Showing posts with label Computer Appreciation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Computer Appreciation. Show all posts

BASIC WINDOWS TERMS AND GLOSSARY

Terms and Glossary get you familiar with some of the terms used in this manual and in the computer world. You are expected to study and get use to them. If there’s any area you finding difficult to understand, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your instructor.

Recycle Bin:  This is temporary location (Dust Bin) where any deleted files from the Drive C: are kept. Files in the recycle bin can be restored to the original location or emptied as the case may be.

My Computer: This is a program that tells or shows all the contents of the computer

Windows Explorer:  This is a special utility feature or small program used in exploring and viewing all available files and folders in windows directory. All folders and files are normally arranged in hierarchical order.

Window:  This is a graphical structure like a window format where all programs in the Windows environment are displayed and viewed. It is rectangular and movable. A window comprise of the following.

Title Bar: this is located at the top part of a window. It displays the name of the application window.

Menu bar: this is found below the title bar; it comprises of all commands for program execution

Tool bar: this is found below the menu bar; it contains shortcut icons

Scroll bar: these are two bars used in moving around your documents.

Status bar: this is the last part of a window it is found at the bottom of the window. It displays status information on the current application.

Dialog Box: this is a special box that is displayed each time more information is required on a command or instruction.

Screen Saver: these are graphical motion pictures or images that appear to keep the screen busy.

Background: this is pictorial pattern and designs that are used to beautify the windows desktop.

ICONS: these are small images or pictures used in representing application and command. Icons act s shortcut.

The Start Button Menu 

Programs:  This contains all the lists of the Application Programs you can work with.

Favorite:    This menu has to do with favorite channels of the Internet explorer. You can add frequently visited websites to it.

My documents:   this is the major folder of the Hard Disk where documents are kept for easy retrieved.

Setting:     This menu is used to change the configuration setting of the computer it is also use in adjusting hardware settings of the computer.

Find: For all missing files and folders, the find menu can be use to easily locate them.

Help: This menu of the start button is use where assistance is needed to solve a problem you might have encountered in the system. As a new user in Windows Operating Systems you can use the help menu to explore all new features.

Run: The Run command is use to run a program and also to install a new program.

Log Off/On: This has to do with putting password to a system, thereby logging off or on to get access to a computer.

Shut Down: This is one of the most important menu of start button, it is use to put off the system after use in order to avoid disk errors and prevents technical fault.

Folder: A folder is like a directory in MS-DOS. It’s like a filling cabinet, a place where all files are kept for easy retrieval, and also to avoid files from being lost.

 


MEMORY OPERATION OF COMPUTER


Memory is the working space used by the computer to hold the program that is currently running, along with the data it needs and to run programs and process data. It is said to be the most delicate and vital part of computer system and it is basically divided into two:

1. Primary Memory: This is the portion of computer system which handles the system commands; temporary storage of data, booting and coordination of the incoming data etc. it is also divided into two major types viz:

i. Random Access Memory (ROM): Random Access Memory (RAM) is the temporary memory a computer uses to store data and process information. The more RAM a computer has, the more data a computer can manipulate. RAM works only when the computer is on, its contents are cleared when it is turned off.

 

ii. Read Only Memory (ROM): This type of memory can be read from or written to by a computer or other devices. Information stored in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off. It is a permanently inbuilt form of memory that handles all system files, and works with RAM and CPU to enhance the processing of data in the system. Information in the ROM cannot be changed or deleted, but can only be read on the screen.

2. Secondary Memory:This is another memory computer recognizes, it comprises of storage devices that are used to store data permanently. They act as a backup. (Auxiliary)  memory to permanently store data from the computer’s RAM. Examples are:

 

i. Hard Disk: This is an inbuilt storage device that is used to store data permanently. Hard Disk can store a large amount of files, although it is visible but non-removable. It is represented by letter C.

 

ii. Floppy Disk:  This is a storage device that is also very useful in backing up files. It is called Floppy Disk because it is very delicate and fragile. It has a dimension of 3.5 inches; it can accommodate about .44 Mega Bytes of files. Floppy Disk is removable, transferable and visible. A Floppy Disk is represented by letter A.

 

iii. Compact Disk:         This is the new and modern form of storage device although it is not naturally made for storing files like Floppy Disk; rather they contain information already stored for use. They are predominantly used to store software, music and videos. Information in CD cannot be deleted, thus it is called CD-ROM. A CD can store about hundreds of millions of files more than a Floppy Disk; it is represented by letter D. it is sometimes represented by letters E, F etc but it’s always the last letter in a computer and it carries a symbol signifying CD.

 

 

NB:   The above storage devices are normally slotted in a hardware known as DRIVE. That is, for one to make use of them, they must be slotted in their drives except in the case of Hard Disk. Hard Disk is together with its drive, so there’s no need for any additional drive.

 

BOOTING THE SYSTEM

The process of starting or resetting a computer When computer is first turned on; it is called COLD BOOTING or reset/restart, it is referred to as WARM BOOTING. You can press Ctrl + Alt + Del to Warm Boot your computer during the booting, the computer runs the software that loads and starts the computers operating system which prepares it for use.


PARTS OF THE KEYBOARD


The Typing Area: This part is used for typing of letters. This is where you arrange your fingers before typing.

 

The Function Keys: The function keys are located at the top part of the Keyboard. They are used to perform some special functions, and also give certain commands. It starts from F1 to F12.

 

The Numeric Keys: This part is found at the extreme right side of the Keyboard and it is used to enter numbers. Some Numeric Keypad can be used as Calculator.

 

The Escape Key: this Key is one of the most important keys on the Keyboard. It is located at the top left corner beside the Function keys. It can be used to interrupt, cancel, or abort a command, process task.

 

The Cursor Control: They are the arrow-keys found on the Keyboard; they

 

Keys  are used to control an element known as Cursor. Cursor s an element that displays where next your text will appears.

 

The Control Keys: This is a special key, which is used in combination with (Ctrl) another key to perform computer shortcuts

 

The Alternative Key: It is also a special key, which is used in combination with (Alt) another key to perform shortcuts. Ctrl and Alt keys can also be used together with other keys to perform shortcuts.

 

Shift Keys: This key is used to type CAPITAL letters or any of the special keys like *, (, ^, %, @, ! $, <, “, etc. pressing this key down with an alphabet gives you the CAPITAL of the alphabet pressed. Pressing shift while the Caps Locks on gives you small letter of the letter you press.

 

Caps Lock: This key is used to type CAPITAL letters. When pressed and the caps lock light is on, it gives you CAPITAL letter(s).

 

Other Keys: Start Key, Right Click Key, Tap Key, Back-Space Key

 


TYPES OF COMPUTER

Simply put, computer is divided into two major types: a) GENERAL PURPOSE COMPUTER and b) SPECIFIC PURPOSE COMPUTER. 

As the name implies, General Purpose computer can be used for any purpose or anything you want it to do, while Specific Purpose is meant for specific things you want computer to do. It is out of these two we have the following:

 

Types of computer based on the way they process data

Digital Computer: this type of computer makes use of binary digit to process data (i.e 0 and 1). Examples are: Microcomputers and Calculators. Digital Computers are the most popular ones in use.

Analog Computer: This type of computer processes data based on continuous variable quantities. It operates in form of physical contacts. Examples are; Thermometer, Speedometer, Scientific tools etc.

 

Hybrid Computer: The Hybrid Computer combines both Digital and Analog Computer operation to process its data. It has a large memory capacity and can be seen in most spacious program activities.

 

CLASSES OF DIGITAL COMPUTER BASED ON SIZE

Microcomputer:   This is a single user computer; it is to be used by one person at a time. It is the most popularly and widely used computer and can be found in places like computer schools, offices, homes, etc. It is smaller in size and it is the cheapest of all computers.

 

Minicomputer:    This is a multi-user computer system; it is used for processing much volume of data. It has more processing power compared to microcomputer. It is bigger in size than microcomputer and processes data faster than microcomputer but not has costly as it is.

 

Mainframe Computer: This type of computer is said to be larger than the above two. It is used for processing millions of data. It is predominately used by large companies for centralized processing of data. It is very large and requires a large storage location. It is very expensive compared to the above two.

TYPES OF MICROCOMPUTER

Desktop: This type of computer is placed on the Desk/table.

Laptop: This is a mobile computer, which can be placed on the Lap. It uses battery and can be used anywhere and anytime one feels like using it. It is very expensive. The cost of one Laptop can buy 2 or 3 Desktop Computers.

 

Mini Tower or Floor Tower: This type of computer is to be kept standing either on the floor or desk/table. The difference between this and Desktop is just the standing position, but they process data at the same rate and time. No difference in data processing.

 

NB: Microcomputer is also known as Personal Computer (PC) since is to be used by one person (single-user).

 


CATEGORIES OF SOFTWARE


1. System Software: These are programs necessary to run the computer. They provide the interface for the computer and control basic operations such as saving and printing of documents. System Software is divided into two, and these are: Utility and Operating System Software

             

a. Utility Software: This is used to carry out minor repairs in the computer system. Examples are programs to move disk files such as NORTON GHOST, diagnostic programs such as ANTIVIRUS. Antivirus is a utility software used in detecting and removing viruses from a computer.

Virus can be referred to as computer “disease”. It is a program (Software) that attempts to spread from computer to computer and either cause damage (by erasing or corrupting data) or annoys users by printing messages or altering what is displayed on the screen.

 

b. Operating System Software: The operating system is the foundation software on which programs, such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, CorelDraw, Adobe PageMaker etc depend. It can also be referred to as the software that controls and manages your computer by translating your instructions into a language you hardware can understand. Examples are: Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000/XP/7/8, Linux, Unix and 10. The most popular one is Microsoft Windows. Operating System is also divided into two types, these are:

i.Windows Operating System: this is a Graphic User Interface (GUI). It makes use of text and graphics to display information. It contains multiple colours and pictures. It can be used to play movies, audio/video CD etc. likewise, it can be referred to as user-friendly. This is because it was designed to be as easy as possible for all users.

ii.Disk Operating System: This is referred to as Character User Interface (CUI). That is, it make use of characters or text to display information. Disk Operating System accepts only the Keyboard. It does not work with the mouse. It is not as easy as Windows Operating System. This is because most of the commands used are crammed.  

2. Application Software: These are software or programs used in carrying out some specific tasks or jobs you want the computer to do. It is also known as Application Package. Application software is divided into two, these are:

a. General Application Software: These are common software we can easily have access to. Even if they are not in your computer, you can easily buy and install them examples are:

Microsoft Word   for    Typing Documents

Microsoft Excel   for    Accounting Function

Dbase                   for    Data Processing

PageMaker            for    Advanced typing e.g News Papers

Corel Draw           for    Designs and Graphics

Lotus 123              for    Accounting Functions etc.

b. User-define or Customized Application Software: These types of software are not like the General Application Software; you can only get them on request. They are customized to soothe your business or purpose. For instance, someone that has a Video Club cannot go for general application software. This is because, general application software cannot contain all the necessary components required to carryout his business. At least, a video club manager needs a program that can monitor how films are being rented out necessary returns made. Likewise, a bank manager cannot go for a program that will expose his bank to the world. What I am saying in essence is that Customized Application Software are not common. So you can only get them through some specialized set of people known as Software programmers.

 

 


HARDWARE COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER

These are the visible/tangible parts of computer that can be touched and seen. The make up the natural parts of computer. Examples are:

 

System Unit: This is the technical term that refers to the box that houses your computer. A System Unit is the large base or cabinet housing the parts of your computer that process and store information. The System Unit refers to the computer itself but does not include any other peripherals. It houses the Central Processing Unit (CPU), which is the Brain of the entire Computer System. Some people call the entire cabinet the “central processing unit or CPU, but that is incorrect. The CPU is part of the electronic equipment inside the cabinet, not the cabinet itself. CPU contains ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT (ALU), which performs arithmetic and logical operations. It also has CONTROL UNIT, which extracts instructions from the memory and decodes and executes the      m, calling on the Arithmetic Logic Unit when necessary. The control unit is the circuitry that controls the follow of information through the processor and coordinates the activities of the other units within. As the name implies, it controls what happens inside the processor (CPU), which in turn controls the rest of the Personal Computer (PC).

 

Monitor: This is the screen where texts and images generated by your computer are displayed on its screen. Monitors come in variety of sizes and resolutions. Sometimes it may be referred to as Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), Visual Display Unit (VDU) and/or Visual Graphic Adapter (VGA). There are basically two types of Monitor:

i.     Monochrome Monitor: this type of monitor displays data in one colour; black, white or any other colour.  

ii.    Colour Monitor: As you can see from the name, this  Displays data in full/multiple colour mode  

KEYBOARD: This is an input device. It looks like a set of typewriter keys. It can be used to type information and instructions.


MOUSE: Mouse is an input device. It is also a pointing device, which allows a computer user to move the screen cursor or pointer. A mouse usually has one or more buttons on top, a ball on the bottom and a cable connection the mouse to the computer. Movement of the mouse causes a relative change in cursor location. Clicking the button causes a screen item or command to be selected. It is used to communicate with the computer or give instruction and commands.

 

SPEAKER:  Internal or external speakers can be used to bring out sound/audio from the computer system.

 

SCANNER: Scanner is an input device that uses light to read printed information including text, graphics, and special (bar) codes, and transfer it into the computer in a digital format. In other words, it is used to transfer photo images into the computer.

NB:  There are many hardware parts of the computer such as Joystick, Modem, Diskettes, Light Pen, CD-ROM, Flash Drive, etc. They can be referred to as accessories or peripherals such as:

MODEM: It means Modulation Demodulation. It is used to connect your computer to the Internet over a telephone line.

DISKETTE: is used to store your information. It can also be used to transfer information from one computer to the other.

LIGHT PEN: Light Pen is used to write or input your signature into the computer, just like a pen, but an electronic one. It must be connected to system unit before it can be used.

COMPACT DISK:  This is used to store computer programs, audio music and movies.

LASH DRIVE: Flash Drive is a storage device. It can be used to store information just like Diskette. A 128MB Flash takes about 88 Diskettes. 128MB/1.44MB = 88.8

Software: These are computer programs, which provide the instruction that enables the computer hardware to work. Software could also be referred to as sets of instruction that tell a computer what to do. The term "Software" was first proposed by Alan Turing and used in this sense by John W. Tukey in 1957. Without software the hardware is just a container. Meaning that the hardware is useless without the software.

 


INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION You already know how to write documents, balance a cheque book, read and send correspondence. Whether you are at home or in the office, you can accomplish these and many other tasks using your computer. Computers can be a lot of fun and they can also be very confusing. I think the more you know about them, the more fun they are. So let’s get to know them! DEFINITION Computer can be defined as any electronic machine that is capable of accepting data through an input device (e.g keyboard), processing the data by following a set of instruction, storing the data in its memory and finally generating output through an output device (e.g monitor). Data is known as raw fact or unprocessed information after data is processed, it becomes information. In computer, Data and information are used interchangeably. Information can be in form of text or image. What goes into the Computer through the keyboard is known as input, while output is the result computer displays as a result of your inputs. Input can come either from you or directly from your computer (hardware). You can input information in form of data, such as words, numbers, symbols, drawings, videos, photographs and/or commands – actions you tell the computer to perform, such as “Save”. Input can also come directly from your computer hardware, even if you are not around. For example, your printer gives your computer feedback such as which document it’s working on, how long it’s going to take and whether it’s out of paper. PROCESSING IN COMPUTER Without instructions on how to process the information you have inputted, your computer just sits there doing nothing. All it knows is what was programmed into its brain (CPU) at the factory. Your computer needs direction from you. Processing is whatever the computer does to data between the input and the output stage. Think of it in human terms. When you read, you are receiving input. When you write, you are producing output. When you are thinking, you are processing. Your computer can process information/data in a verity of ways. It can add or subtract it. It can move it from one computer program to another. It can reduce or enlarge it. It can also alphabetize it. The only limitations to your computer processing ability are the speed f your central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor, the amount of memory installed and the programs you own.
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