Module 1.5

Summary - concepts, terms and tips

Multi-purpose computers - have an operating system that allows you to run different applications to accomplish many different and varied tasks.

• Desktop computers

• Laptops / notebooks - portable, work on battery power, can be difficult and expensive to upgrade

• Tablets - work with touch or pen-sensitive screen

• Smartphones - have operating system; apps increase versatility; can also be used as cameras,
  GPS navigators, email readers, etc.

• Servers - provide resources and services to computers in a network; usually have more powerful processors, a lot of memory and storage.

Dedicated devices - Most are designed to do just one thing.

• Examples: media players, ATM machines, washing machines

ICT - Information and Communication Technology

ICT System - a combination of hardware, software, data, processes and people with the goal of collecting, processing, storing, retrieving and communicating data and information.

Point of Sales system (POS) - uses barcodes and scanning, more accurate and faster, usually connected to a computer database.

Ethical use of computers

Just as it is wrong to steal or spread false information in everyday life, it is equally wrong to do so in a computer environment.

Economic reasons for use of ICT

• More accurate and reliable than people

• Faster than people

• Cheaper than people in the long term

• Reduces need for resources such as paper and office space