SCHEME OF WORK FOR SS3 FIRST TERM

WEEK TOPIC CONTENT

1-3 NETWORKING  Definition of Networking
 Types of networking
geographical area
 Types of network by
relationship
 Network Devices
 Benefits of networking
4-5 Introduction to WWW  Brief history of WWW
 Basic Terminologies
 Protocols
 Benefits of WWW
6-7 Cables and Connectors  Network cables and
Connectors
 Computer cables and
connectors
8-10 Database  Definition of database
 Database packages
  Revision

`NETWORK AND NETWORKING

A computer network consists of a collection of
computers, printers, and other equipment that
are connected together to communicate with
each other and share resources.
Computer Networking is the scientific and
engineering discipline that focuses on how these
computer systems communicate with each other
effectively and efficiently.
Networks are commonly grouped by:
Scale (Geographical Area Covered)
Topology (Physical or Logical Layout)
Functional Relationship (e.g., Client-Server, Peer-
to-Peer)
Types of Networks According to Scale
Personal Area Network (PAN): A PAN is a
computer network organized around an
individual person, typically within a very small
range (around 10 meters or less). A PAN can be
wired using connections like USB and FireWire,
or it can be wireless (WPAN) using technologies
such as Infrared Data Association (IrDA) and
Bluetooth.
Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a computer
network that covers a small, confined
geographical area, such as a single home, office
building, or school campus. LANs allow devices
within that area to connect and share resources.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A MAN is a
large computer network that spans a city or a
large campus, connecting multiple LANs within
that metropolitan area. It's larger than a LAN but
smaller than a WAN.
Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN is a computer
network that covers a very broad geographical
area, often spanning across countries or even
continents. The internet is the largest example of
a WAN.

NETWORK TOPOLOGY
Network topology refers to the arrangement or
layout of the various elements (such as links,
nodes, and devices) of a computer network. It
defines how devices are physically or logically
connected and how data flows between them.
The main types of network topologies include:
Bus Topology
Star Topology
Ring Topology
Mesh Topology
Tree Topology
Hybrid Topology
Bus Topology
In a bus topology, all network nodes (like file
servers, workstations, and peripheral devices)
are connected to a single, continuous cable,
often called the backbone or bus. Data travels
along this single cable, and each node checks to
see if the data is intended for it.
Advantages of Bus Topology
It is inexpensive and simple to implement.
Requires less cable compared to other
 topologies.
Best suited for small networks where devices
are few.
Disadvantages of Bus Topology:
The cable length is limited, which restricts the
number of stations that can be connected.
This topology performs well only for a limited
number of nodes; performance degrades with
more devices.
A break in the main cable can take down the
entire network.
Troubleshooting can be difficult as it's hard to
isolate a fault.
Ring Topology
Ring topology is a network configuration where
the connected devices create a circular path for
data to travel. In this setup, each device has
exactly two neighbors for communication
purposes. Messages travel around the ring in a
single direction (either clockwise or counter-
clockwise).
A key technology used in ring networks is Token
Ring. In this method, a small data packet called a
"token" continuously circulates around the
network. When a device needs to transmit data,
it "grabs" the token, attaches its data packet to it,
and sends it around the ring. Only the device
holding the token can transmit.
Advantages of Ring Topology
It provides orderly access to the network, as
devices take turns transmitting (e.g., using a
 token).
Easier to manage than a Bus Network,
especially in terms of data collisions.
Can support good communication over long
distances.
Can handle a high volume of traffic efficiently
 with proper token management.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology

The failure of a single node or cable break can
disrupt the entire network, as it breaks the loop.
 Adding or removing network nodes requires
temporarily shutting down the network,
affecting overall performance.
Troubleshooting can be challenging because a
single fault can affect many devices.

Star Topology
In a star topology, each network node (like file
servers, workstations, and peripherals) connects
individually to a central device. This central
device is typically a hub, a switch, or a
concentrator. All data on a star network passes
through this central device before reaching its
destination. The central device manages and
controls all functions of the network.
Advantages of Star Topology
Easy to manage and configure.
Easy to locate problems (cable or workstation
faults) because each connection is separate.
Easier to expand than bus or ring topologies;
 new devices can be added without disrupting
the existing network.
Easy to install and wire.
A fault in one cable or device does not affect
the rest of the network.
Disadvantages of Star Topology
Requires more cable length than a linear
topology like the bus, especially in large areas.
If the central hub, switch, or concentrator fails,
the entire network (or the segment connected
to that device) becomes inoperable.
Can be more expensive due to the cost of the
central connecting devices.
Hybrid Topology
A hybrid topology is a combination of any two or
more basic network topologies. It always results
when different basic network topologies are
connected to form a larger, more complex
network. For example, connecting several star
networks using a bus backbone creates a hybrid
topology.
Advantages of a Hybrid Topology
Flexibility
Reliability
Scalability: Can be easily expanded without
affecting the existing network.
Disadvantages of a Hybrid Topology
Expensive
Complex Design and Management
 TYPES OF NETWORKS ACCORDING TO
FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIP
The two primary functional relationships are
Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer models.
Client-Server Network
A client-server network consists of a centralized,
powerful computer called a server and other
computers, called clients.

Server: A central computer that manages

resources and provides services. Examples
include file servers, print servers, web servers,
and database servers.
Client: A computer or device that requests and
uses services provided by the server. Most
desktop computers and mobile devices act as
clients.
Advantages of Client-Server Networks
Easier to manage security, data backups, and
user accounts.
More clients and servers can be added to
accommodate growth.
Data is stored and managed on a central
server, making it easier to control access and
protect information.
Servers are dedicated to serving requests,
leading to better performance for many users.
Disadvantages of Client-Server Networks
Requires powerful servers and specialized
software, which can be expensive.
If the server fails, all clients relying on it will
lose access to resources.
Needs dedicated IT staff to manage and
maintain the server.

PEER-TO-PEER (P2P) NETWORK

In a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, there is no
central server. Instead, all connected computers
(peers) are equal in terms of functionality and
can directly share resources with each other.
Each computer can act as both a client and a
server, providing resources to and requesting
resources from other peers.
Advantages of Peer-to-Peer Networks
Lower cost to set up.
Relatively simple to set up, especially for small
 networks.
If one computer fails, the rest of the network
can continue to function.
Disadvantages of Peer-to-Peer Networks
Security is difficult to enforce uniformly across
all machines.
Backups and updates must be managed
individually on each computer.
Performance can suffer as the number of
peers increases or if many peers are trying to
access the same resource simultaneously.
It becomes difficult to manage and less
efficient as the network grows large.
 Network Devices
Network devices are specialized hardware
components that facilitate communication and
data transfer between computers and other
electronic devices within a network.
Examples of network devices
Hubs
A hub is a basic networking device that joins
multiple computers or other network devices to
form a single network segment. It acts as a
common connection point. When a hub receives
data from one device, it simply broadcasts that
data to all other connected devices, without
checking the destination. This means all devices
on a hub share the same network bandwidth.

Switches
A network switch is a hardware device that
connects multiple computer networks or devices
within a local area network (LAN). Switches are
capable of inspecting the destination address of
data packets they receive. They then forward
these packets only to the specific device for
which they are intended, rather than
broadcasting to all devices. This makes switches
more efficient and reduces network congestion.
Modem (MOdulator-DEModulator)
A modem (MOdulator-DEModulator) is an
electronic device that converts digital signals
from a computer into analog signals that can be
transmitted over traditional telephone lines,
cable lines, or fiber optic lines, and vice-versa.
This conversion allows computers to
communicate over various internet service
provider (ISP) connections.

Router
Routers are intelligent network devices that
connect multiple wired or wireless networks
together. Their primary function is to forward
data packets between different computer
networks, choosing the best path for data to
travel to its destination. Routers are essential for
connecting your local network to the internet.
Network Interface Card (NIC)
A Network Interface Card (NIC), also known as a
network adapter or Ethernet card, is a hardware
component (a circuit board or an integrated chip)
that is installed in a computer. Its purpose is to
enable the computer to connect to a network
using a network cable and communicate with
other devices on that network. Wireless NICs
also exist for Wi-Fi connections.

WWW (WORLD WIDE WEB)

WWW is an acronym that stands for World Wide
Web. It is often simply called "the Web."
Definition of WWW
The World Wide Web can be defined in a couple
of ways:
1. The WWW is a part of the Internet that
contains a vast collection of interconnected
documents, resources, and applications.
 These resources can include text, images,
sounds, and videos, all linked together.
2. It is an information space where digital
documents and other web resources are
identified by special addresses called URLs
(Uniform Resource Locators). These resources
are connected to each other through hypertext
 links (links you click on) and can be accessed
by users globally via the Internet.
Brief History of WWW
The idea for the World Wide Web was first
conceived in 1989 by a London-born computer
scientist named Sir Timothy Berners-Lee. At the
time, Berners-Lee was working for the European
Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in
Switzerland. Scientists at CERN needed a better
way to share research files and information
electronically across different computer systems.
To achieve this, Berners-Lee and his team
developed a set of tools, including:
 A language called HTML (Hypertext Markup
 Language) for creating web pages.
 The first web browser, initially called
WorldWideWeb (later renamed Nexus).
 The concept of URLs (web addresses) and
HTTP (the rules for transferring web data).
The first web browser was invented by Sir Tim
Berners-Lee in 1990. After that, many other web
browsers were developed. A notable one was
Mosaic (later called Netscape), created by Marc
Andreessen in 1993. Today, the most popular
web browsers include Chrome, Safari, Firefox,
Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
History of Internet and WWW in Nigeria
The Internet was first formally introduced in
Nigeria in 1995. This was largely due to a project
by RINAF (Regional Information Society Network
for Africa), which received financial backing from
UNESCO.
To educate the Nigerian public about this new
technology, several workshops were organized.
The very first test run of internet connectivity in
Nigeria was successfully conducted at Obafemi
Awolowo University in 1995. By the late 1990s,
the term "Internet" had become widely known
among citizens across Nigeria.
Basic Terminologies of WWW
To understand the World Wide Web better, it's
important to know these key terms:
1. Website: A website is a collection of related
web pages, images, videos, and other digital
files that are grouped together under a
common domain name (like [Link] or
[Link]).
2. Webpage: A webpage is a single document
or information resource on the World Wide
 Web. It's what you see when you open a link in
your web browser.
3. Web Server: A web server is a powerful
computer that stores websites and their
content. When you type a web address, the
web server sends the requested web pages to
your browser.
4. Web Browser: A web browser (or simply
"browser") is a software application that
allows you to access, display, and navigate
through information resources on the World
Wide Web. (Examples: Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
5. Web Address (URL): A web address, also
known as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator),
 is the unique name that points to a specific
location on the Internet where a file, directory,
or website page is hosted.
6. Hyperlink: A hyperlink (or simply "link") is a
connection from one hypertext file or
document to another location or file. It is
typically activated by clicking on a highlighted
 word, phrase, or image on the screen.
7. Homepage (Main page): The homepage is
usually the introductory or main page of a
website. It often serves as a table of contents
or a starting point for navigating the entire site.
8. Internet Protocol (IP): The Internet Protocol
(IP) is a fundamental set of rules that governs
 how data is sent in packets from one
computer to another across the Internet or any
other network.

Internet Protocols
Protocols are like rules that computers follow to
communicate. Here are some important ones
related to the WWW and the Internet:
The two general protocols often linked directly to
the WWW are:
1. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): This is
the set of rules that computers use for
 transferring files (like text, graphic images,
sound, video, and other multimedia files) over
the World Wide Web. When you type "[Link]
before a web address, you're telling your
browser to use this protocol.
2. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): While
not strictly a transfer protocol, HTML is the
 computer language used to create and
structure web pages. Browsers "read" HTML to
display web content.
Other important Internet protocols include:
 TCP: Transmission Control Protocol (helps
ensure data arrives correctly).
 UDP: User Datagram Protocol (another way to
 send data, often faster for things like video
streaming).
 SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (used for
sending emails).
 FTP: File Transfer Protocol (used for
transferring files between computers).
 POP: Post Office Protocol (used for receiving
 emails).
 ICMP: Internet Control Message Protocol
(used for sending error messages and
operational information).
Benefits of the WWW
The World Wide Web offers many advantages
and benefits to users globally:
1. Vast and Free Information
2. Rapid and Interactive Communication
3. Global Accessibility
4. Exchange of Huge Volumes of Data
5. Online Services and Commerce

Software for Website Development

These are software applications used by web
designers and developers to create and build
websites and web pages:
1. Adobe Dreamweaver: A powerful
application widely used for designing, coding,
and managing websites and web applications
across various platforms.
2. WordPress: A very popular Content
 Management System (CMS) that allows users
to create and manage websites easily, often
without needing to write much code.
3. Microsoft FrontPage: An older web page
editor from Microsoft, used for creating
websites and web pages. (Note: While
historically significant, it's largely replaced by
 modern tools).
4. VS Code (Visual Studio Code): A free,
powerful, and highly customizable code editor
from Microsoft, very popular among web
developers for writing HTML, CSS, JavaScript,
and more.
5. Sublime Text: A popular and fast text editor
 known for its speed and advanced features,
widely used for coding.
6. Notepad: A basic text editor (built into
Windows) that can be used to write simple
HTML code. It's good for beginners to
understand the raw code.
7. Chrome DevTools: These are built-in tools
within the Google Chrome browser that allow
developers to inspect, debug, and edit web
pages directly in the browser.
8. WebPlus X: A user-friendly desktop
publishing software for creating websites,
though less common now compared to CMS
platforms.
 CABLES AND CONNECTORS
Network Cables
Network cables are the physical pathways or
mediums through which digital information (data)
travels from one device to another in a computer
network. They are essential for connecting
computers, servers, and other network devices to
allow communication.
Types of Network Cables
Network cables come in various types, each
designed for specific purposes and
environments:
a. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cables
b. Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cables
c. Coaxial Cables
d. Fiber Optic Cables
e. Telephone Cables (often used for internet
access via DSL)
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable is a very
popular type of network cable. It consists of
multiple pairs of copper wires, with each pair
twisted around each other. This twisting helps to
reduce electromagnetic interference from other
pairs in the cable and from external sources.

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cables

STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cable is similar to
UTP but includes an extra protective shield
(often foil or braid) wrapped around the twisted
pairs. This shield provides additional protection
against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and
radio frequency interference (RFI), making it
suitable for environments with high electrical
noise.
Coaxial Cable
A coaxial cable has a distinct structure: it
features a single copper conductor at its very
center. This central conductor is surrounded by
a plastic insulating layer, which separates it from
a braided metal shield. This metal shield acts as
a barrier, helping to block any outside
interference from sources like fluorescent lights,
electric motors, or other computers, ensuring a
clearer signal.
There are two main types of coaxial cabling:
a. Thin coaxial cables (Thinnet): More flexible
and easier to work with, but with shorter
maximum lengths.
b. Thick coaxial cables (Thicknet): Less
 flexible but can carry signals over longer
distances.
Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cable is a highly advanced type of
network cable that transmits data using light
signals, rather than electrical signals. It consists
of a central glass or plastic core surrounded by
several layers of protective materials. Because it
uses light, fiber optic cable completely
eliminates the problem of electrical interference,
making it ideal for very fast data transmission
over long distances.

Telephone Cable
Telephone cables are typically used for
connecting traditional telephone systems,
conveying low-voltage electrical signals to
phones, modems, and fax machines. While not
primarily designed for high-speed computer
networks, they are commonly used in many
homes and offices to provide internet access via
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) technology.
Network Connectors
An electrical connector is a device used to join
electrical circuits together, allowing electricity or
data to flow between them. In networking, these
connectors are used to attach cables to network
devices.
Common types of network connectors include:
1. Registered Jacks (e.g., RJ45, RJ11)
2. Coaxial Connectors (e.g., BNC connector)
3. T-connectors
Registered Jacks (RJ)
The naming convention for Registered Jacks is
RJ-xx, where "xx" is a two-digit number indicating
the type of interface and its application area.

Examples of Registered Jack connectors:

 a. RJ45 Connector: This is a plastic connector
that looks like a larger telephone-style
connector. It has eight pins and is primarily
used with UTP and STP network cables to
connect devices like computers, routers, and
switches in Ethernet networks. A slot on the
connector ensures it can only be inserted one
 way.
 b. RJ11 Connector: The RJ11 is the most
common phone jack in use today. It typically
has four pins (though only two or four are
usually wired) and is used to connect
telephones, modems, and fax machines to
telephone lines (POTS - Plain Old Telephone
 Service).

Coaxial Cable Connectors

The most common type of connector used with
coaxial cable is the BNC (Bayonet Neill-
Concelman) connector. This connector uses a
twist-and-lock mechanism to secure the
connection, making it reliable for connecting
coaxial cables to devices in older network setups
or for video equipment.
T-Connector
T-connectors are specifically designed for
connecting three cables, typically in older coaxial
Ethernet networks. They are shaped like the
capital letter "T," allowing a single cable to split
into two connections, often used to connect a
single computer to a coaxial backbone cable.

Computer Cables
Beyond network-specific cables, computers use
various other cables for power and connecting
different peripheral devices:
1. Power Cable
2. Data Cable (Internal)
3. Printer Cable
4. Monitor Cable
5. Serial Cable
6. Universal Serial Bus (USB) Cable

Power Cable
A power cable (or mains cable) is a cord that
temporarily connects an electrical appliance,
such as a computer, monitor, or printer, to an
electrical power source, usually a wall socket or
an extension cord. It supplies the necessary
electricity for the device to operate.

Data Cable (Internal/External)

Data cables are used to transmit information.
Internally, they connect components within a
computer (like a hard drive to the motherboard).
Externally, they connect peripheral devices (like
external hard drives or cameras) to the
computer's system bus. Examples include SATA
cables (internal) or specialized USB data cables
(external).
Printer Cable
A printer cable is specifically designed to
connect a printer to a computer. Traditionally,
this was a parallel cable connecting to a parallel
port on a PC. Today, most printers connect via
USB or wirelessly. A parallel port is a type of
interface on computers primarily used for
connecting older peripheral devices like printers.
Monitor Cable
A monitor cable (like a VGA, DVI, HDMI, or
DisplayPort cable) is used to transmit video
signals from a computer's graphics card to a
display device (monitor or projector), allowing
images to be shown on the screen.

Serial Cable
A serial cable is a cable used to transfer
information between two devices using a serial
communication protocol, meaning data is sent
one bit at a time, sequentially. They were
commonly used for older modems, mice, and
some network devices before USB became
widespread.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Cable
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable is a versatile
cable widely used for connecting a vast array of
peripheral devices (like keyboards, mice, printers,
external hard drives, smartphones, etc.) to a
computer. USB is popular because it can provide
both power and data transfer over a single cable,
and it's a universal standard.
Computer Connectors
When talking about electrical and computer
connectors, we often classify them by "gender":
 Male Connectors: A male connector has one
or more protrusions (like pins or prongs) that
are designed to fit into a corresponding
receptacle. Good examples include a standard
 electrical power plug or the end of a USB-A
cable that plugs into your computer.
 Female Connectors: A female connector is a
receptacle or socket that has holes or slots
designed to receive the pins or prongs of a
male connector. Virtually all the ports on a
computer (like USB ports, Ethernet ports, and
 monitor ports) are female connectors.
In simple terms: the male connector has "pins"
that stick out, while the female connector has
"holes" or "receptacle contacts" for the pins to go
into.
 DATABASE AND DBMS
Database is a collection of related data
organized for rapid search and retrieval. It can
also be defined as a persistent, logically
coherent collection of inherently meaningful
data, relevant to some aspects of the real world.
DBMS (Data Base Management System)
DBMS is an application software that controls
the data in the database, including overall
organization, storage, retrieval, security and data
integrity.
Examples of DBMS Packages
Dbase
Rbase
MS Access
Oracle
Paradox
MYSQL Server
SyBase
FOXPRO
IDMS
System 2000.
Ingres
Postgres
NoSQL
Basic Database Terminologies
Field: A field is a specific item of information
containing a homogenous set of values
throughout the table. Fields appear as columns
in a table and as cells in a form.
Record: an individual listing of related
information consisting of several related fields
stored in a table. A record is also called a row in
the datasheet.
File: this is a collection of records, for example, a
school database.
Primary Key: A primary key is a field in a table
whose value uniquely identifies each record in
the table.

Fields that can serve as primary keys are:

Admission number
Matricultion number
BVN
Driving license number
phone number
Email address
Bank account number
Fingerprint
NIN, etc

Foreign keys: foreign key used to create

relationships between tables.
Object: An object is a component of a database,
such as a table, query, form, or report
a. Query: A query is a request for a particular
collection of data in a database.
b. Report: a formatted collection of information
organized to provide printed data on a specific
subject.
c. Form: A form is a window or screen that
contains numerous fields, or spaces to enter
data
d. Table: In a database, a table is where all the
data in the database is stored.
Forms of Database Organization
Different forms of database organization are:
1. Hierarchical
2. Network
3. Relational
Hierarchical
A hierarchical database model is a data model in
which the data is organized into a tree-like
structure. It can also be defined as a design that
uses a one-to-many relationship for data
elements. The data is stored as records are
connected through links. Hierarchical database
models link several disparate elements to one
"owner," or "parent," primary record.
Network Database
A network database is a type of database model
wherein multiple member records or files can be
linked to multiple owner files and vice versa. In
the network model of a database, a record can
have multiple parents, making the system more
flexible compared to the strict single parents of
the hierarchical database.
Relational Database
A relational database presents information in
tables with rows and columns. Records are
arranged in rows while fields are arranged in
columns. A relational database is the most
common type of database structure. It is used by
most microcomputers. The various software
systems used to maintain relational databases
are known as Relational Database Management
Systems (RDBMS).

Features of Database Format

i. Files are designed as table
ii. Tables comprise rows and columns
iii. Rows contain related information about a
record
iv. Columns contain a specific type of
information about fields.
Steps in Creating Database
i. Define the structure
ii. Indicate the field type (numeric character, data,
text, etc)
iii. Enter data
iv. Save data
Basic Operations on Already created Database
i. Searching
ii. Modifying
[Link]
iv. Reporting
v. Selecting
vi. Inserting
vii Querying, etc