Module 1.

3 Hardware Recommendations
Buying a computer
The system unit
CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor
Notes  Responsible for running programs and processing data.
 Speed measured in Gigahertz (GHz); higher speed
increases cost with little gain.
 Modern CPUs often have multiple cores (e.g., quad-core).
 Identified by brand (e.g., Intel) and model (e.g., Intel i7).
Recommendations  Entry-level processors are enough for general tasks like
word processing, email, web browsing, and casual gaming.
 Power users (e.g., gamers, graphic designers) should invest
in high-performance processors for demanding applications.

Memory (RAM)
RAM is temporary storage for running programs and data being processed.

Notes  Identification: Also called DIMMs, DDR3, or DDR RAM.

 Limitations: More than 4 GB of RAM requires a 64-bit
operating system to access fully.
Recommendations  More RAM improves performance by allowing more data
and programs to be processed simultaneously.
 Power users (e.g., video editors) need more RAM due to
handling large data sets.

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Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Main permanent storage for data and software, typically one per computer, with options
for additional drives.

Notes  File Servers: Use multiple large hard drives to store user
files in a network.
 Drive Specifications: Identified by capacity (e.g. 2 TB),
interface (e.g. SATA), and rotation speed (e.g. 7200 rpm).
 Solid-State Drives (SSDs): Faster than HDDs, more
common in laptops, but have smaller capacity and higher
cost.
Recommendations Storage Needs: Basic tasks (word processing, email) don't
require much space, but media use (music, movies, photos)
demands larger storage.

 If two computers are similar in price but one has an SSD and the other a HDD,
then choose the one with the SSD.

Video Card
A separate circuit board with its own video memory and GPU that enhances video
processing.

Notes  Entry-level computers: Use integrated graphics, where the

GPU is part of the CPU or motherboard, using RAM as
video memory.
 Video cards: Provide extra processing power, essential for
3D graphics, video editing, or high-end gaming.

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DVD Drive
An optical drive for playing, reading, and writing CD and DVD discs.

Notes  Less Important: Due to flash drives, external hard drives,

and the internet, which are now used for transferring and
backing up data.
 Primary Use: Mainly for backward compatibility with
software on discs and playing media like music CDs or
movie DVDs.
 Multi-Drive: Can read and write both CD and DVD discs.

Port
Used to connect external devices to the computer.

Notes  Common ports include USB (USB 3 is faster than USB 2),
Thunderbolt, and USB-C for high-speed data and video.
 Most computers have a network port for cabled
connections, and WiFi is supported through built-in
technology like 802.11 b/g/n.

Case: Limited choice unless building the computer yourself. The case design affects
airflow, cooling, and the compatibility of components.

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Devices that connect to the computer (peripherals)
Mouse and keyboard
Most common input devices.

Notes  Ergonomics: Choose ergonomically designed devices to

reduce RSI.
 Wireless vs. Cabled: Decide based on preference.
Recommendations  Mobile users: Use built-in touch pad on laptops.
 Power users: May use specialised tech, e.g., a digitising
tablet.
 Gamers: Need specialised mice with extra buttons and
faster response.

Monitor/Screen
Common device for softcopy output.

Notes  Trend: Popularity of tablets and smartphones has led to

more touch screen-compatible operating systems (e.g.
Windows 10).
Recommendations  Entry-level users: A basic monitor is sufficient, with size (in
inches) as the main consideration.
 Power users: Gamers, video editors, photographers, and
architects need larger screens or multiple monitors, with a
focus on specifications like refresh rate, resolution, and
colour accuracy.

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Printers
Printers are used to produce hardcopy output.

Notes The type you need depends on your printing needs: running
costs, speed (ppm), print quality (dpi), connection.
Recommendations A SOHO or personal user may consider a multipurpose printer.

External (portable) storage

Allows data transfer between a computer and a storage device.

Recommendations  Flash drives are ideal for personal users for quick data
transfer and backup.
 External hard drives are good for storing media (music,
videos) and backing up internal drives.
 SOHO and power users need large external storage
devices for extensive data storage.

Scanners
Image scanners capture images, while barcode scanners read barcodes.

Recommendations  Image scanners have declined in popularity due to digital

photography.
 Personal users often prefer photographing images over
scanning them.
 SOHO or power users who need to scan documents and
convert them to editable text should invest in a good
scanner with OCR software.
 Businesses dealing with images or photos may benefit from
a high-quality scanner for digital editing.

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The value in ICT
Devices for disabled users
Visually Impaired/Blind Hearing Impaired / Deaf: Motor Control (e.g.,
paralysis, arthritis):
 Braille keyboard and Vibration-based devices  Eye movement
display/terminal (instead of sound) tracking devices
 Magnification devices  Head movement
 Large-key keyboards tracking devices
 Braille printers  Large key keyboards
 Trackballs
 Joysticks
 Foot pedal control
devices
 Sip and puff devices
(controlled by breath)

Accessibility
 Remote Surgery: ICT enables surgeons to perform surgeries remotely,
improving access to specialist medical care for patients in distant locations.
 Data/Information Access: The internet provides vast information on nearly any
topic, surpassing the resources of libraries and local sources.
 Distance Education: ICT allows teachers to present classes remotely, making
quality education more accessible. It includes mobile learning (m-learning), which
enables education anywhere, anytime.
 Cell phone Banking (e.g., M-Pesa): ICT enables mobile banking for those
without access to traditional banking, offering secure and affordable financial
services.

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 Accessibility for Disabled Users: Special hardware and software, such as eye
tracking, screen readers, and voice recognition, make computers more
accessible for people with disabilities.

Complete WMA on page 49-50: Questions 1 - 17.