Computers, Part of Your Life
Module 1.5: Computer Management
System Requirements
Definition: The minimum computing requirements needed to run software.
Common Hardware Requirements:
Free hard drive space (e.g., 3 GB)
Memory (RAM) (e.g., 2 GB)
Processor (CPU) (e.g., dual-core 1.8 GHz)
Other hardware requirements: Minimum screen resolution, specialized hardware.
Minimum vs. Recommended Requirements:
Minimum: The lowest specs that allow the software to run.
Recommended: The specs that allow the software to run smoothly.
Important Notes:
Two values are often given: minimum and recommended.
Hard disk space refers to the storage space needed for installing the software.
Software requirements refer to the operating system needed.
If hardware exceeds recommended requirements, software will run smoothly.
Software Installation
Methods:
Online downloads with installers
Website of the company selling the software. Pay, download the installation file, and
run the installer.
App store: Automated downloading and installing.
Online downloads without installers
Freeware and open-source software.
Physical media (portable storage media)
Software in a box (CD or DVD).
Steps When Installing Software:
1. Agreeing to the license agreement
2. Inputting a product key
3. Choosing the folder the program should install to
4. Choosing the type of installation you want
5. Installing other extras
6. Checking for updates
7. Registering online
8. Adding shortcuts
9. A 'tour' of the program
Uninstalling Software:
Use a specific uninstall program.
Uninstallers remove all files associated with the program.
Managing Files
Finding Files in Windows:
Limit the search to specific folders.
Type the file name (or part of it).
Use other properties to search by (e.g., date modified).
Windows Search:
Search for apps, files, and settings.
Windows/File Explorer is better for finding documents.
Other Ways to Manage Files:
File extensions indicate the type of data.
If there's no program associated with a type:
Try another installed app.
Download software to open the file.
Convert the file to another format.
Convert files between different types:
Save a file as a type that can be read to share data between programs.
Use import and export features.
View/add extra information about a file:
Properties/metadata: who created the file, how long they have worked on it, camera
used (photo).
Hide a file:
Check the "Hidden" attribute in Properties.
Prevent the contents of a file from being changed:
Check the "Read-only" attribute in Properties.
Dealing with Hardware Failure
Examples of Incorrect Hardware Usage:
Forcing connectors into wrong slots
Not using the correct consumables
Spilling liquids on equipment
Not protecting against power surges/lightning strikes
Dropping equipment
Not ensuring proper cooling
Faulty materials, manufacturing processes, and normal wear and tear can also cause
hardware failure.
Most Hardware Errors Occur with Peripherals & Storage Devices:
Keep spares on hand if a peripheral is critical.
Loss of data requires a proper backup policy.
Module 1.4: Software
Application Software
Programs that perform specific tasks for users.
Examples:
Multimedia software
Communications software
Multimedia Software
Used to create or view multimedia content.
Combines text, sound, images, drawings, animations, and video to communicate ideas.
HTML5 is the most popular way to create multimedia.
Interactive multimedia textbooks are created for devices such as the iPad.
Communications Software
Used to make electronic communications simple, effective, and efficient.
Examples:
Email programs (Outlook)
Web browsing software (Google Chrome)
Instant Messaging (WhatsApp)
VoIP software (Skype/WhatsApp Calls)
Compatibility Issues
Reason: Different companies encode data in files differently.
Software expects data to be encoded in a certain way.
If the encoding is not what is expected, an error message or a scrambled document occurs.
Solutions:
Export: Save the document in another format.
Import: "Open with" - open a file in another format.
Upgrade: Have the latest versions or consider a subscription.
Standardize: Everyone in the organization uses the same version of software.
Software Bugs
A software bug is an error in a program caused by the way it was programmed.
Tools for Combating Software Bugs:
Testing: 'Beta' versions of software are tested by the public.
Error reporting: Use error reporting facilities, often provided when a program crashes.
Keeping software up to date: Updates contain bug fixes that make software work better.
Updating Your Software
Process of getting the latest 'bug fixes' or obtaining new, additional features.
Check the 'Help' or 'About' menus and look for "Check for Updates."
If connected to the internet, the software will check if an update is available.
Software regularly checks for updates.
Updates are automatically downloaded and installed.
Online Software
Also known as 'cloud computing' or 'Web applications.'
Software runs on servers on the internet.
Advantages:
Software is always up to date.
No need to download or install anything.
Does not take up space on local storage.
Server CPU may be more powerful than your own CPU.
Use the software and access your data from any computer anywhere in the world.
Disadvantages:
Needs an internet connection.
No control over data security/backup policy.
May have to pay a monthly fee to use it.
Might lack features or abilities of desktop software.
Might run slower, depending on the speed of the internet connection.
Examples: Google Docs, Blogs/Weblogs (WordPress, Blogger, Squarespace)
Good Practices When Blogging
Update your blog frequently.
Interact with readers - respond to comments.
Be casual, informative, and interesting.
Use catchy titles and graphics.
Have opinions and express them well.
Link to your sources and other sites of interest.
Advantages of Blogging
Share ideas and get feedback.
Personal and business use - advertising and marketing.
Used as help forums - people with common interests can share ideas.
Used for social change, promote freedom of expression and speech.
WordPress and Blogger host blogs for free.
Disadvantages of Blogging
Must update constantly to maintain interest among readers.
Responses posted can be worthless.
Constant display of advertisements (free sites).
Postings appear from newest to oldest - older postings can get 'lost.'
Software for Physically Challenged Users
Operating systems contain settings and utilities to help make the computer easier for
disabled people to use.
Ease of access settings:
Magnifying an area of the screen
Text to speech (Narration)
Making the mouse cursor larger
Higher contrast settings - easier to read
Displaying visual notices instead of sound
Sticky Keys, Slow Keys, and on-screen display of non-alphabetic keys
Speech recognition for voice control/dictation of text instead of typing
Sticky Keys: Use keyboard shortcuts or type capital letters without pressing more than one
key at a time.
Slow Keys: Inserts a short pause between the press of a key and the display of the letter on
the screen.
Many companies design software with features similar to those built into the operating
system.
Examples: iListen, MAGIC software
Module 2.3: Online Lifestyle
Internet Access
Fixed Internet Access:
Connections include options such as ADSL and Fibre.
FTTH - Fibre to the Home
FTTB - Fibre to the Business
Lack of portability
Limitations: Can be expensive; ADSL/Fibre coverage needed.
Social Networking Sites
Disadvantages:
Risk of identity theft, fraud, online stalking, etc.
False information on profiles
People often create a fake ('perfect') online life
Loss in productivity - too much time spent online
Quantity vs. quality of communication
Sites analyze your posts - targeted advertising
Best Practices:
Protect your privacy by checking settings.
Restrict access to information on your profile.
Only give out the information you are forced to.
Do not befriend just anybody.
Don't post damaging, insulting, or provocative content.
Restrict the time spent on social networking sites.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
Technology that allows telephone calls to be made over LANs, WANs, and the internet.
Examples: WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype
Advantages:
Cheaper than normal phone calls.
Software is generally free.
Allows one to transfer files.
Allows one to make video conference calls.
Disadvantages:
Call quality may be poor if you have a slow internet connection.
Can use up a lot of your data cap, especially when using video.
Best Practices:
Only use video when necessary.
Pay attention to your contact's status.
Use a decent headset and microphone to increase quality.
Check local time zones before calling someone in another country.
Video Conferencing
Application that allows two or more people to hold online conferences at different places
using a computer network to transmit audio and video as if the people were all in the same
room.
Advantages:
Can see the people you are communicating with.
Cheaper than traveling to a meeting.
Disadvantages:
Need a fast internet connection.
Use a lot of data (cap), especially when using video.
Best Practices:
Work in a well-lit location.
Make sure you know what your camera can 'see' - protect your privacy.
Test sound and video before making the call.
Chat Rooms/Applications
Online environment - allows people to meet and chat with other people with common
interests in real-time.
Social networking sites are used for the traditional functions of chat rooms.
Advantages:
Chat with more than one person at a time in real-time (group chat).
Opportunity to interact with people globally.
Some apps (e.g., WhatsApp) can be used on a variety of operating systems.
Disadvantages:
No way to make sure people are who they claim to be.
Users can spend more time in chat rooms than in the 'real world.'
Can create opportunities for cyber-bullying, identity theft, etc.
Best Practices:
Don't give out personal information.
Don't arrange to meet in person unless you KNOW who the person really is.
Don't bully or post personal comments or insults to other people.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
Protocol used for fast, easy transfer of files between remote computers that have an internet
connection.
Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox have largely taken over this function.
Online Services
Internet Banking:
Viewing account balances
Paying bills
Transferring money
Ordering credit cards
Buying prepaid data and airtime
Advantages:
Convenience - banking 24/7 - anywhere.
Transactions are normally faster and cost less.
Safer - no large amounts of cash to carry around.
Shopping and Reservations:
Register - obtain a username and password.
Browse - choose goods, add to virtual 'shopping cart.'
Virtual checkout counter - see costs.
Add or remove articles at any time.
Pay with a credit card or by other means (EFT, etc.).
Can also make reservations and pay for movies, car hire, airline tickets, etc.
Advantages:
Convenience - online 24/7 in the comfort of home.
Can compare prices more easily.
Prices can be cheaper.
Businesses can reduce overhead costs.
Business does not have to carry huge quantities of stock.
Disadvantages:
Better to see the goods physically.
Delivery costs and import taxes (if the article comes from overseas).
Protecting Yourself Online
Cyber-bullying: Spreading of rumors, gossip, and the general bullying of another person using
digital communication methods.
Cyber-stalking: Carried out by an individual who is obsessed with someone. Digital
technologies are used to track the victim's activities.
Malware: Any software written with negative intentions.
Detected in one of two ways:
By leaving a 'trace' - virus definition or signature
Suspicious actions - 'unknown' software trying to make changes to settings
Effectiveness of anti-virus and anti-spyware depends on:
Database of signatures being as complete as possible
Database must be up to date on your computer
Frequency of use
Firewall Software:
Controls which programs can access the internet.
Windows provides basic firewall facility.
Safe E-commerce
Internet banking - how BANKS protect their clients:
Access code and own password/PIN
On-screen keypads - eliminate dangers of keyloggers
SMS notifications of online transactions
Automatic time-out of a banking session
'Per-session' passwords via SMS
Prominent warnings and safety tips on the website
Internet banking - how USERS should protect themselves:
Do not use public computers for banking.
Follow good password practices.
Never give out personal details (PIN codes, etc.).
System software must be updated.
Do not leave computer unattended.
Protect yourself against phishing.
Take note of security warnings on the bank's website.
Be alert to cell phone SIM swaps.
Safe online shopping and reservations:
Have the organization's contact information and URL.
Look for security guarantees and the return policy.
Be aware of terms and conditions.
Check payment methods and delivery details.
Keep full records of orders.
Goods outside of SA - import duties and exchange rate.
Only give credit card details - never PIN or password.
Workplace and Employment Practice
Office Automation: Centralizing and automating all tasks in the office.
Mobile Office: Laptop/smartphone/tablet + internet access = mobile office.
Virtual Office: Set of services you rent (telephone receptionist, mailing address, office space,
etc.) to reduce expenses.
Outsourcing or Decentralized Labour: Companies not limited to a local pool of workers.
Employ workers from anywhere in the world - save costs.