1. Introduction to Computers
Module 1
Introduction to Computers

2. Objectives Introduction to ICT
Understand the terminology and uses of Information Technology
Computer Components
Understand the functions of various computer hardware and peripheral
Computer Input Devices
Recognize different types of Input devices and what they can be used for
Computer Output Devices
Recognize different types of output devices and what they can be used for
Computer Sound Input and Output Devices
Recognize different types of sound input devices and output devices and what they can be used for
Storage Components
Know the terminology relating to storage components
Types of Storage
Understand the different types of storage and their specific uses and capacities
Operating Systems
Know the basic features and terminology of Operating Systems
Starting Windows ...

3. What is a Computer
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data/information and processes it and give output (result) and also store data/information based on a program or sequence of instructions. Thus every Computer should be able to do the following;
Accept data
Process data
Store data
Give output
DATA
PROCESS
INFORMATION
STORAGE
INPUT
OUTPUT

4. Introduction to ICT What is Information Technology (IT)?
An Information Technology (IT) system processes, stores, and/or transfers (communicates) information
Information can take many different forms such as text, numbers, pictures, sound, video, and multimedia
To transfer information, IT systems use computers, telecommunications networks, and other electronic devices
Because of the importance of communications in IT, the term Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is often preferred to IT
Since IT involves many different and often highly specialized areas, it is often seen as a very daunting subject
However, the basis of ICT is simply to help us to improve the way we deal with information in all areas of our lives
What is ICT used for?
ICT is used in business, academia, industry, government, heath care, etc.
It is also an important part of our everyday activities

5. Introduction to ICT (2)
Computers enable us to process information and perform specific tasks much more quickly than we could do ourselves
ICT systems are very flexible and can be made to perform a variety of different tasks
ICT networks (e.g., Internet) allow us to distribute and share information quickly, and over a very long distance
Many developments in IT are designed to make our lives easier
But people expectations of what they (and others) can achieve are often leading to unrealistic demands being placed on people and the technology around them
We live in an "Information Society“
The effective use of information is regarded as the defining element of the 20th – 21st centuries, as important as the industrial revolution before it

6. Elements of a Computer System
A system is a group of interrelated and interdependent component working together to achieve a common goal.
The elements of a Computer system are;
Hardware
Software
People (Professional and End User)
Procedure
(Descriptions of how things are done, steps for accomplishing a result
Data/Information
Data consists of the raw facts and figures that are processed into information. Information – processed/transformed data.

7. Hardware Components (1)
Hardware represents the physical and tangible components of the computer, i.e., the components that can be seen and touched. Examples of Hardware are following:
Input devices -- keyboard, mouse, touchscreens, etc.
Output devices -- Printer, Monitor/VDU, Speakers etc.
Secondary Storage devices -- Hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.
Internal components -- CPU, motherboard, RAM, etc.

8. Computer Components (1)
The main components used to build a personal computer and other types of microcomputers are:
Internal Components
that is, they are located inside the computer case.
The computer case is often times referred to as the system unit.
External Components
Some are connected externally, using ports
A port is a kind of plug, usually located at the back of the computer
Components located outside the computer's case are referred to as peripheral devices
Because they use components, PCs are customizable.

9. Computer Components (2)
You can add internal or external components for specific tasks, such as playing sound, and choose more powerful components to make a high performance PC
Or you can specify less powerful, less expensive components for a basic office computer
This means that PCs vary quite widely in terms of performance (the speed at which a computer performs different tasks), cost, and the sort of applications (software) that they can run.
Computer components can be divided into the following categories:
Microprocessors process instructions and perform calculations.
Storage devices (memory and disks) hold data.
Input devices (mouse and keyboard) let the user enter data.
Output devices (monitor, speakers, and printer) (display data).
Network devices (network card, modem) allow computers to transfer data to and from other computers.

10. Computer Components (3)
The Motherboard
A motherboard (or system board) Is a large printed circuit board with connections for all the other components in the computer
The motherboard allows the components to exchange data
It also houses the power supply
The type of motherboard determines the types of CPU, memory, and hard disk and other peripherals that can be installed in the computer

11. Computer Components (4)
The System Case
The motherboard (and other internal components) is housed within a protective case, usually made of metal and plastic and often referred to as the "box."
The design of the case can
affect how many expansion
cards and components can
be added to the computer
Some cases are designed
to be easy to open and
access to make maintenance
of the computer simpler

12. Computer Devices (1) Ports and Peripheral Devices
A hardware port is a socket designed to allow the connection of extra devices, often outside the system case
Such devices are referred to as peripherals
Typical peripheral devices include the mouse, keyboard, monitor, and printer
Even though they are located outside the case, such devices are often essential tar operating the computer
Some parts are attached directly to the motherboard.
Others may be attached to an expansion card plugged into the motherboard
Traditionally, parts were always positioned at the back of the system case

13. Computer Devices (2)

14. Computer Devices (3)
However, in many modern designs, some ports (notably USB and Fire wire connectors) may be provided on the front of the case, far easy access
On a portable or laptop computer, ports are usually located at the back and sides of the case
Ports used to connect the newest generation of USB memory devices are often referred to as slots
Ports and connecting cables are always one of two genders: male connectors have pins; female connectors have holes.
There are many different types of port, each requiring a different type of connector
Input Device
An input device is any device that is used to supply information to a computer
A few examples at input devices are given below.

15. Input Devices
Input Devices are components use to capture data/information electronically and is converted to a form that can be processed by the computer.
BARCODE READER
SCANNER
BIOMETRICS
MOUSE
JOYSTICK
DIGITIZER
MICR
MICROPHONE
OCR
KEYBOARD
TRACK BALL
LIGHT PEN

16. Central Processing Unit
The CPU handles the processing operation of the Computer. It manipulates data to process or transform it into information. It functions like the brain of the Computer.

17. Output Devices Output Devices
Output devices are components used to produced processed data and information in a form usable by people/end users.
CRT MONITOR
PRINTERS
SPEAKER
FLAT PANEL DISPLAY
Thermal Printers
Dot-Matrix Printers.
Ink Jet Printers
LaserJet Printers
Multi Functional Printers
PLOTTER

18. Keyboard
Keyboard
The most common input device is the keyboard, which is used both for text-based data input and for selecting commands.
Keyboards usually have the following:
Keys for the letters of the alphabet
Keys for punctuation symbols
Numbered keys or a numeric keypad (or both)

19. Keyboard (2)
Typing (alphanumeric) keys: These keys include the letters, numbers, punctuations, and symbol keys that we use mostly in our daily life.
Control keys: These keys are used alone or in combination with other keys to perform certain actions. The most frequently used control keys are Ctrl, Alt, the Windows logo key, and Esc.
Function keys: The function keys are used to perform specific tasks. They are labeled as F1, F2, F3, and so on, up to F12. The functionality of these keys differs from program to program.
Navigation keys: These keys are used for navigate in a long window pane such as documents or webpages and editing text. They include the arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and Insert.
Numeric keypad: The numeric keypad is handy for entering numbers quickly. The keys are grouped together in a block like a conventional calculator or an adding machine.

20. Keyboard (3) KEY NAME HOW TO USE IT SHIFT
Press Shift in combination with a letter to type an uppercase letter. Press Shift in combination with another key to type the symbol shown on the upper part of that key.
CAPS LOCK
Press Caps Lock once to type all letters as uppercase. Press Caps Lock again to turn this function off. Your keyboard might have a light indicating whether Caps Lock is on.
TAB
Press Tab to move the cursor several spaces forward. You can also press Tab to move to the next text box on a form.
ENTER
Press Enter to move the cursor to the beginning of the next line. In a dialog box, press Enter to select the highlighted button.
SPACE BAR
Press the Spacebar to move the cursor one space forward.
BACKSPACE
Press Backspace to delete the character before the cursor, or the selected text.

21. Mouse
Mouse
Computers are usually operated through a graphical user interface (GU[). This means that the user selects a command from the computer's screen display by moving a pointer and clicking an icon.
A mouse is the device usually used to control the movement of the pointer on the screen
A mouse is used by moving it across a mouse mat or other flat surface. This moves a ball on the bottom of the mouse, The movement of the ball sends a signal to the computer. Software interprets this signal and performs an operation, such as moving a cursor or drawing a line.
A mouse has two or more buttons on top of it, the function of which depend upon the software being used.

22. Wearable Devices
A wearable device is a small, mobile computing consumer device designed to be worn. These devices often communicate with a mobile device or computer.
Activity trackers monitor heart rate, measure pulse, count steps, and track sleep patterns.
A smart watch keeps time and can also communicate with a smartphone to make and answer phone calls, read and send messages, access the web, play music, work with apps, such as fitness trackers and GPS, and more.
Smart glasses helps a user look into an eyeglass-type device to view information or take photos and videos that are projected to a miniature screen in the user’s field of vision

23. Storage Components (1)
Memory and disks are the components used to store data for processing
Units of measure (i.e., capacity of storage) are bits, Bytes, megabytes, and gigabytes
A bit
a binary or logical 1 or 0, which is the lowest unit of measure of information
A Byte
is a chunk of bits (combination of bits) used to represent a information (e.g., character)
There are usually eight bits in a byte
E.g., is used to represent the letter A in binary code
Bytes are commonly abbreviated with a capital B and bits are abbreviated with lower-case b, but not always
More often, hardware and software are described as being a certain number of bits

24. Storage Components (2)
This refers to how much information the hardware or software can process at any one time
E.g., if a CPU is a 32-bit processor, it means that the CPU can process 32 bits of data in each clock cycle
Popular Measures
Kilobyte (denoted as KB)
A kilobyte (KB) Is 1024 bytes,
The size of a data file is often measured in kilobytes
Why is kilobyte not “1000” bytes?
Megabyte (denoted as MB)
A megabyte is 1,048,576 bytes (1024 kilobytes)
A megabyte (MB) is often used to measure the amount of main memory or the size of a collection of files within a Folder
A megabyte is about as much data as 500 pages of double-spaced text
Why is Megabyte not “1,000,000” bytes?

25. Storage Components (3) Gigabyte (denoted as GB)
A gigabyte (GB) is equivalent to 1,024 MB
The memory capacity of most storage devices, such as hard drives, is measured in gigabytes (GB)
Terabyte (denoted as TB)
Terabyte (TB) is equivalent to 1,024 GB
Hard drive arrays on corporate file servers are quickly approaching terabyte capacities.
Petabyte (denoted as PB)
Petabyte (PB) is equivalent to 1,024 TB
Exabyte (denoted as EB)
Exabyte (PB) is equivalent to 1,024 PB

26. Types of Storage (1)
Memory is one of the most essential parts of the computer
From the moment you turn your computer on until the time you shut it clown, your CPU is constantly using memory
There are two types of storage used by the computer when storing data. They are primary storage and secondary storage. The RAM and ROM falls under primary storage.
Read-only Memory (ROM)
ROM stores the data necessary to start the computer and identify its component
ROM is non-volatile or persistent memory that holds permanent information, such as the BIOS software that enables the components in the computer to communicate with each other
Data stored In ROM is not deleted when the computer is switched off
It cannot usually be deleted or overwritten in the course of normal computer operations

27. Types of Storage (2) Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM stores data while it is being processed. E.g., RAM is required to run software while the computer is powered
RAM, is volatile or non-persistent memory, is a temporary memory store
Data held in RAM is only stored while the computer is switched on
E.g., when you create a document (such as a letter), the document is stored in your computer's RAM, until you save it to disk
RAM holds data required by the CPU, which cannot store large amounts of data itself
RAM is important because it enables the CPU to get data quickly
E.g., when a software application is started, the data needed to run the program is copied from the main disk into RAM, where the CPU can access it

28. Types of Storage (3) Storage Disks or Drives
Disk drives invented in the 1950s, are used to store and transfer data files
Magnetic disks or drives are used to preserve data when the computer is turned off and to move and backup data
When data is entered into a computer, it must be saved as a file to preserve it when the computer is switched off
Also, software applications need to install files on the main disk drive in the computer in order to run
The most important type of long term storage component in the desktop computer is the hard disk, which is used to store the software and data on which the computer runs.
Computer hard disk vary in sizes. Recent Personal Computers uses SATA hard disk as against IDE Hard Disk.

29. Types of Storage (4)
Hard disks have a hard platter that holds the magnetic medium, as opposed to the flexible plastic film found in tapes and floppies
The magnetic disk can be easily erased and rewritten, and it will "remember" the magnetic flux patterns stored for many years.
Many computers will also have removable disk drives to install software and backup data files
Disk capacity is principally a question of capacity: how much data can be stored an the disk?
Disk performance is determined by other factors including the seek time (the time it takes to find data on the drive) and the transfer rate (the speed at which data can be moved to and from a disk)

30. Types of Storage (4) Other Magnetic Media
Other magnetic disk devices, such as Iomega Zip and Jaz clicks, are also available
These disks tend to offer much less capacity than a hard disk (although much more than a floppy disk)
The main advantage is that the disks can be removed and transferred elsewhere.
One of the most popular external magnetic storage options available today is the Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive
These can store hundreds of times the information found on a standard floppy, and don't need a special reader
Instead, USB drives pop into a standard USB port on the desktop or laptop computer.
Most recently Solid State Drives (SSD) are now being used on Personal Computers.

31. COMPUTER SOFTWARE Software is a collection of programs.
Programs are the instructions that tell the computer how to process data into the form you want.
In most cases, the words software and programs are used interchangeable.
There are two major kinds of software:
- system software
- application software.
You can think of application software as the kind you use to meet your information/data processing needs.
Think of system software as the kind the computer and hardware component uses.
The most important type of computer Software is the Operating System. It is a System Software.

32. Operating Systems What is an Operating System (OS)?
It is a system program that carries out the functions summarized below:
Process management
Memory management
Input/output control system
File Management
Operating system provides a set of basic features that all software applications must use
It maintains a degree of compatibility between applications
Selection of a particular OS is usually determined by compatibility with other systems, but cost, user preference, and customizability can be important factors
Software enables the computer's hardware to perform useful tasks, such as creating, displaying and printing a letter

33. Operating Systems (2) Examples of Operating Systems
Software enables the computer's hardware to perform useful tasks, such as creating, displaying, and printing a letter.
Application software
MAC OS

34. Computer System
Computers come in different shapes and sizes. The choice of type depends on the end user requirements and purpose.
DESKTOP
LAPTOP
TABLET
PHABLET
A complete computer system for office use would consist of a System unit, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Printers and Speaker

35. Starting Windows
Microsoft Windows 7 is the version of the Windows Operating Systems released in 2007.
Windows of the most popular operating system globally for Personal Computers.
When your computer complete booting it takes you to the Windows welcome
screen.

36. PINNED PROGRAMMES BUTTON
Starting Windows (2)
When booting is complete and log-in password/information is supplied by the user, the Windows 7 desktop is displayed as follows;
WINDOWS 7 DESKTOP
RECYCLE BIN ICON
START BUTTON
NOTIFICATION AREA
PINNED PROGRAMMES BUTTON
SHOW DESKTOP BUTTON

37. Starting Windows(3)
The Windows Desktop enables working with the Windows Operating System (OS) platform with very little hassle and minimal technical knowledge
Components/Parts of the Windows Desktop
The Start Menu
Provides a launch point for all programs or applications
Clicking the start icon [xx] displays a list of options
The programs (e.g., Microsoft Word) is a sub-list the Programs menu
Customizing the Start Menu
Click Start  Settings  Taskbar and Start Menu (Windows 2000)
Click Start Control Panel Taskbar & Start Menu (Windows XP)

38. Starting Windows (4) Windows Start Menu Current User Pinned Shortcuts
Current User Libraries
Links to Windows features
Search Box
Shut Down Box
Recently used Applications
Pinned Shortcuts
Current User

39. Starting Windows (5) Desktop Icons and Shortcuts
Shortcuts are links to the original program, file, folder or item
The desktop the most common place to place it
When a shortcut is deleted, the original item still exists
Shortcuts are fast ways to open programs
Action
Task
To put a shortcut on the desktop
Open Windows Explorer, or the location of the item to be placed on the desktop.
Click Start  Programs  Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer
Right click on the Item and select Create Shortcut to place the shortcut in the same location as the original
Then you can drag the shortcut onto the desktop
Right-click on the item, and select Send To  Desktop (create shortcut)

40. Starting Windows (6) Using Wallpapers and Screensavers
Action
Task
To Change a Wallpaper
Open Display in the Control panel OR right click on empty space on the desktop
Select Properties and click on the Background
Select a background picture from the wallpapers list; In the picture display list select Center, Title, or Stretch
Click Pattern to open the Pattern dialog box; select desired pattern

41. Starting Windows (7) Action Using Wallpapers and Screensavers
Task
To Set or Change a Screensaver
Select Control panel OR right click on empty space on the desktop
Select Properties  Screen Saver
Select a Screen Saver of your choice from the list; Click OK
After selecting a screen saver, it will start automatically when your computer is idle for the number of minutes specified in Wait.
Screen saver setting can be changed; to change, click Settings  Screen Saver tab
Click Preview to see how the selected screen saver (will appear on your monitor). Move your mouse or press any key to end the preview

42. Starting Windows (8) Understanding the Task Bar
The Taskbar displays any program you are running, the time, and the Start Icon
It is normally positioned at the bottom of the screen
It provides a constant view of which applications are running on the system and an easy way to switch between them.
It also provides additional information such as time, power consumption information (on laptops), and volume control, if you have a sound card installed.
Customizing the Taskbar
You can put a toolbar in a handier place, on your desktop or taskbar
You can even give yourself quick access to frequently accessed files and programs, by simply dragging and dropping them on the Start menu
You can view and add more icons to the Quick launch

43. Starting Windows (9) Using the Search Companion
Search Assistant makes it easier to search for files and folders, printers, people, and other computers on your network
It even makes it easier to search on the Internet
Search Assistant also has an indexing service that maintains an index of all the files on your computer, making searches even faster.
When you use Search Assistant, you can specify several search criteria (e.g., files and folders by name, type, and size)
You can even search for files containing specific text
You can search for a printer with a specific name or location if you are using Active Directory
If you need a printer with special features, you can search for a specific model.
To Search, Click the Start Icon  Search ...

44. Starting Windows (10) Using Windows Explorer Using the Run Command
Windows Explorer is a tool used to browse the files and folders on the computer. It opens a 2-pane window.
Right click on the Start Icon  select Explore
It can be evoked by a swift combination of [x] and E keys
Using the Run Command
The Run Command is a very handy tool in running applications
Click on the Start Icon  Run, and type name of a program
E.g., mspaint (Microsoft Paint), calc (calculator), winword, powerpnt, excel, etc

45. Starting Windows (11)
Using Help and Support Centre - Getting Online Support
Click Start  Help - (Help and Support-Windows XP)
If you have an Internet connection, you are not limited to other topics within the Help system; you can jump to the WWW for additional or updated product information.
The Help Viewer provides an integrated table of contents, an index, and a full-text search feature so you can find information easily
The Help Viewer has the added benefit of allowing you to see the table of contents, index, or search results at the same time you are viewing a Help topic.
The Help Viewer also includes the Favorites tab, which you can use to bookmark topics. This enables you to quickly display topics that you refer to often

46. Recycle Bin
The recycle Bin is a feature of Microsoft Windows that temporarily stores deleted files and folders.
When a file is deleted it is stored in the Recycle Bin
To complete delete item, Double click on the recycle bin
and Click Empty Recycle Bin.
To restore a file click/select the file and click Restore this Item.
Note:
Item deleted from
external storages
(flash drives/cards)
are note stored in
the recycle bin.

47. Files and Folders Windows Explorer Maximize/ Restore Minimize Close

48. Files and Folders (2) Creating Folders. Create a Folder
Go to where you want the folder to be.
Right-click in an empty space, choose New, and click on Folder. Type the name of the folder you want it to be and press Enter.
To create a folder in a window, open the folder you want to make a folder in.
Right-click in an empty space, choose New, and click on Folder.
Type the name of the folder and press Enter.
Rename a Folder or File
Locate and select the folder or file you
want to rename.
Hover over the folder or file.
Right-click the folder or file and choose
Rename.
Type the new name of the folder or file.
Press Enter

49. Files and Folders (3) Copy and Paste a Folder or File
Locate and select the object you want to copy by left clicking on it one time.
Right-click the object and choose Copy.
Paste the object in a new location.
Navigate to the desired location.
Right-click an empty location and then choose Paste.
Delete a Folder or File.
Locate and hover over the folder or file you want to delete.
Right click on the folder or file.