Computers in our everyday lives – Module1.1
Why we use computers
Efficiency:
Computers save:
1. Time:
• Computerised solutions save time like in the manufacturing of cars or a teacher generating reports.
• Computers perform intricate jobs humans wouldn't be able to do such as landing spacecrafts.
2. Labour
• Computers eliminate the need for labour intensive mental and repetitive physical tasks.
• Computers perform potentially dangerous tasks, such as a robot disarming a bomb.
3. Resources
• Resources are expensive, but computers may be designed to use resources more effectively.
• Such as sensors can switch lights on if they aren't people in the room, thus saving electricity.
Accuracy:
• Ensured by using high quality software and data.
• Often used in mass production where repetitive tasks need to be performed with 100% accuracy, this is possib
Reliability:
• Computers are always accurate, don't get tired/bored/sick and aren't affected by emotion/working conditions or
• Computerised solutions are time consuming and expensive when creating, but in the long-term the factors abo
Communication:
Computer efficiency, accuracy, and dependability, along with communication capabilities, allow us to:
• virtually eliminate time and distance as business constraints
○ Communication is no longer dependent on distance or time.
• communicate and share information in many different ways globally
○ ICT provides vast communication methods. Through websites, wikis, sharing files and video conferencin
• save on communication costs
○ VolP software (Skype) is cheaper than traditional telephone calls and postage money can be saved as d
• interact socially on a world-wide scale
○ Blogs and social networking tools are used all over the world to share content and establish social conne
Types of computer systems
Comparing Computers:
1. Processing power: Speed of CPU, amount of Ram, additional graphics/audio processing components. Basically how pow
2. Use: Personal use, media processing, office use, servers/networks. Basic office applications and the internet.
3. Physical Size: influences mobility, space required for effective use. Ranging from mainframes to smartphones.
4. Software: compatible with various operating systems which determine what software can be used.
, Computers in our everyday lives – Module1.1
Categories of users
Mobile Users
• Mobile users can be part of any of the categories of users, all they need is their technology with them at all times.
• Years ago, mobile technology was only used by those who could afford it and those who needed it for their work.
• What a person intends to do with mobile technology will determine which mobile technology is most appropriate for that perso
• Tasks done by a smartphone, tablet or laptop include:
○ browsing the internet and using email, playing games, reading books, navigating with GPS, taking quick notes, taking p
Personal Users
• This refers to people who do not depend on their computers for a lot of things and who do not use them frequently. This inclu
• limited office tasks
• internet banking
• email and browsing the web
• social networking
• video calls with family and friends
• viewing and sharing photos
• for entertainment — gaming, music, viewing movies, etc.
• All entry-level computers today, can cope with these activities.
SOHO Users
(Small Office/Home Office)
• This user generally uses an entry-level computer unless media editing or very large amounts of data needs to be processed.
• The type of business the user owns and operates determines a SOHO user.
• More often used in a situation where simple data entry or administrative tasks are being done like:
○ accounting or billing
○ databases with clients, suppliers, stock, etc.
○ electronic document archiving
○ planning and scheduling, etc.
• Note that, architects and engineers working from home, will need more powerful computers to design their plans and models.
Power Users
• Requires the most powerful computers and the best processing capabilities as these users will work with the advanced functi
• Users include:
○ Competitive gamers
○ Architects/3D rendering artists
○ Engineers
○ Scientists
○ Professional media editors
• Users require high-end specs, like fast processors, lots of memory, storage space, and particular hardware/software pertainin
Convergence
• The trend of separate technologies and functions that required different devices in the past are combined into one single devi
separate devices.
• The combination of various technologies into a single, multifunctional gadget
○ Smartphones and tablets are examples of convergence, allowing a lot to be done without many different devices.
, Hardware devices – Module 1.2
The information processing cycle
INPUT
(the beginning of information processing, providing the data that need to be processed to generate information)
• planning the data that needs to be collected
• deciding on the best way to capture data
• planning and creating data capture forms or instructions
OUTPUT
(Serves as proof that processing has occurred)
• sent directly to storage
• communicated directly to other computers
• used as input for other programs, systems or parts of same program
• used to control equipment or devices
*Most ICT systems use multiple input sources and output destinations
Processing
(a compilation of the decisions, calculations, and actions taken to transform data into information)
• takes place only when software and data are loaded into RAM
• uses a step-by-step solution (algorithm)
• uses data that has been input, creates information that can be output
• Typically involves tasks such as:
○ searching
○ sorting
○ comparisons and decisions
○ mathematical calculations
Storage
(place where data, software and output results stay, when computer is not busy with a particular task)
• Choose correct storage media
• Use security to protect sensitive data (encryption and physical safe-keeping)
• Create and implement good backup policies
• Create and use storage of non-IT related media (e.g. manual input forms)
Combination of Input Sources and Output Destinations
• Multiple input sources and output destinations are used in ICT to increase productivity.
• Devices combined differ as per the task needed.
• Examples:
○ Uber uses GPS, cellular data, the microphone and touch screen technology
○ Desktop system use a minimum of 3 output devices - a screen, printer and speakers.
