Computers in our

everyday lives
Module 1.1

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Content (1)
Why we use computers
 Efficiency, accuracy and reli
ability
 Communication

Types of computer systems

 Non‑portable computers
 Portable computers

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Content (2)
Categories of users
 Personal users
 SOHO users
 Power users
 Mobile users
Convergence
Test and improve
Written module activity 3
Why we use computers

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Efficiency, accuracy
and reliability
Efficiency – computers save the following:
 Time
 Labour
 Resources
Accuracy – ensured by quality programs and quality data
 mass production on assembly lines
 performing same tasks over and over with 100% accuracy
Reliability – Computers can be relied on to do tasks
 accurately
 without tiring
 without getting bored, etc.
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Communication

Efficiency, accuracy and reliability of computers

combined with ability to communicate, enable us
to ...
 virtually eliminate time and distance as business
constraints
 communicate and share information in many
different ways globally
 save on communication costs
 interact socially on a world-wide scale
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Types of computer systems

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When comparing computers you
should look at:
 How powerful they are – e.g. speed of CPU
and how much RAM
 What they are used for – servers / basic
office applications
 Their size (mobility) – range from huge
mainframe computers to hand‑held devices
 Software they use – we refer to operating
systems as ‘platforms’ and to computers as
‘Linux machines’ or ‘Windows machines’

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Non‑portable computers
Generally consist of a system unit,
monitor, mouse and keyboard.
They are ...
 Large in size
 Not meant to be moved around
 Generally more powerful than
mobile or portable computers

All‑in‑one units are easier to

transport and take up less space — but
are more difficult to fix or upgrade
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Non‑portable computers

Desktop
computer

Entry-level computer
• Cheapest to purchase
in range
• Lower hardware
Server specifications
• Come with ‘Home
editions’ of software
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Portable computers

All‑in‑one design includes screen,

keyboard and pointing device
Incorporated in casing designed
— to fold (to take up less space)
— to be easy to carry
— to protect delicate parts

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Portable computers — types

Laptop / Notebook
Tablet
Hybrid computer
Smartphone
Phablet

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Categories of users

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Personal users
 limited office tasks
 internet banking
 email and browsing the web
 social networking
 to skype with family and friends
 viewing and sharing photos
 for entertainment — gaming,
music, viewing movies, etc.

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SOHO users
(Small Office Home Office)
Depends on type of business the user runs
General entry-level computer for
administrative functions:
 accounting or billing
 databases with clients, suppliers,
stock, etc.
 electronic document archiving
 planning and scheduling, etc.

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Power users

Hardcore
gamers

Scientists Architects
Top‑of‑the‑
range
hardware &
software

Video editing
Engineers
professionals 16
Mobile users
Want and need to have their technology with
them wherever they are.
They use a smartphone or tablet for ...
 browsing the internet and using email
 playing games
 reading books
 navigating with GPS
 taking quick notes
 taking photos/video and recording sound
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Convergence
The trend where ...
separate technologies and functions
that previously required different devices
are combined into a single device

The smartphone and

the tablet are good
examples of
convergence
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Test and improve

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Written module activity

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