Sensors, tiny computers and keeping devices healthy
Week 23 · Theme 4 Software Projects, Lessons 1–2 Explorer in Action; How Digital Devices Work · 3 lessons
3
Installing, updating and frozen screens
ICT P5 Term 2, Theme 4: pp. 44–53
GoalInstall and update software safely, and know what to do when a screen freezes.
New words
install · to put a new program on a device so it can workupdate · a new version of a program that fixes problems and makes it work betterofficial store · the safe place of a device where checked programs are offeredfrozen screen · a screen that does not respond to touch, mouse or keys
Explanation
Install new programs only from official stores or reliable sources, and only with a teacher or a family member. A program from an unknown place can hurt your device or steal information. Updates are also important. They fix problems and make programs run more smoothly. Many programs update themselves, and some updates need a restart. Sometimes a screen freezes while you are installing or updating. Do not press every key! Wait a minute, because the device may just be busy. If it is still frozen, tell a grown-up. The way to restart a frozen device is different on each device, but it often means holding the power button for some seconds, waiting a little, and starting again. Remember, computers work with two states, on and off, which is the next topic.
Screen freezes→Wait one minute→Still frozen? Tell a grown-up→Restart the device
Worked examples
Karim wants a drawing program. He asks his father, and they find it in the official store of the tablet. They install it together. They did not click an unknown link.
A message says: ‘Your program is old! Click this link for a free update!’ It comes from an unknown sender. Salma does not click it. She tells her teacher, who updates the program from the official place.
Omar’s screen freezes during an update. He waits one minute, and nothing changes. He calls his uncle, who holds the power button for several seconds, waits, and restarts the tablet. Omar did not press keys wildly.
Class activity
Safe-install and freeze plan. On paper make two lists. List 1: five rules for installing and updating (for example: use official stores; ask a grown-up; never click unknown links; keep the device charged; let updates finish). List 2: what to do when a screen freezes, in four steps. Add a short poster with a title for your classmates. Act out the freeze steps with a partner without any device, using a cardboard ‘screen’.
Practice
1
Where should you install programs from?
Official stores or reliable sources, with a teacher or family member.
2
Why are updates important?
They fix problems and make programs run better.
3
The screen freezes. What is the first thing to do?
Wait a minute and do not press every key.
4
Look at the picture. Which one shows the safe place to get a new program? Say the letter.
