Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Describe desktops, laptops, tablets, and servers.
• Compare the features of these devices.
• Identify the best uses for each device.

Lesson summary

In our daily lives here in Ghana, we interact with technology constantly. We see computers in our school's ICT lab, our parents might use a laptop for work, we watch videos on tablets or phones, and when we check our BECE results online, we are using a powerful computer we cannot even see! These are all different types of computers designed for different jobs. Understanding their differences is crucial, not just for passing ICT exams, but for making smart choices about which technology to use for a task, whether it's for schoolwork, business, or entertainment. This lesson will demystify these devices, helping us become more knowledgeable digital citizens.

Lesson notes

Introduction to Computer Types The word "computer" doesn't just mean one thing. It's a general term for a device that processes information. Just like we have different types of vehicles for different purposes (a trotro for carrying many people, an Okada for navigating traffic, a cargo truck for goods), we have different types of computers for different tasks. Today, we focus on four major types: Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, and Servers. The Desktop Computer Imagine the computer in your school's ICT lab or at the local internet cafe. That is a desktop computer. It is called a "desktop" because it is designed to sit on a desk and not be moved around often. Key Components: It is made of several separate parts connected by cables: System Unit (The "Tower" or "Box"): This is the main part containing the "brain" (CPU), memory (RAM), and storage (Hard Drive). Monitor: The screen for displaying information. Keyboard: For typing. Mouse: For pointing and clicking. Key Features: Stationary: It is large, heavy, and not designed for travel. Power Dependent: It must be plugged into a wall socket to work. It has no internal battery. Powerful and Upgradable: Desktops are often more powerful than laptops for the same price. It is also easy to open the system unit to upgrade parts like the RAM or add a better graphics card. Ghanaian Context Example: The computers used by tellers at a bank like GCB or Fidelity Bank. They stay in one place all day and need to be reliable. The Laptop Computer A laptop is a portable, all-in-one computer. Many of your teachers and older siblings might use one for their work or studies. Key Components: Everything is built into one single, foldable unit: the screen, keyboard, a touchpad (which acts as a mouse), and all the internal parts (CPU, RAM, etc.). Key Features: Portable: It is lightweight and designed to be carried around in a bag. Battery Powered: It has a built-in rechargeable battery, so you can use it for several hours without plugging it in. This is very useful during power outages ("dumsor"). Convenient: The all-in-one design makes it easy to set up and use anywhere – in the library, at home, or in a classroom. Less Upgradable: It is much harder to upgrade the internal parts of a laptop compared to a desktop. Ghanaian Context Example: A university student at KNUST or UG using a laptop in their hostel to type assignments and do research online. Smart Gadgets (Focus: The Tablet) A tablet is a very portable computer that is even smaller and lighter than a laptop. Think of it as a very large smartphone. Key Components: It is essentially a single screen. The main way to interact with it is by touching the screen (touchscreen). It has a built-in battery and all its components are inside the slim body. Key Features: Highly Portable: Very thin and light, easy to hold in one hand. Touch Interface: You use your fingers to type, select, and navigate. Long Battery Life: Often has a longer battery life than laptops. App-Based: Primarily runs mobile applications ("apps") for tasks like watching videos, reading books, browsing social media, and playing games. It is not ideal for heavy tasks like video editing or complex programming. Ghanaian Context Example: A health worker in a rural clinic using a tablet to register new patients and keep track of medical records, or a family watching a movie on a tablet during a long bus journey from Accra to Tamale. The Server This is the computer most people have never seen but use every single day. A server is a very powerful computer that is not designed for a person to use directly with a keyboard and mouse. Its job is to "serve" data and services to other computers (called "clients") over a network (like the internet). Key Features: No Direct User Interface: It usually doesn't have a dedicated monitor or keyboard attached. It is managed remotely from another computer. Runs 24/7: Servers are designed to be switched on all the time and never turned off. Extremely Powerful and Reliable: They have powerful processors, a lot of RAM, and multiple hard drives to store huge amounts of information safely. Specific Purpose: A server might have one job, like hosting a website (web server), handling emails (mail server), or storing files for an entire company (file server). Ghanaian Context Example: When you use your phone to send money via MTN MoMo, your request goes to a powerful server at MTN's data centre. This server checks your balance, processes the transaction, and sends a confirmation back to your phone and the recipient's phone. The WAEC results portal is also hosted on powerful servers that handle thousands of students trying to check their results at the same time. Summary Comparison Table

| Feature | Desktop Computer | Laptop Computer | Tablet | Server | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Portability | Very low (stationary) | High (easy to carry) | Very high (fits in a small bag) | None (fixed in a data centre) | | Power Source | Mains power only | Built-in battery & mains | Built-in battery & mains | Mains power with backup (UPS) | | Primary Input | Keyboard and Mouse | Built-in keyboard & touchpad | Touchscreen | Network commands (no direct user) | | Screen | Separate Monitor | Attached, folding screen | Integrated as the main body | Usually none ("headless") | | Performance | High, easily upgradable | Good, but less powerful than a desktop for the same price | Moderate, for light tasks | Extremely high and reliable | | Typical Use | Office work, gaming, school ICT labs | Mobile work, student assignments, general use | Media consumption, reading, light tasks | Hosting websites, managing databases, running networks | | Example | Computer in an Internet Cafe | A student's personal computer | An iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab | The computer running the Ghana.gov website |

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Instructions: Let's work through these questions together as a class.

Evaluation guide

• Differentiate between desktops, laptops, smart gadge ts (tablets) , and
• servers.
• Use videos or pictures to differentiate between desktops, laptops, smart gadgets
• (tablets), and servers. Encourage learners to organise their thoughts by creating a