Computers, part of
your life – Grade 11
It's all about ICT
Module 1.1
Contents
• The role and value of ICT in the
workplace
• CAT – a most valuable subject!
• The computer
• Protecting your information
• Test and improve
3
The role and value of ICT
in the workplace
4
The computer
Take
input
Process
it
Store input and output
17
Produce
output
What is a computer?
• Laptops
• Smartphones
• Tablets
QUICK REVISION
• Desktop
computer
 Multi-purpose
 Electronic devices
 Portable/mobile (left)
18
Types of computers
19
Servers
Laptops
Notebooks
Tablets
Smartphones
Portable
Processing power
Physical size
Desktops
Types of computers: Portable
21
Computers and ICT devices used for work and for
• Entertainment
• Surfing the web
• Communication
• Social networking
Portability:
work anywhere, at any time
Types of computers: Portable
22
Laptops/notebooks
Portable computers which use miniaturised parts that
have a low power consumption, so as to allow for portable
computing on battery power.
(show website)
Cases with hinged screens, keyboard and suitable pointing
device (touchpad)
Types of computers: Portable
Laptops/notebooks: Power settings
• Specifying that
the computer
should conserve
power by starting
to ‘sleep’ or
hibernate when
it has not been
used for a period
of time
23
Types of computers: Portable
Laptops/notebooks: Power settings
• Setting the
brightness of the
screen
• Choosing a
balance between
power
consumption and
performance
24
Types of computers: Portable
Tablets
• Portable computer with a touch or
pen-sensitive screen
• Ideal for quick, small scale
computing
• Special operating systems
designed for mobile devices
• Long battery life
• Wireless (WiFi) and cellular data
connectivity (e.g. 3G and
4G/LTE).
25
Types of computers: Portable
26
Hybrid laptops /tablets
• Trend to include touch screens in laptops/notebooks
• Combine the touch screen with a hinge (to swivel the
screen 360 degrees) – or to remove the screen
completely
• So allowing the device to be used
as a tablet
PHABLET (Phone + Tablet)
27
Types of computers: Portable
28
Smartphones
• Perfect example of digital convergence – combines the
features and technologies of many separate devices.
All smartphones have the following:
 An operating system (Google Android iOS)
 ‘Large’ colour screens
 Built-in data modem (3G, HSDPA or 4G/LTE)
 GPS for navigation
 One or two cameras (front facing and back facing)
 WiFi to connect to wireless networks
 Speakers and a microphone
Types of computers: Servers
and clients
29
Servers are computers that provide services or resources to
other computers (clients) that are linked in the network.
These services could be providing internet access or storing
all the users’ files.
SHOW VIA DIAGRAM (Ignore)
30
Dedicated devices, such as Automatic Teller
Machines (ATMs), GPS (Global Positioning System)
devices and household appliances like microwave
ovens and washing machines, are designed to
perform just one specific task. These devices are
not computers.
INFORMATION is ONE OF the most
important assets today!!
Protecting your information
Data
31
Hardware
The theft of hardware is not just about
the cost of replacing the hardware
• Data may be lost because it is not be backed up.
• Information might be private or sensitive.
• Information increasingly stored on portable devices.
32
Hardware theft and protection
(Anti-Theft Strategies)
• Cable locks to chain equipment to a solid object.
• Lockable cabinets (with ventilation) for system units
(‘boxes’).
• Motion sensors with an alarm which detect when a
computer is moved.
33
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
34
• Protects computer against power surges
• Provides power to the computer(s) connected to it as
soon as the power goes out
Test and improve
35
Written module activity
36