1.
Definitions
(a) Data – Raw facts and figures.
(b) Program – A set of instructions given to a computer to perform a task.
(c) Data processing – Converting raw data into meaningful information.
(d) Information – Processed data that is meaningful and useful.
2. Roles During Data Processing
i) Input unit – Enters data into the computer.
ii) Output unit – Displays processed results.
iii) CPU – Processes data and controls all operations.
3. Four Characteristics
Speed
Accuracy
Diligence
Storage capacity
4. Four Parts of a Computer
Input devices
Output devices
System unit
Storage devices
5. System Unit
(a) Main casing that houses internal components of a computer.
(b) Components:
CPU
RAM
Hard disk
Power supply
(c) Features:
Has ports
Contains motherboard
Enclosed metallic/plastic case
6. Peripheral Devices
(a) External devices connected to a computer.
(b) Printer, Scanner
7. Generations
(a) Matching:
Generation Technology
First Vacuum tubes
Second Transistors
Third Integrated Circuits
Fourth VLSI
(b) First generation characteristics:
Used vacuum tubes
Very large in size
Produced much heat
Consumed high power
(c) Differences:
Modern computers are smaller
Faster
More reliable
Consume less power
8. Classification by Generations
(a) Factors:
Technology used
Size
Speed
Cost
Memory capacity
(b) Generations discussion:
1st – Vacuum tubes
2nd – Transistors
3rd – ICs
4th – Microprocessors
9. Methods of Classifying Computers
According to size
According to purpose
According to data handled
According to generation
10. Differences
(a) Supercomputer vs Mainframe
Supercomputer: Scientific calculations
Mainframe: Large business processing
(b) Digital vs Analogue
Digital: Uses 0 and 1
Analogue: Uses continuous signals
(c) Special-purpose vs General-purpose
Special: One task
General: Many tasks
(d) Desktop vs Laptop
Desktop: Not portable
Laptop: Portable
11. Emerging Trend
(a) Computers becoming smaller and portable.
(b) Laptops expensive because:
Compact technology
Battery and portability features
12. Laptops
(i) Suitable because:
Portable
Battery powered
Wireless connectivity
Compact
(ii) Application areas:
Field research
Business presentations
13. Mobile Phone as Computer
Has processor
Stores data
Performs calculations
14. Uses
Supercomputer – Weather forecasting
Mainframe – Banking systems
Minicomputer – Departmental processing
Microcomputer – Home/office use
15.
(a) Minicomputer serves many users; PC serves one user.
(b) Factors when buying microcomputer:
Cost
Speed
Memory size
(c) Reasons suitable:
Affordable
Small size
Easy to use
Versatile
16. Uses in Areas
Supermarket – Billing
Hospitals – Patient records
Banks – Account processing
Hotels – Booking systems
Homes – Entertainment
Schools – Learning
Industries – Production control
Police – Record keeping
Transport – Ticket booking
Offices – Document processing
(b) Advantages:
Speed
Accuracy
Large storage
17. Computer Laboratory
(a) Room equipped with computers for learning.
Factors: ventilation, security, spacing.
(b) Features:
Fire extinguisher
Proper wiring
Enough space
Air conditioning
18. Safety
(a) No liquids, proper seating, safe wiring.
(b) Diskette precautions:
Keep away from magnets
Avoid heat
Do not bend
Store properly
19. Suitable Fire Extinguisher
Carbon dioxide (CO₂).
20.
(a) Power outages; high electricity cost.
(b) Use UPS and generators.
21. Fire Outbreak
Raise alarm
Switch off power
Use CO₂ extinguisher
Evacuate
22. Ideal Environment
Cool
Dust-free
Well ventilated
23. Ventilation Facilities
Windows
Fans
Air conditioners
24. Not Allowed Because
Smoking – Causes dust/smoke damage
Food – Attracts pests
Liquids – Cause short circuits
25. Powder/Water Not Good
Damage equipment
Cause short circuit
26.
(a) Prevent damage from power fluctuations.
(b) UPS: Prevent data loss; protect hardware.
27. Eye Strain Causes
Poor lighting
Glare
28. Proper Posture
Sit upright
Feet flat
Screen at eye level
29. Control Hazards
Dust – Regular cleaning
Humidity – Air conditioning
Heat – Ventilation
30. Write-protected
Disk cannot be written on or modified.
31. Printer Damage
Wrong paper – Jamming
Wrong ink – Damage print head
Wrong voltage – Burn circuits
32.
(a) Avoid virus spread.
(b) Use flash disks; network sharing.
33. Office Efficiency
Faster communication
Easy storage
Automation of tasks
34.
(a) Connect devices, connect power, install software.
(b) Close programs, click shutdown, wait to power off.
35. Booting
(a) Starting computer.
(b) Loads operating system into RAM.
(c) Cold boot – switch on; Warm boot – restart.
(d) ROM.
(e) Ctrl + Alt + Del; Restart option.
36. Keyboard Classification
a) Alphabetic keys
b) Numeric keys
c) Function keys
d) Editing keys
e) Navigation keys
f) Modifier keys
37. Five Types of Keys
Alphanumeric
Function
Control
Navigation
Numeric keypad
38. (Common Answers)
(i) Enter – Executes command
(ii) Esc – Cancels command
(iii) Caps Lock – Toggles uppercase
39. Mouse Terms
Left-click – Select item
Double-click – Open item
Right-click – Show menu
Drag and drop – Move item