FORM 2 COMPUTER SCIENCE NOTES (Expanded - Term 2)

Based on the GCE Syllabus – Lessons 5 to 11

Each lesson is structured for a 2-hour class with detailed notes, examples, and classroom
activities.

Lesson 5: Introduction to Computer Maintenance

OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to define computer maintenance, list its
types, state its importance, and differentiate between impact and non-impact printers.

1. DEFINITION
Computer maintenance refers to the regular activities carried out to keep a computer
system in good working condition. It ensures that all hardware and software components
function efficiently and reduces the risk of failure.

2. TYPES OF MAINTENANCE
a) Preventive Maintenance – These are actions taken to prevent faults before they occur.
Examples:
- Cleaning the computer case, monitor, and keyboard.
- Installing antivirus software.
- Performing regular backups.
- Updating the operating system.

b) Corrective Maintenance – These are actions taken to repair or fix a problem after it has
occurred.
Examples:
- Replacing a faulty RAM.
- Repairing a damaged power supply.
- Reinstalling an operating system after virus infection.

3. IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE
- Reduces cost of major repairs.
- Prevents data loss.
- Improves performance and speed.
- Extends the lifespan of the computer system.

4. MAINTENANCE TOOLS
a) Hardware Tools: Screwdrivers, brushes, compressed air blower, multimeter.
b) Software Tools: Antivirus programs, Disk Defragmenter, Disk Cleanup, System Restore.
5. PRINTERS
Printers are output devices used to produce hard copies of digital documents.

a) Impact Printers – These printers print by physically striking an ink ribbon onto paper.
Examples: Dot Matrix Printer, Daisy Wheel Printer.
Characteristics: Noisy, slower, cheaper to maintain.

b) Non-Impact Printers – These printers print without physically striking the paper.
Examples: Inkjet Printer, Laser Printer.
Characteristics: Quiet, fast, produce high-quality output.

Comparison Table:
| Feature | Impact Printer | Non-Impact Printer |
|----------|----------------|-------------------|
| Printing Method | Mechanical striking | No contact with paper |
| Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Noise | Noisy | Quiet |
| Print Quality | Low | High |

EXAMPLES:
- Printing a school report with a Laser Printer (Non-Impact)
- Printing receipts with a Dot Matrix Printer (Impact)

CLASS ACTIVITIES:
1. Demonstrate the difference between impact and non-impact printers using pictures or
real devices.
2. Ask students to list 3 preventive maintenance activities they can perform at home.
3. In groups, discuss what happens when computer maintenance is ignored for a long time.

ASSIGNMENT:
1. Define computer maintenance.
2. State two types of maintenance and give examples.
3. List three maintenance tools.
4. Differentiate between impact and non-impact printers.

Lesson 6: Common Hardware Problems

OBJECTIVES:
Students should be able to identify common hardware problems, list the main components
of the CPU (including GPU), and propose solutions.

1. DEFINITION
Hardware problems are issues related to the physical components of the computer system.
2. COMMON HARDWARE PROBLEMS
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|----------|----------------|-----------|
| Computer not starting | Loose power cable, faulty PSU | Check connections or replace PSU |
| Overheating | Dust in fan, poor ventilation | Clean and ensure airflow |
| Keyboard not working | Port damage | Reconnect or replace keyboard |
| No display | GPU/monitor fault | Replace GPU or test monitor |
| Beeping sounds | RAM not fixed properly | Reseat or replace RAM |

3. COMPONENTS OF THE CPU

- Control Unit (CU): Directs and coordinates computer operations.
- Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
- Registers: High-speed memory inside the CPU.
- GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Handles images, videos, and visual rendering.

4. GOOD MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

- Regular cleaning and ventilation.
- Use of UPS or voltage regulator.
- Handle internal parts carefully to avoid static damage.

CLASS ACTIVITIES:
1. Group students to identify hardware problems from real-life examples (e.g., computer
overheating).
2. Practical: Open the CPU case (with teacher guidance) and identify the main components.
3. Students describe steps to fix a faulty keyboard.

ASSIGNMENT:
1. Define CPU and list its parts.
2. State the function of GPU.
3. Mention three hardware problems and solutions.

Lesson 7: Common Software Problems

OBJECTIVES:
Students should identify common software problems, outline causes and solutions, and
differentiate between primary and secondary storage.

1. COMMON SOFTWARE PROBLEMS

- Slow performance due to too many background apps.
- System crash from corrupted OS.
- Missing files from virus attack.
- Software not opening due to missing files or incompatible version.
2. PRIMARY STORAGE
Used for temporary storage during processing.
Examples: RAM, ROM.

3. SECONDARY STORAGE
Used for permanent data storage.
Examples: Hard Disk, Flash Drive, SSD, CD-ROM.

Comparison:
| Storage Type | Example | Nature |
|---------------|----------|--------|
| Primary | RAM, ROM | Temporary |
| Secondary | HDD, Flash Drive | Permanent |

4. PREVENTION MEASURES
- Install antivirus and keep software updated.
- Avoid pirated programs.
- Regularly back up data.

CLASS ACTIVITIES:
1. Demonstrate file deletion and recovery from Recycle Bin.
2. Discuss in groups the differences between RAM and ROM.
3. Simulate a slow computer and suggest solutions.

ASSIGNMENT:
1. List two software problems and their solutions.
2. Differentiate between primary and secondary storage.
3. Explain what happens when RAM is too small.

Lesson 8: Integration Activities

Practical tasks to reinforce lessons 5–7.

Activities:
1. Clean a computer keyboard and screen using appropriate tools.
2. Scan a flash drive using antivirus software.
3. Format a removable disk and create folders.

Purpose: To ensure students can apply maintenance skills and basic troubleshooting.
Lesson 9: Initiation to Cloud Computing

OBJECTIVES:
Students should define cloud computing, outline its types, and provide examples.

1. DEFINITION
Cloud computing is the use of remote servers on the Internet to store, manage, and process
data instead of a local computer.

2. CHARACTERISTICS
- On-demand access
- Scalability
- Remote accessibility
- Pay-as-you-use model

3. TYPES OF CLOUD SERVICES

- IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service (e.g. Amazon EC2)
- PaaS: Platform as a Service (e.g. Google App Engine)
- SaaS: Software as a Service (e.g. Gmail, Google Docs)

4. BENEFITS
- Reduces cost.
- Data is backed up online.
- Accessible from anywhere.

CLASS ACTIVITIES:
1. Ask students to identify cloud-based services they use daily.
2. Demonstrate saving a document to Google Drive.
3. Draw and label a diagram showing user–cloud–internet connection.

ASSIGNMENT:
1. Define cloud computing.
2. List three cloud service models.
3. Give three examples of cloud services.

Lesson 10: Types of Sensors

OBJECTIVES:
Students should state common types of sensors, their functions, and differentiate between
sensors and actuators.

1. DEFINITION
A sensor is a device that detects and responds to physical changes such as temperature or
light.

2. COMMON TYPES OF SENSORS

| Sensor | Function | Example Use |
|---------|-----------|--------------|
| Temperature | Measures heat | Air conditioners |
| Light (LDR) | Detects brightness | Street lights |
| Motion | Detects movement | Security systems |
| Sound | Detects noise | Microphones |
| Pressure | Measures pressure | Car tires |

3. ACTUATOR
An actuator is a device that performs an action after receiving input from a sensor (e.g.
motor, speaker).

Difference:
- Sensor detects a change.
- Actuator performs an action.

CLASS ACTIVITIES:
1. Observe motion sensors in school security lights.
2. Draw and label a simple sensor-actuator system.
3. Group discussion: “How sensors make devices smart.”

ASSIGNMENT:
1. Define a sensor.
2. Differentiate between sensor and actuator.
3. Mention four types of sensors and their uses.

Lesson 11: Notions on Embedded Systems and IoT

OBJECTIVES:
Students should differentiate between embedded systems and IoT, describe where they are
used, and explain how they work with cloud computing.

1. EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
These are computers built into larger systems to perform dedicated functions.
Examples:
- Microwave Oven
- ATM Machine
- Digital Camera
- Washing Machine
2. INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT)
IoT is a network of physical devices connected to the Internet that collect and share data.
Examples:
- Smart homes
- Smart watches
- GPS trackers

3. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMBEDDED SYSTEMS AND IoT

- Embedded systems are the brains of IoT devices.
- IoT connects these systems to the Internet for data exchange.

4. INTEGRATION WITH CLOUD COMPUTING

IoT devices send data to the cloud for storage, analysis, and remote control.

CLASS ACTIVITIES:
1. Watch a short video on IoT devices (smart home, smart car).
2. Draw a diagram showing how IoT connects to the cloud.
3. Discuss in pairs examples of IoT devices used in daily life.

ASSIGNMENT:
1. Define embedded systems and IoT.
2. Give three examples of each.
3. Explain how IoT and cloud computing work together.