Part I: Introduction to Computer's and Basics of windows Section 1: Introduction to Computer's 1. What is n Computer? A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions (sofiware) stored in its own memory unit, that can accept data (input), manipulate data (process), and produce information (output) from the processing. Generally, the term is used to describe a collection of devices that function together as a system. > Data are raw facts or figures ofan entity. > Information is data that has been given a meaning by way of relational connection. This relational connection converts data in to information. 1.2 Application of Computers Section objectives After completing this section the learncr should be able to: > Understand the application areas of a computer, Why we use Computers? The following are some of the capabilities and potential of Computers, which are reascns for using Computers. Store and process large amount of information with high speed and accuracy; Transmit information across continents via communication channels; Simulate events; Perform complex mathematical computations and make comparisons; Monitor ongoing industrial operations; Perform repetitive processes with great case, speed, and reliability; Making, simple and Yyvvvy complex calculation To make statistical charts For research purposes Listening music For diagnostic Purposes For weather for casts For drawing purposes For watching movies, Etc. Therefore, computers are applicable for any functions, task or process that requires these abilities. The main areas of computer applications are categorized into: a) Commercial or business applications Covers the use of computers for clerical, administrative, production and business Vv vyy > use. Examples are: > Text processing > Accounting and Finance management > Inventory control + Database management > Statistical analysis b) Scicntific, Engineering and Research applications18 Basic computer skill training Module Grade > — Using computers for scientific research, complex mathematical calculations, design work, and analysis and control of physical systems. Examples are: Space technology } Meteorological observatory systems > Astronomical investigations > Design of machines and > Control of manufacturing process > 1 v ‘Nuclear control systems 3 Types of Computers: Section Objectives: After completing this section the learner should be able to: > Identify the criteria used to categorize computers > Explain the different types of computers and their differences As discussed in the definition section any computing device can be called a computer. Considering this definition, computers can be classified into different categories based on different characteristics. > Based on type of data they process Based on the type of data they process computers can be classified as: Analog ‘Analog computers operate by measuring physical properties. They deal with continuous variables: they don’t compute directly with numbers, rather, they operate by measuring physical magnitude such as pressure, temperature, voltage, current etc, Examples: Thermometer, Voltmeter, Speedometer Digital Digital computers deal with discrete variables; they operate by counting rather than measuring. They operate directly up on numbers (or digits) that represent numbers, letters, or other special symbols, Examples: Abacus, Desk & pocket calculators, general purpose computers Hybrid Hybrid computers inherit the best features of both analog and digital computers. Usually the Input is continuous data (analog). Since Digital Processing is more accurate, processing takes place digitally. The processed information — the output — could be either digital or analog, depending on the user preference or the type of application. Examples: digital camera, health monitoring machines in some hospitals, > Based on Size, Capacity and price Size and capacity are also the other characteristics of computers that can be used to categorize computers. Based on these characteristics computers can be classified as: ‘Super computer The term supercomputer has been coined to describe a category of extremely powerful computer designed for high-speed processing. A supercomputer is generally characterized as being the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive computer.Grade 7 and 8 Basle compuier skit balning Modu Generally, Supercomputers are: > The largest and the most efficient computers > Very expensive > very fast and > Supports hundreds of users at different locations Mainframe computer Mainframe computers are large. powerful computers that are physically farger than micros and minis and usually have processors with faster instruction processing speeds, For example, they may be able to process from 10 to 200 million instructions per second (MIPS). Mainframe computers also support multiple users and are expensive. 2 Mini computer Minicomputers are midrange computers that are larger and more powerful than most microcomputers but are smaller and less powerful than mainframe computer systems. Minicomputcrs are being used for a large pusmber of business and scientific applications, They are popularly used in scientific laboratories, research centers, universities and colleges, engineering firms, industrial process monitoring and control, etc. Micro computers The smallest computers ever produced in the history of computers are microcomputers. Since they are designed to be used by a single user, they have the least capacity as compared to the other types of computers. They are also the least expensive of all types. There two different types of microcomputers are desktop computers and portable computers (laptops, notebook computers and palmtops) > Classification by purpose of application Computers can be applied or used for different purposes. Based upon their application, they are classified as special purpose or general purpose computers. Special purpose computers AVA# AL ad yer Pf They are designed to solve a single type of problem, that is their components and their functions are uniquely adapted to a specific situation involving specific application. Example: > The public telephone box. Traffic control system Ticket machines (used in grocery. super market etc.) Pocket-calculators etc. Counters Most analog computers are special purpose computers. ar gets ead per sich PETS vvVY General purpose computers They are designed to solve variety of problems through the use of “store program concept”. A program or set of instructions designed to solve a problem is read and stored into the memory and then executed by the computer one by one. The same computer can be applied to solve another set of problem using different program. General computers ure more flexible and versatile. Luampicshte Dar Ualversty nssste of Technolgy, school of comput a ‘Bkctrlcal Engineering Grade 7 and @ Haste coroputer sls Ualnlng Module > Micro computers > Mini computers > Super computers ete, Activity 1 > Write the definition of computer. > Identify the difference between Data and Information > If your office has computers, find out the type or types. Are they mainframe computers, mini-computers, workstations or personal computers? What ‘processes" or actions are the computers used for? Write a brief description of the types of computers in place and their main uses. If your office has more than one type of computer, find out why? What different tasks are the different computers intended to do? If your office does not have computers, try to contact a colleague or friend who has a computer and ask him or her what type he or she has and what primary functions it is_used for. 1.4 Computers systems Section Objectives ‘After successful completion of this section students shall be able > describe components of computer systems > identify computer hardware based on their function > identify computer software and their category > know four basic operations of a computer. ‘A computer system is the combination of hardware and software. A typical computer system utilizes a computer that uses programmable devices to store, retrieve, and process data. The personal computer or PC is an example of a computer system. An Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) is another example of a computer system. Even the simplest computer classifies as a computer system, because at least two components (hardware and software) have to work together. But the real meaning of "computer system" comes with interconnection. Many computer systems can interconnect, that is, join to become a bigger system. Generally. a computer system is composed of two main components: > Computer hardware and > Computer software Computer Hardware Computer hardware is the physical part of the computer system that can be seen and felt. The hardware part of a computer system is composed of a number of interacted physical parts. E.g. keyboard, mouse, CPU etc. ‘Types of Computer Hardware ‘The hardware part of a computer system is composed of « number of interacting physical parts based on the need of the information flow. Information flows in the computer harchvare. There are several criteria by which computer hardware can be categorized. Based on information processing, we can divide computer hardware into four: 1) Input Devices ( Prepared byrMamaeemeanrte sib Page 4tagmeening Grade7 and 8 Basic computer skils trating Module 2) Processing device (Centenl Processing Unit (CPU)) 3) Memory 4) Output Devices 5) Stomge Devices» \* a seen gg 1. Input Devices Input devices are used to enter information into computer. They convert the data we give them into the form that can be manipulated in the computer (electronic format). Keyboard Joystick Touch Sensitive Screen Light Pen Digital Stills Camera Bar Code Reader Voice Data Entry Video Capture VvvvVVVvY 2. Processing Device — CPU(central processing unit) > The CPU of the computer is the brain of the computer which performs all arithmetic, logical and control operations. The function of the CPU is to execute programs stored in the main memory by fetching instructions, examining them, and executing them one after the other. > They are processor chips which are very large integrated circuits mainly made up of silicon and gold. Processor chips vary slightly in look depending on which company has made them CPU - Architecture > The CPU consists of a control unit. an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and registers. Units of a processor chip (CPU) Tasks carried out by a CPU are listed below: 1. Control Unit ~ decoding the instructions within a computer > sequencing the reading and writing of data within the CPU and externally on the data bus > controlling the sequence in which instructions are executed > controlling the operations performed by the ALU i. ALU (arithmetic and logic unit > The arithmetic logical unit (ALU) is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations and comparisons of data, ut. CPU- Registers ‘The CPU also contains a small high speed memory which is used to store temporary results and control information.Grade 7 and 8 Basie computer skils training Module 3. Memory (primary storage device) > The memory of a computer is the part used to hold /store/ programs and data, > The memory of a computer is constructed from microchips. Memory can be thought of as a set of pigeon holes or cells with each one having a unique address. Each pigeon hole can store 8 bits of data. > A computer contains two types of memory, Random Access Memory (RAM) and Rend Only Memory (ROM). Random Access Memory (RAM) > Random Access Memory (RAM) is responsible for storing the instructions and data that the computer is using at that present moment in time. > It is described as volatile memory as the contents of RAM chips can be lost when the computer is turned off or when new data is being written to RAM while other data is being processed. Read Only Memory (ROM) ROM is responsible for storing permanent data and instructions. 4. Output Devices These devices display information that has been held or generated within a computer. Convert information processed by CPU to human understandable format either visually or in any format. ‘Some examples are shown below. VDU or Monitor, Printer, speaker, Plotter 5. Secondary Storage Devices In many cases the information that has been processed is stored in machine-readable format so that it may be accessed at a later time by a computer, This data is stored in binary form in ‘bits permanently, This practice requires the use of storage devices. Storage Devices: > Hard Disk > Magnetic Tape > Floppy Disk > Optical Disk Computer Software | | Computer hardware is directed by a set of instructions. Without these instructions, computers can do nothing. These set of instructions are called software (also called programs), We usc programming languages to write these instructions. Examples of programming languages include C, CH, Visual Basic, Java, etc. Software is categorized into two: > System Software > Application Software i, System software Refers to programs designed to perform tasks associated with directly controlling and utilizing computer hardware. It does not accomplish specific task to the user, such as creating document or analyzing data. System software constitutes those programs, which increase the facilities of the [ Prevared by; ao Page 6eecovcat Engineering 1d @ Basle computer skills raining Module hardware system. It lies the hardware and the application software, Systems software was developed in order to automate the following routine tasks: > Allocation of various programs to main memory > Loading of programs that perform routines to control peripheral devices, > Execution of programs. Systems software provides a means of standardizing the various activities performed during the execution of these task: System software has been categorized into, > Operating System > Utility Sofware > Language translators (software) For example, Operating system manage resources, provides a user interface, and run application software. It onganizes resources such as keyboard, mouse, printer, monitor, ete. It also presents GUI (Graphical User Interface) to the user for easy use of computer. It makes complex hardware more user friendly ie. it acts between the user and hardware. fi, Application software Application software refers to those programs developed to meet particular user requirements for specific application, The common application programs are word processing software, spreadsheets, Databases, Graphics software, presentation application software, A ity 2 > Ifyour office has a microcomputer, look at the manuals that come with it, Review the manuals} to find out what type of microprocessor is in the computer. Look also at the computer screen ‘when the computer is tumed on to see if information about the computer is shown there. Then, examine two types of software used by your organization. What are the minimum requirements for a microprocessor for each type of software? Does the computer meet the minimum requirements for the software? Does it exceed the requirements (that is, is the computer's microprocessor newer or more powerful than the software requires)? Again, look| in the software manuals for information, or ask a friend or colleague to help you. Do not remove the back from the computer or try to untoad or reload the software. > Identify and list the type of Hardware and Software that you see in the laboratory > Ask the person or persons responsible for computer management in your organization how much random access memory (RAM) your organization's computer has. Find out if they think, _the computer has enough RAM and why or why not. Section 2: Basics of windows 2.1 Basics of windows xp ‘When you press the power switches of the system unit and the monitor, your computer Starts runs the POST (Power On Self Test) program and checks the system if it is OK to start. If there is no problem to star it will start loading the operating system to memory. Then the operating system will stan serving both the users and the application software. Prepared ty: meine Page7Starting computers from the power off state is called cold boot. Restarting computers from the power on state due to some problem is called warm boot. To restart computers press the CTRL + ALT + DELETE key combination, 2.2 Windows XP Environment Desktop Start button Desktop icons Desktop is an on-screen work area that uses icons and menus to simulate the top of a desk. A desktop is characteristic of the Apple Macintosh and of windowing programs such as Microsoft Windows. Its intent is to make a computer easier to use by enabling users to move pictures of objects and to start and stop tasks in much the same way as they would if they were working on a physical desktop. The start button helps to start programs in windows. Just click on it to sce what programs are found in it. The Task bar is a bar on windows that help to show the opened windows, minimized windows, and other tools that are resident on the task bar. 2.3 The Desktop Elements The reeyele bin ‘The recycle bin is an icon on the desktop that helps to collect deleted data (temporarily deleted). Once you temporarily delete data, you will find it in the recycle bin. Recyde Bin The my computer icon sy Computer My computer is an icon on the desktop that contains different drives and shared documents. Double click on the icon and see what is inside my computer icon, The different types of drives are found inside my computer. The | (C:) drive is the hard disk drive that helps to use the hard disk found inside the system unit, The 31/2 floppy (A:) drives helps to use the removable floppy disk. The CD drive (D:) helps to use the compact disks (CDs). 2.4 Parts of a Window Itis true that different windows do have different targets. Bul most have some common arts, Now lei us see some parts ofa window that are common among different types of windows, For this les take word pad as a sample window und see its parts. (Prepared by :SRbanaapiemaotinepsaton). Page 8Maximize/Restore Title bar close Menu bar Minimize button ‘Tool bar Vertical scroll bar Note: Tomove any window, hold the mouse (et key) down on the le bar nd dag to the locaton you ike. > Click on the minimize button EM to shrink the window and put it on the task bar. © Note that minimizing doesn’t mean closing. The minimized window is running until you close it. You minimize windows may be due to shortage of space (due to overlapping windows). > Click on the maximize/Restore button Kal to inerease or decrease the size of a window > Click on the close button Ito close the window > Inwindows you can have multiple open windows. When you need to use one click on the window to activate it, Or minimize other windows to make the needed window visible. 2.5 Using the Caleulator ‘To open the calculator Click on start button All programs Accessories Calculator vv Click on start button Click on run Write cale on the run text box ‘Click on OK Now you can calculate by clicking on the buttons, vyvy 2.6 PAINT Paint is used to draw pictures. It has color palate and tools to draw pictures. You can choose ‘appropriate tool from the toolbox and choose color from the color palate and draw whatever picture you want to draw. [ Preporcd ip eter Page 9Electrical Englncering Grade 7 and 8 Basle computer skills training Module —_—— sn a To open paint in windows: = > Click on start button Ea > Click on all programs 8 > Click on accessories ne > Paint mh or 26 > Click on start button > Click on run | > Write Mspaint in the run text box > Click on OK > Select the text to be copied > — Click on edit menu and click on copy > Click on the destination area > Click on the edit menu > Click on paste 2.8 Managing files and folders Creating files You can create a file using any text editor. We have seen how to create files using WordPad. Now let's see how to create folders and put files in folders. Working on folders Creating folders using windows explorer. Folders are binders to files. It is usual to put similar files in a folder. Folders are therefore, important to contain many files of similar nature. It is possible to create folders in different places. For now let’s create them using windows explorer. To open windows explorer: > Right click on start button > Click on explore. Then the explore window will be opened The explore window has two parts. The left side is the tree structure of folders and drives. And the right pane shows the content of the selected folder on the left side. The + sign on the left show that the folder has unopened sub folders. And the — sign shows that the folder is opened. Click on the folders on the left to see their contents on the right pane. Now we can have our own folders. To create folders: Click on the root directory on the left pane. E.g. click on (C:) Click on the file menu New sub menus Folder vy { Prepared by:ratamtca—echOGSRe{ Page 10