Computers, part of your life – Grade 11

It's all about ICT Module 1.1

Contents The role and value of ICTs in the workplace The computer Protecting your information Test and improve your knowledge

The role and value of ICT in the workplace

So what role does ICT play in the workplace? work faster and more efficiently make better, more informed decisions far quicker store and make ‘sense’ of vast quantities of data identify and adapt to changing trends far quicker communicate more effectively

So what role does ICT play in the workplace? communicate instantly perform tasks that cannot be easily or safely performed by humans to work wherever we have access to a computer perform repetitive mechanical tasks empower individuals

The Information Age vast amount of data and information appropriate technologies seek out and sift valuable information To communicate to others

CAT – the most valuable subject! Skills learned in CAT allows you to: Create structured notes and summaries Create professional presentations Analyse data quickly and effectively Update, modify and share notes and e-documents Create professional looking documents 

CAT – the most valuable subject! ICT in careers Fashion, game or web page designers Engineers Doctors, paramedics and nurses DJs and musicians Sports medicine Advertise Photographers Accountants

Taking CAT was the best decision you could have made! ICT is important in virtually any job you can think of. An effective user of ICT, needs to be able to source and process data and present information as quickly and as accurately as possible. We need to be able to choose and use the right ICT tools for the job at hand. Taking CAT was the best decision you could have made!

The computer

information cycle: input process output store

Classifying computers Computers can be classified in terms of their purpose how ‘powerful’ they are their size

Dedicated versus general-purpose computers Dedicated devices designed to perform just one specific task

Dedicated versus general-purpose computers allow us to load programs (software) to perform a wide variety of tasks.

Processing power and usage

Portability Laptop / Notebook / Ultrabook / Netbook Laptop / Notebook – describes same types of portable computers Netbook – cheap, low-powered, no DVD/CD, lower screen resolution Ultrabooks – lighter/thinner, but still as powerful as entry-level PC

Portability Tablets Consumer tablet: Touch / pen sensitive monitor User interacts directly with screen Special operating systems Long battery life 3G/wireless connectivity Traditional tablet: Reversible screen / normal keyboard Work as notebook / tablet

Portability Smartphones All smartphones have: Operating system ‘Large’ colour screens Data modem: 3G, HSDPA, 4G GPS sensor Cameras Wireless connectivity Speakers/microphone

Portability Smartphones allow the user to: Set up and use electronic diary View and send e-mails Browse and use normal websites Read e-books and listen to audio books Take and edit photos and send / share Record / edit / share video / audio Play music / video Play computer games Use as modem Use wireless networks Use GPS to navigate View /limited editing of productivity documents Other applications and utility software

Protecting your information

the theft of hardware is not just about the cost of replacing the hardware Information that you do not have a copy of Information might be private or sensitive Information stored on portable devices

Hardware theft and protection Anti-theft strategies for hardware: Use devices such as cable locks Chain equipment to a fairly solid object Use lockable cabinets (with ventilation) in which to place the system units (‘boxes’) of a desktop computer or server. Make use of motion sensors with an alarm which detect when a computer has been moved.

Protection against power failure Uninterruptible Power Supplies connected to the mains immediately provides power to the computer(s) connected to it as soon as the power goes out

Protection against power failure Power settings Portable computers and devices can be used without connecting them to a power outlet. Run on battery power. Desktops - we also need to save as much power as possible.

Protection against power failure Power settings Set to ‘sleep’ or hibernate (portable computers) when it has not been used for a period of time. Set brightness of the screen to reduce the power consumption. Choose a balance between power consumption and performance.

Test and improve your knowledge

Overview of module Information Age Information Cycle ICT Information Age Information Cycle Classifying computers Dedicated vs. General-purpose Portability Computer power Role, e.g. server Protecting information Backups Passwords and encryption Cable locks Power schemes and a UPS

Important terms and concepts Cable locks Clients Computer power Dedicated device General-purpose computer ICT Information cycle Laptops Power scheme Server UPS

Written module activity