Module 1

Introduction
Introduction to
to Computers
Computers

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Objectives
Introduction to ICT
Understand the terminology and uses of Information Technology
Computer Components
Understand the functions of various computer hardware and peripheral
Computer Input Devices
Recognize different types of Input devices and what they can be used for
Computer Output Devices
Recognize different types of output devices and what they can be used for
Computer Sound Input and Output Devices
Recognize different types of sound input devices and output devices and
what they can be used for
Storage Components
Know the terminology relating to storage components
Types of Storage
Understand the different types of storage and their specific uses and
capacities
Operating Systems
Know the basic features and terminology of Operating Systems
Starting Windows ...
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Introduction to ICT
What is Information Technology (IT)?
An Information Technology (IT) system processes, stores, and/or transfers
(communicates) information
Information can take many different forms such as text, numbers, pictures,
sound, video, and multimedia
To transfer information, IT systems use computers, telecommunications
networks, and other electronic devices
Because of the importance of communications in IT, the term Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) is often preferred to IT
Since IT involves many different and often highly specialized areas, it is
often seen as a very daunting subject
However, the basis of IT is simply to help us to improve the way we deal
with information in all areas of our lives

What is IT used for?

IT is used in business, academia, industry, government, heath care, etc.
It is also an important in part of our everyday activities
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Introduction to ICT (2)

Computers enable us to process information and perform specific
tasks much more quickly than we could do ourselves
IT systems are very Flexible and can be made to perform a variety
of different tasks
IT networks (e.g., Internet) allow us to distribute and share
information quickly, and over a very long distance
Many developments in IT are designed to make our lives easier
But people expectations of what they (and others) can achieve
are often leading to unrealistic demands being placed on people
and the technology around them
We live in an "Information Society
The effective use of information is regarded as the defying
element of the 20th 21st centuries, as important as the industrial
revolution before it

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Computer Components (1)

The main components used to build a personal computer and
other types of microcomputers are:
Computers are made up of many components
Internal Components
that is, they are located inside the computer case
External Components
Some are connected externally, using ports
A port is a kind of plug, usually located at the back of the
computer
Components located outside the computer's case are
referred to as peripheral devices
Because they use components, PCs are customizable

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Computer Components (2)

You can add internal or external components for specific tasks, such
as playing sound, and choose mare powerful components to make a
high performance PC
Or you can specify less powerful, less expensive components for a
basic office computer
This means that PCs vary quite widely in terms of performance (the
speed at which a computer performs different tasks), cost, and the
sort of applications (software) that they can run.
Computer components can be divided into the following categories:
Microprocessors process instructions and perform calculations.
Storage devices (memory and disks) hold data.
Input devices (mouse and keyboard) let the user enter data.
Output devices (monitor, speakers, and printer) (display data).
Network devices (network card, modem) allow computers to
transfer data to and from other computers.
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Computer Components (3)

The Motherboard
A motherboard (or system board) Is a large printed circuit board with
connections for all the other components in the computer
The motherboard allows the components to exchange data
It also houses the power supply
The type of motherboard determines the types of CPU, memory, and
hard disk and other peripherals that can be installed in the computer

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Computer Components (4)

The System Case
The motherboard (and other internal components) is housed within a
protective case, usually made of metal and plastic and often referred to
as the "box."
The design of the case can affect how many expansion cards and
components can be added to the computer
Some cases are designed to be easy to open and access to make
maintenance of the computer simpler

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Computer Devices (1)

Ports and Peripheral Devices
A hardware port is a socket designed to allow the connection of
extra devices, often outside the system case
Such devices are referred to as peripherals
Typical peripheral devices include the mouse, keyboard, monitor,
and printer
Even though they are located outside the case, such devices are
often essential tar operating the computer
Some parts are attached directly to the motherboard.
Others may be attached to an expansion card plugged into the
motherboard
Traditionally, parts were always positioned at the back of the system
case
However, in many modern designs, some ports (notably USB and
Fire wire connectors) may he provided on the front of the case, far
easy access
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Computer Devices (2)

On a portable or laptop computer, ports are usually located
at the hack and sides of the case
Ports used to connect the newest generation of USB memory
devices are often referred to as slots
Ports and connecting cables are always one of two genders:
male connectors have pins; female connectors have holes.
There are many different types of port, each requiring a
different type of connector
Input Device
An input device is any device that is used to supply
information to a computer
A few examples at input devices are given below.

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Computer Devices (3)

Keyboard
Most common input device is the keyboard, which is used
both tar text-based data input and for selecting commands.
Keyboards usually have the following:
Keys for the letters of the alphabet
Keys for punctuation symbols
Numbered keys or a numeric keypad (or both)

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Computer Devices (4)

Mouse
Computers are usually operated through a graphical user interface
(GU[). This means that the user selects a command from the
computer's screen display by moving a pointer and clicking an icon.
A mouse is the device usually used to control the movement of the
pointer on the screen
A mouse is used by moving it across a mouse mat or other flat surface.
This moves a ball on the bottom of the mouse, The movement of the
ball sends a signal to the computer. Software interprets this signal and
performs an operation, such as moving a cursor or drawing a line.
A mouse has two or more buttons on top of it, the function of which
depend upon the software being used.

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Storage Components (1)

Memory and disks are the components used to store data for
processing
Units of measure (i.e., capacity of storage) are bits, Bytes, megabytes,
and gigabytes
A bit
a binary or logical 1 or 0, which is the lowest unit of measure of
information
A Byte
is a chunk of bits (combination of bits) used to represent a
information (e.g., character)
There are usually eight bits in a byte
E.g., 01000001 is used to represent the letter A in binary code
Bytes are commonly abbreviated with a capital B and bits are
abbreviated with lower-case b, but not always
More often, hardware and software are described as being a certain
number of bits
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Storage Components (2)

This refers to how much information the hardware or software can
process at any one time
E.g., if a CPU is a 32-bit processor, it means that the CPU can
process 32 bits of data in each clock cycle
Popular Measures
1. Kilobyte (denoted as KB)
A kilobyte (KB) Is 1024 bytes,
The size of a data file is often measured in kilobytes
Why is kilobyte not 1000 bytes?
2. Megabyte (denoted as MB)
A megabyte is 1,048,576 bytes (1024 kilobytes)
A megabyte (MB) is often used to measure the amount of main
memory or the size of a collection of files within a Folder
A megabyte is about as much data as 500 pages of doublespaced text
Why is Megabyte not 1,000,000 bytes?
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Storage Components (3)

3. Gigabyte (denoted as GB)
A gigabyte (GB) is equivalent to 1,024 MB
The memory capacity of most storage devices, such as hard
drives, is measured in gigabytes (GB)
4. Terabyte (denoted as TB)
Terabyte (TB) is equivalent to 1,024 GB
Hard drive arrays on corporate file servers are quickly
approaching terabyte capacities

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Types of Storage (1)

Memory is one of the most essential parts of the computer
From the moment you turn your computer on until the time you shut
it clown, your CPU is constantly using memory
There are 3 types of storage used by the computer when storing
data
1. Read-only Memory (ROM)
ROM stores the data necessary to start the computer and
identify its component
ROM is non-volatile or persistent memory that holds permanent
information, such as the BIOS software that enables the
components in the computer to communicate with each other
Data stored In ROM is not deleted when the computer is
switched off
It cannot usually be deleted or overwritten in the course of
normal computer operations
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Types of Storage (2)

2. Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM stores data while it is being processed. E.g., RAM is required
to run software while the computer is powered
RAM, is volatile or non-persistent memory, is a temporary memory
store
Data held in RAM is only stored while the computer is switched on
E.g., when you create a document (such as a letter), the
document is stored in your computer's RAM, until you save it to
disk
RAM holds data required by the CPU, which cannot store large
amounts of data itself
RAM is important because it enables the CPU to get data quickly
E.g., when a software application is started, the data needed to
run the program is copied from the main disk into RAM, where the
CPU can access it
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Types of Storage (3)

3. Storage Disks or Drives
Disk dives invented in the 1950s, are used to store and
transfer data files
Magnetic disks or drives are used to preserve data when the
computer is turned off and to move and backup data
When data is entered into a computer, it must be saved as a
file to preserve it when the computer is switched off
Also, software applications need to install files on the main
disk drive in the computer in order to run
The most important type of long term storage component in
the desktop computer is the hard disk, which is used to
store the software and data on which the computer runs

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Types of Storage (4)

Hard disks have a hard platter that holds the
magnetic medium, as opposed to the flexible
plastic film found in tapes and floppies
The magnetic disk can be easily erased and
rewritten, and it will "remember" the magnetic
flux patterns stored for many years.
Many computers will also have removable disk
drives to install software and backup data files

Disk capacity is principally a question of capacity: how much data

can be stored an the disk?
Disk performance is determined by other factors including the
seek time (the time it takes to find data on the drive) and the
transfer rate (the speed at which data can be moved to and from
a disk)
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Types of Storage (4)

Other Magnetic Media
Other magnetic disk devices, such as Iomega Zip
and Jaz clicks, are also available
These disks tend to offer much less capacity than a
hard disk (although much more than a floppy disk)
The main advantage is that the disks can be
removed and transferred elsewhere.
One of the most popular external magnetic storage
options available today is the Universal Serial Bus
(USB) flash drive
These can store hundreds of times the information
found on a standard floppy, and don't need a
special reader
Instead, USB drives pop into a standard USB port
on the desktop or laptop computer

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Operating Systems (1)

What is an Operating System (OS)?
It is a system program that carries out the functions
summarized below:
1. Process management
2. Memory management
3. Input/Output control system
4. File Management
Operating system provides a set of basic features that all software
applications must use
It maintains a degree of compatibility between applications
Selection of a particular OS is usually determined by compatibility with
other systems, but cost, user preference, and customisability can be
important factors
Software enables the computer's hardware to perform useful tasks,
such as creating, displaying, and printing a letter
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Operating Systems (2)

Software enables the computer's hardware to perform useful
tasks, such as creating, displaying, and printing a letter.
Software can be divided into two important classes
operating systems and
applications

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Starting Windows ... (1)

Upon login in, the system loads the Windows Desktop
Enables working with the Windows Operating System (OS)
platform with very little hassle and minimal technical
knowledge
Components/Parts of the Windows Desktop
1. The Start Menu
Provides a launch point for all programs or applications
Clicking the start icon [xx] displays a list of options
The programs (e.g., Microsoft Word) is a sub-list the
Programs menu
Customizing the Start Menu
Click Start Settings Taskbar and Start Menu (Windows
2000)
Click Start Control Panel Taskbar & Start Menu (Windows
XP)
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Starting Windows ... (2)

2. Desktop Icons and Shortcuts
Shortcuts are links to the original program, file, folder or item
The desktop the most common place to place it
When a shortcut is deleted, the original item still exists
Shortcuts are fast ways to open programs
Action

Task

1. Open Windows Explorer, or the location of the item to be

To put a
placed on the desktop.
shortcut on
the desktop 2. Click Start Programs Accessories, and then click
Windows Explorer
3. Right click on the Item and select Create Shortcut to
place the shortcut in the same location as the original
4. Then you can drag the shortcut onto the desktop
5. Right-click on the item, and select Send To Desktop
(create shortcut)

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Starting Windows ... (3)

3. Using Wallpapers and Screensavers
Action

Task

To Change 1. Open Display in the Control panel OR right

a Wallpaper
click on empty space on the desktop
2. Select Properties and click on the
Background
3. Select a background picture from the
wallpapers list; In the picture display list
select Center, Title, or Stretch
4. Click Pattern to open the Pattern dialog box;
select desired pattern

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Starting Windows ... (4)

3. Using Wallpapers and Screensavers
Action
To Set or
Change a
Screensaver

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Task

1. Select Control panel OR right click on empty

space on the desktop
2. Select Properties Screen Saver
3. Select a Screen Saver of your choice from the
list; Click OK
4. After selecting a screen saver, it will start
automatically when your computer is idle for the
number of minutes specified in Wait.
5. Screen saver setting can be changed; to change,
click Settings Screen Saver tab
6. Click Preview to see how the selected screen
saver (will appear on your monitor). Move your
mouse or press any key to end the preview
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Starting Windows ... (5)

4.Understanding the Task Bar
The Taskbar displays any program you are running, the time,
and the Start Icon
It is normally positioned at the bottom of the screen
It provides a constant view of which applications are running
on the system and an easy way to switch between them.
It also provides additional information such as time, power
consumption information (on laptops), and volume control, if
you have a sound card installed.
Customizing the Taskbar
You can put a toolbar in a handier place, on your desktop or taskbar
You can even give yourself quick access to frequently accessed files
and programs, by simply dragging and dropping them on the Start
menu
You can view and add more icons to the Quick launch
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Starting Windows ... (6)

5. Using the Search Companion
Search Assistant makes it easier to search for files and folders,
printers, people, and other computers on your network
It even makes it easier to search on the Internet
Search Assistant also has an indexing service that maintains an
index of all the files on your computer, making searches even faster.
When you use Search Assistant, you can specify several search
criteria (e.g., files and folders by name, type, and size)
You can even search for files containing specific text
You can search for a printer with a specific name or location if you
are using Active Directory
If you need a printer with special features, you can search for a
specific model.

To Search, Click the Start Icon Search ...

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Starting Windows ... (7)

6. Using Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer is a tool used to browse the files and folders on the
computer. It opens a 2-pane window.
Right click on the Start Icon select Explore
It can be evoked a swift combination of [x] and E keys

7. Using the Run Command

The Run Command is a very handy tool in running applications
Click on the Start Icon Run, and type name of a program
E.g., mspaint (Microsoft Paint), calc (calculator), winword, powerpnt,
excel, etc

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Starting Windows ... (8)

8. Using Help and Support Centre - Getting Online Support
Click Start Help - (Help and Support-Windows XP)
If you have an Internet connection, you are not limited to
other topics within the Help system; you can jump to the
WWW for additional or updated product information.
The Help Viewer provides an integrated table of contents,
an index, and a full-text search feature so you can find
information easily
The Help Viewer has the added benefit of allowing you to
see the table of contents, index, or search results at the
same time you are viewing a Help topic.
The Help Viewer also includes the Favorites tab, which
you can use to bookmark topics. This enables you to
quickly display topics that you refer to often
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