INTCOMP1 – INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING

FINALS POINTERS TO REVIEW

Section 1: Simple Mail Merging

Mail Merge is a useful feature in Microsoft Word that allows you to send personalized documents to
multiple recipients.
Mail Merge: This feature enables the creation of personalized letters, labels, envelopes, or emails
by combining a standard document with data from a spreadsheet or database.
Excel Spreadsheet: Files like Excel spreadsheets are commonly used as data sources for Mail
Merge because they can hold large amounts of structured data, such as names, addresses, or other
information.
Insert Merge Field: In Mail Merge, placeholders for personalized information, like names or
addresses, are inserted through the "Insert Merge Field" option.
Form Letter: A form letter is a document that is the same for all recipients but contains
personalized information for each one.
Mailings Tab: The "Mailings" tab in Microsoft Word is where you can preview and manage your
merged documents.
Sending Invitations: One common use of Mail Merge is sending invitations, where each
recipient's name and address can be automatically filled in.
Completes the Merging Process: The "Finish & Merge" option finalizes the merge and allows
you to print, email, or save the merged documents.
CSV: CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a common format used to create Mail Merge data
sources because it's compatible with most word processing programs and databases.
Filter Recipients: This function helps you to filter out certain recipients based on specific
criteria, ensuring only relevant people receive the document.
Merge Fields: These fields help insert personalized data, such as names or addresses, directly
into a document during the Mail Merge process.

Section 2: Downloading Music, Videos, and Images

When downloading digital media such as music, videos, or images, it's essential to know the right
file formats and the legalities of obtaining them.
.mp3: This file extension is most commonly used for audio files due to its balance of quality and file
size.
Stock Photo Websites: Legal, royalty-free images can be downloaded from stock photo websites,
where creators upload images for public use without requiring ongoing fees.
 Streaming Services with Download Options: Platforms like Spotify or YouTube offer music
downloads, providing a legal way to store music for offline listening.
Content Free from Ongoing Fees: "Royalty-free" means that once you purchase or obtain content,
you don't have to pay additional fees for its use.
JPEG: JPEG is a popular format for images due to its ability to compress high-quality images while
retaining good quality.
MP4: MP4 is a standard video format widely used for high-quality video playback and storage.
Digital Rights Management (DRM): DRM refers to technologies that control access to copyrighted
digital content and prevent unauthorized distribution.
Online Music Libraries: Many online music libraries offer royalty-free music, providing a legal way
to access songs for various projects.
MP4: MP4 is the most commonly used video format for streaming because it supports high-quality
video and is widely compatible with different devices.
High-Quality with Transparent Background Support: PNG format supports high-quality images
with transparent backgrounds, making it ideal for logos and images with complex edges.

Section 3: Compressing and Decompressing Files

File compression reduces the file size, which helps save storage space and speeds up file sharing and
downloading.
To Reduce File Size: The primary purpose of file compression is to shrink the file size, which makes
it easier to store and share.
.zip: .zip is one of the most commonly used compression formats, allowing multiple files to be
grouped together and compressed into a single file.
When Emailing Large Files: Compressing files is useful when you need to send large files via
email, as it reduces the file size and prevents email delivery issues.
WinRAR: WinRAR is a popular tool used to compress and decompress files, supporting a variety of
formats like .zip, .rar, and .tar.
ZIP: A .zip file allows multiple files to be combined and compressed into a single folder, making it
easier to manage.
Extracting Files: Decompression is the process of extracting files from a compressed folder so you
can access their contents.
More Storage Space Saved: Compressing files frees up storage space, making it easier to manage
large numbers of files.
File Explorer: Windows File Explorer provides basic tools for compressing and decompressing files,
making it a convenient option for most users.
 Extract the Files: To view the contents of a .zip file, you must extract the files first using a tool like
File Explorer.
Slight Reduction in Image/Audio Quality: Compressing files might slightly reduce their quality,
especially with image and audio files, due to the loss of some data during compression.

Section 4: Downloading Files Using Torrents (For Legal Content Only)

Torrents use peer-to-peer (P2P) technology to share files, which can make downloading large files
faster and more efficient.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P): Torrents operate using P2P technology, which allows users to share files directly
with one another instead of relying on a central server.
.torrent: A .torrent file is used to start the process of downloading files through a torrent client, acting
as a guide to locate the file pieces from various sources.
Torrent Client: A torrent client is required to download files via torrents. Popular clients include
BitTorrent and uTorrent.
Faster Downloads via Multiple Sources: The advantage of torrents is that they allow for faster
downloads since the file is downloaded from multiple sources simultaneously.
Potential Malware: One of the risks of using torrents is the potential for downloading malware, as
some torrent files may contain harmful software.

Section 5: Converting File Formats

Converting file formats is useful for making files compatible with different applications or reducing
their size.
Microsoft Word: Microsoft Word allows you to easily convert documents into PDFs by choosing
"Save As" and selecting PDF as the format.
To Make It Audio-Only: Converting a video file from .mp4 to .mp3 removes the video component,
leaving only the audio, which is useful for music or podcasts.
.png: The .png format is best for sharing high-quality images with transparency, commonly used for
logos and web graphics.
Audacity: Audacity is a program commonly used to convert and edit audio files, supporting various
formats like .mp3, .wav, and .ogg.
Reducing File Size: Converting video files to smaller formats is useful for reducing file size, which
makes them easier to store and share.
 Section 6: Creating and Managing Digital Portfolios
A digital portfolio is a collection of your work, presented in digital format, which can be shared
online to showcase your skills.
A Collection of Digital Work Samples: A digital portfolio is a collection of work samples presented
in digital form, often used by creatives and professionals to showcase their skills.
Website Builder: Tools like WordPress or Wix are commonly used to create digital portfolios,
allowing you to display your work online.
PDF: The PDF format is commonly used for digital portfolios because it preserves the formatting and
can be viewed on any device.
A Mix of Text, Images, and Multimedia: A good digital portfolio should include a variety of
elements like text, images, and multimedia to give a comprehensive view of your work.
Interactive Features: Adding interactive features like clickable links, videos, or animations can
enhance the appeal and engagement of a digital portfolio.
Easily Shareable: One of the main benefits of a digital portfolio is that it can be easily shared with
potential employers or clients through a URL or a simple file.
File Management Software: Applications like Google Drive or Dropbox can help manage large
portfolios by providing cloud storage and easy file organization.
Personal, Unrelated Photos: In a professional digital portfolio, you should avoid including personal
or unrelated photos that may detract from the focus of your work.
Portfolio Websites: Online platforms like Behance or Dribbble are popular for hosting digital
portfolios, especially for creative professionals.
Showcases Skills and Achievements: A well-organized digital portfolio allows job seekers to present
their skills, work experience, and achievements in a visually appealing format.