Unit 7 · Hardware & Software
The physical components of a computer and the programs that make it work.
What is hardware?
▼HARDWARE
The physical components of a computer — everything you can touch, such as the processor, memory cards, keyboard and monitor.
The parts of a computer
▼CPU / Processor
The "brain" of the computer. Executes instructions at millions of operations per second. Measured in GHz.
Motherboard
The main component that connects everything together. Has slots for RAM, graphics cards and other components.
RAM
Fast-access memory. Stores data temporarily while the computer is on. Measured in GB.
Hard Drive / SSD
Stores data permanently. SSDs are much faster than traditional HDDs.
GPU / Graphics card
Processes images and video. Essential for gaming and design. Can be integrated or dedicated.
Power Supply
Converts mains electricity (AC) into the direct current (DC) that internal components need.
The best-known processor brands are Intel and AMD.
🔌 Key ports and connectors on the motherboard
What is software?
▼SOFTWARE
The programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do. Without software, a computer cannot function.
| Type of software | What is it? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Controls the hardware and lets you run other programs. | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Application software | Programs designed for specific user tasks. | Word, Chrome, Spotify, Minecraft |
| Free / open-source | You can use, modify and share it for free. | Linux, LibreOffice, VLC |
| Proprietary | You need to pay or get permission to use it. | Windows, Microsoft Office, Photoshop |
| Freeware | Free to use but you cannot modify it. | Zoom (basic), Skype |
Working with Windows
▼Windows is the most widely used PC operating system in the world. It has a graphical interface with a desktop, icons and windows.
Desktop
The main screen with icons and shortcuts to your programs.
Taskbar
At the bottom of the screen. Shows open programs and the Start menu.
File Explorer
The file and folder manager of the system.
Control Panel / Settings
To configure the system: updates, users, network, etc.
Ctrl+C copy · Ctrl+V paste · Ctrl+Z undo · Win+D show desktop · Alt+F4 close window
What is Linux?
▼Linux / GNU·Linux
A free and open-source operating system. Anyone can use, improve and share it freely. There are many versions (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora...). It's also used on servers and supercomputers.
When you start Linux, the first thing you see is the desktop. The launcher bar gives quick access to applications. You can even run it from a USB stick without installing it (LiveCD).
Operating systems for smartphones and tablets
▼| System | Company | App store | Open source? |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS | Apple (iPhone, iPad) | App Store | No |
| Android | Google (based on Linux) | Google Play | Yes |
Installing programs
▼Search for the app in an official store (App Store, Google Play, Microsoft Store) or on the developer's official website.
Download the installer. Always check that the source is trustworthy before running it.
Run the installer and follow the steps. Read the permissions the app asks for carefully.
The app will appear on your desktop or menu. Keep it updated to get the latest security patches.
Emerging Technologies & Sustainability: Recycle your e-waste
▼When an electrical or electronic device stops working, it becomes electronic waste (e-waste / WEEE).
Collection and storage — safe gathering of electronic waste.
Transport — taking it to a specialist recycling facility.
Processing — separating valuable metals and recyclable materials.
🖥️ Practical Activities · Unit 7
Compare computers online
Visit an online shop (Amazon, Currys, etc.). Find two computers from different categories. Note and compare: processor, RAM, storage and price. Which would you buy and why?
Explore your device
On the iPad or classroom PC, find out how much RAM it has, what processor it uses and how much free storage is left.
Component map
Draw a diagram of a motherboard and label where these go: CPU, RAM, GPU, SSD and connectors. You can use Google Slides or paper.
Find your nearest recycling point
Use Google Maps to find the nearest electronics recycling centre to your home. How long does it take to get there from school?
Computer architecture presentation
Prepare a Google Slides presentation covering at least 5 hardware components. For each one include: a photo, its function and when you would need to upgrade it.
📝 Quiz · Unit 7 — Hardware & Software
1. What is computer hardware?
2. Which of these is NOT a component found on the motherboard?
3. Linux is an operating system that is...
4. What type of software is Microsoft Windows?
5. The official store for installing apps on Android is called:
Unit 8 · The Internet & Cybersecurity
Networks, browsing, finding information and how to stay safe in the digital world.
What is a communication system?
▼COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
A set of actions and devices that allow two or more people to connect and communicate with each other.
Every communication system has four elements:
Interlocutors
The people (or machines) taking part in the communication.
Messages
The content being communicated (text, image, audio, video…)
Medium / Channel
The tool used to communicate (phone, Wi-Fi, cable…)
Code
The system of signs used to understand each other (language, protocol…)
Components of a computer network
▼COMPUTER NETWORK
A set of two or more interconnected computers that can share resources (files, printers, internet…). When there is a central computer managing the network, it is called a server.
📐 Network topologies (ways to connect)
The Internet
▼THE INTERNET
The network of networks. A global infrastructure that connects millions of networks and computers worldwide using common protocols (such as TCP/IP).
WWW (World Wide Web)
The web-page service that runs on top of the Internet. It is NOT the same as the Internet itself.
A service to send and receive messages. Uses protocols such as SMTP and IMAP.
Cloud
Storage and services on remote servers that you access over the internet (Google Drive, OneDrive…).
Streaming
Watching or listening to content in real time without downloading it (YouTube, Spotify, Netflix…).
Browsing the web
▼Browser
A program for viewing web pages: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge…
URL
The unique address of a web page. E.g. https://www.google.com
HTTP / HTTPS
Web communication protocol. HTTPS is the secure (encrypted) version. Look for the 🔒 padlock icon.
Domain
The name of a website. E.g. google.com — .uk domains are British.
Cookies
Small files that websites save in your browser to remember you and your preferences.
Browser history
A record of the pages you have visited. You can clear it for more privacy.
Finding information on the Internet
▼SEARCH ENGINE
A website with a database of millions of pages. You type keywords and it shows results ranked by relevance. The most widely used is Google.
🎯 Tips for better Google searches
Use specific keywords. Avoid articles and prepositions. E.g. "France capital" instead of "What is the capital of France?"
Use quotation marks for an exact phrase: "climate change"
Use Google's Advanced Search to filter by date, language or file type.
Cross-check information across multiple sources. Don't rely on only the first result.
Publishing on the Internet (CMS)
▼A CMS (Content Management System) is a tool that lets you create and manage content on the internet without knowing how to code.
WordPress
The world's most popular CMS. Used for blogs and full websites.
Blogger
By Google. Free and simple for creating blogs.
Joomla / Prestashop
For more complex websites or online shops.
The use of images on the Internet
▼| Licence type | Can I use it? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Copyright | Not without permission | Only with the author's authorisation |
| Creative Commons | Yes (with conditions) | Depends on the type (CC-BY, CC-NC…) |
| Public domain | Yes, freely | No restrictions at all |
Netiquette: good manners on the Internet
▼NETIQUETTE
A set of rules for polite and respectful behaviour on the internet and in digital communications.
✅ Good practice
Greet people, use respectful language, don't write in ALL CAPS (= shouting), cite your sources.
❌ Bad practice
Insulting, spamming, sharing private content without permission, impersonating others.
Using the Internet safely 🔒
▼There are three types of security problems on the Internet:
Computer security — Protecting systems and networks from attacks and data theft.
Information security — Preventing unauthorised people from accessing, revealing or deleting data.
Personal security — Protecting ourselves as users: personal data, passwords, online activity.
🛡️ 5 rules to protect yourself online
1. Configure your devices
Use antivirus software, keep the OS updated, create separate user accounts.
2. Secure connections
Protect your Wi-Fi with a strong password. Avoid public networks for sensitive tasks.
3. Protect your information
Set privacy settings on social media. Back up your data regularly.
4. Strong passwords
Use a different password for each service. Make it long and include symbols.
5. Use common sense
Don't share personal data with strangers. Be suspicious of offers that seem too good to be true.
☠️ The most common online threats
| Threat | What does it do? | How to prevent it? |
|---|---|---|
| Virus / Malware | Installs itself without permission and damages the system or steals data. | Updated antivirus, don't download from suspicious sources. |
| Phishing | A fake email or website pretending to be a real company to steal your credentials. | Always verify the sender and URL. Never give passwords by email. |
| Ransomware | Encrypts your files and demands a ransom payment to get them back. | Regular backups, don't open unknown files or attachments. |
| Keylogger | Records everything you type on the keyboard, including passwords. | Antivirus software, avoid public computers for sensitive data. |
| Botnet | Uses your computer as a "zombie" to attack other networks. | Keep your OS updated and use a reliable antivirus. |
🌐 Practical Activities · Unit 8
Create a strong password
Think of a password of at least 12 characters with uppercase letters, numbers and symbols. Test it at howsecureismypassword.net. How long would it take to crack?
Advanced Google search
Search for information on "renewable energy" using Google Advanced Search. Try all four filters: "all words", "exact phrase", "any of the words" and "none of the words". Compare the results.
Spot a fake news story
Find a striking headline online. Check it against at least 2 reliable sources. Is it true or false? Present your findings to the class.
Create a blog post
Using Blogger or WordPress, write a blog entry about a technology topic you find interesting. Add text, a free-licence image and at least one external link.
Design a cybersecurity poster
Using Canva or Google Slides, create a poster with the 5 rules for staying safe online. Use icons and make it eye-catching. It will be displayed in the school corridor!
Identify a phishing email
Open the example phishing email your teacher provides. Identify at least 3 clues that reveal it is fake. Write your findings in your notebook.
📝 Quiz · Unit 8 — The Internet & Cybersecurity
1. What is the Internet?
2. What does the 🔒 padlock in the browser bar indicate?
3. Phishing is...
4. A CMS (Content Management System) allows you to...
5. What should you do BEFORE publishing someone else's image on your blog?
6. Ransomware...
Emerging Technologies · Good practice in cybersecurity
▼With the rise of cyberattacks, cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand career fields. Here are some essential best practices:
Use a password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password) so you never reuse passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your most important accounts.
Keep your operating system and apps updated: updates fix security vulnerabilities.
Make regular backups to the cloud or an external drive.
If something online seems too good to be true, it probably is.