MODULE NAME: COMPUTER APPLICATION I

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
1.1 Introduction to Computers
A. Computer Definitions
An electronic device that accepts, process, stores and outputs data at high speed according to
programmed instructions.
An electronic device which is capable of receiving information(data) and perform a sequence
of logical operations in accordance with a predetermined but variable set of procedural
instructions(program) to produce a result in form of information or signals
It is electro-mechanical device which is capable of processing and storing data.

B. Important Terms in Computer

Hardware- includes the physical devices that make up a computer.
Software- includes programs that tell the computer how to use the hardware
Data- is a collection of facts in terms of numbers, texts, images and sound suitable to be processed
and stored in a computer.
Information is the meaningful material derived from a computer data that is organized and
interpreted in a meaningful way.
Information Technology (IT) - is the term used to describe the data processing using computers. It
involves the use of technology from computing, electronics and telecommunication to process and
distribute information in digital and other forms.
C. Basic Functions of a computer
 Input data.-: this is the Process of entering data, programs in to computer System
 Storage-: The process of saving data and instructions permanently is known as storage.
 Processing-: The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operation is
called processing.
 Output-: this is the process of producing results from the data for getting useful
information.
D. Five Basics characteristics of a Computer
i. Speed
A computer has the capability to process several complex calculations and programs at the same
time. In order to carry out these tasks a computer needs speed and a lot of it.
ii. Storage Capacity
All computers have memory that is used to store vital information necessary for running programs
and retrieving information.
iii. Productivity and Efficiency
These two characteristics usually go hand in hand. An effective computer is one that runs with a high
rate of productivity, i.e. The efficiency is determined by how productive a computer is. The best
computers are able to run a number of different programs efficiently without slowing down.
iv. Reliability
Computers are very reliable because computers can control and handle huge database more reliably
than the way human beings can.
v. Diligence
A computer is free from dullness and lack of concentration. It can continuously work for hours
without creating any error human beings in doing regular types of jobs, which requires great
accuracy. Computer can perform the number of calculations with exactly the same accuracy and
speed as the first one.
E. Advantage of Computers
Computers simplify work because they are very fast they process data within a short period of
time.
Computers are reliable hence provide consistent of data and information stored in it! Failure is
minimal.
They are accurate
They store huge amount of information
They can move information very quickly from one place to another
They facilitate instant communication all over the world.

F. Disadvantages of Computers
 Can pose threat to personal privacy.
 Computer Manufacturing processes require the use of hazardous chemical which could
endanger workers and pollute water supplies and air.
 Discarded computer are taking up too much room.
 Computers may lead to Health Problem; Too much work at the computer can result in painful
nerve injuries (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome , eye problem)
 Computer failure can cause hazards e.g. air traffic computer failure
 Computer may displace workers and increase unemployment rate.

G. Use of Computer Today

Computer can be used in different or various issue such as:-
Bank: - Computers are used in the back for storing customer details, online banking, depositing
and withdrawing money and other important banking activities.
Education: - Education is also online and computers are there to connect students with teachers
and their friends, to search data for their projects and to learn thousands of information from
the internet.
Hospital: - There are several uses for a computer in a hospital such as storing patient and
workers information. Computers are used to detect problems in human body through
ultrasound and X-RAY machines which are facilitated by a computer
Airport: - computers are used keep all the plane times, to scan tickets and to search problems in
the airport, also to keep in touch with other airports and to do the air trafficking control.
Business:- computers are used in business activities to speed up business transactions
through e-commerce, e-business etc.
Industries:- in modern industries computerized robots are used to do complex work in the
industries thus do a lot of work within a short period of time.
Studio: computers are used studios to create, configure and edit audio sounds and video pictures
and movies
Weather analysis: super computers are used in weather forecast to analyse and predict the
weather condition
Computers can be used in different activities those few are mentioned to help you get the
concepts of how computers work.

1.2 Types of Computer Systems

a) Based on Size
i. a) Personal computer (Micro Computer): is a general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities
and original sale price makes it useful for individuals, and is intended to be operated directly by a
single user. Is a small computer designed for an individual user. Example: Desktop model, Notebook
computer, Laptop computer, Palmtop, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).
b) Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer,
but it has a more powerful microprocessor and moderate amount of computing power and relatively
high quality graphics capabilities. Workstation: is a powerful stand alone computer, often with a
high resolution display, used for computer aided design and other complex and specialized
application Workstation is designed for technical or scientific applications. Intended primarily to be
used by one person at a time, they are commonly connected to a local area network and run multi-
user operating systems. It is usually connected in a business environment, which runs application
programs and serves as an access point to the network. Used for engineering applications, desktop
publishing, software development, and other types of applications.

ii. Minicomputer (Medium-Power Computer): is a computer of a size, speed and capacity

intermediate between a standard personal computer and a mainframe. They can perform several
actions at the same time and can support from 4 to 200 users simultaneously. It posses larger storage
capacity and operate at high speed. ( a server is good example of a minicomputer).

iii. Mainframe: (powerful central Computer)- is a powerful multi-user computer capable of

supporting many hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. They can perform different actions
or ‘processes’ at the same time. Mainframe computers can be used by as many as hundreds or
thousands of users at the same time. Mainframe computers are used in centralized database. Have
large storage and high computing speed but relatively lower than the supercomputer.

iv. Supercomputer: is a computer with the highest processing speeds, used for solving complex
problems and creating simulations. It can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second.
They are the fastest and most expensive machines. They have high processing speed compared to
other computers. They are used for weather forecasting, biomedical research, remote sensing,
aircraft designing, scientific simulations, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research,
electronic design, and analysis of geological data.

b) Based on Technology
i. Analog Computer
An analog (spelled analogue in British English) computer is a form of computer that uses
the continuously-changeable aspects of physical fact such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic
quantities to model the problem being solved. Examples: Thermometer, Speedometer, Tire pressure
gauge
 ii. Digital Computer
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits,
usually in the binary number system of “0” and “1”. It is capable of solving problems by processing
information expressed in discrete form. By manipulating combinations of binary digits (“0”, “1”), it
can perform mathematical calculations, organize and analyze data, control industrial and other
processes, and simulate dynamic systems such as global weather patterns. ”

iii. Hybrid computer

A computer that processes both analog and digital data” Hybrid computer is a digital computer that
accepts analog signals, converts them to digital and processes them in digital form. A hybrid
computer may use or produce analog data or digital data. It accepts a continuously varying input,
which is then converted into a set of discrete values for digital processing.

b) Based on Functionality
i. Client
ii. Server
Often clients and servers communicate over a computer network on separate hardware. The server
component provides a function or service to one or many clients, which initiate requests for such
services. Clients and servers exchange messages in a request–response messaging pattern. The client
sends a request, and the server returns a response.
1.3 Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer
Every desktop computer must have the following basic components, The Monitor(Screen), System
Unit, Keyboard, Mouse and Speaker and Power cord(Cables). Thus if you are assigned to buy a
computer you have to make sure that all these components are there.

Diagram 1: Basic Parts of the Desktop Computer

1.3.1 Description of the Basic Desktop Computer Parts

The Monitor- is the computer display device that display data or image generated by a computer
terminal
Keyboard- is the set of keys in used to input data into computer systems.
Mouse- is the handheld input device with control button that is moved across a pad to control the
movement of a cursor on a computer screen or is clicked to transmit instructions
Speaker- is the device that produces the output in a form of sound.
Power Cord (Cables) - a group of wires for transmitting electrical signals in the computer system
System unit (Computer Case)-is the part of a computer where all the important components of a
computer are stored.

THE COMPUTER CASE/SYSTEM UNIT

Front of Computer Case Optical Disc Drive: Often called a CD-ROM or DVD ROM
drive, these let your computer read CDs and DVDs. Most
optical disc drives can also write (or "burn") data to CD-R
and DVD-R discs. More recent drives can read Blu-ray
Discs and write to BD-R (Blu-ray Disc recordable) discs,
and these drives are often called BD-ROM, BD-RE, or Blu-
ray drives.
Power Button: The power button is used to power the computer
on and off. Additionally, you can use the power button on
some computers to place the computer in different energy-
saving modes such as hibernate, sleep, and standby. It is a
good idea to read your manual to learn how these features
work on your computer.
Audio In/Audio Out: Many computers include audio ports on
the front of the computer case that allow you to easily
 connect speakers, microphones and headsets, without
fumbling with the back of the computer.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port: Most desktop computers have
several USB ports. These can be used to connect almost any
type of device, including mice, keyboards, printers, digital
cameras, Flash disks and more. They will often appear on
the front and back of the computer.

Back of Computer Case On the back of the computer case are connection ports that are
made to fit specific devices. The arrangement of these varies
from computer to computer, and many companies have their
own special connectors for the specific devices. Some of the
ports may be color coded to match a color on the device,
which will help you determine which port is used with a
particular device.
Power Socket: This is where you'll connect the power cord to
the computer.
Audio In/Audio Out: Almost every computer has two or more
audio ports where you can connect various devices,
including speakers, microphones, headsets, and more.
Ethernet Port: This port looks a lot like the modem or telephone
port but it is a little bit wider. You can use this port for
networking and also connecting to the internet.
USB Ports: On most desktop computers, most of the USB ports
are on the back of the computer case. Generally, you'll want
to connect your mouse and keyboard to these ports, and
keep the front USB ports free so that they can be used for
digital cameras or other devices.
Monitor Port: This is where you'll connect your monitor cable.
In this example, the computer has both a Display Port and a
VGA port.

Expansion Slots: These empty slots are where expansion cards are added to computers. For
example, if your computer did not come with a video card, you could purchase one and install it
here.The following ports are less common today:
Serial Port: This is an older port that was frequently used to connect peripherals such as digital
cameras, but today it has been replaced by USB and other types of ports.
PS/2: These ports are sometimes used for connecting the mouse and keyboard. Typically, the mouse
port is green, and the keyboard port is purple.
Parallel Port (or Printer Port): This is an older port that is less common on new computers. Like the
serial port, it has now been replaced by USB.

The following components are inside the system Unit (Computer Case).
CPU/Processor
A CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU), also called a processor, is located inside the computer case on
the motherboard. It is sometimes called the brain of the computer, and its job is to carry out
commands. Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application, you're sending
instructions to the CPU.
Motherboard

The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It's a thin plate that holds the CPU,
memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and
audio, as well as connections to your computer's ports (such as the USB ports). The motherboard
connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer.

Power Supply Unit

The power supply unit in a computer converts the power from the wall outlet to the type of power
needed by the computer. It sends power through the cables to the motherboard and other
components.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is your system's short-term memory. Whenever your computer performs calculations, it
temporarily stores the data in the RAM until it is needed. This short-term memory disappears
when the computer is turned off. If you're working on a document, spreadsheet, or other type of file,
you'll need to save it to avoid losing it. When you save a file, the data is written to the hard drive,
which acts as long-term storage. RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). The
more RAM you have, the more things your computer can do at the same time.

Hard Drive

The hard drive is the data center of the computer. This is where the software is installed, and it's
also where your documents and other files are stored. The hard drive is long-term storage, which
means the data is still saved even if you turn the computer off or unplug it.
Optical Disc Drive
Also called a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or Blu-ray drive, this allows your computer to read or write
to CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs. From inside the computer, optical drives look very similar to hard
disk drives.

A DVD-ROM drive

Expansion Cards
Most computers have expansion slots on the motherboard that allow you to add various types of
expansion cards. These are sometimes called PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) cards.
You may never have to add any PCI cards, as most motherboards have built-in video, sound,
network, and other capabilities. However, if you want to boost the performance of your computer or
update the capabilities of an older computer, you can always add one or more cards. Below are some
of the most common types of expansion cards:

Video Card
The video card is responsible for what you see on the monitor. Most computers have GPU
(Graphics Processing Unit) built into the motherboard, instead of having a separate video card. If
you like playing graphics-intense games on the computer, you can add a faster video card to one of
the expansion slots to get better performance.
Sound Card
The sound card, also called an audio card, is responsible for what you hear in the speakers or
headphones. Most motherboards have integrated sound, but you can upgrade to a dedicated sound
card for higher quality sound.

Network Card
The network card allows your computer to communicate over a network and access the internet. It
can either connect with an Ethernet cable or through a wireless connection (often called Wi-Fi).
Many motherboards have built-in network connections, and a network card can also be added to an
expansion slot.
Other Devices in the System Case
Heat Sink- is the heat regulating device that conducts and dissipates unwanted heat generated by an
electric component r power supply CPU Fan- is the cooling device that is used to cool the CPU.

1.4 Parts/Components of the Computer System

The components of a computers falls into two categories
Computer Hardware
Computer Software

Computer Hardware is the term used to describe the physical components of the System such as
the system Unit (System box), Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse etc.
Computer Software is the term used to describe the set of instructions (computer programs) that
define the actions the computer performs.
What is the Difference between Hardware and Software?
Hardware includes the physical devices that make up a computer.
Software includes programs that tell the computer how to use these devices.

Computer Hardware
Computer hardware is composed of four parts
Input devices - are the hardware components that allow users to enter data in the computer eg.
Mouse, Keyboard and scanner
Output devices – are the hardware components that display data eg. Monitor and Printer
Processing devices- are the hardware components the process data
Storage devices- are the hardware components that stores data either temporarily or permanently.

INPUT DEVICES
Input devices are the hardware devices used to enter data in the computer system. The basic input
devices are Keyboard and mouse. Other input devices are Scanner, microphone,
Keyboard
The keyboard is an input device that allows the user to enter data into the
computer. Computer keyboards are similar to electric typewriter keyboards. The
keyboard has a lot of keys that contain different characters that a user may need.
Moreover there are other keys with special proposes. E.g. function keys,
backspace, delete, insert, control, alternate, and arrow keys.

Function Keys
Function keys, F1 through F12, are typically located at the top of the keyboard. Some software
programs utilize these keys to execute different functions. In most programs, the F1 key will provide
the user with help. Other keys include F2,F3,F4,F5,F6,F7,F8,F9,F10,F11, F12.

Control Key (CTRL)

The control key is located in the bottom left-hand and bottom right-hand corners of the keyboard. It
is often paired with other keys on the keyboard to access specific commands and functions.
Alternate Key (ALT)
The alternate key is located on the right-hand and left-hand sides of the space bar. It is often paired
with other keys to access menus or execute commands.
Backspace Key
The backspace key is located in the upper right-hand section of the keyboard and is used in word
processing to delete one letter or space to the left.
Delete Key
The delete key is located in the group of six keys above the arrow keys on the right-hand side of the
keyboard. It is used in word processing to delete one letter or space to the right. It can also be used
to delete objects or files within the computer.

Arrow Keys
The arrow keys are located on the right-hand side of the keyboard and are used in word processing to
move the cursor up, down, left, or right. They can also be used to navigate through lists of files on
the computer.

Mouse
A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on the computer
screen. There are typically two buttons on a mouse, a primary button
 (usually the left button) and a secondary button and several clicking techniques that can be
utilized to interact with the computer.

Click Use the left mouse button to click one time. This technique is mainly used to select objects
and to navigate through menus.
Double-Click Use the left mouse button to click two times quickly. This technique is used to open
objects (icons, programs, etc).
Right-Click Use the right mouse button to click one time. This technique is used to access short
cut menus
Click and Drag Use the left mouse button to click and hold down. Move the mouse cursor to a
new location and release the left mouse button. This technique is used to move or select objects.
Other Input Devices
Scanner- is an input device used to convert an image or text into digital form for storage or display
Microphone- (device for converting sound)- an input device to electrical signals by means of a
vibrating diaphragm. The signals can be then be amplified, transmitted for broadcasting or used for
recording the sound
Touch Pads: A device that lays on the desktop and responds to pressure
Joystick: is a pointing device composed of a level that moves in multiple directions to navigate a
cursor or other graphical objects on a computer screen
B. OUTPUT DEVICES
Output devices are the devices that translate information processed by the computer into a form that
humans can understand they can be termed are the devices which enables user of computer to get the
result of the processed data. Example: screen (monitor), printer, speakers, projector etc.
Monitor
The monitor is an essential output device that displays the most information as to
what is happening inside the computer. Monitors are very much like television sets.
Television sets receive signals from antennae or cable and they translate those
signals into understandable pictures and sounds. Monitors receive information
from the CPU and they translate the information into a comprehensible picture and
words.

Printer
The printer is the output produces a hard copy (permanent human-readable text and/or graphics) of
documents stored in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper transparencies.
Many printers are primarily used as computer peripherals, and are attached by a printer cable.

Printer

Projector
Projector is the output device used to project rays of light, especially an apparatus for projecting
slides or film on to a screen
Speaker
Speaker is the output device which produces the output in a form of sound.

C. Processing Devices
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) which does the actual processing CPU controls and manipulates
data to produce information. Three components are primarily used for processing in almost all
computers. They are:
CPU - A microprocessor housed on the system board.
The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer. The CPU gives all of the instructions
to all of the other parts of the computer. It is the most important and the most expensive part of the
computer.
Chipset - A chipset is a group of chips (set of microchips) on the system board that relieves the CPU
of some of the system’s processing tasks, it perform related functions as a unit. it increasing the
overall speed and performance of the system.
Coprocessor - A chip or portion of the CPU that helps the microprocessor perform calculations. It is
termed as the second processor in the computer because it improve performance by handling
specialized tasks

Parts/Components of the Central Processing unit

Control Unit (CU)
Instructs the rest of the computer system on how to follow a program instructions

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Performs both Arithmetic and Logical operations. OR does all logical comparisons and calculations.
Arithmetic operations involves calculations like addition(+), subtraction(-), multiplication(*),
division(/) Logical operations involve comparisons and decision making.
Registers
Hold counters, data, instructions, and addresses that the ALU is currently processing.

D: Storage Devices
Primary Storage Devices
Primary or temporary storage is faster than permanent storage and is used to hold data and
instructions while processing. Primary storage is provided by devices on the system board and on the
other circuit boards, called memory or RAM. Since RAM needs a continuous supply of electrical
power, any information in primary storage is lost when the machine is turned off.

Secondary Storage Devices

Secondary or permanent storage are the storage devices that stores data permanently, as the name
implies, retains the data even if there is no power. Examples of permanent storage, Disk drives such
as hard drives, floppy drives, Zip drives, and Optical Drives.
Optical Storage Device
CD-ROM
CD-ROM: is an abbreviation of Compact Disc Read-Only Memory. A CD-ROM is a CD that
contains computer data, which cannot be erased or rewritten. In computers, CDROM is the most
commonly used optical storage technology. CD-ROM is a compact disc that contains information,
which is accessible by a computer. Once the data is written to a standard CD-ROM

DVD-ROM
DVD-ROM: is an abbreviation of Digital Versatile Disc- read only memory. DVD-ROM is an
optical disc storage media format that can be used for data storage, which includes movies with high
video and sound quality. DVD-ROM is a non-volatile optical storage medium similar to CD-ROM,
which contains computer data that cannot be erased or rewritten.The DVD-ROM supports disks with
capacities of 4.7 GB to 17 GB
.
CD-RW
CD-RW is an abbreviation of compact disc-rewritable. It is a recordable CD format that can be
erased and rerecorded multiple times, just like a floppy disk or a hard disk.

DVD-RW
DVD-RW: stands for Digital Versatile Disk-Rewritable. It is a re-recordable optical disc, which
can record up to 4.7 GB per side in a similar fashion to a CD-RW. DVD-RW supports sequential
read/write access i.e. the device may need to wait for the correct location in a constantly revolving
medium. The information stored on DVD-RW can be erased and rerecorded
Read only: CD-ROM/DVD-ROM ( Read Only Memory) can only be read but cannot be written.
Write once: CD-R /DVD-R(Recordable) or DVD-R: can be written only once.
Write many: CD-RW/DVD-RW (Compact Disk Rewritable), DVD-RW: can be written many times
or more than once.

b) Hard Disk Drive

The hard disk drive is the main, and usually largest, data storage device in a computer. The operating
system, software titles and most other files are stored in the hard disk drive.

Hard Disk can either be external or internal

Internal Hard disk-is the are fixed inside a sealed unit (the hard disk drive) that is permanently
mounted in the system unit. It stores a lot information above 500GB Nowdays
External Hard disk- is the hard disk that is portable and movable its not fixed in the computer it
also stores large amount of information more that 500 GB

C) Floppy Disk Drive

Floppy disk drives store information on floppy disks, also called floppies or diskettes. floppy
disks can store only a small amount of data(14.4 mb). They also retrieve information more
slowly and are more prone to damage. Floppy disk are barely used nowadays.
NB: Laptops do not have floppy drives

Floppy disk
Portable Disk Drives/ USB Flash drives- are the removable permanent storage devices that stores
information. Flash drives reads information from flash disks, Flash disks can be used in both laptop
computers and desktop computers.

E: Communication Devices
Communication devices used for the purpose of linking computers together include Network cards,
fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, twisted pair modem, satellites.

Computer peripherals/Peripheral Devices

Computer peripherals/Peripheral devices are any electronic devices that can be hooked up to a
computer other than the standard input-output devices.
Peripheral devices include speakers, microphones, printers, scanners, digital cameras, plotters,
and modems. Peripherals often require special software packages called “device drivers". These
drivers are usually included with the peripheral at purchase time.
Both Input-OutPut Devices:
1. Modems
2. Network cards
3. Touch Screen
4. Headsets (Headset consists of Speakers and Microphone. Speaker act Output Device
and Microphone act as Input device)
5. Facsimile (FAX) (It has scanner to scan the document and also have printer to Print the
document)
6. Audio Cards / Sound Card

1.4.1 Computer Software

Computer Software is the set of computer programs (sets of instructions) that determine how the
computer behaves and the actions it performs.
Computer software can be divided into three categories:
a. System software
b. Applications software
c. Utility software.

A. System Software
System Software are software that controls the hardware components of the computer, and provide
the user with the interface commands to permit the creation and manipulation of files that contain
programs, documents, worksheets, databases.
System Software are software that controls the hardware components of the computer, and provide
the user with the interface commands to permit the creation and manipulation of files that contain
programs, documents, worksheets, databases, etc.
System software includes the Operating systems (OS), BIOS and Device drivers.
 The Operating system (OS) acts as an interface between hardware and software, manages
storage (primary and secondary), and performs various housekeeping tasks. This is the most
important piece of system software, without it none of the hardware or any other software would
be able to function. Examples of OS are Window OS (Window XP, window Vista, window 7,
window 8), Mac Operating systems, Unix/Linux OS etc.
Tasks/Functions of the Operating Systems
o Processor (CPU) management.
o Memory management.
o Device management.
o Storage management.
o File system management.
 The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is software that is permanently stored on a computer
chip (ROM). The BIOS is used to help boot the computer and to communicate with I/O devices.
 When the computer is first turned on, the BIOS control the computer. During the process of
booting, the BIOS load the OS and the OS takes control.

 Device drivers.
Whenever a new hardware device is added to the PC system, the OS needs to know how it functions.
A ‘device driver’ is system software that, when installed, communicates to the OS the information
that it needs in order to control and communicate with the new device.
Example: Installing a Printer.

B. Applications Software
This is the type of software that provides the user with the application programs they want to use.
Examples:
 Word - Word Processing software.
 Excel - Spreadsheet handling.
 PowerPoint - Creating presentations.
 Access - Database creation and management.
 Games
 Music and video players ie VLC

There are literally thousands of other application software packages on the market offering; games,
computer security, business solutions, and just about everything you can think of.

C. Utility Software
Utility software is the type of computer software that performs the routine tasks and support
operations distinct from the application programs. Utility software usually focuses on how the
computer infrastructure (including the computer hardware, operating system, application software
and data storage) operates..
Example of Utility Software
 Anti-virus:- utilities scan for computer viruses.
 Memory testers:- check for memory failures
 Backup:- utilities that can make a copy of all information stored on a disk, and restore
either the entire disk so that the data can be retrieved incase of computer failure
 Network utilities:- analyse the computer's network connectivity, configure network settings

1.5 Computer Memory

Memory is a location which store information that is currently being used by the operating system,
software program, hardware device, and the user.
 It is referred to as the location that maintains information for instant retrieval and
processing.
 An area within a computer system that holds data waiting to be processed.

Types of Computer Memory

There are two types of computer memory, volatile memory and non-volatile memory.
i. Volatile memory- is the memory that stores data temporarily.The content stored is lost
when the power is off. Example : RAM(Random access memory)
ii. Non Volatile memory- is the memory that stores data permanently

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the main memory space of your computer. The RAM is the
workspace of your computer. If your computer has more RAM, it can open more and larger
programs and documents simultaneously. It’s like you having a large worktable to spread work
papers out on instead of a tiny desk. The documents you are currently editing are stored in the RAM.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is considered as temporary or volatile memory; this means that the contents of RAM are lost
when the computer power is turned off.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

ROM is non volatile memory; this means that the contents of ROM are not lost when the computer
power is turned off. So ROM stores data permanently. Microcomputers also have some ROM
(Read Only Memory) on the motherboard. ROM does not need power to remember its contents, so
this is where a computer stores the programs that are needed to start up (boot up) the computer
system.

What is the Different between Permanent Storage and the Memory?

It is very common for users to confuse what memory is exactly. For example, a computer hard drive
is sometimes thought of as memory. A hard drive is a type of storage but not memory. As mentioned
above, memory is more commonly known as RAM. RAM stores information during processing and
facilitate easy retrieval and ROM stores only programs that need to start up (boot) the computer
systems(No other information can be stored in the ROM and RAM). BUT the permanent storage
devices can store a lot of other information.

1.6. Computer Capacity

Computer store data and information in the form of binary number, represented as 0 or 1.These are
called Bits. A Bit is a single numeric value “1” or “0” that encoded a single unit of digital
information. Byte is a sequence of bits, usually eight bits equal to one byte.
Example
Bit= 1 or 0,
Byte 01000001=A or 11000010 =B
Kilobyte: A kilobyte (KB) consists of 1024 bytes, approx 1,000bytes.

Storage Capacity Measurement

1Byte = 8Bits
1 Character = 1byte
1Kilobyte (KB) = 1024Bytes
1Kilobyte =1024Character
1Megabytes (MB) = 1024 (KB) approximated to be 1,000,000 bytes or 1000KB
1Gigabytes (GB) = 1024(MB) approximated to be 1,000,000,000 bytes or 1000MB
1Terabytes (TB) = 1024(GB) approximated to be 1,000,000,000,000 bytes or 1000GB
 TOPIC TWO

OPERATING SYSTEMS AND WINDOW BASICS

PART ONE: OPERATING SYSTEMS

2.1 Operating System
An operating system is a group of computer programs that coordinates all the activities among
computer hardware devices. It is the first program loaded into the computer by a boot program and
remains in memory at all times.
Operating System: A program that acts as an intermediary between a user of a computer and the
computer hardware. An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It
manages the computer's memory, processes, and all of its software and hardware. It also allows you
to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's "language."
Without an operating system, a computer is useless. Once the operating system has started up, it
manages all of the software and hardware on the computer. Most of the time, there are many
different programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your computer's central
processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The operating system coordinates all of this to make
sure each program gets what it needs.

2.1.1 Functions of an operating system

Resource management - The operating system also handles system resources such as the
computer's memory and sharing of the central processing unit (CPU) time by various
applications or peripheral devices. Programs are constantly competing for the attention of the CPU
and demand memory, storage and input/output bandwidth. The operating system ensures that each
application gets the necessary resources it needs in order to maximize the functionality of the overall
system. Storage Management the Operating systems keep that track of every information stored in
the Storage devices. The Operating System does also the memory management because it handles
and ensures that every process is located enough memory for its operation.

Device management - The operating system performs basic computer tasks, such as managing the
various peripheral devices such as the mouse, keyboard and printers. For example, most operating
systems now are plug and play which means a device such as a printer will automatically be detected
and configured without any user intervention.

File system management.- Provides file management which refers to the way that the operating
system manipulates, stores, retrieves and saves data. The operating system also handles the
organisation and tracking of files and directories (folders) saved or retrieved from a computer disk.
The file management system allows the user to perform such tasks as creating files and directories,
renaming files, coping and moving files, and deleting files. The operating system keeps track of
where files are located on the hard drive through the type of file system.

Provides a user interface. A user interacts with software through the user interface. The two main
types of user interfaces are: command line and a Graphical User Interface (GUI). With a command
line interface, the user interacts with the operating system by typing commands to perform specific
tasks. An example of a command line interface is DOS (disk operating system). With a graphical
user interface, the user interacts with the operating system by using a mouse to access windows,
icons, and menus.

Management of all application Software the operating system manages all application software,
because it’s impossible for application software to run without an operating system. Thus the
operating systems manage all application software.

2.1.2 Types of operating systems

Nowadays Operating systems usually come preloaded on any computer that you buy. Most people
use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it is very possible to upgrade or even
change operating systems.
The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
X, and Linux.

Modern operating systems use a Graphical User Interface (GUI). A GUI lets you use your mouse to
click on icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a
combination of graphics and text. Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if
you switch to a different operating system it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern
operating systems are designed to be easy to use, and most of the basic principles are the same.

MICROSOFT WINDOWS
Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. Over the years, there have been
many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 8 (released in 2012),
Windows 7 (released in 2009), and Windows Vista (released in 2007), previous versions of
windows includes window XP, Window 2000, Window 98 etc. Windows comes preloaded on most
new PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world.
Characteristics of window operating systems
 It is very user friendly
 It is the most used operating systems in the world estimated
 Apple \Mac OS X
Mac OS is a line of operating systems created by Apple Inc. It comes preloaded on all new
Macintosh computers, or Macs. All of the recent versions are known as OS X (pronounced
O-S Ten), and the specific versions include Mavericks (released in 2013), Mountain Lion
(2012), Lion (2011), and Snow Leopard (2009). Apple also offers a version called Mac OS
X Server, which is designed to be run on servers.
According to Stat Counter Global Stats, Mac OS X users account for 7.5% of the operating
systems market as of January 2013—much lower than the percentage of Windows users
(more than 90%).
Characteristics of Mac OS
 It has the good look and more users prefer its appearance.
 It more expensive than all other two popular operating systems
 Its is the second popular used computer operating systems
Linux
Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they can
be modified and distributed by anyone around the world.

PART TWO: WINDOW BASICS

2.2 Window Basics
Windows-is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) kind of operating system. It is more user friendly than
other operating systems in the market like Ms Dos, Macintosh, Linux, Unix etc. Windows allow you
to do more with your computer than other operating systems.
2.2.1 Important Terms in Window Operating Systems
A window-This is a bordered rectangular screen display, through which a user uses an opened
program to perform a task. Most modern operating systems and applications have graphical user
interfaces (GUIs) that let you divide your display into several windows. Within each window, you
can run a different program or display different data.
Desktop refers to a display in a computer screen comprising backgrounds and icons representing
equipment, programs and files.
Taskbar is a bar located at the bottom of a computer screen displaying buttons that shows which
programs are currently running. It is referred to as a bar that shows the running programs
Taskbar contains

 Start button
 Start menu
  Quick launch toolbar this is used to quickly access the most commonly used applications

An icon is a small image on a computer screen that represents something such as the programs or
device that can be activated and opened by a mouse click. Some icons represent folders (directories
or groups), documents, programs, and even computer hardware. (Examples of icons includes
Documents icon, Application icon, folder icon and original icon)

Document icons
Document icons represent the files that you create using software. Generally, document icons
resemble the program icon that created the file. For example, (a powerpoint document, excel
document and a Word document) has part of the same logo as the Word application in which it was
created.

Original icons
The icons that typically display when you first access your Windows desktop are My Computer, My
Network Places, the Recycle Bin, and Internet Explorer.

Application icons
Application (program) icons represent the executable programs (software) available on your
computer. For example: Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Photoshop, and
Microsoft Excel.
Folder icons
Folder icons are used to keep related documents or applications together. Often, you have folders
within folders.

Folders are special container in the computer that can hold multiple documents. They allow users to
organize information. Folders can hold both files and other folders (subfolders).
A file is a collection of information, with a unique name, stored in your computer or on a removable
disk. Your checking account could be in one file. A single letter could be in another file or a
collection of letters could be in one file. (eg of file is word document, excel document etc).
My document (document) - this folder contains letters, files, notes and other kind of document. In
most computers it is the default place of storage of every kind of documents
Recycle bin- contain files and folders that you have deleted., All the deleted files in computer are
stored at Recycle bin if you want to permanently delete the document you must delete them from the
recycle bin, or if you have deleted the document accidently you can restore the document to its
current location from the recycle bin.

Other important Terms

Internet Explorer is Microsoft's version of a Web browser. This enables user to access internet.
Every version of window operating system comes with uthe internet explorer by default.

The Start Menu it is where you will find your programs, files, printers, and other items on the pop-
up menus. Here's what you'll find on the Start Menu:
Programs/All program - contains system and personal programs and it allow Searching data by
Specifying the required data information
Window Control Buttons
 Minimizing
 Maximizing
 Restoring
 Close
Minimizing-this puts the current window temporarily in the taskbar located at the bottom of the
desktop. You can return to where you left off by clicking the program’s name on the task bar.
Maximizing-this makes the current window to fill the whole screen. The window cannot be resized
and it gives you a maximum working area.
Restoring-this is the size of a window before being maximized or minimized.
Close-This close the opened window.

Mouse Operations
Click: A click with the mouse will always refer to the LEFT MOUSE BUTTON. Click is generally
used to open something on the desktop or in my computer (i.e. a program or a computer) A single
click is used to select something once you are inside a program like word or excel.
Right click: A right click is a click with the RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON. Right click are only used to
bring up a pop-up menu. Yes- another shortcut!
Double click: A double click is used to open documents inside a program like Word or excel.
Clicks and Drag: This means click on something, hold the mouse button down, drag to another area
of the screen, and then release the mouse button.

Windows Explore
Is a program within the operating system from the purpose of dealing with files management. Or a
computer carbonate where user are used for keeping files
Making folder
 Click start button
 Click All programs
 Choose accessories where necessary
 Choose window explore
 Into address list specify drive you want to use
 Click on file
 Choose new
 Choose folder
 You will see new folder
 Give it the name
 Click beside the folder or press enter

Making subfolder

 Make main folder

 Open main folder
 Click file
 Choose new
 Name that folder
 Click beside the folder of pres enter

Renaming folder

 Right click on the folder to be renamed

 Click on rename
 Write new file name
 Click beside the folder or press enter

Switch ON/OFF Windows

While it's easy to turn your computer on and off, there are a few things you need to keep in mind
when you do. When you turn on your computer, be sure to turn on your monitor first. Under normal
operation, your system should come up into Windows and be ready to use. If it does not for any
reason, seek help unless you know what the problem is and how to correct it.

Shut the System Down Properly

Finally, when you're ready to turn your computer off, be sure to shut it down properly. Windows
maintains a lot of information in memory in order to do the things it does for you. If you just turn
power off without shutting it down properly, you stand a good chance of losing some information or
doing damage to your system.

Various options in switching down the computer.

 Switch User- Switch users without closing programs

  Log off- close programs and log off
 Lock- Lock the computer
 Sleep- keeps your session in memory and keeps a computer in a low power state so that
you quickly resume working
 Hibernate- Saves you sessions and turn off the computer, when you turn on the computer
windows restores your session.
 Restart – Close all open programs shut down the windows and then restart the windows
again

Shutdown- Close all open programs, shut down windows and then shutdown your computer
The computer will always ensure that you close all the programs before you switch off your
computer. As follows.

COMPUTER BOOTING
Booting is the process of powering on the computer. Is the initial set of operations that a computer
system performs when it is switched on. Begins when a computer is turned on and ends when the
computer is ready to perform its normal operations (when the OS finish loading). After you press the
power button, power is switched on to the CPU and booting starts. POWER-ON SELF-TEST (POST)
- refers to routines which run immediately after many digital electronic devices are powered on to
check if the PC components are working correctly.

POST is the diagnostic testing sequence that a computer's basic input/output system runs to
determine if the computer keyboard, random access memory disk drives, and other hardware are
working correctly.

Types of System Booting

Cold Boot (Cold Start) - Booting up from power off condition. When you start from off state or
power off and then on by using the power button. POST is performed.

Warm Boot (Warm Start) - Restarting the computer WITHOUT turning the power off. Pressing the
Ctrl-Alt-Delete keys simultaneously while the computer is running performs a warm boot. POST is
not performed during this process which decreases the boot up time and the PC boots faster.