Summary of Module 1.1: Computers in Our Everyday Lives
Computers are a major part of modern life and are used in many different ways to
improve daily activities. The reasons why we use computers can be grouped into
efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.
Key Concepts
• Computers – Electronic devices used for processing, storing, and retrieving data
to perform various tasks efficiently.
• Efficiency – The ability of computers to complete tasks faster and more
effectively than humans, such as in manufacturing, education, and automation.
• Accuracy – Computers provide precise and error-free results, especially in tasks
requiring exact calculations, such as in scientific research and mass production.
• Reliability – The consistency of computers in performing repetitive tasks without
fatigue or errors, making them suitable for industrial and automated
applications.
• Communication – The use of computers to enable faster and more efficient
interaction through emails, social media, video conferencing, and VoIP
technologies.
• VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) – A technology that allows users to make
voice calls over the internet instead of traditional telephone networks (e.g.,
Skype).
• Non-portable Computers – Large and stationary computing devices such as
desktops and servers, used mainly for high-performance computing and
networking.
• Portable Computers – Compact and mobile computing devices, including
laptops, tablets, and smartphones, designed for flexibility and convenience.
• Hybrid Devices – Computers that combine features of multiple devices, such as
a laptop-tablet hybrid with touchscreen capabilities.
• Personal Users – Individuals who use computers for basic activities like
browsing, social media, and entertainment.
• SOHO (Small Office Home Office) Users – Users who require computers for
running small businesses, including accounting, marketing, and design.
• Power Users – Individuals who need high-performance computing for tasks like
gaming, video editing, and data analysis, requiring advanced hardware and
software.
• Mobile Users – Users who rely on portable devices like smartphones, tablets,
and laptops for on-the-go computing.
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, • Convergence – The integration of multiple technologies into a single device,
such as smartphones that function as cameras, computers, and communication
tools.
• Resource Management – The use of computers to optimize the consumption of
resources like electricity and paper, reducing waste and promoting efficiency.
• Automation – The use of computers and technology to perform tasks without
human intervention, such as automatic lighting and smart thermostats.
• Sustainability – The role of computers in promoting environmentally friendly
practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and minimizing paper usage.
1. Why do we use computers?
We use computers because they are efficient, accurate, reliable and provide faster
communication methods.
• Efficiency: Computers perform tasks much faster than humans. For example,
machines in car factories, or computers used by teachers for grading, can
complete tasks quicker. Computers can also perform intricate tasks like
controlling spacecraft.
• Accuracy: Computers are highly accurate, especially when paired with quality
data and software. They can repeat tasks without errors, which is critical in mass
production and tasks requiring precise calculations (e.g., welding).
• Reliability: Computers don’t tire or make mistakes, making them highly
reliable for repetitive tasks, like those performed by robots in factories or bomb
disposal units.
• Communication: With computers, communication is faster, cheaper, and
easier. You can communicate globally via emails, social media, and video
conferencing, while technologies like VoIP (e.g., Skype) cut down
communication costs. Social media platforms help people interact globally.
2. What are the two types of computer systems we use?
We can split computer systems into two categories: non-portable computers and
portable computers.
• Non-portable Computers: These are large systems like desktop computers
and servers that are not meant to be moved around. They are powerful and
typically used for network services or large-scale operations.
• Portable Computers: These include laptops, tablets, smartphones, and hybrid
devices. They are compact, easy to carry, and provide users with the flexibility to
2|Page
Computers are a major part of modern life and are used in many different ways to
improve daily activities. The reasons why we use computers can be grouped into
efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.
Key Concepts
• Computers – Electronic devices used for processing, storing, and retrieving data
to perform various tasks efficiently.
• Efficiency – The ability of computers to complete tasks faster and more
effectively than humans, such as in manufacturing, education, and automation.
• Accuracy – Computers provide precise and error-free results, especially in tasks
requiring exact calculations, such as in scientific research and mass production.
• Reliability – The consistency of computers in performing repetitive tasks without
fatigue or errors, making them suitable for industrial and automated
applications.
• Communication – The use of computers to enable faster and more efficient
interaction through emails, social media, video conferencing, and VoIP
technologies.
• VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) – A technology that allows users to make
voice calls over the internet instead of traditional telephone networks (e.g.,
Skype).
• Non-portable Computers – Large and stationary computing devices such as
desktops and servers, used mainly for high-performance computing and
networking.
• Portable Computers – Compact and mobile computing devices, including
laptops, tablets, and smartphones, designed for flexibility and convenience.
• Hybrid Devices – Computers that combine features of multiple devices, such as
a laptop-tablet hybrid with touchscreen capabilities.
• Personal Users – Individuals who use computers for basic activities like
browsing, social media, and entertainment.
• SOHO (Small Office Home Office) Users – Users who require computers for
running small businesses, including accounting, marketing, and design.
• Power Users – Individuals who need high-performance computing for tasks like
gaming, video editing, and data analysis, requiring advanced hardware and
software.
• Mobile Users – Users who rely on portable devices like smartphones, tablets,
and laptops for on-the-go computing.
1|Page
, • Convergence – The integration of multiple technologies into a single device,
such as smartphones that function as cameras, computers, and communication
tools.
• Resource Management – The use of computers to optimize the consumption of
resources like electricity and paper, reducing waste and promoting efficiency.
• Automation – The use of computers and technology to perform tasks without
human intervention, such as automatic lighting and smart thermostats.
• Sustainability – The role of computers in promoting environmentally friendly
practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and minimizing paper usage.
1. Why do we use computers?
We use computers because they are efficient, accurate, reliable and provide faster
communication methods.
• Efficiency: Computers perform tasks much faster than humans. For example,
machines in car factories, or computers used by teachers for grading, can
complete tasks quicker. Computers can also perform intricate tasks like
controlling spacecraft.
• Accuracy: Computers are highly accurate, especially when paired with quality
data and software. They can repeat tasks without errors, which is critical in mass
production and tasks requiring precise calculations (e.g., welding).
• Reliability: Computers don’t tire or make mistakes, making them highly
reliable for repetitive tasks, like those performed by robots in factories or bomb
disposal units.
• Communication: With computers, communication is faster, cheaper, and
easier. You can communicate globally via emails, social media, and video
conferencing, while technologies like VoIP (e.g., Skype) cut down
communication costs. Social media platforms help people interact globally.
2. What are the two types of computer systems we use?
We can split computer systems into two categories: non-portable computers and
portable computers.
• Non-portable Computers: These are large systems like desktop computers
and servers that are not meant to be moved around. They are powerful and
typically used for network services or large-scale operations.
• Portable Computers: These include laptops, tablets, smartphones, and hybrid
devices. They are compact, easy to carry, and provide users with the flexibility to
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