Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SECURITY
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SECURITY
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Subject: Ict
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 18
Grade code: 1.2.2.LI.2
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 1.2.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.2.2.LI.2
Theme: NETWORK SYSTEMS FOR TRANSMI TTING INFORMATION
Subtheme: COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SECURITY
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This lesson focuses on the physical safety and security of computer equipment and, most importantly, the users. In Ghana, we use computers everywhere – in schools, internet cafes, offices, and at home. Often, we are so focused on using the computer that we forget about the dangers around it. A simple trailing cable, a hot computer, or a poorly arranged desk can cause serious accidents or damage expensive equipment. Understanding these physical risks helps us create a safe environment for ourselves and others, ensuring our digital tools last longer and don't cause harm. This knowledge is crucial for anyone who uses a computer, whether for learning, work, or entertainment.
Introduction to Physical Safety Risks
Physical safety risks refer to any potential dangers in the physical environment that could harm computer users or damage the equipment itself. These are not about viruses or hacking (which are logical risks), but about tangible, real-world hazards. We can group these risks into four main categories.
Category 1: Environmental Hazards
These are risks related to the computer's surroundings. Overheating (Poor Heat Dissipation): This is one of the most common and serious risks. What is it? Computer components, especially the Central Processing Unit (CPU), generate a lot of heat when they are working. If this heat is not removed effectively, the components can overheat and get damaged permanently. How do computers cool down? Heat Sink: A metal object (usually aluminium with fins) attached to the CPU to draw heat away from it. Fan: A small fan blows air across the heat sink to disperse the collected heat. Vents/Chassis: The computer case (system unit) has vents or holes to allow cool air to enter and hot air to exit. This process is called ventilation. Causes of Overheating (Poor Heat Dissipation): Blocked Vents: Placing the system unit against a wall, in a tight cabinet, or piling books around it blocks the vents. No cool air can get in, and no hot air can get out. Dust and Dirt: Over time, dust accumulates inside the computer, clogging the fans and coating the heat sink. Dust acts like a blanket, trapping heat. In a dusty environment like we often have in Ghana during Harmattan, this is a major problem. Fan Failure: The cooling fan can stop working due to a mechanical fault. Poor Ambient Temperature: Using a computer in a very hot, unventilated room (like a typical Ghanaian afternoon in a room without A/C or a fan) makes it harder for the computer to cool down. Consequences: The computer may run slow, shut down unexpectedly, or the CPU could be permanently damaged. Humidity and Liquids: Cause: High humidity or spilling liquids (water, soft drinks) on equipment. Consequence: Can cause short circuits, leading to permanent damage of components and potential electric shock. We must keep drinks far away from computers. Dust: Cause: Accumulation of dust from the environment. Consequence: As mentioned above, it causes overheating. It can also cause short circuits and make moving parts like fans fail.