Hardware Devices Flashcards

(60 cards)

1
Q

Input

A

The process of entering data into a computer using devices like keyboard

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2
Q

Processing

A

A collection of steps,decisions and calculations taken to convet data into information

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3
Q

Storage

A

Is where data and software and even output results ate kept when the computer is not busy with that specific task or when the computer is switched off

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4
Q

Communication in the information processing cycle

A

The transfer of data or information between devices often through networks or the internet

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5
Q

Advantages of a keyboard as an input device

A

The fastest way to enter text especially for someone who can type quickly and accurately

Easy to learn and use

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6
Q

Limitations of using keyboards

A

It was not designed to be used with an GUI interface

Some users,like people with disabilities or people who suffer from arthritis, can find it difficult to use

Takes up space,especially when used with mobile devices,which is why many devices now make use of on-screen keyboards

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7
Q

What ergonomic features should you consider when buying a keyboard?

A

Wrist rest support
Softer key presses
Split or angled keyboards

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8
Q

What ergonomic features should you consider when buying a mouse?

A

Shape and grip to reduce strain

Position and angle allowing natural wrist position

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9
Q

Troubleshooting

A

Troubleshooting is the process of finding, diagnosing, and fixing problems or faults in a computer or device

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10
Q

What can you do if a wired keyboard is not responding?

A

Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard.

Try a different USB port.
Reboot the computer.

If still not working, replace the keyboard or test another keyboard to pinpoint the problem.

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11
Q

What can you do if a wireless keyboard is not responding?

A

Replace the batteries.

Remove and reinsert the USB dongle.

Try a different USB port.

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12
Q

What causes sticky keys and how can you fix them?

A

Problem: Keys don’t pop back up quickly or easily.

Solution:
Switch off the computer.

Unplug the keyboard.

Clean with a damp cloth or small brush

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13
Q

What is a mouse commonly used for?

A

A mouse is used to interact with graphic elements on a GUI and to give commands by clicking, double-clicking, dragging, and scrolling.

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14
Q

Advantages of a mouse

A

Is an easy to learn devices and provides an effective way to interact with graphical elements on the screen

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15
Q

Disadvantages of using a mouse

A

Requires a suitable clear surface area on which a mouse can be used

An entry level mouse is generally not very precise or accurate when used for creating or editing graphics

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16
Q

Sticky mouse problem

A

Problem : cursor movement is erratic or unresponsive

Solution:

Clean the mouse

Check the mouse pad for smoothness

Replace battery if wireless

Verify USB/connection port is secure

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17
Q

Mouse not responding

A

Wireless mouse:

Replace the batteries.

Remove and reinsert the USB dongle, possibly in a different port.

Wired mouse:

Disconnect and reconnect the mouse.

Try a different port.

General solution:
Reboot the computer if the problem persists.

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18
Q

What are the limitations of touchscreens?

A

Some touchscreens need extra pressure and may seem unresponsive

Quality depends on the operating system being used

Not easy for certain tasks, e.g., entering large amounts of text

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19
Q

What are the advantages of touchscreens?

A

Serves as both a mouse and a keyboard

Allows natural input, such as drawing and gestures

Enables intuitive interactions (e.g., swiping, pinching, expanding)

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20
Q

What are the limitations of a touchpad?

A

Less accurate and precise than a mouse, especially for drawing

Some users find drag-and-drop difficult due to limited size

Cannot be repositioned relative to the screen for greater comfort or ease of use

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21
Q

What are the advantages of a touchpad?

A

Built into the device, so the user does not need to carry an extra device like a mouse

Allows actions normally done with a mouse without needing a desk or extra surface (even when standing or using the laptop on the lap)

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22
Q

How can human input devices lead to inaccurate or invalid data?

A

People make mistakes when entering data.

Inaccurate or invalid data requires manual checking or software validation.

Tools to help accuracy: input masks, drop-down lists, date pickers, etc.

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23
Q

What are the security risks associated with human input devices?

A

Keyloggers: Software that records every key pressed and can track mouse activity.

Spyware: Software installed to monitor user activity without permission.

Trojans: Hidden keyloggers inside seemingly useful software (e.g., screensavers).

All of these are types of malware.

Risk: Passwords and personal information can be stolen.

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24
Q

OCR software

A

Software that is used to convert scanned images of text into text that can be edited in a word processor

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25
How do scanners help in office automation?
Digital copies save office space compared to paper files. Scanned copies can be emailed directly instead of faxing, posting, or courier. Older documents (e.g., accounts, payments) can be archived digitally
26
What are the advantages of using a scanner?
Convert documents into digital format for storage. Convert old photos and preserve documents for the long term. Environmentally friendly: reduces paper and ink/toner use.
27
What are the limitations of scanners?
Quality depends on the original document or image Dirt, fingerprints, or dust can affect scanned images Flatbed scanners are best for single pages, making books harder to scan.
28
What are common scanner problems and how can they be fixed?
1.Errors in image size or quality / distorted or incomplete scans: Check scanning software settings Check resolution Look for jammed paper or obstructions 2. Non-responsive scanner: Make sure is switched on Check USB connection Ensure lock switch is off Restart scanner and computer
29
What are the limitations of digital cameras?
Photos can be lost if storage device is damaged or stolen Quality depends on the camera: Small/cheap cameras → limited image quality and fewer features High-end DSLR → few limitations
30
What are the advantages of digital cameras?
Photos are already digital, no need to scan Easy to share, especially with smartphones (auto-upload to apps like Instagram/Facebook) Geo-tagging: photos can include location coordinates if camera has GPS
31
What factors should you consider when buying a webcam?
Resolution: Higher → clearer images Sensor size: Larger → better quality ISO rating: Higher → works better in low-light Connectivity: USB or wireless Cost
32
What factors should you consider when buying a digital camera?
Resolution (Megapixels): Higher → clearer/better images Sensor size: Higher → captures more light → better quality ISO ratings: Higher → shoot in low-light without much noise Lens options: Fixed lens (point-and-shoot): simple, compact, less versatile Interchangeable lens (DSLR/mirrorless): more flexible focal length Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC Cost
33
What are the advantages of webcams?
Small Often built into laptops (“integrated”) Allow video calls to see the person you are talking to
34
What are the limitations of webcams?
Low resolution → poor image quality Cannot be used as general-purpose cameras; need to be connected to an ICT device
35
How do you troubleshoot a webcam?
Check if it is plugged in properly, switched on, or selected in the software Use webcam software or OS utilities to test and troubleshoot functionality
36
How do you troubleshoot common monitor problems?
Bad colours / too bright or dim → adjust brightness & contrast Stretched or blocky image → change resolution Strange colour tint → check or replace cable No display → check power, cables, computer
37
Why is refresh rate important?
Low refresh rates cause ghosting, especially in fast-moving content like games or movies. Higher refresh rates give smoother and clearer motion.
38
What factors affect image quality on a monitor?
Colour depth: Number of bits used per pixel; higher is better (e.g. 24-bit > 16-bit) Pixel density (DPI/PPI): More pixels per line = clearer, crisper display Refresh rate: How often the screen refreshes; higher reduces ghosting Contrast ratio: Difference between darkest black and brightest white; low contrast causes dull, muddy images
39
What is screen resolution?
Screen resolution is the number of pixels on a display, given as horizontal pixels × vertical pixels
40
What is aspect ratio?
Aspect ratio is the relationship between the width and height of a display.
41
Laser Printers advantages and disadvantages
Advantages Fast printing speed High-quality text Ideal for high volumes of printing Low running costs Limitations Not the best for high-quality colour photos Toner sits on top of the paper, so it can wear off if the paper is folded or scraped
42
Inkjet Printers advantages and disadvantages
Advantages Cheaper to buy than laser printers Can print in colour Best quality photo printing (with photo paper) Limitations Higher running costs than laser printers Slower printing speeds Ink spreads on normal paper, making images look softer or blurry Photo paper is expensive
43
Dot Matrix Printers advantages and disadvantages
Advantages Cheap to buy Very low running costs (uses ribbon) Can print carbon copies Limitations Very low print quality Noisy Not suitable for high-quality printing
44
Environmental considerations when it comes to printing
Print on both sides of the paper or print multiple pages per sheet Use lower print resolution to save ink/toner Recycle old printers and ink/toner cartridges Printers and cartridges contain harmful chemicals and should not be thrown in regular trash
45
What should you consider about cost and paper when buying a printer?
Cost per page: Average cost for ~5% page coverage; affects running costs Paper type: Laser: toner doesn’t bond well with rough surfaces Inkjet: ink can spread on absorbent paper Special photo paper improves quality for high-quality prints Paper size: Most printers take A4; some support A3
46
Printing issues solutions
Ensure the printer is switched on and properly connected Check the printer queue and clear stuck print jobs Refill paper and ink/toner Clean printer heads Remove paper jams and reload paper correctly
47
What should you consider about system compatibility and connectivity when buying a printer?
System compatibility: Printer must have drivers for your OS (Windows/macOS; Linux may vary) Connectivity: Wireless → printer joins network for all devices Bluetooth → mobile devices can print directly Wired/Ethernet → all devices on network can print
48
What should you consider about mobility and speed when buying a printer?
Mobility: Printers usually fixed; mobile printers exist but sacrifice quality, speed, and paper size Speed: Measured in pages per minute (ppm); based on ~5% page coverage
49
What should you consider about colour and resolution when buying a printer?
Colour: CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) Separate cartridges are better → replace only the empty colour Resolution: Measured in dpi Standard text: 300 dpi sufficient High-quality graphics/photos: higher dpi + special paper High dpi uses more ink/toner → higher cost
50
What are the advantages of 3D printing?
Can print prototypes to test designs cheaply and quickly Enables custom parts to be produced affordably
51
What are the limitations of 3D printing?
Printers and materials can be expensive Can be slow, noisy, smelly (e.g. melting plastic) Requires careful configuration and control to work well
52
What is a cellular modem
A cellular modem is a device that lets your computer or other devices connect to the internet using a mobile (cellular) network instead of WiFi or a cable.
53
What are the advantages and limitations of data projectors?
Advantages: Large groups can view displays, presentations, or movies at once Limitations: Resolution not as high as quality monitors Lower contrast ratios → muddier images, lower contour quality
54
What are the limitations of hard drives?
Easily damaged if dropped or bumped Mechanical parts → slower than RAM, faster than optical media
55
What is an SSD and what are its advantages?
Much faster than mechanical hard drives No moving parts → more durable, less easily damaged if dropped/moved Energy-efficient, quiet, durable
56
What are the advantages of ADSL and fibre routers?
ADSL: can use internet and phone line at the same time Built-in switch → connect multiple wired devices WiFi → connects multiple devices wirelessly at home Multifunction: ADSL router also acts as a modem
57
What are the limitations of ADSL and fibre routers?
Require physical cables, so only work where the infrastructure exists → mostly urban areas ADSL cables can be stolen (copper theft in South Africa) Fibre cables: less theft risk, still need physical connection
58
What is virtual reality (VR)
VR: computer creates a whole new world for user to experience
59
What are the limitations of virtual reality?
Expensive Small lag between head movement and display update → can cause headaches or motion sickness
60
What is augmented reality (AR)
AR: adds computer-generated images/objects to your view of the real world