UNIT 1

ORGANIZATION OF FILES
1.2 File Management
. A file is the common storage unit in a computer, and
all programs and data are “written” into and “read”
from the file. Computers store information in files
that are also organized and grouped in folders and
stored on disks, not in big drawers. Computers rely
on hard disk drives (HDDs) to store data
permanently.
HDDs are storage devices used to save and retrieve
digital information that will be required for future
reference
 ......
• A folder holds one or more files, and it can be
empty until it is filled.
• File management is the process and act of
creating an organized structure in which you
store information for easy retrieval.
• Folder (directory) is a virtual storage space
used to store and organize computer files.
• A disk drive is a technology that enables the
reading, writing, deleting and modifying of
data on a computer storage disk.
 1.3 Storage Drives

• A computer drive is a piece of hardware that is

used to read and store information on the computer
and that is usually not as easily removed as a disk.
• Currently, there are other ways of saving files using
cloud-based drives. OneDrive and google drive are
examples of cloud-based drives on which files are
stored.
• A cloud drive is a web-based service that provides
storage space on a remote server. Cloud drives,
which are accessed over the Internet with client-side
software, are useful for backing up files.
 Drives and Drive Letters

• Each drive is assigned a letter to identify it. System(C:)This is

known as a hard drive and is found inside your computer. This
drive is where all your program software is installed.
Storage(D:)This is another hard drive in your computer into
which you can save data.
CD Drive(E:)This is a CD drive where you can read CD data
disks and listen to audio disks.
However, in some computers, the above derive letters and drive
names might not appear or have different names or letters
based on the partition of the computer disk.
Removable Disk(F:) If you plug in a USB drive on any
operating system, it will recognize the pluggedin or inserted
device and automatically gives the plugged-in drive a letter of
its own.
 1.4 File Name Extension
A computer has many different types of files on it, and
each one has its own file extension. A file extension is
a three- or four-letter identifier found at the end of a
file name being followed by a period. The extension
tells you about the characteristics of a file and its use.
Examples of file extensions are: ƒ
• An image uses the .jpg or .jpeg extension
• A Word document uses the .docx extension, or .doc
for older versions .
• ƒ An audio file uses the .mp3 extension. ƒ
• An Excel spreadsheet uses the .xlsx extension, or .xls
for older versions.
 ......
File extensions are used by an operating system
to identify what applications are associated
with a particular file type.
An operating system is a software program
required to manage and operate computing
devices like smartphones, tablets, computers
and supercomputers.
Table 1.1 Operating systems
 ......
Operating System
Windows - is developed by Microsoft Corporation to run
personal computers (PCs). It featured the first graphical user
interface (GUI) for IBM-compatible PCs.
Unix - is a multitasking, multiuser computer operating system.
A command-based computer operation has been constantly
updated since the invention of Unix.
Linux - is an open-source operating system (OS).
DOS - is the part of a computer operating system that controls
and manages files and programs stored on a disk. DOS is an
abbreviation for ‘disk operating system’.
Android-is a mobile operating system based on a modified
version of the Linux kernel and other opensource software,
designed primarily for touch screen mobile devices such as
smart phones and tablets
 ......
Filename extension and length vary according to the type of
operating system (OS) we use. For instance, in Unix
operating system, which is a command-based OS, a file
extension is optional; in Linux and Windows operating
systems a file extension is a requirement(mandatory).
However, Disk Operating System (DOS) limits the length
of the file extension. For example,
- DOS uses three characters;
- Windows uses three or four characters ;
- Unix-based OS uses unlimited characters.
A filename extension is a suffix added to the name of a
computer file to indicate the encoding, convention or file
format of its contents
Table 1.2 Different types of file extensions
......
 1.5 File Directory Structure
The directory structure is the way an operating
system shows its system and other types of
files to the computer user. Files are typically
displayed in a hierarchical tree structure.
The first or the top folder (directory) in the
structure is called the root directory(parent).
A directory contained inside another directory
is called a subdirectory(child).
The root directory contains all other folders or
files in the drive.
 Fig.1.6 simple directory structure

1.5.1 Directory Path or File Path

A path is a list beginning with a drive letter that tells
which folders to open.
The series of directory names, culminating in the file
name itself, constitutes a pathname for the file.
Types of Directory Paths
The two different methods commonly used to indicate the path of a
file are absolute pathname and relative pathname.
a. Absolute Pathname An absolute pathname represents the
complete name of a directory or file from the /(root) directory
downward. It is the path given from the root directory to the file.
b. Relative Pathname is the path referenced relative to the
current directory.
1.6 File Conversion
File conversion is the process of taking a file of one format and
changing it into another. . It is possible to convert from one file
format to another; for example, you can take a file used in
Microsoft Word (.doc) and convert it to the Portable Document
Format (PDF) file format.
A file converter is software that converts a document from one file
type to another.
 ......
If a file was created in one application and you want to use it in another,
you can either import the file or use a conversion program.
Some common file converter software include
-FoxitPDFEditor,
- PDF to Word Converter,
- PDF Convert Free,
- EliteCloudConvert,
- PDFShiftPDF and
- CandySelectPdf
1.7 File Importing and Exporting
File import is the process of moving files or data used in one program
to another. when you import, you are bringing in information from a
file into a program.
File export is a process of moving information from a program into a
file. when you are exporting, you are taking information from a
program and putting it into a file.
 1.8 Saving and Opening Files
When you save a file in any application program, the application
saves the files using the default file format of a program.
When you open a file in Windows, it will usually open in the
default application for that type of file.
1.9 File Backup and Recovery
Backup and recovery describe the process of creating and storing
copies of data that can be used to protect individuals and
organizations against data loss. This is sometimes referred to as
operational recovery.
A backup is a digital copy of your most important information.
It can be saved to an external storage device or the cloud.
Backing up is a precautionary measure so that your data is
accessible in case it is lost, stolen ,damaged or hardware/
software failure.
 ......

Restoring is the process of copying backed-up data from

a secondary location and restoring it to its original or a
new device.
The purpose of the backup is to create a copy of data that
we use to recover in the event of a primary data failure.
File Compression- is a data compression method in
which the logical size of a file is reduced to save disk
space for easier and faster transmission over a network
or the Internet. File compression is also known as file
zipping. Zipped (compressed) files occupy less
storage space and can be transferred to other
computers more quickly than uncompressed files.
 File or Folder Compression Tools
There are a lot of file or folder compression
software packages; among them, the most
popular compression tools are WinRAR, WinZip
and 7zip.
Deleting a File
File deletion is the removal of a file from a
computer’s file system.
Recycle Bin is the location where deleted files or
folders are temporarily stored in a computer.
Note: shift key + delete key remove the file totally
from your computer.
 ......

We may need to delete files or folders for various reasons. Some

of the reasons are: ƒ
-Freeing the disk space. ƒ
-Removing duplicated or unnecessary data to avoid confusion. ƒ
-Making sensitive information unavailable to others
Restoring Deleted File
It is possible to restore the deleted files if it is stored
temporarily in the Recycle Bin.
A deleted file cannot be restored by the flowing conditions. ƒ
-The file you deleted is not in the Recycle Bin. ƒ
-The Recycle Bin is emptied permanently. ƒ
-The file is deleted using the shift key (shift key + Delete) on the
keyboard.
 UNIT 2
COMPUTER NETWOR
The computer network is the connection of two
or more computers or communication devices
connected by transmission media and allow
users to communicate with each other and
share applications and data. The fundamental
components of a network are devices, media,
messages and protocols
2.2 Network Media (Transmission Media)
• For data to be transmitted from one location to
another, a physical pathway or medium must
be used. These pathways are called
transmissions media and can be either
physical or wireless. The physical transmission
use wire, cable, and other tangible materials;
wireless transmission media send
communications signals through the air or
space. The physical transmission media are
generally referred to as cable media (example,
twisted pair wire, coaxial cable, and fiber optic
cable).
 ......
Wireless media include cellular radio, microwave
transmission, satellite transmission, radio and
infrared media.
Modern networks primarily use three types of media
to interconnect devices and to provide the pathway
over which data can be transmitted. These media
are:
 Glass or plastic fibers (fiber optic cable)
 ƒ Copper cables
 Wireless transmission
The signal encoding that must occur for the message
to be transmitted is different for each media type.
 ......
• On metallic wires, the data is encoded into
electrical impulses that match specific patterns.
• Fiber optic transmissions rely on pulses of light,
within either infrared or visible light ranges.
• In wireless transmission, and patterns of
electromagnetic waves depict the various bit values.
Note:- Signal is an electric or electromagnetic form
of data that passes over transmission media.
- A wire is a long thin piece of metal that is used to
fasten things or to carry electric current.
 Categories of Network Media
(Transmission Media)
• The transmission medium can be divided into
two broad categories: wired or guided media
and wireless or unguided media.
transmission
media

Guided Unguided
(wired) (wireless)

Twisted- pair Coaxial Fiber- optic Radio Micro Infrared

cable cable cable wave wave
 2.2.1 Guided (Wired) Media)
• Guided media are those that provide a physical
conduit from one device to another. These
include twisted-pair cable, coaxial cable and
fiber-optic cable.
• Twisted-pair and coaxial cables use metallic
(copper) conductors and transport signals in
the form of electric current.
• Optical fiber is a cable that accepts and
transports signals in the form of light.
 Twisted-pair Cable
• A twisted pair consists of two conductors with its
plastic insulation twisted together.
• One of the wires is used to carry signals and the
other is used only as a ground reference.
• Twisting two wires together as a pair minimizes
interference (noise) and crosstalk .
• Twisted-pair cable is used for voice and data
communications.
• Twisted pairs are classified as unshielded twisted-
pair (UTP) and shielded twisted-pair (STP).
 Unshielded Twisted-Pair (UTP)
UTP:-is the most common form of network cable.
-used for the Ethernet wiring standards
-managed by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
-these wiring standards are referred by code 802.3
-UTP cables - identified with the prefix CAT as a
category.
UTP Cable Connectors
 The most common UTP connector is RJ45.
( RJ stands for registered jack)
 ......
 The RJ45 is a keyed connector, meaning can be
inserted in only one way.
 UTP cabling, terminated with RJ45 connectors is a
common copper-based medium and connect
computers with network devices like routers and
switches.
 To pin in the RJ45 connectors, UTP cables use
different orders like Ethernet straight-through and
Ethernet crossover.
 The straight-through is used to connect
computers to hubs or switches (connect different
network devices)
……
 ……
• Used in local computer laboratory.
• Crossover Ethernet cable is commonly used
to connect computer to computer (connect
similar network devices).
 Shielded Twisted-Pair (STP)
• STP consists of a special jacket to block
external interference.
It is used in fast-data-rate Ethernet , voice and
data channels of telephone lines.
• STP reduces electrical noise from the cable
(crosstalk) and outside the cable (EMI and
RFI).
 Coaxial Cable
• Coaxial cable (or coax) carries signals of higher
frequency ranges than twisted pair.
• Coaxial cable consists of a central conductor
and a shield.
• It also consists of an inner copper core and a
second conducting outer sheath.
• Coaxial cable is used in cable TV networks and
traditional Ethernet LANs.
• Coax is a type of cable used to transmit data,
the internet, video and voice communications.
 ......
• There are thick and thin coaxial cables.
• A thick coaxial cable carries broadband signals
and has better noise immunity.
• A thin coaxial cable has limited noise isolation
and carries baseband signals.
Coaxial Cable Connectors
The most common type of coaxial connector
used today is the Bayonet Neill-Concelman
(BNC) connector.
 Fiber-optic Cable
• Fiber-optic cabling uses either glass or plastic
fibers to guide light impulses from source to
destination.
• Fiber optic cable can transmit signals over much
longer distances than coaxial and twisted pairs.
• It can also carry information at vastly greater
speeds. This capacity broadens communication
possibilities to include services such as video
conferencing and interactive services.
 ......

• There are two common types of fiber cables: single

mode and multimode cables. Multimode cable has
a larger diameter; however, both cables provide high
bandwidth at high speeds. The single mode cable
can provide more distance, but it is more expensive.
Fiber-optic Cable Connectors
• There are three types of connectors for fiber-optic
cables. These are
 subscriber channel (SC)
 straight-tip (ST) and
 Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack (MT-RJ)
 ......
The subscriber channel (SC) connector is used
for cable TV. It uses a push/pull locking
system. The straight-tip (ST) connector is used
for connecting cables to networking devices. It
uses a bayonet locking system and is more
reliable than SC. MT-RJ is a connector that is
the same size as RJ45.
 2.2.2 Unguided (Wireless) Media
• Unguided media transport electromagnetic
waves without using a physical conductor.
Signals are broadcast through free space and
available to anyone who has a device capable
of receiving them. Unguided signals can travel
from a given source to its destination in
several ways: ground propagation, sky
propagation and line-of-sight propagation.
 ......
In-ground propagation, radio waves travel through the
lowest portion of the atmosphere.(below 2MHz)
In sky propagation, higher-frequency radio waves radiate
upward into the ionosphere.(2-30MHz)
In line-of-sight propagation, very high-frequency signals are
transmitted in straight lines directly from antenna to
antenna.(above 30MHz)
a. Radio Waves- waves ranging in frequencies between 3 kHz
and 1 GHz are called radio waves;
- waves ranging in frequencies between 1 and 300 GHz are
called microwaves.
- Radio waves, for most parts, are omnidirectional.
- Radio waves propagate in the sky mode ( travel long
distances.)
 ......
-Radio waves use omnidirectional antennas that send
out(propagate) signals in all directions.
-It is useful for multicasting, in which there is one sender
but many receivers. AM and FM radio, television,
maritime radio, cordless phones and paging.
b. Microwaves-are a line-of-sight wireless
communication technology.
- used for cellular phone, satellite and wireless LAN
communications.
-Microwaves are unidirectional.
- Microwaves need unidirectional antennas that send
out signals in one direction.
 ......

- horn and parabolic dish are Unidirectional

Antennas.
c. Infrared Waves-sometimes called infrared
light,
 Infrared waves are used for short-range
communications such as
- between a PC and a peripheral device.
- for indoor LANs.
- to change channels on your TV (Remote control)
 2.3 Telecommunications Network
• The term telecommunications refers to all
types of long-distance communication using
telephone, radio and television in form of
(voice, data, text, images audio and video)
over networks.
• Telecommunications system is a collection of
compatible hardware and software arranged
to communicate information from one
location to another.
Telecommunications system
Components(page 54 : 1-8)
 Electronic Signals
• Telecommunications media can carry two basic
types of signals, analog and digital. Analog signals
carry information in the form of waves. E.g sound.
• Digital signals are discrete on-off pulses
(in terms of 1’s and 0’s), just like the CPU in
computers.
• Modem- is a communications device that
converts a computer’s digital signals to analog
signals before they are transmitted over standard
telephone lines.
• The conversion from digital to analog is called
modulation, and the reverse is demodulation.
 2.4 Mobile Communications
Mobile communication is the use of technology
that allows us to communicate with others
without the use of any physical connection
(wires or cables). Mobile communication saves
time, effort and makes our life easier.
A Bluetooth Network- Bluetooth is a short-
range wireless communications technology.
- allows you to connect phone with headset.
2.4.2 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
• Wireless local area networks are flexible data
communication systems that can be used for
applications in which mobility is required.
• WLAN or wireless LAN, is a wireless digital
signals used to connect computers and other
devices.
• The basic components of WLAN are
-the access point (AP)
-station and
-distribution system.
 2.5 Cellular Networks
• A cellular network ( mobile network) is a radio network
distributed over land areas called cells (small regions).
• Each cell contains an antenna and is controlled by a
solar- or AC-powered network station called the base
station (BS).
• Each base station is controlled by a switching office
called a mobile switching center (MSC).
• The MSC coordinates communication b/n all the base
stations and the telephone central office. It is a
computerized center that is responsible for connecting
calls, recording call information and billing.
 Generation of Cellular System
• The cellular communication networks are known by their
numeric generation such as 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G
designations. We are currently in the 4G with 5G
emerging.
a. 4G - The 4G of cellular telephony is expected to be a
complete evolution in wireless communications
-4G is also known as mobile broadband everywhere.
- 4G LTE (long term evolution) is a type of 4G technology.
It is a mobile broadband technology that promises data
transfer rates of 100 Mbps.
b. 5G -is the latest in the evolution of mobile wireless
technologies. It is flexible and responsive network that is
designed to connect everyone and everything virtually
including machines, objects and devices
…..
 2.6 Satellite Networks
• Satellite networks establish communication through
various nodes from one point of the earth to
another.
• The fundamental components of a satellite system
are earth stations, uplink, downlink and transponder.
• Satellites communicate with antennas on earth by
using radio waves.
• 2.6.1 Orbits of Satellite-An artificial satellite needs to
have an orbit, the path in which it travels around the
Earth. The orbit can be equatorial, inclined or polar.
Components of satellite system
…..
 ......
2.6.2 Categories of Satellites
• Based on the location of the orbit, satellites can be
divided into three categories:
-geostationary Earth orbit (GEO)-( at an
altitude of 35,786 km)
- medium-Earth orbit (MEO)- (located at altitudes between
5000 and 15,000 km)
- low-Earth-orbit (LEO)-( below an altitude of 2000 km)
e.g ETRSS-1 is the first Low-Earth-satellite launched by
Ethiopia. It is an Earth Observation Satellite.
2.6.3 Data Communications-is a specialized subset of
telecommunications that refers to the electronic
collection, processing, and distribution of data.
 .....

2.6.4 Components of Data Communication

• A data communications system has five components : -
sender, message, medium, receiver and protocol.
2.6.5 Data Transmission Mode/Flow
Data transmission mode refers to the direction of signal flow
between two linked devices. Communication between two
devices can be simplex, half-duplex or full-duplex.
In simplex mode, the communication is unidirectional ( one-
way street). E.g remote control and TV.
In half-duplex mode, both stations can transmit and receive,
but not at the same time.
In full-duplex mode (duplex), both stations can transmit and
receive simultaneously. The full-duplex mode is like a two-
way street.
simplex
 …..

• Half-duplex
Full-duplex
 2.7 Internet Protocol

• The Internet Protocol (IP) is the principal

communications protocol in internetworking.
• An IP address is a unique address that
identifies a device on the internet or a local
network. IP (Internet Protocol) is the set of
rules governing the format of data sent via the
internet or local network.
The IP address has two fundamental versions:
IPv4 and IPv6.
 .....
IPv4 is a common version that can be used in current
networks.
IPv4 (version 4) addresses are 32-bit integers.
It can be expressed in hexadecimal and dotted
decimal ( x.x.x.x) notation. each x has a value 0 -255.
IPv6 (version 6) addresses are 128-bit integers.
Classes of IP Address - TCP/IP defines five classes of IP
addresses: Class A, B, C, D and E. Each class has a
range of valid IP addresses. The value of the first octet
determines the class.
The first three classes (A, B and C) can be used for host
addresses. Class D is used for multicast and Class E for
experimental purposes.
 .....
Second semester IT assignment-1 for grade 10.
Read your text book (page 73& 74) and answer the
following questions.
3. Find the class of each of the following addresses.
a. 00000001 00001011 00001011 11101111
b. 10000001 10000011 00011011 11111111
c. 10100111 11011011 10001011 01101111
d. 11110011 10011011 11111011 00001111
4. Rewrite the following IP addresses using the binary
notation and find the class.
a. 110.11.5.88
b. 12.74.16.18
c. 201.24.44.32
 UNIT 3
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
3.2 Word processing- refers to the act of using a
computer to create, edit, save and print documents.
One example of word processor is Microsoft
Word(Ms-word).
3.2.1 Creating a Table
A table is an arrangement of data made up of
horizontal rows and vertical columns.
Cells are rectangles that are formed when rows and
columns intersect. Tables are often used to organize
and present information.
 .....
• Word provides several options for creating
tables including dragging method, inserting
table dialog box, table drawing tools and quick
table method in Insert Tab.
3.2.2 Formatting a Table
Once you have inserted a table into a document,
you can apply a preformatted style using the
table styles gallery.
You can format your table by using:
Insert Table tools Design/Layout
 .....
3.2.3 Inserting Pictures, Clip arts and Shapes
a. Inserting Pictures
Inserting a picture is very similar to opening a
document file.
You can insert pictures, shapes, smart arts, charts and
screenshots from illustrations groups or from online.
Note -Clip Art can help in making a document look
colorful and presentable.
Clip arts are pre-defined images available for use in
documents.
Microsoft word allows you to insert various shapes into
your document.
 3.2.4 Formatting Page Number
• Page numbers can be used to automatically number each
page in your document.
• Page numbers are usually placed in the header, footer, or
side margin.
3.3 Spreadsheet
A spreadsheet or worksheet is a file made of rows and
columns.
- used to sort, organize and arrange data
- Can calculate numerical data using mathematical formula
in cells.
- Microsoft Excel is the most popular and widely used
spreadsheet program.
- Each cell may contain either numeric or text data or the
results of formulas.
 ......
-A spreadsheet may also refer to a program that displays data in a table
called a worksheet.
-Excel performs common and complex calculations.
3.3.2 Functions
A function- is a predefined formula that performs calculations using
specific values in a particular order.
The common functions are-sum, average, count, maximum value and
minimum value.
Formula = A1+A2+A3+A4+A5
Function=sum(A1:A5) .
The basic syntax for a function is =Function(Argument).e.g. =sum(A1:A20).
A function may contain one or multiple arguments.
e.g.=sum(A1:A8) –one argument
=sum(A1:A3,C1:C3,E2) - multiple argument
Multiple arguments must be separated by a comma.
 Creating a function
some of the most common functions are:
ƒ SUM: This function adds all of the values of the cells in the
argument.
ƒ AVERAGE: This function determines the average of the
values included in the argument.
ƒ COUNT: This function counts the number of cells with
numerical data in the argument.
ƒ MAX: This function determines the highest cell value
included in the argument.
ƒ MIN: This function determines the lowest cell value
included in the argument.
Note - The AutoSum command allows you to automatically
insert the most common functions into your formula.
 3.3.4 Working with Charts
• A chart is a powerful tool that allows you to visually
display data in a variety of different chart formats .
• Excel offers pie, line, bar and column charts
Formatting a Cell
Excel allows you to format the:
Font- (color,size,style-B,I&U)
Bold (B) Ctrl+B
Italics (I) Ctrl+I
Underline (U) Ctrl+U
Alignment - align left, center, align right)
Cell Borders- create clear and defined boundaries.
 KEY CONCEPTS
• A Spread sheet is a computer application for
organization, analysis and storage of data in
tabular form.
• Spreadsheets were developed as
computerized analogs of paper accounting
worksheets.
• All formulas in Excel must begin with an equal
sign (=).
 3.4 PowerPoint Presentation
• PowerPoint (ppt) is a graphical presentation
program used to organize and present
information.
• PowerPoint presentations consist of a number
of individual pages or slides.
• slides may contain text, graphics, sound,
movies and other objects.
• For larger audiences, the presentation is
projected onto a large screen.
 3.4.1 Using Animation and Transitions
• PowerPoint gives you a wide selection of built-in
animations.
a. Slide Transitions
Transitions- are animated effects that occur when you
move from one slide to another.
b. Animation Schemes-PowerPoint allows information
on your slides to appear one item at a time,( making
audience concentrated on each point.)
c. Slide masters -are features that control the layout of
your whole presentation. They allow you to create
your own slide template which is applied to every
slide.
 UNIT 4
IMAGE PROCESSING AND MULTIMEDIA
• 4.2 Basics of Multimedia
• Multimedia is a representation of information
attractively and interactively with the use of a
combination of text, audio, video, graphics and
animation. In other words, multimedia is a
computerized method of presenting information
combining textual data, audio, visuals (video),
graphics and animations. The development of
the WWW expanded the Internet to include
pictures, sound, music and text as well.
 Importance of multimedia
Multimedia plays an important role in education,
entertainment, public places, collaboration and
healthcare. Let us see its importance one by one.
1. Education: Students can learn new skills and
knowledge without teachers’ guidance, for
example virtual learning. They can also design
and run websites. Virtual learning is a learning
experience that is enhanced through utilizing
computers and/or the internet. The teaching and
learning activities are carried out online whereby
the teacher and learners are physically separated
(in terms of place, time or both).
 ......

2. Entertainment: People can watch movies, listen

to music and read books with multimedia access
on move. This allows people to entertain
themselves wherever they go.
3. Public Places: Multimedia is available at stand-
alone terminals or kiosks used in hotels, railway
stations, shopping malls, museums and libraries.
4. Collaboration: Multimedia platforms can be used
as a collaboration device that can link to two or
more people from different regions of the world.
People can talk over the computer through
chatting, social networking and video cameras,
e.g. virtual meeting
 ......

5. Healthcare: The healthcare staff uses

multimedia applications for saving and sending
images. It is also used for medical education,
training, telemedicine and virtual surgery.
Virtual surgery is a virtual reality technology
that simulates surgical procedures without the
need of a patient or cadaver. It allows surgeons
to practice surgery on 3D models.
Components of Multimedia
The various components of multimedia are text,
audio, graphics, video and animation.
 ......

1. Text: In multimedia, the text is used as headlines,

subtitles and captions. The text can have various
types of fonts and sizes to suit the professional
presentation of the multimedia application.
2. Graphics: are visual elements often used to point
readers and viewers to particular information.
Graphics make the particular concept clearer and
more interesting. E.g. Clipart, Charts, Photographs
etc.
When a graphic or other multimedia object serves
as a link to additional information about a topic,
the link is called hypermedia.
 ......

3. Audio: In multimedia applications, a sound that

has been digitized is called audio.
4. Video: Video files are photographic images
played at speeds that make them appear as if
the images are in full motion. Digital video is
useful in multimedia applications for showing
real-life objects.
5. Animation: refers to graphic images that change
or move. Animation is commonly used in
advertising and marketing on the Web because
the movement does grab visitor’s attention.
 Hardware and Software Requirements for
Multimedia
• A multimedia computer system is a computer system
capable of integrating two or more types of media.
• To use multimedia on a computer system, one needs certain
hardware components and software.
Hardware Requirements for Multimedia
• The basic hardware requirements for multimedia are:
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) — Pentium Processor
2. Random Access Memory (RAM) — 1 GB RAM
3. Monitor — Super Virtual Graphics Arrays (SVGA)
4. Video Card
5. Sound Card
6. CD-ROM Drive
 ......

Software Requirements for Multimedia

The basic software requirements for multimedia
are:
1. Word processor for entering text.
2. Image processing software such as Photoshop,
CorelDraw, etc.
3. Animation creators like 3D Max, Flash, etc.
4. Sound can be created using a Sound forge and
the like.
5. Video can be used by using software like Video
for Windows, Author Ware, etc.
 4.3 Multimedia File Formats
Multimedia files can be presented in several formats such as text,
image, and digital audio and video.
Sound file formats
a. WAV (Windows Wave Format)
b. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)
c. WMA (Windows Media Audio)
Image file formats
b. TIFF (Tagged Interchange File Format)
b. JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
c. GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
d. PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
e. BMP (Windows Bitmap Format)
Video file formats
a. AVI (Audio Video Interleave)
b. MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group)
 4.4 Multimedia Production
• Multimedia production is any sort of
production that uses imagery and a
combination of text, audio and graphics to
tell a story.
• Multimedia production begins with gathering
content elements that fulfill the purpose of
higher layer components, followed by
integration of these elements to create a
meaningful presentation. Content gathering
refers to collecting appropriate multimedia
content such as text, photo and video.
4.5 Multimedia Authoring and Authoring Tools
• 4.5.1 Multimedia Authoring
Multimedia authoring is the process of assembling different
types of media contents like text, audio, image, animations and
video as a single stream of information.
five fundamental stages of multimedia authoring:
1.Analysis: Decide what you need to do and what you use to do
it.
2. Design: Create storyboards to tell the story of the project.
3. Development: Incorporate data and set it up as a prototype or
model.
4. Evaluation: When the prototype application works the way you
want it to, test it again, fine-tune it, make it attractive and
then review your work.
5. Distribution: When it is ready to go (after the evaluation
phase), make it real, pack and distribute it
4.5.2 Multimedia Authoring Tools