Computing Section 2 TV
Computing Section 2 TV
SECTION
2 INTRODUCTION
TO COMPUTER
HARDWARE AND
SOFTWARE
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SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
INTRODUCTION
Understanding computer hardware is crucial because it forms the foundation of all
computing processes. It helps improve system performance, troubleshoot technical
issues, and make cost-effective decisions when purchasing or upgrading hardware.
Key components such as input devices (like keyboards and sensors), output devices
(like monitors and printers), and storage devices (like hard drives and SSDs) play
essential roles in how computers interact with users and the world. Additionally,
hardware knowledge connects the digital and physical worlds, enabling the creation
and optimisation of real-world applications in areas like robotics, healthcare, and
automation. An understanding of how hardware components, including input,
output, and storage devices function, allows students to better understand how
software interacts with these physical systems, enhancing their overall understanding
of computing.
Consider how computer hardware technologies—such as input devices (like keyboards,
touchscreens, and microphones), output devices (like monitors, speakers, and printers),
and storage devices (like hard drives and cloud services)—are integral parts of your
everyday life. Think about how you use these components daily when you text on
your smartphone, listen to music, watch videos, or save files for school projects. By
reflecting on how these technologies are embedded in your routine, you can appreciate
the importance of understanding hardware and its role in connecting the digital and
physical aspects of your world.
Hardware components of a computer are various physical parts or devices that work
together to provide the necessary functionality for computing tasks.
Hardware devices are categorised into the following:
• Input devices
• Output devices
• Processing devices
• Storage devices
• Communication devices
We will now look at each of these in more detail, covering examples of each category.
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Key Ideas
• Hardware is the physical part of the computer.
• Input hardware is devices used to enter data and instructions into the computer.
• Output hardware displays the data/information.
• Storage hardware keeps the data for future use.
• Communication hardware sends and receives data and signals.
• Network refers to a collection of interconnected devices that communicate with each
other to share resources, data, and services.
• Network storage is a type of hardware that allows access to storage on a network.
• Cloud storage is a type of storage that allows access to storage in remote servers in data
centres through the Internet.
• Communication hardware facilitates data transfer between systems or devices in a
network.
• The motherboard is a circuit board of the computer. RAM slots, expansion slots, and
CPU sockets are some of the components of the CPU.
• A software is a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. It includes a broad
range of applications or programs, tools, and systems that enable the hardware to
perform specific tasks.
• A computer program is a specific set of instructions that a computer executes to perform
a particular task. A program is a subset of software, usually focused on achieving a single
function.
INPUT DEVICES
Input devices are hardware components that allow users to give data and instructions
to a computer system. They enable users to interact with the computer and provide the
necessary input for executing tasks. Here are some examples of input devices:
1. Keyboards
A keyboard is a common input device, consisting of a set of keys that allow users
to input alphanumeric characters, symbols, and commands. They facilitate the
typing text and providing commands to the computer.
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2. Mouse
The mouse is a pointing device that allows users to control the cursor on the
screen. They typically have buttons and a scroll wheel, enabling users to select
objects, navigate interfaces, and perform actions through mouse movements and
clicks. It is important to know that the plural form of mouse is “mice”.
3. Touchscreens
Touchscreens enable users to directly interact with the computer by touching
the display. They can detect and respond to finger gestures, allowing for intuitive
input methods such as tapping, swiping, or pinching. Playing a similar role to the
mouse, they are particularly popular for portable deceives where a mouse would
be impractical.
4. Scanners
Scanners are used to convert physical documents, images, or objects into digital
formats. They capture the data optically and transfer it to the computer for storage,
editing, or further processing.
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Activity 2.1
OUTPUT DEVICES
The output device displays the result of the processed data that is entered into the
computer through an input device. There are a few output devices that display output
in different ways such as text, images, hard copies, and audio or video.
They bridge the gap between digital data and human perception, letting users engage
with computer-generated information.
There are many types of output devices for processed data as text, images, or video.
Monitors and projectors allow users to view computer output on screens or project it
onto larger surfaces.
1. Monitors
Monitors allow users to view computer output on screens. There are different
types of monitors, three of which as shown in Figure 2.4.
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2. Projectors
A projector is an output device that enables the user to project the output onto a
big screen or wall. It can be connected to a computer and similar devices to project
their output onto a screen. It uses light and lenses to produce magnified texts,
images, and videos. So, it is an ideal output device to give presentations or to teach
a large number of people.
Modern projects (digital projectors) come with multiple input sources such as
Display Port (DP) and High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) ports for
newer equipment and Video Graphics Array (VGA) ports that support older
devices. Some projectors are designed to support
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as well. They can be fixed onto the ceiling, placed on a stand,
and more and are frequently used for classroom teaching, giving presentations,
home cinemas, etc.
3. Plotters
A plotter is a specialised output device used to generate high-quality, accurate,
and detailed graphics. It’s popular in fields like engineering, architecture, and
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graphic design. Unlike printers, which use ink or toner to create pictures or text
on paper, plotters can utilise a pen or marker to draw continuous lines on diverse
media such as paper, vinyl, or film.
Examples of Plotters
Pen Plotters: Pen plotters are the most classic sort of plotter, drawing continuous
lines on paper or other media using a pen or marker.
4. Printers
A printer produces hard copies/physical copies of the processed data. It enables
the user to print images, text or any other information onto the paper. Users can
pick from various printer types, such as inkjet and laser, to meet their printing
demands. Printers enable the generation of tangible copies for record-keeping,
presentations, marketing materials, and other purposes, from household to
professional settings. Printers are essential for personal and commercial use due
to their simplicity and adaptability.
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Printers vary in type. size, speed, and cost. Some printers can output in A3. Some
printers have photocopy and scan functions. Popular types of printers are laser
printers and inkjet printers.
3D printers (as shown in Figure 2.9) create three-dimensional objects by depositing
layers of material (plastic, metal, or composite) based on a digital model. They are
used in various industries, including manufacturing, prototyping, and healthcare.
Activity 2.2
1. Abdulai Joanna Fati hailed from the Northern Region of Ghana and works as
an Internet Café Manageress of DM ICT Centre at Ho. She wants to change
the old printers of the café. As a hardware specialist who studied output
devices, recommend describing to her at least three (3) things that she should
consider when buying a new printer.
2. Individually move around the computer room and write down the name of
the devices there and their categories (input or output).
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3. Upon your admission, describe how the admission officer used the various
input and output devices to help you get the hard copy of your admission
letter, prospectus and code of conduct online.
STORAGE DEVICES
These devices are essential components of a computer system that store and retrieve
data, programs, and files. They provide long-term data storage and enable users to save,
access, and manage their digital information.
When looking at storage devices, there are three considerations: capacity, speed, and
cost (how much to purchase per MB).
1. Magnetic
Magnetic storage uses a magnetisable material. Patterns of magnetisation are
then used to represent binary sequences. Magnetic storage tends to have a high
capacity at low cost. One particular downside to Magnetic storage is the lower
read speeds, typically they are relatively slow. Examples include magnetic tape
and hard disk drives.
Magnetic tape is sometimes used for backup of server computers.
Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) are the most common form of magnetic storage devices
used in computers. They use magnetic storage to store data on spinning disks
(platters) and read/write heads to access and modify data. HDD capacities typically
range from several hundred gigabytes (GB) to several terabytes (TB).
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2. Optical
Optical storage works by using laser technology to read and write data a laser.
Examining the reflection from the laser will determine whether there are pits
on the surface of the disk representing 1s, or lands representing 0s. Examples
of optical disks are CDs, DVDs. They can be used for data storage, software
installation, media playback and creating backups.
Optical disk drives are gradually being phased out in favour of faster and more
versatile storage options.
3. Flash
Flash memory is a type of non-volatile solid-state memory that stores data by
trapping electrons in tiny cells to represent ones and zeros. It retains information
even when the power is off, allowing data to be stored long-term without needing
electricity. Because it has no moving parts and can be quickly read and written,
flash memory is used in devices like USB flash drives, SSDs, and memory cards.
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Memory Cards
Memory cards are small, portable storage media commonly used in cameras,
smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices. The data can usually be read by
connecting the device with the card to the computer or removing the card from
the device and inserting it into a memory card reader connected to the computer.
They provide removable and expandable storage options and use flash memory
technology.
Popular memory card formats include Secure Digital (SD) cards, microSD cards,
Compact Flash (CF) cards, and Memory Stick.
Activity 2.3
1. Use the internet to find out about the following pair of devices/ media: HDDs
vs SDDs, HDDs vs Magnetic Tape Drives, CDs vs DVDs, USB flash drive
vs memory card. Compare these devices/media and use a table in Word to
present your work.
2. Complete the following table template (column headings: device name,
typical use(s), main features, average cost, image) and then populate as much
as possible with no online assistance. Report your result to your teacher.
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3. In groups, observe the picture of hardware devices in Figure 2.16 and answer
the questions that follow:
a. Write down the name of the devices and the category (input, output, or
storage) each falls in.
b. Match these devices with the tasks they can perform.
c. Discuss devices that can be used to perform the same tasks.
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Cloud Storage
Cloud storage refers to storing data on remote servers in data centres that are accessed
through the Internet. It offers flexible and scalable storage solutions with the convenience
of accessing data from anywhere with an internet connection. The business running
the cloud storage service manages backups and security. Nowadays, cloud storage is
used by individuals, businesses and organisations throughout the world. Cloud storage
is regularly used by users of both stand-alone and networked computers even though
they will have local storage such as a hard disk and file server respectively.
Popular cloud storage services include Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive
and Amazon S3.
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We are going to look at the two types of data centre storage systems
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Figure 2.18 Western Digital NAS Device for Home and Small Businesses.
Features of NAS
a. Centralised Storage: NAS provides a centralised location for storing and
accessing data on a network. This allows multiple users or devices to access
files, documents, and media from a single storage repository, promoting
efficiency and collaboration.
b. Easy Setup and Management: NAS systems are typically designed for easy
setup and configuration, making them accessible even to users with minimal
technical expertise. They often come with intuitive web-based interfaces or
dedicated software for managing storage, users, and permissions.
c. File Sharing and Collaboration: NAS enables seamless file sharing and
collaboration among users within a network.
d. Data Protection and Redundancy: Many NAS systems offer built-in data
protection features such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks),
which helps safeguard against data loss due to disk failures. RAID configurations
distribute data across multiple hard drives, providing redundancy and fault
tolerance.
e. Remote Access and Cloud Integration: NAS devices often support remote
access functionality, allowing users to access their files and data from anywhere
with an internet connection. Additionally, some NAS systems offer seamless
integration with cloud storage services, enabling backup, synchronisation, and
hybrid cloud deployment options.
f. Scalability: NAS systems are highly scalable, allowing users to expand storage
capacity as needed by adding additional hard drives or expanding existing
storage pools. This scalability ensures that NAS can adapt to changing storage
requirements over time, whether in a home environment or a growing business.
g. Media Streaming and Multimedia Capabilities: Many NAS devices
include built-in media server capabilities, allowing users to stream multimedia
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content such as movies, music, and photos to compatible devices within the
network. This feature is particularly popular for home entertainment systems
and multimedia sharing among family members.
h. Data Security: NAS devices typically offer robust security features to protect
stored data from unauthorised access and ensure data integrity. This includes
support for user authentication, access controls, encryption, and integration
with existing network security measures.
Figure 2.19 HP Storage Area Network System SAN, For Networking, 220V
Apart from their use in data centres, SANs are commonly used in enterprise
environments that require large-scale storage solutions and high-performance data
access. SAN uses Fibre Channels and can use Ethernet.
Network-attached storage devices and Storage Area Network devices share the same
features but the key differences are shown below.
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NAS SAN
Scalability Entry levels and NAS devices not Scalability is a major driver: its
highly scalable, High-end NAS network architecture enables
systems scale to petabytes using admins to scale performance and
clusters or scale-out nodes. capability in scale-up or scale-out
configurations.
Ease of Easier to manage: device easily plugs Requires more administration time
management into the LAN and offers a simplified than NAS.
management interface.
Price In general NAS is less expensive to SANs are more complex to manage
purchase and maintain, although a with FC6 SANs on top of the
high-end NAS will cost more than an complexity heap.
entry-level SAN
Table 2.1 Comparison table showing key differences between NAS & SAN.
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Let us watch these videos to understand the difference between NAS and SAN
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RAID configurations provide fault tolerance and data protection by distributing data
across multiple drives.
Let us watch this video to understand why RAID is important in Network Storage.
Activity 2.4
Activity 2.5
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2. Modems
Modems are devices used to modulate and demodulate digital signals into
analogue signals and vice versa. Modems allow computers to communicate over
analogue networks such as telephone lines. A modem is essential for internet
access because it receives an analogue signal from the Internet Service Provider
(ISP) and then converts it into a digital signal that work, school or home devices
can understand and vice versa.
Many modems nowadays are “all-in-one” devices that also include a router. This
integrated device is sometimes called a gateway.
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3. Routers
Routers are networking devices that connect different networks (such as the
Internet and a school network) and direct data packets between them. Data packets
are fundamental units of data transmitted over a network. They contain both the
information being transmitted and the metadata necessary for the network to
deliver them to their intended destination.
Routers analyse network addresses, determine the most efficient path for data
transmission, and forward packets accordingly.
You will need the features of both a modem and a router, integrated or not, to have
an internet connection for all of the devices in a local network (for example, your
home network).
4. Switches
Switches are devices that enable the interconnection of multiple devices within a
local network. They receive and forward data packets to their intended destination
based on their MAC (Media Access Control) addresses. A MAC address is a string
of characters that identify a device on a network. Switches provide a dedicated
connection for each device leading to enhancing network performance.
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5. Hubs
Hubs are networking devices that serve as central connection points for multiple
devices within a network. They receive incoming data and broadcast it to all
connected devices, making them less efficient than switches as bandwidth is
shared. Only the intended network device will accept the data. These are typically
not used in a modern network as they have a negative impact on the traffic on the
network.
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Activity 2.6
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Motherboard Components
Previously we looked into the world of hardware devices, exploring the important
components that make up our computers. You saw the various categories of hardware
devices. However, there is one important hardware component inside the system unit
that we did not talk about.
So, today, we are going to focus on this very important component, the motherboard.
Think of the motherboard as the heart of our computers. It’s like a central component
that helps all the different parts talk to each other and work together smoothly. It
“talks” to the other components and ensures that the each of them is working together.
Motherboard
A motherboard is an essential piece of hardware that is often referred to as the “heart”
of a computer. It is a large circuit board that holds and connects all the essential
components of a computer, allowing them to work together.
1. CPU Socket
The CPU is installed through the CPU socket onto the motherboard. A cooling
system is mounted directly on top of the CPU, dissipating heat generated by the
processor’s operation.
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The CPU (the “central” or “main” processor), often referred to as the “brain” of
the computer is a complex set of electronic circuitries that runs the computer’s
programs.
Specifications of a processor (CPU) include:
a. Clock Speed: Measured in GHz, it determines how fast the CPU can execute
instructions.
b. Number of Cores: Multicore processors can handle multiple tasks
simultaneously.
c. Cache Memory: Provides faster access to frequently used data for the CPU.
The two types of CPU sockets in use today are Pin Grid Array (PGA) and Land
Grid Array (LGA). In a PGA socket, the pins are located on the CPU, which fit
into corresponding holes in the socket on the motherboard—this type is commonly
used by AMD for their older desktop processors. In contrast, an LGA socket has
pins on the motherboard socket itself, and the CPU has flat contact points that
align with these pins—this design is typically used by Intel for their processors
and AMD for their newer processors. Both socket types serve the same purpose
of securely connecting the CPU to the motherboard while allowing for efficient
electrical communication between them.
2. RAM Slots
RAM slots are where memory modules (RAM sticks) are inserted on the
motherboard. RAM stores the program and data that the computer is currently
using, and more RAM means the computer can handle more tasks at once.
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RAM is a computer’s short-term memory where the data and programs that the
processor is currently using are stored.
Specifications of RAM include:
a. Capacity: Measured in gigabytes (GB) for desktops, laptops and smartphones,
b. Speed: Measured in MHz or MT/s (MegaTransfers per second), it affects how
fast data can be read and written to the RAM
c. Type: here are a few different types commonly in use today: Static RAM
(SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM) and
more recently Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM). The type used can
affect the speed and power consumption.
3. Expansion Slots
Expansion slots are the connection points on the motherboard where you can
add extra components like graphics cards, sound cards and WNICs (Wireless
Network Interface Controllers) to enhance the computer’s capabilities. There are
several possible options that you may come across – PCI (Peripheral Component
Interconnect) or AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port), however in modern PCs, these
have been exclusively replaced by PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect
Express) slots.
4. Chipset
The chipset is often referred to as the “glue” of the motherboard. It is basically
the electronics on the motherboard that communicate with all the connected
components. It is like a traffic police officer on the motherboard. It manages data
flow between the different parts, making sure everything works together smoothly.
5. BIOS
The BIOS (or Basic Input Output System) is software stored on a small memory
chip on the motherboard that tells the computer how to start up, perform self-
checks, and load the operating system. UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware
Interface) is a more modern solution doing the same job as a BIOS but works a bit
differently, UEFI is required to run latest operating systems such as Windows 11.
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6. Power Connectors
Power connectors on the motherboard provide electricity to all the components.
Just like a power outlet in a wall, these connectors make sure all the parts get the
power they need.
7. Storage Connectors
These connectors let you attach Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid-State Drives
(SSD) to store all your files and programs. These are a form of SATA (Serial
Advanced Technology Attachment).
8. I/O Ports
I/O ports are like the computer’s “communication points.” They include USB ports,
audio ports, Ethernet ports, and more, allowing you to connect various devices
and peripherals. Peripherals are the electronic devices (e.g. a scanner) connected
to the system unit. They expand the capabilities of the computer.
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9. Sound card
A sound card is a hardware that connects to the motherboard (via a PCIe slot) and
is responsible for handling sound received via a microphone and for producing
sound on a computer that can be heard through speakers or headphones. Many
sound cards have their own processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) which
handles audio-related tasks such as the calculations for analogue-to-digital and
digital-to-analogue conversions, relieving the load on the main processor (CPU).
Alternative to a sound card, computer sound can be handled by a designated
sound chip that is integrated into the majority of modern motherboards.
Whilst the majority of the time the GPU is a separate card, sometimes GPUs are
integrated, they are embedded in the motherboard. Some GPUs have their own
memory to store graphical data separately. Integrated GPUs are often much less
capable and are designed for allowing you to interact with the Operating System,
but are not as able to handle more complex tasks such as gaming, or 3D rendering
as well as a dedicated GPU.
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Figure 2.38 Gaming desktop having a custom liquid cooling system on the CPU.
Activity 2.7
Activity 2.8
Click on the link below and watch the online video on the various components
and features of the motherboard in the computer and answer the questions that
follow.
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Major parts & components of the Motherboard identified and explained (OLD
MOTHERBOARD)
Activity 2.9
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Activity 2.10
In your groups, observe the image of the motherboard below and identify the
components labelled 1 – 7.
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Activity 2.11
With the permission of your teacher, work with your classmates to disassemble
a non-functional computer, pointing out each component’s location and purpose
as you remove them.
Hint:
• Start by removing the side panel of the system unit.
• Identify and disconnect all cables and connectors attached to the
motherboard, drives, and other components.
• Remove any expansion cards such as graphics cards or sound cards.
• Unscrew and remove the power supply unit.
• Carefully detach the CPU cooler and remove the CPU from its socket.
• Remove the RAM sticks.
• Finally, remove the motherboard from the case.
Activity 2.12
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ii. Watch the video on how to assemble and disassemble the desktop computer.
iii. In groups, write a set of instructions based on the assembly process you saw
in the video.
Users
Application System
Utility Operating
System
User
Kernel
Interface
Application Software
Think of application software like different tools in a toolbox, each tool performing a
unique task.
In the same way, Application software are programs designed to carry out a specific
task other than one relating to the operation of the computer/device itself. Application
software is tailored to fulfil particular user needs, such as productivity, communication,
entertainment, education, and more. Examples of application software include internet
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2. Multimedia Software
Multimedia software enables users to create, edit, organise, and playback
multimedia content such as audio, video, and images. Examples include media
players (VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player), photo editing software
(Adobe Photoshop, GIMP), and video editing tools (Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie).
3. Educational Software:
Educational software is designed to support teaching and learning activities by
providing interactive tutorials, simulations, quizzes, and educational games.
Examples include learning management systems (Moodle, Canvas), educational
apps (Khan Academy, Duolingo), and digital textbooks.
Systems Software
System software serves as the foundational framework of a computer system, much
like the foundation of a building upon which bricks are laid. These bricks represent
the programs that perform specific tasks within the structured support of the system
software. System software ensures computers run smoothly by overseeing hardware
functions and serving as a foundation for running additional programs.
Systems software is the program that governs the computer system. Allowing the
computer to:
1. control the hardware, including any peripherals
2. allow application software to run
3. provide an interface for the user to interact with the computer
4. maintain the system
In essence, system software acts as an intermediary between the hardware and the
end-user applications, enabling the efficient execution of tasks and providing essential
services for the computer system to function properly.
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2. Device Drivers
A device driver is a program that controls a specific hardware device attached to a
computer. Device drivers control and facilitate communication between hardware
devices and the operating system. They relay requests for device access and actions
from the operating system and its active applications to their respective hardware
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devices. They also deliver outputs or status/messages from the hardware devices
to the operating system and thus to applications.
Devices such as keyboards modems, routers, speakers, and printers require device
drivers to operate.
Users
Hardware
Device Application
Device Operating
driver System
Figure 2.41 A device driver acts as a translator between a hardware device and the applications or operat-
ing systems that use it.
3. Utility Software
Utility Software is system software that helps to maintain the proper and smooth
functioning of a computer system. These programs assist the operating system
to manage, organise, maintain, and optimise the functioning of the computer
system.
A file compression program is an example of utility software. Other examples are
shown in Figure 2.42.
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Activity 2.13
Activity 2.14
Match the following task to their respective software and give 2 examples of
software used in each task.
A. playing music
B. word processing
C. protecting computer against viruses and malware.
D. managing the use of the computer’s memory.
E. monitors and optimises the performance and health of the hard drive
F. providing a user interface
Activity 2.15
Activity 2.16
Working with a partner, discuss when was the last time you updated your
operating system, and what improvements or changes did you notice? What is
the purpose of these updates?
Activity 2.17
Research using the internet to come up with the purpose of an operating system
that our mobile phones operate on. Present your findings to the group.
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Review Questions 2.1
1. Analyse how the introduction of SSDs has changed the performance of computers
compared to HDDs. Consider factors such as speed, durability, and energy
consumption.
2. Working in pairs, compare certain pairs of devices/media with related uses such as
HDDs vs SDDs, CDs vs DVDs, Keyboards vs Mouse, and present your comparisons
in a suitable easy-to-read format.
3. Korkuvi Musah from the Upper East has been using mobiles for games. Her auntie,
Maame Esi Appam who lived in East Legon, Accra wants to gift him a computer
for excelling well in an inter-school computing competition. With your knowledge
of computer hardware, what recommended computer specifications will you
give Korkuvi Mensah in terms of performance, display quality, and portability to
give to his auntie in purchasing a better computer to aid in his programming and
graphics design learning tasks?
4. As a student who uses smartphones, computers or any digital device to chat on
WhatsApp, Telegram or any chatting applications. Evaluate your experience of
using voice input versus a keyboard for composing a message. Consider factors
such as speed, accuracy, ease of use, and any potential challenges.
5. Daboya Community Day SHS in the North Gonja District of Savannah Region
replaced traditional computer labs with tablets using touch screens. As a hardware
expert, discuss the reasons for this change and the impact on students’ learning
and interaction in the school.
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Answers To Review Questions 2.1
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Energy Consumption
Power Efficiency:
- SSDs: Typically consume less power than HDDs because they don’t need
to spin disks or move read/write heads. This makes them more energy-
efficient, which is particularly beneficial for laptops and portable devices.
- HDDs: Higher power consumption due to the need to power the motor that
spins the disks and the actuator that moves the read/write heads.
In summary, SSDs offer substantial improvements in performance, reliability,
and energy efficiency, making them the preferred choice for modern computing
applications.
2. Comparison of the specified pairs of devices/media presented in a clear and easy-
to-read format:
HDDs vs. SSDs
Feature HDDs SSDs
Lifespan Long, but can wear out with Finite write cycles, but
physical use generally durable
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Feature CDs DVDs
Physical Size 120 mm diameter 120 mm diameter
Cost Generally cheaper Slightly more expensive
Precision High for typing and command High for pointer precision,
input gaming
Ergonomics Can be optimised with layout and Can be optimised with design
design and grip
3. For Korkuvi Mensah’s needs in programming and graphics design, the computer
should balance performance, display quality, and portability. The following are
the recommended specifications:
• Performance
- Processor (CPU):
Recommendation: Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 (latest generation)
Reason: These CPUs offer strong multi-core performance suitable for
programming and graphics design tasks.
- Memory (RAM):
Recommendation: 16GB or 32GB DDR4
Reason: 16GB is sufficient for most tasks, but 32GB is beneficial for handling
large files and multitasking.
- Storage:
Recommendation: 512GB or 1TB SSD (NVMe preferred)
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Reason: SSDs provide fast boot times and quick access to files and
applications. NVMe SSDs are faster than SATA SSDs.
- Graphics Card (GPU):
Recommendation: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 (or
higher)
Reason: A dedicated GPU is important for graphics design, rendering, and
potentially for using machine learning libraries.
• Display Quality
- Screen Size:
Recommendation: 15.6-inch or 17-inch display
Reason: Larger screens provide more real estate for design work and coding.
- Resolution:
Recommendation: Full HD (1920x1080) or 4K (3840x2160)
Reason: Full HD is the minimum for clarity, while 4K offers superior detail,
which is beneficial for graphics design.
- Colour Accuracy:
Recommendation: IPS panel with at least 100% sRGB coverage
Reason: IPS panels offer better colour accuracy and viewing angles, essential
for design work.
• Portability
- Weight:
Recommendation: 4-5 pounds (1.8-2.3 kg)
Reason: Balances performance and portability, making it easier to carry
without sacrificing too much power.
- Battery Life:
Recommendation: At least 8-10 hours of battery life
Reason: Ensures productivity on the go without frequent recharging.
- Build Quality:
Recommendation: Durable chassis (metal or high-quality plastic) with good
thermal management.
Reason: Ensures the laptop can withstand daily use and maintain
performance without overheating.
• Additional Considerations
- Operating System:
Recommendation: Windows 11 or macOS (depending on preference and
software compatibility)
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Reason: Both operating systems have strong support for programming and
graphics design tools.
- Ports:
Recommendation: USB-C, USB-A, DP, HDMI, and SD card reader
Reason: Ensures compatibility with various peripherals and external
displays.
- Keyboard and Trackpad:
Recommendation: Comfortable keyboard with good travel and a responsive
trackpad
Reason: Enhances typing and navigation experience, crucial for long hours
of work.
Recommended Models
• Dell XPS 15: Known for its performance, excellent display, and build quality.
• MacBook Pro 16-inch: Offers great performance, display quality, and is
popular among designers.
• HP Spectre x360 15: Versatile with strong performance, good display, and
2-in-1 functionality.
• ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15: High performance with gaming-grade hardware
suitable for intensive graphics tasks.
4.
Voice Input:
- Speed: Generally, faster for short messages.
- Accuracy: Depends on the clarity of speech and background noise; may
require corrections.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive and hands-free but requires quiet environments.
- Challenges: Misinterpretation of words, punctuation issues, privacy
concerns.
Keyboard:
- Speed: Can be fast for experienced typists, and slower for beginners.
- Accuracy: High accuracy with practice, easier to correct mistakes.
- Ease of Use: Familiar to most users, can be tiring over long periods.
- Challenges: Requires physical interaction, potential for repetitive strain
injuries.
5.
Reasons for Change:
- The portability of tablets allows for flexible learning environments.
- Intuitive touch interfaces can engage younger students.
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- Reduced maintenance compared to traditional computer setups.
Impact on Learning and Interaction:
- Positive: Increased engagement and interactivity, more collaborative
learning opportunities, and access to a wide range of educational apps.
- Negative: Potential for distraction, difficulties in typing long documents,
screen time concerns.
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Review Questions 2.2
1. Apart from a transmission medium, either wired or wireless, identify two other
hardware components that are required to connect a computer to a LAN.
2. Evaluate the benefits of using a SAN over a direct-attached storage for a large
enterprise. Consider aspects such as scalability and performance.
3. You have been sent to the headmaster’s office. You realise there is a router in his
office network. Identify the primary function of the router. How does it differ from
the role of a switch?
4. One advantage of RAID systems is fault tolerance.
a. Explain what this means.
b. State another advantage of a RAID system.
5. Describe the requirements to set up a network in a small office with four workers.
Include as many technical specifications as you can. A drawing showing a possible
positioning of the hardware items within the office.
Guidelines:
i. Get a manila card, your pencil, ruler, eraser
ii. Represent the office and the various hardware components using shapes, such
as circle, rectangle, triangle, square, etc, and label them.
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Answers To Review Questions 2.2
1. Network Interface Card (NIC): This hardware component allows the computer to
connect to the network. It can be integrated into the motherboard or come as
an expansion card that you can install. For wired connections, it’s typically an
Ethernet card, while for wireless connections, it would be a Wi-Fi adapter.
Router or Switch: A router connects multiple networks together and directs traffic
between them, often providing connectivity to the internet. A switch, on the
other hand, connects multiple devices within the same network, allowing them
to communicate with each other. Both are essential for managing data traffic and
ensuring smooth communication between devices on the network.
2. SAN offers better scalability and performance, allowing for centralised storage
management and access by multiple servers, which is more efficient for large
enterprises with extensive data storage and access requirements.
3. A router directs data packets between different networks (e.g., a home network
and the internet), while a switch connects devices within the same network to
enable communication.
4.
a. Fault tolerance refers to the capability of a RAID (Redundant Array of
Independent Disks) system to continue functioning even when one or more of
its disk drives fail. This is achieved through redundancy, where data is duplicated
across multiple disks. In case of a drive failure, the system can reconstruct the
lost data from the remaining disks, ensuring that the data remains accessible,
and the system remains operational without any interruption.
b. Another advantage of the RAID system is improving performance. RAID
systems can enhance data read and write speeds by distributing data across
multiple disks. This is particularly true for RAID levels like RAID 0 and RAID 5,
where data is striped across disks. With multiple disks working in parallel, data
can be read from and written to multiple drives simultaneously, significantly
improving the overall performance compared to a single disk setup.
5. A suitable setup would include a NAS for centralised file storage and backup. A
router for connecting the network to the internet and providing firewall security,
and WAPs to offer wireless access throughout the office. This setup ensures data
accessibility, internet connectivity, and flexibility for office layout changes.
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Review Questions 2.3
1. Kofi Musah is not convinced that the motherboard is necessary in the computer
system. As a friend, how would you convince him to understand why it is necessary
to have a motherboard in the computer system?
2. Identify at most five components of the motherboard from the photo gallery and
write the names in your exercise books.
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Answers To Review Questions 2.3
49
Review Questions 2.4
1. Identify two types of software that you use for different purposes in your daily life?
2. How does software, like the apps on your phone or the programs on your computer,
help you in your daily activities?
3. Which category of software does an operating system belong to, and how does it
control your computer’s functions?
4. You are tasked with creating a budget for your department. Which type of software
would you most likely use
A. System software
B. Utility software
C. Application software
D. Firmware
5. If you are using a software program to perform a specific task like writing a report
or creating a presentation, what type of software are you using?
A. System software
B. Utility software
C. Application software
D. Driver software
6. Name four examples of software tools that help you manage and optimize your
computer’s performance.
7. Explain how device drivers facilitate communication between the operating
system and hardware devices. Provide an example to support your explanation.
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Answers To Review Questions 2.4
51
SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
EXTENDED READING
1. Thomas Eli Yaw Miheso who hailed from Denu, in the Volta Region was given
a task to perform in computing when he was taught hardware. He is to create a
report on assistive technology, describing at least three assistive devices and their
benefits. (Examples include a screen reader, a braille keyboard and a head mouse).
Kindly help him with this assignment and present the result to your facilitator for
feedback.
2. Kindly watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQaWQoWeU30
for more clarification on computer hardware.
3. Joyce Mawusi Sarkpoh is a computing madam for the Academy of Christ the
King SHS, Cape Coast and has tasked her students to draw diagrams and write
annotations that explain what their gadget does. The annotations should clearly
identify all input, output and storage devices/media included in their design. As a
student, of your current school, perform the task given by the madam and present
the result to your facilitator.
4. Research on emerging input device technologies (e.g., brain-computer interfaces,
gesture recognition). Present a report on how these technologies work, their
potential applications, and the challenges they face.
5. Click the links below to read more on NAS Storage and its features https://medium.
com/@frankd228801/a-complete-guide-nas-storage-its-features-5b937dc358ed
https://www.westerndigital.com/solutions/network-attached-storage
https://stonefly.com/blog/network-attached-storage-appliance-practicality-and-
usage/
6. Click on the link below to watch a video on NAS and SAN https://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=bliqVybiEV4
7. Click on the link below to watch a video on how to build a NAS server
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LqFY5yymKQ
8. Investigate the reasons behind the use of heat sinks and thermal paste on a
motherboard, particularly around the CPU and chipset.
9. Imagine you are responsible for building the school team, where each player has
their unique powers and abilities. Think of the motherboard as the pitch where
your team plays, and each component, like RAM, graphics cards, and other
devices, as the players. Now, just like how some players work better together than
others, the components of your computer need to be compatible to ensure your
computer runs smoothly and efficiently.
For example, if you put different types of RAM into the computer, it’s like having
players who don’t get along well; they might not work together as effectively,
causing your team to slow down or encounter problems. Similarly, adding too many
players to a team without considering their compatibility is like overcrowding the
team with heroes, which can lead to chaos and reduce the overall efficiency of
your team.
52
SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
REFERENCES
Appiah O. K., Birbal R., Taylor M. (2008). ICT for Senior High Schools, Students’ Book.
Sedco Publishing Limited, pg. 38 - 40.
Black Box. (n.d.). Fast Ethernet (100-Mbps) Network Interface Card - PCIE, 100BASE-
FX, SC. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.blackbox.com/enca/store/
product/detail/Fast-Ethernet-100-Mbps-Network-Interface-Card-PCIE-100BASE-FX-
SC/LH1390C-SC-R2
ComNetwork16. (2016). Utility Software. https://comnetwork16.blogspot.
com/2016/04/utility-software.html
GeeksforGeeks. (2023). History of Operating Systems. Retrieved from https://www.
geeksforgeeks.org/evolution-of-operating-system/
Gupta, D. (2021). Why does a PC need a Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS or Linux
OS? TechUnwrapped. https://techunwrapped.com/why-does-apc-need-a-microsoft-
windows-apple-macos-or-linux-os/
Maier, T. (2011). ATX Power connectors 24pin 8pin 4pin Motherboard.jpg. Wikimedia
Commons retrieved from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ATX_Power_
connectors_24pin_8pin_4pin_Motherboard.jpg
MoE (2023). Computing Curriculum for Secondary Education (SHS 1 - 3), pg. 36.
MoE (2023). Computing Teacher Manual (Year One - Book One). Pages 66 – 74
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SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
Servers Direct. (n.d.). TP-Link AC1750 N300 300Mbps Wireless Router. Retrieved
March 18, 2024, from https://www.serversdirect.co.uk/p/556629/tp-link-ac1750-
wireless-n300-300mbps-wireless-n-router
Tahir. (2024). History of Operating Systems. News4Hackers. https://www.news4hackers.
com/history-of-operating-system
Tyson, J. (2000). How BIOS works. HowStuffWorks. Retrieved March 10, 2024, from
https://computer.howstuffworks.com/bios.htm
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SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
List of Contributors
Name Institution
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