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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

Definition of a computer

- A computer can be define as an electronic device that process a user’s input usually
referred to as data to a desired output, also known as information.
- This is made possible by a set of instructions called computer programs stored in a computer.
- Data can be defined as raw facts that do not have much meaning to the user and may include:
numbers, letters and symbols.
- Information is the processed data that is meaningful to the user.
- A computer is said to be electromagnet because it utilizes electrical signals to process information.
- The integration of computers and telecommunication facilities for the purpose of communication
is what is referred to as Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
- Computers come in different sizes and designs but the most common is personal computer (PC).
Used in offices, home, schools and business.

Physical part of a computer

- A desktop computer is made up of a collection of different components that are interconnected in

order to function as a single entity.
- A typical desktop computer is basically made up of a system unit and other devices connected to
the system unit called peripheral devices.
- Examples of peripheral devices include;
 monitor also known as screen,
 keyboard and
 Mouse.

System Unit
- This is the part that houses the brain of a computer called the central processing unit (CPU).
- The system unit also houses other devices called drives. Drives are used to store, record and read
data.

Peripheral devices
- Peripheral devices are connected to the system unit using special cables Called interface cables
that transmit data and information to and from the devices.
- The cables are attached to the system unit through connectors called ports.

Keyboard
- A keyboard is the most common peripheral device that enables a user to enter data and
instructions to a computer.

Mouse
- A mouse is a pointing device that enables the user to execute commands.
- It is used to control an arrow displayed on the screen. To execute a command the user moves the
mouse which consequently moves the pointer on the screen.

Monitor
- A monitor or simply the screen is a television- like device used for displaying information. It is
called a monitor because it enables the user to monitor or see what is going on in the computer.

Classification of computers
- Computers can be classified according to physical size, purpose and functionality.

Classification according to physical size

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- Based on physical size, computers can be classified into four main groups namely

 supercomputers,
 mainframe computers,
 minicomputers and
 Microcomputers.

Supercomputers

- Supercomputers are the fastest, largest, most expensive and powerful computers available. They
are to perform many complex operations in a fraction of a second. Because of its weight; a
supercomputer is kept in a special room. Due to their huge processing power, super computers
generate a lot of heat. Special cooling system is therefore required. Sometimes the whole CPU is
immersed in an aquarium like tank containing liquid fluorocarbon to provide cooling.
- Supercomputers are mainly used for scientific research, which requires enormous calculations.
Applications that justify use of computers include aerodynamic design and simulation, petroleum
research, defense and weapon analysis among others.
- Supercomputers are mostly found in main developed countries such as USA and Japan where they
are used for advanced scientific research such as nuclear physics.

Mainframe computers

- Mainframe computers are less powerful and less expensive than supercomputers.
- While supercomputers may be described as giant computers, mainframes are said to be big in size.
They are used for processing data and performing complex mathematical calculations. They have
a large storage capacity and support a verity of peripherals.
- Mainframe computers handle all kinds of problems whether scientific or commercial.
- They are mostly found in government agencies, big organization and companies such as banks,
hospitals, and airports etc; which have large information processing needs.
Minicomputers

- A minicomputer resembles the mainframe but slightly smaller. Thus it is referred to as small-scale
mainframe computer. Although it supports fewer peripheral devices and is not as powerful and
fast as the mainframe computer, it was developed as a cheaper alternative to the mainframes for
smaller organizations.
- They are used mainly in scientific laboratories, research institutions, engineering plants and places
where processing automation is required.
- They well adapted for functions such as accounting, word processing, data base management and
specific industry applications.

Microcomputers

- A microcomputer is the smallest, cheapest and relatively least powerful type of computer. It is
called a microcomputer because; its CPU is called a microprocessor, which is very small
compared to that of microcomputers, mainframe and supercomputers.
- Microcomputers are commonly used in training and learning institutions, small business
enterprises, and communication centers, among others.
- Today, the power of microcomputers has grown tremendously, closing the gap that formerly
existed and reserved for the minicomputers and the mainframes.
- Technology advancement has seen the development of smaller minicomputers.
- Types of minicomputers in operation today;
1. Desktop computers: is designed to be placed on top of an office desk.
2. Notebook or laptop computers: portable convenient for mobile users.
3. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA): is small enough to fit in the pocket.

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Classification according to purpose.

- Computers can be classified according to the tasks they perform either as general or special
purpose computers.

General purpose computers.

- General purpose computers have been designed to be able to perform a variety of tasks when loaded
with appropriate programmes. They are the most common types of computers in use today.
- Their flexibility enables them to be applied in a wide range of applications like; document
processing, performing calculations, accounting, and data and information management among
others.

Special purpose computers.

- Special purpose computers are designed to serve a specific purpose or to accomplish one particular
task. Such computers can perform no other task except the one they were meant to do.
- This means that the set of instructions, which drive a special purpose computer, are limited in
number at the time of manufacture. Examples of such computers include; robots used in the
manufacturing industry, mobile phones for communication only and electronic calculators that carry
out calculations only.
- Since special purpose computers are dedicated to a single task, they can perform the task quickly and
very efficiently.

Classification according to functionality.

- Computers can be classified into three types according to the type of data they process. Data can
either be in discrete or in continuous form.

Digital computers.
- Digital computers process data that is discrete in nature. Discrete data also known as digital data is
usually represented using a two-state square wave form.
- Apart from PC’s, most modern home appliances such as digital TV’s, microwaves, wall clocks and
other electronic home appliances are digital in nature.

Analog computers.
- This refers to computers that process data that is continuous in nature. Continuous data also
known as analog data is usually represented using a continuous waveform.
- Analog computers are used in manufacturing process control like monitoring and regulating
furnace temperatures, pressures etc. They are also used in other applications like in weather
stations to record and process physical quantities e.g. wind, cloud speed, temperatures etc.

Hybrid computers.
- Hybrid computers are designed to process both analog and digital data.

Development of computers.
- Historical development of computers can be traced back to the time human beings were struggling
to invent non-electronic tools that would simplify arithmetic such as Abacus and Napier’s bones.

Abacus.
- An abacus was a Chinese counting instrument which dates back to 3000 BC. The abacus has bead-
like parts that move along rods. Each bead above the middle bar stands for five units. Each bead
below stands for one unit.

Napier’s bones.
- Napier’s bones was developed by John Napier, a Scottish mathematician in the 17th century. It
helps in multiplication and division.

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The analytical engine.

- The analytical engine was designed by an English mathematician, Charles Babbage in 1832. The
engine is recognized as the first real computer and Babbage as the father of computing.

Electronic computers.
- It took several years after Babbage designed the analytical engine to come up with an electronic
computer. The age of modern electronic computer can be traced back to 1951. These are classified
into five generations depending on the technology used to develop them.

1. First generation computer. (1940s to 1958)

- First generation computer were large physically and used thousands of electronic gadgets
called vacuum tubes or thermionic valves.
- Examples of first generation computers include Electronic Numeric Integrator and
calculator (ENIAC) and the Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer.
2. Second generation computers. (1958-19640
- Computers in this generation operated using tiny solid-state electronic devices called
transistors that were much smaller than the vacuum tubes. These computers produced
less heat, were much faster, smaller in size and more reliable than those made of vacuum
tubes. Examples of second generation computers include IBM1401 AND 7070, UNIVAC
1107, ATLAS LEO Mark III and Honeywell 200.
3. Third generation computers. (1964-1970)
- The third generation computers used electronic devices called integrated circuits (ICs).
An integrated circuit consists of thousands of small transistor circuits etched on a
semiconductor called a silicon chip.
- Third generation computers emitted less heat, were smaller in size and were easier to
program, use and maintain compared to their predecessors. Examples of third generation
computers include smaller and less expensive minicomputer such as IBM 360 and ICL
19000 series.

4.Fourth generation computers.

- From 1970, further technological improvement was done on the silicon chip design by
compressing more tiny circuits and transistors into even smaller space. This design
produced what is called large scale integrated (LSI) and very large scale integrated
(VLSI) circuits which were used in the innovation and technological development of the
brain of the computer called the microprocessor.
- Fourth generation computers are characterized by very low emissions of heat, are small in
size and easier to use and maintain.
- Examples of fourth generation computers include IBM 370 and 4300, Honeywell DPS-88
and Burroughs 7700.

5.Fifth generation computers.

- In this generation falls today’s computer that has very high processing power and speed
than their predecessors, whose size is increasingly becoming smaller. These computers
have special instructions sets that allow them to support complex programs that mimic
human intelligence often referred to as artificial intelligence.
- Fifth generation computers are characterized by artificial intelligence, connectivity to
internet, superior hardware and software and are very small in size.
- A lot of research is being done to try and come up with machines that can work without
human intervention. One of the most successful developments in this field is the advent
of computers that can help managers to make decisions and those that can offer critical
expert services to users instead of relying on human intervention.

Areas where computers are used.

Supermarkets

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- Most retail stores use computers to help in the management of daily activities like stock
control. The stock control system keeps account of what is sold and what is out of stock. The
management is automatically alerted whenever a particular item or items are running out of
stock that needed reordering.

Offices
- Computers have increased efficiency in offices by reducing the time and effort needed to
access and receive information. Most modern office functions have been automated for faster
information distribution and document processing.

Banks
- Special cash dispensing machines called automated teller machines (ATMs) have enabled
automation of cash deposit and withdrawal services. Efficiency has also been increased due to
better record keeping and document processing brought about by use of computers.

Industries
- Computers are being used to monitor and control industrial processes.
- The computers age has seen wide use of remote controlled devices called robots. A robot is a
machine that works like human being but performs tasks that are too unpleasant, dangerous,
or complex and tedious to assign to human beings.

Hospitals
- Computers are used to keep patient’s records in order to provide easy access to a patient’s
treatment and diagnosis history.
- Computerized medical devices are now being used to get across sectional view of the
patient’s body that enables physicians to get proper diagnosis of affected body parts with high
levels of accuracy.
- Computers also control life support machines in Intensive Care Units (ICU).

Transport
- Computers are used to monitor vehicles traffic in busy towns, in aircrafts navigation and in
making reservations.

Communication
- Integration of computers and telecommunication facilities has made message transmission
and reception to be very fast and efficient. Because of the speed with which information can
be transmitted around the world using computers, the world is said to have become a global
village.

Law enforcement agencies

- Information stored in computers such as fingerprint, images and other identification details
help law enforcers carry out criminal investigations.

Education
- Computers are widely used in learning processes. Learning and teaching using computers is
referred to as Computer Aided Learning (CAL) and Computers Aided Institution (CAI). For
example, experiments in subjects like chemistry or physics may be demonstrated using a
special computer program that can depict them on the screen through a process called
simulation.

Domestic and entertainment

- Computers can be used at home for recreational activities such as watching movies, playing
music and computer games. They can also be used in storing personal information,
calculating, keeping home budgets and research.

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Library services
- In a computerized library, a computer enables library personnel to easily access and keep
updated records of books and other library materials.
- Library users can also use computers to search for titles instead of using the manual card
catalogue.

THE COMPUTER LABORATORY

-A computer laboratory or simply a computer lab is a room set aside and prepared specifically for safe
installation and use of computers
-in schools a computer provides a safe conducive environment for learning and teaching computer studies.
- Factors to be considered when preparing a computer laboratory;
 Security of the computer software and hardware
 Reliability of the source of power
 Number of computer to be setup
 Maximum number of users

SAFETY PRECAUTION AND PRACTISES

-The computer lab there is rules that protect both user and the computer

MEASURES TO PROTECT THE COMPUTERS

 Burglar proofing –This includes fitting grills on doors, windows and roof, to deter forceful entry
into the computer lab. Installation of security guards and intrusion of detection of alarm system
thus increasing the level of security alertness against theft of computers
 Installation of fire prevention and control equipments –equipments such as smoke detectors, non
liquid based and non-powder based fire extinguishers are gaseous type. This is because liquid may
cause rusting and corrosion of computer components. On the other hand, powder particles may
increase friction and wear and wear of movable parts. Their particles may also cause disks to crash.
 The room should be well laid out- with enough space for movement. Computers should be placed
on tables, wide desks to avoid accidentally knocking them down. Cables should be laid out in trunks
away from user paths to avoid people stumbling on them.

PROVIDING STABLE POWER SUPPLY.

- Computers are delicate devices that require a stable source of power. Power from mains
supply is not always stable and may sometimes experience power surges or under voltage
sometimes referred to as brownout. To protect the computer from being damaged due tom
power instabilities, avoid connecting it directly to the main electricity. Instead, connect it to a
special device called uninterruptible power supply (UPS) then connect the UPS to the mains.

 Dust and dump control- Dust can be controlled by fitting good window curtains and an air
conditioning system that filters dust particles from the air entering the room. Also computers
should be covered with dust covers when not in use.
Dampness or humidity in the lab can be controlled by using dehumidifiers. High humidity leads to
rusting of the computer metallic parts.
 Cables and power sockets should be well insulated- and of the correct power rating to avoid
short circuits that can cause damage to the computer components.

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 The users should not eat or drink- in the computer laboratory. Food particles may fall in moving
computer parts like the keyboard and clog them while liquids may pour into electrical circuits and
cause short circuits.

MEASURES THAT PROTECT THE USER.

 All cables should be insulated-to avoid the danger of electric shock to users.
 Cables should be laid away- from users’ paths to avoid tripping on them.
 Providing standard furniture- to avoid poor posture which may lead to strain injury and limb
fatigue. The table should be of the right height relative to the sea to provide comfortable hand
positioning. The seat should have an upright backrest and should be high enough to allow the
eyes of the user to be level with the top of the screen.
 Providing antiglare screens- (light filters) and adjustable screens top avoid eye strain and
fatigue caused by over bright cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. However, modern flat Panel
displays such as crystal liquid display (LCD) do not strain the eye.
 The room should be properly ventilated- to avoid dizziness caused by lack of enough oxygen
and to allow computers to cool.
 The walls of the computer room should not be painted- with over bright reflective oil paints
and the screen should face away from the window to avoid glare caused by bright backgrounds.
 Overcrowding- in the computer room is not allowed. This may cause suffocation.

PRACTICAL HAND ON SKILLS.

Cold booting a computer.

- Once you turn on the computer, it automatically goes through a process of self-test and
preparation for use. This process is called cold booting or boot up.
- Cold booting: Starting the computer from mains power supply.
- Warm booting: Starting the computer using the restart button when it was already on.
- Once you turn on the computer, you may hear the sound of the cooler fan running. After a few
seconds, lines of text start scrolling up on the screen. This process is referred to as Power-on
self test (POST). POST checks on the existing drives, basic input and output devices such as
the keyboard, monitor and the mouse. If a problem is encountered, the process is halted and
an error message is displayed on the screen.
- POST is accomplished by a special firmware program called the Basic input/Output system
(BIOS) which is held in a 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 complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). CMOS is
powered by a dry cell that mostly resembles that of a digital watch. If the cell is down, the
computer requires the user to enter the current date and time.
- Lastly, a special type of computer program used to manage computers called an operating
system is loaded to the computer memory.

Shutting down a computer

- The correct procedure of shutting down a computer at all times must be followed in order to curb:
 Data loss
 Damage of computer programs
 Damage of computer components

Procedure of shutting down

- Ensure that all the work has been properly stored this process is called saving.
- Close all programs that may be currently running
- If your computer is running on Microsoft windows XP or VISTA
 Click the start button
 On the start menu click turn off computer
 On the message box that appears click TURN OFF

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Earlier versions of windows procedure

 On the start menu click shut down
 In the shut down message window, select shut down and then click ‘OK’

Key boarding and mouse skills

Key board lay out

Classification of key board keys

1. Alphanumeric keys
-also called typing keys
They include; alphabetical letters a-z,
 Numbers arranged on line 1, 2, 3 -12
 Special symbols i.e.?,/,%.
 Caps lock, enter, tab, spacebar, and backspace.
Caps lock key-pressing it once helps the user to write in upper case letters [capital] to
switch back to lower case letters press same key again.
Enter key [return key]-pressing this key forces the text cursor to move to the beginning of
the next line
Cursor-a blinking under score [-] or vertical beam [I]that shows where the text appears
Enter key is also used to instruct the computer to execute a command that has been selected
on the screen
Tab key-it is used to move the text cursor at set intervals on the same line.
The space bar-This bar creates a space between words during typing.
The back space key- This key deletes characters from right to left on the same line.

2. Function keys
–These are used for tasks that occur frequently in various programs. This are usually located a
long the top of the keyboard and are labeled F1 up to F12

3. Cursor movement and editing keys

- These are keys used to move cursor on the screen
- Includes:-

Arrow key-pressing the right or left arrow key moves the cursor on characters to right or left
respectively. Up or down arrow key moves the text cursor one line up or down respectively.

Page up and page down keys-page up moves the cursor up one page incase the document
has many pages. Page down moves the cursor down one page incase the document has many
page.

Home and end keys

Pressing home key moves the cursor to the beginning of the current line
Pressing the end keys moves the cursor to the end of the current line

Editing keys-are used to delete or insert character in document

They include;
Insert key- this key inserts or replaces a character at the cursor position
Delete [Del] keys-this deletes character at the cursor at the position from left to right

4. Special purpose keys

- They are used in combination with the other keys to give certain commands for example
CTL+ESC is used to display the start menu
- They include; shift, ctrl, alt and esc.

5. Numeric key pad keys

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- They are located on the right hand side of the key board they consist of numbers 0-
9and arithmetical signs [+, _, x, /]
- They help the user to rapidly enter numeric data
- NB-the number on the numeric key pad can only be used when the num lock key
[situated on the numeric key pad] is on.
- They can be used as cursor movement and editing keys when num lock key is turned
off.
Using typing tutor
This is a type of soft ware that helps in increasing your typing speed and accuracy
Examples of tutor soft ware
Mavis beacon
Teaches typing
Typing poll
Typing master
Touch tutor

Mouse skills
-Moving a mouse on a flat surface makes the pointer on the screen to move in the same
direction as the mouse itself.
- When using the mouse follow the following guidelines:-
1. Place the mouse on a flat smooth surface
2. Gently hold the mouse with your right hand using the thumb and the two fingers
3. The index finger should rest on the left button while the middle finger rests on the right
button
Four mouse operations
- Clicking-this means pressing and releasing the left mouse button once. a click often selects on
objects
- Double clicking-this means pressing the left button twice in quick succession. Double
clicking usually opens a file or starts a program.
Right clicking-pressing the right hand mouse button once displays lists of commands from which
the user can make a selection. This list of commands is called a short cut menu or context sensitive
menu
- Drag and drop-this is where the user drags an item from one location on the screen to another
Procedure for drag and drop
 Point to the item you want to drag
 Press the left hand mouse button and hold it down
 Slide the mouse until the pointer reaches the desired position on the screen.
 Finally release the mouse button and the item will be dropped in the new location.

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