UTUMISHI AT GLANCEUTUMISHI INFOTECH AFRICA: is a Universal ICT (Information and Communication Technology). Education Programme that seeks to enlighten everybody on ICT for equal opportunities in the wider society.The subject of ICT encompasses any technology that allows us to process data and to communicate. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) can play a crucial role in delivering economic growth, jobs and social interaction.

COMPUTER PACKAGES

Introduction to computers Windows Microsoft word Microsoft Power Point Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Publisher

UTUMISHI INFOTECH AFRICA (ICT)utumishiinfotech@gmail.com+254721465615+254702849585

DIGITALLITERACYCERTIFICATION

INTRODUCTIONCOMPUTER LABORATORYIs a room that has been specially prepared to facilitate installation of computers and to provide a safe, conducive environment for teaching and learning of computer studies .Behavior in the computer laboratory

1. Avoid smoking or exposing computers to dust. Smoke and dust particles can damage the computer components.

2. Avoid carrying food and beverages to computer rooms. The liquids can cause rusting and electrical shocks and the food particles can damage the computer components.

3. Avoid unnecessary movements. You may accidentally knock down peripheral devices.4. Follow the correct procedure for starting and shutting down the computer.5. Accidents which may occur should be reported immediately.6. If you are not sure of how to handle or operate any piece of equipment in the laboratory, please ask

for assistance.

Computer & Printer Maintenanceo Care of keyboard, mouse. No food or drinks near computer.o Care for monitor. Don't touch screen.o Care for cables. Don't remove cableso Care of disks. Keep them away from heat, magnets, graphite, etc.o Inform teacher when virus alert sounds or suspicious activity, and be able to remove viruses.o Don't change settings or preferences for any softwareo Don't copy software or install any software (including games).o Don't waste resources with excessive printing

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ContentsDefine the term computer...................................................................................................................................4

Parts of a computer.............................................................................................................................................4

System Unit.........................................................................................................................................................5

Peripheral Devices...............................................................................................................................................5

Classification of Computers.................................................................................................................................5

Types of Micro Computers..................................................................................................................................6

Anatomy of the Computer...................................................................................................................................6

Define the four categories of output...................................................................................................................9

Characteristics of a keyboard..............................................................................................................................9

Monitor.............................................................................................................................................................10

System Unit.......................................................................................................................................................10

Describe the components in the system unit....................................................................................................10

Power Supply.....................................................................................................................................................12

System Board/ Mother Board/ Circuit Board.....................................................................................................12

Functional units of a CPU...................................................................................................................................13

Differences between storage and memory.......................................................................................................13

Storage Device...................................................................................................................................................13

How a hard disk organizes data.........................................................................................................................13

How a compact disc stores data........................................................................................................................14

Understand how to care for a compact disc......................................................................................................14

Differences between CD-ROMs, CD-RWs, and DVD-ROMs................................................................................14

Software............................................................................................................................................................15

Two types of software.......................................................................................................................................15

Understand the startup process for a personal computer................................................................................16

Describe the term user interface.......................................................................................................................16

Features common to most operating systems..................................................................................................16

Operating Systems.............................................................................................................................................19

Objects on the Microsoft Windows XP Desktop............................................................................................20

2.Basic Mouse Operations: Point, Click, Right-click, Double-click, Drag, and Right-drag...............................20

Open, Minimize, Maximize, Restore, Scroll, and Close a Windows XP Window............................................21

Move and Resize a Window on the Desktop.....................................................................................................21

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Keyboard Shortcut Notation..............................................................................................................................21

Launch and Quit an Application Program..........................................................................................................21

Create, Expand, and Collapse a Folder..............................................................................................................22

Select and Copy One File or a Group of Files.................................................................................................22

Rename and Delete a Folder or File...................................................................................................................23

Shut Down Windows XP....................................................................................................................................23

Introduction to Computer

Computer Assembly and Purchasing

Basic Understanding of Computer Hardware

Basic Understanding of Computer Software

Ms Windows

Ms Word

Ms Power Point

Ms Excel

Ms Acces

Ms Publisher

Ms Outlook

Computer Network and Internet

We Browser Programs and Internet Applications

Communication ( Internet and E-Mail)

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Introduction to Computers

Lessons

1. What is a computer? 2. Hardware 3. Numeral systems 4. Data sizes and speeds 5. Data Coding and Information Decoding 6. Types of computers 7. What is a motherboard? 8. Computer networks 9. Software 10. Information technology

IntroductionA computer is a multipurpose electronic device that can receive, process and store data. They are used as

tools in every part of society together with the Internet. Computers nowadays are complex; there are a lot of different components inside them, and they all serve different purposes. They all need to work together for the computer to work; knowing how a computer works makes it easier to use a computer by being able to understand how a computer will respond.

Define the term computer

A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data, manipulate the data according to specified rules, produce results, and store the results for future use. Computers process data to create information. Data is a collection of raw unprocessed facts, figures, and symbols. Information is data that is organized, meaningful, and useful. To process data into information, a computer uses hardware and software. Hardware is the electric, electronic, and mechanical equipment that makes up a computer. Software is the series of instructions that tells the hardware how to perform tasks.

Data – these are raw facts that are meaningless to the user and cannot be used to make decision.

Processing – this is the way data is manipulated to turn into information.

Information – this is the processed data.

Explain the importance of computer literacy

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Computers have touched every part of our lives: the way we work, the way we learn, the way we live, even the way we play. It almost is impossible to go through a single day without encountering a computer, a device dependent on a computer, information produced by a computer, or a word that was introduced or whose meaning has changed with the advent of computers. Because of the significance of computers in today’s world, it is important to be computer literate. Being computer literate means you have knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses.

Parts of a computer1. System Unit2. Peripheral Devices (Keyboard, Mouse and MonitorSystem Unit Keyboard Mouse Monitor/Screen(TFT)

System Unit It is a part that houses the heart of a computer and other devices called drives that store, record and read data. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is contained here.

Peripheral DevicesAre devices that are connected to the System Unit.

a) Mouse-enables the user to issue instructions to the computer by controlling the mouse pointer displayed on the screen.

b) Keyboard-enables the user to enter data and instructions in the computer by pressing keys.c) Monitor (screen)- enables the user to see information.

Classification of ComputersThey are classified based on: i) Physical Appearance/Size

ii) Functionality iii) Purpose

i) Physical Appearance/Sizea) Super Computers They are the fastest computers They are the largest They are the most expensive

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They are the most powerful They are used in scientific research, simulation, data analysis etc b) Main Frame Computers They are less powerful than super computers. They are less expensive than super computers They are applied/used in government agencies, big companies e.g banks etcc) Mini Computers They are physically smaller and cheaper than main frames They are used in research institutions and scientific laboratoriesd) Micro Computers They are the smallest They are the cheapest They are the least powerful They are used in learning institutions.

Types of Micro Computers1) Desk Top Computers

Are not portableAre designed to be placed on top of an office desk

2) Lap Top Computers They are portable like briefcases.They are designed to be used by placing them on the laps.

3) Palm Top Computers They are small enough to fit in the pocket.They can be held in the palm when being used.

ii) Functionalitya) Analog Computers

They perform arithmetic operations and logical comparisons by measuring changes in physical magnitude e. g speed, temperature etc.

b) Digital Computers Their operations are based on two states: On and Off

c) Hybrid Computers They are computers which are build with both characteristics of analog and digital computers e. g TV

iii) Purposea) General purpose computers

They are designed to be able to perform a variety of tasksb) Special Purpose Computers

They are normally designed to serve a specific purpose e. g Mobile phones for communication only.c) Dedicated Computers

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They are general purpose computers that are committed to some processing tasks e. g dedicated to word processing only.

Anatomy of the ComputerRefers to the structure/components /parts of a computer: Keyboard, Monitor/Screen and System Unit.

KeyboardIs the input device made of circuit board and related electrical components that generate unique electrical code when pressing each key.

A computer consists of five primary hardware components: input devices, the central processing unit (CPU), memory, output devices, and storage devices. These components work together with software to perform calculations, organize data, and communicate with other computers.Features of External Hardware Computer ComponentsExternal computer components connect to a computer system from OUTSIDE. They are not necessary for the system to function but make our experiences easier or better. We will discuss the following:

Input Devices (used to get data into a computer) Output Devices (used to get information out of a computer) Peripherals1. Input Devices

#Input devices are pieces of hardware that get raw data into the computer ready for processing. #Processing involves taking raw data and turning it into more useful information. #Input devices fall into two categories:

Manual Input Devices - Need to be operated by a human to input information Automatic Input Devices - Can input information on their own.

Manual Input DevicesKeyboard Mouse Microphone

Scanner Numeric Keypad Light Pen

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Touch screen Digital Camera Web Cam

Automatic Input DevicesMagnetic Stripe Reader Magnetic Ink Character Recognition Chip and Pin Reader

Optical Mark Reader Optical Character Reader Barcode Reader

2. Output Devices# When inputted raw data has been processed it becomes usable information. Output devices are pieces of hardware that send this usable information out of the computer.# Some output devices send information out temporarily and some send information out permanently:

Temporary Output Devices - E.g. Monitors which constantly refresh the outputted image on the screen

Permanent Output Devices - E.g. Printers which output information onto paper as a hard copy.

Output Devices

CRT Monitor TFT Monitor Laser Printer Inkjet Printer

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Plotter Speakers Multimedia Projector Dot Matrix Printer

Define the four categories of output

Output is data that has been processed into a useful form called information. Four types of output are text, graphics, audio, and video. Text consists of characters (letters, numbers, punctuation marks, or any other symbol requiring one byte of computer storage space) that are used to create words, sentences, and paragraphs. Graphics are digital representations of non-text information such as drawings, charts, photographs, and animation (a series of still images in rapid sequence that gives the illusion of motion). Audio is music, speech, or any other sound. Video consists of images played back at speeds to provide the appearance of full motion. An output device is any computer component capable of conveying information to a user.

3. Peripheral Devices# Almost all input and output DEVICES are known as 'Peripheral devices’ Examples:# These are 'non-essential' hardware components that usually connect to the

system externally.# Peripherals are called non-essential because the system can operate without them.

Characteristics of a keyboard

The keyboard is an input device that contains keys you press to enter data into a computer. Desktop computer keyboards usually have from 101 to 105 keys, while keyboards for smaller computers contain fewer keys. All keyboards have a typing area used to type letters of the alphabet, numbers, punctuation marks, and other basic characters. Many desktop computer keyboards also have a numeric keypad designed to make it easier to enter numbers, function keys programmed to issue commands and accomplish certain tasks, arrow keys used to move the insertion point (a symbol on the screen that indicates where the next typed character will display), and toggle keys that can be switched between two different states.

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Keys of the Keyboard

a) Standard Typewrite Keys- they are used to input text into a computer.(A- Z)

b) Functional Keys-They are labeled F1 to F12, they are used to issue commands.

c) Special purpose Keys- e .g Alternate(Alt), Control (Ctrl), Delete (Del), Insert(Ins)

d) Navigation/Cursor (Arrow) Movement Keys- They are used to move around the text.

e) Numeric Keys- They are used to enter numbers into the computer system.(1-0)

MonitorThey are principle visual contact with the personal computer system.Types of Monitors According to colour

a) Monochrome Monitor –they display in single colourb) Colour Monitor- Display in more than one colour

Types of monitors according to Display screena) Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) –Curved, big, cheap and consumes a lot of power.b) Flat Panel Screen-Flat screen, High quality output, occupies less space and portable.

Features of Internal Hardware Computer Components

System Unit

The system unit is a box-like case made from metal or plastic that protects the internal electronic components of the computer from damage. The system unit contains the central processing unit and memory. The central processing unit (CPU) is the electronic device that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer. Memory is a temporary holding place for data and instructions.

A storage device records and retrieves data to and from a storage medium. Six common storage devices are a floppy disk drive, a Zip® drive, a hard disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a CD-RW drive, a DVD-ROM drive, and a DVD+RW drive. A communications device enables computer users to communicate and exchange items such as data, instructions, and information with another computer. A modem is a communications device that enables computers to communicate usually via telephone lines or cable.

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Describe the components in the system unit

The system unit, sometimes called the chassis, is a box-like case housing the electronic components of a computer that are used to process data. System unit components include the processor, memory module, cards, ports, and connectors. Many of the system unit’s components reside on a circuit board called the motherboard. The motherboard contains many different types of chips, or small pieces of semiconducting material, on which one or more integrated circuits (IC) are etched. An integrated circuit is a microscopic pathway capable of carrying electronic current. Each IC can contain millions of transistors, which act as switches for electronic signals. Internal computer components are designed to fit INSIDE the computer system and they all carry out important roles. We will discuss the following:

a) Power Supply

b) Storage Devicesc) Motherboard/ System Board / Circuit Board (this does something with the data to make it useful

information) d) Processor (central processing unit) e) Internal Memory (RAM and ROM) f) Video Card (aka graphics card)g) Sound Card h) Internal Hard Disk Drive

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Power Supply

It provides power to all components in the System Unit

U.P.S (Uninterruptable Power Supply)

a) Regulates power from an unstable power source to the required clean stable voltage.

b) It temporarily provides power to the computer in case of a sudden power failure.

System Board/ Mother Board/ Circuit Board

Is the main circuit board of the computer system. It includes the following:

1) Micro-processor Chips

2) Main memory Chips

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3) All Related support Circuits

4) Expansion slots where additional components can be plugged.

Functional units of a CPU

The central processing unit (CPU), also called a processor, significantly impacts overall computing power and manages most of a computer’s operations. The CPU contains the control unit and the arithmetic/logic unit. The control unit directs and coordinates most of the operations in the computer. For every instruction, the control unit repeats a set of four basic operations called the machine cycle: (1) fetching the instruction or data item from memory, (2) decoding the instruction into commands the computer understands, (3) executing the commands, and, if necessary, (4) storing, or writing the result to memory. The arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) performs the execution part of the machine cycle. Specifically, the ALU carries out three operations:

Arithmetic operations – performing calculations, which include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Comparison operations – comparing data items to determine if the first item is greater than, equal to, or less than the other item

Logical operations – working with conditions and logical operators such as AND, OR, and NOT Compare and contrast various personal computer processors on the market today

Differences between storage and memory

Memory, which is composed of one or more chips on the motherboard, is a temporary holding place for data and instructions during processing. The contents of volatile memory, such as RAM, are lost when the power to the computer is turned off. The contents of nonvolatile memory, such as ROM, are not lost when power is removed from the computer. Storage holds items such as data, instructions, and information for future use; that is, storage holds these items while they are not being processed. Storage is nonvolatile, which means the items in storage are retained even when power is removed from the computer. Compared to memory, the access time (the time it takes to locate a single item) for storage is slow.

Storage DeviceFloppy discs, CDs (Compact Discs), Musical Systems (Flash Discs, Memory Cards), Hard discs drive, modem (A device that translates data from analog to digital and vise versa e.g Safaricom or Airtel)

How a hard disk organizes data

A hard disk, or hard disk drive, consists of several inflexible, circular platters that store items electronically. A platter in a hard disk is made of aluminum, glass, or ceramic and is coated with a

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material that allows items to be recorded magnetically on its surface. Each platter has two read/write heads, one for each side. Because of the stacked arrangement of the platters, the location of the read/write heads often is referred to by its cylinder, which is the location of a single track through all platters. Some computers improve hard disk access time by using a disk cache, which is a portion of memory that the processor uses to store frequently accessed items. A hard disk can be divided into separate areas, called partitions, each of which functions as if it were a separate hard disk drive.

  How a compact disc stores data

A compact disc (CD) is a flat, round, portable metal storage medium that usually is 4.75 inches in diameter and less than one-twentieth of an inch thick. Compact discs store items using microscopic pits (indentations) and land (flat areas) that are in the middle layer of the disc. A high-powered laser light creates the pits in a single track, divided into evenly spaced sectors, that spirals from the center to the edge of the disc. A low-powered laser reads items by reflecting light off the disc surface. The reflected light is converted into a series of bits that the computer can process.

Understand how to care for a compact disc

With proper care, a compact disc is guaranteed to last five years, but could last up to 50 years. Compact discs should not be stacked or exposed to excessive heat, cold, sunlight, or contaminants. A compact disc should be held by its edges (do not touch the underside of the disc) and placed in its protective case, called a jewel box, when it is not being used. You can clean the bottom surface with a soft cloth and warm water or a specialized CD cleaning kit, and you can repair scratches on the bottom surface with a specialized compact disc repair kit.

Differences between CD-ROMs, CD-RWs, and DVD-ROMs

A CD-ROM, or compact disc read-only memory, is a compact disc that uses the same laser technology as audio CDs. For a computer to read items stored on a CD-ROM, you insert the disc into a CD-ROM drive or CD-ROM player. When viewing animation or video, the speed of a CD-ROM drive, or data transfer rate, is important. A higher the data transfer rate, results in smoother playback of images and sounds.

Most standard CDs are single-session because manufacturers record (write) all items to the disc at one time. Variations of standard CD-ROMs, such as Photo CD, CD-R (compact disc-recordable), and CD-RW (compact disc-rewritable), are multisession, which means additional data, instructions, and information can be written at a later time. A Photo CD is a compact disc that contains digital photographic images. A CD-R (compact disc-recordable) is a multisession compact disc onto which you can record your own items. A CD-RW (compact disc-rewritable) is an erasable disc you can write on multiple times.

A DVD-ROM (digital video disc-ROM) is an extremely high-capacity compact disc capable of storing from 4.7 GB to 17 GB. In order to read a DVD-ROM, you must have a DVD-ROM drive. You also can obtain recordable and rewritable versions of DVD. A DVD-R (DVD-recordable)

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allows you to write on it once and read (play) it many times. With the new rewritable DVD, called a DVD+RW, you can erase and record on the disc multiple times.

Basic Understanding of Computer Hardware

Lesson Summary

Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or components of a computer. Hardware includes components such as the monitor, keyboard, hard drive disk, mouse, printers, graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard and chips, etc.[1]

Types of computers include personal computers or workstations, midrange computers or servers, mainframe computers and supercomputers.[4]

Data processing is the collection and manipulation of items of data to produce meaningful information.[5]

Data processing includes validation, sorting, summarization, aggregation, analysis, and reporting. [6]

Binary codes are used to encode data, such as character strings, into bit strings, and may be displayed in octal, decimal or hexadecimal notation.[7]

The byte is a unit of digital information that consists of eight bits, historically used to encode a single character of text in a computer.[8]

Unit multiples of bytes include kilobytes (1000 or 1024), megabytes (10002 or 10242), gigabytes (10003 or 10243) and terabytes (10004 or 10244).[9]

Hardware component functions include input, processing, output, and storage. [10]

Input components include the keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, joystick, scanner, microphone, and camera.[11]

Processing components include the CPU, motherboard, chipset, RAM, ROM, busses, and expansion cards.[12]

Output components include the display, printers, and speakers.[13]

Storage components include fixed media such as hard drives and solid state drives and removable media such as USB flash drives, optical disk drives, and tape drives.[14]

Computers require regular monthly or quarterly maintenance. This includes computer cleaning, dust removal, and disk maintenance.[15]

Troubleshooting is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem so that it can be solved, and so the product or process can be made operational again. Troubleshooting requires identification of the malfunction(s) or symptoms within a system. Then, experience is commonly used to generate possible causes of the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination - eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state.[16]

A basic principle in troubleshooting is to start from the simplest and most probable possible problems first.[17]

Serial substitution involves checking each component in a system one by one, substituting known good components for each potentially suspect one.[18]

Bisection involves separating a larger system into two or more subsystems to isolate and identify problems and causes.[19]

One of the core principles of troubleshooting is that reproducible problems can be reliably isolated and resolved.[20]

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Intermittent problems are often the result of components that are thermally sensitive, because the resistance of a circuit varies with the temperature of the conductors in it. [21]

Troubleshooters must always consider the possibility that there is more than one fault causing a given system failure.[22]

One approach to troubleshooting is known as the DETECT method - Discover the problem, Evaluate the system, Track potential solutions, Execute a plan, Check results, and Take a proactive approach to prevent the problem from reoccurring.[23]

An upgrade is generally a replacement of hardware, software or firmware with a newer or better version, in order to bring the system up to date or to improve its characteristics. [24]

It may be necessary to modify BOIS settings or update or flash the BIOS or other firmware in order to troubleshoot operating system and driver installation issues.[25]

Upgrades of software introduce the risk that the new version (or patch) will contain a bug, causing the program to malfunction in some way or not to function at all. [26]

Key Termsarithmetic logic unit (ALU)

A digital circuit that performs integer arithmetic and logical operations. [27]

ASCII

A character-encoding scheme originally based on the English alphabet that encodes 128 specified characters - the numbers 0-9, the letters a-z and A-Z, some basic punctuation symbols, some control codes that originated with Teletype machines, and a blank space - into binary integers, and used to represent text in computers and communications equipment.[28]

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)

A de facto standard defining a firmware interface for personal computers, and the first software run by a PC when powered on.[29]

binary

The base-2 numeral system, which represents numeric values using the symbols 0 and 1. [30]

central processing unit (CPU)

The hardware within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. [31]

computer hardware

The physical parts or components of a computer, including the monitor, keyboard, hard drive disk, mouse, printers, graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard and chips, etc. [32]

control unit

A component of a computer's central processing unit (CPU) that directs operation of the processor. [33]

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decimal

The base-10 numeral system, which represents numeric values using the symbols 0 - 9. [34]

desktop computer

A personal computer in a form intended for regular use at a single location. [35]

FireWire

An interface standard for a serial bus for high-speed communications and isochronous real-time data transfer developed by Apple and replaced with Thunderbolt. [36]

firmware

The combination of persistent memory and program code and data stored in it. [37]

hard disk drive

A secondary data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information using rapidly rotating disks (platters) coated with magnetic material.[38]

hexadecimal

The base-16 numeral system, which represents numeric values using the symbols 0 - 9 and A - F. [39]

laptop

A portable personal computer with a clamshell form factor, suitable for mobile use. [40]

mainframe computer

A high-end commercial computer used primarily by corporate and governmental organizations for critical applications and bulk data processing, with a focus on very high volume input, output (I/O) and throughput.[41]

memory

Computer data storage that is directly accessible to the CPU, typically implemented as Random Access Memory (RAM) and is volatile, with access time measured in nanoseconds. Also known as primary storage, main memory or internal memory.[42]

mobile device

A small, handheld computing device, typically having a display screen with touch input and/or a miniature keyboard.[43]

motherboard

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The main printed circuit board found in computers and other expandable systems, which holds many of the crucial electronic components of the system such as the CPU and memory. [44]

multi-core processor

A single computing component with two or more independent actual processing units, which are the units that read and execute program instructions.[45]

octal

The base-8 numeral system, which represents numeric values using the symbols 0 - 7. [46]

optical disc drive

A disk drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves within or near the visible light spectrum as part of the process of reading or writing data to or from optical discs such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray.[47]

peripheral

A device that is connected to a host computer, but not part of it. [48]

port

An interface between the computer and other computers or peripheral devices. [49]

power supply

A device that converts alternating current (AC) electric power to low-voltage DC power for the internal components of the computer.[50]

random-access memory (RAM)

A form of volatile computer data storage that allows stored data to be accessed directly in any random order.[51]

read-only memory (ROM)

A class of non-volatile storage medium used in computers and other electronic devices which cannot be modified, or can be modified only slowly or with difficulty, so that it is mainly used to distribute firmware.[52]

server

A system (software and suitable computer hardware) that responds to requests across a computer network to provide, or help to provide, a network service.[53]

smartphone

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A mobile phone built on a mobile operating system, with more advanced computing capability and connectivity than a feature phone.[54]

solid-state drive (SSD)

A secondary data storage device using integrated circuit assemblies as memory to store data persistently, while using electronic interfaces compatible with traditional block input/output (I/O) hard disk drives.[55]

storage

Computer data storage that is not directly accessible by the CPU, typically implemented using some type of hard disk drive and is non-volatile, with access time measured in milliseconds. Also known as secondary storage, external memory, or auxiliary storage.[56]

supercomputer

A high-end science/research computer with a focus on very high processing capacity, particularly speed of calculation.[57]

tablet

A one-piece mobile computer, typically with a touchscreen and using finger or stylus gestures to replace the conventional computer mouse.[58]

USB flash drive

A data storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface.[59]

SoftwareDefinition:"Coded programs that control how the computer works"

Computer software enables computer hardware to perform specific tasks. Software is a collection of computer programs and related data that provides the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it.[1]

Lesson Summary

Computer software is any set of machine-readable instructions (most often in the form of a computer program) that directs a computer's processor to perform specific operations.[4]

Software includes both machine instructions and source code. The source code is written in high-level programming languages and then compiled or interpreted into machine language object code. [5]

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Software may also be written in a low-level assembly language and then assembled into object code.[6]

Software categories include system software, application software, and embedded software. [7]

System software is designed to operate the computer hardware, to provide basic functionality, and to provide a platform for running application software. System software includes device drivers, operating systems, servers, utilities, and window systems.[8]

Application software allows the computer to perform useful tasks beyond the running of the computer itself.[9]

Embedded software resides as firmware within devices dedicated to a single use, and therefore has no clear distinction between the system and the application.[10]

An office suite is a collection of productivity programs with a consistent user interface intended to be used by knowledge workers. Common office suite applications include word processing, spreadsheets, presentation programs and database programs. They may also include desktop publishing and media editing.[11]

Utility software is system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize or maintain a computer. Utility programs include file compression, system updates, disk management, virus/malware scanners, and system task or process management.[12]

Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services to troubleshoot startup problems. Safe mode is accessed by pressing the F8 key during the boot process. [13]

Software may also be categorized according to how it is licensed and distributed. These categories include freeware, open-source software, shareware, and premium (for profit) software. [14]

Key Termsdatabase software

A program designed to allow the definition, creation, querying, update, and administration of organized collections of data.[15]

fragmentation

A phenomenon in which storage space is used inefficiently as file allocation units become separated from each other during file modification, resulting in reduced capacity and performance. [16]

desktop publishing software

A program designed to allow for the creation of documents such as flyers, menus and newsletters with text and images, attractive layouts, and high typographic quality. [17]

end-user license agreement (EULA)

The contract between a licensor and purchaser, establishing the purchaser's right to use software. [18]

entertainment software

A program designed to allow for the playing of video games.[19]

file compression

The encoding and storage of files using fewer bits than the original representation. [20]

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freeware

Software that is available for use at no monetary cost or for an optional fee, but frequently with one or more restricted usage rights.[21]

license

A legal instrument (usually by way of contract law, with or without printed material) governing the use or redistribution of software.[22]

malware

Malicious software used attackers to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems.[23]

media editing software

A program used to create or modify a combination of text, audio, still images, animation, video, or interactivity content forms.[24]

middleware

Computer software that provides services to software applications beyond those available from the operating system.[25]

open source

Software with its source code made available and licensed with a license in which the copyright holder provides the rights to study, change and distribute the software at no cost to anyone and for any purpose.[26]

presentation software

A program used to display information in the form of a slide show.[27]

safe mode

A diagnostic mode of a computer operating system (OS) with reduced functionality that provides access to utility and diagnostic programs so a user can troubleshoot what is preventing the operating system from working normally.[28]

shareware

Proprietary software that is provided to users on a very limited basis and only for a certain limited trial, pursuant to a license which restricts any commercial benefit, use or exploitation of the software.[29]

single seat license

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A software license that grants the use of a copy of the program installed on only one computer. [30]

site license

A software license that grants the use of a copy of the program installed on all computers in a single location.[31]

spreadsheet

A program used to organize and analyze data in a tabular form.[32]

virus

A type of malware that, when executed, replicates by inserting copies of itself (possibly modified) into other files.[33]

volume license

A software license that allows software to be installed in bulk using a single product key multiple installations.[34]

word processor

A program designed for the composition, editing, formatting and sometimes printing of any sort of written material.[35]

Two types of software

Two types of software are application software and system software. Application software consists of programs that perform specific tasks for users, such as a word processing program, e-mail program, or Web browser. System software consists of the programs that control the operations of a computer and its devices. The two types of system software are operating systems and utility programs. An operating system (OS) is a set of programs containing instructions that coordinate all the activities among computer hardware devices. A utility program performs a specific task, usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs.

Using an Operating System

An operating system (OS) ]] is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is a vital component of the system software in a computer system. Application programs usually require an operating system to function.

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Lesson Summary

An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.[4]

The operating system is a component of the system software in a computer system.[5]

The operating system acts as an intermediary between programs and the computer hardware. [6]

Application programs usually require an operating system to function.[7]

Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.[8]

The operating system is also responsible for security, ensuring that unauthorized users do not access the system.[9]

The operating system provides a user interface and allows communication between the user and the machine.[10]

Key Termscharacter-based interface

A user interface based on characters rather than graphics.[11]

command-line interface

A means of interacting with a computer program where the user (or client) issues commands to the program in the form of successive lines of text (command lines).[12]

custom application

An application programmed for a specific purpose, typically for a specific client. [13]

file manager

A computer program that provides a user interface to manage files and folders.[14]

force quit

A command that is used in several popular operating systems to send signals to running processes in order to request the termination of the process.[15]

file format

A standard way that information is encoded for storage in a computer file.[16]

Java

A set of computer software and specifications developed by Sun Microsystems, which was later acquired by the Oracle Corporation, that provides a system for developing application software and deploying it in a cross-platform computing environment.[17]

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Linux

A computer operating system (OS) assembled under the model of free and open-source software development and distribution.[18]

Mac OS

A series of graphical user interface–based operating systems developed by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh line of computer systems.[19]

Microsoft Windows

A metafamily of graphical operating systems developed, marketed, and sold by Microsoft.[20]

open-source software (OSS)

Computer software with its source code made available with a license in which the copyright holder provides the rights to study, change, and distribute the software to anyone and for any purpose. [21]

operating system (OS)

System software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.[22]

platform

The combination of hardware and operating system software upon which application software is built.[23]

root directory

In a computer file system, it is the first or top-most directory in a hierarchy.[24]

safe mode

Intended to help fix most, if not all problems within an operating system. It is also widely used for removing rogue security software.[25]

shell

A user interface for access to an operating system's services.[26]

system software

Computer software designed to provide services to other software. Examples of system software include operating systems, computational science software, game engines, industrial automation, and software.[27]

taskbar

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An element of a graphical user interface which has various purposes. It typically shows which programs or applications are running on the device, as well as provide links or shortcuts to other programs or places, such as a start menu, notification area, and clock.[28]

UNIX

A family of multitasking, multiuser computer operating systems that derive from the original AT&T Unix, developed in the 1970s at the Bell Labs research center by Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, and others.[29]

upgrade

A replacement of hardware, software or firmware with a newer or better version, in order to bring the system up to date or to improve its characteristics.[30]

virtual memory

A memory management technique that is implemented using both hardware and software. It maps memory addresses used by a program, called virtual addresses, into physical addresses in computer memory.

Examples of software:

System software: This type of software includes operating systems and different utilities to allow your system to run smoothly. System software often manages the computer's resources.

Operating Systems Disk Cleaners Disk Defragmenter Virus Protection

Application software:

Everyday programs that you use to produce something useful. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint are good examples.

Word Processors Graphics Editors

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Understand the startup process for a personal computer

Booting is the process of starting or restarting a computer. When you turn on the computer, the power supply sends an electrical signal to devices located in the system unit. The processor chip resets itself and looks for the ROM chip that contains the BIOS (basic input/output system), which is firmware that holds the startup instructions. The BIOS executes the power-on self test (POST) to make sure hardware is connected properly and operating correctly. The POST results are compared with data in a CMOS chip on the motherboard. If the POST completes successfully, the BIOS searches for specific operating system files called system files. Once located, the boot drive (the drive from which your personal computer starts), loads the system files from storage (the hard disk – usually drive C) into memory (RAM) and executes them. Next, the kernel of the operating system loads into memory and takes control of the computer. The operating system loads configuration information. In Windows XP, the registry consists of several file that contain the system configuration information. When complete, the Windows XP desktop and icons display, and programs in the Start Up folder are executed.

Describe the term user interface

A user interface controls how you enter data and instructions and how information displays on the screen. Two types of user interfaces are command-line and graphical. With a command-line interface, you type keywords or press special keys to enter data or instructions. A graphical user interface (GUI) allows you to use menus and visual images such as icons, buttons, and other graphical objects to issue commands. A menu is a set of commands from which you can choose. An icon is a small image that represents a program, an instruction, a file, or some other object.

List of graphical user interface elements

Graphical user interface elements are those elements used by graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to offer a consistent visual language to represent information stored in computers. These make it easier for people with few computer skills to work with and use computer software.

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Structural elements

Graphical user interfaces use visual conventions to represent the generic information shown. Some conventions are used to build the structure of the static elements on which the user can interact, and define the appearance of the interface.

WindowMain article: Window (computing)

A window is an area on the screen that displays information, with its contents being displayed independently from the rest of the screen. An example of a window is what appears on the screen when the "My Documents" icon is clicked in the Windows Operating System. It is easy for a user to manipulate a window: it can be shown and hidden by clicking on an icon or application, and it can be moved to any area by dragging it (that is, by clicking in a certain area of the window – usually the title bar along the tops – and keeping the pointing device's button pressed, then moving the pointing device). A window can be placed in front or behind another window, its size can be adjusted, and scrollbars can be used to navigate the sections within it. Multiple windows can also be open at one time, in which case each window can display a different application or file – this is very useful when working in a multitasking environment. The system memory is the only limitation to the number of windows that can be open at once. There are also many types of specialized windows.[1]

A container window is a window that is opened while invoking the icon of a mass storage device, or directory or folder and which is presenting an ordered list of other icons that could be again some other directories, or data files or maybe even executable programs. All modern container windows could present their content on screen either acting as browser windows or text windows. Their behaviour can automatically change according to the choices of the single users and their preferred approach to the graphical user interface.

A browser window allows the user to move forward and backwards through a sequence of documents or web pages. Web browsers are an example of these types of windows.

Text terminal windows are designed for embedding interaction with text user interfaces within the overall graphical interface. MS-DOS and UNIX consoles are examples of these types of windows.

A child window opens automatically or as a result of a user activity in a parent window. Pop-up windows on the Internet can be child windows.

A message window, or dialog box, is a type of child window. These are usually small and basic windows that are opened by a program to display information to the user and/or get information from the user. They usually have a button that must be pushed before the program can be resumed.

Menus

Menus allow the user to execute commands by selecting from a list of choices. Options are selected with a mouse or other pointing device within a GUI. A keyboard may also be used. Menus are convenient because they show what commands are available within the software. This limits the amount of documentation the user reads to understand the software.[2]

A menu bar is displayed horizontally across the top of the screen and/or along the tops of some or all windows. A pull-down menu is commonly associated with this menu type. When a user clicks on a menu option the pull-down menu will appear.[3][4]

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A menu has a visible title within the menu bar. Its contents are only revealed when the user selects it with a pointer. The user is then able to select the items within the pull-down menu. When the user clicks elsewhere the content of the menu will disappear.[5]

A context menu is invisible until the user performs a specific mouse action, like pressing the right mouse button. When the software-specific mouse action occurs the menu will appear under the cursor.[3]

Menu extras are individual items within or at the side of a menu.

Icons

An icon is a small picture that represents objects such as a file, program, web page, or command. They are a quick way to execute commands, open documents, and run programs. Icons are also very useful when searching for an object in a browser list, because in many operating systems all documents using the same extension will have the same icon.

Controls (or widgets)Main article: Graphical control element

Interface elements known as graphical control elements, controls or widgets are software components that a computer user interacts with through direct manipulation to read or edit information about an application. Each widget facilitates a specific user-computer interaction. Structuring a user interface with Widget toolkits allow developers to reuse code for similar tasks, and provides users with a common language for interaction, maintaining consistency throughout the whole information system.

Common uses for widgets involve the display of collections of related items (such as with various list and canvas controls), initiation of actions and processes within the interface (buttons and menus), navigation within the space of the information system (links, tabs and scrollbars), and representing and manipulating data values (labels, check boxes, radio buttons, sliders, spinners...)

Tabs

A tab is typically a rectangular small box which usually contains a text label or graphical icon associated with a view pane. When activated the view pane, or window, displays widgets associated with that tab; groups of tabs allow the user to switch quickly between different widgets. This is used in the web browsers Firefox, Internet Explorer, Konqueror, Opera, and Safari. With these browsers, you can have multiple web pages open at once in one window, and quickly navigate between them by clicking on the tabs associated with the pages. Tabs are usually placed in groups at the top of a window, but may also be grouped on the side or bottom of a window. Tabs are also present in the settings panes of many applications. Windows for example uses tabs in most of its control panel dialogues.

Interaction elements

Some common idioms for interaction have evolved in the visual language used in GUIs. Interaction elements are interface objects that represent the state of an ongoing operation or transformation,

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either as visual remainders of the user intent (such as the pointer), or as affordances showing places where the user may interact.

CursorMain article: Cursor (computers)

A cursor is an indicator used to show the position on a computer monitor or other display device that will respond to input from a text input or pointing device.

PointerMain article: Pointer (computing WIMP)

The pointer echoes movements of the pointing device, commonly a mouse or touchpad. The pointer is the place where actions take place that are initiated through direct manipulation gestures such as click, touch and drag.

Insertion point

The caret, text cursor or insertion point represents the point of the user interface where the focus is located. It represents the object that will be used as the default subject of user-initiated commands such as writing text, starting a selection or a copy-paste operation through the keyboard.

Selection

A selection is a list of items on which user operations will take place. The user typically adds items to the list manually, although the computer may create a selection automatically.

Adjustment handle

A handle is an indicator of a starting point for a drag and drop operation. Usually the pointer shape changes when placed on the handle, showing an icon that represents the supported drag operation.

Features common to most operating systems

Most operating systems perform similar functions that include managing programs, managing memory, scheduling jobs, configuring devices, accessing the Web, monitoring performance, providing housekeeping services, and administering security. Managing programs directly affects your productivity. A single user/single tasking operating system allows only one user to run one program at a time. A multitasking operating system allows a single user to work on two or more applications that reside in memory at the same time. A multi-user operating system enables two or more users to run a program simultaneously.

A multiprocessing operating system can support two or more CPUs running programs at the same time. Managing memory involves assigning items to an area of memory while they are being processed. The purpose of memory management is to optimize use of random access memory

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(RAM). With virtual memory (VM), the operating system optimizes memory by allocating a portion of a storage medium, usually the hard disk, to function as additional RAM. Scheduling jobs (operations the processor manages) involves determining the order in which jobs are processed.

Spooling increases efficiency by placing print jobs in a buffer (an area of memory or storage where data resides while waiting to be transferred) until the printer is ready, freeing the processor for other tasks. Configuring devices establishes communication with each device in the computer. A device driver is a small program that tells the operating system how to communicate with a device. Accessing the Web may entail including a Web browser and e-mail program in the operating system. Monitoring performance helps to identify and solve system problems.

A performance monitor is a program that assesses and reports information about various system resources and devices. Providing housekeeping services entails performing storage and file management functions. A file manager performs such functions as formatting and copying disks; listing the files on a storage medium; checking the amount of used and unused space on a storage medium; organizing, copying, deleting, moving, and sorting files; and creating shortcuts (icons on the desktop that run a program when clicked).

Administering security involves establishing user accounts on a network. Each account typically requires a user name and a password to log on, or access, the network.HardwareDefinition: "All the physical parts of a computer that you can see, touch and pick up."

Hardware is 'physical'. Physical means that it can be touched and picked up

# Hardware works with computer code to carry out jobs such as:

Producing an image on a computer screen Producing sound Moving cursers / pointers around a screen

Examples of hardware:Keyboard Mouse Microphone

Scanner Numeric Keypad Light Pen

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WINDOWS

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1. Describe the Microsoft Windows XP user interface

2. Identify the objects on the Microsoft Windows XP desktop

3. Perform basic mouse operations: point, click, right-click, double-click, drag, and right-drag

4. Open, minimize, maximize, restore, scroll, and close a Windows XP window

5. Move and resize a window on the desktop

6. Understand keyboard shortcut notation7. Launch and quit an application program8. Identify the elements of the Exploring

window

9. Create, expand, and collapse a folder10. Select and copy one file or a group of files11. Rename and delete a folder or file12. Quit Windows Explorer13. Use Windows XP Help14. Shut down Windows XP15. Identify each application in Microsoft

Office XP16. Define the Internet, the World Wide

Web, and an intranet17. Explain how each Microsoft Office XP

application uses the Internet18. Understand the Microsoft Office XP Help

system

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Operating Systems

What is an Operating System? Definition: "An operating system is a software program that manages computer resources. Operating systems allow components to communicate with each other and enables the

computer to run software applications."

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The user can divide the screen into separate areas known as 'windows'. These windows can be anything from folders to software applications.

Windows allow you to work on several tasks at the same time.

Icons

Icons are 'symbols' or small images / graphics that are used to represent files and commands. Icons can be clicked to carry out a function or open a file etc. The user operates a mouse to move a pointer over the icon and then clicks it to activate the function.

Icons are also used to represent folders.

Menus

These allow users to select functions from a list. Each item in the list will perform a different function.

Menus usually either 'pop-up' or 'drop-down'. The navigation used at the top of this web site are examples of drop-down menus.

Pointers

Pointers are little arrows that you move across the screen by directing your mouse. Pointers can be used to:

Select and use icons Select options found in menus Reposition folders and icons on the screen.

Tasks of the Operating System

Operating systems perform the following functions:1. Accepts inputs from the mouse or keyboard. 2. Sends outputs to the monitor or

printer.3. Recognises peripheral devices such as external

hard disks, pen drive, web cam etc and makes sure that software needed for the hardware to run is installed.

4. Manages files and folders in the system (Naming, Creating, Moving, Finding and Deleting folders etc).

5. Allows applications software (word-processing, spreadsheets etc) to communicate with the system's hardware.

6. Shares out system memory efficiently. The operating system will decide how much memory to assign to particular tasks. It also moves data in and out of memory.

7. Loads and runs software applications. 8. Manages system security. For example - allows passwords to be added / changed.

9. Handles system problems and alerts the user. For example if a printer is jammed and cannot printer, the operating system will stop the print job and alert the user with a warning message.

10. Manages the moving of data to and from a hard disk.

Types of Operating System Interfaces The way in which users communicate with the computer is called an 'interface'. The interface is what we use to give the computer commands. There are three types of operating system interfaces:

Command Line Interface (CLI) Graphical User Interface (GUI) Touch screen Interface

Objects on the Microsoft Windows XP Desktop

The Windows XP desktop contains a variety of graphical and textual information. You will see icons, which represent documents or applications that you can launch. There are buttons, such as the close button, which shuts down a particular window. The bottom of the screen contains a taskbar, which contains a variety of buttons indicating which windows are currently open on the desktop. There is also a mouse pointer that you can control to point to the features of the desktop.

Basic Mouse Operations: Point, Click, Right-click, Double-click, Drag, and Right-drag

The mouse is a pointing device attached to the computer by a cable (unless it is infrared). To point the mouse means to move it across a flat surface until the mouse pointer is where you want it on the desktop. If you land on a standard icon, you will see a ScreenTip, which gives information about the

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icon. Single-clicking means to press the left mouse button once. You can also right-click the mouse, which will display a shortcut menu containing commands that are specific to that icon. To double-click means to press the mouse button two times, in rapid succession. This generally has the effect of launching an application or document. To drag means to point to a desired item, hold down the left mouse button, move the item to the desired location, and then to release the left mouse button. You can also right-drag, which moves an item and displays a shortcut menu.

Open, Minimize, Maximize, Restore, Scroll, and Close a Windows XP Window

The upper right corner of a window normally has three buttons: minimize, maximize, and close. If you click on the minimize button, the window is removed from the desktop and changes to a non-recessed button on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. Clicking this button restores the window to its last size. If you click the maximize button, the window will occupy the entire desktop area. If you click the close button (X), the window closes and is removed from the taskbar. You can scroll a window by clicking the scroll arrows, clicking the scroll bar, or dragging the scroll box.

Move and Resize a Window on the Desktop

You can move a window anywhere on the desktop by pointing to the title bar and dragging. You can size a window by pointing to any of its corners. The mouse pointer changes to a two-headed arrow. If you drag the corner the window will grow or shrink depending on how you drag it. You can also resize a window by pointing to any of its borders and dragging.

Keyboard Shortcut Notation

To perform tasks using the keyboard you must understand the notation used to identify which keys to press. These are called keyboard shortcuts. One kind of shortcut consists of pressing a special function key, such as F1. A second shortcut method involves holding down one key and then pressing a second key, as in CTRL+ESC, which means hold down the CONTROL key and then press the ESCAPE key. In Windows XP, the F1 key gives you access to Help about Windows XP. The CTRL+ESC combination opens the Start menu.

Note that most Windows functions can be accessed with keyboard shortcut keys. However, it is strongly recommended that you use the mouse, which is simpler, more direct, and more intuitive to use than memorizing the various keyboard shortcuts.

Launch and Quit an Application Program

An application program is a program that allows you to accomplish a specific task, e.g., word processing, or spreadsheet. Some applications are part of Windows XP, e.g., Windows Explorer. Other are purchased separately, such as Office XP.

There are several ways to launch a program. One method involves the Start menu.

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First, click the Start button on the taskbar and then point to Programs. Once the Programs submenu appears, point to the program you want to launch. To quit a running program, point to and click the close (X) button in the right-hand corner of the application window.

Other ways to launch Internet Explorer include:

1. Click Launch Internet Explorer Browser icon on the Quick Launch toolbar.2. Double-click the Internet Explorer icon on the desktop.3. Press CTRL+ESC, then press P, then press I.

Task manager

A task manager is a system monitor program used to provide information about the processes and programs running on a computer, as well as the general status of the computer. Some implementations can also be used to terminate processes and programs, as well as change the processes priority. In some environments, users can access a task manager by pressing the buttons Control-Alt-Delete.

Task managers can display currently running services (processes) as well as those that were stopped. They can display information about the services (such as Process ID and group) if known.

Create, Expand, and Collapse a Folder

To display the contents of the local disk drive, point to and click the "Local Disk (C:)" folder name in the Folders pane of the My Computer window.

The Contents pane shows the files and folders accessible on the C: drive. The left pane of the Contents pane contains information about the drive. If a folder contains non-visible subfolders, you will see a plus sign (+) to the left of its icon.  To expand the folder point to and click the plus sign.

Another way to expand a folder is to double-click its icon. Alternatively, you can select the folder icon and press the PLUS SIGN (+) on the numeric keypad (or the RIGHT ARROW).

If a folder has been completely expanded you will see a minus sign (-). To collapse a folder, point to and click the minus sign. To create a new folder, right-click anywhere in the white area of the Contents pane. Point to New on the shortcut menu. Point to and click Folder on the New submenu. Type a name for the new folder.

Another way to collapse a folder is to double-click its icon. Alternatively, you can select the folder icon and press the MINUS SIGN (-) on the numeric keypad (or the LEFT ARROW).

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Select and Copy One File or a Group of Files

When copying files, the drive and folder containing the files to be copied are called the source drive and source folder respectively. The drive and folder receiving the copies are called the destination drive and folder.

You can select a group of files by holding down the CTRL key and then clicking on whichever files you want to select. To copy the group, click on any of the selected files and right-drag the group into the destination folder.

Release the right mouse button and point to and click the Copy Here option on the shortcut menu.

Note that you can select contiguous files (files listed in a row) by selecting the first file and then holding down the SHIFT key. Then select the last file in the group. All the intervening files will be selected.

To select all the displayed files, click Select All from the Edit menu and the click the OK button.

Rename and Delete a Folder or File

To rename a folder, point to the folder name. Click the name twice, but do not double-click the name. Type the new file name.

Other ways to rename a file include the following:

1. Right-click the file name, click Rename on the shortcut menu, type a new name, and then press ENTER. 

2. You can also select the file name, and then click Rename from the File menu. 3. Another method is to select the file name and then press F2. Finally, you can select the file

name, press ALT+F and then press M.

To delete a file, right-click its name. Point to and click the Delete command on the shortcut menu. When the Confirm File Delete dialog box displays, click the Yes button. 

There are many other ways to delete a file. Some of them include:

1. Click the file name, click the Delete button on the Standard toolbar, and then click the Yes button.

2. Right-drag the file over the Recycle Bin, click Move Here, and then click the Yes button.3. Right-click the file name, click Delete and then click Yes.

Warning: deleting is one of the only ways you can do harm on a computer. Be very careful when deleting and make sure you really want to delete.

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Shut Down Windows XP

You should use the Shut Down command to shut down Windows XP. Click the Start button on the taskbar. Next, point to and click Shut Down on the Start menu. Point to and click OK on the Shut Down Windows dialog box. Do not turn off the computer until Windows informs you that it is safe to do so.

Other ways to shutdown the computer include:

1. Press CTRL+ESC, then press U. Press the ARROW keys to select Shut down, and then press ENTER.

2. Press ALT+F1, then press the ARROW keys to select Shut down, and then press ENTER.

Note that you should never shut down the computer simply by turning it off. Windows has a shut down procedure that saves all open disk files and does other housekeeping activities. Turning off the computer without properly shutting down can result in a loss of data.

Recycle bin- is a place where all unwanted files are thrown.

It acts as a dust bin in the house.

Word Processing

Word processing is the composition, editing, formatting and sometimes printing of any sort of written material. Word processing is most commonly accomplished using computer application software designed specifically for these tasks.

Lesson Summary

Types of word processors include:[4] o Libre Office Writero Apple Pageso Microsoft Wordo Wordpado Google Docs

Word processing was one of the earliest applications for the personal computer in office productivity and was the most popular application on home and personal computers until the World Wide Web rose to prominence in the mid-1990s. [5]

The word processor was a stand-alone office machine in the 1960s, combining the keyboard text-entry and printing functions of an electric typewriter, with a recording unit, either tape or floppy disk (as used by the Wang machine) with a simple dedicated computer processor for the editing of text. [6]

Word processors have a variety of uses and applications within the business world, home, education, journalism, publishing, and the literary arts. Within the business world, word processors are extremely useful tools. Typical uses include:[7]

o legal copieso letters and letterhead

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o memoso reference documents

Key Termsballoon

A rounded text box appearing in the space to the right of the document, containing a comment or a tracked change [8]

clip art

1) A vector-based line drawing. 2) An image inserted via the Clip Art feature in Office programs. [9]

comment

A non-printing note inserted into a document to share information or an opinion about the document with others editing it.[10]

crop

To cut away the unwanted parts of a picture from one or more sides. [11]

footer

The area at the bottom of each page that contains consistent or repeated information. [12]

hard page break

A page break created by the user in order to force a page break in a certain place. [13]

header

The area at the top of each page that contains consistent or repeated information. [14]

indentation

The amount that a paragraph is offset from the document margins. [15]

landscape

The page orientation in which the text runs parallel to the wide edge of the paper. [16]

line spacing

The amount of vertical space between the lines of a paragraph.[17]

margins

The blank space between the edge of the paper and the document's content. [18]

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orientation

The direction that the text runs in relation to the paper. Can be either portrait or landscape. [19]

paragraph formatting

Formatting that applies to entire paragraphs, not to individual characters.[20]

portrait

The page orientation in which the text runs parallel to the narrow edge of the paper. [21]

rotation handle

The green circle at the top of a selected picture that, when dragged, rotates the picture. [22]

section break

A divider in a document that allows settings that are normally document-wide to be applied differently in parts of the document.[23]

soft page break

A page break made automatically by the application when the current page is full. [24]

style

A named, preset combination of formatting.[25]

style set

An alternative set of style definitions for the basic built-in styles. [26]

table

In Word or PowerPoint, a grid of cells into which you can place data to help organize and present it in orderly rows and columns.[27]

table style

A style that applies to an entire table, formatting it with a set of preset formatting, including borders and sharing.[28]

tab stop

A non-printing marker in a paragraph that stops the insertion point when the Tab key is pressed. [29]

text effects

A set of special effects you can apply to text, such as outline, shadow, and glow. [30]

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vector-based illustration

A drawing that is constructed of mathematically created lines.[31]

wrap text

The feature in Office applications such as Word that enables you to specify how the graphic should interact with any adjacent text.

MICROSOFT WORDStart Word Describe the Word WindowZooming page width , Change the default font size of all textEnter text into a document, Scroll through a documentCheck spelling as you type , Save a documentSelect text, Change the font size of selected textChange the font of selected text1 Adjust line spacing in a documentChanging the margins , Use Word's AutoCorrect featureUse a header to number pages of a document Count the words in a documentEnter text using Click and Type Create a hanging indentApply formatting using shortcut keys Create a hyperlinkIndent paragraphs Go to a specific location in a documentAdd a footnote to a research paper Understand how smart tags workModify a style Check spelling and grammar at onceInsert a manual page break Right-align a paragraphInsert a symbol automatically Undo commands or actionsSort selected paragraphs Underline selected textMove text, Find and replace text Insert clip art into a documentUse the Paste Option button, Print a documentFind a synonym for a word Correct errors in a documentDisplay the web page associated with a hyperlink Right-align a paragraphE-mail a copy of a document Resize a graphicCenter a paragraph Open a documentItalicize selected text Use Help, Quit WordBold selected text

Microsoft Excel

Start ExcelDescribe The Excel WorksheetDescribe the Speech Recognition Capabilities of

Apply the AutoFormat command to a format rangeUse the Name box to select a cellCreate a column chart using the Chart Wizard.

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ExcelSelect a cell or range of cellsEnter Text and NumbersUse the AutoSum button to sum a range of cellsCopy a cell to a range of cells using the fill handleBold font, change font, and change font colorCenter cell contents across a series of columns

Saving a workbookPrint a WorksheetQuit ExcelOpen a WorkbookUse the Auto Calculate area to determine totalsCorrect Errors on a WorksheetUse the Excel Help system to answer your questions

Spreadsheets

A spreadsheet is an interactive computer application program for organization and analysis of data in tabular form.

Lesson Summary

Spreadsheets are developed as computerized simulations of paper accounting worksheets. [4]

Spreadsheets are useful for "what-if" analysis since many cases can be rapidly investigated without manual recalculation. Modern spreadsheet software can have multiple interacting sheets, and can display data either as text and numerals, or in graphical form.[5]

In addition to performing basic arithmetic and mathematical functions, modern spreadsheets provide built-in functions for common financial and statistical operations.[6]

A spreadsheet consists of a table of cells arranged into rows and columns and referred to by the X and Y locations. X locations, the columns, are normally represented by letters, "A", "B", "C", etc., while rows are normally represented by numbers, 1, 2, 3, etc.[7]

The key feature of spreadsheets is the ability for a formula to refer to the contents of other cells, which may in turn be the result of a formula. To make such a formula, one simply replaces a number with a cell reference.[8]

The ability to chain formulas together is what gives a spreadsheet its power. Many problems can be broken down into a series of individual mathematical steps, and these can be assigned to individual formulas in cells. Some of these formulas can apply to ranges as well, like the SUM function that adds up all the numbers within a range.[9]

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet developed by Microsoft for Windows, Mac OS X, Android and iOS. It features calculation, graphing tools, pivot tables, and a macro programming language called Visual Basic for Applications. It has been a very widely applied spreadsheet for these platforms. [10]

Key Termsalgorithm

A set of steps that are followed in order to solve a mathematical problem or to complete a computer process.[11]

bar chart

A chart that presents grouped data with rectangular bars with lengths proportional to the values that they represent.[12]

43

cell

A unit in a database table or spreadsheet, formed by the intersection of a row and a column. [13]

cell range

A group or block of cells in a worksheet that have been selected or highlighted. [14]

cell reference

A string identifying a particular cell in a spreadsheet, possibly relative to the cell containing the reference.[15]

chart

Visual representations of worksheet data.[16]

circular reference

When the formula in one cell refers—directly, or indirectly through a chain of cell references—to another cell that refers back to the first cell.[17]

column

A vertical series of cells in a chart, table, or spreadsheet.[18]

dynamic data exchange

A method of interprocess communication under Microsoft Windows or OS/2. It allows one program to subscribe to items made available by another program, for example a cell in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and be notified whenever that item changes.[19]

encryption

The process of encoding messages or information in such a way that only authorized parties can read it.[20]

expression

A combination of values and symbols used to produce a new value.[21]

Extensible Markup Language (XML)

Markup language that defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable.[22]

formula

Any equation entered into a cell on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.[23]

44

function

A standard routine used to perform common tasks. It represents a complex formula that uses reserved words e.g. VLOOKUP, IF.[24]

histogram

A graphical representation of the distribution of numerical data. [25]

line chart

A type of chart which displays information as a series of data points called 'markers' connected by straight line segments.[26]

logical spreadsheet

A spreadsheet in which formulas take the form of logical constraints rather than function definitions.[27]

macro

A rule or pattern that specifies how a certain input sequence (often a sequence of characters) should be mapped to a replacement output sequence (also often a sequence of characters) according to a defined procedure.[28]

macro recorder

A piece of software that records user actions for playback at a later time. [29]

Microsoft Query

A visual method of creating database queries using examples based on a text string, the name of a document or a list of documents.[30]

object linking and embedding (OLE)

Proprietary technology developed by Microsoft that allows embedding and linking to documents and other objects.[31]

open database connectivity (ODBC

Standard application programming interface (API) for accessing database management systems (DBMS).[32]

pie chart

A circular statistical graphic, which is divided into slices to illustrate numerical proportion. [33]

pivot table

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A data summarization tool found in data visualization programs such as spreadsheets or business intelligence software.[34]

rainbow table

A precomputed table for reversing cryptographic hash functions, usually for cracking password hashes.[35]

row

A series of data banks laid out in a horizontal fashion in a table or spreadsheet. [36]

spreadsheet

An interactive computer application for organization, analysis and storage of data in tabular form. [37]

subroutine

A sequence of program instructions that perform a specific task, packaged as a unit. This unit can then be used in programs wherever that particular task should be performed.[38]

time series

An ordered sequence of values of a variable at equally spaced time intervals. [39]

values

Numbers entered into spreadsheet cells[40]

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)

An implementation of Microsoft's discontinued event-driven programming language, Visual Basic 6, and its associated integrated development environment (IDE).[41]

Microsoft Power Point1. Start and customize PowerPoint 2. Describe the PowerPoint

window3. Describe the speech recognition

capabilities of PowerPoint4. Select a design template 5. Create a title slide 6. Change the font size and font

style7. Save a presentation 8. Add a new slide 9. Create a text slide with a single-

level bulleted list

12. Move to another slide in normal view

13. View a presentation in slide show view

14. Quit PowerPoint 15. Open a presentation 16. Check spelling and

consistency, correct errors, and edit a presentation

17. Display a presentation in black and white

18. Print a presentation in black and white

46

10. Create a text slide with a multi- level bulleted list

11. End a slide show with a black slide

19. Use the PowerPoint Help system to answer your questions

Microsoft Publisher

1. Publisher Basics Useful Definitions Open Publisher Create New Publications

2. Projects: Create a Calendar

3. Save Your Publication 4. Print Your Publication 5. Create Other Publications (if time allows)

Create a Business Card Create a Greeting Card

6. Use Publisher’s Help 7. Further Reading and Learning

MICROSOFT ACCESS

47

INTERNET1. Discuss how the Internet works2. Understand ways to access the Internet3. Identify a URL4. Search for information on the Web5. Describe the types of Web pages6. Recognize how Web pages use graphics,

animation, audio, video, and virtual reality

7. Define Webcasting8. Describe the uses of electronic commerce

(e-commerce)9. Explain how e-mail, FTP, newsgroups and

message boards, mailing lists, chat rooms, and instant messaging work

10. Identify the rules of netiquette

The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to serve several billion users worldwide.

Skills[3]

Internet vs. Browsers vs. WWW: Concepts about each, differences between each, uses of each Navigation: Domains, hyperlinks, home page, back, forward, refresh, favorites/bookmarks, plugins,

history, search, tabs, downloading/uploading48

Using Search Engines: Acquire knowledge, solve problems, evaluate search results, forums, ads, sponsored links, knowledge bases, validity of sources, articles

Using advanced features of search engines: Search types

Web browser

A web browser (commonly referred to as a browser) is a software application for retrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web. An information resource is identified by a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI/URL) and may be a web page, image, video or other piece of content.[1] Hyperlinks present in resources enable users easily to navigate their browsers to related resources.

Although browsers are primarily intended to use the World Wide Web, they can also be used to access information provided by web servers in private networks or files in file systems.

The major web browsers are Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer/Microsoft Edge,[2][3][4] Opera, and Safari.

User interface

Most major web browsers have these user interface elements in common:[28]

Back and forward buttons to go back to the previous resource and forward respectively. A refresh or reload button to reload the current resource. A stop button to cancel loading the resource. In some browsers, the stop button is merged with the

reload button. A home button to return to the user's home page. An address bar to input the Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) of the desired resource and display it. A search bar to input terms into a web search engine. In some browsers, the search bar is merged

with the address bar. A status bar to display progress in loading the resource and also the URI of links when the cursor

hovers over them, and page zooming capability. The viewport, the visible area of the webpage within the browser window. The ability to view the HTML source for a page.

Major browsers also possess incremental find features to search within a web page.

World Wide Web"WWW" and "The web" redirect here. For other uses of WWW, see WWW (disambiguation). For other uses of web, see Web (disambiguation).

For the first web software, see WorldWideWeb.

Not to be confused with the Internet.

49

The World Wide Web (abbreviated WWW or the Web) is an information space where documents and other web resources are identified by Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), interlinked by hypertext links, and can be accessed via the Internet.[1] English scientist Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989. He wrote the first web browser computer programme in 1990 while employed at CERN in Switzerland.[2][3][page needed]

The World Wide Web has been central to the development of the Information Age and is the primary tool billions of people use to interact on the Internet.[4][5][6] Web pages are primarily text documents formatted and annotated with Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). In addition to formatted text, web pages may contain images, video, audio, and software components that are rendered in the user's web browser as coherent pages of multimedia content. Embedded hyperlinks permit users to navigate between web pages. Multiple web pages with a common theme, a common domain name, or both, make up a website. Website content can largely be provided by the publisher, or interactive where users contribute content or the content depends upon the user or their actions. Websites may be mostly informative, primarily for entertainment, or largely for commercial, governmental, or non-governmental organisational purposes.

Key Termsdownload

To receive data from a remote system, typically a server such as a web server, an FTP server, an email server, or other similar systems. This contrasts with uploading, where data is sent to a remote server.[4]

email (electronic mail)

A method of exchanging digital messages between computer users. [5]

home page

The initial or main web page of a website.[6]

hyperlink

A reference to data that the reader can directly follow either by clicking, tapping or hovering. [7]

IP address (Internet Protocol address)

A numerical label assigned to each device (e.g., computer, printer) participating in a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.[8]

phishing

The attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and sometimes, indirectly, money), often for malicious reasons, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.[9]

50

plug-in (add-in, add-on, or extension)

A software component that adds a specific feature to an existing computer program. [10]

upload

To send data to a remote system such as a server or another client so that the remote system can store a copy.[11]

web browser

A software application for retrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web.[12]

website

A collection of related web pages, including multimedia content, typically identified with a common domain name, and published on at least one web server.[13]

World Wide Web

An information space where documents and other web resources are identified by URLs, interlinked by hypertext links, and can be accessed via the Internet.[14]

Spreadsheetso Construct a spreadsheet using numerical data, text headings and titles, and formulas.

Formulas should include add, subtract, multiply, divide, average and fine percents.o Create an budget, purchase order, party planning or wage statement

Databaseso Organize a database into the necessary fields of informationo Create a database, enter the data, and format the file.o Create a report from the data using a set of rules

Multimediao Organize a topic into a simple, 5 pages multi-media project.o Create the 5 page project and demonstrate that the links work correctly.

Communicationo log onto a network and send an e-mail message.o Open and respond to an e-mail message.

Send an attachment

51

General Tips and Hints

Start a Program

To start a program

Click Start, point to Programs, and then navigate through the menus to the program you want and click it.

Notes

After you start a program, a button representing the program appears on the taskbar. To switch from one running program to another, click its taskbar button.

If a program does not appear on the Start menu or one of its submenus, you can perform a search for it. For more information, click Related Topics.

Quit a Program

To quit a program

On the File menu of the program you are using, click Exit.

Note

You can also quit a program by clicking in the right corner of the title bar.

Lessons

Computing Fundamentals

Computer Hardware Computer Software Using an Operating System

Key Applications

Common Program Functions Word Processing Spreadsheets Presentation Software Database Software Document Collaboration

Living Online

52

Internet Fundamentals Electronic Communication Network Fundamentals Computer Use and Safety

Original Alphabetical

Input

The data that is entered into a computer.

Processing

The manipulation of data by a microprocessor or embedded processor according to instructions given to it by a program or embedded in the chip itself.

Storage

In computing, any device in which (or on which) information is stored.

Output

The computer generated information that is displayed to the user in some discernible form such as a screen display, printed page, or sound.

Hardware

The physical parts of the computer system that you can touch and feel such as the keyboard, monitor, and computer case.

Software

The programs and data that make computer hardware function.

Microprocessor

The main processing unit of a computer or information processing device; the "brains" of the machine carrying out instructions, performing calculations, and interacting with the components used to operate the computer.

Binary

Numbering system of 1s and 0s; these two unique number represent the charged or uncharged nature of electricity.

53

RAM

The memory that is available on a computer for storing data and programs currently being processed. It is automatically erased when the power is turned off.

ROM

Stored permanent systems instructions, which are never changed; it holds its contents even when the power is turned off.

Hard Drive

The main device that a computer uses to store information.

Optical Drive

used to store computer or media data. Common formats include, CD RW, DVD, HD-DVD and Blu-ray.

Removable Media

A portable device allowing for the storage of computer data.

Data

An item or items of information.

Media

The physical material (whether it be paper, hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD, or anything similar) used for storing computer-based information.

Download

To transfer files or data from one computer to another. To receive files

Upload

To transmit or give files

Keyboard

Primary tool for inputting data; include alphabetic keys, numeric keys, direction keys, and special function keys.

54

Name three common input devices.

keyboard, mouse, microphone

Device driver

Mini program that enables communication between the operating system and the device.

Support agreement

Agreement that can extend the life of the computer

Software

Everything that makes a computer run, including operating systems, programming software, and application programs

Bus

Internal device that connects hardware to the motherboard.

Client

A computer that may access shared network resources provided by another computer, called a server.

Desktop

The screen background for Windows where windows, icons, and dialog boxes appear.

Flash drive

Portable storage device that usually appears as a long stick with a USB connector; also known as a memory key, flash card, or thumb drive.

Freeware

A program you can download and use for no costs and can be distributed to other users.

Gadgets

Mini-programs that display on the Windows Sidebar. Examples of gadgets include a calendar, clock, or weather tracker.

GUI

An acronym for Graphical User Interface. 55

Hub

A network device that connects PC's together to form a network where all users share equal transer speeds form the total netowrk connection speed.

ISP

Internet Service Provider

MP3 player

A portable music or media device that stores music files.

Multitasking

The ability of the computer to perform more than one task at a time.

Open Source Software

Application programs created by programmers with the intent of making the programming codes available to anyone at no cost.

Operating system

A software program that controls all hardware and application software on the computer.

PDF

Portable Document Format; a print output commonly used to share documents with others, generally to view, save, or print.

Quick Launch Toolbar

A toolbar at the immediate right of the Start Button that displays a list of commonly used programs. As you install programs, you can choose to add icons for those programs to this toolbar.

Recycle Bin

A temporary storage area for deleted files.

SaaS

Software as a Service; a subscription service where you purchase licenses for software that expire at a certain date.

56

Server

A main computer that provides services and access to common files in a group of computers.

Taskbar

The area at the bottom of the screen that runs horizontally and contains the Start menu and other frequently used programs, folders or files.

Start Button

Displays the Start menu. The single most commonly used feature in Windows.

WYSIWYG

What You See Is What You Get

Key sequence to switch between open programs

Alt + Tab

To display the Task Manager or reboot

Ctrl + Alt + Del

57

For all

58