Input |
The process of getting data and instructions into the computer. Also used to refer to actual data and instructions. Instructions: Programs, commands and responses given by users |
Keyboard | Important keys - F1, Esc, Print Screen (takes a photo of everything on the screen and places it on the clipboard - an area in the computer's memory where text and other objects that have been copied, are temporarily stored.) |
Mouse | A pointing device that allows the user to move a mouse pointer on the screen and select, open and drag objects on the screen. Different mouse actions perform different tasks, e.g. right-click to open a pop-up menu, and use the mouse wheel to scroll through a document. |
Connecting devices
USB port: Standard port commonly used to connect devices such keyboards, mice and printers to a computer. A USB hub can be used to provide extra USB ports.
Bluetooth: A technology that allows devices such as mice, printers and cell phones to communicate wirelessly over a short distance.
Plug-and-play: A series of technologies where the operating system automatically detects and configures a device that has been plugged into the computer, so that the device can be used almost immediately.
Wireless mouse and keyboard
Advantages: less clutter, wider range of movement.
Disadvantages / limitations: need batteries, more expensive, interference with wireless signal (so device may stop working), more easily stolen.
Output |
| Whatever the computer produces to provide us with resuls of lis processing. |
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Monitor Also referred to as an LCD or LED monitors because of the technology used. Size: Measured diagonally in inches (*). Resolution: The number of pixels (small dots) used to form the screen image. The resolution is measured horizontally and vertically in pixels, e.g. 1920 X 1080. Response time: Measured in milliseconds. Shorter times give better video quality. Graphics card: Generates the images that are displayed. If you work with graphics intensive tasks such as video editing it is better to use a separate, high end graphics card in your computer. |
Printer | Produces hard copies - output on paper. (Soft copy is visual output on the screen.) Default printer: The printer that printing will be sent to unless the user chooses a different printer. Connection: Most printers connect to a computer via a USB port. Printers with a WiFi adapter can print wirelessly. Printer queue: Temporary storage area on disk where print tasks are sent and where they wait until the printer is ready to print them. Each printer has its own queue. Can be used to cancel, pause or restart the printing. Inkjet printer: Type of printer that sprays microscopic dots of ink onto the paper. Relatively cheap to buy but more expensive to run. Capable of producing good quality colour printouts. Laser printer: Type of printer that works like a photo-copier machine, using toner instead of ink. Generally more expensive to buy than inkjet printers but generally cheaper to run and, of the two, better suited for higher volume printing. |
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Storage |
Place where the computer keeps its data and programs - even when the power is switched off. |
Hard drive The main (and largest) storage device of a computer located inside the computer case. External hard drives connect to a computer via a USB port (which also supplies their power). |
Flash drive | Storage device that uses electronic memory to store data (it gets its power via the USB port it connects to). |
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| Byte: Each single character we store takes up space which we refer to as a byte. 1 KB = 1024 bytes; 1 MB = 1024 KB; 1 GB = 1024 MB; 1 TB = 1024 GB |
Environmental and health issues |
Health concerns | Ergonomics - the study and design of the workplace for the comfort and safety of people in work environments. Repetitive strain injury (RS/) - name given to injuries resulting from fast, repetitive work. Input devices generally incorporate features to prevent RSI such as a built-in wrist rest on the front of the keyboard. |
Green computing | Health tips for using computers: • Use ergonomically designed equipment, e.g. keyboard with built-in wrist rest
Sit correctly - chair adjusted to correct height • Ensure that keyboard, mouse and monitor are positioned correctly • Ensure that lighting and ventilation / air circulation are adequate • Occasionally turn your eyes away from the monitor • Take regular breaks |
Term used to describe using computers in a way that is sensitive to the environment. E-waste: Also referred to as e-scrap, refers to broken, outdated and discarded electronic equipment that we neither want nor need. The toxic chemicals and materials in the equipment are extremely harmful to people and the environment. |
| Tips on how to practise green computing: • Try to conserve power - switch devices off when not being used • Do not waste paper • Try to upgrade or donate old hardware • Recycle used ink and toner cartridges responsibly • Check if you can refill and reuse ink and toner cartridges |
Knowt
Note
Studied by 32 people
