CAT FINAL SUMMARY
NOTES
Module 1.1: Computers in Our Everyday Lives
Computers:
A computer is an electronic device that accepts input, processes data, stores
information, and produces output based on instructions.
Efficiency, accuracy and reliability:
Efficiency:
o Time
o Labour
o Resources
Accuracy
Reliability
Communication:
o Virtually eliminate time and distance as business constraints
o Communicate and share information in many different ways globally
o Save on communication tasks
o Interact socially on a worldwide scale
Types of Computer Systems:
Power
Purpose
Size (mobility)
Software requirements
Non-Portable computers:
Desktop computers
Servers – powerful computers used to provide resources and services to all
the computers that are linked together in a network.
Entry-level computers:
All types of computers have an entry-level model.
Cheapest to purchase in their range.
Home editions of office suites and operating systems installed.
Specifications change over time with new technology developments.
Portable Computers:
Laptop/Notebook - terms used to describe the same types of portable
computers with a screen size larger than 12”/13”.
Tablet/Hybrid Computer – often have reversible/detachable screen and a
normal keyboard. Screen is touch- or pen-sensitive and the user can
interact directly with the screen.
Smartphone – a cell phone that includes an operating system and the
ability to install and run other programmes (apps).
Phablet – a smartphone with a screen size larger than 5”.
Page 1 of 30
, Categories of Users:
Personal Users
SOHO Users
Power Users
Mobile Users
Convergence:
Refers to the trend where separate technologies and functions that required
different devices in the past are combined into one single device that has all or
some of the functionality of each of the separate devices, e.g smartphone or
tablet.
Advantages:
Convenience: Multiple functions in one device.
Cost saving: You don’t need to buy separate devices
Mobility: Easier to carry one multifunctional device instead of many.
Disadvantages:
Shorter battery life: More features = faster power drain.
More expensive to repair/replace: Fixing a multi-function devices cost more
than replacing a single-purpose one.
Complexity: Devices become more complicated to use and manage.
Module 1.2 Hardware Devices
The Information Processing Cycle:
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Input Devices:
Device Uses Advantages Limitations Troubleshooting
Keyboard Typing text, Easy to use, Can cause strain Check cable/wireless
entering widely available, (RSI), requires connection, clean
commands, supports fast desk space, keys, replace
shortcuts in input prone to damage batteries, update
software from spills drivers
Page 2 of 30
, Mouse Pointing, Precise cursor Requires flat Clean sensor, check
selecting, control, fast surface, not USB/connection,
dragging, gaming, navigation ideal for replace batteries,
graphic design mobility, may reinstall drivers
malfunction if
dirty
Touch Direct interaction Intuitive, no need Can get dirty Clean screen,
Screen with device for external easily, may be recalibrate, restart
(phones, ATMs, devices, saves inaccurate, tiring device, update touch
kiosks) space for long use drivers
Touchpa Cursor control on Portable, built-in Less precise Enable in settings,
d laptops to laptop, no extra than mouse, can clean surface, adjust
space needed be hard for sensitivity, update
detailed work drivers
Scanner Converting paper High-quality Can be slow, Check cable/power,
documents/image digital copies, large files, clean scanner glass,
s into digital stores documents limited update
format safely portability software/drivers
Digital Capturing high- Produces high- Can be Charge battery,
Camera resolution quality media, expensive, replace memory
photos/videos portable, limited card, reset camera,
adjustable battery/storage update firmware
settings
Webcam Video calls, live Enables remote Image quality Check
streaming, communication, may be low, USB/connection,
recording compact, depends on adjust lighting,
affordable lighting, privacy update drivers,
concerns enable permissions
Micropho Recording audio, Clear sound input, Picks up Check mute
ne voice commands, useful for background settings, test on
communication meetings/music noise, quality another device,
varies adjust input levels,
update drivers
Output Devices:
Device Uses Advantages Limitations Troubleshooting
Monitor / Viewing text, Immediate Eye strain with Check cables
Display images, videos, feedback, high- long use, fragile, (HDMI/VGA), adjust
software, games resolution display, consumes power brightness/resolution
multiple sizes & , update graphics
types (LED, LCD) drivers
Speakers Outputting sound, Good sound Speakers can Check volume
& music, voice, quality, disturb others, settings, test on
Headphon communication headphones offer headphones may another device,
es privacy, speakers cause ear strain, update audio
allow group quality varies drivers, replace
listening cables
Printers Producing hard Permanent Ink/toner Check paper/ink,
copies of physical record, expensive, can clear jams, run
documents, good for jam, diagnostic, reinstall
images official/legal maintenance drivers
documents costs
Page 3 of 30
NOTES
Module 1.1: Computers in Our Everyday Lives
Computers:
A computer is an electronic device that accepts input, processes data, stores
information, and produces output based on instructions.
Efficiency, accuracy and reliability:
Efficiency:
o Time
o Labour
o Resources
Accuracy
Reliability
Communication:
o Virtually eliminate time and distance as business constraints
o Communicate and share information in many different ways globally
o Save on communication tasks
o Interact socially on a worldwide scale
Types of Computer Systems:
Power
Purpose
Size (mobility)
Software requirements
Non-Portable computers:
Desktop computers
Servers – powerful computers used to provide resources and services to all
the computers that are linked together in a network.
Entry-level computers:
All types of computers have an entry-level model.
Cheapest to purchase in their range.
Home editions of office suites and operating systems installed.
Specifications change over time with new technology developments.
Portable Computers:
Laptop/Notebook - terms used to describe the same types of portable
computers with a screen size larger than 12”/13”.
Tablet/Hybrid Computer – often have reversible/detachable screen and a
normal keyboard. Screen is touch- or pen-sensitive and the user can
interact directly with the screen.
Smartphone – a cell phone that includes an operating system and the
ability to install and run other programmes (apps).
Phablet – a smartphone with a screen size larger than 5”.
Page 1 of 30
, Categories of Users:
Personal Users
SOHO Users
Power Users
Mobile Users
Convergence:
Refers to the trend where separate technologies and functions that required
different devices in the past are combined into one single device that has all or
some of the functionality of each of the separate devices, e.g smartphone or
tablet.
Advantages:
Convenience: Multiple functions in one device.
Cost saving: You don’t need to buy separate devices
Mobility: Easier to carry one multifunctional device instead of many.
Disadvantages:
Shorter battery life: More features = faster power drain.
More expensive to repair/replace: Fixing a multi-function devices cost more
than replacing a single-purpose one.
Complexity: Devices become more complicated to use and manage.
Module 1.2 Hardware Devices
The Information Processing Cycle:
lfi
A
tc
o
m
C
re
bIT
.sw
S
,D
d
hE
iu
n
ga
fL
WvO
R
M
U
:fl
kp
P
Input Devices:
Device Uses Advantages Limitations Troubleshooting
Keyboard Typing text, Easy to use, Can cause strain Check cable/wireless
entering widely available, (RSI), requires connection, clean
commands, supports fast desk space, keys, replace
shortcuts in input prone to damage batteries, update
software from spills drivers
Page 2 of 30
, Mouse Pointing, Precise cursor Requires flat Clean sensor, check
selecting, control, fast surface, not USB/connection,
dragging, gaming, navigation ideal for replace batteries,
graphic design mobility, may reinstall drivers
malfunction if
dirty
Touch Direct interaction Intuitive, no need Can get dirty Clean screen,
Screen with device for external easily, may be recalibrate, restart
(phones, ATMs, devices, saves inaccurate, tiring device, update touch
kiosks) space for long use drivers
Touchpa Cursor control on Portable, built-in Less precise Enable in settings,
d laptops to laptop, no extra than mouse, can clean surface, adjust
space needed be hard for sensitivity, update
detailed work drivers
Scanner Converting paper High-quality Can be slow, Check cable/power,
documents/image digital copies, large files, clean scanner glass,
s into digital stores documents limited update
format safely portability software/drivers
Digital Capturing high- Produces high- Can be Charge battery,
Camera resolution quality media, expensive, replace memory
photos/videos portable, limited card, reset camera,
adjustable battery/storage update firmware
settings
Webcam Video calls, live Enables remote Image quality Check
streaming, communication, may be low, USB/connection,
recording compact, depends on adjust lighting,
affordable lighting, privacy update drivers,
concerns enable permissions
Micropho Recording audio, Clear sound input, Picks up Check mute
ne voice commands, useful for background settings, test on
communication meetings/music noise, quality another device,
varies adjust input levels,
update drivers
Output Devices:
Device Uses Advantages Limitations Troubleshooting
Monitor / Viewing text, Immediate Eye strain with Check cables
Display images, videos, feedback, high- long use, fragile, (HDMI/VGA), adjust
software, games resolution display, consumes power brightness/resolution
multiple sizes & , update graphics
types (LED, LCD) drivers
Speakers Outputting sound, Good sound Speakers can Check volume
& music, voice, quality, disturb others, settings, test on
Headphon communication headphones offer headphones may another device,
es privacy, speakers cause ear strain, update audio
allow group quality varies drivers, replace
listening cables
Printers Producing hard Permanent Ink/toner Check paper/ink,
copies of physical record, expensive, can clear jams, run
documents, good for jam, diagnostic, reinstall
images official/legal maintenance drivers
documents costs
Page 3 of 30
