Computer Fundamentals

and Information Processing

Campion College Teachers
Objectives:
• Discuss Senior Lab Rules
• explain the concept of Information Technology
• distinguish among the major types of computer systems in terms of processing speed, storage and
portability
• explain the functions of the major hardware components of a computer system
• explain how the major hardware components of a computer system interrelate
• evaluate the relative merits of cloud storage and local storage
• select appropriate input/output devices to meet the needs of specified applications
• explain the role of the different types of software in computer operation
• discuss the relative merits of the various types of user interface
• evaluate the suitability of a given computer system for a specific purpose
• troubleshoot basic computer hardware problems
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Lab/Class Rules
• You are NOT to turn on the computers unless told to do so.
• Ensure that you have your materials for class(textbook, notebook, etc.);
• Bags are not allowed in the class. Ensure that your bags and other valuables
are stored in your locker at your classroom;
• Food and beverages are not allowed in the lab

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Lab/Class Rules
• Do not go to websites or open applications on the computer unless instructed by
your teacher to do so.
• Ensure that you remember the usernames and passwords for your Moodle account,
Campion e-mail, Renweb and computer login. No excuses will be accepted and all
penalties for missed/late work will apply.
• Always raise your hand when you wish to acknowledge the teacher
• Do not store unauthorized files or programs on the computers
• Assignments will be handed in on or before the prescribed due date. Failure to do
this will result in loss of marks, a zero and/or a detention, please see the
Homework policy on Moodle.
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Lab/Class Rules
• Plagiarism is not accepted, you are to put all of your researched work in your own
words. Failure to do this will result in a severe loss of marks, a zero and a referral
to the Dean of Discipline for further sanctions.
• Do not tamper with any of the equipment in the labs.
• If you are absent from class contact the homework monitor for any missed
assignments and announcements, also contact the teacher. You are fully
responsible for any tests or assignments given during your absence.
• Be civil to one another and quiet in the lab at all times
• Ensure that all flash drives or cd/dvds brought into the lab are free from viruses
and malware
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Lab/Class Rules
• Do not abuse the Moodle system to harass, defame or otherwise cause injury to anyone;
• Ensure that all classwork is handed in before the end of class;
• Ensure that you turn off your computer and push your chair under your desk before you leave;
• Always use Campion College email addresses when conversing with teachers;
• Do NOT send attachments via email, all work is to be uploaded to the Moodle site
• You are to be an active participant in your learning team by participating in group discussions,
group assignments/projects and performing your assigned role. All members must meet
regularly, WhatsApp groups are not a substitute for face to face meetings.
• Defacing the furniture in the lab in any way shape or form is prohibited and failure to comply
will result in the harshest punishment available.
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Information and Communication Technology?
• Watch the video below and answer the questions:

• Other Resources\What is ICT.mp4 or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PDQKu2-bAc

• List 3 components of ICT stated in the video.

• How has ICT changed how people work, communicate and live?
• How has ICT positively impacted businesses?
• How has ICT negatively impacted businesses?
• Has ICT caused us to be less human? Yes/No? Why?

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Computer Fundamentals
To develop an understanding of the fundamental hardware and
software components and the interrelationship among them.
What is Information Technology?
• The use of computers to store, retrieve, manipulate and send information.

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Definitions in ICT
• A Computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data
and outputs the results.
• Computer Systems are a collection of hardware and software that are
designed to receive, process, manage the instructions/data given by user and
return output in the form of human readable information.
• Hardware – Tangible parts of the computer system.
• Software – Intangible parts of the computer system. • Computer System
• Hardware
• Software

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Characteristics of the Computer

• A computer system can perform its operations

with amazing speed, reliability, accuracy,
memory, logical, versatility, automation,
consistency.
Characteristics of the Computer
• SPEED:
• A computer can process billions of instructions in a single second. E.g. Computers used
by utility companies to produce monthly bills. Without fast and powerful computers
this would be impossible.

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Characteristics of the Computer
• RELIABILITY
• Modern computers have a low failure rate, and they produce consistent results.
• A computer is free of fatigue, lack of concentration, and so on. It can work for hours
without making any mistakes.
• Computers can work continuously and never go a strike.

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Characteristics of the Computer
• ACCURACY:
• The computer produces error free results if the data is entered correctly. (GIGO)
• This is an incredible characteristic of computers, which is their high level of accuracy.
It is capable of performing 100% accurate calculations.
• Nothing in this world is perfect or accurate, but the computer proves these statements
false with its precise results, calculations, and logic.

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Characteristics of the Computer
• MEMORY:
• A computer stores large amounts of data in a very small place for later use.
• Spare copies or backup can also be stored in case of accidents.
• Memory on computers is comparable to that in the human brain. It is used to store data
and directions.
• Computer memory is the storage space on the computer where data to be processed and
processing instructions are stored. It has both primary and secondary memories.
• The task we are currently working on is saved in the main memory, and the task we
saved is saved until we delete it.

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Characteristics of the Computer
• LOGICAL:
• A computer system has certain characteristics, such as the capability of thinking,
reasoning, and learning.
• These characteristics of computers help them perform tasks logically and these
characteristics have been further developed into what we today know as Artificial
Intelligence.
• Not emotional….

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Characteristics of the Computer
• Versatile:
• Because computers are so versatile, they can perform almost any task that
can be reduced to a series of logical steps.
• It refers to the ability or adaptation to quickly switch from one task to
another.

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Characteristics of the Computer
• Automation:
• Automation is the use of technology to complete a task with as little human
interaction as possible.
• In computing, automation is typically accomplished through the use of a
program, a script, or batch processing.

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Characteristics of the Computer
• Consistency:
• Data is stored according to preset rules. These rules state how data is stored
and all data conforms to these rules and all data remains consistent.

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Drawbacks of Computer Use
• Computers can replace people. (Unemployment)
• Computers hold personal information that may be misused.
• Downtime - Problems arise when a computer cannot be used. Certain tasks
have to be done manually or postponed.
• Staff need to be trained. Training can be expensive and if the current staff
member leaves a new staff member will have to be trained.

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Types of Computer Systems
Types of Computer Systems
• (a) Super Computers
• for example, Summit Supercomputer used in Earthquake Simulation, Extreme Weather simulation using AI.
• Summit can perform 200 quadrillion (peta-) floating point operations per second (-flops). If every person on Earth
completed one calculation per second, it would take the world population 305 days to do what Summit can do in 1
second. https://www.olcf.ornl.gov/summit/
• (b) Mainframes
• for example, IBM zEnterprise System.

Microcomputer – has a microcontroller

• (c) Desktop systems – Personal Computer

• (d) Mobile devices
• for example, laptops, notebooks, netbooks, smartphones, tablets and game consoles

• (e) Embedded devices

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• for example, special-purpose systems such as controllers in microwaves, car ignition systems, answering machines
Hardware Components
The bits you can touch..

Explain the functions of the major hardware components of

a computer system
Hardware
• Parts of the computer that can be touched (Tangible)
• Hardware components are split in 2 main categories: essential and
peripheral.
• Essential components are the parts the computer system could not operate
without. E.g. Motherboard, CPU, RAM, ROM and Power supply.
• Peripherals are hardware components usually outside the system unit, not
NEEDED for the basic operation of the computer system. E.g. Speaker,
keyboard, mouse, scanner, disk drives etc.

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 Essential Hardware Components

https://www.youtube.com./watch?v=c
tAVC2JwEwI

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Peripheral Devices
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Storage Devices

• A peripheral device is not a core device for a computer which means a

computer can “work” without a peripheral device connected to it.

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Input/Output devices
select appropriate input/output devices to meet the
needs of specified applications
Input Devices discussion
• Source Data automation Input Devices: Optical mark reader (OMR),
character readers (OCR, MICR), Magnetic Strip Reader, bar code reader,
document scanner, digital camera, biometric systems, sensors, remote
control, sound capture, voice response unit, webcam.
• Key Input Devices: keyboard, specialized keyboards (gaming,
disabled/other-abled *no offence to the other abled people* )
• Point and Draw Input Devices: mouse, joystick light-pen, touch terminals,
Touch Screens (tablets, point of sale, ATM), pointing devices(trackball,
stylus)
During a discussion you make your own
notes
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Output Devices discussion
• Visual output: Monitors, Printers (laser, inkjet, dot matrix, thermal, plotters,
3D Printers), microfilm.
• Audible output: speakers, headphones, earphones.

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Storage
Evaluate the relative merits of cloud
storage and local storage
Storage – Keep data for future use.
• Primary
• Volatile: Data is lost when the power is lost. Temporary Storage.
• Non Volatile: Data is stored permanently. Data is not lost when the power goes.

• Secondary
• Local Devices: Magnetic, optical, Flash memory
• Cloud – Discuss the pros and cons of Cloud vs Local storage

• The history of storage devices

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KRLWGaIunA

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Primary Storage Devices
• Primary storage is one that is accessed directly by the CPU. The computer
cannot function without these storage devices.
• 2 main types are RAM and ROM

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Primary Storage Devices
Random Access Memory Read Only Memory
• aka Main Memory
• consists of nonerasable hardware
• Volatile meaning it is lost when power
modules that contain programs
is turned off
• Non-volatile meaning contents are not
• is used to store the programs and lost when power is shut off
data on which the computer is
• Contents are Read Only
currently working.
• Stores the BIOS (Basic Input Output
• DRAM - ordinary RAM
System)
• SRAM - faster type of RAM
• PROM, EPROM, EEPROM

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Secondary Storage Devices
• Secondary storage is non-volatile, long-term storage.
• Usually have large storage capacity and they store data permanently. It can be internal
or external to the computer.
• Storage terms
• Media is the material storing data. E.g. a CD is a plastic disc with laser markings,
• Storage devices manage the media. E.g. The CD ROM Drive (storage device) can read and write to
the CD(storage media). NB some Device and media are interconnected and often come as 1 item.
• Magnetic devices uses magnets.
• Optical devices uses lasers.
• Flash Memory is electronically programmed or erased.
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35
Storage Device VS Storage Media
• Device – manages the media – Reads and Writes to the media
• Read/write Head
• Flash Drive
• Cassette Reader
• Media – the material that stores the content
• Hard Disk(Platters)
• Floppy Disk
• CD
• Magnetic Tape
• memory sticks
• Page 21-25 in online text book.
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Thumb Drive Vs Flash Drive
• A thumb drive is a solid-state drive that connects to the USB port
• A flash drive has a higher performance option than the hard disk drive or compact
disks with the high storage capacity ranging from 512 GB to 1 TB.
• Both the thumb drive and flash drive are used for transferring and storage for the
data.
• Thumb drives are pen drives or USB, which are used to retrieve data; on the other hand,
flash drives are small integrated chips that can be electronically programmed and erased
before they are used again.
• Thumb has the storage of 16, 32, or 64GB versions with three main USB specifications –
USB 1.0, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0 which allows transferring data at a very quick rate. On
the other hand, flash drives are generally useful or come in use for digital cameras, USB
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flash drives, and solid-state drives.
Cloud Vs Local Storage
Evaluate the relative merits of cloud storage and local storage.
Assessment criteria: capacity, cost, accessibility, security issues.

• Cloud • Local
• Advantages • Advantages

• Disadvantages • Disadvantages

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Data Representation on Storage devices
• Bistable Devices – Device that is either on or off eg switch, transistor
• Bits – Smallest chunk of data a computer can manage – either 1 or 0.
• Bytes – 8Bits
• Kilobytes – 1024Bytes – kilo means 1thousand rep in significant figures as 103.
• Think about the 100s 10s and 1s table…. Its all about place value.

• But because the computer only has 1 and 0 it is 210 – 1024

• Megabytes – 220 Bytes
• Gigabytes
• Terabytes
• Files have to be stored as a whole within the device capacity.

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Data Representation on Storage devices
• Determine the number of 5MB documents that could fit on a 16GB flash
drive. (Show all working) – CSEC IT 2022 P2

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IPOS Cycle
explain how the major hardware components of a
computer system interrelate
Basic Functions of a Computer System
• There are Four major functions/operations of every computer system.
• Input – Accept/Get Data

• Process – Manipulate Data

• Output – Produce Results

• Storage – Keep Data for future use

Explain how these components Interrelate...

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 IPOS Cycle
Name the function of each
CPU Component.

Explain how the major

hardware components
of a computer system
interrelate
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Processing
The essence of what a computer does…
CPU
• The microprocessor (CPU chip) contains a variety of circuitry and
components and is connected to the motherboard.
• A microprocessor is designed to perform arithmetic and logic
operations that make use of small number holding areas called
registers.

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Types of Processors
• https://www.ifixit.com/Wiki/Computer_Processor_Types
• https://www.pchardware.co.uk/processors.php

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CPU
• The CPU processes the instructions it receives from input devices and gives the required
output using output devices. CPU has four basic functions to perform a task:

• Homework: Find out more about each step of the CPU Clock/Instruction/Machine Cycle.

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Machine Cycle
I-Cycle(Instruction) E-Cycle(Execution)

• Control Unit fetches from • Control Unit retrieves data

memory the next command. and commands ALU to
• Control Unit decodes the execute and ALU complies.
command into an • Control Unit stores the result
instruction that the ALU in memory.
can process.

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CPU cont’d
• Processing speed, i.e. how fast the computer can fetch decode
execute and store, is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz
(GHz).
• A computer word is a group of bits or bytes that may be
manipulated and stored as a unit.

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System Specifications
develop expertise in evaluating computer systems;
 Hardware/System Specifications
• Memory – GB, MB RAM
• CPU Type/Processor
• Pentium, Celeron (Dual Core, Quad Core)

• Hard disk capacity – 80GB, 125GB

• CPU Speed – GHz, MHz
• Word Size– 32bit, 64bit
• Display Resolution
• 1080p, 1024x768 px

• Gaming Systems vs Web Browsing Vs Graphic

Designing, Video Editing,

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Ports and Interfaces
• https://www.electronicshub.org/types-of-computer-ports/

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Troubleshooting Basic
Hardware Problems
Cable problems (for example, loose cables).
Monitor problems (for example, improperly adjusted monitor controls).
Printer problems (for example, changing printer cartridges).
Battery problems (for example, loose or dead battery).
General tips to keep in mind
There are many different things that could cause a problem
with your computer. No matter what's causing the issue,
troubleshooting will always be a process of trial and error—
in some cases, you may need to use several different
approaches before you can find a solution; other problems
may be easy to fix.

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General Troubleshooting Tips

1st Write down your steps

2nd Take notes about error messages

3rd Always check the cables

4th Restart the computer

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Troubleshooting Tips cont’d
Write down your steps:
Once you start troubleshooting, you may want to write
down each step you take. This way, you'll be able to
remember exactly what you've done and can avoid
repeating the same mistakes. If you end up asking other
people for help, it will be much easier if they know exactly
what you've tried already.

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Troubleshooting Tips cont’d
Take notes about error messages:
If your computer gives you an error message, be sure to
write down as much information as possible. You may be
able to use this information later to find out if other people
are having the same error.

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Troubleshooting Tips cont’d
Always check the cables:
If you're having trouble with a specific piece of computer
hardware, such as your monitor or keyboard, an easy first
step is to check all related cables to make sure they're
properly connected.

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Troubleshooting Tips cont’d
Restart the computer:
When all else fails, restarting the computer is a good thing
to try. This can solve a lot of basic issues you may
experience with your computer.

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Using the Process of Elimination
If you're having an issue with your computer, you may be able to
find out what's wrong using the process of elimination. This
means you'll make a list of things that could be causing the
problem and then test them out one by one to eliminate them.
Once you've identified the source of your computer issue, it will
be easier to find a solution.

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Scenario: Printer Problem
• Let's say you're trying to print out invitations for a birthday
party, but the printer won't print. You have some ideas about
what could be causing this, so you go through them one by one
to see if you can eliminate any possible causes.

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Solution: Printer Problem
• First, you check the printer to see that it's turned on and plugged in
to the surge protector. It is, so that's not the issue. Next, you
check to make sure the printer's ink cartridge still has ink and
that there is paper loaded in the paper tray. Things look good in
both cases, so you know the issue has nothing to do with ink or
paper.
• Now you want to make sure the printer and computer
are communicating correctly. If you recently downloaded
an update to your operating system, it might interfere with the
printer. But you know there haven't been any recent updates and
the printer was working yesterday, so you'll have to look
elsewhere.
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Solution: Printer Problem cont’d
• You check the printer's USB cord and find that it's not plugged
in. You must have unplugged it accidentally when you plugged
something else into the computer earlier. Once you plug in the
USB cord, the printer starts working again. It looks like this
printer issue is solved!

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Scenario: Power button will not start
computer

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Solution: Power Button
• Solution 1: If your computer does not start, begin by
checking the power cord to confirm that it is plugged securely
into the back of the computer case and the power outlet.
• Solution 2: If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is
a working outlet. To check your outlet, you can plug in
another electrical device, such as a lamp.

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Solution: Power Button cont’d
• Solution 3: If the computer is plugged in to a surge protector,
verify that it is turned on. You may have to reset the surge
protector by turning it off and then back on. You can also plug
a lamp or other device into the surge protector to verify that it's
working correctly.
• Solution 4: If you are using a laptop, the battery may not be
charged. Plug the AC adapter into the wall, then try to turn on
the laptop. If it still doesn't start up, you may need to wait a
few minutes and try again.

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Scenario: An application is running slowly
• Solution 1: Close and reopen the application.
• Solution 2: Update the application. To do this, click
the Help menu and look for an option to check for Updates. If
you don't find this option, another idea is to run an online
search for application updates.

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Scenario: An application is frozen
Sometimes an application may become stuck, or frozen. When
this happens, you won't be able to close the window or click any
buttons within the application.
• Solution 1: Force quit the application. On a PC, you can press
(and hold) Ctrl+Alt+Delete (the Control, Alt, and Delete
keys) on your keyboard to open the Task Manager. On a
Mac, press and hold Command+Option+Esc. You can then
select the unresponsive application and click End
task (or Force Quit on a Mac) to close it.
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Solution: Frozen Application cont’d
• Solution 2: Restart the computer. If you are unable to force
quit an application, restarting your computer will close all
open apps.

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Scenario: All programs on the computer run
slowly
• Solution 1: Run a virus scanner. You may
have malware running in the background that is slowing
things down.
• Solution 2: Your computer may be running out of hard drive
space. Try deleting any files or programs you don't need.
• Solution 3: If you're using a PC, you can run Disk
Defragmenter.

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Scenario: The computer is frozen
Sometimes your computer may become completely unresponsive,
or frozen. When this happens, you won't be able to click anywhere on
the screen, open or close applications, or access shut-down options.
• Solution 1 (Windows only): Restart Windows Explorer. To do
this, press and hold Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard to open
the Task Manager. Next, locate and select Windows
Explorer from the Processes tab and click Restart. You may
need to click More Details at the bottom of the window to see the
Processes tab.
• Solution 2 (Mac only): Restart Finder. To do this, press and
hold Command+Option+Esc on your keyboard to open
the Force Quit Applications dialog box. Next, locate and
select Finder, then click Relaunch.
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Solution: The computer is frozen cont’d

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Solution: The computer is frozen cont’d
• Solution 3: Press and hold the Power button. The
Power button is usually located on the front or side of
the computer, typically indicated by the power symbol.
Press and hold the Power button for 5 to 10 seconds to
force the computer to shut down.
• Solution 4: If the computer still won't shut down, you
can unplug the power cable from the electrical outlet.
If you're using a laptop, you may be able to remove the
battery to force the computer to turn off. Note: This
solution should be your last resort after trying the other
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suggestions above.
Scenario: The mouse or keyboard has
stopped working
• Solution 1: If you're using a wired mouse or keyboard, make
sure it's correctly plugged into the computer.
• Solution 2: If you're using a wireless mouse or keyboard,
make sure it's turned on and that its batteries are charged.

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Scenario: The sound isn't working
• Solution 1: Check the volume level. Click the audio button in
the top-right or bottom-right corner of the screen to make sure
the sound is turned on and that the volume is up.
• Solution 2: Check the audio player controls. Many audio and
video players will have their own separate audio controls.
Make sure the sound is turned on and that the volume is turned
up in the player.

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Solution: Sound cont’d
• Solution 3: Check the cables. Make sure external
speakers are plugged in, turned on, and connected to the
correct audio port or a USB port. If your computer
has color-coded ports, the audio output port will usually
be green.
• Solution 4: Connect headphones to the computer to find
out if you can hear sound through the headphones.

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Scenario: The screen is blank
• Solution 1: The computer may be in Sleep mode. Click the mouse or
press any key on the keyboard to wake it.
• Solution 2: Make sure the monitor is plugged in and turned on.
• Solution 3: Make sure the computer is plugged in and turned on.
• Solution 4: If you're using a desktop, make sure the monitor cable is
properly connected to the computer tower and the monitor.
• Solution 5: Check the brightness control, located on your monitor
or your keyboard, and make sure it is not set too low.

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Solving more difficult problems
• If you still haven't found a solution to your problem, you may
need to ask someone else for help. As an easy starting
point, search the Web. It's possible that other users have had
similar problems, and solutions to these problems are often
posted online. Also, if you have a friend or family member
who knows a lot about computers, they may be able to help
you.

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Software
The bits you can’t touch…
Types of Software
• System Software
• Application Software

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System Software
• System software is the set of software programs that helps run the computer
and coordinates instructions between application software and hardware
devices. It consists of the operating system (OS) and utility programs.
• The OS controls how your computer system functions.
• Utility programs are programs that perform general housekeeping tasks for the computer,
such as system maintenance and file compression.

• Responsibilities of the System Software

• Booting
• Utilities
• Hardware control
• Software control

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Booting
• When you start your computer, it runs through a special process called the
boot process.
• The boot process consists of four basic steps:
• (1) The basic input/output system (BIOS) is activated when the user powers on the CPU.
• (2) In the POST check, the BIOS verifies that all attached devices are in place.
• (3) The OS is loaded into RAM.
• (4) Configuration and customization settings are checked.

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Utilities
• Utilities include those that
• enable you to adjust your display,
• add or remove programs,
• compress files,
• clean unnecessary files off your system,
• check for lost files and errors,
• restore your system to an earlier setting,
• back up your files,
• check on programs that have stopped running.
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Hardware control
• Sets the rules of how the user and other software can communicate.

• Provides an interface between the application software and the hardware

devices using a Driver. A driver is a mini program that allows for the
communication between the computer and the hardware device.

• Controls the amount of memory used. Manages virtual memory when Main
Memory becomes overwhelmed. Virtual Memory is a logical unit of
computer hard drive that increases the main memory capacity by storing or
executing a large size program than the main memory.NB Virtual memory increases the
capacity of main memory. While cache memory increase the accessing speed of CPU.

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Software control
• Process Management – Controls the time given
to the CPU to complete a task. Manages which
task is processed in what order. Have you ever
been in Task Manager? Try Ctrl+Alt+Del and
see what happens.
• File Management – Provides a user interface to
interact with files stored. Eg Windows Explorer
is the file management software for Windows
machines.

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File Management
• The OS allows you to organize the
contents of your computer in a
hierarchical structure of directories
that includes files, folders, libraries,
and drives.
• Same as was explained in 3rd Form.
• C:/My Documents/School/Fun.txt

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Types of Files

● Depending on the data that is stored they file types will vary.
○ Image Files – colour values are stored in a particular position know as a pixel. A group of pixels
create an image.
○ Document Files – these files contain text, numeric and image data. These documents are usually
formatted in a particular order that is a set standard.
○ Video Files – these files contain motion pictures.
○ Presentation Files – similar to document files, these files contains text, numeric and image data,
but it is formatted in a specific way to be easily projected.
○ Audio Files – these files contain sound waves/recordings
○ Program files – these files contain instruction that the computer will understand how to execute
(code).

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File Extensions

● A file name is comprised to 2 parts > FILENAME.EXTENSION

● The file name is whatever the user saves the file as.
● The extension determines how the computer interprets the file and what application
manipulate the file.
○ Image Files –jpg, jpeg, gif, svg, png, tiff
○ Document Files – doc, docx, pdf, txt, xls, xlsx, htm, html, xml, dat
■ Compressed Files – tar, zip, rar
○ Video Files – mp4, avi, mov, flv, avchd
○ Presentation Files – key(apple), odp, ppt, pptx
○ Audio Files –m4a, mp3, wav
○ Program files – exe, bat, apk, app, sys

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File Management
• A part of file management is ensuring the security of your files. Methods of
file security include:
• Backup
• Archiving – including compressing (zip, rar, tar etc)
• Write protect

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Kinds of Operating Systems
• There are many different kinds of operating systems.
• Real-time operating systems (RTOSs) require no user intervention. They are designed for systems with a
specific purpose and response time (such as robotic machinery).
• A multiuser operating system (network operating system) provides access to a computer system by more than
one user at a time.
• Smartphones have their own specific operating systems, which allow the user to multitask.
• Tablets use operating systems (such as iOS, Android, and Windows 8) that allow interaction with touch-screen
interfaces.
• Gaming consoles use operating systems developed specifically for those particular devices.
• Current operating systems for desktops, laptops, and netbooks have multitasking and networking capabilities.

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Common Operating Systems
• Microsoft Windows is the most popular OS. It has evolved into a powerful
multiuser OS. The most recent release is Windows 8.1.
• Another popular OS is the Mac OS, which is designed to work on Apple computers.
Apple’s most recent release, Mac OS X, is based on the UNIX OS.
• There are various versions of UNIX on the market, although UNIX is most often
used on servers and networks.
• Linux is an open source OS based on UNIX and designed primarily for use on
personal computers, although it is often used on servers and supercomputers.

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Human-Computer Interface/User Interfaces
• Hardware User interfaces
• Touch Screen
• Specialized Keyboards – ergonomic, braille etc
• Mouse
• Sensors

• Software user interfaces

• Command line
• GUI
• Menu Driven
• Touch (more GUI)
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Command Line User Interface
• Commands have to be types into prompt and those instructions are executed
once you press enter.

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 Menu Driven User Interface
• A list of options from which you can choose. Each option can take you into
sub-lists etc.

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GUI and Touch GUI
• Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Each?
• Command Line User Interface

• GUI

• Menu Driven

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Application Software
• General Purpose – not specific to any organization and can be used for a range of tasks.
• Word Processor, database manager, spreadsheets, presentation tools

• Special Purpose/Specialized – a software made solely for a specific task

• eg. The Camera App on your phone.

• Integrated Package – A package that contains a combination of popular General purpose

software
• MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite

• Custom Written – Written for a specific organization/company to perform tasks specific to

what they need in that institution.
• Customized – A general purpose software that is modified to be more specific to a
company or task. Automates certain tasks.
• Page 30 of online text for more examples, you will be asked to recall.

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Information Processing
develop an understanding of basic information
processing principles.
Objectives
• distinguish between data and information
• evaluate the reliability of information obtained from online sources
• differentiate between validation and verification of data
• identify appropriate validation and verification checks given a particular
scenario
• select appropriate file organization for particular application
• File access methods: sequential, serial, direct and random.
• Application areas: archiving, payroll file, real time systems.
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 What is Information Processing?
• Information processing refers to the manipulation of raw data to produce
digitized information by computers and other digital electronic equipment.
• Whenever data needs to be transferred or operated upon in some way, this is
referred to as information processing.

Clean
Collecting Raw Data Storing Summariz
Raw Data Visualize Use Information
(remove Data e Data to Guide
(survey, missing values, (sum, mean, Data (Charts, Decisions/Build
scores, edit format, (File Graphs, etc.) Models
mode, median
check spelling, Organization)
recordings) etc.)
check
101 correctness)
Data vs Information
• Data – Raw Unprocessed Facts, data may be meaningless or ambiguous.
• When data is processed, it provides information.
• Information – Information is data that have been put into a meaningful and
useful context. In other words, information is structured data.
• Hardcopy – a physical output/ printed document
• Softcopy – an electronic version of a document – intangible

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Characteristics of Data
• Raw data raw data refers to data that has been collected directly from a
primary source and has not been processed in any way;
• such as gathering statistics from a survey.

• In computing it may have the following attributes:

• possibly containing errors
• not validated (checked for correctness)
• Unformatted (in several different formats) - For example, a data input sheet might
contain dates as raw data in many forms: "31st January 1999", "31/01/1999",
"31/1/99", "31 Jan", or "today".

• Once captured, this raw data may be processed and stored as a single format.

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Collecting Raw Data
Data Capture
• Data is captured in many forms.
• Human-Readable – written in a language that humans can understand. Eg.
Questionnaire
• Machine-Readable – Code that can only be interpreted by a computer/machine
of some sort. Binary, Barcode
• Turnaround – a document that has some information that is human readable and
others that are machine readable. Eg multiple choice bubble sheet/Lotto
ticket/Utility bills
• Data logging – automatic data capture, usually from sensors at regular intervals.
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With Data Capture comes Errors
• Data entry errors
• Accidental
• Deliberate

• Software/Hardware errors
• Things malfunction (votes were flipped)
• Hardware faults have been known to corrupt data

• Transmission errors
• The message sent was NOT what was received. (every played Chinese telephone – is it
racist to call it that? I apologize to the Chinese.)
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Cleaning Raw Data
Identify appropriate validation and verification
checks given a particular scenario
Validate or Verify?
• What does it mean to Validate?

• What does it mean to Verify?

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Validation vs Verification of Data
• Verification is checking for MISTAKES when data is copied from one medium or
device to another.
• Validation is a COMPUTERISED check of input data for errors BEFORE the data is
processed. Validation assumes the use on a computerized FORM. Whether the
information is TRUE is not checked.
• Errors
• Data Entry Errors
• Unintentional/Accidental Errors
• Deliberate Error
• Transmission Errors
• Software/Hardware malfunction
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Verification Checks
• Double Entry
• New Password (check the second against the first)

• Proofreading/Visual Check
• Typographical and Transpositional Errors

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Validation Checks
• Range Check
• Reasonableness Check
• Data Type Check
• Consistency Check
• Presence Check
• Format Check
• Length Check
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Storing Data
Raw data is converted into machine readable form.
File Organization and Access: Select appropriate file organization
for particular application.
What is a file?
• A file is a container in a computer system for storing information.
• This container can hold data/information such as text, images, numbers
etc…
• A File is a collection of Records > A record is a collection of fields > A field
is a single item of data e.g. OrderID, CustomerID, OrderDate

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How is the data ORGANIZED in the file?
• Serial File Organization
• Sequential File Organization
• Indexed Sequential Organization
• Random/Direct Organization

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Serial File Organization
• Records are stored one after the other in the order in which they came. This
is referred to as an UNORDERED file.
• Eg A shopping List
• Apples
• Milk
• Eggs
• Bread
• Toilet Rolls
• Banana
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Sequential File Organization
• A file whose records are sorted by some attribute(s) (usually its primary
key). Records are stored in some type of sequential ORDER
(ascending/descending) by one or more fields in the record. Eg Sort on
Name or ID Number.

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Indexed-Sequential File Organization
• Records are stored in a given order but an index file
is kept with an ID for the records and the location for
quicker retrieval.
• This is an advanced sequential file organization
method.
• The Book would be the sequential file where content
is organized by page number. The Index(at the back
of the book) is the index file that keeps Key words in
order as well as the page numbers for quick retrieval.
• Applications can access the data sequentially or
directly using the index.
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Direct Access/Random File Organization
• Direct Access/Random Access – where files are stored in any order. The
computer maps where all this data is stored so you can immediately access it
when you search for it.
• The records are stored at KNOWN addresses.
• In direct access file organization, records are placed randomly throughout
the file. Records need not be in sequence because they are updated directly
and rewritten back in the same location. New records are added at the end of
the file or inserted in specific locations based on software commands.

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Types of Files used in an Organization System
Master file − It contains the current information for a system. For example, customer file, student
file, telephone directory.

Transaction file − It contains the day-to-day information generated from business activities. It is
used to update or process the master file. For example, Addresses of the employees.

Temporary file − It is created and used whenever needed by a system.

Log files − They contain copies of master and transaction records in order to chronicle any
changes that are made to the master file. It facilitates auditing and provides mechanism for
recovery in case of system failure.

Archive files − Backup files that contain historical versions of other files.

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Master and Transaction files
• A Master file is a Permanent file that is kept up to date on a regular basis.
• The master file stores Permanent Information eg Name, TRN, IDNumber
• The master file also stores Temporary/Variable Data eg Acc balance, hours
worked
• The Transaction file is the worker file. It stores the updates and then
summarizes that data and updates the Master file at the end of a period(Day,
Week etc) This is why transactions often take 3-5 business days to go
through.

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122
Application areas: archiving, payroll file, real
time systems

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Data Processing
The manipulation of data by a computer.
Processing Stored Data
• Data processing occurs when the data is collected and translated into usable
information.
• After the data is stored it can undergo various processes such as:
• Update
• Delete
• Search
• Analysis (Software based)

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Types of Data Processing
• Batch – the processing of large amounts of Data. It is usually automatically
processed.
• Transaction – data transferred between two or more computers.
• Distributed – the processing is shared between many computers on a
network. Distributed data processing (DDP) is a technique for breaking
down large datasets and storing them across multiple computers or servers.
• Online – Data transfer or processing that occurs over the internet. “online”
signifies “interactive”. Might have delays.
• Real Time – Processing data that requires immediate response.
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Control Systems
Control Systems use computers to control machinery.
Types of control systems:
• Automation systems carry out straightforward tasks, such as running through a
program on a washing machine. They do this without any human involvement at all.
Once an automation system has been switched on it follows a set of predetermined
actions to the end. ( So an Automation system is a straightforward type of control
system in which tasks are carried out automatically.) Batch Processing.
• Process control systems are used for more complex operations. They constantly
check the state of play and change the actions in response. (Process control systems
are a type of control system used in manufacturing in which actions are changed
depending on feedback from sensors.)
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Use Information to Guide
Decisions/Build Models
What is considered Useful Information?
• Relevance – the appropriateness of information to the solution of a problem or decision making.
• Accuracy – the correctness of items and the completeness of the information
• Reliability – the consistency with which the information is accurate. Information that is
consistently correct is reliable.
• Timely – the availability of information to users in time to make relevant decisions.
• Comprehensibility – the ability of the data to be made useful.
• Interpretation – the same information is given different meaning by different users.
• Security - the accessibility of data by authorized users and the prevention of any unauthorized
users from accessing the data.
• Confidentiality – the availability of data only to a very restricted set of users.
• Value – the usefulness of information to facilitate problem solving and decision making and to
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enable the organization to gain advantage over its competitors.
• Distortion – the presentation of data to induce a particular presentation.
Sources of Information
• The source of the information affects the characteristics of the information.
• Publications – Newspapers, media house report etc
• Formal/Informal Communication – word of mouth, interviews, meetings
• Measurements – Receipts, sales figures etc…
• Questionnaires – Polls
• Product specifications – labels

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Reliability of Information Online
• Who updates these wikis? Who created this • What sources should be avoided?
web article?
• out-of-date materials (published over 10
• Fake news? CAN we trust CNN? years ago);
• What sources can be considered as credible? • posts from social networks (i.e. facebook);
• materials published within last 10 years; • blogs;
• research articles written by respected and • research articles without citations;
well-known authors; *this one is tricky*
• websites ending in .com, .org, .net etc.
• websites registered by government and
educational institutions (.gov, .edu, .ac); Source:
https://www.academia-research.com/freelance-
writing/crediblenon-credible-sources/
• academic databases (i.e. Academic Search
Premier or JSTOR);
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• materials from Google Scholar.
The End of Section 1 of
the Syllabus
Computer Fundamentals and Information Processing