University of Salahaddin- Hawler

College of Engineering
Mechanical Department

* Basic Concepts of Information Technology *

Prepared by: Shivan Jawdat Jalil

M.Sc. in mechanical engineering- Thermal Power

Contact:
Email: [email protected] Lecture No. : One (W1)

1
Section 1

General Concepts
Lesson 1

Types of Computer
Lesson 1 – Types of Computer

Computer
◼ A computer is an electronic device used to process data,
converting data into information that is useful to people.

◼ A computer is a machine that is used to store and process data

electronically.

◼ A computer is an electronic device which is used to store, retrieve

and process data according to a set of instructions (program)
given to it.

Input Output
Lesson 1 – Types of Computer

Types of Computers
◼ Computers are of following types:
 Personal Computer
 Laptop computer
 Handheld Devices
◼ PDA

◼ Mobile Phones & Smart phones

 Multimedia Players
 Networked computer
 Server

 Mainframe computer
 Micro computer
Lesson 1 - Types of Computers

◼ Personal Computer
 In General, the term Personal Computer PC is used for any small
computer.

 Standard PC comprises a Casing/Box, a monitor, a keyboard and a

mouse.

 PC is cheap and easy to use.

 PC is normally used by students, families and in small businesses.

Lesson 1 - Types of Computers

◼ Laptop Computer
 A laptop is a small computer which can be easily carried in a small
bag/case.

 In laptop, batteries are used for power.

 Laptop has keyboard and a touchpad.

 It is expensive than PC.

 Laptop is almost equal in speed of a PC.

 It is normally used by business people.

 Lesson 1 - Types of Computers

◼ Handheld Devices
 Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
◼ It is a small computer which can be placed on the palm of hand.

◼ It has touch screen where we can use finger or digital pen.

◼ It can be used as a phone, Media Player, for internet.

◼ It is also used by businessmen.

 Mobile phones & Smart Phones

◼ These are advanced phones with latest functions.

◼ We can use them as a phone and as a computer to use some

software.
Lesson 1 - Types of Computers

◼ Multimedia Players

 These players can play and view many types of media files e.g.
video, music and photos.

 Example is Apple iPod

 We can connect these players to internet or other network.

Lesson 1 - Types of Computers

◼ Network Computers

 A network is a collection or group of computers connected with each

other via cables or wireless.

 A network is used to share resources and information.

 Network is used in large organisations, schools, hotels and offices.

Server
◼ Purpose is to “serve.”
◼ A computer that has the
purpose of supplying its
users with data; usually
through the use of a LAN
(local area network).
Lesson 1 - Types of Computers

◼ Mainframe Computers
 These are very big, powerful and very high speed computers.

 They can do multiple tasks at high speed.

 These are used by large organisations such an banks to control

the entire business operation.

 These are very expensive.

 They are placed in a big room.

Microcomputer
◼ Is a small relatively in
expensive computer with a
microprocessor as (central
processing unit (CPU) .
◼ Provides access to a wide
variety of computing
applications, such as word
processing, photo editing,
e-mail, and internet.
Supercomputer
◼ A computer that was the fastest in the world
at the time it was constructed.
◼ Can tackle tasks that would not be practical
for other computers.
 Typical uses
◼ Breaking codes
◼ Modeling weather systems
Lesson 2

Main Parts of a PC
Lesson 2 – Main Parts of a PC

Main Parts of a PC
◼ Keyboard

◼ Monitor

◼ Mouse

◼ Case/Box
 CPU
 HDD
 Floppy disk drive
 CD-ROM Drive

◼ Speakers
◼ Modem
Lesson 2 – Main Parts of a PC

Keyboard
◼ It is used to enter information in the computer.

◼ Its like a board having Keys (buttons)

Mouse
◼ It is used to operate or control the computer.

◼ When mouse is moved then a cursor is moved on the computer

screen.

◼ With mouse we can select menu options,

drag & drop and point & click.
Lesson 2 – Main Parts of a PC

Monitor / VDU (Video Display Unit)

◼ It is used to view information or results from the computer.

◼ Monitors are of many sizes and qualities.
◼ LCDs are new shapes of monitors.

System Unit/Case/Box
◼ It is a plastic or metal box.

◼ Box has many other parts of the computer like CPU, Motherboard,
Hard disk, CD-ROM.
Lesson 2 – Main Parts of a PC

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

◼ Hard disk is inside the computer box.
◼ It is used to store data and programs.

◼ Hard disk may be external or internal.

Floppy Disk Drive (FDD)

◼ Floppy disk is used to transfer the data from one computer to other
computer.

◼ New computers don’t have Floppy drives. Now we have Memory

sticks/Flash drive.
Lesson 2 – Main Parts of a PC

CD-ROM Drive (CD-ROM)

◼ In CD-ROM, a CD is used to read information.

◼ CD may contain computer software, data or music.

◼ We can also write data/information on Writeable CDs.

Speakers
◼ Speakers are used to play music or any audio.
◼ There are many types of speakers.
Lesson 2 – Main Parts of a PC

Modem
◼ Modem is used to connect to internet via a telephone line.

◼ Modem can be internal or external.

 • Section 2

• Lesson 3
Hardware

• Hardware
Lesson 3 – Hardware

◼ Hardware
 The term hardware refers to the
physical components of the computer
such as the system unit, mouse,
keyboard, monitor etc.

◼ Software
 The software is the instructions that
makes the computer work.
 Software is held either on your
computers hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD or
on a floppy disk and is loaded from the
disk into the computers RAM (Random
Access Memory), as and when
Central Processing Unit
Lesson 3 – Central Processing Unit

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

◼ CPU is the main part of the computer that performs all the work.

◼ CPU is also called brain of the computer.

◼ It performs processing, communication and all calculations of data.

◼ CPU is normally an Intel Pentium or AMD.

◼ It tells how fast your computer will run and its speed is measured in MHz
or GHz.

 A 600 MHz Pentium is much faster than a 400 MHz Pentium CPU.
◼ CPU performs all the calculations within the computer.
Lesson 4

Input Devices
 Lesson 4 – Input Devices
Input Devices
An Input Device is a device that is used to enter information into a PC
by typing, selecting, importing or downloading.

Some input devices are as follows:

 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Touchpad
 Trackballs
 Scanner
 Joysticks
 Graphic Tablet
 Digital cameras and Webcam
 Microphone
Lesson 4– Input Devices

◼ Keyboard

◼ Mouse

◼ Touchpad
 It senses the movement of the fingertip and moves the mouse
pointer (cursor) on the computer screen.
 It is used in laptops.

◼ Trackball
 Its like mouse having a ball on the upper side.
Lesson 4 – Input Devices

◼ Joysticks
 It is used to play games more quickly and efficiently.

◼ Graphic Tablet
 It is touch sensitive pad. A Stylus (digital pen) is used for drawing or
writing.

◼ Scanner
 Scanner is used to convert any printed material to digital form and to
import into the computer.
 We can convert any printed text to a soft copy with a special
computer software OCR.
Lesson 4 – Input Devices

◼ Webcam
 It is a small camera which is used to show live images over the internet.

◼ Digital Cameras
 These cameras can store images in digital form on a memory card and
transfer to computer.

◼ Microphone
 Microphone is used to convert speech into text by using special
software.
Lesson 5

Output Devices
Lesson 5 – Output Devices

Output Devices
An output Device is any device that is used to show information or
results of a PC.

Some Output devices are as follows:

 Monitors

 Speakers

 Speech Synthesiser

 Printers

 Touch screens
Lesson 5 – Output Devices

Output Devices

◼ Monitors / Computer Screen/ VDU

 This is the most common output device.
 Picture quality of monitor is called Resolution.

◼ Speakers
 Speakers are used to take any audio output or result from the
computer.

◼ Speech Synthesiser
 These are special software used to translate any written text into an
audio speech.
Lesson 5 – Output Devices

◼ Printers
 Printers are used to print paper copies of the text, pictures or any
other data.
 We have Colour printers and Black & White Printers
 Dot matrix printers, Inkjet printers, Laser printers.

Touch screens
 These are special monitors which are used not only to display
information but also to take any input. These are used in ATM
machines.
 Lesson 5 – Output Devices

Input and Output Ports

A port is a place where we can connect any external device to computer.

Some types are as follows:

◼ Serial Port
 This port connects devices like mice and keyboard and transfers data
in a single stream.

◼ Parallel Port
 This port connects devices like printers and transfers data in multiple
streams.
 Lesson 5 – Output Devices

◼ USB Port
 This is most common port and widely used to connect many devices.
 This is without pin.

◼ FireWire Port
 It is used to connect digital cameras because it transfers data at a high
speed.

◼ Network Port
 This port is used to connect the PC to other PCs in a network.
Lesson 6

Accessibility
Lesson 6 – Accessibility

Accessibility

Accessibility refers to how much easy a system is by disable people.

There are many devices which are helpful for disable people.

◼ Voice Recognition Software

 These software can translate speech/voice into text.

◼ Screen Reader
 These software is helpful for blind people.

◼ Screen Magnifier
 For low vision people, this software is used.

◼ On-screen keyboard
 With this software, disable people can type data using a pointing
device or joystick.
Section 3

Storage

Lesson 7

Storage Devices
 Lesson 7 – Storage Devices

Storage in Computer
In Computer, we can save Data/Information in many forms and devices.
All computers work on a binary numbering system, i.e. they process data
in one's or zero's.
This 1 or 0 level of storage is called a Bit.
The smallest unit of computer memory is Bit. It can store either 1 or 0.
Measurements of computer storage/memory are:
8 Bits 1 Byte
1024 Bytes 1 Kilobyte (Kb)
1024 Kilobytes 1 Megabyte (MB)
1024 Megabytes 1 Gigabyte (GB)

1024 Gigabytes 1 Terabyte (TB)

Lesson 7 – Storage Devices

Storage Devices

Some storage devices are as follows:

◼ Hard disk

◼ Floppy disk

◼ Compact disk (CD)

◼ Digital Versatile Disk (DVD)

◼ Memory Stick/Flash Memory

Lesson 7 – Storage Devices

Hard Disk

Generally, Data and computer programs are stored in the hard disk.

There are two types of hard disk.

◼ Internal Hard Disk

◼ External Hard Disk

Lesson 7 – Storage Devices

◼ Internal Hard Disks

 These are inside the system unit/Box.

 Their speed is very fast.

 They can store huge amount of data often in Gigabytes. A Gigabyte is

equivalent to 1024 Megabytes.

 Their costs are falling rapidly and normally these are the cheapest way
of storing data.
Lesson 7 – Storage Devices

External Hard Disks

◼ These hard disks are outside the system box and we can connect them
to computer using a USB port.

◼ These hard disk normally slower that internal hard disks

◼ These are more expensive than internal hard disks.

◼ Their performance is approximately same as internal hard disks.

◼ They can also store huge amount of data.

Lesson 7 – Storage Devices

Diskettes (Floppy Disks)

◼ Speed of Floppy disk is very slow.

◼ They can store small amount of data, normally 1.44 Mbytes.

◼ They are very cheap.

◼ They are not reliable.

Lesson 7 – Storage Devices

CD-ROM Disks

◼ CD-ROM is slower than hard disk but faster than floppy disk.

◼ They can store data around 650 Mbytes.

◼ CDs are also cheap as compared to hard disk.

DVD Drives

◼ These are faster than CDs but slower than Hard disk.

◼ They can store data up to 17 Gbytes.

◼ They are a little bit expensive than CDs.

Lesson 7 – Storage Devices

Memory Sticks/Flash Memory

◼ We can plug them directly into the computer using a USB port and use
them.

◼ They are small in size.

◼ They can store good amount of data.

◼ Digital cameras and other new devices have memory cards to store
images/data.
Lesson 7 – Storage Devices

Online file storage

◼ Many websites provide the facility to save data on the internet.

◼ We can store and access data using a PC and internet.

◼ This facility is becoming popular now a days.

Lesson 8

Storage Areas
Lesson 8 – Storage Areas

Storage Areas

◼ In Computer, storage areas are the places where we can store our data.

◼ Computer hard disk can be divided into many parts/sections.

◼ Each section is represented by an alphabet/character, e.g. (E:)

◼ We can also use Network drive which is available to all PCs in a

network.
Lesson 9

Types of Memory
Lesson 9 – Types of Memory

Memory

In computer, all data and information to do a job/task is stored in memory.

Types of Memory

There are two types of computer memory.

◼ Random Access Memory (RAM)

◼ Read Only Memory (ROM)
Lesson 9 – Types of Memory

Random Access Memory (RAM)

◼ This is the main 'working' memory used by the computer.

◼ This is used to store data or program on temporary basis.

◼ When we use any data or program then its loaded into RAM.

◼ When you first switch on the computer, the operating system is copied
from disk into RAM.

◼ This is also called Volatile Memory because when we switch off the
computer, all data is lost.

◼ Generally, a computer will operate faster if computer has more RAM.

Lesson 9 – Types of Memory

ROM – Read Only Memory

◼ It is a special type of memory chip that holds software or important
information that a computer needs.

◼ Information in ROM can only be read but not written to.

◼ ROM retains information even after the powered is switched off. ROM is
non-volatile.

◼ An example is the ROM-BIOS chip, which contains read-only software.

◼ Network cards and video cards also contain ROM chips.

Lesson 10

Measuring Memory
 Lesson 10 – Measuring Memory

Storage in Computer

◼ The smallest unit of computer storage/memory is Bit.

◼ Bit can store either 1 or 0.

Measurements of computer storage/memory are:

8 Bits 1 Byte

1024 Bytes 1 Kilobyte (Kb)

1024 Kilobyte 1 Megabyte (MB)

1024 Megabyte 1 Gigabyte (GB)

1024 Gigabyte 1 Terabyte (TB)

Lesson 11

Computer Performance
Lesson 11 – Computer Performance

Factors that Impact on a Computer's Performance

We can know and judge the computer’s performance by following

factors:

◼ CPU speed

◼ RAM size

◼ Hard disk speed and capacity

◼ The number of applications running

Section 4

Software
Section 4 – Software

Software
◼ The software or computer program is the instructions that makes the
computer work to do a task.

◼ Software is stored either on your computers hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD or

on a diskette (floppy disk) and is loaded from the disk into the computers
RAM when required.

Types of Software
◼ Operating System Software
◼ Application Software
Lesson 12

Operating System
Lesson 12 – Operating System
Operating systems software (OS)
◼ It is a special type of program which is used to control or operate the
computer.
◼ It is loaded automatically when you start your computer.
◼ OS is a link between the hardware and the user of computer.
◼ OS controls other hardware devices of computer.
◼ The operating system allows you to use the advanced features of a
modern computer.
◼ Operating software is necessary not only for hardware but also for other
software.
◼ OS are regularly updated and new versions and Service Packs are
released by the companies after removing problems/bugs.
Types of Operating System
◼ MS Windows ◼ Unix
◼ Apple Mac OS ◼ DOS
◼ Linux
Lesson 13

Software
Lesson 13 – Software

Applications software
◼ These software help us to solve some specific problems of daily life and
make life easy for us.
◼ We use theses software after the operating system has been loaded.

◼ These software are for general purpose usage.

◼ Application Software must be compatible with OS.

◼ These are easy to learn and use.

Types of Application Software

◼ Presentation
◼ Word Processing ◼ Photo Editing
◼ Spreadsheet ◼ Web Browsing
◼ Database ◼ Email
◼ Gaming
◼ Desktop Publishing
Lesson 13 – Types of Application Software

Word Processing
◼ In these applications, we can type text, format, print or save as a
document/file.
◼ These are used to write letters, documents, etc.
◼ Common examples are MS Word, Word Perfect etc.
Spreadsheet
◼ These applications allow text, numbers and calculations to be entered in
the form of rows and columns.
◼ Common examples are MS Excel, Lotus 123 etc
Database
◼ These applications store large amount of data which can be used and
manipulated as per requirements.
◼ Common examples are MS Access, Lotus Approach
Lesson 13 – Types of Application Software

Desktop Publishing
◼ These applications enables user to create drawings, graphics and text in
posters, newsletters and Ads etc.
◼ Common examples is Adobe Photoshop etc.

Presentation
◼ These applications allow to make presentations/slides to show on
projector.
◼ Common examples MS PowerPoint etc

Photo editing
◼ These applications enables to edit photos and apply many features.
◼ Common examples is Photo Impact.
Lesson 13– Types of Application Software

Web Browsing
◼ These applications allows to access/view, download and search
information on the internet.
◼ Common examples is Internet Explorer, Firefox etc.

E-mail
◼ E-mail applications allow user to send and receive email messages and
attachments.
◼ Common examples is MS Outlook etc

Gaming
◼ These applications enables user to play video games on a PC.
Lesson 14

Problem Solving
Lesson 14 – Problem Solving

Problem Solving
◼ Any problem can occur anytime during the use of computer.
◼ Problems occur due to operator/user error or due to any problem with
hardware or software.
◼ Due to these problems, screen may be blank, computer may be frozen or
any application may not respond.
◼ Computer will inform about these errors and gives some instructions to
solve these problems.
◼ A message like this may appear.
Lesson 14 – Problem Solving

◼ You can wait to solve the error or you can end the program but in this
case, all unsaved data will be lost.
◼ In case of any hardware problem, check all the cables and connections,

◼ Check the required driver or software to operate the hardware.

◼ Contact the IT support Department to solve the problem.
Lesson 15

Managing the System

Lesson 15 – Managing the System

Managing the System

Device Manager

◼ Device Manager shows all information

about the hardware components of
the computer.

◼ In case of any hardware problem,

check the Device Manager.

◼ We can also troubleshoot any

hardware problems from the Device
Manager.
Lesson 15 – Managing the System

Control Panel
◼ We can configure computer and manage other hardware parts and
devices like printers, modems, network etc are managed from Control
Panel.
Lesson 15 – Managing the System

Task Manager
◼ Any software that is currently running can be viewed and managed by
using Task Manager.
◼ Task Manager may be displayed by pressing (Ctrl + Alt + Del) keys
together.
Section 5

Information Networks

Lesson 16

LAN, WAN and WLAN

Lesson 16 – LAN, WAN & WLAN

Network
◼ Two or more computers connected together is called a Network.
◼ In any network, computers can share resources and information.
◼ Receiving information from a network is called downloading data.
◼ Sending information over a network is called Uploading data.

Types of Network

◼ Local Area Network (LAN)

◼ Wide Area Network (WAN)
Lesson 16 – Information Networks

Local Area Network (LAN)

◼ LAN is a network of computers in a building or in a limited area.

◼ Maximum area of network should be less than 1 square kilometre.

◼ Examples are Network of a university or small office.

◼ Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a LAN without cables.

Lesson 16 – Information Networks

Wide Area Network (WAN)

◼ WAN is a network of computers connected over long distances.
◼ There is no distance limitation in WAN.

◼ Examples are the Internet or network of a multi-national company.

Lesson 16 – Information Networks

A network may be:

◼ Workgroup Network
◼ Client/Server Network

Workgroup
◼ This is a group of people or computers working together.
◼ All computers are independent of each other and can send and receive
information directly.

Client/Server Network
◼ In this network, all data is stored on a main high-speed computer (Server).
◼ Users can access data from slow-speed computers (Clients)
Lesson 17

The Telephone Network

Lesson 17 – The Telephone Network

The Telephone Network

Due to Technology, we can connect computers to the telephone system to
make worldwide WAN.

Public Switched Data Network (PSDN)

◼ PSDN is simply the technical name for the telephone system in use today.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

◼ ISDN allows the transfer of digital data between telephone exchanges.
◼ It has a much faster transfer rate, like 64K or 128Kbps

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)

◼ It allows transfer rates up to 40 times faster than PSTN.
◼ Through ADSL, we can use the internet and phone at the same time.
Lesson 17 – The Telephone Network

Cable Broadband
◼ It uses cable of TV instead of phone line.
◼ It provides high-speed connection.

Wireless Networks (WiFi)

◼ User can use the internet via a wireless router and adapter.
◼ Wireless Access Point (WAP) will be via ADSL or cable.

Satellite Internet
◼ It is used where normal access is not available like ships.
◼ Its available in all world but its expensive.

Broadband
◼ This connection is available on monthly charges.
◼ It provide high speed connection.
 Lesson 17 – The Telephone Network

The Telephone Network

Type of Network Properties

PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network Basic system, analogue, dial up
connection, slow

ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network Faster than PSTN, no modem needed,
no dial-up

ADSL Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line Faster than PSTN and ISDN, Special
modem required, no dial-up

Cable Faster than telephone access,

available in highly populated areas.

Wireless Access point is via ADSL or cable, via

wireless technology

Satellite Used where normal access is

unavailable
Lesson 18

The Internet
 Lesson 18 – The Internet

The Internet
◼ Internet is a global network of interconnected networks.
◼ Internet is open to everyone. Anybody can use the internet.
◼ It was started by US Military.
◼ Internet has a huge amount of information about everything in the world.
◼ Internet is provided via Internet Service Provider (ISP).

◼ Internet is used for:

 Communication
 Online Shopping
 Online Banking
 Online education
 Lesson 18 – The Internet

Search Engines
◼ Search engines are websites that are used to search for any information on
the Internet.
◼ Within the search engine you enter a word or phrase and it will retrieve
documents and information about that word or phrase from the Internet.
◼ Google and Yahoo are examples of Search Engines.
Lesson 19

Intranet & Extranet

 Lesson 19 – Intranet & Extranet

Intranet
◼ A private network of an organization is called Intranet.
◼ Intranet is accessible only from within the organization.
◼ It’s not open to all users. It’s open to authorized users only.
◼ Intranet provides information, forms, and newsletters of the organization.
 Lesson 19 – Intranet & Extranet

Extranet
◼ It is intermediate between intranet or internet.

◼ It is partly accessible only to limited external users via the internet.

◼ Any company can provide specific information to others through extranet.

◼ External users can have access by Username and Password.

◼ It is used where different companies are working together.
Lesson 20

Electronic Mail
 Lesson 20 – Electronic Mail

Electronic Mail (E-mail)

◼ This is an electronic message sent over the internet from one computer to
another computer.
◼ Both computers should be connected to internet to send or receive the
email.
◼ We can send any file as attachment with email.

◼ Email is used for

 Communication

 Attachments

 Messages
 News
Section 6

The Use of IT in Everyday Life

Lesson 21

Computer at Work
Lesson 21 – Computer at Work

Computer at Work
The use of computer and internet has been increased a lot now.

Some usage are as follows:

◼ e-Commerce

◼ e-Banking
◼ e-Government

◼ Computer in Education
◼ e-Learning
◼ Working from home (Tele-working)
Lesson 21 – Computer at Work

e-Commerce
◼ Online shopping
◼ Buying or selling via the internet
◼ Payment is through credit card

e-Banking
◼ We can operate bank accounts via the internet.
◼ Payment of bills, transfer of cash, check statements
◼ There are still some security issues.
Lesson 21 – Computer at Work

e-Government
◼ Most departments have websites to deliver information,
services, policies, laws and much more.

Computers in Education
◼ Helping software for students
◼ Homework may be delivered via internet.

◼ e-Learning : Online education

◼ Computer Based Training CDs (CBTs)
 Lesson 21 – Computer at Work

Teleworking
◼ Work from home via internet
◼ No need of office, building and so many things.

Advantages Disadvantages
Employees have flexible schedules Disturbances at home
Reduces waste of time in gathering of Self discipline is required
people
No need of company space requirements Lack of human interaction/Teamwork

Focus on specific task Feelings of isolation

Lesson 21 – The Electronic World

The Electronic World

Information Superhighway
◼ Information of any kind is available to anyone at anywhere in the world.
◼ Access of information via a PC and internet

Information Society
◼ A society that can get a lot of information via internet.
◼ No need to leave home for anything or any task.
◼ Communication with anyone is easy now.
Lesson 22

The Electronic World

Lesson 22 – Communication & Virtual Communities

Communication
◼ Communication via internet

◼ Email – electronic message

◼ Internet forums – websites for discussion

◼ Chat rooms – place to meet friends online

◼ Instant Messaging – transfer of message in
real time

◼ VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)

 Communication via internet by using
microphone and headphone

 Skype, Google Talk

Lesson 22 – Communication & Virtual Communities

Sharing

◼ Sharing of information via internet

◼ Web log (Blog) – websites for discussions, comments

◼ Podcast – broadcasting of media files over the internet

◼ RSS feeds (Really Simple Syndication)

 Website having updated news, material

 Content is updated frequently
Lesson 22 – Communication & Virtual Communities

◼ Social Networking Sites

 Websites to communicate and share information with other people

 MySpace, Facebook
Lesson 23

Communication & Virtual Communities

Lesson 23 – Communication & Virtual Communities

Communication & Virtual Communities

Precautions

◼ Create a private profile to protect personal information

◼ Be careful when sending personal information

◼ Beware of strangers.
Section 7

Health & Safety Environment

Lesson 24

Health and Safety

 Lesson 24 – Health and Safety

Ergonomics
◼ Relationship between workers and their working environment.
◼ HASAW – Health and Safety at Work
Factors of Working environments
◼ Proper connections of cables and joints
◼ Availability of suitable lighting
◼ Suitable ventilation
◼ Video Display Units and screens of good picture quality
◼ Use of monitor filters
◼ Suitable and comfortable chair

◼ Suitable position of keyboard and mouse

◼ Frequent breaks away from the computer
Lesson 24 – Health and Safety

Good Working Environment for PCs

◼ Possibility to recycle waste paper

◼ Possibility to recycle ink/toner cartridges
◼ Possible efficient use of electricity in monitors
◼ Use of Standby mode for HDDs and Monitors when not in use
◼ Switch off the PC if it will not in use for long time
Section 8

Security

Lesson 25

Security Issues
Lesson 25 – Security Issues

Backup
◼ The most important thing on your computer is information.

◼ A hard disk may store years of work. If the hard disk stops working one
day, all data of will be lost.

◼ Backup is a copy of important data.

◼ Its important to take regular backups of the information that is stored on

the computer.

◼ Some software are available which can take regular backup automatically.
◼ Backups can be stored on HDDs, CDs/DVDs, Tapes.
◼ Backup may be incremental or complete.
◼ Backups should be placed at some far and safe place.
Lesson 25 – Security Issues

Security Measures / Prevention of Data Theft

◼ A password must be used to login to a computer.

◼ User ID and Password should be used to access the network and other
resources.

◼ Password Protection should be used for secret or confidential data.

◼ A password must be used to make any changes in the file.

◼ Proper Security Arrangements for hardware and office equipments.

Lesson 25 – Security Issues

Good Password Policy

◼ Password should be at least 8 characters long.

◼ In password, use a mixture of letters and numbers.

◼ Personal data like phone no, date of birth, name should not be used as
password.

◼ Change the password regularly.

◼ Do not tell password to anyone.

Lesson 26

Computer Virus
Lesson 26 – Computer Virus

Virus
◼ Virus is a small computer program that can affect computer and data.
◼ Viruses hide themselves on the disks (hard disk, floppy disk, flash
memory).

◼ Different viruses are activated in different ways like at some specific data
or time.
◼ Viruses can spread from one computer to other computers via infected
disk or network or internet.
Lesson 26 – Computer Virus
Types of Viruses
◼ Macro Viruses
 These viruses are added in executable files of programs.

◼ Worm
 It does not affect the files but it replicates itself with in the system and
jam all resources of computer.

◼ Trojan Horse
 This virus is like a file, game or picture and it is activated when user
opens this file.

◼ e-mail Attachment
 This virus comes via email and it sends emails to all contacts
automatically.
Lesson 26 – Computer Virus

Anti-virus Measures/ How to Prevent from Viruses

◼ Use some good antivirus programs.
◼ Update antivirus program regularly.
◼ Scan your computer regularly.
◼ Scan any disk before using it.
◼ Be careful when downloading any data from internet.
◼ Be careful about email attachments.
◼ Do not open anything suspicious.
◼ Use a Firewall
 This is a filter which monitors the traffic signals
(data) on internet.
Lesson 27

Copyright
Lesson 27 – Copyright

Copyright
◼ Copyright is a law/legislation.

◼ Most programs/software are copyrighted. We should not use them without

a licence.
◼ Be aware or software copyright issues.

◼ License should be purchased to use or copy any software.

◼ Data of some website is also under copyrights.

◼ Any downloaded Software or data should be used after getting licenses

Lesson 27 – Copyright

◼ End User Licence Agreement

 During installation of any software, we have to accept an End User

Licence Agreement.

 This agreement contain information about licence and use of software.

◼ Product ID
 Each licensed Software has its Registration Number which is known
as Product ID.

 It can be checked by clicking Help Menu---About.

Lesson 27– Copyright

Software
◼ Shareware
 These software are free for a limited time or trial period.
 After that limited time, software may stop working.
 License has to purchase after trial period.

◼ Freeware
 These software are free for use.
 No license is required.

◼ Open Source Software

 With these software, source code is also provided .
 User can make changes and improve the software.
Lesson 28

The Data Protection Act

Lesson 28 – Data Protection Act

Data Protection Act

◼ Data Protection Act (1998) regulates the use of personal data by all
businesses.
◼ Any data holding organisation should not provide personal information to
any unauthorised person.
◼ Leakage of information is a serious crime.
◼ In many countries this right is implemented under data protection laws.
◼ Data Controller
 A person who is responsible for holding and distributing the personal
information.
Lesson 28 – Data Protection Act

Rules for Data Controllers

Personal data must be:

◼ Obtained and processed fairly and lawfully.
◼ Processed information for a specific purpose.
◼ Accurate and kept up to date.
◼ Removed after using it.
◼ Secure and protected.
Lesson 28 – Data Protection Act

Data Subject
This is the person who are owner of the data.

They have some rights:

◼ To be informed when information is being held.
◼ To be told the purpose for which it is held.
◼ To know to whom the data will be disclosed.
◼ To refuse to allow their details to be used for direct marketing.