Hardware

Objectives. By the end of this lesson you can:

• Describe the four stages of the information processing cycle and give an example of each.
• Sort any component into input, processing, storage or output and defend the decision.
• Name six categories of input device and state what kind of data each captures.
• Explain why some devices belong to two categories at once.

Instructional content. 8 slides with speaker notes, plus a printable handout — The information processing cycle (which used to sit in Topic 01 and belongs here) · Every component does one of four jobs · Getting data in.

Objectives. By the end of this lesson you can:

• Compare monitors and projectors on the specifications that actually matter.
• Choose between inkjet and laser for a stated purpose and justify the cost per page.
• Distinguish softcopy from hardcopy output.
• Compare HDD, SSD, flash and cloud storage on speed, cost, capacity and durability.
• Order the capacity units and estimate the storage a given set of files needs.

Instructional content. 9 slides with speaker notes, plus a printable handout — Getting results out · The processor and its workbench · Where files actually live · How much storage does that actually need?

Objectives. By the end of this lesson you can:

• Identify the common ports and say what each carries: USB, HDMI, Ethernet, audio, power.
• Diagnose why a connected device is not recognised, and name the usual culprit.
• Describe four ergonomic and health measures for extended computer use.
• Explain why e-waste cannot go in a household bin, and what to do before disposal.
• Compare three authentication methods — something you know, something you have, something you are — and state one weakness of each.
• Explain what two-factor authentication adds, and why a password alone no longer suffices.

Instructional content. 11 slides with speaker notes — What holds it all together · When a device is not recognised · Working safely at a computer (which used to sit in Topic 01) · Looking after it, and letting it go · Three ways to prove who you are · Two-factor authentication.

40 marks. This Checkpoint assesses Lessons 1–3 together, not only the last lesson. The lesson activities above are formative and carry no marks; the marks for this topic are all here.

• Revision challenge — branching scenarios with immediate feedback. Not marked, retake it as often as you like.
• Knowledge check — 10 marks. Unlimited attempts, best attempt counts, feedback after every answer during the attempt.
• Marked task — 30 marks, with a due date that is already in your calendar.

The marked task covers the whole topic: three real machines compared on processor, RAM, storage type and monitor, one recommended with the trade-off named, plus a short section on how you would secure the machine and eventually dispose of it. The extension quiz is optional and carries no marks.

Feedback. Automatic per-answer feedback in the quiz; written feedback on the marked task within five school days.