Basic 9 · Computing · Term Preparation
Preparing for the Term in Computing
In this topic you will review the key ideas of computer systems, productivity software and safe technology use, and prepare for digital project work this term.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Recall the components of computers and the use of software
- Explain safe and responsible use of technology
- Plan a digital project for the term
What you already know
- Computing, Basic 8
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Introduction To Computing
- Sub-strand
- Term Preparation
Introduction
This is your final year of junior high school, and the B.E.C.E. is ahead. Let us make sure that your computing foundation is strong.
1. Computer Systems in Brief
| Part | Examples | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| input | keyboard, mouse, scanner | gives data to the computer |
| processing | CPU | follows instructions |
| memory | RAM | holds data in current use |
| storage | hard disk, SSD, flash drive | keeps data long term |
| output | monitor, printer, speakers | gives results to people |
| software | operating system, apps | tells the hardware what to do |
A computer system follows the input, process, output cycle. Data goes in, instructions are carried out and results come out. Storage keeps information when the power goes off. Hardware refers to the physical parts, and software refers to the instructions. Neither is useful alone.
2. Generations of Computers
| Generation | Technology | Example |
|---|---|---|
| first | vacuum tubes | ENIAC |
| second | transistors | IBM 1401 |
| third | integrated circuits | IBM System/360 |
| fourth | microprocessors | personal computers |
| fifth | artificial intelligence | smart assistants, AI systems |
Each generation has been smaller, faster and cheaper than the one before it. This trend is continuing, and you will study what comes next in the following topic.
3. Why Computing Matters
Computing is now used in almost every job. Farmers receive weather and price information on phones. Nurses record patients' data electronically. Traders use mobile money. Banks, offices and schools rely on digital systems. Knowing how to use computers well will help you in any career. It also opens up careers in software, cybersecurity, networking and data analysis, which are growing fast in Ghana and around the world.
4. Computing in the B.E.C.E.
In the examination, you will need to show that you know facts and that you can apply them. Learn your definitions, but also practise using real software when you can. If your school has few computers, you can still learn. Share machines in turns, study the diagrams and use a phone if you have access to one. Understanding the ideas matters more than having the newest device.
New words
- hardware
- The physical parts of a computer.
- software
- Programs that tell a computer what to do.
- CPU
- The central processing unit.
- RAM
- Temporary working memory.
Summary
- A computer system takes input, processes it and gives output.
- Computers have developed through five generations.
- Computing skills are useful in all careers.
Class activity: Parts Sorting
- Write computer parts on cards.
- Sort them into input, process, storage and output.
- Explain your choices.
You need: Desktop computer, Keyboard, Mouse
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is an output device?
- A. printer
- B. keyboard
- C. scanner
- D. mouse
Show answer
Answer: printerResults.2. The fourth generation of computers used…
- A. microprocessors
- B. vacuum tubes
- C. transistors only
- D. relays
Show answer
Answer: microprocessorsGeneration.3. RAM is temporary memory.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueVolatile.4. The brain of the computer is the ______.
Show answer
Answer: CPUProcessing.5. State the difference between hardware and software.
Show answer
Answer: Hardware is the physical parts, and software is the set of instructions.Definitions.6. Give two ways that computing helps a farmer.
Show answer
Answer: It provides weather information and market prices.Application.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Introduction To Computing
- Sub-strand
- Term Preparation
Introduction
Technology gives you great power. Using it wisely protects you and those around you.
1. Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship: Using technology safely, responsibly and respectfully.
A digital citizen treats people online as they would in person. Do not post insults, spread rumours or share other people's photos without permission. Remember that what you post can stay online for a very long time, and may affect your future. Your online reputation is a digital footprint, and employers and schools may look at it one day.
2. Staying Safe Online
- Use strong passwords, and keep them private.
- Do not share personal details with strangers.
- Do not click suspicious links.
- Think before you post.
- Log out of shared computers.
- Keep your software updated.
- Tell a trusted adult if something upsets you.
Scammers often send messages claiming you have won a prize, or pretending to be from a bank or mobile money company. This is called phishing. Never share your PIN or a one-time code with anyone. Mobile money companies will not ask you for your PIN.
3. Rules for the Computer Lab
| Rule | Reason |
|---|---|
| no food or drink | prevents damage |
| clean, dry hands | protects keyboards |
| follow the teacher's instructions | protects systems |
| log off and shut down properly | prevents data loss |
| respect others' files | protects privacy |
| report faults | allows repair |
4. Planning a Digital Project
This term, your project could be a document, a slide presentation, a survey or a design for a technological solution. A good digital project starts with a clear purpose and audience. Decide what you want to say, who will read it and what tools you will use. Collect information from reliable sources, and credit them. Save your work often, in clearly named folders, and keep a backup copy on a flash drive or in cloud storage.
5. Respecting Copyright
Text, images and music on the internet usually belong to someone. Using another person's work and presenting it as your own is called plagiarism. Give credit by naming the source. Where possible, use material that is licensed for reuse, such as images on Wikimedia Commons. Ghana's Copyright Act, 2005 (Act 690) and the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843) are among the laws that protect creators and personal data.
New words
- digital footprint
- The record of what you do online.
- phishing
- Tricking people into giving away secrets.
- plagiarism
- Passing off another's work as your own.
- backup
- A spare copy of data.
Summary
- Digital citizens are safe, responsible and respectful online.
- Protect your passwords, PINs and personal data.
- Plan projects, credit sources and keep backups.
Class activity: Spot the Scam
- Read some sample messages.
- Identify the signs of a scam.
- Make a poster on what to do.
You need: Desktop computer, Keyboard, Mouse
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A spare copy of data is a…
- A. backup
- B. virus
- C. password
- D. cursor
Show answer
Answer: backupSafety.2. Tricking people into giving away secrets is…
- A. phishing
- B. printing
- C. formatting
- D. scanning
Show answer
Answer: phishingScam.3. You should share your PIN with no one.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueSecurity.4. Passing off another's work as your own is ______.
Show answer
Answer: plagiarismEthics.5. State three online safety rules.
Show answer
Answer: Use strong passwords, avoid suspicious links and do not share personal details.Any three.6. Why does a digital footprint matter?
Show answer
Answer: Posts can last a long time and may affect your reputation and future.Reputation.
Homework
- Change one weak password and write down the rule you used, not the password.