HARDWAR

Module
E 1.2
DEVICES

1
HARDWARE Module
1.2
DEVICES

2
 CONTENT

The information processing cyc

le
Input devices
Output devices
Storage devices
Communication devices
Test and improve your knowled
ge
3
THE INFORMATION
PROCESSING
CYCLE

4
 THE INFORMATION PROCESSING
CYCLE
Input Processing Output
Processing is the
Information processing collection of steps,
Keyboard CPU Screen
cycle begins with input. decisions and
Mouse RAM calculations taken to Printer
Input provides the data
Touch that needs to be convert data into Data
pad processed to generate information projector
Touch information Touch
screen screen
Storage Speaker
Communicatio s
Hard
n drive Output is the proof
Computers take ADSL that processing has
modem/rout Flash taken place.
data and process drive
it into er
Cellular 3G Optical
information. media Where data, software and even
Communication modem output results are kept when
allows ICT devices WiFi computer is not busy with that
to connect with Switch specific task or when computer is
each other off 5
THE INFORMATION PROCESSING
CYCLE

Identifying data needed to be

collected
Input deciding how to capture data (type in,
scan a barcode or read an RDIF code)

planning and creating data capture

forms and instructions

directly sent to storage

Output
directly communicated to other
computers
used as input

6
 COMBINING INPUT SOURCES AND
OUTPUT DESTINATIONS
Most ICT systems use multiple input sources and output
destinations to enhance productivity.
Sensors to detect
Smartphone or movement
tablet may have Onscreen and
controls

POS (Point Of Sale) system

may use
Specialised till keyboard +
barcode scanner + card reader +
fingerprint scanner

Musicians may connect

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)
piano keyboard + computer using USB +
keyboard and mouse 7
 PROCESSING

Processing relies on software (i.e. program has to be designed

and written to allow ICT devices to carry out tasks)
 only takes place if software and data is loaded into
RAM
 uses a step‑by‑step solution (called an algorithm)
 uses data that has been input, creates information that can
be output.
Processing typically involves tasks
such as
• searching
• sorting
• mathematical calculations.
8
 STORAGE

• STORAGE: involves more than just the physical hardware

used to store data and includes:
• Choose appropriate storage media.
• Security- to make sure that sensitive data is appropriate
protected (encryption and physical safekeeping)
• Good backup policies.

9
INPUT DEVICES

10
 INPUT DEVICES

 Allows the ICT device to receive data and

instructions.
 First step in any information processing system.

11
 KEYBOARD

Uses Advantages Limitations

• Typing in text • Fastest way to • Not designed to be

• Giving commands enter text used with a GUI
• Easy to learn and interface
use • Takes up space
• Can be difficult to
use for some
people
• Skills required

12
 KEYBOARD

Factors – buying decisions

 Ergonomic considerations

 Wireless vs. cabled

Problem solving
 The keys are sticky: clean it with a damp cloth.

 Wireless keyboard not responding: batteries.

 Wired keyboard not responding: disconnect and

re‑connect.
13
 MOUSE

Uses Advantages Limitations

• Interact with GUI • Easy‑to‑learn • Best used with a

• Click, double‑click, • Effective way to fixed workplace
right‑click, scroll, interact with GUI and suitable
drag surface area
• Can be used whilst • Better devices for
pressing a key on drawing or other
the keyboard graphical actions
available

14
 MOUSE

Factors – buying decisions

 Ergonomic considerations

 Wireless vs. cabled

Problem solving
 Sticky mouse: remove dust or lint underneath and use
a smooth, non‑reflective surface.
 Wireless mouse not responding: batteries.
 Wired mouse not responding: disconnect and
re‑connect.
15
 TOUCH SCREEN

Uses Advantages Limitations

• Replacement for • Functions as both a • On-screen keyboard

mouse mouse and keyboard harder to use than a
• Addition to • Natural input, such as physical keyboard
mouse and gestures • Some touch screens
keyboard need extra pressure
• Natural interactions,
to work
• Best interface such as swiping,
for systems with pinching, expanding • The quality of the
‘touch experience’
limited options • Easy to use, intuitive depends on the OS
• Increases space being used
available for the • On-screen keyboards
display reduce screen display
• Increases usability of area
the device • Not easy to use for 16
 TOUCH PAD

Uses Advantages Limitations

• Replaces the • The user does not • Not as accurate or

mouse in devices have to carry an precise as a mouse
such as laptops extra device such • Difficult to use with
as a mouse drag and drop
• Same actions as operations
mouse, without • Difficult to use
extra surface area because of limited
or desk size of the touch pad

17
 SCANNER

Uses Advantages Limitations

• To capture • Converts • Quality of image

images from documents into depends on quality of
paper digital format for the original image
• To capture storage • Can be affected by
images of text • Converts image to dirt or fingerprints on
and convert with editable text with the glass or dust on
OCR to editable OCR the sensor
text • Converts old film • Works best with
• To read barcodes photos into digital single pages
format • Books can be difficult
• Benefits to scan
environment as • Can take a lot of time18
 SCANNER-SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES

Office POS and

Other uses
Automation database
• Large documents – • Library and Point of • Number plates of
scanned and Sale (POS) systems cars can be
combined into a as they provide scanned and
single digital file quick and accurate recorded quickly on
• Digital copies saves input roads using e‑toll
office space • Access control
• Scanned copies can systems ranging
be e-mailed from swipe cards to
radio tags
• Older documents
can be archived

19
 SCANNER

Problem solving
 Errors in image size or quality: check
the settings on the scanning software.
 Non‑responsive scanner: check if
 it is switched on
 it is plugged in
 it is properly connected to the USB port
 the lock switch is switched off.

20
 DIGITAL CAMERA

Uses Advantages Limitations

• To capture images • Photos in digital • Photos are easy

• To capture videos format to lose along with
• Alternative to • Easy to use the device
scanners as • Not expensive to take • The quality of
barcode or QR many photographs photos depends
code readers if the • You can instantly view on the quality of
camera is them camera
integrated with a • Doubles up as good
smartphone video camera
• Built into devices
• Photos are easy to
21
share
 DIGITAL CAMERA

Factors – buying decisions

Resolution
 The number of horizontal and vertical pixels in the image
 Minimum of 300 dpi to get good images for printing
 72 dpi suitable for on‑screen/web display

 Image quality depends on:

 Colour depth – the higher, the better (32 bits is
currently the maximum).
 Sensor size – the bigger, the better.
 ISO rating – the camera’s sensitivity to light.

22
 WEBCAM

Uses Advantages Limitations

• Internet video • Cheap • Very low resolution

communication • Small -- doesn’t create
• ‘Live feeds’ of • Often built into good images
events portable computers • Needs to be
• Remote control connected to an
security cameras • Allows for video ICT device to work
calls where you can
see the person you
are talking to

23
 WEBCAM

Problem solving
 If the webcam is unresponsive, check that it is
 plugged in properly
 switched on
 selected as the current camera to be used by the software.

 The webcam software can often be used to test if the

webcam is functioning properly and to troubleshoot
problems.

24
 MICROPHONE

Uses Advantages Limitations

• Recording • Record dictation • Built-in microphones

sound • Give voice commands don’t generally
• Communicating • Adds the input of provide high quality
sound to a computer sound

• Uses software • One needs to have

involving sound the ICT device
editing, analysis or present to record
manipulation sounds
• Difficult to use in
noisy environments

25
 WRITTEN MODULE ACTIVITY

 Page 31
 Complete questions 1 – 23

26
OUTPUT DEVICES

27
 OUTPUT DEVICES

 Output is how an ICT device shows the results of the

processing that has taken place.

28
 MONITOR OR DISPLAY

Uses Advantages Limitations

• Interactive • Immediate feedback • Quality of the

feedback • Interaction between display is related to
• Extra visual the user & computer the size of the
alerts for hearing • Displayed content monitor
impaired people can be easily • Size of the monitor
changed limits portability
• Text can be enlarged • Output is difficult to
for the visually share (unless with
impaired / high a projector)
contrast can be used • Image quality can
• Display can be be affected by
changed to suit the ambient light 29
 MONITOR OR DISPLAY

Factors – buying decisions

 Resolution
number of horizontal pixels multiplied by the number of
vertical pixels (e.g. 1024 x 768) .

 Image quality
 Colour depth – the higher, the better (32 bits is currently
the maximum).
 Pixel density – a higher pixel density makes the display
crisper, clearer and easier to read.
 Refresh rate – the higher, the better.
 Contrast ratio – the relationship between the darkest
black and the brightest white. Low contrast ratios
produce soft, ‘muddy’ images.
30
 MONITOR OR DISPLAY

Problem solving

Problem Solution

The colours are faded, too strong Adjust the settings.

or muddy, or the image is too
bright or too dim.
The image is ‘blocky’ or stretched. The resolution settings are
probably wrong.

The image is tinted purple, blue, The connection is faulty and a pin
yellow or green. in the VGA connector is probably
bent.
There is no display. The power is off/not switched on;
the connection is not in properly,
the computer is not /cable is not
connected. 31
 SPEAKERS OR HEADPHONES

Uses Advantages Limitations

• Play sound • Headphones – listen to • Sound quality

• Provide audible sounds without depends on the
feedback to the disturbing other people quality of the
user around you peripheral
• Provide extra • Speakers – a group of • To play loud
notifications or people can hear sound enough for a
alerts to people • Listen to voice group you will
with visual messages or interact need additional
disabilities on Skype using audio equipment,
speakers and such as an
headphones external amplifier
• Headphones make it 32
 SPEAKERS OR HEADPHONES

Problem solving
If speakers or headphones are unresponsive
 they might be plugged into the wrong jack (e.g. the
microphone jack)
 the computer’s sound settings may be low or on mute
 the computer might be set to use the wrong sound
output device
 speakers that need power might be switched off or
not be plugged in

33
 PRINTERS

Uses Advantages Limitations

Laser printer Laser printer Laser printer

Print black and white • Speed • Expensive to buy
or colour documents • High quality text • Not the best for printing
• Low running costs good quality colour
Inkjet printer
photos
Print black and white Inkjet printer
• Toner is not absorbed by
or colour documents • Cheaper to buy
the paper
• Best quality
Dot-matrix
photographic printers Inkjet printer
printer
• Higher running costs
Most often used as Dot-matrix printer
• Slower printing speeds
POS (Point Of Sale) • Cheap
• General print quality is
printer for receipts, • Low running costs
not as good as that of
invoices, etc. • Can create ‘carbon
laser printers
copies’
Dot-matrix printer 34
• Low print quality
 PRINTERS

Problem solving
 The printer is unresponsive:
 Not plugged in/ power is off
 Not properly connected.
 The wrong printer is selected in the print dialogue box.

 Content is incorrect or does not make sense:

 Wrong printer driver is installed

 Poor picture quality

 Ink appears faded or irregular - low on ink or toner
 May be the wrong type of paper

 Network printer is not working:

Network settings for printer or computer are wrong
35
 PRINTERS

Factors – buying decisions

 Speed – pages per minute.

 Colour – separate cartridges for colours are better

 Resolution – higher resolution gives better image

 Cost per page

 Paper – type of paper for high quality printouts.

 System compatibility – can it be used with a specifi c OS?

 Wireless capability - built‑in wireless functionality,

Bluetooth, Ethernet port.
 Mobility – not generally mobile.
36
 DATA PROJECTOR

Uses Advantages Limitations

To project a large Allows the display to • Quality and clarity

image of the display be viewed by a large of not as good as
onto a surface to group of people high quality display
share it with a large monitors
audience • The lower contrast
ratios result in
muddier images
• Normally limited to
a 4:3 aspect ratio

37
 WRITTEN MODULE ACTIVITY

 Page 32
 Complete questions 24 – 30

38
STORAGE DEVICES

39
 HARD DRIVE

Uses Advantages Limitations

• To store data and • Larger capacity • Easy to damage

software than RAM • Comparatively slow
permanently • Cheaper per GB – operates on a
• Make backup than RAM magnetic and
copies of data and • Store data and mechanical basis
software programs
• Act as ‘virtual
memory’.
Allows the operating
system to work as if it
has access to more
RAM than the amount 40
 HARD DRIVE

Problem solving
 Slow and unresponsive
system
 Disk may be fragmented.
 Use a disk defragmentation
utility to
 re-arrange the fi les
 to place scattered parts into whole
chunks
 for faster access to the fi les.

41
 HARD DRIVE

Problem solving
 If the storage space is full
 delete or remove some fi les
 get extra storage
 add another hard drive
 use external storage devices
 use cloud storage.
 If fi les are corrupted
 use the Scandisk utility to fi x the disk
May be caused by improper shut down, crashing programs or
power failures.

42
 EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE

Uses Advantages Limitations

• Store and carry • Large capacity • Not physically as

media, data and • Portability small as a flash
software around drive
• Ease of use
with you • As vulnerable as
• High speed
• Store backups hard drives and can
safely, away from • Reliability be damaged easily
the computer because they are
• Add extra storage mechanical and
to the computer, magnetic
without physically
opening the
computer 43
 FLASH DRIVE

Uses Advantages Limitations

• To carry data • Portability • Easy to lose

and software • Fast data access • More expensive
around with you • Cheap per GB than hard
• To make backups • Larger capacities than drives
• To distribute optical media • Lower capacities
data and • Industry‑standard use than newer hard
software drives
• Reliability
• A limited life span
• Ease of use (in terms of
in terms of how
adding and deleting
many times data
files)
can be saved on
• No need for a power
them 44
source
 OPTICAL MEDIA (CDS/DVDS)

Uses Advantages Limitations

• To distribute • Cheap • Slow

software • Portable • Easily damaged
• To distribute • Industry­‑standard • Relatively small
content such as use capacity (700 MB for a
movies and CD, 4.7 to 9.4 GB for a
music DVD)
• Back up • Not as easy or intuitive
to write to as flash
disks
• Some machines like
Netbooks do not have
optical drives built-in 45
 OPTICAL MEDIA (CDS/DVDS)

Problem solving
 Often fail or experience problems because they get
dirty.
 Clean a disc by wiping it with a soft damp cloth.

 Easily damaged and scratched.

 Diffi cult to repair. You usually have to replace it.

 Writeable and re‑writeable discs are easily damaged

by heat or cold.
 Nothing can be done to fi x this damage.

46
 SSD (SOLID STATE DRIVE)

• Much faster than normal hard drives.

• No moving parts – can’t be damaged by being dropped or

moved whilst in use.
• Much more energy-efficient, durable and run quieter than
traditional (mechanical) hard drives.
• Much more expensive and have smaller capacities than
traditional hard drives.
• Sizes range from 8 GB to 750 GB (in early 2013), but sizes
are increasing rapidly.

47
COMMUNICATION
DEVICES

48
 3G MODEM

Uses Advantages Limitations

• Can access the • Easy to install and • Can get lost or

Internet wherever use (use USB port) stolen fairly easily
there is cellphone • Small enough to • Not always as
reception take with you for reliable as a fixed
Internet access on line connection
any computer • 3G Internet
• The 3G/4G network connection
is fast depends on the
coverage and
strength of the 3G
signal
49
 ADSL MODEM/ROUTER

Uses Advantages Limitations

• A digital link to • You can make and • Needs specialised
the telephone receive phone calls equipment
company’s and be connected to installed at the
network the Internet at the telephone
same time exchange, better
• Includes the
functionality of • Cheaper connections suited for urban
to the Internet than 3G areas
a small switch,
wireless (WiFi) • More stable as it does • Speed drops the
connectivity not depend on things further the further
like cellphone
and a router you are away from
reception
the telephone
• Allows wireless exchange
connection to router to 50
• Designed for fast
share an Internet
 WRITTEN MODULE ACTIVITY

 Page 32, 33
 Complete questions 31 – 43

51
 TEST AND
IMPROVE YOUR
KNOWLEDGE

52
 WE CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING
DEVICES
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Touch screen
• Touch pad
Input devices • Scanner
• Digital camera
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Monitor or display
• Speakers or headphones
Output devices • Printer
• LCD projector
• Hard drive
• External drive
Storage devices • Optical media (CDs/DVDs)
• SSD
Communication • 3G Modem
devices • ADSL modem/router 53
 WRITTEN MODULE ACTIVITY

Page 33, 34
 Complete questions 44 – 58

54
 WEARABLE DEVICES
wearable devices and purpose
 Smartwatches - allows the user to receive
notifications, make calls, track fitness and
sleep
 Fitness trackers - tracks a person's physical
activity, such as steps taken, calories
burned, and heart rate
 Smart glasses - incorporates technology such
as cameras, displays, and sensors, allowing
the user to access information hands-free.
 Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets - allows users
55
to immerse themselves in virtual
 WEARABLE DEVICES
 Hearing aids - to improve hearing for those
with hearing loss.
 Sleep trackers - track sleep patterns,
including the time it takes to fall asleep, REM
cycles, and more.
 Medical devices - monitors health conditions
and alert medical professionals
 Clothing with built-in technology - This can
include jackets with built-in heating
elements, shoes with fitness tracking
sensors, and more.
 Jewellery with technology - This can include
56
smart jewellery such as bracelets or