Intro_to_Basic_Computing
Intro_to_Basic_Computing
Aim:
This is an introduction to windows, which gives the learner an insight into basic computer usage, terminologies and
concepts.
At the end of this training the Teacher will know how to use the various components and there relevant.
Introduction to Computers.
What is a Computer & Computing?
A computer is an electronic device the receives Input, Processes, Displays (output) and Store for future use.
What is Computing?
Computing is any activity that uses computers to manage, process and communicate information by using both
hardware & software.
Types of Computers.
The computers can be classified based upon the technology, performance, size, price and so on. Computers are
today found in every facet of life ranging from business, education, medicine, agriculture, transportation,
astronomy the list goes on.
Computers are classified into four basic types; We can simply say that there are four types of computers:
a) Super Computer:
Supercomputers are the fastest and the most expensive machines. They have high processing speed compared to
other computers. The speed of a supercomputer is generally measured in FLOPS (Floating point Operations Per
Second). They can only be used for a specific task, i.e. these are dedicated computers, e.g. if it is to be use for data
collection or weather prediction (forecast), that will be the specific task it can do and nothing more. Super
computer cannot multitask and program to perform a single task, but multi-user, i.e. can support billions of users
at the same time.
b) Mainframe:
Mainframe computers are multi-user, multi-programming and high performance computers. They operate at a
very high speed, have very large storage capacity and can handle the workload of many users. Mainframe
computers are large and powerful systems generally used in centralized databases. These are computers needed
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by several organizations such as banks, insurance companies, etc. that need on-line processing of large number of
transactions & require computer system which have massive data storage & processing capabilities.
c) Mini Computer:
A Medium sized computer that is more powerful than microcomputers. Minicomputer is usually designed to serve
multiple users simultaneously. Minicomputers lies between mainframe and microcomputers. Minicomputers can
support 4–200 users simultaneously. The users can access the minicomputer through their PCs or terminal. They
are used for real-time applications in industries, research centers, etc. PDP 11, IBM (8000 series) are some of the
widely used minicomputers.
d) Microcomputer:
It is defined as a computer that has microprocessor as its CPU. Microcomputers are small, low-cost and single-user
digital computer. They consist of CPU, input unit, output unit, storage unit and the software.
Although microcomputers are stand-alone machines, they can be connected together to create a network of
computers that can serve more than one user.
IBM PC based on Pentium microprocessor and Apple Macintosh are some examples of
microcomputers. Microcomputers include desktop computers, notebook computers or laptop, tablet computer,
handheld computer, smart phones and netbook.
It is defined as a computer that has microprocessor as its CPU. Microcomputers are small, low-cost and single-user
digital computer.
Type of Computer Devices
2. Process Device – A device that processes the raw data/instruction that the system receives from the input
devices, e.g. Central Processing Unit (CPU).
3. Output Device – A device that produces or shows the processed data for the user to see. Output can be
either a soft copy or a hard copy, e.g. Printer, Screen, etc.
4. Storage Device – A device that stores your information, e.g. Hard disk, CD/DVD, Memory Card, etc.
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Why do Teachers need ICT Skills?
Today’s learning methods are so diverse that, teachers need to acquire basic skills in ICT in order to enhance their
service delivery- improved learning methodology & materials in the this challenging job market.
1. To enable them to digitalize their approach to teaching. This will be able to collaborate with peers to share
learning material and experience sharing through the use of the Internet.
2. To push students to a new level of creativity. With the use of the internet, teachers will teach students on how
to source learning materials and even go further to have deeper understanding of a topic and be creative.
3. With technology, teachers can lead through lectures, while students can use visual learning tools with
illustration on their tablets or audio learners record the lecture for later review.
Hardware is the physical components that makes up a computer system. It is the tangible (touch & see) aspect of
the system, mainly input, output, processing and storage devices.
Software in the program installed into your computer that you work with. It is the interpreter of all activities
taking place within the computer. This is done by what is known the Operating System.
Corded Mouse
Computer Processor
iii. Output Hardware- responsible to display the information for you to see or hear. It consists of
Screen/Monitors, Speakers, Printer etc.
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iv. Storage Hardware – it is the medium where information is stored. It can be CD, DVD, USB or Hard disk.
A software is essentially a set of written instructions (programs) in a computer, which enable the users to
perform specific task or actually used to operate their computer. It essentially directs all of the peripheral
devices on the entire computer system- what exactly to do and how exactly to perform a task. A software plays a
key role of a mediator between the user and the computer hardware. In the absence of software, a user essentially
can’t perform any task on a computer.
Types of Software
Generally, there are two main classifications of software, which are namely, System Software and Application
Software.
1. System software.
It is a software which is used to manage the behavior of the computer hardware in order to offer basic
functionalities which are needed by the user. In simpler word, it can be said that system software is essentially an
intermediator or even a middle layer between the user as well as the hardware. it helps the user as well as the
hardware to function and even interact with each other easily.
For instance, whenever you put on your computer, it is the system software that is first loaded into system
memory. This system software is known as the Operating System. Without it your computer cannot work or
function as expected.
Example of operating system: (Windows 95, 98, 2000, XP, 7, 8, 10, Servers, Mac O/S, Linux, Ubuntu, etc.).
2. Application Software.
Application software products are designed to satisfy a particular need in a particular environment. Application
software may consist of a single program, such as Microsoft's Notepad for writing and editing a simple text. It may
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also consist of a collection of programs, often called a Software Package, which work together to accomplish a task,
such as a spreadsheet package.
Measurement in Computing.
The basic unit of measurement in computing relates to the following:
a) Bit (Binary Digit) - A binary digit is logical 0 and 1 representing a passive or an active state of a
component in an electric circuit.
b) Byte - A group of 8 bits is called byte. A byte is the smallest unit, which can represent a data item or a
character, e.g. “John is a boy”- from the “John is represent a byte, because it contains 8 bits inclusive of the
space between John & is and the double quotation mark.
The table below list shows the conversion table
No Equivalent Unit
1 1 Kb = 1024 Bytes Kilobyte - Kb
2 1 Mb = 1024 Kb Megabyte - MB
3 1 GB = 1024 MB Gigabyte - GB
4 1 TB = 1024 GB Terabyte - TB
5 1 PB = 1024 TB Petabyte - PB
Keyboard is the most common and very popular input device which helps to input data into the computer.
The layout of the keyboard is like that of traditional typewriter.
A typical keyboard can either be a Standard Keyboard or an Enhanced Keyboard.
The Standard keyboard has 84 keys while the Enhanced keyboard has 104 keys. Also the Standard Keyboard
Function key ranges from F1 to F10 and that of the Enhanced keyboard from F1 to F12.
Status Indicators
Function Keys
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Numeric Keypad
The keyboard is divided into five (5) parts- Alphanumeric, Function Keys, Arrow/directional keys, Special
keys and Numeric keypad.
i. Alphanumeric keypad - These includes a combination of letters (A-Z) and numbers (1-0).
ii. Numeric keypad - It is used to enter numeric data or cursor movement. Generally, it consists of a set of 17
keys that are laid out in the same configuration used by most adding machines and calculators. To type
numbers, you have put on the NUM LOCK by pressing it once, a green light will be shown.
iii. Arrow keys - These keys provide cursor and screen control. It includes four directional arrow keys – Up,
Down, Left and Right. It also includes Home, End, Page Up, Page Down.
iv. Special/Control keys - Keyboard also contains some special purpose keys such as Enter, Shift, Caps Lock,
Num Lock, Space bar, ctrl-(control), Escape – (Esc), Alternate – (Alt), Tab, and Print Screen.
v. Function keys . The function keys are arranged in a row at the top of the keyboard. Each function key
performs specific task, but also varies from application to application, e.g. F2 is an editing key in Excel, but the
same in Microsoft Word. It is ONLY F1 that perform the function in all applications - is universal, i.e. performs
the same function in all programs – F1 is for Help.
Booting Process
What are the steps in booting a computer? - Laptop
1. Connect the ADAPTOR to the power source.
2. Connect the adaptor cord into the laptop power slot - which is located at different position on
your laptop – left, right or back, as the case maybe.
3. Press the Power button,
Allow the system to check and load all the necessary components.
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1. Check to see that all components – System unit, Screen, are connected to the power source. And
that all peripherals – Keyboard, Mouse, Printer, etc. are all properly connect to the system unit.
2. Press the Power button of the Monitor & the System Unit one after the other.
Allow the system to check and load all the necessary components.
A. Start programs.
Steps: - To open the Start menu.
1. Click the Start button in the lower-left corner of your screen.
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Or,
2. Press the Windows logo key on your keyboard, and the Start menu appears.
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1. The large left pane shows a short list of programs on your computer.
2. In the lower left corner is the Quick Launch box, which allows you to look for programs and files on your
computer by typing inside the search box.
3. The right pane provides access to Commonly used folders, files, settings, and features. It’s also where you
go to log off from Windows or turn off your computer.
Click on it,
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Desktop Overview
The desktop is the screen you see after the Booting process has been completed. It is made of:
1. Wallpaper – A desktop wallpaper is a digital image used as a decorative background on the screen.
2. Taskbar – it is an element of an operating system mostly located at the bottom of the screen. It allows you to
locate and launch programs through the Start menu.
The taskbar contains the Start menu, Quick Launch, Program icon, Date/Time, Volume control, Wireless
Network connections, program icons, etc.
The taskbar can be used for more than just seeing your apps and checking the time. You can personalize it in many
ways.
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d) Colors.
Show accent color on the following surfaces.
o Select Start, taskbar, and action center - This will change the color of your taskbar to the color of your
overall theme.
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c) Personalization.
d) Lock screen, and
e) Select Screen saver settings.
o In the Screen Saver Settings window, choose a screen saver from the drop-down list.
f) Set the Wait time.
g) Click OK.
7. Setting Date/Time.
The date/time is located on the left side on the Task bar.
Step.
1. Right-click on the date/time in the bottom-right of the screen and select Adjust Date/Time.
2. A window will open. On the left side of the window select the Date & time tab.
3. Put off Set the time zone automatically, if it is ON.
4. Put off Set the time automatically, if it is ON.
5. Then, under "Change date and time" click Change.
6. Under Date: Click the arrow & select the month – say May
7. Repeat the same for the Day – 27 and Year - 2022.
8. Under Time: Click the arrow, scroll & select the Hour – 10
9. Repeat the same for the Minutes – 24
10. Select either AM or PM
11. And Press Change.
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The system time has been updated.
Task:
1. Change the system Date to 25-12-2006 and Time to 12:00 noon.
2. Correct the Date & Time to the current Date & Time.
Menu Bar & Toolbar
The menu bar contains Menu Command options. Each Menu option has specific menus commands which
provide access to such functions as opening files, interacting with an application, or displaying help
documentation or manuals.
The menu option begins with the word File, Edit, View, Insert, Format, Tools, Window, and Help. You
use the menu to show command that can be use.
Menu
bar
A toolbar displays the commands available for any Menu option. It is found is directly below the Menu bar.
For e.g., if you click the Home Tab, all commands available under the Home option will be displayed by the Tool
bar as shown in the diagram below
Toolbar
Windows Explorer now known as File Explorer has gone through a series of changes in terms of look, feel and
functionality over the years due to changes to the versions of Operating Systems.
But the basic goal has always been to help you manage, view, and launch documents and other files in your
computer.
File Explorer offers an easy way of sharing files through a dedicated button for file sharing. With Microsoft
OneDrive, you can equally store your file in the cloud known as ICloud. With development in operating systems,
files access has become so much easier, hence locating files much simpler.
An Icon-
A visual representation of a program, folders, disk drives or file. When we double-click an icon, the associated
program, folders, disk drives or file will be opened. For example, if we were to double-click on - This PC, it would
open disk drives.
The following are the types of icons –
Folder/Document Icon- These are non-system icons without arrows and they represent the actual objects
they describe. So, if we delete such an icon we are deleting the object itself, from the hard disk.
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Program/System Icon - System Icons are displayed along left edge of screen. These icons are created
automatically by windows during its installation. Example of some system icons are This PC, Recycle Bin,
Internet Explorer etc.
File Icon – Icons representing files created and saved in a program. It will have a program icon and a
filename
Program
File icon
created in for Microsoft
Microsoft Excel
Word.
File Explorer.
File Explorer is the file management application used by Windows Operating Systems to browse for folders
and files. It provides a graphical interface for the user to easily navigate and access folder/files stored on your
computer.
The main way to access the File Explorer is by clicking the Folder Icon in the Taskbar, this will open the File
Explorer window.
1. File Explorer ribbon - This ribbon contains buttons and commands for the most common tasks and has
four tabs, each with different commands.
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I. Home Tab - Among the tasks you can perform from the Home tab are −
a) Copying and pasting files and folders from one place to another.
b) Moving files and folders to another location.
c) Copying files and folders to another location.
d) Deleting a file or folder permanently or sending it to the Recycle Bin.
e) Renaming a file or folder.
f) Creating a new folder or other new items.
g) Verifying or modifying the Properties of a document or folder.
h) Opening a file or folder.
II. Share Tab - The Share ribbon gives you different options to share your files and folders. For example
−
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2. Click on New Folder on the Toolbar.
3. A New Folder appears, type the name of folder, e.g. Training.
4. Enter your desired name of your folder to replace "New folder" and press Enter key. In this case TRAINING.
Creating a Subfolder.
A subfolder is folder within a main folder. For instance, you may have a folder called Region and within the Region
folder, you have Kono, Kenema & Kailahun. So Region is the main folder and Kono, Kenema & Kailahun are
subfolders in the Region folder.
Steps.
a. Select the location to create the main folder- Region on the Desktop.
b. Right-click an empty space.
c. Select New & click on Folder from the drop down menu.
d. Type the name of the main folder – Region & press enter key.
e. Select the main folder – Region.
f. Repeat step b to d above – Kenema as the name of the subfolder.
Steps.
a. Open WordPad.
b. Type the text above.
c. Click File & select Save As
d. Select the location the folder is created – Desktop.
e. Select the folder the file to be save into – Eastern Region.
f. Type the file name – TYPE.
g. Click Save.
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3. Type the filename – TYPE1.
4. Click Save.
Renaming a file/Folder/Subfolder
There are several options that you use to rename file/folder or a subfolder.
METHOD 1 – USING KEYBOARD SHORTCUT.
i. While on your desktop (Win+D).
ii. Select the folder(s) you want to rename.
iii. Press the F2 key.
iv. Type the New name for the file/folder or subfolder
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METHOD 3 – RENAME FOLDER WITH TWO SINGLE CLICKS
1. Open or display your Desktop or
In File Explorer (Win+E), navigate to the folder you want to rename.
2. Click/tap on the folder once to select it.
3. Wait at least one second, and then click/tap on the folder name text to rename it.
4. Type a new name for the folder, and press Enter or click/tap on another area.
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2. Right click or press and hold on the folder you want to rename, and click/tap on Properties.
3. In the General tab, type a new name in the top field, and click/tap on OK.
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A dot indicates which view is currently active/selected – the active view is Large
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Create and name a folder TEST.
2. Create and name at least three subfolders in your main folder- TOOL, EQUIP & DEVICE.
3. Add color to your folders.
Term Meaning
CPU ‘Central Processing Unit’ - This is the place of computer data handling. it does all the data
manipulation, calculations and formatting data for output.
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Download DOWNLOAD is an act or instance of transferring something (such as data or files).
Hardware Hardware is the term referring to all the physical parts in a computer system. It includes
the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse
Malware Malware simply means any software, of whatever sort, written with a malicious intent.
Monitor The monitor is your display, or the screen connected to your computer. Laptops have built
in monitors that are commonly referred to as ‘screens.’
Operating Set of instructions needed to make your computer work, e.g. Windows XP, Windows 7, 8
System’ 10.
RAM Random Access Memory is the memory of a computer which works actively with the hard
drive. It pulls the data when it’s in use then returns it back to the hard drive once you’re
done with it.
Reboot To switch a computer off and on again, allowing its operating system and programs to be
reloaded.
Search A search engine is a program or platform that fires off ‘digital retrievers’ to collect online
Engine documents. This collection is based off the words entered into the search bar.
Software Software’ is the term which refers to the instructions needed to make a computer work. It
is intangible in nature. It is also known as Program. a set of computer files which are used
to perform various actions on the computer.
Spam Unsolicited email messages sent out in bulk and generally commercial in nature.
Spyware Spyware is software that secretly monitors computer activity, attempting to gain private
information without the computer user knowing.
Trojan Trojan – or Trojan Horse – is a piece of software that gains access to a computer by
pretending to be benign or by hiding within some innocent-looking application.
Upload An upload is the process of transferring a file from your computer to either:
• Another computer
• A host platform somewhere on the internet
Virus A virus is a piece of software that can copy itself and which attaches itself to some other
program in order to survive and replicate. It may have some malicious intent or it may
exist simply to reproduce.
Web A program you use to look at, and navigate between, pages on the World Wide Web.
Browser Examples include Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox.
WiFi. WiFi is an acronym used for ‘wireless internet.’ It refers to internet that is generated and
broadcast using a wireless signal rather than a hardline.
Worm A worm is similar but it can exist independently; it doesn’t need to attach to a separate
program.
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An Introduction to Windows
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An Introduction to
Microsoft Word
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Introduction to Microsoft Word.
1. Getting started with Microsoft Office Word.
Microsoft Word is a word processing application that allows you to create a variety of documents- letters, flyers,
brochures, envelopes, timetables and reports. With the introduction of several enhanced features—including
the ability to create and collaborate on documents online—Microsoft Word gives you the ability to do more with
your word processing projects.
Word
3) Word will appear as shown below:
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Word Start Screen will appear. From here, you'll be able to create a new document, choose a template, or access
your recently edited documents.
From the
Blank document
Word
Start Screen, locate and select Blank document as shown by the black arrow below:
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3. Understanding Microsoft Word User Interface
Maximize/Restore button
Ribbon/Menu Bar Minimize button
Commands
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Close
Insertion Point
Vertital Ruler
TASK 1:
a) Open and navigate to the Word interface.
b) Click through all of the tabs, and review the commands on the Ribbon.
c) Try minimizing and maximizing the Ribbon.
d) Hide and show the Ruler.
e) Try switching document views.
f) Close Word (you do not have to save the document).
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b) How to enter Text into a document?
When the Document Window appears, a black insertion will immediately display blinking. It is at this point
you start typing your text.
Insertion Point
d) Saving is also known as storing the document into a drive or folder for future use.
Steps:
i. Click on FILE Tab on the Menu Bar.
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ii. Select Save As option from the drop down menu.
iii. S
Save As
3 Browse
elect Browse.
iv. Select the location to save the document, e.g., Desktop.
v. Type the Filename against the File Name. e.g., TRAINING
vi. Against Save As type: Select the file format you want to save the document. In this case, since it is a text file, we
select Word Document.
vii. Click Save Button.
Note:
This will close the active document, leaving the Word window still active.
Task 2
a) Open Microsoft Office Word.
b) Type the text below:
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Twinkle, twinkle little star.
Johnny, Johnny yes papa.
Black, black, black sheep.
Get up, Sit down.
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c) Save this document as TASK 2 into the Desktop.
d) Close TASK 2 file.
e) Open a new document, retype the text:
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Twinkle, twinkle little star.
Johnny, Johnny yes papa.
Steps
i. Place the cursor next to the end of the text, then press Backspace key.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
E.g., Place the cursor after x in fox. Then press the Backspace key one at a time until the entire word (fox)
will be deleted.
i. Place the cursor to the start of the text, then press Delete key.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
e.g. Place the cursor in next to L of the word Lazy. Then press the Delete key one at a time until the
entire word (Lazy) will be deleted.
Undo Arrow
b.
How to Redo – The Redo command is the inverse (opposite) of the Undo command. This is valuable if you
accidentally click the “Undo” too many times. You can also use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+Y to effect
Redo actions.
7. Copy, Cut and Paste Functions.
a. Copy command is normally used to create a duplicate of the selected text.
Steps – Copy & Paste
i. Type the text: The cat and the mouse are hostile to each other.
ii. Highlight the entire sentence you have typed.
iii. Select Home tab on the menu bar.
iv. On the Tool bar, click on Copy.
v. Select the place you want it to be pasted.
vi. On the Tool bar, click on Paste – a duplicate copy of the sentence you have previously copied will be displayed.
b. Cut command removes the selected data/text from its original position.
Steps – Cut & Paste
i. Type the text: The cat and the mouse are hostile to each other.
ii. Highlight the entire sentence you have typed.
iii. Select Home tab on the menu bar.
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iv. On the Tool bar, click on Cut.
v. Select the place you want it to be pasted.
vi. On the Tool bar, click on Paste – a copy of the sentence you have previously copied will be displayed.
c. Paste command reproduce what you Copied or Cut.
Proof reading is a process done whenever you complete typing a of piece text. Microsoft Word has an
excellent tool used to perform such task. It can be the following:
a) Spelling Check: The process of checking for spelling mistakes. You will see some words been
underlined with red wavy lines – e.g. studioes
Steps:
i. Right click the misspelled word – in this case studioes.
ii. A short cut Menu appears suggesting words.
iii. Choose the correct spelling – Studios.
b) Find& Replace
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i. FIND When you work with Word document, you might have a word used several times in your
document and want to change the word. In such a situation, the SEARCH/FIND & REPLACE
option is most effective. It is located in the Editing group command.
Steps:
1. Click the HOME tab.
2. Within the Editing group command, select FIND
3. Type the WORD to find – e.g. John.
A result of the word will appear as it is used in several sentence.
ii. REPLACE: This is when you need to change certain words quickly within a document.
Steps:
i. Type this text - The introduction of Integrated Circuit, brought about the third generation
of computers.
1. Click the HOME tab.
2. Within the Editing group, select Replace- a Find & Replace dialog box appears.
3. Against Find what: type the WORD you want to replace – e.g. Introduction
4. Against Replace with: type the replacement word – Advent
You have two (2) options – Replace, Replace All.
2
HOME Tab introduction
advent Replace
Find what
4
Replace what
Replace &
Replace All
Replace – Used when you want to replace the word one after another.
Replace All: when you are to replace too many of the same multiple number of times within say
50 to 100 pages.
ii. Click Close (X) or Cancel button of the dialog box.
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9. Text Formatting
Text formatting refers to the change the attributes or appearance of a text –like font style, color, size, bold
underline, italics, superscript, subscript, etc.
a) Change Font style – refers to the different shapes a character takes. Microsoft Word offers different font style
which can be applied to your text.
Steps:
i. Type this text: Black, black, black sheep.
ii. Highlight the text you have typed.
iii. Select Home tab on the menu bar.
iv. Under Font group command, click the arrow next to Font icon.
v. Scroll down the list of Fonts and select any font style you wish to use – Times New Roman
b) Change Font Size – this involves either increasing or reducing the size of the font.
Steps.
i. Type this text: Black, black, black sheep.
ii. Highlight the text you have typed.
iii. Select Home tab on the menu bar.
iv. Under Font group command, click the arrow next to Font size icon.
v. Scroll down the list of Font sizes and select any font size you wish to use – say 14.
Or
i. Click on Increase Font size icon – A (make it bigger).
ii. Decrease Font size icon A (makes it smaller) as the case maybe.
Note: -Where you want to use a font size that is not available, click inside the Font size and type the font size
number directly, press the ENTER KEY- say 15.
c) Change Font Color- means changing the color of your font from BLACK to any other color.
Steps.
i. Type this text: Black, black, black sheep.
ii. Highlight the text you have typed.
iii. Select Home tab on the menu bar.
iv. Under Font group command, click the arrow next to Font color icon.
v. Select the color you wish to use – say Blue.
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d) Bold – changing the text from its normal look for it to look darker. It appears as if it is as deep black.
Steps.
i. Type this text: Black, black, black sheep.
ii. Highlight the text you have typed.
iii. Select Home tab on the menu bar.
iv. Under Font group command, click on the Bold icon – (B) and click on it.
Or.
Use the short cut option:
i. Highlight the text you want to Bold.
ii. On the keyboard, Hold down Ctrl key and Press the letter B- (Ctrl + B)
Steps.
i. Select the text you want to format.
ii. Select Home tab on the menu bar.
iii. Under Font group command, click on Italic icon – (I).
Or
Superscript: - Superscript is when a character/text appears above the normal line, e.g. X3.
Steps: - Superscript
i. Type X3.
ii. Highlight the text/character – say 3
iii. Select the Home tab on the Menu bar.
iv. On the Tool bar under Font category locate Superscript icon (x3) and click on it.
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ii. Highlight the text/character – 1.
iii. Select the Home tab on the Menu bar.
iv. On the Tool bar under Font category locate Subscript icon (X1) and click on it.
11.Alignment
Text Alignment – text alignment simply means the direction from where you want to start typing your text.
It can either be LEFT, RIGHT, CENTER or JUSTIFY;
Left align will allow typing to start on the left-hand side of the page
Right align will allow typing to start on the right-hand side of the page.
Center allows typing to start at the middle of the page.
Justify is the same as left alignment, the sentences will be equal in length on both end of the
page.
Steps
a) Select the text you want to align.
b) Select Home tab on the menu bar.
c) Under Paragraph group command, click on Alignment icon you want to use
d) Scroll down the list of Fonts and select any font style you wish to use.
These are a convenient way of listing items, event as the case maybe. It is an automatic way of either using objects
– (Bullets), numbers- (1, 2, 3, …) or letters- (a, b, c, ….).
Steps – Bullets
a) Position the cursor where to start the listing.
b) Select the Home tab.
c) Under Paragraph category, locate the Bullets icon –
d) Click the arrow next to it, scroll and select the Bullet type you want
to use.
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e) Start the first item, upon completion, Press the ENTER key and continue.
Steps – Bullets
a) Position the cursor where to start the listing.
b) Select the Home tab.
c) Under Paragraph category, locate the Bullet icon –
d) Click the arrow next to it, scroll and select the Bullet
type you want to use- , etc.
e) Start the first item, upon completion, Press the ENTER key and continue.
Steps – Numbering
a) Position the cursor where to start the listing.
b) Select the Home tab.
c) Under Paragraph category, locate the Numbering icon –
d) Click the arrow next to it, scroll and select the Numbering type you want to use- 1., 2., 3., A, B, C, I, ii, iii, etc.
e) Start the first item, upon completion, Press the ENTER key and continue.
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Working with Tables.
Generally, a table is made of Columns and Rows. The point where a column and row meet is a Cell.
Tables are often used to organize and present information.
Creating a Table
Steps:
a) Position or place the cursor where you want the table to appear.
b) Click on INSERT TAB on the Menu bar.
c) click on Table, select INSERT TABLE.
A B C
c) Right-
click,
select
INSERT
and click on Insert Columns to the Left or
d) Click on Layout
e) Click on Insert Left icon on the Toolbar -
A B C D
1 A b c
2
3
4
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Merging Cells
Merging cells is when two or more cell are joint together to appears as a single cell.
Steps:
a) Highlight a number of cells (Columns or Rows) you want to merge.
A B C
A B C
Splitting Cells.
d) Number of columns: type the number of columns you want to split the columns into. Say 2.
a. Note: leave the number of rows as it is.
e) Click Ok button.
A B C
Task:
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Days 09:00- 10:45- 1:00- 2:00-
10:30a 12:15pm 2:00pm 3:00pm
m
Monday
Tuesday
Lunch
Break
Wednesd
ay
Thursday
Friday
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An Introduction to
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Microsoft Excel
1. What is Excel?
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program used to record and analyse numerical and statistical data.
A Spreadsheet is an electronic document in which data is arranged in the Columns and Rows of a grid and be
manipulated and used in calculations.
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4. CREATE A WORK BOOK.
A workbook is a file that contains one or more worksheets, that helps you organize your data. You can
create a workbook from a blank workbook or a template.
Steps:
1. Click on File on the Menu bar.
2. Select New
3. Click on Blank workbook as shown below.
Blank workbook
This will display a blank workbook with sheet tabs as shown in the diagram below:
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5. Understanding Excel user interface
A typical Excel interface is like this:
1. Ribbon start button - it is used to access commands i.e. creating new documents, saving existing work,
printing, accessing the options for customizing Excel, etc.
2. Menu bar/Ribbon tabs – the tabs are used to group similar commands together.
3. Toolbar/Ribbon bar – the bars are used to group similar commands together.
An excel worksheet is made up of Columns & Rows. The columns are identified by letters, A, B, C, D ……and there
are 16,384
columns ranging from A to XFD and the rows 1,048,576.
The point where a column & row meets is known as a Cell.
Each is identified by an Address. Column A and Row 1 is called A1, column B and row 2 is called B2 and so on.
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6. Movement within an Excel Worksheet
You can move within an excel worksheet by using:
1. Tab Key – The tab key can only allow you to move along the same row – say Row 1.
Task 1:
a. Click on cell A1.
b. Use the Tab key to move to cell D1.
c. Use the Tab key to move to cell C1.
d. Click on cell B5.
e. Use the Tab key to move to cell G5.
f. Return to cell B5.
2. Arrow Keys – The arrow keys allow you to move everywhere on your worksheet- i.e. Up & Down or Left or
Right.
Task 2:
a. Click on cell A1.
b. Use the RIGHT arrow key and move to cell D1.
c. Use the DOWN arrow key and move to cell D3.
d. Use the LEFT arrow key and go to move to cell A3.
e. Use the UP arrow key and move to cell A2.
2. Value or Numbers – these are generally raw numbers or data, 1,2,3,5, etc. Value entry is aligned to the
RIGHT of the cell, e.g. type 5.
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3. Formula Entry – Entry derive as a result of a calculation, e.g. type 2 in cell A1 and 4 in cell B1. If you add to
two numbers by setting a formula in cell C1. Type =A1+B1 the result will be 6. But when you click on cell C1
on the formula bar you will see =A1+B1 and not 6 as in the case of Value or Number entry.
Susan 2 7 16/01/2014
Baindu 6 11 30/05/2010
Foday 4 8 06/06/2013
Note: The boundary is the line between cells, columns, and rows. If a column is too narrow to display the data,
you will see ####### in the cell.
Resize columns
Steps:
1. Select a column – say A1.
2. Place the pointer on the boundary between the column headers, the mouse pointer changes to image
you see below, click the left mouse button and hold on to it.
3. Drag the boundary to change the width. This resizes the selected column.
Head of School Name of School Chiefdom
Mr. Kallon Ansarul Islamic Primary Lower Bambara
Mrs. Brima Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary Nongowa
Mr. Saffa Holy Trinity Pre School Koya
Head of School Name of School Chiefdom
Mr. Kallon Ansarul Islamic Primary Lower Bambara
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Mrs. Brima Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary Nongowa
Mr. Saffa Holy Trinity Pre School Koya
Resize rows
Steps:
1. Select a row or a range of rows.
2. Place the pointer on the boundary between row numbers.
3. Drag the boundary to change the height.
Note: If only one column is selected, double-click the right boundary of the column header. If only one row is
selected, double-click the lower boundary of the row.
Ruler 10 5511
Exercise Book 13 5400
Steps:
1. Right-click the Unit column and select Delete.
2. Select Entire column.
3. Click Ok button
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1. Right-click the Pen row and select Delete.
2. Select Entire row.
3. Click Ok button
Steps:
1. Highlight the spreadsheet.
2. Right-click and select Copy.
3. Click on a new column.
4. Right-click and select Paste.
Or
1. Highlight the spreadsheet.
2. On the Toolbar click on Copy icon.
3. Click on a new column.
4. On the Toolbar click on Paste icon
Steps:
1. Highlight the spreadsheet.
2. Right-click and select Cut.
3. Click on a new column.
4. Right-click and select Paste.
Or
1. Highlight the spreadsheet.
2. On the Toolbar click on Cut icon.
3. Click on a new column.
4. On the Toolbar click on Paste icon
Steps:
1. Double click the sheet tab – (sheet1).
2. Type Items and press Enter key.
Or
1. Right-click the sheet tab.
2. Select Rename and press Enter key.
3. Type Items
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17.AUTOFILL Function
With the AutoFill feature, you can automatically fill cells with data that follow a pattern or series.
Steps:
1. Select a cell and type the first word of a series (e.g. type "January" for a 12-month series).
2. Select the fill handle at the lower-right corner of the cell, hold down, and drag to fill the
rest of the series.
Note: It can be done either downward or across as shown in both cases. If you enter
only three-lettered abbreviation, e.g. Jan in the cell, Autofill function automatically fill
the rest.
it can also be done with Numbers with pattern – say in series or steps of 2, 3, 4 etc.
2, 4, 6, 8….. or 3, 6, 9, 12, ……. Or 4, 8, 12, 16, …..
Januar Februar Marc Apri May June July Augu Septemb Octob Novemb Decemb
y y h l st er er er er
1. ADDITION.
Note: All calculations in Excel starts by typing the Equal to sign (=).
Name of Test Exams Total
Pupil Score
Brima 30 40
Susan 25 35
Baindu 28 31
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Foday 15 35
Steps:
1. Select or click on cell D2.
2. Type =
3. Type the cell address of 30, (B2).
4. Type plus sign (+).
5. Type the cell address of 40, (C2).
6. Press Enter key.
Task 3: -
Calculate the Total sales for the three months.
Months. Jan. Feb. Mar. Total Sales
Sales 100 200 250
Mariama 54 35 64 50 72
Joe 45 31 58 62 50
Fatu 51 35 67 80 48
Bockarie 54 45 65 42 70
Totals
Steps:
1. Highlight cell B2 to F2.
2. On the Tool bar, locate AutoSum icon (∑), click on it.
2. Multiplication function.
Perform the necessary calculation on this Data.
Item Qty. Unit Price Total Cost
Textbook 8 6500
Pencil 5 7050
Ruler 10 5511
Exercise Book 13 5400
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Steps:
1. Select the blank cell below Total Cost.
2. Type Equal to (=) sign.
3. Click on cell containing 8.
4. Type the Multiplication sign - *.
5. Click on the cell containing 6500.
6. Press Enter key.
7. Follow the same steps from 1 to 6 for each item
Task 4:
Person Speed Time (hr.) Distance
(km/h) (km)
Textbook 8 2
Pencil 25 2.5
Ruler 10 5
Exercise Book 35 5
3. Subtraction function.
Name of Weight in Actual weight Difference in weight.
Pupil Kilogram in Kilogram
Brima 80 65
Susan 80 70
Baindu 80 55
Foday 80 65
Steps
1. Select the blank cell below Difference in weight.
2. Type Equal to (=) sign.
3. Click on cell containing 80.
4. Type the Subtraction sign – (-).
5. Click on the cell containing 65.
6. Press Enter key.
4. Division Function.
Name of Number of Total Average scores
Pupil subjects scores
T 8 578
P 8 632
R 8 551
E 8 684
Steps.
1. Select the blank cell below Average scores
2. Type Equal to (=) sign.
3. Click on cell containing 8.
4. Type the Division sign – (/).
5. Click on the cell containing 578.
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6. Press Enter key.
Name Accounting English Maths. Economics Business Studies Total Averag Max Min
e
Florence 97 36 47 13 34
Maria 69 85 86 51 53
Joe 19 72 41 53 40
Frankly 76 68 46 11 22
n
Steps
1. Click on the blank cell below Total
2. Highlight all the cells containing these numbers for Florence: 97, 36, 47, 13 and 63
3. On the Toolbar locate AutoSum icon – (∑).
4. Follow the same steps 1 – 3 above for the other students.
For Average:
5. Click on the blank cell below Average
6. On the Toolbar locate AutoSum icon – (∑), click the arrow next to it.
7. Select Average.
8. Highlight the cells containing these numbers for Florence: 97, 36, 47, 13 and 63
9. Press Enter Key.
10. Click on the next blank cell
11. Repeat steps 6 – 9 for others.
For MAX:
12. Click on the blank cell below Max
13. Highlight the cells containing these numbers for Florence: 97, 36, 47, 13 and 63
14. Press the Enter key.
6. Inserting a Column.
Create this spreadsheet:
Item Qty. Unit Price
Textbook 8 6500
Pencil 5 7050
Ruler 10 5511
Exercise Book 13 5400
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Steps:
1. Click on column title Qty.
2. Right-click and select Insert.
3. Select Entire Column
4. Click Ok button
5. Type Unit.
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22. Data Alignment
Create the spreadsheet.
Qty.
Price
Unit
Item
Textbook 8 6500
Pencil 5 7050
Ruler 10 5511
Exercise Book 13 5400
Steps:
1. Type: Item, Qty., Unit Price
2. Select the cell - Item.
3. On the Toolbar under Cell, click on Format & select Format cells.
4. Click on Alignment tab.
5. Under Orientation, select the Degree; -45
6. Click Ok button
7. Repeat the same for the others – Qty.: 90., Unit Price: 90.
Wrap text refers to the process of making a cell accommodate a long text into a single cell, as shown in the table
above.
Steps:
1. Click on cell B1 and type: Description of Items and C1 type: To whom it is allocated
2. On the Toolbar, under Alignment category, look for Wrap Text icon -
3. Click on it.
This is what you will see.
No Description of To whom it is
Items allocated
Steps:
1. Highlight all the data under Unit Price.
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2. On the Toolbar under Number category, look for Comma Style icon ( ). ,
3. Click on it.
Steps:
1. Highlight all the data.
2. On the Toolbar under Font category, look for Bottom border icon.
3. Click the arrow next to it and select All borders.
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27. RANK/POSITION
METHOD I:
Steps:
1. Select the cell you want the position for the first
student/value to display
2. On the formula bar, click on “fx”
3. Select the function –“Rank” and click “OK”
4. Against “Number,” select the first value/mean score for the
first student among the values you want to rank
5. Against “Ref,” select the entire values/range
6. Press “f4” key on the keyboard
7. Press Enter
METHOD II:
Steps:
1. Click the cell you want the answer/rank for the first student/value to display
2. Enter/type equal to sign (=)
3. Type the function “Rank”
4. Select the function –Rank by double click it or select and press the tab key
5. Select the mean score/value for the first student/item
6. Select the range/entire values starting with the first to the last
7. Press the “F4” key
8. Press the “Enter” key
Steps:
1. Select the cell you want your statement to display
2. Click “fx” on the formula bar
3. Select the “IF” function
4. Click “OK”
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5. Against Logical_test, select the first/test value for the first student and enter the logical statement. E.g. >49
6. Against “Value_if_true”, enter “Pass”
7. “Value_if_false”, enter “Fail”
8. Click “OK”
The internet is a global network of interconnected networks that communicate using a common set of standards
and protocols.
These networks are owned and managed by a wide range of organizations, such as national governments,
private companies, and academic institutions.
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3. Digital Marketing - Nowadays, the internet plays a significant role in the digital marketing of any
brand or product. The internet helps businesses to reach a wide range of audiences from around the
world.
4. External Communication - The internet helps establish communication and exchange information if an
organization has different branches in different regions. By using Email as a legal and formal way of
communication. It is a very effective way of communicating with employees and supervisors.
It can convey a single message to different employees instantly. It makes it an efficient way of doing the
work and saves a lot of time and hard work.
5. Worldwide Connectivity - With the help of the internet, people, businesses, organizations, and
government authorities can connect internationally. Anyone can learn about the different languages,
cultures, beliefs, and diversity of other countries while sitting at the ease of their home.
6. Globalization - It focuses on establishing the global economy, exchanging goods and services, culture,
or population by removing the physical boundaries among different nations and businesses.
What you can do Online (Internet)
1. Email: - Short of Electronic Mail. is a way to send and receive messages across the Internet. You need
an address that consist of:
Username & Password.
2. Social networking: - Social networking websites are another way to connect and share with your family
and friends online. Example WhatsApp, Facebook,
3. Chat and instant messaging: - Chat and instant messaging (IM) are short messages sent and read in
real time, allowing you to converse more quickly and easily than email.
4. Online media: - There are sites that allow you to watch videos and listen to music, e.g. YouTube, Netflix
or Hulu and listen to Internet radio on Pandora.
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2. Server: The main job of a server is to respond to the request of the client. The device or programme is
set up in the way that they provide the appropriate information to the client. This functionality of client
and server works on a model called – Call and Response.
3. Protocols - protocols can be defined as a set of rules that guide data transmission between computing
devices. These rules make sure that the data request is sent and received by the client without any
problem.
The most important internet protocols are – Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol
(IP).
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How the Internet Works!
It's important to realize that the Internet is a global network of physical cables, which can includes copper
telephone wires, TV cables, and fiber optic cables.
Even wireless connections like Wi-Fi and 3G/4G rely on these physical cables to access the Internet.
Introduction to CLOUD
The cloud is the Internet—more specifically, it's all of the things you can access remotely over the Internet.
When something is in the Cloud, it means it's stored on Internet servers instead of your computer's hard drive.
Why use the cloud?
The main reason for using cloud is for convenience and reliability.
When you ever used a web-based email service, such as Gmail or Yahoo! Mail, you've already used the cloud.
All of the emails in a web-based service are stored on Servers rather than on your computer's hard drive.
This means you can access your email from any computer with an Internet connection.
Also, you'll be able to recover your emails if something happens to your computer.
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b) Broadband using via a phone line.
c) Satellite link orbiting the earth.
d) 3G, 4G or 5G using wireless connection.
2. After the choose of the type of connection, next you need to determine:
a) Service Provider also known as INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER – ISP.
b) Speed and cost for service provided.
Web Browser
A Web Browser is a type of software that allows you to find and view websites on the Internet.
There are many different web browsers, but some of the most common ones include Google Chrome, Safari,
and Mozilla Firefox.
Internet
Explorer
Opera Mini Google Safari M
Chrome
URLs and the address bar
Each website has a unique address, called a URL (short for Uniform Resource Locator). It's like a street address
that tells your browser where to go on the Internet.
Links
A link is also known as Hyperlink, is an element that takes you to another page whenever you click on it.
It can be a text that is blue in color and underlined. Also, a link can be an image.
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Navigation buttons
The Back and Forward buttons allow you to move through websites you've recently viewed.
You can also click and hold either button to see your recent websites you
have opened.
The Refresh button will reload the current page if a website stops working or freezes.
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3. Update your browser regularly - new viruses and malware are created all the time, so it's important
to update your browser regularly. Your browser will usually notify you when it has an update
available.
Passwords Precautions.
1. Never use personal information such as your name, birthday, which are easily available whenever filling
online forms.
2. Use a longer password. Your password should be at least six characters long.
3. Don't use the same password for each account. If someone discovers your password for one account, all
of your other accounts will be vulnerable.
4. Try to include numbers, symbols, and both uppercase and lowercase letters.
Tabbed browsing
Many browsers allow you to open links in a new tab. You can open as many links as you want.
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Downloading & Uploading a file.
1. Downloading is the process of getting web pages, images and files from a Web Server.
2. Uploading is the putting web pages, images and files onto a Web Server.
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2. Type a keyword or sentence – e.g., Child centred approach.
3. Click inside Google Search box – Child cantered approach
Note: If you don't find what you're looking for on the first try, don't worry! Search engines are good at
finding things online, but they're not perfect. You'll often need to try different search terms to find what
you're looking for.
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Create an Email account
Setting up an email account is easy. You will begin by opening a website whose account you want to use, say
google.
Setting up a Gmail account
1. Type www.gmail.com on the web browser.
2. Click Create account.
7655555
5
76555555
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10. Click the Verify button
11. Next, fill in your personal Information – DOB, Gender, etc.
76555555
Steps: - To sign in
1. Type www.gmail.com on the web browser.
2. Type your user name (your email address) and password, then click Next button.
3. Click the Next button.
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Note: you can click this icon at the far end, this is to make sure your
Password is correct.
Sending Email
When you write an email, you'll be using the compose window. This is where you'll add the email address of
the recipient(s), the subject, and the body of the email, which is the message itself.
You'll also be able to add various types of text formatting, as well as one or more attachments. If you want, you
can even create a signature that will be added to the end of every email you send.
Important parts of an email window
In sending an email note the following:
1. To: email address or addresses persons/organization to receive the message.
2. Cc Bcc: add the emails of other persons who may not to reply to your message, but only to notify them.
CC- Carbon copy & BCC – Blind Carbon copy
3. Subject: - why the message is sent, e.g., reminder for fees.
4. Body: where you type the content of the message.
5. Attachment: any file/document that is sent with the message.
6. Send: to send a completed message.
1 2
3
4
6 5
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To send an email:
Steps:
1. Click the Compose button.
2. The compose window will appear in the lower-right
corner of the page.
Adding an attachment.
1. Click the paper clip icon at the bottom of the Compose window.
2. A file open
dialog box appears, locate the file to attach.
3. Click on Open.
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4. The attached file will start to Upload.
5. Then click on Send.
6.
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Table showing the number of social media users
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Social Media Platform Number of Users
30
20
10
0
Facebook Instagram Snapchat Twitter Tik Tok YouTube Linkedln
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