Diploma Ict Notes
Diploma Ict Notes
DIPLOMA LEVEL
COURSE OUTLINE
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TOPIC ONE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
Definition of terms
Data – These are raw facts that are entered has inputs, processed and
transformed in to meaningful information.
Soft copy – it is screen displayed output and it is lost when the computer is turned
off
Hard copy – These are outputs such as papers that can be read immediately or
stored for later use
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2nd Generation Computers
- It is still a state of the art technology that relies on predictions and further
technological refinement e.g Audio – technology , artificial intelligence etc
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CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
By Size / Power
Digital computers - They are high programmable electronic device that performs
mathematical calculations; compare values and store the results. They recognize
data by counting signals representing either high/ low voltage of electricity etc.
By purpose
General purpose- These are computers that can be used for any type of
application eg. Banking system, accounts etc.
Specific purpose – These are computers designed for a specific job eg. Computers
installed for banking systems only
- Administration
- Business
- Entertainment
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- Health sectors
- Banks
Characteristics of computers
Assignment
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TOPIC TWO: COMPUTER SYSTEM COMPONENTS
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Input Unit
This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data
into the computer. This unit creates a link between the user and
the computer. The input devices translate the information into a
form understandable by the computer.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all
types of data processing operations. It stores data, intermediate
results, and instructions (program). It controls the operation of all
parts of the computer.
CPU itself has the following three components −
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Memory or Storage Unit
This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results.
This unit supplies information to other units of the computer
when needed. It is also known as internal storage unit or the
main memory or the primary storage or Random Access Memory
(RAM).
Its size affects speed, power, and capability. Primary memory
and secondary memory are two types of memories in the
computer. Functions of the memory unit are −
It stores all the data and the instructions required for
processing.
It stores intermediate results of processing.
It stores the final results of processing before these results
are released to an output device.
All inputs and outputs are transmitted through the main
memory.
Control Unit
This unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer but
does not carry out any actual data processing operations.
Functions of this unit are −
It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and
instructions among other units of a computer.
It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.
It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets
them, and directs the operation of the computer.
It communicates with Input/Output devices for transfer of
data or results from storage.
It does not process or store data.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
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This unit consists of two subsections namely,
Arithmetic Section
Logic Section
Arithmetic Section
Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic operations
like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. All complex
operations are done by making repetitive use of the above
operations.
Logic Section
Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as
comparing, selecting, matching, and merging of data.
Storage keeps data, information and instructions for use in the future. All
computers use storage to keep the software that makes the hardware work.
Common storage media are:
Hard Drive: This storage medium which looks like the one below, is a hard drive.
This medium comes with the computer and is always inside the computer.
It stores all the programs that the computer needs to work.
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Compact Disk &DVD: These types of storage media hold much more information
than a floppy disk. They are also considered portable storage.
USB Flash Drive: This is a storage medium that is very easy to carry around and it
also holds more data than a floppy disk. As you can see from the picture below it is
very small when compared with the others.
Input devices
keyboard
mouse
touchscreen
joystick
MIDI keyboard
scanner
digital camera
video camera
microphone
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output devices
monitor
projector
TV screen
printer
plotter
speakers
Computer software
Software- is a program that enables a computer to perform a specific task,
as opposed to the physical components of the system
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Software Selection Criteria
Software must be compatible with current and future hardware over the next
planning interval
Software maintenance and warranties must be of appropriate length and cost
Software help desk must be maintained by [vendor, third party, in-house
personnel]
Software must be standardized throughout the business to improve
purchasing power, simplify training, and facilitate support
Software must comply with current standards set by technology leadership
Software must support and enhance business goals
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What is Application Software
An application software performs a single task. These type of
software programs are specially designed to solve particular
problems such as document creation, doing calculations, image
editing etc.
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Choice of appropriate software
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Backup utility- are computer programs used to perform a backup;
they create supplementary exact copies of files, databases or
entire computers.
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TOPIC FOUR: WORD PROCESSING
Creating a table
Place the cursor where you want to place the table.
Click the Insert Table icon on the Tables and Borders toolbar at
the top of the window. [Microsoft]
Drag the corner of the table until you have the desired number of
columns and rows.
Click the mouse to insert the table.
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Five steps to the mail merge process:
1. Choose your document type - Within the mailings tab click the start
mail merge button and a drop down will appear. You can choose from
labels, envelopes, emails, letters or a directory.
2. Select your recipients - Here you can choose to "type a new list"
where you enter the recipients into a database one by one, "use an
existing list" such as a spreadsheet to import the data or "select from
your Outlook contacts". You can then edit the recipient data should you
wish.
3. Write & insert fields - Now that your document is linked to your
recipient data you can add the individual personalization fields. This
includes address fields
4. Preview results - Check that the fields you've inserted are pulling the
correct data through (e.g. the town field isn't pulling through the county
information) and positioned correctly on your document.
5. Finish & merge - Now that you're happy with your content, and the
correct data fields are being imported, you can finish and merge the
document and your data to create the final product
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TOPIC FIVE: SPREAD SHEETS
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Application areas of spread sheet
Worksheet layout
Building a worksheet
Procedure
1. Click on start button
2. Click on program
3. Click on Microsoft office
4. Click on Ms. Excel
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Saving a work sheet
Procedure
1. Click file
2. Select “Save As”
3. Specify a name (---)
4. Click on save button
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TOPIC SIX: DATA PROCESSING AND DATA SECURITY
The Data Processing Cycle - is a series of steps carried out to extract useful
information from raw data. Although each step must be taken in order, the order is
cyclic. The output and storage stage can lead to the repeat of the data collection
stage, resulting in another cycle of data processing. The cycle provides a view on
how the data travels and transforms from collection to interpretation, and
ultimately, used in effective business decisions.
1) Collection - is the first stage of the cycle, and is very crucial, since the quality of
data collected will impact heavily on the output. The collection process needs to
ensure that the data gathered are both defined and accurate, so that subsequent
decisions based on the findings are valid.
2) Preparation - is the manipulation of data into a form suitable for further analysis
and processing. Raw data cannot be processed and must be checked for accuracy.
Preparation is about constructing a data set from one or more data sources to be
used for further exploration and processing.
3) Input- is the task where verified data is coded or converted into machine
readable form so that it can be processed through an application. Data entry is done
through the use of a keyboard, scanner, or data entry from an existing source.
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4) Processing - is when the data is subjected to various means and methods of
powerful technical manipulations using Machine Learning and Artificial
Intelligence algorithms to generate an output or interpretation about the data.
6) Storage is the last stage in the data processing cycle, where data, and metadata
(information about data) are held for future use. The importance of this cycle is that
it allows quick access and retrieval of the processed information, allowing it to be
passed on to the next stage directly, when needed
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Multi-tasking - Working on two or more tasks simultaneously. Switching
back and forth from one thing to another. Performing a number of tasks in
rapid succession
File access- is where information is read and accessed into computer memory
Records are stored and accessed in a particular order sorted using a key
field.
Retrieval requires searching sequentially through the entire file record by
record to the end.
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Advantages of sequential file organization
The sorting does not remove the need to access other records as the search
looks for particular records.
Sequential records cannot support modern technologies that require fast
access to stored records.
The requirement that all records be of the same size is sometimes difficult to
enforce.
It is simple
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It is cheap
Almost similar to sequential method only that, an index is used to enable the
computer to locate individual records on the storage media. For example, on
a magnetic drum, records are stored sequential on the tracks. However,
each record is assigned an index that can be used to access it directly.
Database
A database is a named collection of tables. A database can also contain
views, indexes, sequences, data types, operators, and functions. Other
relational database products use the term catalog.
Command
A command is a string that you send to the server in hopes of having the
server do something useful. Some people use the word statement to
mean command. The two words are very similar in meaning and, in practice,
are interchangeable.
Query
A query is a type of command that retrieves data from the server.
Table (relation, file, class)
A table is a collection of rows. A table usually has a name, although some
tables are temporary and exist only to carry out a command. All the rows in
a table have the same shape (in other words, every row in a table contains
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the same set of columns). In other database systems, you may see the
terms relation, file, or even class?these are all equivalent to a table.
Column (field, attribute)
A column is the smallest unit of storage in a relational database. A column
represents one piece of information about an object. Every column has a
name and a data type.
Features of database
Field - is a set of data values, of the same data type, in a table.
Key field - is a field in a record of a data table that contains unique data and
separates that record from all other records in the database.
Field properties - sets the maximum number of characters that can be
entered into a text field
Methods of securing data
Backup your data. ...
Use passwords...
Anti-malware protection is a must.
Secure your wireless network at your home or business
Biometric
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TOPIC SEVEN: COMPUTER NETWORKING
Types of networks
The smallest and most basic type of network, a PAN is made up of a wireless
modem, a computer or two, phones, printers, tablets, etc., and revolves around one
person in one building
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2. Local Area Network (LAN)
LANs connect groups of computers and low-voltage devices together across short
distances (within a building or between a group of two or three buildings in close
proximity to each other) to share information and resources.
WLANs make use of wireless network technology, such as Wi-Fi. Typically seen
in the same types of applications as LANs, these types of networks don’t require
that devices rely on physical cables to connect to the network.
Larger than LANs, but smaller than metropolitan area networks (MANs, explained
below), these types of networks are typically seen in universities or small
businesses. They can be spread across several buildings that are fairly close to each
other so users can share resources.
These types of networks are larger than LANs but smaller than WANs – and
incorporate elements from both types of networks. MANs span an entire
geographic area (typically a town or city, but sometimes a campus). Ownership
and maintenance is handled by either a single person or company (a local council,
a large company, etc.).
WAN connects computers together across longer physical distances. This allows
computers and low-voltage devices to be remotely connected to each other over
one large network to communicate even when they’re miles apart.
They move storage resources away from the network and place them into their own
high-performance network. SANs can be accessed in the same fashion as a drive
attached to a server. Types of storage-area networks include converged, virtual and
unified SANs.
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NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
1. Bus Topology
Bus topology is the kind of network topology where every node, i.e. every device
on the network, is connected to a solo main cable line. Data is transmitted in a
single route, from one point to the other
It is cost-effective.
The Cable length required is the least in comparison to other topologies.
The working of this topology is easy to understand.
Expansion can be done easily by linking the cables together.
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2. Ring Topology
Ring Topology is a topology type in which every computer is connected to another
computer on each side. The last computer is connected to the first, thus forming a
ring shape. This topology allows for each computer to have exactly two
neighbouring computers.
The network is not affected by numerous nodes or heavy traffic, as only the
nodes possessing tokens can transfer data.
Ring topology has cheap installation and expansion.
3. Star Topology
Star Topology is the kind of network topology in which all the nodes are connected
via cables to a single node called a hub, which is the central node. The hub can be
active or passive in nature. Active hubs contain repeaters, while passive hubs are
considered non-intelligent nodes.
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Drawbacks of Star Topology
4. Mesh Topology
Mesh topology is the kind of topology in which all the nodes are connected with all
the other nodes via a network channel. Mesh topology is a point-to-point
connection.
Every connection has the ability to carry its particular data load.
Mesh Topology is very robust.
It is easy to diagnose faults.
Mesh Topology provides privacy and security.
5. Tree Topology
Tree topology is the topology in which the nodes are connected hierarchically, with
all the nodes connected to the topmost node or root node. Hence, it is also known
as hierarchical topology. Tree topology has at least three levels of hierarchy.
It is profoundly cabled.
It is expensive when compared to other topologies.
If the root node collapses, the network will also collapse.
6. Hybrid Topology
Hybrid Topology is basically a network topology comprising of two or more
different types of topologies. It is a reliable and scalable topology, but
simultaneously, it is a costly one. It receives the merits and demerits of the
topologies used to build it.
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4. Firewall - is a network security device that monitors and filters
incoming and outgoing network traffic based on an organization's
previously established security policies
Assignment
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TOPIC EIGHT: PRESENTATION PACKAGES
Step 2: Go to File at the top of the screen and click New. A box that says “New
Presentation” should appear on the right side of your screen.
Step 3: In the “New Presentation” dialog box, click on “From Design Template.”
You may then scan through design templates and choose
Step 4: Slide Design Select a design template by clicking on the template you like.
You may choose a different color for your template by clicking on “Color
Schemes” in the “New Presentation” dialog box.
Step 5: Slide Layout Change the Slide Layout. You may change the slide layout
(how information is presented in the slide) by going to the top of the screen and
clicking on “Format” – “Slide Layout.” A box will appear on the right side of your
screen (where “New Presentation” appeared) labeled “Slide Layout.” You may
select a design by clicking on it.
Step 6: Adding Text Enter your text by clicking and then typing in the box titled
“Click to Add Text” or “Click to Add Title.”
Step 7: Adding Pictures You may add pictures by clicking on the box that says
“Click to add content.” Inside that box, there will be a smaller box with six icons.
Click on the icon that looks like a photograph of a mountain. A new window will
open, allowing you to browse for a picture on your computer or a CD. Once you
find your picture, click on it and then click “Insert
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Step 8: Resizing Pictures You may change the size of your picture by clicking on
the picture. The picture will then have black lines around it with small bubbles or
boxes in the corners. Place your mouse over the bubbles or boxes and click.
Holding the mouse pointer down, drag the picture to the size you want.
Formating slides
Inserting shapes
You can create 19 kinds shapes in a file to make the contents more vivid.
Selecting and moving objects
After inserting objects in a presentation, you are most likely to move their
positions to make the layout more attractive.
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TOPIC NINE: INTERNET AND WORLD WIDE WEB
Internet - a global computer network providing a variety of information and
communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using
standardized communication protocols.
Internet Applications
Sending and receiving email.
Searching and browsing information archives.
Copying files between computers.
Conducting financial transactions.
Navigating (in your car, smart scooter, smart bike, or other)
Playing interactive games.
Video and music streaming.
IN ICT
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