Hardware devices

Input devices
To use a computer you need an input device. Input devices, such as a
keyboard or mouse, are pieces of hardware that allow you to interact
directly with a computer. This also includes devices where data is saved to
your computers, such as a scanner or camera. We are going to dive
deeper into some common input devices and explore their uses,
advantages and limitations, as well as look at the risks related to input
devices. Click on each input device below to learn more about them.

Keyboards
A keyboard is the most commonly used input device and an important
component of any desktop or laptop computer. There are various keys on
a keyboard that can be pressed to type in text and give commands.

Table 1: Advantages and limitations of a keyboard.

Advantages Limitations

The fastest way you can enter It is not designed to work with a GUI
data. interface.

The shortcut keys can speed up People with disabilities or

a task. impairments may find it difficult to
use.

The keys can be programmed to It can be bulky and take up space

complete a certain task. when used with a mobile device.

A keyboard is easy to learn how You need to learn the shortcut keys
to use. and how to use them.

When working on a computer, most of your time is spent typing, therefore,

it is important to make sure you're comfortable when using your keyboard.
There are some ergonomic considerations you need to factor in when
selecting a keyboard:
★ The height of the keyboard should be just above your lap and your
arms should be tilting downwards when typing.
★ Keep your wrists in a straight position, parallel to the desk, this
minimises any pain or injuries to your wrist.
★ Your elbows should be bent at a 90-degree angle, you can adjust
your chair height to achieve the correct angle.
★ Keep a light touch on your keys. Hitting the keys hard can cause
inflammation in your elbows.
★ Use keyboard shortcuts for repetitive tasks.
★ Rather use an ergonomic keyboard if you have wrist or arm pain.

Mouse
The second most used input device is a mouse. A mouse is a pointing
device that allows you to move the cursor around on your computer
screen. You can easily point, click, double-click, right-click, scroll and drag
while pressing a key on the keyboard.

Table 2: Advantages and limitations of a mouse.

Advantages Limitations

It is easy to learn how to You need a flat surface and enough space
use. around the computer to use.

A standard mouse is An uneven surface can cause disruptions.

cheap.

It is small and doesn't take People with disabilities might find it difficult
up a lot of space. to use.

Using a mouse for an extended period can cause some health problems,
such as sore wrists and aching elbows or shoulders. A vertical mouse is
comfortable and is designed not to twist your arm, but these mice tend to
be more expensive. Let's look at how you can use a mouse ergonomically:
 ★ Computer mice come in different shapes and sizes so choose a
mouse that is comfortable for your hand.
★ Hold the mouse loosely – try not to grip the mouse too hard.
★ Keep in mind the position of your hand – rest your hand over the
mouse and place your index finger on the left button.
★ Make sure your elbow is bent and close to your body.
★ Keep your wrist straight. Try not to bend your wrist.

Touchscreen
A touchscreen is a computer display screen that is sensitive to pressure.
You can easily interact with the screen by using your finger or a stylus to
press buttons and select items. The most common touchscreens are
smartphones, tablets and convertible computers.

A touch screen offers the following:

★ You can easily navigate and use various functions.

★ It replaces the mouse and keyboard.
★ It is the best interface for systems with limited functions, such as a
self-service kiosk.

Table 3: Advantages and limitations of a touchscreen.

Advantages Limitations
The interface can change when you The on-screen keyboard
update the software. reduces the screen display
area.

You can select options faster than using a It can be difficult to enter
keyboard and mouse. large amounts of data.

They are easy to use and people require You can damage and dirty
little training. the screen.

They employ intuitive hand movements,

such as pinching, swiping, and expanding.
Scanner
A scanner creates a digital copy of a document that you can save on your
computer. You can edit the digital document before printing it. Some
examples of a scanner are flatbed scanners, which are generally used in
the office or for personal use. We also have barcode scanners and mouse
scanners: mouse scanners look like a traditional computer mouse but can
scan when you need to, or you can use it as a traditional mouse.

Table 5: Advantages and limitations of a scanner.

Advantages Limitations
It is easy to convert physical The quality of the image depends on
documents into digital formats. the scanner's resolution and the
original document.

You can store images and It is prone to wear and tear.

documents and print them later.

You can edit documents. A fingerprint or dust on the glass can

affect the image of your digital
document.

You can improve the quality of It can take time to scan your
your document by using documents, but it depends on the
specialised software. type of scanner you have.

Digital camera
The images taken by a digital camera are stored on a memory card and
can be accessed on your computer. Digital cameras can be found in all
sorts of devices, such as smartphones, drones and security systems.
Some people prefer to use their built-in cameras rather than buy a
proper digital camera, although professional photographers prefer and
still use digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras as they capture images
with a higher resolution.
Table 6: Advantages and limitations of a digital camera.

Advantages Limitations

You can easily preview the photo you took The quality of the photos
and delete any ones you do not like. depends on the quality of
the camera.
You can upload photos to your computer. You might take several
photos of the same image
and quickly fill up the
memory.
You do not have to develop a film. A compressed image can
reduce the quality of the
photo.
You can store hundreds of digital images.
If you use the camera on your smartphone
or tablet, the GPS feature will include the
location of where you took the photo.

When buying a digital camera it is important to consider the resolution

and image quality. Resolution is the amount of detail a camera captures,
which is measured in megapixels. Typically, the higher the resolution, the
clearer the photo will be. A lower resolution can cause the image to
appear pixelated, which means you can see the edges of each pixel.

You might want to start and capture photos using a high resolution, but a
lower resolution photo does have some advantages. A lower-resolution
image has a smaller file size, which takes up less storage space. You can
then use devices with a smaller storage capacity.

Webcam
A webcam is a type of digital camera that is connected to your computer.
You can easily stream live videos, attend a meeting or video chat with
your friends. Usually, laptops come with a built-in webcam, though some
webcams might be low quality. Most webcams come with software, which
allows you to capture images, record videos and adjust the camera's
settings.

Webcams are used for:

● Live feeds.
 ● Creating and uploading videos.
● Remote-controlled security cameras.
● Face-to-face conversations with people who are far away.

Table 7: Advantages and limitations of a webcam.

Advantages Limitations
They can be left on and activated when Some webcams have low
you require them. resolution and create
poor-quality videos.

You can have face-to-face conversations A webcam needs to be

without travelling. connected to a computer.

They are cheap and small. The feed can be choppy or

pixelated when video
chatting.

They can take pictures without the need

for film.

They are compatible with most systems,

such as Microsoft, Mac, Linux and Sony
PlayStation.

A microphone makes it possible for you to record sound and store the
recording on your computer. Laptops, smartphones and tablets have
built-in microphones and those computers that don’t have external
microphones can have one connected via a USB, Bluetooth or
microphone jack.

A variety of sounds can be recorded with a microphone, such as music,

your voice and ambient sounds. A microphone can be used with a digital
camera or webcam to create videos, attend face-to-face meetings or chat
with your friends and family using an application.
Table 8: Advantages and limitations of a microphone.

Advantages Limitations
Communicate with others over They require an Internet connection
the Internet. to communicate with others.

Give voice commands by using They can take up a lot of storage

voice-activation software. space.

Use software to edit and They are difficult to use in a noisy

manipulate sound. environment.

The built-in microphones generally

don’t offer high-quality sound.

Risks related to input devices

The main function of an input device is to enable you to interact with a
computer. People spend most of their time in front of a computer, using a
laptop to create a webpage or scrolling through Facebook on a
smartphone, and there are certain risks that you need to be aware of.
These risks include the following:

● Keystroke logging - this is used by hackers to record your keystrokes

on a keyboard. It is used to gather personal information about
yourself, such as your passwords and banking details. Hackers use
malicious software, commonly known as malware, that is installed on
your computer to keylog.
● A physical injury - extensive use of any input device can cause
physical injuries, such as carpal tunnel, tendonitis and eyestrain.
● A pathogen transmission - there is a chance that germs or
pathogens can be transferred from input devices to you if many
people use them.
● Privacy issues - a hacker might be able to gain access to your
webcam and microphone, which gives them access to private images
and conversations. As with keystroke logging, hackers use malware
installed on your computer.
Processing devices
The computer's processing devices modify data, received from an input
device, by implementing certain instructions and calculations. Some
common processing devices are CPU, GPU and RAM.

Table : Common processing devices

Central The Central Processing Unit is one of the most important

processing parts of a computer, it is the core of any computer. A CPU
unit (CPU) operates by using billions of microscopic transistors.
When determining which CPU is best for you, you should
consider the following:

● The gigahertz is the CPU frequency and indicates the

speed of the processor. Generally, the higher the
frequency the better the CPU.
● The number of cores is similar to the processor speed;
the more cores the better the CPU.
However, some computers with the same cores and
gigahertz operate at different speeds. The best option is to
research the CPU and select the best CPU that is within your
price range.

Graphics The Graphics Processing Unit is responsible for the display

processing of images on a screen. The GPU also implements
unit (GPU) calculations and follows instructions, but it is limited to the
rendering and display of images on a screen. The GPU is
also referred to as the graphics card, video card, display
adapter and gaming card.

When you are buying a GPU, it is important to think about

what your computer is going to be used for. If you are using
a computer for general tasks, such as email, word
processing and photos then you might not even need to
purchase a GPU. Most computers come with a powerful GPU
that is sufficient for general use. If you are using a computer
for gaming or graphic design, which are graphic intense
tasks, you will need to purchase an advanced GPU.
It is not easy to buy an advanced GPU, you will need to find
the correct product for your needs by looking at the
manufacturer's model numbers and benchmarks. The
manufacturer's model numbers will indicate the generation
 of the card and the benchmark will show how powerful it is.

Random A Random Access Card is a chip that temporarily stores

access data. It also allows a computer to work with a massive
memory (RAM) amount of information at the same time by acting as a
helper to the CPU and GPU..
RAM has to be faster than any storage device; it needs to
store and load new data without causing any interruptions
to the CPU and GPU. A processor cannot complete 4 billion
instructions per second if it does not receive 4 billion
instructions per second. It is vital that your computer has
enough memory so that the CPU and GPU function at their
best.
Deciding how much RAM you need depends on which
operating system you are using and what you are going to
use your computer for.

Storage devices
Your computer stores data on a storage device to ensure that it isn't lost.
It can store the data on an internal storage device, such as a hard drive,
or an external storage device, such as a flash drive or portable hard
drive.

When buying a storage device, there are some factors you need to think
of. These factors are:

★ The storage capacity - how much data can be saved on the device?
★ The storage speed - how quickly can the device read information?
★ The volatility - will the device lose data when turned off?
★ The reliability and durability - how likely will the device break down?

When looking at storage devices, usually 1 TB is enough storage space,

but if you are planning to store a lot of media files and use memory-heavy
software applications then you might need more. A good starting point
for storage speed is around 7200 RPM.
Internal hard drive

Modern computers come equipped with an internal hard drive, from

where your data is stored and retrieved.

Table 9: Advantages and limitations of an internal hard drive.

Advantages Limitations

It has a large storage space. It is prone to wear and tear.

It can retrieve and save data It can be easily damaged.

faster than a CD.

You can easily replace a It is situated inside a computer and

damaged drive. therefore not portable.

You can use it as permanent You can lose your data if you damage
storage. the drive.

External hard drive

Unlike an internal hard drive, external hard drives are portable and
protected by a case to prevent damage. You can connect an external
hard drive to any computer by using a USB cable.

Table 10: Advantages and limitations of an external hard drive.

Advantages Limitations

They have the capacity for a It is prone to wear and tear.

large amount of storage.

They can retrieve and save data It can be easily damaged.

faster than a CD.
You can easily transfer data It is slightly slower than an internal
between computers. hard drive.

You can use it to back up your It has slightly less storage space than
data. an internal hard drive.

Solid - state drive

A solid-state drive or SSD is like a hard drive, but it does not use the same
mechanical parts; it consists of interconnected flash memory chips made
of silicon. An SSD functions more like a CPU, in that it contains billions of
small transmitters that store bits of data.

Table 11: Advantages and limitations of an SSD.

Advantages Limitations

It is faster than a normal It is more expensive than a normal hard

hard drive. drive.

It consumes less power It has limited storage space, as the cost per
than an HDD. gigabyte is so high.

It is more durable and It has a shorter life span than an HDD.

compact.

It doesn't generate any

noise.

Flash drive

A flash drive is a very small portable storage device; it is the best way to
transfer data between computers. You can connect it to any computer by
using a USB port.
Table 12: Advantages and limitations of a flash drive.

Advantages Limitations

It is compact and portable. It is easy to lose.

It is more durable than other storage The cost per gigabyte is

devices. high.

It does not require power. It has a short life span.

Optical disc drives

An optical disc drive is a multi-purpose drive. You can use an optical disc
drive to read data from a compact disc (CD), a digital optical disc (DVD)
and a Blu-ray disc (BD).

Table 13: Advantages and limitations of an optical disc drive.

Advantages Limitations

A CD and DVD are less The data transfer is slower than a

expensive than a hard drive. hard drive or flash memory.

You can use a CD and DVD You need special rewritable CDs and
multiple times. DVDs to reuse them.

You can easily damage or lose a disc.

Cloud storage

The Internet has become one of the most efficient places to store data.
Cloud storage is a storage service that allows you to store information on
the Internet. Most services, such as iCloud and Google Drive, offer a
certain amount of free storage space, although if you want to use more
space you will need to pay a monthly fee.
Table 14: Advantages and limitations of cloud storage.

Advantages Limitations
It is accessible from anywhere. You have less control over
your security and privacy.

The information you saved on the cloud You need an Internet

cannot be lost. connection to access your
data.

Cloud computing is more reliable than There might be downtime, as

in-house computer infrastructures. it is Internet-based.

You do not have to buy additional

storage devices to store your data.

Output devices
An output device takes the data that was processed and stored on a
computer and makes it available to you, in either a visual or auditory
format. Click on the below devices to learn more about them.

Monitor

A monitor or computer screen is the most important output device. It

displays the data and programs on your computer and allows you to
easily interact with them.

When you are looking to buy a monitor there are three things to consider
and they are:

● The resolution is the number of pixels displayed per inch of the

image. A good number of pixels is 1920, the width of the monitor, and
1080 the height of the monitor. The higher the number of pixels, the
better the screen.
● The screen size is the size of a monitor measured diagonally in
inches and one inch is roughly 2.5 cm long. You should think of the
size of your desk; if the screen is too big and not placed at a safe
distance you can damage your sight.
 ● The refresh rate is the amount of time it takes the screen to update
with new information. Most monitors have a refresh rate of 60 Hz.
This means that the screen is updated 60 times per second, which is
sufficient for most people.

Table 15: Advantages and limitations of a monitor.

Advantages Limitations

You receive immediate feedback on The display quality depends on

what the computer is doing. the size of the monitor.

You can interact with a computer. Larger monitors are difficult to

move.

You can easily change the displayed Natural light can affect the
content. quality of the image.

Text can be enlarged for the visually

impaired.

You can easily change the display and

set it to your preference.

Speaker and headphones

Speakers and headphones allow us to hear sound from a computer or
device. Most mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops,
have a built-in speaker, but you can easily add a speaker or headphone
to a computer as most of them have a jack, port or Bluetooth capabilities.

Speakers and headphones can be used for the following:

● They can play sound.

● People with disabilities can receive extra alerts and notifications.
● You can listen to voice messages and interact with others through
communication software, such as Skype and Teams.

Take a look at the following pointers on what to look out for when buying
speakers:
 ● A subwoofer is a loudspeaker that produces low-frequency sound, it
reproduces a powerful bass, but it does take up more space and is
used with left- and right-hand speakers.
● The sound quality of a good speaker usually has a good balance
between the high, mid-range and low frequencies, creating a full, rich
sound. The best way to judge the sound quality is to go out and
listen to different speakers, if you cannot, then you can do research
and read reviews.
● Look for a speaker that has more than one audio input so that you
can easily plug in other audio devices or better yet look for a
Bluetooth speaker.
● Cheaper speakers do not have any controls while some let you
adjust the bass and treble. It is good to buy speakers with at least a
volume control.

Table 16: Advantages and limitations of a speaker and headphones.

Advantages Limitations

You can use headphones to listen The sound quality depends on the
to sound and not disturb anyone. speaker and headphones.

A group of people can hear sound You may need to use additional
at the same time through a audio equipment to enhance
speaker. sound.

Speakers can annoy people who are

within earshot but are not involved.

Printers
A printer makes it possible to transfer text and graphics from your
computer to paper. You can print text, photos, illustrations and diagrams.

There are many different types of computers, so when you want to buy a
printer there are a few things to keep in mind:

● The speed of a printer.

● The type of paper and size that you want to use.
● The printer's resolution affects the sharpness of the text and images.
 ● The cost to print a page is more for a colour printer and printers
with a high resolution.
● The memory increases the printing speed but is only necessary if you
are going to print large images on a regular basis.
● The wireless capabilities make it possible to print without physically
connecting to a printer.
● Ensure the ink cartridges are available for when you need to replace
them.

Take a look at the below table to get an understanding of the advantages

and limitations of different types of printers.

Table 17: Advantages and limitations of different types of printers.

Laser printers Inkjet printers Dot matrix 3-D printers

printers

Uses Print black and Print black and Point of Print physical
white or colour white or colour sales three-dimensiona
documents. documents. printers for l objects from
receipts and designs using
invoices. CAD or 3d
modelling
software.

Advant Speed. Cheaper than Cheap. Print prototypes.

ages laser printers.
High-quality text. Very low Affordable
Best quality running once-off custom
Low running photo printers. cost. parts.
cost.
Can create Print as you need
carbon tools and parts.
copies.
Create
revolutionary
designs.
 Average colour Higher running Low printing Expensive.
Limitat photos. cost. quality.
ions Can be slow, noisy
The paper does Slower printing Not suitable and smell like
not absorb the speed than a for melting plastic.
ink. laser printer. high-quality
printing. Need a lot of
Inkjets produce Laser printers configuration
better photo produce better and control.
images. text documents.

Data projector
A data projector projects a large image onto a screen or surface, where a
large group of people can view the projected image.

Table 18: Advantages and limitations of a data projector.

Advantages Limitations
You can project a presentation, The resolution is not as good as a
movie or image for a large high-quality monitor.
group of people.

The brightness of an image is not as

good as a high-quality monitor.

The contrast ratio is lower than a

normal monitor, which results in low
colour-quality images.

Communication devices
A communication device connects a computer to other computers in a
network. Most computers, such as smartphones, have built-in
communications hardware, such as Bluetooth, 4G/5G and WiFi. There are
also specialised communication devices. Click on the below devices to
find out more about them:
Cellular modem
We mostly use cellular data when we need to be mobile, as long as there is
cellphone reception. An external cellular modem looks like a flash drive
and connects to a USB port, it has a SIM card inside that uses cellphone
reception to access the Internet. A cellular router also has a slot for a SIM
card and connects to a cellular network, it creates a WiFi network that
multiple devices can connect to and access the Internet.

Table 19: Advantages and limitations of a cellular modem.

Advantages Limitations

It is easy to install and use. It can have slower data rates than
other forms of broadband Internet.

It is portable. Internet providers can limit daily or

monthly usage.

It can connect to any computer. Exceeding your data limit can result
in high fees per megabyte.

It uses a 4G/5G network, which is

a fast and reliable network.

ADSL and fibre router

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is a popular, older type of
broadband, that allows data transmission over copper telephone lines.
Fibre-optic communication, or just fibre, transmits information with
infrared light pulses through an optical fibre. If you want to use an ADSL
internet connection you will need an ADSL router, and if you want to use a
fibre connection you need a fibre router.
 Table 20: Advantages and limitations of an ADSL and fibre router.

Advantages Limitations

You can make phone calls You need a landline to use an ADSL and
and be connected to the fibre needs a physical cable connection.
Internet with an ADSL
router.

You can connect multiple In some suburbs, there are not any cable
devices to an ADSL and lines available.
fibre router.

Cable theft is a problem in South Africa and

an ADSL cable contains copper wiring,
whereas a fibre cable uses material of little
value.

Hardware recommendations
In a previous lesson, you learnt about different computer users and how
unique each one of them is. Keeping that in mind, each computer user
requires different hardware devices to suit their needs. The below table is
a list of recommendations based on the type of computer user.

Table 1: Hardware recommendations for different computer users.

User Input Ouput Storage Communic Computer

ation

Home Keyboard Monitor Hard drive Network Mid-range

card desktop
Mouse Speakers CD/DVD
drive Router Mid-range
Printer notebook

SOHO Keyboard Monitor Hard drive Network Ultrabook

card
Mouse Speakers CD/DVD
drive Router
Microphone Multi-functio
n printers External Switch
Webcam hard drive
 Scanner Flash drive

Mobile Keyboard Monitor Hard drive Wi-Fi card Tablet

Mouse Speakers External 4G/5G Smartphone

hard drive connection
Touchpad Laptop
Flash drive
Touch screen
Memory
card

Power Keyboard High-definiti Hard drive Network Top-of-the-ra

on monitor card nge desktop
Mouse CD/DVD
Speakers drive Router Top-of-the-ra
Joystick nge laptop
Headset Flash drive
Microphone Ultrabook
SSD
Webcam

Scanner

Devices for disabled users

People with disabilities require tailor-made hardware and software that
makes their lives easier. The type of computer they need depends on the
type of disability they have and their needs. It is important to research
before buying a computer; have a look at the following table of devices
people with disabilities can use:

Table 2: Hardware recommendations for people with disabilities.

User Input Output Storage Communicati

on

Visually impaired Braille Braille display Hard drive Network card

keyboard
Speakers CD/DVD Router
Large-key drive
keyboard Magnification Specialised
software
Braille printer
Hearing Keyboard Vibrating Hard drive Network card
impaired device
Mouse CD/DVD Router
Large drive
Webcam monitor Specialised
External software
Printer hard drive

Flash drive

Motor control Eye typer Monitor Hard drive Network card

(Paralysed, poor
Joystick Speakers CD/DVD Router
motor control,
drive
arthritic, etc) Trackball Specially Specialised
designed Flash drive software
Large-key printer
keyboards

Foot pedal
control

Sip and puff

Productivity, efficiency and accessibility

Productivity and efficiency

Computers bring a variety of advantages, such as increasing productivity
and efficiency by allowing time-consuming and repetitive tasks to be
completed in a fraction of the time it would take a person. Another
advantage is improving accuracy by removing some of the human
elements to capture data. For example, when you create a database the
program enables you to use formulas and functions for calculations.
Completing these calculations without a computer would take much
longer and could run the risk of making mistakes. We can design and
configure the best computer for a specific task that will improve
productivity and efficiency.

Productivity Completing tasks in a specific amount of time for a

specific cost.
Efficiency Completing tasks with less effort and cost.
Accuracy Ensuring there are no errors.
Accessibility
Computers make it easier to communicate with others and complete
tasks that most people consider time-consuming and complex. Some
examples of how computers improve accessibility include the following:

★ Remote surgery allows patients to access expert medical care and

the medical professional to access those who need their expertise.
★ Find and access any information you want through the Internet.
★ Education and training are delivered through the Internet. It was
designed to be flexible and enable anyone from anywhere to access
education.
★ Cellphone banking enables you to receive and make payments
electronically at little or no cost.
★ Large screens, special contrasting colour schemes, vibrating devices
and audio feedback all accommodate people with disabilities.

New technology
Technology is evolving at a rapid rate, enabling faster progress and
change. There are so many innovations and breakthroughs happening
right now. Each day, new technologies are developed that replace or
improve existing technologies. Some people try to predict future
technologies, but it is ineffective since digital technology is
ever-changing, but this is what makes technology so captivating. What we
do understand about new technology is the following:

★ It is cheaper, faster and more powerful than what we have today.

★ It will use more sensors.
★ It will be designed to be mobile.
★ The battery life will be longer.
★ It will be designed to be connected to the Internet permanently.
★ It will combine technologies for more effective input and output.

It is easy to find new and upcoming trends in technology. By being aware

of new technologies you can anticipate and prepare for technology that
will benefit you. Let’s look at some tech trends for 2023:

★ Lithium metal batteries - these batteries are capable of changing

the car market with electric cars that can charge much faster and
the charge lasts 80% longer.
★ Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3 (GPT-3) - an autoregressive
language model that uses deep learning to produce human-like text.
It is the most powerful and advanced text autocomplete program.
 ★ Data trusts - cyberattacks have grown significantly since we store
more data on the web. A data trust is a special trust that stores and
manages the data on people's behalf.
★ Wi-Fi 6 and 5G - there are new standards for wireless internet which
assist those working remotely and contribute to the development of
artificial intelligence.
★ Virtual and augmented reality - VR and AR are some of the most
fascinating technological advances, which have rapidly grown over
the years. VR is designed to fully immerse you in a 3D virtual world,
whereas AR is an interactive experience where objects in the real
world are enhanced by overlaying visual, auditory and other sensory
information.

Hardware problems
Input devices

Keyboard
Keyboards are usually reliable, but take a look at the two most common
problems with keyboards and how to solve them.

Table 1: Solutions to common keyboard problems.

Problem Column 2

Sticky keys Clean your keyboard with a damp cloth or small brush to
remove any dirt underneath the keys.

Unresponsive Wireless: try replacing the batteries or remove and

re-insert the dongle into a different port.

Wired: disconnect and reconnect the keyboard using a

different port.

Reboot your computer.

Use a different keyboard to pinpoint the problem.

 Mouse
One of the most common problems you can encounter when using a
mouse is erratic mouse movement. This happens when the mouse pointer
starts to jump across the screen or move in unpredictable directions.
Look at the table below on how to solve an erratic mouse.

Table 2: Solutions to erratic mouse movements.

Causes Solution

Dirty Dirt can build up inside a mouse and affect performance. You can
mouse clean a mouse by dampening a lint-free cloth or cotton swab with
mild soap and gently wiping the wheel and optical sensor. You can
also use compressed air to clean in between the ridges of the
clickers.

Bad An irregular or shiny surface can interfere with the optical laser.
surface You can use a mouse pad or book to solve the problem.

Unrespo Wireless: your battery might be low and replacing the batteries
nsive should solve the problem or the dongle might need to be removed
and re-inserted into a different port.

Wired: disconnect and reconnect the USB to a different port.

Scanner
Sometimes when you scan a document it does not always come out the
way you expected. Look at the below table on how to solve common
scanner problems.

Table 3: Solutions to common scanner problems.

Problem Solution

Skew The paper is most likely not properly aligned; reposition the
document document on the scanner.

Poor image The surface of the scanner might be dirty; you can easily clean
quality the surface.
 The settings of the scanning software might not be correct;
check the settings to solve the problem.

Connection Make sure the scanner is properly connected.

error
Some scanners have a lock switch to protect them when they
are moved around. Make sure the lock is off.

Webcam and microphone

A webcam and microphone have a common problem. Take a look at the
below table on how to solve an unresponsive webcam or microphone.

Table 4: Solutions to a typical webcam and microphone problem.

Causes Solution

Unresponsive Might not be plugged in properly.

The camera or microphone was not selected as the device to

be used, you can test if it is functioning properly.

Storage devices

Hard drive
A hard drive does not typically have any problems but is prone to wear
and tear. A common disk error that can occur is disk fragmentation. This
means that your stored files are scattered throughout the hard drive.
Other problems can occur and these problems can apply to flash drives
and solid-state drives. Take a look at the below table on how to solve
these common problems.

Table 5: Solutions to common storage disk problems.

Problem Solution

Full Delete or remove files to clear up some extra space.

storage
space You can add another hard drive.

Use an external hard drive or cloud storage for your files.

 Slow or Your hard drive might be fragmented. Defragging your hard
unrespon drive can make retrieving your files faster.
sive

Corrupte You can error-check your files to make sure it is not

d files corrupted. You can select Properties and under the Tools tab
select Check.

Optical disc drive

Optical discs are prone to fail and cause problems because they are dirty
or damaged. It is sometimes easier to replace a disc than to try and solve
the problem but take a look at the below table to find out how to solve
these problems.

Table 6: Solutions to common optical disc drive problems.

Problem Solution

Dirty Clean an optical disc by wiping it with a soft damp cloth.

Scratched or It is difficult to fix a damaged or scratched disc rather

damaged than replace the disc.

Output devices

Monitor
You can experience problems with a monitor when it is not used properly
and is often related to the resolution of the monitor, which plays a vital
role in the image quality. Look at the table below for how to solve some
common monitor problems.

Table 7: Solutions to common monitor problems.

Problem Solution

Black screen The monitor might not be plugged in. Make sure to check the
plug.
 The monitor might be switched off. Make sure it is switched
on.

The cable could be faulty or not properly connected. Make

sure to check the cable.

The monitor might be faulty. Use another monitor to test if it

is the monitor.

Image Adjust the settings, such as the brightness, contrast, etc.

Blocky or The resolution setting might be incorrect. You can change

stretched the resolution to the recommended or best setting.

Tinted image There might be a faulty connection or damaged cable. Make

sure to check the connection, connector and cable.

Large images There might be a faulty connection or damaged cable. Make

and texts sure to check the connection, connector and cable.

Printer
A printer gives the most trouble and everyone who owns a printer has
experienced some problem at one point. Let's look at how to solve
common printing problems.

Table 8: Solutions to common printer problems.

Problem Solution

High-resolut High-resolution images can slow down the printing process.

ion image You can resolve this by selecting the standard mode.

Printer Make sure your printer software is up to date. It can solve the
software problem.

Paper jam Inspect the stuck paper and remove the paper.

Bad printing Make sure the printer has enough ink or toner and you are
quality using the right paper.
Does not There might be a bad connection.
print
The printer is out of ink or toner.

The wrong printer driver is installed on your computer.

Speaker and headphone

One of the most common problems with a speaker and headphones is
when there is no sound coming from them, take a look at the table below
on how to solve this problem.

Table 9: Solutions to a common speaker and headphone problem.

Problem Solution

No sound Might not be plugged in correctly.

The settings for the volume might be on mute or too low.

The computer might be set to use the wrong output device.

Connectivity
You might, at some point, struggle to connect your computer to the
Internet. Usually, this can be caused by one of the following:

★ Your computer.
★ The network cable.
★ The router.
★ The Internet cable.
★ Your Internet service provider (ISP).

Take a look at the below table on how you can solve a connection
problem:

Table 10: Solutions to common communication problems.

Location Solution

Computer Make sure your cable or Wi-Fi is connected.

You can restart your computer.

 You can run a troubleshooting application.

Network Make sure the cable and router are plugged in correctly.
cable
You can replace the cable.

You can change to a Wi-Fi connection.

Router Make sure the router is on.

You can restart your router.

Unplug any additional cables from the router.

If you were using a Wi-Fi connection change and connect to the

router through the ethernet.

If you were using an ethernet connection change and connect to

the router through the W-Fi.

Internet You can plug the Internet cable into the router.
cable
You can restart your router.

You can contact the ISP for support.

ISP Make sure that you did not reach your data limit.

You can restart your router.

You can contact the ISP for support.

Impact of modern technology

Environmental issues
Look at the table below to learn more about the advantages and
disadvantages of modern computing regarding the environment.
 Table 1: Advantages and disadvantages of the effect computers have on
the environment.

Advantages Disadvantages

Working electronically reduces printing Computers require electricity to

and so less paper is used. either function or charge their
batteries.

Using applications such as FaceTime, Technological waste sometimes

Skype and Google Meet reduces the contains toxic chemicals and can
need for people to travel so less fuel is be harmful to the environment.
used.

Remote working reduces commute time,

which means less fuel is used and less
office space is needed.

The average lifespan of an electronic device is two years – we would rather

buy a new device and throw away the old one than upgrade the old
device. If a device is not recycled or reused it will end up in a landfill.

Computers are a large contributor to greenhouse gases emitted by

humans. More than 3% of all the electricity generated in the world is used
by data centres that host websites and the Internet. This does not include
the electricity used by personal and work computers.

Pollution The factories that produce computers contribute to noise,

air and water pollution.
E-waste Discarded hardware devices are thrown away and taken to
landfills. Most of these devices contain non-biodegradable
material and toxic heavy metals. The toxic metals can leak
into the ground and contaminate the groundwater.
Health hazard Old hardware devices are burned to extract metals, such as
copper, gold and silver. This releases toxic smoke into the air
and can cause health problems, such as cancer and kidney
disease.
Green computing
Green computing refers to the goal of reducing the environmental impact
computers have on the user and manufacturer. This includes making
computers energy efficient, using biodegradable materials or ones that
can be recycled as well as using less toxic materials and properly
disposing of them.

Some ways you can contribute to green computing include the following:

★ Printing - using paper and ink in an environmentally friendly way.

★ Saving energy - use the sleep function on your computer so that it
hibernates when not in use.
★ Disposal - properly dispose of your devices, such as recycling.
★ Buy recycled - you can buy products made from recycled materials.
★ Donate - instead of throwing away your devices, rather sell or donate
them.

User-centred design
User-centred design refers to a design principle wherein a simple user
interface and pleasing visuals are prioritised to meet the needs of the
user. This design process is vital in all software applications, such as
presentations, websites and databases. The design process includes the
following four phases:

1. Context of use - understand the context and identify how the user
will use the product.
2. User requirements - determine and specify the user's requirements.
3. Design - design the product.
4. Evaluate - the product is evaluated according to the user's needs,
requirements and product performance.

During the evaluation process, you might be required to repeat a step in

the process or restart the whole process.

The advantages of a user-centred design process include the following:

★ Customer expectations - meeting customers' expectations can

increase sales and decrease returns and customer support.
★ Safer products - products are designed specifically for the user,
which reduces the risk of someone using them for the wrong task.
 ★ No training - products are designed in a user-friendly manner, which
reduces the amount of training required to use the product.

Designing a website
User-centred design plays a major role in designing a website; people
need to be able to find what they are looking for and should attract their
attention. You should consider the following factors when designing a
website:

★ The visibility of the website.

★ The accessibility of the website.
★ The legibility of the website.
★ The language used on the website.

Figure 3: Too much content on one page

can be disorientating.

Creating a database
The user-centred design process ensures that you enter the correct
information where it is needed, which makes it easier to enter data. You
should consider the following when creating a database:

★ The purpose of the database.

★ The type of data that will be stored.
★ The required data fields.
★ The data-validation techniques were used.

Creating a presentation
The user-centred design process ensures that it is easier to understand
and present a presentation. You can do it in the following ways:

★ Keep your text and bullet points to a minimum.

★ Do not use too many transitions.
★ Use high-quality images.
★ Try not to clutter the slide with unnecessary images and information.