6 Flashcards
(16 cards)
Things to Consider When Buying a Compute
Things to Consider When Buying a Computer ✅ Do you need to be mobile?
• If you need to carry your computer around, a laptop is the best option.
• If you will always use it in one place, a desktop might be a better choice. ✅ What software will you be using?
• Check the hardware requirements for the programs you need.
• Do not buy a computer that only meets the minimum requirements—aim for one that meets the
recommended requirements so it runs smoothly. ✅ What are the standard specifications for computers?
• Compare the specifications of entry-level (cheaper) computers and more advanced ones to find the best option for your needs.
✅ Does it come with a legal operating system?
• Always make sure the computer has a genuine operating system (like Windows, macOS, or Linux) to avoid
problems in the future
Important Hardware Components
💡💡 Always buy the best hardware that fits your budget. The following three components are the most important:
• Processor (CPU) – The ‘brain’ of the computer. A faster processor means better performance.
• RAM (Memory) – The more RAM you have, the smoother your computer will run, especially when
multitasking.
• Storage (Hard Drive or SSD) – A Solid-State Drive (SSD) is much faster than a traditional hard drive (HDD) and makes your computer more responsive. If you can afford it, choose an SSD for better performance.
The System Unit
When looking at a computer’s performance, the CPU (processor), memory (RAM), and storage are the most important hardware components.
CPU (Processor)
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is like the brain of the computer. It is responsible for running programs and
processing data.
💡💡 Key things to know about CPUs:
✅ Speed (GHz – Gigahertz):
• A higher GHz means a faster processor, but increasing speed can be expensive.
• For most users, a basic processor is good enough. ✅ Cores:
• Many modern CPUs have multiple cores (e.g. quad-core = 4 cores), which allows the computer to handle multiple tasks at once.
• More cores help with tasks like gaming, video editing, and 3D graphics. ✅ Brands & Models:
• The two main processor brands are AMD and Intel.
• Intel models: Core i3, i5, i7, i9 (higher numbers = better performance).
• AMD models: Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 9 (higher numbers = better performance).
Which CPU Do You Need?
✔ For everyday tasks (browsing, emails, office work, watching videos):
• A standard entry-level processor is enough.
• Recommended models:
o Intel: Core i3
o AMD: Ryzen 3
• Suitable for personal users, small office/home office (SOHO) users, and mobile users.
✔ For mid-range tasks (multitasking, programming, mid-level gaming, basic content creation):
• A mid-range processor offers a good balance between performance and price.
• Recommended models:
o Intel: Core i5 / AMD: Ryzen 5
• Suitable for students, professionals, and gamers who need decent performance without overspending.
✔ For advanced tasks (gaming, 3D graphics, large databases, video editing):
• A high-performance processor is recommended.
• Recommended models:
o Intel: Core i7 or i9 / AMD: Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9
• Power users should get the best CPU they can afford for smooth performance.
Memory (RAM)
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the temporary storage space that your computer uses when running programs and processing data. The more RAM your computer has, the better it can handle multiple tasks at once.
💡💡 Key Things to Know About RAM:
✅ Types of RAM:
✅ Why More RAM is Better:
How Much RAM Do You Need?
Memory (RAM)
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the temporary storage space that your computer uses when running programs and processing data. The more RAM your computer has, the better it can handle multiple tasks at once.
💡💡 Key Things to Know About RAM: ✅ Types of RAM:
• RAM can be identified by terms like DIMMs, DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 (DDR5 is the latest and fastest version). ✅ RAM & Operating Systems:
• If you have more than 4GB of RAM, you must use a 64-bit operating system (like 64-bit Windows, macOS, or Linux).
• A 32-bit operating system cannot use more than 4GB of RAM. ✅ Why More RAM is Better:
• More RAM allows your computer to run more programs at the same time without slowing down.
• It improves multitasking and makes software run smoothly. How Much RAM Do You Need?
✔ For basic tasks (browsing, office work, emails, watching videos):
• 4GB – 8GB RAM is usually enough.
✔ For mid-range tasks (gaming, programming, multitasking, basic content creation):
• 8GB – 16GB RAM is recommended.
✔ For advanced tasks (video editing, 3D design, heavy multitasking, large databases):
• 16GB – 32GB RAM (or more) is needed for smooth performance.
Power users working with video editing, gaming, or 3D software should always go for as much RAM as they can
afford, as these programs use a lot of memory.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) & Storage
💡 Key Things to Know About Hard Drives:
✅ Storage Capacity:
✅ HDD Speed & Connection:
✅ SSDs (Solid-State Drives) vs HDDs:
How Much Storage Do You Need?
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) & Storage
The Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is the main, permanent storage for all your data and software. Computers usually come
with one hard drive, but you can add more storage if needed. 💡💡 Key Things to Know About Hard Drives:
✅ Storage Capacity:
• Hard drives are measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB) (e.g. 2TB = 2000GB).
• The more storage you have, the more files, programs, and media you can keep.
✅ HDD Speed & Connection:
• Hard drives are often labeled with SATA (the connection type used in most computers).
• They also have a speed rating measured in revolutions per minute (rpm) (e.g. 7200 rpm is faster than 5400 rpm).
✅ SSDs (Solid-State Drives) vs HDDs:
• SSDs (Solid-State Drives) use flash memory, making them much faster than traditional HDDs.
• HDDs are cheaper and offer larger storage, but they are slower.
• SSDs are common in laptops because they improve performance and battery life, but they are more expensive and usually have smaller storage capacity.
How Much Storage Do You Need?
✔ For everyday tasks (office work, browsing, emails, documents):
• 256GB – 512GB is usually enough.
✔ For media storage (movies, music, photos, games):
• 1TB – 2TB or more is recommended.
✔ For professionals (video editing, 3D design, large databases):
• 2TB+ and an SSD for fast performance is best.
Most people won’t fill up their hard drive quickly if they only use their computers for documents, emails, and web
browsing. However, if you store a lot of videos, music, and photos, you’ll need as much storage as you can afford.
Video Card (Graphics Card)
💡💡 Key Things to Know About Graphics Cards: ✅ Integrated vs. Dedicated Graphics
✅ Who Needs a Dedicated Graphics Card?
✅ Popular Video Card Brands & Models
Which One Should You Get?
✔ For everyday tasks (office work, web browsing, watching videos):
✔ For mid-range gaming & creative work (photo editing, casual gaming):
✔ For high-end gaming, video editing, 3D rendering & AI tasks:
Video Card (Graphics Card)
A video card (graphics card) is a separate circuit board that plugs into a special slot on the motherboard. It has its own video memory and a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to handle graphics and video processing more efficiently.
💡💡 Key Things to Know About Graphics Cards: ✅ Integrated vs. Dedicated Graphics
• Integrated graphics (built into the CPU or motherboard) share system RAM and are common in entry-level computers.
• Dedicated video cards have their own GPU and video memory (VRAM), making them much more powerful for handling graphics-intensive tasks.
✅ Who Needs a Dedicated Graphics Card?
• Casual users (browsing, office work, basic media viewing) can use integrated graphics without any
problems.
• Gamers, video editors, and 3D designers need a dedicated video card for better performance and smoother visuals.
✅ Popular Video Card Brands & Models
• NVIDIA: GeForce GTX, RTX series (e.g., RTX 3060, RTX 4090)
• AMD: Radeon RX series (e.g., RX 6600, RX 7900 XT)
Which One Should You Get?
✔ For everyday tasks (office work, web browsing, watching videos):
• Integrated graphics are enough.
✔ For mid-range gaming & creative work (photo editing, casual gaming):
• A budget or mid-range dedicated video card is recommended.
✔ For high-end gaming, video editing, 3D rendering & AI tasks:
• A powerful GPU with more VRAM (8GB or more) is needed.
If you work with 3D graphics, high-end gaming, or video editing, a dedicated graphics card is essential. However, for basic tasks, integrated graphics are usually enough
DVD Drive (Optical Drive)
💡💡 Key Things to Know About DVD Drives:
✅ Declining Use of DVD Drives
✅ Why Some People Still Use DVD Drives
✅ Types of DVD Drives
Do You Need a DVD Drive?
DVD Drive (Optical Drive)
A DVD drive is an optical drive that can read, play, and write (burn) data onto CDs and DVDs. 💡💡 Key Things to Know About DVD Drives:
✅ Declining Use of DVD Drives
• DVD drives were once essential for installing software, backing up data, and playing media.
• Today, they are less important because people now use flash drives, external hard drives, cloud storage, and online downloads for software and file transfers.
• Many modern laptops and desktops no longer include DVD drives to save space, reduce costs, and make laptops thinner and lighter.
✅ Why Some People Still Use DVD Drives
• To install old software that comes on discs.
• To watch DVDs or listen to music CDs.
• Some people still burn (write) CDs/DVDs for backups or media storage.
✅ Types of DVD Drives
• Multi-Drive – Can read and write both CDs and DVDs.
• External DVD Drives – These are portable and connect via USB, useful for laptops without built-in DVD drives.
Do You Need a DVD Drive?
✔ If you mostly use online downloads, USB drives, or cloud storage → A DVD drive is not necessary.
✔ If you need to access old CDs/DVDs or burn discs → Consider an external DVD drive.
Since most software and media are now digital, DVD drives are becoming less common, but they can still be useful for older software and media collections
Ports: Connecting External Devices
💡💡 Common Ports:
✅ USB (Universal Serial Bus)
✅ Thunderbolt
✅ Network (Ethernet) Port
•
✅ WiFi (Wireless Connection)
The computer Case. 💡💡 Key Things to Know:
✅ Limited Choice for Prebuilt Computers
✅ More Than Just Looks
The Case
The computer case holds all the internal components, such as the motherboard, CPU, and storage. 💡💡 Key Things to Know:
✅ Limited Choice for Prebuilt Computers
• If you buy a ready-made desktop, you usually cannot choose the case.
• Custom-built PCs allow you to pick a case that suits your needs. ✅ More Than Just Looks
USB 3.0 USB Type C
Thunderbolt Ethernet
• A well-designed case helps with airflow and cooling, which keeps the computer running efficiently.
• The size of the case affects which components (e.g., graphics cards, cooling systems) can fit inside.
For most users, the case isn’t a big concern, but for gamers and professionals, airflow and space for upgrades are important!
Mouse & Keyboard (Input Devices) -Most commonly used input devices
✅ Things to consider?
Monitor / Screen (Softcopy Output) -Most common display for computers
✅ Things to consider:
Mouse & Keyboard (Input Devices) ✅ Most commonly used input devices
✅ Things to consider:
• Ergonomic design helps prevent hand strain (RSI).
• Wireless vs. cabled – Wireless offers flexibility, while cabled ensures no battery issues.
• Laptops have built-in touchpads, so an external mouse may not be necessary.
• Specialised devices:
o Artists may use a digitising tablet.
o Gamers may need a special gaming mouse with extra buttons and faster response times.
Monitor / Screen (Softcopy Output) ✅ Most common display for computers
✅ Things to consider:
• Screen size (measured diagonally, e.g. 27”).
• Touchscreens are more common due to smartphones & tablets.
• Power users (gamers, video editors, photographers, architects) may need:
o Larger screens or multiple monitors for productivity.
o Higher response time (important for gaming).
o Better resolution & colour accuracy (important for editing work).
Printer (Hardcopy Output)
✅ Things to consider before buying:
✅ Multi-function printers (MFPs) are useful for SOHO and personal users as they combine:
Printer (Hardcopy Output)
✅ Things to consider before buying:
• Type of printer (depends on what you print most often).
• Running costs (ink/toner replacement).
• Speed (pages per minute).
• Print quality (measured in dpi).
• Wireless printing (useful for mobile users).
✅ Multi-function printers (MFPs) are useful for SOHO and personal users as they combine:
• Printing, scanning, copying, faxing, and emailing in one device. ✅ Mobile printers exist but have lower print quality.
External (Portable) Storage
✅ Used for?
✅ Types of external storage:
External (Portable) Storage
✅ Used for transferring and backing up data
✅ Types of external storage:
• Flash drives (USB drives) – Small, quick, and easy for basic file transfers.
• External hard drives (HDDs/SSDs) – Larger storage for music, videos, and backups.
Scanner
✅ Used to?
✅ Types of scanners:
✅ Who still needs a scanner?
Scanner
✅ Used to capture images or text
✅ Types of scanners:
• Image scanners – Becoming less popular due to digital cameras & smartphones.
• Barcode scanners – Used in retail & business environments.
✅ Who still needs a scanner?
• SOHO or power users who scan documents & need an OCR program to convert text.
• Businesses that work with images may need high-quality scanners for professional work.
Devices for Disabled Users
Many disabled people need custom ICT solutions that combine hardware and software to help them use computers effectively. The type of device needed depends on the user’s disability and specific needs.
Visually Impaired / Blind Users
Hearing Impaired / Deaf Users
Motor Control Disabilities (Paralysis, Poor Motor Skills, Arthritis, etc.)
Devices for Disabled Users
Many disabled people need custom ICT solutions that combine hardware and software to help them use computers effectively. The type of device needed depends on the user’s disability and specific needs.
Visually Impaired / Blind Users
• Braille keyboard – Allows users to type using Braille.
• Braille display/terminal – Converts text on the screen into Braille.
• Magnification devices – Zoom in on text for easier reading.
• Large-key keyboards – Helps users with low vision type more easily.
• Braille printers – Print documents in Braille for reading.
Hearing Impaired / Deaf Users
• Vibrating devices – Replace sound alerts with vibrations (e.g., vibrating alarms or notifications).
Motor Control Disabilities (Paralysis, Poor Motor Skills, Arthritis, etc.)
• Eye movement tracking devices – Control the computer using eye movements.
• Head movement tracking devices – Move the cursor using head motions.
• Large-key keyboards – Easier to press for users with limited hand movement.
• Trackballs & joysticks – Alternative to a standard mouse.
• Foot pedal controls – Allow hands-free computer use.
• Sip and puff devices – Users blow or suck into a straw to control the computer.
Computers increase efficiency, productivity, and accuracy, which is why we invest in them and learn how to use them. However, choosing the right hardware for a specific job can further improve these factors. 💡💡 Key Definitions:
✅ Efficiency –
✅ Productivity –
✅ Accuracy –
💡💡 Key Definitions:
✅ Efficiency – Getting tasks done with less time, cost, and effort.
✅ Productivity – Completing more work in the same amount of time. ✅ Accuracy – Reducing errors in data input and processing.
Accessibility: How ICT Improves Access for Everyone?
Here are some examples of how ICT improves accessibility:
Accessibility: How ICT Improves Access for Everyone
ICT (Information and Communication Technology) makes knowledge, services, and opportunities more accessible to people worldwide. Here are some examples of how ICT improves accessibility:
Remote Surgery 🏥🏥
✅ AspecialistdoctorinSouthAfricacanperformsurgeryonapatientintheCongowithoutbeingphysically
present.
✅ Increasesaccesstoexpertmedicalcareforpatientsinremoteareas.
Access to Information via the Internet 🌍🌍
✅ The internet allows people to find data on almost any topic instantly. ✅ Provides access to far more knowledge than local libraries or schools. ✅ Helps students, researchers, and the public stay informed and educated.
Distance Education 🎓🎓
✅ Teachers can teach remotely using live video, recorded lessons, and online activities.
✅ m-Learning (mobile learning) allows students to study anytime, anywhere using mobile devices. ✅ Increases access to quality education for learners in rural or disadvantaged areas.
Making Computers Accessible for Disabled Users ♿
✅ Hardware Solutions:
• Eye-tracking and head-tracking devices for users with limited movement.
• Larger screens and high-contrast colour schemes for visually impaired users.
✅ Software Solutions:
• Text-to-voice apps read screen content aloud.
• Voice recognition (e.g. Google Voice Search) allows users to control devices using speech.
• Vibrating alerts for hearing-impaired users.
