Introduction To Computers

What is a computer?

It is an electronic device capable of accepting data, processing data, giving out data and or storing it for
future use.

There are four aspects in the definition

• Accepting data

• Processing data

• Giving out data

• Storage of data

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
Computers can be classified according to
• Size

• Number of people that may use them

• Processing power

• speed

• Cost

TYPES OF COMPUTERS
Computers are classified according to size as follows:
• PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)

• Laptop or Notebook

• Personal Computer/Desktop computer

• Network Computer

• Mainframe computer

BASIC ELEMENTS OF A COMPUTER

 OUTPUT
 CPU(PROCESSING)
 INPUT
 DATA STORAGE

BASIC FUNCTIONS OF A COMPUTER

• Accepting of data
• Giving out of data

• Processing of data

• Storage of data

TERMS USED IN COMPUTER STUDIES

• Input- Is the entering of data into the computer using devices such as Keyboard and
mouse.

• Output- Is giving out of data from the computer using devices such as screen and printer.

• Processing- Is the changing of raw data into useful information using the processor

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 • Storage- is the keeping of data for later use on devices such as CDs, DVDs and Hard Disks

• Hardware- is the physical or tangible components of a computer system for example Keyboard
and screen

• Software- these are programs which give instruction to the computer hardware and the
computer user

• Click- It is to press and release the mouse button

• Double click- To press and release the mouse button twice in rapid succession.

INPUT DEVICES
• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Joystick

• Trackball

• Touch screen

• Modem

• Microphone

• Digital camera

• Digital video

• Light pen

• Scanner

• Barcode reader

• Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)

OUTPUT DEVICES
• Visual Display Unit (VDU)/Screen/Monitor
• Speaker
• Printer
• Plotter
• Actuators
• Touch Screen
BASIC COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER
• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Screen /Monitor/Visual Display Unit

• CPU-Central processing unit

KEYBOARD
• It is a human touch input device
• It needs the human hand to press the keys when entering data.
• It mostly captures text data (letters, numbers and symbols)
• There are five general areas of the keyboard, these are as follows:
• Function Keys (labelled from F1 to F12)
• The typewriter area (in the QWERTY format.)
• The numeric keypad (located on the far right side of the keyboard)
• The cursor motion
• Control keys

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THE MOUSE

• It translates the movement of the hand to the movement of an arrow on the screen.

• The arrow moves when you move the mouse

• When a mouse pointer is over an icon the mouse buttons can be clicked, double clicked or
dragged to initiate an action.

VISUAL DISPLAY UNIT (VDU)

• It is also called monitor or screen.

• It displays information in the CPU

THE CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

• It is a box that contains the hard disc, the CD ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) drive or DVD
reader, the motherboard and the processor, power supply, RAM chip etc.

• All devices (Input, output processing and storage devices ) are connected to the CPU

• It is also called the system unit or the brain box.

• It contains the functional unit (processor) that interprets and carries out instructions.

• The job of the processor is to retrieve data or instructions from the memory and perform each
operation.

• A processor is made up of two functional units and set of work spaces; that is:

• Control Unit which supervises the operations of the processor.

• The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

It is responsible for all mathematic operations that are addition; subtraction; division and
multiplication.

• The CPU has power buttons

• These power buttons have green or blue light indicators that light up showing that power has
been supplied to the device

• Once it has been switched on it will automatically start to load the operating system and the first
screen appears

• This first screen is called the desktop

THE DESKTOP ENVIRONMENT

• It is the first screen that appears after loading the operating system or booting the computer

• Booting the computer is switching on the central processing unit and loading the operating system

GENERAL FEATURES FOUND ON THE DESKTOP

• The start button

• The task bar

• My computer folder

• Recycle bin

• The clock block

DESK TOP ICONS

WHAT IS MY COMPUTER FOLDER?

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My computer folder contains features connected to the Computer. Hard Drive, CD or DVD Reader and
Flash Disk

• All physical features can be viewed on my computer folder

• You can also open/create folders, run programs and install programs.

• Local disc, compact disc, and flash disc can be viewed from this folder.

• Printers and other output devices can be viewed from this folder.

THE RECYCLE BIN

• All the deleted files are stored in this folder.

• Files deleted from the hard disc are kept in this folder.

• Files deleted from the flash disc are lost.

• Once you empty the recycle bin files are completely lost.

THE START BUTTON

• It stretches from the far left bottom corner of the desktop.

• Clicking on this button pops up the menu from which you can select or run every program.

• All programs are displayed on this start button.

THE TASK BAR

• It stretches from the start button to the clock block.

• Its function is to display every running program that is allowing task switching provided the
program is running.

CLOCK BLOCK

• It is situated on the task bar on the far right side of the task bar.

• It shows current date and time.

HOW TO START A PROGRAM

There are several ways of starting a [Link] Microsoft Word 2007

HOW TO START MICROSOFT WORD 2007

METHOD ONE

• click on the start button

• Click on all programs.

• Click on Microsoft office.

• Click on Microsoft office word 2007.

METHOD TWO

• Press the WINDOWS logo on your keyboard.

• Using the appropriate arrow locate MICROSOFT WORD 2007.

METHOD THREE

• Using both the key board and the mouse.

• Press the Ctrl + Esc key to activate the start button.

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 • Use either the mouse or the appropriate arrow keys to locate MICROSOFT WORD 2007.

WORKING WITH ICONS

An icon is a symbol which corresponds with a program, a folder or a file.

Working with icons involves a mouse pointer a single click on the file or folder will select a
program. The first screen which appears after double clicking is called a window.

DIFFERENT PARTS OF A WINDOW

• The Title/Caption/Name bar

• Program control menu

• Main button

• Tool bar

• Scroll bar

• Working area

• Status bar

THE PROGRAMME CONTROL MENU

• It is found on the caption bar next to the name of the program.

• It provides 6 options.

• Restore( It is used to minimize window)

• Move(Used to reposition window into desired position)

• Size(for resizing the window to a desired size)

• Minimize- Usually indicated by _ Sign

• Close Usually indicated by a X sign

• Maximize.

THE TITLE BAR

• It displays the name and description of the window program.

• This is where the name of the program is displayed and also the minimize, the maximize and the
close button are found.

• It shows the file or folder name.

THE MENU BAR

• It is below the title bar.

• It gives you access to all commands within each menu with a simple key stroke or mouse click.

• It displays a drop down menu.

• The Microsoft Word Menu is home, page layout, references and views all.

• As each item on the strip menu is selected a drop down list of all the commands on that menu
appears.

TOOL BAR

• It is below the menu bar and it contains icons for commonly used functions.

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 • Pointing on a function displays a tool tip.
• Pointing over an icon or a tool gives a brief description of each button.

SCROLL BAR
• There are two types of scroll bars the vertical and horizontal.

• They are displayed only when necessary.

TYPES OF MEMORY

There are two types of Computer memory, namely Primary Memory and Secondary Memory.

Primary memory is known as Internal Memory or Main Memory.

Secondary Memory is held on the hard disk and is used when there is insufficient Primary Memory to
hold all the data or instructions (programmed).

Primary Memory, is made up of semi-conductor memory chips, is found in the CPU on the motherboard.
There are two types of Primary Memory that is, RAM and ROM, with ROM having other versions such as
PROM, EPROM and EAROM.

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)

• This is the section of memory that is used to store data and programs currently in use.

• It is the memory that is immediately accessible to the user.

• Any area of this memory can be accessed very rapidly by the user, without the delays associated
with input-output operations involving disk drives.

• These types of memory enhance the speed of the computer. Most computers these days have 1 GB
or more of RAM.

• The computer cannot function without RAM.

• All data is transferred from the hard disk to RAM before being displayed on the screen, printed or
altered.

• Every keystroke is stored in RAM before being displayed on the screen or stored on a hard disk.
When you open a programme all instructions the computer needs in order to run the programme
are read into RAM.

• In the interest of speed, the computer tries to keep the maximum amount of information in the
RAM. This explains why you lose data when there is a power failure. If for example you type a
letter but do not save it to disk the computer can hold the whole letter in RAM.

• Since the RAM is volatile as soon as the power is turned off all the information in RAM is lost so
when you switch on your PC again you have to retype the letter.

FEATURES OF THE RAM

• It holds the application programs and instructions in current use.

• Information in this memory can be read, written and changed.

• It is usually between 128 kilobytes and 4 Gigabytes.

• It is the main part of the primary memory.

• It is volatile (unpredictable unstable).

READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM)This memory which is 'hard coded' by the manufacturer during the time of
manufacturing. It is a type of memory that the user cannot change.

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Features of ROM

• It non-volatile and is used during start-up.

• It forms a small portion of the main memory.

• It gives the CPU instructions during the start-up or booting process.

There are several subsets of ROM, which are:

• PROM (for Programmable Read Only Memory). This type of memory can be programmed by the
user and the programmed data is held permanently once programmed.

• EPROM (for Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). Just the same as the PROM but this has
an advantage in that it can be erased and reprogrammed but for one to erase it, the EPROM must
be removed from the computer.

• EAROM (for Electrical Alterable Read Only Memory). This type of memory can be erased, read and
re-programmed without removing the chip from the computer.

MEASURING MEMORY

How is Information Stored in The Computer?

• Information is stored in the form of bytes.

• A byte is a unit of memory in a computer and this byte represents a character which can be
letters, numbers and other punctuation marks.

• These bytes are formed from bits.

• Bits, or Binary Digits, may have one of two values. These are represented by 0 or 1, true or false,
but will actually be the presence or absence of magnetisation.

What is The Relationship between Bits, Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes and Gigabytes?

A bit is the smallest element of data storage. Bits grouped together form bytes. For example when you
type a letter 'a' the computer will understand that as a combination of zeros and ones e.g. 01100001.

The following indicates the relationship between different data units:

1bit = smallest unit of measurement

8 bits = 1 byte (= 1character (letter, number or simol)) Unit of measuring memory

1024(210) bytes = 1 kilobyte

1 048 576 (220) bytes = 1024 Kilobytes = 1 Megabyte

1 073 741 824 bytes = 1024 Megabytes = 1 Gigabyte

In simple terms a Kilobyte = 1000 bytes, a megabyte = 1000 000 and Gigabyte = 1billion bytes

Characters are grouped together to form a word (field).e.g. field names such as First name, Surname,
Age and Residential Address.

Fields grouped together to form a record.

A group of records are stored as a file. For example records can be collected together for people working
for a certain company and then stored on the computer as the file Company Workers.

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Directories/ folders are normally created to group a number of related files in one place. Hence files are
grouped together to form a Directory or Folder.

COMPUTER PERFORMANCE

The performance of a computer in terms of processing speed is related to:

• Processor Chip type

• Primary Memory size (RAM), and

• Clock Pulse.

Processor Chip Type: The amount of information a computer can hold is dependent on its secondary
memory (Hard Disk) size.

• Usually the efficiency of a computer is related to the Processor Chip, with more advanced chips
giving improved performance. The early PC processor chips were known as 8086, 286, 386 and
486. These are all now obsolete, and have all been superseded by the Pentium chip. Hence
Pentium I Pentium II, Pentium III and Pentium IV.

Primary Memory Size: It is also important that the computer has sufficient Random Access Memory i.e.
RAM. If there is adequate RAM, the computer can be fast if configured well, and will be able to run many
programs concurrently without running out of memory. A good office computer should have at least
512MB of RAM.

• The combination of a modern Processor chip, sufficient RAM and adequate Hard Disk storage
space will produce good performance.

• However an upgrade of an Operating System or Application software may degrade computer

performance, the general tendency is for each upgrade to require greater RAM and Hard Drive
Resources.

• Another factor affecting performance is the number of programmes or applications running at the
same time. The amount of RAM available on any computer is limited and has to be shared
between applications, the more programs loaded at one time the less RAM each programme has
available.

SOFTWARE
What is software?

Software is a program which gives instruction to the computer hardware and the user.

What is a program?

A Program is a sequence of instructions that tells the computer's processor what to do.

Types of Software

There are two types of Software:

• System software

• Application software

What is a System Software?

System software is programs that control the operations of the computer.

• The basic component of System Software is an Operating System

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 • It is the minimum software that the computer must have for it to be functional.

Duties of System Software

• It manages the computer hardware

• It provides uniform environment for application programs to run

• It performs housekeeping and monitoring tasks.

What is an Operating System?

• An Operating System is a program that manages the computer hardware and all other software.

• It provides the interface between the application software/programs and the computer hardware.

• It is a program that runs first when you switch on your computer and it continues to run in the
back ground.

• All programs run under the control of the Operating System.

• It is a program/Software which runs after booting.

Examples of an Operating System

• Microsoft Disk Operating System( Ms DOS)

• Windows 95

• Windows 98

• Windows NT Workstation

• Windows NT Server

• Windows XP Professional

• Windows XP Edition

• Windows 7

• UNIX

• Novel

• Linux

• Macintosh

Function of an Operating System

• It provides an interface between the user and the computer.

• It manages the flow of information in the computer.

• It directs information to the appropriate destinations. e.g., if you send information for printing, it
is the duty of the OS to direct that information to the chosen printer.

• It keeps a record of saved files, their names, size, location etc.

• It establishes a relationship between hardware and software.

• It controls the running of other programs.

What is booting?

• Booting is the process of loading the Operating System

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 • It is the process of switching on the computer.

What is Application Software?

• Application Software is programs that perform user-required functions.

• These are programs that are designed to solve specific problems.

• These programs are user-oriented whilst System Software is computer oriented.

• The problems range from word processing, desktop publishing, database management,
calculations, graphic designing and communication.

Examples of Application Software

• Word Processor Microsoft Word, Lotus WordPro, AmiPro, Display write, WordPro, Word Perfect,
Word Pad

• Desktop Publisher

• Database Management Software (DBMS)

• Spreadsheet

• Multimedia

• Graphics and Presentation Software

Application Software General Use of Software

Word Processor Text intensive material e.g. letters, business/ legal documents, and mail
merges.
Spreadsheet Repeatable financial, scientific and engineering calculations,
mathematical modelling and simple databases.
Desktop Publishing Publications with complex layout, e.g. posters, newsletters and
magazines.
Database Management Input, storage and retrieval of records to provide useful information on
System (DBMS) screen and in printing reports.
Web Browser For interactively accessing information in the form of text and other
media from remote web servers.
Communication Fax, telephone, video-conferencing, email and instant messaging
Web authoring, for producing HTML and scripting code for interactive web
pages.
Search Engine A web application for finding information available on Internet servers.
Graphics Drawing and editing images, both bitmap and vector
Computer-Aided Design For drawing product designs
(CAD)
Computer -Aided For manufacturing products from CAD Designs
Manufacture (CAM)
Multimedia Authoring Producing multimedia 'movie files' for animated advertisements games
within web pages or presentations, whole websites, or cinema films.
Presentation For creating slideshows (successions of multimedia pages), or multimedia
or printed posters.
Data logging For recording automatically for scientific, engineering and statistical
purposes.
Programming Writing, compiling and debugging computer programs
• Word Processing Software

• These are programs designed to solve the problems of written work.

• They use a concept of a type writer with a memory.

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 • This type of software is used to produce written material such as letters, memos, reports,
projects and books.

• Some of these programs have the ability to do desktop publishing work.

Examples of Word Processor Software

The main advantage of using a Word Processor is that the text can be changed on the screen and
mistakes corrected until the document is perfected before send to the printer.

The following can be done by a Word Processor:

• Formatting (choosing the way the document should look by changing line spacing, setting
borders, inserting bullets for highlighting specific points, columns etc).

• Changing fonts (Styles of printing letters or characters)

• Justifying (Align left, Centre right and justify across the width of the page)

• You can set up headers and footers, information which appear on the top and bottom part of all
pages in that document.

• Set up the page for either landscape or portrait print layout.

• Set margin widths.

• Grammar and spellings can be checked.

• Mail merging: whereby variable details from data file are merged into the same letter to
different people.

INFORMATION NETWORKS

What is Network?

• Network is the linking together of computers either by wire cables, fiber optical cables,
microwave links or satellite.

• Network of computers allows users to link PCs on their desks together via cables and special
network Operating System.

What are the advantages of using a Network?

• Network allows computers to share files and programs, use a common printer or modem and share
the internet connection as well.

• People can also communicate instantly over a network using programs such as Whinchat or
Microsoft NetMeeting.

TYPES OF NETWORKS

There are two types of Networks: LAN and WAN

• LAN (Local Area Network)

This is a network which connects together computers in the same building e.g. in a house, office
or school.

• Each computer on a network is called a workstation or terminal.

• If a workstation has a processing ability, it is known as Intelligent Terminal and if it does

not have a processing power it is known as Dump Terminal.

• Most Dump Terminals have a screen and a keyboard only.

• WAN (Wide Area Network)

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 • It is a connection of computers in different geographical locations, e.g. from one country to
another or from one district to another. Computers from Harare office connected to the
organization’s office in Gweru offices.

• It is the connections of two or more LAN to form a Web of Networks.

• The wiring needed for both a WAN and LAN to function is installed and used specifically for that
purpose.

What do you need to have a network?

• A computer with a network card, commonly known as an Ethernet adapter.

• A computer (file) server with NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEM eg Windows NT Server or Windows
98 SE.

• A hub is needed and this is the most important part of the network.

• The hub brings all PCs together and provides a single connection to a network server or another
hub using wire cables, fibre optical cables, microwave links or satellite.

For a computer to be able to communicate via the telephone system, a modem is needed.

• A modem is a device that changes analog (voice) to digital data (binary numerical form)
understood by computers and back to analog understood by telephones.

The term modem means Modulator - Demodulator.

• It is a device that translates digital signals to analogue and visa versa.

• It modulates a transmitted signal and demodulates a received signal at a data station.

• It understands both the languages of the computer and telephone.

• It is connected between the telephone and the computer and acts then as the go-between in
establishing a communication relationship between a computer and the telephone

Types of Network Topology

Network Topology is the representation/diagram description of a network arrangement,
connecting various nodes (sender and receiver) through lines of connection.

BUS Topology
Bus topology is a network type in where every computer and network device is connected to
single cable.

Features of Bus Topology

1. It transmits/transfers data only in one direction.
2. Every device is connected to a single cable
Advantages of Bus Topology
1. It is cost effective.
2. Cable required is least compared to other network topology.
3. Used in small networks.
4. It is easy to understand.
5. Easy to expand joining two cables together.
Disadvantages of Bus Topology

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 1. Cables fails then whole network fails.
2. If network traffic is heavy or nodes are more the performance of the network decreases.
3. Cable has a limited length.
4. It is slower than the ring topology.

RING Topology
It is called ring topology because it forms a ring as each computer is connected to another
computer, with the last one connected to the first. Exactly two neighbours for each device.

Features of Ring Topology

1. A number of repeaters are used and the transmission is unidirectional.
2. Date is transferred in a sequential manner that is bit by bit.
Advantages of Ring Topology
1. Transmitting network is not affected by high traffic or by adding more nodes, as only the
nodes having tokens can transmit data.
2. Cheap to install and expand
Disadvantages of Ring Topology
1. Troubleshooting is difficult in ring topology.
2. Adding or deleting the computers disturbs the network activity.
3. Failure of one computer disturbs the whole network.

STAR Topology
In this type of topology all the computers are connected to a single hub through a cable. This
hub is the central node and all others nodes are connected to the central node.

Features of Star Topology

1. Every node has its own dedicated connection to the hub.
2. Acts as a repeater for data flow.
3. Can be used with twisted pair, Optical Fibre or coaxial cable.
Advantages of Star Topology
1. Fast performance with few nodes and low network traffic.
2. Hub can be upgraded easily.
3. Easy to troubleshoot.
4. Easy to setup and modify.
5. Only that node is affected which has failed rest of the nodes can work smoothly.
Disadvantages of Star Topology
1. Cost of installation is high.
2. Expensive to use.
3. If the hub is affected then the whole network is stopped because all the nodes depend on
the hub.
4. Performance is based on the hub that is it depends on its capacity

MESH Topology

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It is a point-to-point connection to other nodes or devices. Traffic is carried only between two
devices or nodes to which it is connected. Mesh has n (n-2)/2 physical channels to link hn
devices.

Types of Mesh Topology

1. Partial Mesh Topology : In this topology some of the systems are connected in the same
fashion as mesh topology but some devices are only connected to two or three devices.
2. Full Mesh Topology : Each and every nodes or devices are connected to each other.
Features of Mesh Topology
1. Fully connected.
2. Robust.
3. Not flexible.
Advantages of Mesh Topology
1. Each connection can carry its own data load.
2. It is robust.
3. Fault is diagnosed easily.
4. Provides security and privacy.
Disadvantages of Mesh Topology
1. Installation and configuration is difficult.
2. Cabling cost is more.
3. Bulk wiring is required.

TREE Topology
It has a root node and all other nodes are connected to it forming a hierarchy. It is also called
hierarchical topology. It should at least have three levels to the hierarchy.

Features of Tree Topology

1. Ideal if workstations are located in groups.
2. Used in Wide Area Network.
Advantages of Tree Topology
1. Extension of bus and star topologies.
2. Expansion of nodes is possible and easy.
3. Easily managed and maintained.
4. Error detection is easily done.
Disadvantages of Tree Topology
1. Heavily cabled.
2. Costly.
3. If more nodes are added maintenance is difficult.
4. Central hub fails, network fails.

HYBRID Topology
It is two different types of topologies which is a mixture of two or more topologies. For example
if in an office in one department ring topology is used and in another star topology is used,
connecting these topologies will result in Hybrid Topology (ring topology and star topology).

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Features of Hybrid Topology
1. It is a combination of two or topologies
2. Inherits the advantages and disadvantages of the topologies included
Advantages of Hybrid Topology
1. Reliable as Error detecting and trouble shooting is easy.
2. Effective.
3. Scalable as size can be increased easily.
4. Flexible.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology
1. Complex in design.
2. Costly.

Components of Data Communication

1. Message : It is the information to be delivered.

2. Sender : Sender is the person who is sending the message.
3. Receiver : Receiver is the person to him the message is to be delivered.
4. Medium : It is the medium through which message is to be sent for example modem.
5. Protocol : These are some set of rules which govern data communication.

What is Digital?

Digital is the representation of data or physical quantities by means of numbers that is 0 and 1 (binary
numbers). Digital quantity is discontinuous and it goes step by step in other words in the form of pulse.

What is analogue?

Analogue is a signal that is continuous. It can take a value in a continuous form within a specified range.

What is E-mail (Electronic Mail)?

This is the transmission of written messages by electronic means via a computer network.

TYPES OF E-mail ACCOUNTS

• The computer based e-mail account.

• The web based e-mail account.

• Computer based e-mail Account there is an initial configuration needed to receive mail from a
Service provider. Once configured and the user has the required equipment one can send and
receive mail for the cost of a local call.

• Most Web based accounts are free, and one can access the mail anywhere, at any time, as long as
the computer is connected to the internet. You can get a free e-mail address from the following
web sites: [Link]

[Link]

[Link]

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 [Link]

What does one need to send and receive E-mail?

• Email address egg mubaiwa@[Link], rodmusiiwa@[Link]

• A computer that is connected to the internet or Cell phone that is connected to the internet.

What are the benefits of Electronic Mail?

• Savings in postage and telephone costs since one is charged at local call rates when sending and
receiving email.

• It is very fast and allows multiple addressing. The same letter can be sent to several different
people at the same time.

• The recipient does not have to be present to receive mail. Messages are stored at the ISP and can
be retrieved at any convenient time.

• One can join servers and news groups include Eudora, Microsoft outlook Express, Microsoft
Outlook 2000 and Netscape Messenger.

THE INTERNET

• It is a huge international network made up of smaller network that are linked together like a
spider web.

There is internet and there is World Wide Web (WWW).

These concept are different although people use them interchangeably.

Internet is the physical connection of the world wide network whilst the World Wide Web holds all the
information which moves around the internet.

What is needed for access to the Internet?

All you need is:

• A computer

• Phone line

• Modem or an ISDN connection

• An account with an internet Service Provider

• An Internet browser program (the two main browsers are internet Explorer and Netscape
Navigator)

What can I find on the Internet?

There is almost everything on the internet. The internet can offer the following to mention a few:

• Electronic Mail

• File Transfer

• Current Information

• Discussion Groups

• Virtual Classroom

• Downloads

• Collaborative Learning

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 • Entertainment

• Breaking News

• On-line Shopping

What are Search Engines?

These are web sites enable users to query and index and then return results relevant to query. You can
search by typing the concept, keyword, site and or links.

Most popular search engines are:

• [Link]

• Excite

• AltaVista

• ProFusion

• Inference

COMPUTERS IN EVERYDAY LIFE

COMPUTERS IN THE HOME

Uses of computers in the home

• For Entertainment. E.g. playing games. These are internet-based computer games which allow
users to complete against other players who might be anywhere in the world.

• Watching Television: using TV card and listening to the radio using radio using Radio card.

• Watching Films from DVD and videos on CDs using DVD Drive.

• For storing family photographs, where these have been taken with a digital camera.

• To Access the Information Super Highway, The Internet.

• To do online shopping or arranging money transfers whilst at home.

• Communicating with others abroad, having chat sessions with a friend abroad, sending e-mails.

• To keep family information or records.

• The same computer can be used by children to do homework and also for remedial purposes using
Educational Software, such as EduSoft Everyday Mathematics, Microsoft Encarta.

• Reference material and encyclopedias which are published on CDs.

• You can practice Teleworking, working at home while accessing all the information you need on
company's computer and sending information to the office (other employees) using electronic
mail.

• Reading your bible: There are now computerised Bibles one can install in a computer and it is
easy to use.

COMPUTER AT WORK

Computers offers a means for making employees more efficient, and so the world of commerce
computerises to gain competitive advantage.

• Job seekers who know how to use a computer will have a distinct advantage over computer
illiterates

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 • In many offices the typewriter has been displaced by the word processor.

• Accounting packages e.g. pastel, have been developed for accounting purposes.

• Payroll packages help in the administration of payrolls and annual tax returns

• Spreadsheets programs are now being used in most companies for financial and what-if analysis.

• Database management systems have been developed to keep company information e.g.
information about every employee.

• In industry Computer Aided Design has been introduced as a product designed tool, and robots are
being used to do simple repetitive tasks, e.g. the welding jobs on production lines that used to be
done by human beings. The robots are computer controlled and can work 24hrs a day without
losing concentration and hence boost company production. A robot arm can average one weld per
second.

• Advertising can be done on the internet.

• In some hotels the use of ordinary keys is being phases out with the introduction of plastic cards,
which you just need to insert and remove for the door to open. Some companies have also used
the same technique for their staff to enter and leave the company premises.

• E-business is"electronic business" using the internet for both business to business and business to
customer transactions. This will allow the organizations to communicate more efficiently with
both suppliers and customers, and facilitate improvements in chain management and customer
relationship management.

• Airlines rely on computers for bookings/ticket sales. These systems enable a travel agent
anywhere in the world to check on seat availability. e.g. It only takes a few minutes to book a
flight from Harare to Rio de Janairo via London.

COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION
In education computers are being used from kindergarten to university, in both administrative and
educational functions.

For Administrative purposes school computers are being used as follows:

• Keeping student information and school staff information.

• Printing examinations papers and assignments.

• Printing levy and tuition invoices and tuition invoices.

• Keeping records of school cash flow

• Printing school reports.

• For school documentation.

For teaching purposes computers have made a difference in instructional methods:

• Students can now do collaborative learning with other students anywhere in the world and can
also have internet group discussions.

• Using some educational software the teacher becomes a facilitator rather than the source of
information. New School versus Old School, because in the old school teachers used to be the
centre of all knowledge but in the new school students can find information from other sources
like t he internet and share it with the teacher.

• Software such as Tutorials can directly instruct a student.

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 • Simulators are software designed to give student a better visualisation of a real biological process
or phenomenon, without using the real biological or chemical material.

• Computers are being used to develop problem-solving abilities.

• Programming languages are being taught in schools.

• Homework can be done and submitted electronically.

COMPUTER BASED TRAINING OR INSTRUCTION (CBT)

This technology is now becoming common, whereby the learner sits at a computer and interacts with a
program. It has the advantages and disadvantages.

The Advantages of CBT are:

• There is no fast and slow learner because the student can learnt on his own at his/her own pace.

• The learner has the freedom to repeat as many times as he/she wants.

• The combination of text, video, sound, pictures and animation can improve the rate of
assimilation. This is the concept of multimedia.

• The program is also designed in such a way that it monitors student progress and gives feedback.

• These programs are user friendly and very interactive.

The Disadvantages are:

• The computer can only instruct and not teach or rather educate, because education or teaching
goes as far as the sentiments of the person.

• It is dependent on technology.

• Students cannot ask questions, but can only follow what is given.

COMPUTERS IN DAILY LIFE

There is little that one does these days without involving a computer. Remember that an end user of the
computer system is not only the person operating it, but also anyone who uses the information it
produces.

HOW COMPUTERS ARE BEING USED IN SHOPS?

Electronic Point of Sale Terminals (EPOS) at checkout point’s monitor sales and control stock. They use
Bar Code Readers to read bar codes on products. These black and white bars hold information to identify
the specific product.

When an item is sold the correct price is automatically retrieved from the computer, and sales file and
stock file records are updated.

What are the advantages to the Customer?

• The customer will enjoy faster service at the checkout till. If the scanner is not working the
numbers can be punched in by the shop assistant.

• It is more accurate than typing the prices or punching in numbers.

• The store will use the sales information to re-stock according to demand, there will be fewer
stock-outs.

• An itemised receipt shows the name of a purchased product, the quality and the price.

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What are Advantages the Store Manager?

• Customers pass through the check points more quickly with fewer errors.

• There is less opportunity for fraud by staff.

• Goods are not priced individually but have only one code number which when processed will
determine a price.

• Stock control is fully automated.

• Purchasing information is available so that stock can be replenished according to demand.

• In some large supermarkets, bar code readers are available so that the customer can check the
price of a product before going to the till point.

How are Computers being used in banks and Building Societies?

Banks were among the first organisation to use computers, as early as in the 1950s. Computers in banks
are used extensively for cheque processing, using Magnetic Ink Character Recognition that is difficult to
forge. With this input device cheques can be read at a speed of 3000 cheques per minute.

When the cheque goes for processing, three sets of Magnetic Ink Characters are required and these are:

• The customer's account code-every customer is given a unique account number.

• The sort code-every branch of every bank has a sort code.

• The cheque number. Cheques are numbered in sequence in a chequebook.

In addition, the amount the cheque has been made out for is captured when the cheque is presented for
payment/.

ATMs (Automatic Teller Machine)

The use of ATMs or cash dispensers has removed the need to rush to the bank before it closes. ATMs work
24 hours a day, so money can be deposited or withdrawn at anytime of the day. These ATMs are
computer terminals connected to the central computer and the records are kept there.

What do I do to obtain Cash from ATMs?

• Insert your Bank card into the slot. (A welcome message appears)

• Enter your PIN (Personal identification Number – private password)

• Choose the service you want, or simply press the button next to the amount you want and wait.

• Take back the card.

• Take back the money.

• Take the receipt if you asked for it.

The card used to withdraw the money is plastic with a magnetic stripe similar to a credit card (Visa or
MasterCard). The magnetic stripe is coded with the following data:
• Card holder’s account number
• The PIN Personal Identification Number. For security reasons, do not write this on the card or
divulge to anyone.
• The sort code
• The card holder’s withdrawal limit
• The amount withdrawn so far that day.
How does electronic funds transfer work?

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When one withdraws money from an ATM that amount is electronically removed from the amount and the
new balance is set. This is known as the Electronic Funds Transfer because money is transferred
electronically.
When one pays for shopping using a bank card, that payment is transferred electronically from the
customer’s account to the supermarket’s account. This transfer of funds is called EFTPOS (Electronic
Funds Transfer Point Of Sale)
What is Online Banking?
This is telephone based banking where customers can make bank transactions using the telephone or
mobile phone or computer, using numbers to give instructions to the Bank Computer.
With this technology you can pay bills, get balances, move money from one bank to another. Some banks
are also offering banking services through the internet where one can use the keyboard for
communication.
How are Computers Being Used In Hospital?
The introduction of computers in hospitals has helped both the administrators and the doctors.
The following are some of the uses of computers in hospitals:
• For keeping patients’ records in a patient database to allow easy entering and retrieval
information.
• With mail merge technologies it is now easy to send reminders to patients.
• Computerized equipment is used in intensive care wards to monitor patients, with heartbeat,
temperature, pressure, and movement sensors inputting critical data from the patient.
• Databases are created with details of patients requiring transplant surgery and in the event of
transplant organs belonging available; these can be matched quickly to an appropriate patient.
• Doctors are now able to view a cross section of any body organ without cutting by using CAT
technology. CAT means Computer Axial Tomography ( a technology allowing the doctors to have
an image of a cross section view of an organ of the body).
• Mothers can now be told the abnormalities or baby deformations before birth and proper
preparations can be made. This is scanning technology.
• Most medical research is now computerized.
How Are Computers Being Used In Government?
The uses of computers in this area are numerous and some have already been mentioned under other
headings. A few uses include:
• Creation of database/information on public sector information such as parliament and its
proceedings. Databases are also used to assist in revenue collection.
• General information on the country, including what it can offer to tourists and investors.
• Aspects such as National registration and production of birth certificates have been computerized.
This makes it easy to collect relevant data such as births within a geographical area. Related to
car registration has been computerized, helping the police to track down criminals especially
where the criminals attempt to transport the cars to another country.
IT And SOCIETY

What Is An Information Society?

An Information Society is described as one in which a greater part of the population is involved in service
industries such as finance, insurance, administration, education, the media etc.

In the Information Society people are using information and communication technologies to disseminate
information which is adding value to everyday life.

What is Information Superhighway?

Information Superhighway, also known as the Internet, is a worldwide network of computers that can
provide information on almost every subject, through the World Wide Web.

Information Technology has made many changes in society. The following are some examples of the
changes:

• In offices there is now the concept of office automation, which means almost every task is now
computerized, for example account ledgers and books have become computer based spreadsheet
accounting packages. Document storage and retrieval have now replaced manual filling.

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 • The use of typewriters has seen to change with the introduction of word processing packages.

• Basic phones have become digital and are being used to send mail at a faster speed, and for call
conferencing.

• Computers have also helped physically handicapped people; e.g. teaching material can now be
printed in Braille for use by the blind. Computer control systems that allow voice recognition have
helped those without hands to give voice commands for doors, lights and alarms.

• Computers can help to connect people who are physically confined with the outside world and to
keep in touch with others.

• With computers anyone can communicate abroad at the cost of a local telephone call.

What are the Advantages of Using A Computer?

• Computers reduce or eliminate jobs that are repetitive for example retyping a document to
correct mistakes, organizing a weekly payroll or typing the same personalized letter to a large
number of people.
• By using computers work can be completed faster, more easily and more accurately. Complex
calculations can be done at high speeds using Spreadsheets.
• They also produce more professional output by the use of word processing and graphics.
A Good Workspace.
To create a good working environment one should practice good working habits, such as:
• Frequent breaks away from the computer, this is necessary to refresh the mind and to relax the
hands.
• Appropriate position of the screen such as that the screen is at the same level with the eyes.
• It is advisable to have an adjustable lighting so that you don’t strain your eyes.
• It should be a clean and dust free environment.
• The room should have good ventilation, ideally, it should be air conditioned.
Health And Safety
Since computers work with electricity it is always necessary for one to make sure that there is a clean
power supply, and to ensure that the cables are secured ie there are no naked wires and no cables
obstructing with the movement of workers. It is also necessary to ensure that power points are not
overloaded.

There are also injuries associated with working in a bad environment, and some of them are RSI,
eyestrain and problems of bad posture.

What is RSI?
RSI Stands for Repetitive Strain Injury- repeating the same action numerous time eg when playing a game
or doing work which only involves the use of the mouse. In this situation the arm is held steady whilst the
wrist and the fingers repeat the same small movements over and over. The muscles used to hold the arm
steady are particularly prone to strain. Hence the name Repetitive Strain Injury. The continuous use of
keyboard can also cause RSI. Frequent breaks away from the computer are necessary to avoid these
repetitive motions. To overcome this problem some organizations are using pads where the arms or
wrists can rested.

EYESTRAIN
Continuous use of screens may cause eyestrain vision or damage. The eye strain problem can be made
worse by using inferior monitors with poor resolution. Some of the problems are caused by the reflection
from the screen, especially if the screen is facing the sunrays or when the user is facing the window. To
reduce eyestrain the screen should be at the same level as the eyes, and not too close to the eyes. Anti-
glare products like screen filters are available to reduce screen glare.

WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH BAD POSTURE

Due to practices of bad working habits, people have experienced problems related with posture, for
example backache. This is because people slouch in their chairs, have their keyboards at the wrong
height or sit too close to their screens. Some even use chairs which are not adjustable and do not give
good back support.

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Environmental concerns
As we use computers, we at thus accumulate a lot of printed documents as well as use up tonner
catridges in the process. If these are recycled, this can help the environment.
If we employ the concept of a paperless office, by using electronic documents more, this reduces the
need for printed materials.
It is now common to find monitors being manufactured that consumes less power as a way to help the
environment.

COMPUTER VIRUSES
What is a computer virus?
A computer virus is a computer programme that can spread across computers and networks by making
copies of itself usually without the users knowledge. To be classed as a virus it must be able to replicate
itself.
Viruses can have harmful side effects. These can range from displaying irritating messages to deleting all
the files on your computer.

HOW CAN A COMPUTER ACQUIRE A VIRUS?

Viruses can be acquired by:
• Using other people’s infected flash discs, memory cards etc.
• Coping illegal software
• Starting the computer with infected flash or Cds in the drives.
• Opening electronic mail messages or attachments which has been infected. Unless you recognize
the sender and the sender tells you that something is attached do not open it – just delete it.
• Downloading infected software from the internet.
HOW CAN ONE PREVENT COMPUTERS FROM VIRUS INFECTION?

• Do not use other people’s diskettes unless you first check for viruses.

• Do not illegally copy software and use it with your machine.

• Beware of internet downloads, some of them may have virus.

• Ensure that there are no cds or dvds, or flash disk connected to your computer before boot up the
your machine.

• Avoid opening up “Spam” electronic mail messages which advertise offers “cash winning, free
holidays” etc

• Install antivirus software, and keep it upto date.

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE TO OVERCOME COMPUTER VIRUS PROBLEM?

Antivirus programs have been developed. A antivirus is a computer program that locate and attacked
viruses. They can even be loaded. They can even be loaded resident in the memory so that they can
quickly report any virus entry. There are many different anti-virus programs. The following are some
examples of the most popular programs:
• Doctor Solomon’s Antivirus
• Norton Anti-virus
• MacAfee Anti-virus
These anti-virus programs should be updated regularly to cater for new viruses, because using an
old version will not detect some of new viruses or it can detect but fail to clean the virus.

Software suppliers plug holes and supply updates. A virus must be able to replicate itself so the writers
look for ‘holes’ in the software. A virus writer probably knows more about a product like Outlook Express
than the authors. When he discovers something the author overlooked he has a way to get his virus into
the programme. But as soon as he releases the virus the authors get working to plug the hole. Then they
release a new version of the software. It is a bit like securing your home. You can add burglar bars, a
gate and a razor wire but if you overlook something the thief will find it and all you can do is to plug the
hole so he cannot get in that way again.

Keep your software up- to- date

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Copyright
Computer software can be copied very easily, without it affecting the original software in any way. This
gives right to what is called software piracy, i.e. the illegal use of software which has been copied rather
than purchased. Correct purchasing of software will ensure that the developers of the software or
copyright holders receive the required license fee. Piracy of software is the illegal use, WITHOUT the
payment of the license fee.

There are a lot of people who share programs or rather software on a social basis without realizing that
this is a crime. People should be aware of copyrights. Please don’t use software that has no license
because this is a serious offence.

You should know that copying software or software piracy is illegal and is a criminal offence. Also using
illegally copied software and manuals and running purchased software on two or more machines at the
same time without a valid license for each machine is a criminal offence.

There are also legal penalties for breaking copyright law, which can be a fine or prison sentence

Shareware is software that you are allowed to use on your machine for a limited evaluation period. The
idea is that if you find the product useful and you wish to continue using it beyond the evaluation period,
you then make a registration payment which will then entitle you further benefits of the full version of
the software. Some shareware programs are automatically programmed to stop working after the
evaluation period.

Freeware is any software that is free of any obligation to the end user.
That is one is free to use it indefinitely as well as distribute it to others.
However some freeware may come with license that you have to read and abide by.

User Licenses
This license is the official or legal permission about the particular software.
You need to read carefully the license information so that you do not misuse the software. For example if
your user license may be said to accommodate 10 users, if you exceed this you are violating the
manufacturer’s rights.
Data Protection Act
The following are the principles of the Data Protection Act, which is intended to protect the data
collected on personal matters. These are necessary because they protect our personal data from being
misused. Privacy is all that we look forward to. Imagine yourself not being able to get insurance or a
credit facility because some company which was holding your data decided to disclose it to some
company which was holding your personal data decided to disclose it to some other company. Imagine
yourself losing compensation because a company had wrong information.

The points below will try to protect you from all these risks.

• Personal data should be obtained and processed fairly and lawfully

• Data obtained for personal use should be held only for specified purposes
• Personal data should not be used for any reason incompatible with its original purpose.
• Personal data should be relevant and adequate for the purpose
• The personal data should not be accurate and up to date
• Personal data should not be kept longer than necessary
• It should be made available to the individual concerned and provision made for correction
• Personal data should be kept secure.
It is also necessary to point out that this Act does not apply to some areas like:
• Data relating to crime detection
• Immigration data
• Data relating to income tax assessment and collection.
• Data not held on computers
• Data that is required by law to be made public.

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