ICT in the Workplace

ICT in the Workplace

• ICT impacts daily life through employment, media consumption, online activities, and communication..
• Near-field communication (NFC) enables wireless communication between devices in close proximity.
• NFC facilitates contactless payment systems.
• The ubiquity of ICT means individuals are constantly available through various communication platforms, leading to potential burnout.
• ICT provides access to vast amounts of information through TV, radio, podcasts, vodcasts, SMS, the internet, email, and other sources.
• ICT influences leisure activities through movies, music, printed media, video on demand, internet TV, online travel bookings, online gaming, and fitness programs.
• ICT plays a critical role in the workplace by enabling remote work, effective communication, data storage and processing, identification of trends, and automation of dangerous tasks.
• ICT requires constant upgrading of skills to keep pace with technological advancements.
• ICT can lead to smaller pools of highly skilled workers replacing larger workforces.
• ICT employees often work longer hours to meet customer expectations.

The Value of CAT

• The CAT curriculum teaches learners to use computers to solve problems, conduct research, and learn new software.
• The skills acquired in CAT are applicable across various fields, including accounting, healthcare, photography, film editing, social media, and more.
• Individuals with proficiency in ICT are highly sought after as they can efficiently source, process, and present information.

Information Processing Cycle

• The information processing cycle consists of input, processing, output, and storage.
• Computers are multipurpose electronic devices that can be portable.
• Types of computers: servers, desktops, laptops, notebooks, tablets, smartphones.
• Portable computers are powered by batteries and use miniaturized components for low energy consumption.
• Portable computers have power settings that allow users to customize battery usage and performance.
• Tablets are portable computers with touch or pen-sensitive screens.
• Smartphones have large color screens, operating systems, and various technologies.
• Microcontrollers are integrated circuits that perform specific functions in embedded systems.
• Microcontrollers are found in household appliances, controlling operations and communicating with peripherals.

Computer Components and Peripherals

• Servers are central computers in a network that store data and programs and provide services to clients.
• Clients are computers that use services provided by a server.
• Dedicated devices perform a single specific function.
• Wearable computers resemble wristwatches or eyeglasses and can perform actions like answering calls, reading messages, and listening to music.
• Wearable computers often have sensors to monitor health metrics such as heart rate, steps, and sleep patterns.
• The motherboard is the main circuit board in a computer, connecting peripherals and housing expansion slots and ports.
• Expansion slots provide additional functionality to the motherboard.
• Ports are external connections on the back of the computer that allow users to connect external devices.
• SATA ports are used to connect storage devices to the motherboard.
• SATA devices are hot swappable, meaning they can be connected or disconnected without shutting down the computer.

Information Protection

• Theft of hardware involves the loss of both the device and data stored on it.
• Data stored on devices can be more valuable than the hardware itself.
• Data stored on portable devices, such as smartphones and flash drives, should be regularly backed up.

Protecting Hardware

• Recording serial numbers of hardware helps in identifying stolen equipment.
• Police often request serial numbers to assist in recovery efforts.
• Serial numbers can be used to trace stolen equipment at scrapyards or pawn shops.
• Using cable locks to chain equipment to a fixed object is an effective method for securing hardware.
• Lockable cabinets with ventilation enhance security by providing a secure and ventilated environment.
• Motion sensors with alarms act as a deterrent and provide an alert system for unauthorized access.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

• A UPS is a device that provides backup power during power outages.
• UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply.
• It relies on a battery that is charged by the main power source, typically Eskom.
• The UPS provides enough power to save data and shut down the computer during power outages.
• Typical UPS runtime is around 15-20 minutes or half an hour, sufficient for safe shutdown.
• Unlike portable power stations or larger power equipment, a UPS is designed for short-term backup.