SECTION ONE (MODULE ONE THEORY)

UNIT 1:
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

BASIC DEFINITIONS
 Computer -A computer is an electronic device that accepts user input (data), to
manipulate it under a set of instructions (programs) to produce a desired output
(information).
It’s referred as electronic since utilizes electronic signals to process data.
 Data -This refers to raw facts about any object that are less meaningful to both user and
computer.
Examples include names of people, prices of products, integers, etc.
 Information -This refers to data that has been converted into a more meaningful form. It
is defined as data that can be used for decision making and analysis.
 Programs/software -These are a set of computer instructions that enable the computer
hardware to accomplish its task
 System Unit -This is the component that houses the brain of the of the computer
 Peripheral Devices -Devices connected via ports to the System unit of the computer e.g.
Mouse, Keyboard
Computer Parts
1. Monitor
2. System unit
3. Mouse
4. Keyboard
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
Computers may be classified according to:
A. Physical size and processing power
B. Purpose
C. Functionality
A. Classification according to physical size and processing power.
There are FOUR categories of computers on this basis:
Supercomputers
-They are the largest in physical size.
-They have the greatest processing power.
-They have the fastest processor speed.
-Have the largest memory capacity.
-They are very expensive to acquire
.They are mainly found in research institutions
Mainframes computers
-They are smaller in size than supercomputers.
-They are slower in processor speed compared to supercomputers.
-They have a low processing power compared to supercomputers
-They are cheaper than supercomputers
-Smaller memory capacity than supercomputers
-Mainly used in large businesses as network servers
Minicomputers (Small scale mainframe Computers)

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 i. -Smaller in size than mainframe computers.
ii. They have low processing power than mainframe computers.
iii. They have a slower processing speed than mainframe computers.
iv. Less expensive than mainframe computers
v. Low memory capacity than mainframe computers
-Used to automate operations in industries
-Also can be used as autopilots in aeroplanes
Microcomputers/Personal Computers
-They are the smallest in size.
-They are the slowest in speed.
-They are lowest in processing power.
-Cheapest in price.
-Lowest Memory Capacity.
They’re called Microcomputers since their processor is very tiny.
They are further classified into:
i. Desktop Computers -They’re called Desktop since they are usually placed on the desk
or table. They are relatively cheap.
ii. Palmtop/Pocket Computers
-They are the smallest PCs.
-They are made to fit in the pocket –
Examples; PDAs, Smartphones.
iii. Notebook/Laptops - Are small computers, usually the size of notebook 8.5” by 11” and
are intended for private use. Are fully functional computers and can be made to run on
current or specially designed batteries. Laptops are more expensive than desktops.
B. Classification according to purpose
On this basis, computers can be classified according to:
i. Special/Dedicated Computers -These are computers that are designed to perform a single
task or a few related tasks. Examples are Calculators, Routers, Robots, etc.
ii. General Purpose Computers. -They can be programmed by the user to perform many
tasks such as word processing, desktop publishing, Accounting, Multimedia application
etc.
C. Classification according to Functionality
On this basis, computers are classified according to the type of data they can handle. That is:
i. Analog Computers -They process data that is continuous in nature. This is analogue data.
Examples are speed, temperature, Volume, Weight, etc.
ii. Digital Computers -They process data that is discrete in nature. Digital data changes from
one value to another without time transition. It’s usually represented by 0s (OFF) and
1s(ON).
iii. Hybrid Computers -They process both analogue and digital data.
Computer Uses
1. Retail Stores: For stock management and control
2. Offices: prepare and print office documents
3. Banks: Keep client details, issue cash transactions at ATMs
4. Industries: Perform automated manufacturing process like cooling robots

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 5. Hospitals: Keep patient records and control functionality of high specialized machines
like life support systems.
6. Transport: Perform traffic control at airports and busy towns
7. Communication: Aid in sending and receiving messages over internet
8. Law Enforcement: Performing biometric mapping activities like fingerprint matching,
forensic analysis etc.
9. Education: Provides e-learning facilities to learners
10. Home: Prepare domestic documents like budgets, communication etc.
11. Library: Keep electronic catalogues and track book circulation.
12. Entertainment: To generate and edit computer graphics in movies and games
13. Military: To design weapons and control flight
14. Research: to process and analyzes data.

Advantages of Computers
i. Accurate – They provide accurate information as long as they are fed with correct data.
ii. Flexible – Can perform a variety of jobs as long as there is a well-defined procedure.
iii. Efficient – Can tackle huge volumes of data effectively.
iv. Reliable – Can work for longer period, since it never gets fatigued or worked up.
v. Compact Storage – Saves a lot of space in terms of document storage and number clerical
staff.
vi. Privacy – Most of the computer records are stored in invisible form and they have
security features like passwords.
vii. Fast – Simplifies problem solving by using programs designed for the purpose thereby
saving a lot of time.
viii. Entertainment/Games – Offers wide range of computer games as well as interactive TV
and Radio.

Disadvantages of Computers
 Cost – The initial cost of installation is very high.
 Technology – Due to fast changes in technology the bought machines could become
obsolete in a couple of months.
 Maintenance – The cost of maintenance is also high.
 Social unrest – They need special training of staff and at times cause redundancy.
 Pollution: Can pollute the environment if not correctly disposed.

Computer Laboratory
This refers to a special room that is set aside and prepared specifically for safe installation and
use of computers.

Safety Precautions and Practices

Measures that protect the computers
 Burglar proofing: by installing grills, intrusion detection alarm systems, and employing
security guards.
 Fire prevention and control: by installing smoke detectors, gaseous fire extinguishers etc
 Provision of stable power: by installing surge detectors, power extension cables,
Uninterruptible Power supply (UPS), power backup generator etc
 Void of Thunder storms: by installing thunder arrestors

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  Spacious and well laid out: by laying cables in trunks and away from the paths to avoid
stumbling on them
 Dust Free room: by having air conditioning systems and dust covers to cover computers
when not in use.
 Well insulted cables to avoid electrical circuits.
 Users should avoid eating in the lab since fallen food particles may clog moving parts
while liquids may cause short circuits.

Measures that protect the user

 All the cables should be insulted avoid electric shock
 Cables should be laid away from the paths to avoid tripping on them
 Standard furniture: Seats should have an upright backrest and a tables of right height
 Provision of antiglare screens and adjustable screens to avoid eye strain caused by over
bright Cathode Ray Tubes.
 Well ventilated room to avoid dizziness due to lack of enough oxygen
 Avoid overcrowding in the room since it may case suffocation
 Running and playing in the lab is not allowed.
 The walls if the computer lab should not be painted with over bright and reflective paints.

Basic Computer Hand on Skills

Booting a Computer
Once you put on the computer, you may hear the sound of the cooler fan running. After a few
seconds, lines of text begin to run on the screen. This is referred to as Power-on-Self Test
(POST).POST checks on the existing storage, basic input and output devices. If any of these
devices has a problem, the process may stop and an error message is displayed on the screen.

POST is accomplished by a special firmware program called Basic-Input-Output-System (BIOS)

which is held on the ROM chip mounted on the motherboard. After POST, the computer reads
some instructions such as the current time and date from a special memory known as the
Complementary metal oxide Semiconductor (CMOS). CMOS is powered by a dry cell. If the cell
is down, the computer would always require the user to enter the current time and date.
Lastly, the OS is read from the hard Disk and loaded to the memory in a process called booting.
In MS Windows, once the OS is successfully loaded, a user interface called Desktop is
displayed.
Therefore, booting is the process of starting or restating a Computer.

TYPES OF BOOTING
A) Cold Booting: starting the computer which was initially off from the main switch.
B) Warm Booting: restarting the computer. It’s also called soft boot. Warm boot by
pressing the Control, Alt and Del. keys simultaneously.

Reasons for Warm Booting

 When there is power failure.
 When the computer hangs
 stops responding to commands
 When the computer hibernates.

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The Computer Keyboard
It’s a device used to instruct and enter data into the computer
Keyboard Layout
i. Functional Keys: Labelled f1 to [Link] used as shortcuts to specialized operations in
application programs e.g. f1 is used to invoke help.
ii. Alphanumeric keys: Consists of letters A-Z,0-9,Caps Lock,Backspace,Enter,Spacebar
and special characters like =,/>#,@&*&%$!():;’”<+
iii. Numeric Keys: Consists of 0-9, Num Lock, Arithmetic operators (-, +,*, /), and Enter.
iv. Navigation keys: They include Home, End, Page up, Page down and arrow keys.
v. Editing keys: They include Delete and Insert Keys.
vi. Special PC keys: They include Ctrl, Alt, Shift and Esc keys. Some have also Windows,
Internet and Shortcut keys.

THE MOUSE –it got its name from its shape and long interface cable which makes it look like a
biological mouse.
It can be abbreviated for Mechanically Operated User Signal Encoder.
Mouse Skills
i. Clicking: Pressing the left mouse button once to select
ii. Double Clicking: Pressing the left mouse twice in quick succession to execute a
command like opening an application.
iii. Drag and Drop: Refers to selecting an item, holding down the left mouse button moving
the item to a new location and then releasing.
iv. Right Click: Pressing the right mouse button once to display the shortcut menu.
v. Triple click: Pressing the left mouse button thrice in quick succession to select a
paragraph.
NOTE: Some mice have a scroll wheel which can be used in scrolling.

UNIT 2
COMPUTER SYSTEM
A computer system is a collection of three components namely hardware, software and liveware
that work together to receive, process and present information in a meaningful way.

 Hardware: Are the physical and tangible parts of the computer.

 Software: Are the sets of instructions that direct a computer on what to do.
 Liveware: It is the user who dictates what task he/she wants the computer to perform
through instructions.

COMPUTER HARDWARE
It’s classified into four categories namely:
1. Input Devices
2. Central Processing Unit
3. Output Devices
4. Storage Devices

INPUT DEVICES
They convert user input which is in human language form into machine language that a computer
can process. They are classified into:

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  Keying Devices
 Pointing Devices
 Scanning Devices
 Voice input Devices
 Digitizers
 Digital Cameras

KEYING DEVICES
Keying devices convert typed numbers, letters and characters to machine readable form. They
include: Keyboard and keypad.
A keypad is a miniature keyboard used in portable devices e.g. PDAs, laptops and mobile
phones.

TYPES OF KEYBOARDS
 Standard/QWERTY: Has 3 special PC Keys, 12F Keys etc.
 Braille Keyboard: Designed for the blind. Has got raised keys.
 Flexible Keyboard: can be folded and packed into a bag.
 Cordless Keyboard: It is a wireless keyboard that uses infrared waves to transmit data
POINTING DEVICES

 Mouse - is a small handheld device pushed over a horizontal surface. It moves the
graphical pointer by being slid across a smooth surface.
It has three most common standard features: two buttons and a scroll wheel, which can
also act as a third, button.
 Trackball- is a pointing device consisting of a ball housed in a socket containing sensors
to detect rotation of the ball about two axes.
 Joystick - is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its
angle or direction to the device it is controlling. Used to control video games
 A pointing stick- is a pressure sensitive small nub used like a joystick. It's usually found
on laptops embedded between the 'G', 'H', and 'B' keys
 Touchpad-A touchpad or trackpad is a flat surface that can detect finger contact. It's a
stationary pointing device, commonly used on laptop computers.
 A graphics tablet or digitizing tablet- is a special tablet similar to a touchpad, but
controlled with a stylus that is held and used like a normal pen.
 Light pen - is a computer input in the form of a light-sensitive wand used in conjunction
with a computer's CRT monitor.
 A touchscreen is an electronic visual display that can detect the presence and location of
a touch within the display area.
 Stylus In computing, is a small pen-shaped instrument that is used to input commands to
a computer screen, mobile device or graphics tablet.

SCANNING DEVICES
Scanning means capturing data from an object and then converting it into digital form. There Are
two types of scanners namely: Optical and Magnetic.
OPTICAL SCANNERS They capture data using optical or light technology.
Examples are:

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  Optical Mark Recognition. (OMR) -Detect marks on paper using ink or a soft
pen. They are used mark multiple choice questions, analyzes responses etc.
 Optical Bar Recognition (OBR) -Used to capture data in bar codes. Bar codes
are lines of different thickness that contain a product’s details like country,
manufacturer, price etc. Examples is the wand
 Optical Character Recognition (OCR) -Used to capture computer printed, type
written and hand written characters.
Example is the flatbed Scanner.
MAGNETIC SCANNERS
Are used to capture data written using magnetic ink or coded into a magnetic strip.
TYPES OF MAGNETIC SCANNERS
i. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) -Used to read characters written using
magnetic ink. Example is the cheque reader used in banks
ii. Magnetic Card Reader (MCR)-used to read data coded on a magnetic strip on a plastic
card like that of ATM and Credit Card.
Voice input devices-are devices that directly enter data into the computer by capturing voice.
Example: microphone.
OTHER DIGITAL DEVICES
Touch screen-works by allowing the user to touch the screen in order to select an item.
Digitizers or Graphic tablet-allows the user to draw an image using stylus but the drawn
image does not appear on the tablet but on the computer screen.
Digital cameras-they capture data and store it in a digital form. Pictures are stored on a
memory card instead of a film.

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

It is also referred to as the “brain” of the computer.
It is the central part of the computer where data processing takes place and it comprises of:
 Control Unit
 Arithmetic and Logic Unit
 Main Memory

Control Unit -It’s responsible for controlling all the activities in the computer.
Arithmetic and logic Unit -Performs arithmetic and logic operations on data as directed by
the control unit.
Main Memory -Stores data and instructions that are directly accessible to the processor.

The two types of main memory are:

i. Random Access Memory (RAM)
ii. Read Only Memory (ROM)

1. Random Access Memory (RAM)

Mostly referred as Working storage. Its volatile, temporary hold data entered into the
computer for processing.
There are two types of RAM i.e. Static and Dynamic.
Static-RAM (S-RAM)
i. Faster access to the CPU
ii. Large in size

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 iii. Expensive
iv. Its content does not require refreshment
Dynamic-RAM (D-RAM)
i. Offers slower access to the CPU
ii. Requires constant refreshment
iii. Smaller in size compared to SRAM
iv. Cheaper compared to SRAM

2. Read Only Memory (ROM) -Contains non-volatile, relatively permanent data and instructions
that cannot be easily changed.

Characteristics of ROM:
 Cannot write new data or instruction
 Its non-volatile hence permanent
 The contents cannot be modified

TYPES OF ROM
i. Mask ROM (MROM) - Once written by the manufacturer, it cannot be changed
afterwards.
ii. Programmable Rom (PROM)-can be written only once by the user after which it cannot
be changed again.
iii. Erasable programmable ROM (EPROM)-Can be erased and reprogrammed again by
exposing it to ultra-violet light.
iv. Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM) -It’s programmable under
software control and can support selective modification of its contents.

SPECIAL PURPOSE MEMORIES

These are memories embedded on the microprocessor in order to enhance its processing speed.
They include:
1. Cache Memory: It’s mounted on the motherboard to optimize system performance
2. Buffers: They are found on the input/output devices like the printer where they can store
massive data sent by the CPU for printing hence releasing the CPU to do other urgent
tasks as the printer continues to print in the background.
3. Registers: Located inside the CPU. They hold data just before and after processing in the
ALU.

OUTPUT DEVICES
These are devices that make it possible to get processed information from the Computer. They
are classified into:
Softcopy
Hardcopy.

Softcopy Output Devices

They provide output that is seen or heard but cannot be touched e.g. Monitors, Projectors and
sound output devices.
1. Monitors: Also called Visual Display Unit (VDU) or the screen. They help the user to
see/monitor what the CPU has accomplished.

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Types of Monitors:
A. Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) -Consists of a long glass tube with an electron gun on one end and
a screen on the other end.
Types of CRT Monitors
I. Invar type; they display pixels horizontally
[Link] type; they display pixels vertically

B. Liquid Crystal Monitors (LCD): Made up of special liquid crystals. They are less bulky,
consume less power, and have little effect on eyes.

Types of LCD Monitors are: Passive matrix: Create images by scanning the entire screen. Have
poor clarity and consume less power.
Active Matrix: Made of Thin Film Transistors (TFT). Consume more power but have better
clarity.
C. Gas Plasma Displays
They use gas instead of liquid. Have better images since its images do not suffer from angle
distortion.
2. PROJECTORS
A device that projects computer output onto a white or silver fabric screen that is wall, ceiling or
tripod mounted. It is widely used in classrooms and auditoriums for instruction and slide
presentations.
3. Sound output devices
They produce sound as their output. Examples are speakers, headphones and ear phones

HARDCOPY OUTPUT DEVICES:

They produce output which is both tangible and visible e.g. a printout. They include printers,
plotters and facsimile (fax).

1. PRINTERS they are classified into:

a. Impact printers: use striking mechanism. This means they make contact with the paper in
order to print. Examples are the:
a) Dot Matrix Printers
b) Daisy Wheel printers

Advantages
•Cheaper to run
•Print for long periods without breaking down
Disadvantages
•Produce low quality printouts

A. Non-Impact Printers - produce output on paper without striking the paper.

[Link]-Impact printers are faster and produce high quality output than impact printers. They
can print upto 24 pages per minute. They produce no noise during printing. These printers are
costly than impact printers
The Examples of Non-Impact printers are:

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1- Laser Printer
2- Inkjet Printer
3- Thermal Printer

COMPUTER SOFTWARE
These are set of instructions that govern the computer on what to do.
It is categorized into:
i. System Software
ii. Application Software.
1. System Software- Performs fundamental operations that avails computer resources to user
applications
It is classified into:
1. Operating System -This is a program that manages the computer hardware resources and
controls the execution of application software. Examples are: MS-Windows, Linux,
UNIX, and MacOS.
2. Networking Software: Enables computers and other devices connected to the network to
share resources and communicate.
3. Utility Software: Are special program used to enhance the performance of the system like
smooth running of the application software.
4. Firmware: It is a combination of both the hardware and software etched on a single
silicon chip.

2. Application Software -These are programs that are designed to meet user specific needs.
They are classified according to:
i. Purpose
ii. Acquisition
Classification according to Purpose-On this basis, computers can be general or specific purpose
computers.
i. General Purpose software -They perform tasks on a general basis that is more than one
job. They include: Spreadsheets, Word processors, Databases etc.
ii. Specific Purpose Software -They perform specialized tasks like publishing, video editing,
Classification according to acquisition.
They are further classified into:
[Link]-House Developed/Tailor made software -They are tailored to meet specific user needs within
the organization.
[Link]-Off-the Shelf Software.-They are developed, packaged and made available for sale
Merits of Vendor-Off-the Shelf Software.
I. It takes less time to access company needs, buy and install them.
[Link] are less expensive to acquire and maintain.
[Link] are readily available for almost any task.
[Link] are thoroughly tested before being released hence less chance of errors.
Demerits of Vendor-Off-the Shelf software.
 They may have some features not needed by the user may take extra storage.
 They may require the user to change its processes and hardware for compatibility which
may turn to be expensive.
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE CONSIDERATION

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1. Hardware Consideration
(Factors to consider when selecting and hardware device)
i. Memory Capacity: This will help determine the type of OS and applications that can run
efficiently on the computer.
ii. Cost: The cost should be reasonable and pocket friendly.
iii. Warranty: It should have a warranty cover for a specific period of time. The longer the
warranty, the better the hardware.
iv. Portability: The ease with which it can be moved from one place to another. It should be
easily moved.
v. Compatibility: It should be compatible across all platforms.
vi. Upgradability: It should be easily upgraded to increase its functionality.
vii. User needs: The H/W should be able to meet the needs of the user.
viii. Processor Speed: Consider of not lower than 800 MHz
ix. Display: Flat panel monitors are preferred to CRTs.

2. Software Consideration
(Criteria for selecting Computers software)
 Authenticity- One should have the manufacturer’s certificate of authenticity to avoid
purchasing pirated software.
 Documentation - The user should have the user, troubleshooting and installation guides
manual.
 User needs - One should analyzes his/her needs before purchasing the software.
 Reliability - It should be reliable and secure.
 Cost - It should be reasonable and friendly.
 Compatibility and Upgradability - It should be compatible with the existing hardware.

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