Chimlambclemence70@gmail.

com

USING A COMPUTER

Connecting computer components

A computer is an electronic device that works under the control of instructions and store
data in its memory hence these instructions are called software.

An Electronic machine that input data, execute it to produce an output. A computer

process data according to specified rules

Data and information

A computer process data into information

Data is a collection of raw facts and figures

Information is the processed data (it Conveys meaning)

Computer components

Monitor; it`s a displaying device that Displays graphics and videos on the screen

Keyboard; Used to input data into the computer

Mouse; it`s a pointing device used to select programs or controls movement of a cursor

Hard drive; It is a device which computers uses to store data

RAM; A computer volatile storage, it`s voltage dependent coz it loses its contents when
power goes off.

Cables; Feeds power to the computer or computer devices

Motherboard; The central part of the computer that holds small components and allow
them to communicate

CMOS; It`s used to store settings of the BIOS

CD ROM; It`s a device that we use when inserting discs.

CPU; It`s the brain of the computer which is controls all operations in the computer and it
incorporates;

1. Control Unit
 2. Arithmetic Logic UNIT

3. Registers

Control unit; controls and coordinates computer components and reads the next
operation to be done

Registers; Stores data that is to be executed next

Arithmetic Logic Unit; Executes all logical and arithmetic operations.

Peripheral Devices

These are devices that add up function to the computer system. Examples are Printer,
scanner, Speaker, Digital camera and Memory stick.

Components of the system unit;

Central processing unit (CPU) - Carries out basic instructions that operate a computer.

Heat sink- A component with fins it`s function is to cool the microprocessor

Fan- Cools the heat sink and computer components

RAM- A Computer volatile storage (stores data temporarily)

Cables- Feeds power to the computer components

Hard Disk drive- stores data permanently

USB Port- Female port of the computer and it`s used to transfer data

Motherboard- Central part of the computer that holds computer components and allow
them to communicate.

CMOS (COMPLEMETARY METAL OXIDE SEMI-CONDUCTOR)- It`s used to store settings

of the BIOS.

CPU- It`s the brain of the computer responsible for managing all operations in the
computer. It`s comprised of 3 parts which are

1. Control unit-Controls and coordinates all computer components

2. Arithmetic Logic Unit-controls all logic and Arithmetic operations

3. Registers- Stores data that is to be executed next

 INTERFACE

It`s a connection point between two entities, There are 3 types of interfaces

Hardware Interface-Ports, Cables and Connectors

Software Interface-Windows, Linux and MAC OS

User Interface-Command line interface and Graphic USER interface

Types of Cables are Power cables and Data Cables

Data cables transfer data whilst power cables supplies power to computer
components.

Types of ports; Parallel and Serial port.

Parallel port; sends multiple bits at a time over several wires whilst serial
port send and Receive data one bit in particular via a single wire.

STARTING A COMPUTER

When starting a computer we must check compatibility of peripheral and port

polarization (See properly before connecting cables)

SAFETY CONNECTIONS

To have safe and secure connections of computer peripheral some rules must apply.

1. Wall sockets and plugs

2. Tightening data cables

3. Verify that all computer components are connected properly

4. Power cables must be connected at last

5. Make sure there are no loose connections

POWER RATING
This is where you check the amount of power required to start your computer.

In this case power rating for computers is 110V (60Hz) to 220V (50Hz). We also have fuse
rating which ranges from 3a, 5a and 13a

BOOT PROCESS

Booting is the process of starting and restarting a computer

TYPES OF BOOTING

Cool booting- This is the type of booting that involves starting a computer that has been
completely turned off.

Warm booting- This is the type of booting that involves using the operating system to
start a computer

BOOT PROCESS

When a computer is powered on the power supply sends electric signals to all components
and then the BIOS tests all components and report to the computer, if there is no problem
windows will start and if there is a problem windows won`t start.

The BIOS are lowest level of software in the PC. It is located on a separate chip on the
motherboard and it`s the first thing that is loaded when we turn on a computer

FUNCTIONS OF THE BIOS

1. Performs P.O.S.T

2. Configuration of system settings

3. Initializes the computer Hardware when the computer is being booted

4. Produces beeps which is a sign of computer malfunctions

COMMON ERROR (CODES) INDICATORS

Beeps-some beeps are caused by processor failure, RAM or Power supply

Distorted display-graphic card is not properly inserted

Blue screen-sometimes might be a blue screen of death caused by the dying hard disk

Control signals-these are lights that tell the user that some components are not working
properly on the PC.

USING COMPUTER DEVICES

INPUT DEVICES; these are devices that provide data and control signals to the computer.
Or a hardware device that allows user to enter data and instructions into the PC. The
following are examples of input devices;

1. keyboard-used to enter data and instructions into the computer.

2. Mouse- Used to select programs and control movement of a cursor.

3. Scanner- Produces a digital copy from a hard copy

5. Touchpad-Controls movement of a cursor

6. Touch screen- it helps to feed data into the computer

OUTPUT DEVICES; these are devices that provides results that comes from the
transformation process. Or devices that receives or displays output from a computer And
these are

1. Printer; a printer is an external hardware device responsible for taking computer data
and generating a hard copy of that data

2. Speaker; A device connected to a computer to output sound

2. Monitor; A computer displaying device that displays computer out put

3. Projectors; An output device that take display of a computer screen and produce a
large version of it onto a flat surface.

TYPES OF PRINTERS

1. Impact printers-noisy, cheap and can print multiple copies with multipart paper

Non-impact printers-Expensive, quite, fast

Character impact printers

1. Dot matrix printers

2. Daisy wheel printers character printers

Line impact printers

1. Drum line printers

2. Chain line printers

2. Non-impact printers

Inkjet, laser printer, thermal printer and multifunctional printers

MANAGING A COMPUTER
 Customizing a computer;

Authentication; it`s a process of verifying the identity of registered users or it`s a process
which a user gains access to a computer system by providing credentials e.g. password or
username. It actually involves logging in and out.

TYPES OF USER ACCOUNTS

Administrator-it`s an account that allows you to make changes that can affect other user
and gives full access on the computer, it can change security settings, install soft wares
and can access all files on the computer, it’s recommended to create standard account for
each user.

User- A standard user account allows a person use almost a lot of items on the computer
but it requires permission from administrator.

Guest- it`s an account for users who do not have a permanent account on your computer.
Allows people to use your file.

Computer settings; Themes, Date and time, mouse pointers, sound, display settings,
screen saver, window color and appearance, desktop background.

AUTHENTICATION METHODS

1. Username and password

2. Finger prints

3. Voice recognition

4. Swipe cards

5. Face recognition

ORGANISING COMPUTER FILES

A file is the aggregation of data on a storage device, identified by name.

TYPES OF FILES

1. System file

2. Program files

3. Document files

4. Multimedia files

TYPES OF FOLDERS
 1. Zipped folder

2. My document folder

3. My computer folder

MANAGING RECORDS

Organize your files;

1 By creating folders

2 Back up your data- by using storage devices

3use cloud storage-Google drive, one drive, Flickr and drop box.

INTERNET

It`s a global interconnection of interconnected computer networks to facilitate global

information transfer.

USES OF INTERNET

1. Communication

2. Entertainment

3. Research

4. Advertisement

5. Business transactions

THE WORLD WIDE WEB

The World Wide Web is a collection of websites containing information, shared via local
servers.

The WWW was initiated by CERA

WEBSITE

Is a collection of web pages linked together

COMPONENTS OF A WORLD WIDE WEB

1. Universal resource locator (URL)-Serves as a system for resources on the web.

2. Hypertext Transfer Protocol-These are rules that specifies the transferring of

information between browser and server
3. Hypertext markup language- Defines the structure as well as the organization of the
content.

BROWSER

It`s an application or a set of instructions that is used to display and control contents in
the web.

Examples include; Google chrome, Microsoft edge, Mozilla fire fox, amazon silk, u c
browser, and phoenix browser.

SEARCH ENGINE

A search engine is a software accessed on the internet that searches a database of

information according to user`s query. The engine provide a list of results that best suites
what the user is trying to find. The most relevant is displayed on top on the web page.
Currently most popular search engine is Google. Other search engines include; Yahoo,
YouTube, Baidu, Duck duck go, Bing, AOL and [Link].

SOCIAL NETWORKS

Efficiently known as virtual community, or a profile site. It`s a website that brings people
together to talk, share ideas and interest or make new friends. This type of collaboration Is
called social media. Examples include; whatsapp, instagram, twitter, Facebook and
telegram.

Uploading; is the transferring of information from your computer to a server over the
internet

Downloading; Is the process of receiving or accessing information from a server on the

internet.

NAVIGATION

Refers to the act of opening and moving the menus on the internet.

It`s the act of clicking and loading through resources on the internet.

Navigation include; Hyperlink, Forward, back and home.

INTERNET PROTOCOLS

Protocols are rules that govern communication on the internet.

Internet protocol-Provide the device with unique addresses

Transmission control protocol- create connection and exchange of packet data

User datagram protocol-it’s mostly used for VoIP

Hypertext transfer protocol-Allows exchange of information over the web

Domain name-Text version of Internet protocol i.e. [Link]

TYPES OF INTERNET CONNECTIONS

1. Dial-up connections- the modern computers uses telephone lines to connect to the
internet. A dial up connection is the slow speed technology.

2. Digital subscriber line-provides high speed internet connections using rectangular

telephone lines

3. Satellite-Modern communication that uses a satellite dish to provide high speed

internet connections via a satellite

4. Wireless Fidelity- Data is transferred between computers by using radio frequencies

and antennas

5. Fiber optic connections-uses optic fibers instead of metal wires that transmits pulses
of light.

6. Broad band-high speed internet connection

NETWORKING DEVICES

Modem, Network interface cards, Bridge, Router and Gateway and switch. Bitrate
represents speed at which data is transferred on a network.

EMAIL

An electronic mail is a method of exchanging messages via computer networks over the
internet; the addresses receives the message virtually instant.

Advantages

Users can access their e-mail account from any computer connected to the internet. And it
have low direct and indirect costs.

Email address

It`s the software that enable user to perform emailing e.g. send, receive, delete and many
more (chimlambeclemence70@[Link])

Is an email address

EMAIL PROGRAMS
Web email programs- this is usually on the particular server, more over does not depend
on browser to carry out its duties since it`s directly connected to the server e.g. Gmail and
yahoo.

Desktop email programs- these are programs that are initially installed in a computer
e.g. Microsoft.

EMAIL PROTOCOLS

Protocols are rules that allows communication on a network. They are also a standard
method used at each end of communication channel in order to properly send and receive
information. Its also a standard method used used at each end of communication channel
in order to properly send and receive information. Its also a method that gathers
transmission of data on the computer the following are email protocols;

1 P.O.P (Post Office Protocol)-involves emails downloaded from a server.

2 IMAP (Internet message access protocol)-accessing emails directly from a server.

3 (Hypertext transfer protocol)

USING SOFTWARE

A software is a set of instructions that a computer follows to complete task. Or it is a

collection of instructions that tells the computer how to work.

CATEGORIES OF SOFTWARE

Application software- it is a set of programs designed to permit the user to perform a

group of coordinated functions, tasks or activities.

System software- it is a software that acts as an interface between the hardware and the
software.

USES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARES

1 To make business activities more efficient

2 To assist in graphics and multimedia projects

3 To support personal and education tasks

4 To facilitate communications

VARIETIES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

1 Packaged software- Mass produced copyrighted retail software that meets the need of a
wide variety of users not just a single user or company. For example Microsoft office
package, email
2 Custom software- Perfoms specific functions according to customers’ needs or
requirements for example University/College admission systems, Patient information
system.

TYPES OF SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

1 Custom installation- You choose the wares to be installed

2 Standard/Full installation-All wares are installed

CATEGORIES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

1 Business application software

-Word processing

-Spreadsheet

-Excel

-Database

2 Communication application software

-email

-VOIP

3 Graphics and multimedia

-Computer aided design (cad)

-Design and audio editing

Open source and proprietary softwares;

An open source software is a software that is readily available for the general public whilst
the proprietary software is a software designed for the specific requirements of a customer.

Methods of running system software include; client server and stand alone

USES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Controls computer hardware

Supports application programs

COMMON HARDWARE FUNCTIONS

Display information on a monitor

Store data on a disk

MINIMUM HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS

When you buy a computer system, the manufacturers or the order summary will list the
specifications, similarly when you buy a software, the software box or the products website,
lists the specifications. Your computer specifications should be the same or greater than the
software specifications. If the computer specification do not match with software
specifications, the software will not function properly or may not even install on the
computer, this causes error clashes or performance issues when using the software.

INSATALLATION

The process of setting up a software in a computer. To install a software from a flash disk
drive, first you must insert the flash disk to a computer and then follow the installation
steps.

Installing from a hard disk

First open my computer, open the drive that contain the installation files. Within the drive
that contains your file locate the executable file then double click it and follow the steps.

Installing from the Internet

Download the program from the website providing the program then open the download
folder. If the downloaded file is executable then double click the file and follow the
installation steps.

A system software is a software that acts as a platform between a hardware and software.
Or it coordinates the activities and functions of hardware and programs and it also control
the usage and allocation of hardware components. It helps to enable other application
programs to execute

COMPONENTS OF A SYSTEM SOFTWARE

1 Operating system-it`s a set of programs that manages all computer components and
operations. A computer cannot do anything without the operating system. Examples are
Windows, Linux, and MAC OS

2 Utility programs-it`s a type of system software that is used for effective management of
the computer system. Examples are file management system, disk management system
and Anti-virus programs.

3 Device drivers- It`s a program that is used to operate and control a device attached to a
computer. E.g. graphic drivers.
ACTIVITIES PERFOMED BY OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE

1 Provides a user interface

2 Manages processing tasks

3 Provides processing tasks

4Manages files

Note; operating system acts as an intermediary between application and hardware. Or it

converts a basic request into a set of detailed instructions that the hardware requires.

FUNCTIONS OF OPERATING SYSTEM

1Provides user interface-it allows people to enter commands in the computer system

2Memory management-controls how the memory is accessed and it maximize the available
meory and storage

3File management-ensures that files in secondary storage are available when needed and
that they are protected from being accessed by unauthorized users.

INSTALLATION SOURCES/MEDIAS

DVD`s, floppy disks, flash disk drives and internet.

SERVICING COMPUTERS

Servicing is more like assessing and cleaning computer equipment.

ASSESSING COMPUTER EQUIPMENT

To assess means to evaluate the nature or quality of something

WHY DO WE ASSESS COMPUTERS

1. Computer maintenance and assessment helps to improve to performance of your

computer system.

2. To protect hardware equipment

3. To protect information

COMPUTER PARTS OR EQUIPMENTS TO BE ASSESSED

1. Monitor
2. System unit
3. Keyboard
4. Mouse
 5. Scanner
6. Printer

TOOLS THAT CAN BE USED TO ASSESS A COMPUTER

1. Cable tester
2. Screw driver
3. Soft brush
4. Hand drawer
5. Digital meter

Screw driver- a hand tool for turning screws that has a handle attached to a long narrow
shank usually metal.

Brushes(Soft brushes)- hand held tool for cleaning computer equipment. Specially
designed to remove dust particles from the computer equipment, mostly used in cleaning
keyboard.

Cable tester- a device used to test both strength and connectivity of a particular type of a
cable and other wired assemblies. There are a number of different types of cable tester
each cable test different types of cable or wire. A cable tester can test whether a cable or
wire is set up properly/properly connected/checking communication strength between the
source and the destination.

SOFTWARE SERVICING TOOLS

Every unprotected computer is susceptible to malicious software (malware). A computer virus is potentially
damaging to computer programs, and it affects the computer negatively by altering the way the computer
works without the users knowledge. Or permission.

COMPUTER VIRUS

Once the virus infects the computer, it can spread throughout and may damage files and
system software including the operating system. And the first virus to be created or
discovered was Elk croner

WHAT DO VIRUSES DO TO A COMPUTER

Can damage files

Can slow the system

Can take control of the computer system

MALITIOUS VIRUS SOFTWARE

Computer, viruses are; worms, Trojan horses and rootkits

These are soft wares that act without the user`s knowledge and deliberately alter the
computer operation.

ANTI VIRUSES

Safeguards against computer viruses and other malware/ prevents virus attack

It is important in a way that it protects a computer against viruses by identifying and

removing any computer viruses found in the memory or storage media or on incoming
files.

EXAMPLES OF ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARES

Norton antivirus

Avast anti-virus

Avg anti-virus

Smadav anti-virus

TIPS FOR PREVENTING VIRUS AND OTHER MALWARE

Scan all downloaded programs with an anti-virus

If the virus is downloaded together with an email attachment, delete or quarantine the
attachment.

Before using removable media, scan the media

Install antivirus program in your computer

CLEANING COMPUTER EQUIPMENTS

Clean the computer components and peripherals to keep everything in good working
condition p and prevent germs from spreading.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY COMPUTER

Computer location

In a home environment

In a clean office environment

In construction or industry environment

In school environment