3.3 Computers
From the Specification
A computer is a machine that automatically executes sets of instructions to perform specific tasks.
Computers have evolved over time and are increasingly ubiquitous in the everyday life of people and communities.
3.3A Types of Computers
From the Specification
Mainframe, server, personal computer, tablet, smart/ mobile device, wearable computers and devices
3.3B Components of a Computer
From the Specification
Hardware
• Motherboard, central processing unit, memory, storage, graphics and sound components, power supply, input and output devices, sensors Interfaces
• User interfaces, such as graphic and haptic
Software
• Operating system software
• Software applications, apps
• Malicious software
3.3C Uses and forms of Computer Coding
From the Specification
Computer coding and programming uses specific languages and rules to communicate instructions to computers
3.3D Evolution of computing
From the Specification
• Generations in computing, for example, first to fifth generations of computing
• Moore’s law
• Emerging areas of computing, such as quantum computing
Potential News Articles
3.3A Types of Computers
Banning phones in school, the correct approach? - https://www.wired.com/story/cell-phone-bans-school/
More banning mobile phones - https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jun/03/much-easier-to-say-no-irish-town-unites-in-smartphone-ban-for-young-children
3.3B Components of a Computer
https://globalnews.ca/news/8872292/3d-printers-building-a-better-world/ - focused on peripherals
How important is storage space? - https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/sep/06/toyota-blames-factory-shutdown-in-japan-on-insufficient-disk-space
Why are printers a pain in the .... - https://www.wired.com/story/hp-ceo-ink-cartridge-hackers-dynamic-security/
3.3D Evolution of computing
Smart Clothes - https://www.lifewire.com/best-smart-clothes-4176104
Lithium batteries dangerous for the environment - https://climate360news.lmu.edu/lithium-not-as-clean-as-we-thought/
Who wins? Who loses? - https://www.freethink.com/hard-tech/smart-farm
When technology becomes old-fashioned - https://www.wired.co.uk/article/why-the-floppy-disk-just-wont-die
New standards in Computing - https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/05/25/1073606/ibm-wants-to-build-a-100000-qubit-quantum-computer
Bias in neuro research - https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jun/08/mind-reading-tech-must-include-neurodivergent-people-to-avoid-bias
Banning Mobile Phones in Schools - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mobile-phone-use-to-be-banned-in-schools-in-england?fbclid=IwAR3it7vEhUZ8ZWmTrcx-kwGGuGZQGo8ljKEB62SEDG0Ppy403ad-L8BWR3A_aem_AQCdKkggJ7QcymgIEvIHAm1Sat2RmNHdaUIOHJqBB1AP4SyeNpVgO32UpLAOL-IC2BI
Microsoft vs Apple - stage 3 - https://www.economist.com/briefing/2023/09/27/how-microsoft-could-supplant-apple-as-the-worlds-most-valuable-firm
EU Laws to curb tech giants power - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/06/eu-unveils-package-laws-curb-power-big-tech-giants
German State Ditches Microsoft for Linux - https://www.zdnet.com/article/german-state-ditches-microsoft-for-linux-and-libreoffice/