Come with ‘Home editions’ of software
, Portable computers
• All-in-one design includes screen, keyboard and pointing device
• Incorporated in casing designed
o to fold (to take up less space)
o to be easy to carry
o to protect delicate parts
• Laptop/notebook
• Tablet
• Hybrid computer
• Smartphone
• Phablet
Types of users
Personal users
• Limited office tasks
• Internet banking
• Email and browsing the web
• Social networking
• To skype with family and friends
• Viewing and sharing photos
• For entertainment — gaming, music, viewing movies, etc.
SOHO users – Small Office Home Office
• Depends on type of business the user runs
• General entry-level computer for administrative functions:
o Accounting or billing
o Databases with clients, suppliers, stock, etc.
o Electronic document archiving
o Planning and scheduling, etc.
Power users
• Top of the range hardware and software
• Scientists
• Architects
• Engineers
• Hardcore gamers
• Video editing professionals
Mobile users
• Want and need to have their technology with them wherever they are.
• They use a smartphone or tablet for:
o Browsing the internet and using email
o Playing games
o Reading books
o Navigating with GPS
o Taking quick notes
o Taking photos/video and recording sound
Why we use computers
Efficiency
Accuracy Reliability Communication
Computers save the -Ensured by Computers can be Efficiency, accuracy and
following: quality programs relied on to do tasks: reliability of computers
-Time and quality data -Accurately combined with ability to
-Labour -Mass -Without tiring communicate, enable us
-Resources production on -Without getting bored, to:
assembly lines etc. -Virtually eliminate time
-Performing and distance as business
same tasks over constraints
and over with -Communicate and share
100% accuracy information in many
different ways globally
-Save on communication
costs
-Interact socially on a
world-wide scale
When comparing computers you should look at:
• How powerful they are – e.g. speed of CPU and how much RAM
• What they are used for – servers / basic office applications
• Their size (mobility) – range from huge mainframe computers to hand-held devices
• Software they use – we refer to operating systems as ‘platforms’ and to computers as
‘Linux machines’ or ‘Windows machines’
Types of computers
Non-portable computers
• Generally, consist of a system unit, monitor, mouse and keyboard
• They are:
o Large in size
o Not meant to be moved around
o Generally, more powerful than mobile or portable computers
• All-in-one units are easier to transport and take up less space but are more difficult to fix or
upgrade
• Desktop computer
• Server
Entry-level computer
• Cheapest to purchase in range
• Lower hardware specifications
• Come with ‘Home editions’ of software
, Portable computers
• All-in-one design includes screen, keyboard and pointing device
• Incorporated in casing designed
o to fold (to take up less space)
o to be easy to carry
o to protect delicate parts
• Laptop/notebook
• Tablet
• Hybrid computer
• Smartphone
• Phablet
Types of users
Personal users
• Limited office tasks
• Internet banking
• Email and browsing the web
• Social networking
• To skype with family and friends
• Viewing and sharing photos
• For entertainment — gaming, music, viewing movies, etc.
SOHO users – Small Office Home Office
• Depends on type of business the user runs
• General entry-level computer for administrative functions:
o Accounting or billing
o Databases with clients, suppliers, stock, etc.
o Electronic document archiving
o Planning and scheduling, etc.
Power users
• Top of the range hardware and software
• Scientists
• Architects
• Engineers
• Hardcore gamers
• Video editing professionals
Mobile users
• Want and need to have their technology with them wherever they are.
• They use a smartphone or tablet for:
o Browsing the internet and using email
o Playing games
o Reading books
o Navigating with GPS
o Taking quick notes
o Taking photos/video and recording sound
