BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS II

INPUT DEVICES

An input device is any external/peripheral device which feeds the computer system with
raw data, and waits for processing, to display the desired output. They are devices used to enter
data or information into a computer. Some examples of input devices include the mouse, keyboard,
smart cards, image catchers, biometric scanners, Joystick, Light pen among others.

Input devices, such as buttons and joysticks, can be collectively combined on a solitary
physical device that could be thought of as a compound device.

A. Keyboard

The keyboard is a device used to input letters or numbers into various applications or
programs.

A keyboard also has special keys that help operate the computer (A-Z, 0-9, (), {}, [], etc).

Types of Keyboards

There a two major types of keyboards. The others aren’t coherent enough. The two include:

1) Standard Keyboard: This key board was designed when computers were first made to be used.
You can’t find those types now. Their function keys had only f1-f10, and didn’t include some
special keys.

2) Enhanced Keyboard: This keyboard design is the one being used today. It is wider, and has
more keys than the standard keyboard. Its function keys are 12 in number (f1 – f12).

Features of the Keyboard

A. Numeric Keys: These keys are strictly numbers. They occupy the top left corner of the
keyboard, to the middle of the keyboard. They include numbers 0-9.

B. Alphabetic Keys: These keys are strictly alphabets. They are twenty six (26) in number.
They include letters A-Z.
 C. Arrow Keys: These are directional/navigation keys. They are used to direct the cursor
either to the left, right, top, or bottom.

D. Functional keys: They are used for so many purposes, depending on how the keyboard
was designed. Their labels are f1, f2, f3, f4, f5, f6, f7, f8, f9, f10, f11, f12.

E. Special keys

1. Enter Key: This is used for executing/carrying out a command.

2. Home key: It moves the cursor to the beginning of the work.

3. End Key: It moves the cursor to end of the work.

4. PG UP, PG DN: This moves the page up and down. i.e., it is used for scrolling up and
down.

5. DEL: It deletes whatever character is at the cursor at that particular time.

6. INS: Switches between two modes of entering data.

7. Backspace: It deleted whatever character is being typed at that particular period.

8. ESC: This Key is used to leave the current activity.

9. Space: Used to create a space between words while typing.

B. The Mouse

The mouse is used to open or close files, and to click on a lot of instructions when using several
applications. The mouse has the ability to left-click and right-click. Laptops of nowadays have
their mouse built together with the system, so it is more like a touch pad. The left-clicking
opens the application directly, while the right-clicking gives you various options you may want
to consider before opening the application.

STEPS TO HOLD THE MOUSE:

1. Place the mouse on a mouse pad to move it easily.

2. Hold the mouse and rest your palm gently on it.

3. Your thumb should be on one side and the ring finger and little finger should be on the other
side of the mouse.

4. Keep your index finger on the left mouse button and your middle finger on the right mouse
button. These two fingers will help you in clicking on the mouse.

You are now ready to move the mouse around the mouse pad.

Uses of the mouse

i. Double clicking ii. Clicking

iii. Drag and drop iv. Pointing

v. Scrolling vi. Right-clicking

There are several other input devices which include: Microphone, Light Pen, Scanner, Joystick,
and External Webcam.
 OUTPUT DEVICES

An output device is any electronic or electromechanical equipment connected to a computer and

used to transfer data out of the computer in the form of text, images, sounds, or other media.

Examples of output devices

1. Monitors
2. Printers
3. Speakers
4. Headphones
5. Monitor
MONITORS

A monitor is an electronic visual display found on computers. It displays the end result of the
raw data that has been input for processing. The monitor comprises the display device, circuitry
and an enclosure. It has the capability of displaying clear end-results and information in form of
images with different colours.

Types of Monitors

1. CRT Monitors:
CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube. They are the all old model monitors. Unlike the LCD, they
are heavy in weight; occupy a lot of space, high consumption of power, high radiation and
supports very low resolution.

2. Liquid Crystal Display Monitor (LCD):

They are commonly called the “Flat Panel Monitors”, and were created due to the bulky nature
of the Cathode-Ray Tube Monitors. They are much flatter than the Cathode-Ray Tube monitors
and generate less heat.

Cathode Ray Tube Monitor (CRT) Liquid Crystal Display Monitor (LCD)
PRINTERS

A printer is an output device that prints text or illustrations on paper. It is a device that has to be
connected to a computer which permits a user to print items on paper, such as letters and pictures,
etc. It accommodates text and graphic output/result from a computer and transfers the
information to paper. Printers are occasionally sold with computers, but commonly are purchased
independently. Printers differ in size, speed, sophistication, and cost. In common, more costly
printers are used for higher-resolution colour printing.

Types of Printers

1. Impact Printers:
Impact printers produce text and images when tiny wire pins on print head hit the ink ribbon
by actually making contact with the paper. Examples of impact printers include: Dot matrix and
Line printers

2. Non-Impact Printers:
Non-impact printers create text and graphics on paper without actually striking the paper. They do
so by spraying ink or using pressure or heat to produce the image. Examples include: Ink-jet
Printer, Laser Printers, and Thermal Printers.
 THE SYSTEM UNIT

A system unit is the part of a computer that controls and keeps the primary devices that
perform operations and present results for cumbersome calculations. It is made up of the
motherboard, CPU, RAM and other workings, as well as the case in which these devices are kept.
This unit performs the majority of the functions that a computer is obligated to do.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the brains of the computer where the majority of calculations take place. The
CPU is the most important element of a computer system. On outsized machines, the CPU requires
one or more printed circuit boards. On personal computers and small workstations, the CPU is kept
in a lone chip called a microprocessor. The CPU itself is an internal constituent of the computer.
Recent CPUs are petite and rectangular and included several metallic connectors or pins on the
underneath.

Arithmetic and Logic Unit

This is one major part of a computer that carries out all arithmetic computations, such as
addition and multiplication, and all other similar operations. The ALU is one constituent of the
central processing unit.

Control Unit

The control unit is a constituent of a computer's central processing unit which controls the
function of the processor. It controls contact and harmonization between input/output devices. It
reads and interprets orders and chooses the progression for handing out the data.

Primary Memory

Memory is required in computers to store data and instructions. Memory is physically organized
as a large number of cells that are capable of storing one bit each. Logically they are organized as
groups of bits called words that are assigned an address. Data and instructions are accessed through
these memory address.

RAM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. The processor accesses all memory addresses directly,
irrespective of word length, making storage and retrieval fast. RAM is the fastest memory available
and hence most expensive but it is volatile.

ROM

ROM stands for Read Only Memory. As the name suggests, ROM can only be read by the
processor. New data cannot be written into ROM. Data to be stored into ROM is written during
the manufacturing phase itself. They contain data that does not need to be altered, like booting
sequence of a computer. ROM is slower and hence cheaper than RAM. It retains its data even
when power is switched off, i.e. it is non-volatile. ROM cannot be altered the way RAM can be
 COMPUTER ETHICS

Definition of Computer Ethics

Computer ethics is a set of moral principles that regulate the use of computers.

Some common issues of computer ethics include intellectual property rights (such as copyrighted
electronic content), privacy concerns, and how computers affect society.

For example, while it is easy to duplicate copyrighted electronic (or digital) content,
computer ethics would suggest that it is wrong to do so without the author's approval. And while
it may be possible to access someone's personal information on a computer system,
computer ethics would advise that such an action is unethical.

Computer Laboratory Requirements

1. Non-faulty Computer System

2. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
3. Good Furniture
4. Faultless Printer
5. Power Supply Surge Protectors and Stabilizers
6. Fire extinguisher
7. Papers Scanners and Photocopiers
8. Speakers
9. Ventilation and Air-conditioners/Fans
Ways of Maintaining the Computer

1. Install an antivirus on your system

2. Clean off dust from your computer
3. Setup a firewall
4. Always backup your data
5. Plug your system and its accessories to a surge protector
6. Always run spywares
7. Clean up your software
8. Update your operating

Computer Room Management Ethics

The computer room should be managed properly. Unlike our homes, we need to keep a computer
room in a good condition always by:

1. Making it free of dust: we should endeavour to dust our computers every day after sweeping the
room. After some time, a computer engineer should use a blower to blow off the dust from within
the computer.
2. Maintaining appropriate lighting: A computer room must not be dark while computers are being
used. A steady flow of electricity and a device called an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and
inverters can be used. A UPS is a device used to store electricity for the computer in case of power
failure.

3. Maintaining adequate and appropriate ventilation: A cooling system is necessary all the time for
our computers. Fans and air conditioners should be used always to avoid computers being damaged
because of heat.

4. Proper setup of the computer system: All connections should be done before usage.

5. Eating and drinking should be avoided while in the computer room: The computer is an
electronic device. Liquids could be spilt mistakenly into the computer if we eat and drink in the
computer room. Fluid generally is not okay for electronic devices because it can short-circuit
components inside them, causing them to malfunction and result in eventual damage. Moreso, food
particles could obstruct ventilation inside the computer system resulting in damage due to
overheating.

6. Noise should be avoided in a computer room. The computer room is not a marketplace. People
could be using the computer for research, attending online classes, writing examinations, etc.
Absolute quietness is needed in the computer room to avoid distraction.

7. A maintenance officer should check all computers before and after use.

System Laboratory Rules and Regulations

1. Do not use your computer to cause harm to people e.g. programmed bomb,
scamming, etc.
2. Don’t interfere with whatever someone else is doing on his own computer
3. Scan flash drives before using them
4. Don’t just download any software you see. Some might contain viruses.
5. Do not plagiarize (take the work or an idea of someone else and pass it off as one's own.)
6. Do not bring food and drinks into the computer room
7. Make sure you shut down after use
8. Don’t change the settings of the computer without authorization and permission
9. Turn off all computer appliances before leaving the computer room
10. Don’t move any equipment from its original position
11. There should be a no smoking policy in the computer room
12. Take responsibility for whatever equipment you are using.
 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

ICT is a broad band term that involves any communication device or application, such as:
radios, televisions, cellular phones, computers and network hardware and software, satellite
systems, etc, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as video
conferencing and distance learning.

Meaning of ICT

ICT is an acronym that stands for Information and Communication Technology.

Definition of ICT

- ICT can be defined as technologies that provide access to information through

telecommunications.

- Information and Communication Technology deals with the use of diverse technological
tools and resources to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve information.

It comprises computers, networks, satellite communications, robots, videotext, cable television,

electronic mail, electronic games and automated office equipment.

Uses of ICT

The three main uses of ICT include the following: Communication, timing and control and
information processing & management.

Uses of ICT in communication

1. Telephones: The uses of mobile phones have eased the stress of passing information all
over the world.
2. Emails: sending messages via the internet
3. Social Medias: connecting and communicating with the world, far and wide.
4. Laptops and computers: Also a mobile means of communication, with little or no
restrictions.
Uses of ICT in Timings and Controls

1. Weather forecasting
2. Controlling Traffic
3. Control tower in Airports and shipping ports
4. Control of lights and buzzers
5. Microwave ovens
Uses of ICT in Information Management
Management of the database: ICT is used in form of computers to make, store, and edit
data, and also retrieve the data stored.

Order Processing

1. Libraries: ICT is used to keep stock of the books in the library, and find out the
books available, and the ones borrowed through the use of computers.
2. Payment of pensions: Computers are used to keep a record of pensioners and how
much they are meant to receive per month or yearly.
3. Banking and Finance Industry: Computers keep financial records for both the company
and the customer. Computers are used for giving out loans, paying salaries, calculation
of interest on loans, VAT, commissions, and giving money to customers who deposited.
ICT and the Society

1. Employment Opportunities
ICT provides people with new opportunities for employment, education and training society.

2. Health Care
All widely known hospitals and fast rising ones have adapted the devices constructed with the
knowledge of ICT. Most equipments and facilities used in the hospitals are computerized.

3. Elimination of Language Barriers

ICT made a most important input towards the removal of language barriers. This is potential
with the use of language translators.

4. Education

ICT is been used in schools by students and teachers in searching for knowledge and educative
materials.