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COMPUTER
PACKAGES
 INTRONDUCTION TO COMPUTER

COMPUTER: is an electronic device or set of device that works under control of installed programs. It accepts raw data from outside;
It processes the data so as to give out information.

DATA: is any raw fact or figures that may not make sense to the user

INFORMATION: is the processed or refined product that can be understood by the user

QUALITIES OF THE COMPUTER

Automatic: this means that after the computer has been commanded to perform its task it requires minimal human intervention.

Data processor: computer has been designed to receive raw facts and figures that may not be meaningful to the user and then analyses it
into information which the user can understand

Electronic: computers can be equated to household appliances such as the TV, radio, cameras, etc by the fact that they have capacitors,
transistors, chips, circuit boards etc

Accuracy: since they are programmed devices, the writing of the instruction will repeatedly recur

Efficiency: compared to any other machine, computer will utilize time and effort to achieve high results

Secrecy: with the use of password

 Advantages of computer

 Eases filing system in the office

 Speed
 Enhances communication
 Enhances business
 Enhances education through e learning and e teaching
 Enhances industrial production through computer aided manufacturer(CAM)
 Enhances entertainment
 Create self-employment

Disadvantages of computers

 Expensive
 Cuts down on employment especially when computers are introduced where manual work
existed
 Computers needs experts and skills to operate and maintain
 Health hazard e. g back ache, eye sight etc
 Volatile: they can lose huge and crucial information
 Sensitivity to dust, humidity, heat, water
 Addictive especially in games, chatting
 Most computers need electrical power
 Computer have encouraged laziness due to over reliance
TYPES OF A COMPUTER

Computer may be classified according to functionality, physical size/power processing, and purpose:
1. Functionality

A. Analogue (analog) computers

These computer deal with analog data. Analog data is that which continuous and progressively changes value over time. These
computers respond to natural occurrences’ such as temperature, speed and pressure. They may be used in manufacturing
industries to check finances condition

B) Digital computer
These computers handle digital data. Digital in that is it discrete. These means the data can be represented as distinct values I.e.
1 or 0
C) Hybrid computer
These kind of computers would handle both analog and digital data.

2. Purpose
Under purpose computer there shall be two of them; general purpose and special purpose computers.
D) General purpose computer
Designed t, perform no of tasks, these computers are installed with programs which will enable them to handle a variety of
duties. For instance, document processing calculation, accounting etc.
b) Special purpose computer
3. Physical size

a) Super computer
They are the biggest in size computers. They are
fastest in term of speed, the most powerful terms
of the tasks they can perform at particular
nanosecond and therefore the most expensive only
a few nation around the world can afford it. They
would be used in complex computer engineering
and also serve other small computers in complex
network.
b) Main frame computers
They are also very larger, powerful and expensive
but lower than super. They are stationary in the
control room. They perform complex mathematical
calculations. They a large storage capacity and can
support a number of peripheral thus require no of
people to operate one. They ideal in banks, airport,
government, agencies and large organization
c) Mini computers
These are down scaled versions of the mainframe
computers. Have less speed, fewer peripherals,
less powerful etc. they can be found in research
institution, engineering planes, scientific
a) Micro computers

These consists of relatively small, cheap and not so complicated a computer. They are also
transferable. They pose small silicon chip that analysis data. They are generally used in day to
day duties in homes, hospitals, schools etc. they are sub grouped into;

i. Personal computer (PC)

PC is operated by one person for most of it peripheral are single e. g mouse, CPU, keyboard etc.
they are usually placed on top of desk when operating thus dubbed desk top computer

ii. Laptop/notebook
These are small convenient and easily portable computer. They are placed on the lap when
operating. Laptops are multicolored and bigger than notebook. Most of these computers are
extremely expensive due to their convenience, portability and manufacturing technology. They
are ideal for use by managers, journalists, researchers etc.

iii. Palmtop computers/PDAs

These are tiny pockets computers usually placed on the palm when operating. In most cases they
are incorporated into mobile phones. They are ideal for business executive.
PICTORIALS OF COMPUTER HARDWARES
GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS

-The history of computers is categorized into five generations, each marked by significant technological advancements.

*FIRST GENERATION {1940-1956} VACUUM TUBES

--TECHNOLOGY=Used vacuum tubes for circuity and magnetic drums for memory.
Features:
= huge in size, occupying entire rooms.
= High electricity consumption and generated a lot of heat.
=Very slow and limited to basic arithmetic.
= Relied on machine language{binary} for programing.
Example: ENIAC {Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer}
UNIVAC {Universal Automatic Computer}.
Applications= Basic calculations, Military applications during World War II.
*SECOND GENERATION {1956-1963}- TRANSISTORS

--TECHNOLOGY=Replaced vacuum tubes with Transistors, making computers smaller, faster, and more
efficient.
Features:
=Reduced power consumption and heat generation.
=Used assembly language and early high-level languages like COBOL and FORTRAN
=Data storage on magnetic tapes and disks became popular.
Example: IBM 1401, UNIVAC II.
Applications= Business processing, Payroll management, and Government systems.

*THIRD GENERATION {1964-1971}- INTERGRATED CIRCUITS [ICs]

--TECHNOLOGY=Used Integrated Circuits {ICs}, Which are small chips containing multiple transistors.
Features:
=Increased speed, Reduced size, and Lower cost.
=Computers became more reliable and capable of multitasking.
=Operating systems were introduced to manage resources and programs.
*FOURTH GENERATION {1971-Present}- MICROPROCESSORS

--TECHNOLOGY=Introduction to Microprocessor, which integrated all CPU components into

a single chip.
Features:
=Marked the beginning of personal computers {PCs}.
=Use of graphical user interfaces {GUIs}, making computers more user-friendly
=High-level programming languages like C and C++ gained popularity.
=Networks and the Internet revolutionized communication and information sharing.
=Storage evolved to Hard drives, SSDs, and Cloud systems.
Example: Intel 4004, Apple Macintosh, Microsoft Windows PCs.
Applications= Office work, Education, Entertainment, and Internet-based applications.
*
FIFTH GENERATION {PRESENT and FUTURE}- ARTIFICIAL INTELIGENCE [AI] and
QUANTUM COMPUTING

--TECHNOLOGY=Development focuses on AI systems, Machine learning, and Quantum

Computing.
Features:
=Use of natural language processing [NPL], enabling systems like Voice Assistants e.g
-Siri
-
Alexa
=Emphasis on cloud computing and interconnected devices {Internet of Things}.
=Development of Quantum Computers, which can process data much faster than
traditional system
by using Quantum bits {qubits}.
Example: IBM Watson, Google’s AI systems, D-wave quantum computer
Applications=Robotics, Smart homes, Self-driven cars, and advanced medical research.
THE COMPUTER SYSTEM

Computer system comprises of all the parts that make computer

phenomenon. There three major parts of computer system:
 Hardware (devices)
 Software (programs)
 Org ware/ Live ware (user)
The user is a person who operates the computer
There are three experts
 Computer operator
 Computer programmer
 Computer designer
HARDWARE
Physical or tangible components of the computer are referred to as hardware.
When the computer is shut off, the hardware would remain visible. Hardware
are sub grouped into four components namely;
 Input devices- This are devices that allow the user to enter data into the
computer. E.g. keyboard, mouse, scanner, camera.

 Output devices- This are devices that allows display or presentation of

information. The are categorized into two-
1. Soft copy output- they can be seen and heard. Eg monitor, screen, projectors,
speakers.
2. Hardcopy output devices- the present tangible output information. Eg
printers

 Storage devices- Allows storage of information. Eg RAM, ROM, HARD

DRIVE,MEMORY CARD, CD.
 Primary memory- is an internal memory of a computer that is attached to the
motherboard. (RAM & ROM)
RAM- ( Random access memory ) it is considered as a volatile memory
because it is a temporary memory.
ROM- (Read only Memory ) it is the computers permanent memory. It is
non- volatile memory.

 CPU (processor)- ( CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT) this is a processing

device which is used to process the input data
according to the given instructions.
 CPU (central processing unit)

CPU also referred as the processor, is a small silicon chip housed inside the system unit of a micro-computer which analyses raw data into
information. It has been dubbed the computer ‘brain’ for it coordinates all the activities in the computer. The speed of the CPU is very important for
it determine the time to be taken and the amount of task to be carried out by the computer modem CPUs range from P1-P4; whereby P4 is fastest.
All input, output and peripherals must be attached to the CPU via the motherboard of the system unit.
The CPU is sub-divided into three smaller areas;
 Control unit (CU)
 Arithmetic and logical unit (ALU)
 Main memory

 Control unit (CU)

Receive and analyses/interprets all instruction into the computer. Also delegates duties to all other parts in the computer
 Arithmetic and logical unit (ALU)
Carries out all arithmetic/calculation in the computer. It also logically compares among the operations in the computer.
 Main memory (MM)
It is compartment that holds current data & instruction. It is refers to as the primary storage within the computer. It is sub-divided into;

 ROM (read only memory)

It is the compartment once data has been written can ever be changed through ordinary computer operation. It is stored permanently .it cannot be
upgraded. Information is not volatile I. e it cannot be lost in case of a black out. For this reason, most system file necessary for computer booting
are stored here.

 RAM (random access memory)

Also referred to as type write and ready [Link] is virtual memory. Information is temporarily stored and thus volatile I. e it can be easily erased
due to black out if not saved. This memory is upgradeable or expandable thus increasing speed of the computer .
STORAGE OF DATA IN COMPUTER
Storage is measured by bytes. Bytes are units which measure
space occupied by data information in the computer and storage
device. One byte is made up of 8 bits. One bit is made up of 2
digits i. e 1 and 0. In textual data, one byte is equivalent to one
character.
1Bit =1 or 0
8Bits =1 Byte
1024 Byte =1 kilobyte
1024 KB =1 megabyte
1024 MB =1 gigabyte
1024 GB =1 terabyte

DRIVES AND MEMORY LOCATION

Drives
Drives are gadgets that have the ability to store information: floppy drive (drive a), hard drive
(drive c), tape drive, zip drive, jazz drive etc.
Memory location
Memory location are compartment within the computer established to store information.
Example include; desktop, my computer, document, recycle bin, file folders etc.
SYSTEM UNIT
System unit is a metallic or plastic casing that houses or protects most of the major parts that
control and define the computer. All these smaller parts are attached to the main board called
mother board or system board. Even all the peripheral are attached to the mother wood at the
rare of the system unit. Mother board has multiple circuits that enhances transportation of data
and expansion slots that allow connection of additional parts. Some of parts found on system
unit are the CPU (processor), hard disk, drives, memory chip, cards, buses etc.

THE MOUSE
Mouse is an input device that enters instruction or retrieves commands out of the computer.
Mouse is an operating system that assist keyboard in operating computer. Mouse has two
buttons;
 Left mouse button LMB
 Right mouse button RMB
The LMB is the active button for it is after issue commands in to the computer. Is the inactive
button for it is not after use when the RMB is used, it is the retrieve commands out of the
computer.

How Mouse operators

An ordinary mouse has a rubber ball at its underside. The ball rolls in relation to how the device
is moved on a surface. There are two rollers that touch the ball and they roll as the ball moves.
Next to each roller is a sensor that checks the distance travelled, the direction moved and the
speed of the mouse pointer on the screen.
Techniques or action of the mouse

When the computer is operated and the mouse is used, one or more of the actions below must be applied.
1. Click
This is briefly to press and release a mouse button so as to issue a command or select an item.
2. Double click
This is consecutively pressing LMB twice in order to issue command; i. e to open an item or to highlight a word
3. Triple click
This is giving three consecutive taps to the LMB twice in order to issue command I. e to highlight paragraph or an entire document.
4. Right click
This is briefly pressing the RMB (inactive button) on an item or on an area in order to retrieve commands for application.

5. Click away
It is pointing and clicking the active mouse button outside a selection or a displayed menu in order to deselect or to do away with it.
6. Point / select
This is to move mouse pointer on an item then click the LMB
7. Drag/drop
This is to point, press and hold down the LMB on an item to move it from a position to another
8. Highlight
This is to point and drag over a text so as to select the textual data for particular aspect.
9. Position cursor/ insertion point
It point between the characters so as to type a character
10. Resize objects
This is to point border handles of an objects and drug so as to increasing and decreasing its size
11. Move/position object
This is to point and drug the object from one position to another
THE KEYBOARD

It is another input device used to enter textual data through typing in to the computer. It can also
be used to enter commands and instruction in the computer by pressing the keys. The keys of the
keyboard may be sub-grouped into the following categories:

1. ALPHA NUMERIC KEYS

These consist of;
The alphabets I. e (A-Z)
The numerals I. e (0-9)
The punctuation marks I. e (,.; :”)
The symbols I. e (# @ %)
The mathematical operator I. e (+-=/)

2. NUMERIC KEYPAD
This is positioned at the extreme right of the keyboard. It consists of the numerals the
mathematical operators and a few special keys. It is deal when dealing with calculations. It is
activated or deactivated by pressing the Num lock key.

3. FUNCTIONS KEYS
They include F1 through F12 and are positioned at the top most part of the keyboard. Their
purpose is to shortcut commands or they can be assigned some special duties. Sometimes they
are used together with keys to attain the duty e. g
F1 can retrieve help notes
F7 can be used to check spelling and grammar
F12 can be used to save
Alt +F4 can be used to close a program
1. ARROW KEYS

They are also referred to navigation keys. They are four of them; ARROW LEFT, ARROW
RIGHT, ARROW UP, ARROW DOWN.
Arrow keys facilitate horizontal and vertical movement to navigate through the cells; and can be
used with other keys to achieve the duty

2. SPECIAL KEYS
These are meant to perform special duties either singly or used together with other keys e. g
a) Enter key
These are two enter keys. Duties are:
 Executes commands
 Acquires the next line when typing
 Explores a folder I. e (ctrl + shift + enter)
 Crate space between the lines

A. Caps lock
Interchanges between uppercase and lowercase and vice versa
c. Space bar
It is the biggest key on the keyboard. It creates a single character space between words.
d. Delete key
Delete/ erases characters and spaces at the right of the cursor I. e forwards
Also erases selected items and text
e. Tab key
Creates set intervals between characters, word, text etc.
Navigates through the cell forwards
Navigates through the dialog box
f. Shift key
Normally used with other keys e. g
Highlight text (shift + arrow key)
Acquires upper character in a double character key. This is a key on the keyboard where two
letters or values are place
Momentarily acquires the upper case or lowercase when typing
CTRL (control) key

It is always used together with other keys to achieve [Link]

has the biggest combination of keys in Ms. Window e. g
Ctrl +A highlight all
Ctrl +C copies
Ctrl +S saves
Ctrl +P prints
Ctrl +V pastes

h. Alt (alternative) key

Also used with other keys e. g
Alt +F display file menu
Alt +w displays window menu
Alt +F4 closes a running program
i. Esc (escape) key

Clears a display menu or dialog box displays start menu with ctrl I. e ctrl + esc
j. Print key
k. Home key
Takes cursor to the beginning of the line
Take cursor to the beginning of document I. e ctrl + home
l. End key
Takes the cursor to the end of the line
Takes cursor to the end of the document I. e ctrl +end
n. Page up
Scroll/ moves the page up
o. Page down
Scrolls/ moves the page down

STEPS TO START A COMPUTER

 Switch on the mains switch
 Switch on the UPS (interruptible power supply) if available
 Switch on the system unit
 Switch the monitor
 Wait for the booting process to take place
 Click the user account
 Type the password if applicable

STEPS TO SHUT DOWN THE COMPUTER

 Save and close all running program
 Log off the user account
 Click the start button
 Click shut down
 Wait for the closure
 Switch of the monitor
 Switch off the UPS if any
 Switch off the mains