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Computers: Part of Your Life

Overview

• This document serves as a textbook for Grade 11 students studying Computer Applications Technology.

• The focus is on understanding the role of computers, including their memory and storage, processing capabilities, online storage options, and troubleshooting methods.

Module: Storage, Memory, and Processing

Key Concepts

• Memorization and storage play critical roles in computer functionality, each serving unique purposes.

Memory and Storage

Definitions

Memory

• Memory is the electronic component that holds data and instructions temporarily while the computer is operating.

• Characteristics:

  • Fast access to data.

  • Volatile: requires power to retain information.

Storage

• Storage refers to the method of storing data permanently.

• Types of storage include:

  • Magnetic (Hard Drive)

  • Optical (CD, DVD)

  • Electronic (Flash Drives, SSD)

• Characteristics:

  • Generally slower access speed due to mechanical operation.

  • Non-volatile: retains information even when powered off.

Distinctions Between Memory and Storage

• RAM indicates memory whereas HDD, SSD, and DVD denote various forms of storage.

• SSDs provide significantly faster data transfer rates compared to traditional hard drives, leading to improved computer performance.

Online Storage

Description

• Online storage is disk space allocated on a server accessed via the internet.

• Examples include Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox, which allow users to store files remotely.

Functionality

• Users can access files across multiple devices (laptop, desktop, tablet, smartphone) as long as there is an internet connection.

• Changes to files are synchronized across all devices immediately.

Advantages of Online Storage

• Files can be accessed from any location and device with internet.

• Space savings on local devices.

• Automated backup and security measures provided by storage services.

• Files are retrievable even if the local device is compromised.

Disadvantages of Online Storage

• Requires a continuous internet connection.

• Large files may struggle to upload/download over slow connections.

• Costs associated with bandwidth for uploading/downloading and additional storage space.

• Risk of data loss if the storage provider goes out of business.

Online Storage vs. Cloud Computing

• Online storage is strictly for file storage; cloud computing involves running programs on remote servers, accessed through a web browser.

Backing Up Data

Importance of Backups

• Backups are essential for data restoration in case of hardware or software failure.

• Methods of backing up include flash drives, portable hard drives, and online backup solutions.

Writing CDs and DVDs

• Steps to burn data:

  1. Open Windows/File Explorer.

  2. Select files to write.

  3. Drag files to the CD/DVD drive icon.

  4. Right-click the drive and choose ‘Burn’ to write data.

• Note: CDs and DVDs are not recommended for backups due to their slow speed and reliability issues.

Backups vs. Archives

• Backups preserve files for quick access in emergencies, while archiving stores files for infrequent access, usually on external drives.

Basic Troubleshooting

• Utilize specialist backup software for efficient data management.

  • Issues may arise during reading or writing to CDs/DVDs, requiring cleaning, sufficient space, or adjustments to burning speed.

Disk Maintenance

• Formatting is required occasionally to prepare disks for data storage.

• Disk scanning can find errors and optimize performance.

• Disk defragmentation rearranges file fragments for efficiency.

Managing Disk Space

• Regular cleanup involves removing unnecessary temporary files and unused applications to free up space.

Processing

Overview of Computer Processing

• The motherboard is a critical component that houses major elements including the CPU, where processing occurs.

• CPU characteristics:

  • Speed measured in GHz.

  • Number of cores indicates parallel processing capabilities (e.g., dual-core, quad-core).

• RAM is crucial for running programs as it temporarily holds instructions and data.

• ROM contains essential programs that control the computer's basic hardware functions.

Boot Process

• The startup process is initiated by the ROM, which provides instructions to the CPU to load the operating system.