Content
What is a computer?
Basic computer parts
The MS Office Menu Bar & Tool Bars
Working with Files
Identify and use Switch back and forth between open windows
Create and save a Word document on a disc. Part I: Introduction
Part II: Introduction to the Internet
Describe the function and components of the Internet.
Use the Internet Explorer browser.
Access Web pages
Use Internet Explorer Help.
Introduction
What is a computer?
A computer is a electromechanical device which can be programmed to change (process) information from one form to another. It plays a major role in our lives. You use computers in education and research. You also use them for broadcasting news, receiving and sending messages to family and friends, making presentations, maintaining official and personal records, making weather forecasts, and for various other business and recreation activities. By using computers, you save a lot of time, effort, and money.
• A PC is a personal computer – a one person or single user computer.
• A computer does not think on its own. You have to tell it what to do.
Introduction
History of Computers
• Charles Babbage - father of computer – 1800’s planned analytical engine – 1951 - 1963 1st and 2nd generation
– very large, used unreliable vacuum tubes • 1963 - present - 3rd and 4th generation
– smaller, faster - use transistors and integrated circuits History - Microcomputers
• Apple
– First sold in late 1970’s
– Developed by Jobs and Wozniak • IBM Personal Computers
– First sold in 1981
History of Computers Cont.
When-portable
Traditional Types of Computers
o Mainframe
o Minicomputer
o Microcomputer (Personal Computer or PC)
Mainframe
First computers, introduced in 1950s Used by large businesses
Typically supported 100 to 500 users Very expensive
Used for very large processing tasks
Minicomputer
A minicomputer is in between mainframe and microcomputer. It is smaller than mainframe and larger than microcomputer. Mini computers are used in many scientific applications and can be used as mid-range servers that operate business. They support multiprocessing and are used for performing high workloads. Typically supported 10 to 100 users, smaller and less expensive than mainframes.
Traditional Types of Computers
•
Desktop computers•
Laptop computers•
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)What are these types of portable computers (a type of personal computer)?
Networked computer
Traditional Types of Computers
Embedded Computers
Hardware versus Software
COMPUTER SOFTWARE is a set of programs which are written in computer languages i.e. machine, binary. These are used to work on computer system. These provide instructions to various parts of a computer system.
Example: Windows 98.
Hardware
There are three types/categories of hardware 1. Input Devices
2. Output Devices 3. Storage Devices
Input basically means getting data into the computer to be processed.
Output basically means getting data out of the computer..
Input Devices
• Enter information into a computer
• Examples:
– Mouse
– Keyboard
– Trackball
– Touchpad
– Light pen
– Joystick
– Digital camera
– Microphone
Output Devices
Send information out from a PC Examples:
– Speakers – Monitors
• Visual Display Unit (VDU), Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
Parts of a computer memory
Memory is where information is stored and retrieved by the CPU. There are two main types of memory.
RAM (Random Access Memory): It is the main memory and allows you to temporarily store commands and data. The CPU reads data and commands from RAM to perform specific tasks. RAM is volatile, which means it is available only while the computer is turned on. The contents of RAM must be copied to a storage device if you want to save the data in the RAM.
Using a Keyboard
Computing Keyboard
Using a Mouse
• A mouse is a small device that you can use to move, select, and open items displayed on your monitor.
• Most mouse devices have at least two buttons, left and right. • Mouse’s action:
o Point
o Double Click
o Left Click
o Right Click
o Click-and-Drag or Drag-and-Drop
To move an item, you need to click it, and then holding the mouse button down, move the item to a different location. After you move the item to the new location, you release the mouse button.
Operating Systems
In addition to hardware, a computer needs software to function. Software sends instructions to the hardware to perform the necessary tasks.
The most important software on the computer is the operating system, which controls and manages the hardware connected to your computer. The operating system provides an interface that helps you to interact with the computer. An example of one of the latest operating systems is Windows XP.
An operating system with a GUI provides an easy-to-use interface to help you install hardware or software. For example, Windows XP provides a setup wizard, which guides the user through each step of a particular task, such installing hardware or software.
Basic Computer Terms and Definitions
CPU: This computer component has several names: Central Processing Unit, microprocessor or processor. This unit is the brain of the computer processes and executes instructions in a software program. The CPU’s primary functions include retrieving instructions from the computer’s memory, including random access memory, comprehending and executing instructions, and directing the input and output activity of the computer.
Desktop: The first screen that you see when any Windows operating system screen is up and running. One of the main purposes of the Desktop is to make it easier to access different application programs, files and documents.
File: Unit for storing information that may include a word-processing document, a spreadsheet, a picture, a graphic, musical piece, or even part of an application program. Examples of "files" include text files which could be a letter or report and graphic files which could be a picture. Each file has a name because the data or information created in a software program is saved with a file name.
Folder: Method for organizing files that is related by topic, by purpose, by type, by program, or even by a project that you are working on.
Basic Computer Terms and Definitions
Hyperlink: Allows you to move from one web page document to another. It can be text which is usually underlined or a graphic. When you move your mouse over a hyperlink, the mouse cursor usually becomes a hand which indicates a hyperlink is present. Once you click on the link, you move to another web page document or to another place on the same web page. Example
Internet: A world wide network that connects millions of computers to share and exchange data, news, opinions, and research results. The Internet is not the same as the World Wide Web (WWW). The World Wide Web is a service that is provided on the Internet.
National Institute Statistics of Rwanda
Basic Computer Terms and Definitions
Hard Copy: Usually refers to a printout on paper.
Hard Drive: The purpose of the hard drive is to store information. This device that allows the computer to permanently retain and store data like the operating system, programs and information data. The hard drive holds more data than a diskette and accesses information faster than on diskettes. Storage refers to the capability of storing things, and as for the computer, it is information.
Menu: List of options that may be commands or other options from which you can choose from.
Assignment chapter I
1. Describe the importance of computers in today’s world.
2. What is the role of the computer in education?
3. Identify the main parts of a computer. (Solve Quiz 1)
4. Identify the steps for starting a computer.
5. Identify the different groups of keys on a keyboard.
