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 PREFACE
This pamphlet is a summary of the strategic theoretical topics to be
covered as far as the study of computer is concerned. Language and
vocabulary is best understood by advanced leaners, precisely college
and university levels.
It comprises of two chapters that could be treated over four weeks or
less. The first chapter defines the computer and giving its various
classes under which it can be possibly categorized. The second and
chapter is an introduction to using the computer system.
 CHAPTER I Below is a typical format tab of an inserted picture:
DEFINITION AND CLASS IDENTIFICATION

DEFINITION:
A computer is a machine or device that performs processes,
calculations and operations based on instructions provided by a
software or hardware program. It is designed to execute applications
and provides a variety of solutions by combining integrated hardware
and software components. Below, we can also find a Format Tab preview for an Inserted
AutoShape:

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
A) BY GENERATIONS:
There are basically 5 generations through which the computer system
has evolved from the year 1940 till present time:

1) 1940 – 1956: First Generation – Vacuum Tubes

These early computers used vacuum tubes as circuitry and magnetic
drums for memory. As a result, they were enormous, literally taking up
Note: for tables or inserted tables, another Design Tab appears
entire rooms and costing a fortune to run. These were inefficient
directly before the format tab. This tab provides commands that
materials which generated a lot of heat, sucked huge electricity and
enable the user preferably design his table properties. See preview
subsequently generated a lot of heat which caused ongoing
below:
breakdowns.
These first generation computers relied on ‘machine language’ (which
is the most basic programming language that can be understood by
computers). These computers were limited to solving one problem at a
time. Input was based on punched cards and paper tape. Output
came out on print-outs. The two notable machines of this era were the
UNIVAC and ENIAC machines – the UNIVAC is the first every

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Insert Tab: provides the user with tools that will enable him add commercial computer which was purchased in 1951 by a business –
features, tables, pictures, objects and illustrations to a document. the US Census Bureau.

2) 1956 – 1963: Second Generation – Transistors

The replacement of vacuum tubes by transistors saw the advent of the
second generation of computing. Although first invented in 1947,
transistors weren’t used significantly in computers until the end of the
Design Tab: contains a compilation of ready-made document styles
1950s. They were a big improvement over the vacuum tube, despite
that could be applied to a document depending on the users’ context.
still subjecting computers to damaging levels of heat. However, they
It also contains commands that will enable the user design a
were hugely superior to the vacuum tubes, making computers smaller,
document or working page such as Water Marks, Page colors and
faster, cheaper and less heavy on electricity use. They still relied on
Page Borders. Illustrated below:
punched card for input/printouts.
The language evolved from cryptic binary language to symbolic
(‘assembly’) languages. This meant programmers could create
instructions in words. About the same time high level programming
languages were being developed (early versions of COBOL and
FORTRAN). Transistor-driven machines were the first computers to
store instructions into their memories – moving from magnetic drum
Layout Tab: provides commands that allow the user manage the to magnetic core ‘technology’. The early versions of these machines
layout presentation of the document on a paper type or page. It were developed for the atomic energy industry.
provides commands such as: Paper Size, Paper Orientation, Page
break, Margin adjustments, column breaks, etc.
3) 1964 – 1971: Third Generation – Integrated Circuits
By this phase, transistors were now being miniaturised and put on
silicon chips (called semiconductors). This led to a massive increase in
speed and efficiency of these machines. These were the first
computers where users interacted using keyboards and monitors
which interfaced with an operating system, a significant leap up from
Format Tab: This Tab appears ONLY when a new object is inserted and
the punch cards and printouts. This enabled these machines to run
most probably, when it is selected. The Format Tab’s components
several applications at once using a central program which functioned
varies with the type of object inserted. It provides commands that
to monitor memory.
allow the user make adjustments on the inserted object.

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As a result of these advances which again made machines cheaper The File Tab: Enables the user gain access to files on the PC, saving
and smaller, a new mass market of users emerged during the ‘60s. the current work and making other final action to the opened
document like Printing, Marking and Close.

4) 1972 – 2010: Fourth Generation – Microprocessors

This revolution can be summed in one word: Intel. The chip-maker
developed the Intel 4004 chip in 1971, which positioned all computer
components (CPU, memory, input/output controls) onto a single chip.
What filled a room in the 1940s now fit in the palm of the hand. The
Intel chip housed thousands of integrated circuits. The year 1981 saw
the first ever computer (IBM) specifically designed for home use and
1984 saw the MacIntosh introduced by Apple. Microprocessors even
moved beyond the realm of computers and into an increasing number
of everyday products.
The increased power of these small computers meant they could be Home Tab: provides the user with commands that will guide him edit
linked, creating networks. Which ultimately led to the development, and format a document. There is a clear difference between editing
birth and rapid evolution of the Internet. Other major advances during and formatting. Editing is act of correcting or modifying a document
this period have been the Graphical user interface (GUI), the mouse while making little or more changes on its original form, while
and more recently the astounding advances in lap-top capability and formatting is simply beutifying of modifying your text or document
hand-held devices. without making a change on its original text or form. E.g.:
Original I am an Advance Level Student
5) 2010 - Present: Fifth Generation – Artificial Intelligence
Forma ng I am an Advance Level Student
Fifth generation – artificial intelligence Computer devices with artificial Edi ng I’m in a High School Class
intelligence are still in development, but some of these technologies
are beginning to emerge and be used such as voice recognition. AI is a On the Home Tab, formatting commands such as: Bold, Italics,
reality made possible by using parallel processing and Underline, Line Spacing and Font type and Style, etc.
superconductors. Leaning to the future, computers will be radically
transformed again by quantum computation, molecular and nano
technology.
The essence of fifth generation will be using these technologies to
ultimately create machines which can process and respond to natural
language, and have capability to learn and organise themselves.

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Note: When saving the same file, but with a different name, the
process is the same. The only difference is the file name would
change. (Workforce Centers Letter2)

Choosing a Different File Format

Action:
Click the Save As button in the File tab.
In the Save as type box, click the drop-down and review all the file
format options.
Choose Word 97-2003 Document.
Type Workforce Centers Letter for Older Word in the File name box,
and click Save.
USING THE VARIOUS TABS ON THE RIBBON

B) BY SIZES:
1. Supercomputers
Supercomputers are the most powerful
and physically the largest by size. These
are systems designed to process huge
amounts of data and the fastest
supercomputers can perform over one
trillion calculations in a second.
Supercomputers
Supercomputers like the Cray T90 system has thousands of
processors. Supercomputers cost very high and are therefore only
used by large corporations, government agencies and universities that
can afford them. Because of their extraordinary speed, accuracy and
processing power, supercomputers are well suited for solving highly
complex problems and performing tasks that demand huge amounts
A typical MS OFFICE 2013 Word Page Preview
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of calculations. The following functions are some of those performed Review the remaining tabs.
by supercomputers: space exploration and sending of astronauts into
Using the Undo Button
space; controlling missile guidance systems and satellites for national
defense; oil exploration; hosting extremely complex web sites and Action:
decision support systems for organizations; etc. Type a simple sentence and hit the ‘Enter’ key once.
Click the Undo button.
2. Mainframe Computers Click the Redo button.
Mainframe computers are very large often filling Simple Line Selection
an entire room and can process thousands of
Action:
millions of instructions per second. They are used
in largMainframe Computerse private and Type two more simple sentences hitting the ‘Enter’ key after each
government organizations like insurance sentence.
companies and banks where many people need Select one sentence by positioning the cursor in the margin of the
frequent access to information. In a mainframe environment, users page and click once.
connect to the mainframe through the many terminals wired to the
mainframe. Mainframes are capable of supporting hundreds to Click three times to select the entire document.
thousands of users simultaneously. Some of the functions performed
by a mainframe include: flight scheduling, reservations and ticketing
LESSON ITEM #3: Saving a Document
for an airline; government agencies such as the Internal Revenue
Service, Electoral Commission and the Census Bureau use Actions:
mainframes to track information about large populations, vote Click the File tab, and then click Save As.
computations, individual tax records, payroll, etc.; many large grocery
and retail companies use mainframes to register sales, update stock Click Computer, and click Browse.
and manage inventory levels. Click on Desktop and click on New Folder.
Save your document as Workforce Centers Letter in the File name box
3. Minicomputers and click Save.

Minicomputers are Minicomputer such smaller

than mainframes and are also less expensive. Click to create
Sometimes referred to as Midrange Server or a New Folder
Midrange Computer, they are typically larger,
more powerful and more expensive than desktop

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 CHAPTER III computers. Midrange computers are usually used by small and
medium-sized businesses as their servers. Users connect to the server
(PRACTICAL LESSONS)
through a network by using desktop computers, notebooks, thin
INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT WORD 2013
clients or dumb terminals. They are also used by hospitals as well as
in school computer laboratories.
LESSON ITEM #1: START WORD 2013
Action 1:
4. Microcomputers
Locate the Microsoft Word Icon on the desktop screen & double-click.
Microcomputers are the most frequently used
Click on the green “START” button, “All Programs”, “Microsoft Office”, type of computer. Also, known as Personal
“Microsoft Office Word 2013”. Computer (PC), a microcomputer is a small
LESSON ITEM #2: Working with Tools computer system designed to be used by one
person at a time. The size of microcomputers ranges from those that
Command: is an instruction based on the action that you give to Word
can fit on a desktop, inside a briefcase, or even into a shirt pocket. The
by clicking a button or entering information into a command box.
various sizes of microcomputers can be grouped into desktop
Ribbon: contains multiple commands.
Tabs: separates ribbons and commands.
Action:
Click the Blank Document Icon.
The Ribbon is located at the top of the Word screen. In your
document, the Home tab is the default tab on the Ribbon. Note how
the Ribbon is divided into groups: Clipboard, Font, Paragraph, Styles
and Editing.
Review the other tabs on the Ribbon and review each group
associated with the tab, and identify the arrows that launch a dialog
box.

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 C) BY PURPOSE Firmware
1. General Purpose Computers Firmware is a very specific, low-level program for the hardware that
allows it to accomplish some specific task. Firmware programs are
There are computers which are designed to be used to perform the
(relatively) permanent, i.e., difficult or impossible to change. From the
most common kinds of tasks. These computers are referred to as
higher-level view of software, firmware is just part of the hardware,
general purpose computers. Among the numerous tasks or functions
although it provides some functionality beyond that of simple
general purpose computers can be used to perform are word
hardware.
processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentation
graphics, graphic design, browsing and internet communications, Firmware is part of devices (or device components) such as a video
recording and playing music, watching movies, playing games, card, sound card, disk drive and even the motherboard. The AMIBIOS
performing educational tasks, etc. image to the right is from a Baby AT Motherboard.
In order for these functions to be performed, basic systems and
multiple application software are used to control the computer to
enable users to perform these tasks. This basic software will include
the Operating System, Word processors, spreadsheets, database
management systems, presentation graphics software, Web browsers
and others. Examples of general purpose computers are:
 Supercomputers:
 Mainframe computers:
 Minicomputers:
 Microcomputers:
2. Special Purpose Computers
Special purpose or dedicated computers are those designed to
perform specific tasks. Such a computer can be used to carry out only
a specific type of function or task.
The following are examples of special purpose computers.
Embedded computers: these are tiny computer
Embedded Computers embedded or fixed into
products to enable the product perform specific
functions or tasks. Because they are designed for
specific tasks, special purpose computers cannot
be used as general purpose computers.

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 B) Computer Software Robots: robots are computing devices controlled by a
Robot person or another computer and can move and
Software, commonly known as programs or apps, consists of all the
react to sensory inputs. Robots are currently being
instructions that tell the hardware how to perform a task. These
used to carry out highly difficult but monotonous jobs
instructions come from a software developer in the form that will be
like welding, riveting, painting, and many more.
accepted by the platform (operating system + CPU) that they are
based on. For example, a program that is designed for the Windows Word Processor: Dedicated word processor: this is a
operating system will only work for that specific operating system. computer designed to be used for only word
Compatibility of software will vary as the design of the software and processing functions or tasks. What makes them
the operating system differ. Software that is designed for Windows XP specific purpose computers is that only a specific
may experience a compatibility issue when running under Windows word processing application can be installed on that computer.
2000 or NT.
Software is capable of performing many tasks, as opposed to
D) BY TYPES
hardware which can only perform mechanical tasks that they are
designed for. Software provides the means for accomplishing many Digital Computers
different tasks with the same basic hardware. Practical computer A digital computer is a computer that stores and performs a series of
systems divide software systems into two major classes: mathematical and logical operations on data
System software: Helps run the computer hardware and computer expressed as discrete signals interpreted as
system itself. System software includes operating systems, device numbers, usually in base two (binary notation)
drivers, diagnostic tools and more. System software is almost always referred to as binary digits or bits, that is 0 and 1.
pre-installed on your computer. These computers are designed to handle digit
Calculatoral signals which are finite in nature.
Application software: Allows users to accomplish one or more tasks. It
They work with discrete values or quantities (0, 1, 2, 3 …). Digital
includes word processing, web browsing and almost any other task for
computers can be used for computation of figures through addition,
which you might install software. (Some application software is pre-
subtraction, multiplication, division and comparison.
installed on most computer systems.)
Examples of digital computers are calculators, adding
Software is generally created (written) in a high-level programming machines, and personal computers like desktops,
language, one that is (more or less) readable by people. These high- laptops, tablets, as well as handheld computers.
level instructions are converted into "machine language" instructions,
represented in binary code, before the hardware can "run the code".
When you install software, it is generally already in this machine
language, binary, form.

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Analogue Computers The Computer Mouse
An analogue computer uses a variable physical Computer mice come in many shapes and sizes but are all designed
quantity such as voltage to represent data and process to fit either the left or right hand, and be used on a flat surface.
data in a form of electrical voltages. Analogue signals
The standard mouse has two buttons toward the front (to left-click and
are different from digital signals in that they originate
right-click) and a scroll wheel in the center (to quickly move the screen
as continuous variables able or liable to change. Thermometer They
up and down). However, a computer mouse can have anywhere from
are made into measuring instruments with pointers on straight or
one to several more buttons to provide a wide variety of other
circular dials. Analogue computers are common in
functions
our homes and examples are the thermometer,
measuring scales, barometer and speedometer. Other Uses of a Mouse
Besides moving the pointer, a mouse can be used to execute
computer commands using mouse gestures. Common mouse
Hybrid Computers
gestures include point, click, right-click, double-click, drag, right-drag,
There is the possibility to generate both digital and analogue signals at rotate wheel and press wheel. Gestures are executed using the mouse
the same time and neither the digital nor analogue computer would be wheel or the two buttons (referred to as right and left) that are
suitable to handle both signals. In this case a hybrid computer which included on most mouse devices.
has a combination of both digital and analogue
When using a two-button mouse, gestures like single-click and double-
features would be better. Examples of hybrid
click are executed with the left mouse button. Single-click is usually
computers are the money counting machine,
used to select an object, while double click opens an object. The right-
Automated Teller Machine (ATM), and the fuel
click gesture is executed with the right mouse button and it typically
pump.
pops up a contextual menu that displays options related to the current
software context. For single-button mouse devices that are supported
by Mac OS X, right mouse button gestures are accomplished by
combining button and keyboard gestures. Mouse gestures can also be
combined. For example, pressing the left button and dragging the
mouse is used to select one or more lines of text in Microsoft Word.

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computer is about to send data. Many keyboards omit the "ScrLk" and CHAPTER II
"Pause/Break" keys completely, as few programs use them at all.
HADWARE AND SOFTWARE
Numeric Keypad
A) Computer Hardware
At the far right of most full-sized keyboards is a numeric keypad. This
Hardware refers to the physical elements of a computer. This is also
keypad is activated when the "NumLock" key is toggled -- this will be
sometime called the machinery or the equipment of the computer.
indicated with a light somewhere on the keyboard. Any numbers
Examples of hardware in a computer are the keyboard, the monitor,
entered here will appear on the screen. When the "NumLock" key is
the mouse and the central processing unit. However, most of a
turned off, the numeric keypad replicates the "Arrow," "Home," "End,"
computer's hardware cannot be seen; in other words, it is not an
"PageUp" and "PageDown" keys. Most numeric keypads have their
external element of the computer, but rather an internal one,
own "Enter" key to speed up data entry, additional keys for four-
surrounded by the computer's casing (tower). A computer's hardware
function arithmetic operations and sometimes other mathematical
is comprised of many different parts, but perhaps the most important
symbols, such as the equal sign and parentheses. Some special
of these is the motherboard. The motherboard is made up of even
functions (such as entering ASCII codes in Windows) require holding
more parts that power and control the computer.
down the "Alt" key and typing the ASCII code number with the numeric
keypad, rather than the numbers at the top of the alpha-numeric In contrast to software, hardware is a physical entity. Hardware and
keyboard area. software are interconnected, without software, the hardware of a
computer would have no function. However, without the creation of
Hardware and Multimedia Keys
hardware to perform tasks directed by software via the central
Keyboard manufacturers, and especially operating system publishers, processing unit, software would be useless.
often add keys with specific functions. These can give direct access to
Hardware is limited to specifically designed tasks that are, taken
hardware functions such as controlling volume, pausing or playing
independently, very simple. Software implements algorithms (problem
multimedia files, or opening specific programs or Web pages. Some
solutions) that allow the computer to complete much more complex
keys also open commonly used programs such as the Calculator
tasks.
program. Some keyboards have custom buttons that can be assigned
to open specific programs with a single keystroke Hardware devices can be classified into four distinct categories:
Input devices: For raw data input.
Processing devices: To process raw data instructions into information.
Output devices: To disseminate data and information.
Storage devices: For data and information retention.

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 The Computer Keyboard through "F10" or "F12." Most function keys have uses that pertain to
the operating system and are uniform across programs, such as "F1"
Computers are everywhere -- even hotel room locks and car keychains
to open the Help system. Many programs repurpose function keys for
use them. For most people, computers revolve around data input. The
program-specific uses. Many laptop keyboards have additional,
most common human data input method is the standard 104-key
hardware-specific functions tied to the function keys, accessed by
keyboard. While there are several vendors and some variations
holding down the function key and a special "Fn" key. These include
between types of keyboards, the basics don't change much between
controls for adjusting the screen brightness, speaker volume or
them.
turning the Number Lock function on or off.
General Typing Area
Navigation and Editing Keys
The general typing area is dominated by the 46 alpha-numeric keys.
To the right of the alpha-numeric keys are navigation and editing keys;
Each alpha-numeric key produces two symbols, the second reached
these include the cursor keys, which have four arrows. These arrows
by holding down the "Shift" key while pressing the alpha-numeric key.
move the cursor one space in the indicated direction. Holding down
The standard layout for this part of the keyboard is the QWERTY
the "Shift" key with the appropriate arrow key will move the cursor one
layout, which dates back to 1878. Alternative layouts include
word left or right, or one paragraph up or down in most text editing
variations on QWERTY for different languages and the Dvorak
programs. Above these keys are a block of six keys that include the
keyboard layout. The alpha-numeric key area is surrounded by keys for
"Insert" and "Delete" keys, the "Home" and "End" keys, and the "Page
moving the cursor. The "Enter" key advances text on the screen by one
Up" and "Page Down" keys. The "Insert" key toggles text insertion;
line or ends a paragraph in most word processing and email
when active, new text is inserted when entered. When inactive, new
programs. The "Spacebar" inserts a space. The "Tab" key moves the
text overwrites existing text. The "Delete" key deletes characters to the
cursor to the right by a fixed number of spaces. Holding down the
right of the cursor. The "Home" and "End" keys move the cursor to the
"Shift" and "Tab" keys at the same time will move the cursor to the left
beginning and end of a file, respectively, while "Page Up" and "Page
the same distance as the "Tab" key moves it to the right. The
Down" move the cursor one full screen up or down the file.
"Backspace" key deletes characters to the left of the cursor.
Legacy Keys
CTRL, ALT and Function Keys
Nearly every keyboard also has keys that date back to the dawn of
Computer keyboards have specific function keys. Some, such as the
computing. The "Esc" key interrupts a program automatically. The
"Alt" and "Ctrl" keys, are held down with other keys, for example "Ctrl-
"PrtScrn" key used to send the contents of the screen to a text file or
C" for copying. On Macintosh keyboards, the "Command" key replaces
line printer, and is used to take screen captures. The "Scroll
the "Ctrl" key, and Windows keyboards have the "Windows" key for
Lock" (usually spelled "ScrLk") key prevents the text in the screen
opening the Start menu with a single keystroke or opening specific
buffer from scrolling (or, in some programs, allows you to scroll
programs in conjunction with another key. In addition to these keys,
through a volume of text without changing the cursor position) and the
most keyboards also have function keys at the top row of the
"Pause/Break" key tells a shared time computer system that your
keyboard or down the right edge. Function keys are labeled "F1"

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