Hardware, software & file management
Graphic Communication · National 5 · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about hardware, software & file management, specifically to:
know
- input and output devices and their uses
understand
- the advantages and limitations of CAD
- the benefits of 3D printing without using "cheap" or "quick"
Success criteria WILF
- I can name input and output devices and their uses
- I can explain the advantages and limitations of CAD
- I can explain the benefits of 3D printing without using "cheap" or "quick"
Input and output devices
| Input | Output |
|---|---|
| Keyboard and mouse; 3D mouse; graphics tablet and stylus; touchscreen; scanner (2D) and 3D scanner; digital camera | Monitor; projector; inkjet and laser printers; plotter (large drawings); 3D printer; laser cutter and other CAM machines |
Advantages and limitations of CAD
- Advantages: accurate; easy to edit and reuse; libraries save time; drawings and renders come from one model; files shared electronically and worldwide; models can be tested and simulated; links directly to CAM and 3D printing.
- Limitations: cost of hardware, software licences and training; files can be lost, corrupted or incompatible; viruses and hacking; screen work can cause eye strain and repetitive strain injury; can slow down early, free idea generation.
3D printing
Benefits when prototyping or making products: no moulds or tooling; complex shapes and moving parts printed in one go; prints straight from the CAD file; easy to change and reprint; little waste because it is additive; accurate; can be customised for one-off products; the prototype can be tested. The 2024 N5 report: "it is cheap" or "it is quick" are wrong on their own.
Digital publishing
Online versions of a publication can include hyperlinks, video, animation and sound, links to social media, zoom and text resizing, translation and text-to-speech. They reach a wider audience and are easy to update. In exam answers, give context: "a link takes the customer straight to the shop to buy" scores; listing two different links with the same purpose doesn't score twice.
Key terms
| Graphics tablet | Input device: draw with a stylus on a pad. |
|---|---|
| Plotter | Output device for large-format technical drawings. |
| Benefit of 3D printing | No tooling needed; complex shapes in one print; easy to change and reprint. |
| Limitation of CAD | Cost of software, hardware and training. |
Quick check
1. Which is an INPUT device?
- Plotter
- 3D printer
- Scanner
- Projector
Show answer
2. Which answer would score for a benefit of 3D printing?
- It is always cheaper than other methods
- It is much quicker than injection moulding
- It is easy for anyone to use
- No moulds or tooling are needed
Show answer
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.