MODULE 1.

3
HARDWARE
Contents
•Introduction
•Input
•Output
•Storage
•Health and environmental issues
•Test and improve
•Written module activity

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Introduction
Input – data and instructions
Instructions can be:
• Set of
instructions loaded into
Program memory when you run
the program

Command • Given by user

(e.g. you click on the
s Font Size command)

User • To a question
responses ‘asked’ by a program
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Input – the keyboard
Keyboard is the most commonly used input
device.

Useful shortcuts:
F1
Help
Esc
Cancel choices
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Windows key (),<E> File
Input – the keyboard
Useful shortcut: Print
Screen key
• To take a ‘photo’ of
everything that is Clipboard
displayed on the an area in memory
screen at that where text and
moment other objects that
• ‘Screen capture’ is have been copied
copied as an image to are temporarily
the clipboard stored

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 Input – the mouse

Mouse
Use
action
Click Select an option or an object.
Double- Start a program or open a file or folder.
click
Right-click Open a pop-up menu that gives you options or
actions.
Drag Select and drag an object.
Scroll Use the mouse wheel to scroll in lists, long
documents or web pages.
Keyboard
and mouse Pressing and holding Shift, Alt and Ctrl can 7
 Input – connecting devices

Ports: sockets used

to connect peripherals
to the computer

Plug-and-play: operating system automatically

detects and configures a device plugged into the
computer, so the device can be used almost
immediately.
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 Input – Wireless mouse &
keyboard
Use short range radio waves (usually Bluetooth) to
communicate with the computer.

Advantages of wireless devices

• Less clutter (as no cables)
• Wider range of movement

Disadvantages / limitations of wireless devices

• Require batteries (to send wireless signal)
• Slightly more expensive than wired devices
• Can easily be removed, so easily stolen
• Can sometimes be interference with the wireless
signal
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Output
What the computer produces as the results of its
processing

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 Output – Monitor
Size Resoluti
on

Measured diagonally in
Number of pixels (small dots)
inches, from one corner to
used to form the screen image
the other

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Output – Monitor
Graphics
card

Image is
generated by
specialized
circuitry – the
graphics card

A separate, high end graphics card is better for graphics

intensive tasks such as video editing and games.
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Output – Monitor
Response Connecting
time monitors
The time it takes to  VGA (old standard)
change a pixel from one
 HDMI
colour to another –
measured in  DisplayPort
milliseconds.  Thunderbolt
 USB (for specialised
monitor)

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 Output – Printers
Inkjet Laser
printers printers

• work like a photo-

• spray microscopic dots
copier
of ink onto
• more expensive to
the paper
buy
• relatively cheap to buy
• cheaper to run when
• more expensive to run
printing large volumes
• good quality colour
• faster than inkjet
prints
printers
• slightly slower than
laser printers 14
 Output – Printers
Connecting and using
printers
Printer installation
USB port Default printer

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Output – Printers
Printer queues

You can cancel, pause or restart the

printing here

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Storage
Storage has a much larger capacity than memory because it has to
keep all your data and programs – even the ones you are not using
right now.

Storage device
(CD/DVD-drive)

Storage
medium
(CD/DVD)

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 4
Storage 1
Storage capacities byte d %

1 kilobyte (KB) = 1024 bytes

1 megabyte (MB) = 1024 KB
1 gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB
1 terabyte (TB) = 1024 GB

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Storage – Hard drives

Hard drive in case:

• stores all programs and
data
• measured in GB or TB

External/portable hard
drive:
• USB connected
• gets power from PC
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Storage – Flash drives
Use electronic memory to
store data; powered via
USB port

Simply plug into USB port

Listed as ‘Removable
Disk’
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 Health and environmental
issues
Health concerns

RSI: Repetitive Strain

Injury
Using ergonomically
designed keyboards can
help prevent RSI

Ergonomics – the study and design of the workplace

and the equipment used in the workplace for the
comfort and safety of people in their work
environments.
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 Health and environmental
issues
Health tips for using computers
• Use ergonomically designed equipment
• Sit correctly
• Adjust height of seat and table
• Lighting must be adequate
• Ventilation / air circulation must be
adequate
• Mouse and keyboard must be in easy
reach
• Monitor at correct level and distance
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from eyes
Health and environmental
issues
Green
computing
 Switch off computers and devices you are not using
 Avoid wasting paper – proofread before you print, print ‘2 on 1’, etc.
 Try to repair or upgrade old or broken hardware
 Recycle or return used ink and toner cartridges
 Consider refilling and reusing ink and toner cartridges

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 Test and improve
Summary – concepts, terms and tips

Health and
Input Output Storage environment
al issues

Keyboard
Health
Monitor Hard drive
concerns
Mouse

Connecting
devices
Green
Printer Flash drive
Wireless computing
mouse and
keyboard
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WRITTEN MODULE
ACTIVITY

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Note:
Question 8 – meaning of the word ‘specification’:
The exact description of an item or the parts it is made up
of.

Computers, part of your life Grade 10 2nd

edition 2017. Sandra Jacobs et al. – Study
Opportunities

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