The document explores the role of computers in everyday life, emphasizing their efficiency, accuracy, and reliability across various user categories like personal, SOHO, power, and mobile users. It discusses types of computer systems, both portable and non-portable, and highlights the convergence of technologies into devices like smartphones and tablets. Overall, it underscores the significant impact of computers on communication, productivity, and entertainment.

1. 1
Computers in our
everyday lives
Module 1.1

2. 2
Content (1)
Why we use computers
Efficiency, accuracy and reli
ability
Communication
Types of computer systems
Non‑portable computers
Portable computers

3. 3
Content (2)
Categories of users
Personal users
SOHO users
Power users
Mobile users
Convergence
Test and improve
Written module activity

4. 4
Why we use computers

5. 5
Efficiency, accuracy
and reliability
Efficiency – computers save the following:
 Time
 Labour
 Resources
Accuracy – ensured by quality programs and quality data
 mass production on assembly lines
 performing same tasks over and over with 100% accuracy
Reliability – Computers can be relied on to do tasks
 accurately
 without tiring
 without getting bored, etc.

6. 6
Communication
Efficiency, accuracy and reliability of computers
combined with ability to communicate, enable us to
...
 virtually eliminate time and distance as business
constraints
 communicate and share information in many different
ways globally
 save on communication costs
 interact socially on a world-wide scale

7. 7
Types of computer systems

8. 8
When comparing computers you
should look at:
 How powerful they are – e.g. speed of CPU
and how much RAM
 What they are used for – servers / basic
office applications
 Their size (mobility) – range from huge
mainframe computers to hand‑held devices
 Software they use – we refer to operating
systems as ‘platforms’ and to computers as
‘Linux machines’ or ‘Windows machines’

9. 9
Non‑portable computers
Generally consist of a system unit,
monitor, mouse and keyboard.
They are ...
 Large in size
 Not meant to be moved around
 Generally more powerful than
mobile or portable computers
All‑in‑one units are easier to
transport and take up less space — but
are more difficult to fix or upgrade

10. 10
Desktop
computer
Server
Entry-level computer
• Cheapest to purchase
in range
• Lower hardware
specifications
• Come with ‘Home
editions’ of software
Non‑portable computers

11. 11
All‑in‑one design includes screen,
keyboard and pointing device
Incorporated in casing designed
— to fold (to take up less space)
— to be easy to carry
— to protect delicate parts
Portable computers

12. 12
Laptop / Notebook
Tablet
Hybrid computer
Smartphone
Phablet
Portable computers — types

13. 13
Categories of users

14. 14
Personal users
 limited office tasks
 internet banking
 email and browsing the web
 social networking
 to skype with family and friends
 viewing and sharing photos
 for entertainment — gaming,
music, viewing movies, etc.

15. 15
SOHO users
(Small Office Home Office)
Depends on type of business the user runs
General entry-level computer for
administrative functions:
 accounting or billing
 databases with clients, suppliers,
stock, etc.
 electronic document archiving
 planning and scheduling, etc.

16. 16
Power users
Top‑of‑the‑
range
hardware &
software
Hardcore
gamers
Architects
Engineers
Video editing
professionals
Scientists

17. 17
Mobile users
Want and need to have their technology with
them wherever they are.
They use a smartphone or tablet for ...
 browsing the internet and using email
 playing games
 reading books
 navigating with GPS
 taking quick notes
 taking photos/video and recording sound

18. 18
Convergence
The trend where ...
separate technologies and functions
that previously required different devices
are combined into a single device
The smartphone and
the tablet are good
examples of
convergence

19. 19
Computers, part of your life Grade 12 2nd edition 2018.
Sandra Jacobs et al. 2018 – Study Opportunities