Computer Fundamentals and Types

Computer Fundamentals

• Computers accept data as input, process it, and generate output.
• Computer systems comprise hardware, software, and human ware.
• System software, written by manufacturers, controls hardware and includes operating systems, language translators, device drivers, utilities, and service programs.

Types of Computers

• Computers are classified by nature of data, size, generation, and purpose.
• By nature, they are categorized into analog (e.g., speedometer), digital (e.g., typical computer), and hybrid (e.g., modem) computers.
• By size, computers include supercomputers, mainframe computers, mini-computers, and microcomputers.
• Supercomputers are the largest and fastest, used for astronomical and oil exploration (e.g., Cray 1, Fijistec).
• Mainframe computers have CPUs linked by cables to terminals, processing over 10 million instructions per second (e.g., IBM 704).
• Mini-computers are smaller, generate less heat, and have lower costs (e.g., IBM AS/400).
• Microcomputers are general PCs, smallest in size, made of single IC chips; the first microcomputers were made by Apple, followed by IBM PC in 1985.
• There are five generations of computers.
• First-generation computers used vacuum tubes, being programmable only in Machine Language, examples include UNIAC and ENIAC, and were manufactured from the 1940s to 1950s.
• Second-generation computers used transistors, reduced size, power, and heat and being programmable in Symbolic Languages, and were manufactured from the early 1950s to late 1950s.
• Third-generation computers utilized integrated circuitry (IC) with transistors, reducing size, power, and heat while introducing multi-programming, being programmable using "High Level Language," and being manufactured from the early to late 1960s.
• Fourth-generation computers, built with VLSI (over 10,000 flip-flops on silicon chips), reduce size, power consumption, and heat using high-level languages (e.g., IBM, COMPAQ), and were manufactured in the early 1970s.
• Fifth-generation computers, starting in the 1980s, use artificial intelligence.
• By purpose, computers are classified into special purpose (performing one task, e.g., air traffic control) and general purpose (handling various programs).

Computer Memory

• Memory stores information temporarily or permanently and consists of bits (binary digits); 8 bits form 1 byte, and 1 Megabyte equals 1024KB.
• Memory is divided into primary/main memory, residing in the CPU for data processing, secondary/auxiliary memory for external data storage, and cache memory as a buffer between primary memory, CPU, and main memory.

Input and Output Devices

• Input devices translate data into a form computers can process (e.g., mouse, scanner, keyboard).
• Output devices translate information into a form users can understand (e.g., monitor, printer, projector).

Computer Network

• A computer network is a system of interconnected computers for data sharing with three main types: LAN, MAN, and WAN.
• LAN (Local Area Network) connects computers in a limited, locally managed area like schools or offices.
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) connects computers in a larger geographical area, like a city.
• WAN (Wide Area Network) extends over a larger area than a MAN.
• Hardware components of a computer network include routers and network cables.
• Computer networks help share files, devices, and organize company data among multiple users.

Computer Troubleshooting

• Computer troubleshooting involves identifying and correcting computer faults through a step-by-step process that varies across computers.
• Verify the power outlet if the power button does not start the computer.
• For a frozen Windows OS, restart explorer, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open task manager, and click Restart.
• For Mac OS, press command + options + Escon to open the force quit application dialogue box, select "Finder," and click Relaunch.
• If the computer refuses to shut down, unplug the power cable from the outlet.

Operating System

• An operating system (OS) is software that manages computer hardware and software, first loaded when the power button is turned on.
• The function of the OS is to allocate memory, control input/output devices, facilitate networking, and manage files.
• Windows is a graphical-based operating system developed by Microsoft in 1995 and versions include MS-DOS, LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, UBUNTU, MAC OS, first version was Windows 1.0 in 1985 and Windows 10 in 2015.
• MS-DOS stands for "Microsoft Disk Operating System" and was developed by Microsoft for IBM PC.
• Basic elements of Windows include desktop icons, the Start Menu, the Taskbar, and the Titlebar.
• Types of windows include program windows (for applications like MS-Word) e.g. Internet Explorer etc, document windows (opening specific documents), and folder windows.(containing other folders)

Word Processing

• Microsoft Word is a popular word processing software supported by Mac and other PCs.
• The main toolbar contains options such as the File tab (save options), Home tab (font styles, italics, alignment), Insert tab (tables, online pictures, headers), Design tab (page formatting, color schemes), Page Layout tab (margins, orientation, columns), Reference tab (table of contents, footnotes), Mailing tab (custom envelopes), Review tab (spelling and grammar), View tab (document view), and Acrobat tab (formatting to Adobe PDF).
• Ctrl+c copies, and Ctrl+v pastes.

Formatting

• To change page margins, use the Page Layout Tab, Page Setup and Margins button; portrait is 811.5 inches, landscape is 118.5 inches.
• Formatting Paragraphs involves alignment, line spacing, indentation, and page break options.
• Numbered and Bulleted Lists are created using the Numbering and Bullet buttons on the Home Tab.
• Adding Columns is done via the Page Layout Tab, Page Setup box, and Columns option.
• Headers and Footers are inserted and formatted via the Insert Tab.

Inserting and Adding Objects

• Clip Art and Pictures are inserted via the Insert Tab, Illustration box, and Online Pictures.
• Drawings are added via the Insert Tab, Illustration box, Shapes, and New Drawing Canvas.
• Word Art is accessed in Insert Tab, Textbox, and Word Art button.
• Word Wrap of an inserted image is adjusted through the Format Tab and Arrange box.
• Tables are created via the Insert Tab, Table box, and Table button.
• Flowcharts are inserted via Insert Tab, Illustration box, and Smart Art.
• Helpful functions include Word Count (Review Tab, Proofing Box, Word Count).
• Short Keys: Ctrl+Z (undo), Ctrl+Y (redo), Ctrl+N (new page), Ctrl+/ (HTML tags), Ctrl+K (hyperlink), Ctrl+Shift+B (preview in web browser), Shift+Alt+F11 (Microsoft Script editor).

Spreadsheet

• A spreadsheet manipulates numerical and string data in rows and columns used for analysis, organization, and storage, examples include MS Excel and Lotus.
• The program is used for analysis, organisation and storage of data in tabular form
• Commonly used Microsoft Excel toolbars include HomeTab (text formatting, data changes), Insert Tab (visuals, graphics), and Page Layout Tab (margins, themes).
• Data is entered by clicking on a cell, changing it is done by clicking once to overtype or double-clicking to edit.
• Format is changed in Format Cells by selecting the cell, clicking Home Tab-Format-Format Cells with 6 tabs to appear.
• Row or column format is accessed by selecting the cell, then going to Home Tab-Row or Column Height.
• Rows and columns are inserted via Home Tab-Insert-Insert Sheet Row/column.

Microsoft PowerPoint

• PowerPoint is a slide presentation program developed by Microsoft for use on Microsoft and Apple OS.
• Basic features include File Tab, Quick Access Toolbar, and the Ribbon.
• The Ribbon has 7 tabs: Home, Design, Slide, Animation, Transition, Show, View, and Review.
• The Quick Access Toolbar contains commands and can be above or below the Ribbon.
• The Mini Toolbar is a floating toolbar that appears when text is selected.
• Creating a new presentation is done via File Menu, New, and Blank Presentation.
• Slides are added via the New Slide button on the Home Tab, and Slides are duplicated by clicking Duplicate Selected Slides.
• RueseSlide-Browse-Browse File is used to add slides from other presentations .
• Themes are accessed via the Design Tab and Gallery button.
• Text is inserted via the Text box on the Insert Tab.
• Spelling is checked via the Review Tab and Spelling button.
• Text color is modified through the Color Group on the Front Group of the Ribbon.
• Text direction is set by clicking the Text Direction button on the Home Tab.
• Shapes are added via the Insert Tab and Shapes Button.
• Smart Art is added via the Insert Tab, Smart Art button, Design tab, or Format Tab.
• Charts are created via Insert Tab, Chart, with data and labels.

Slide Effect

• Slide Transitions are set in the TRANSITIONS Tab, with sound added using the arrow next to "Transition Sound," and speed modified using the "Duration box."
• Slide Animation is set via the Animation Tab, with desired effects chosen in the Animation dialogue box.
• Slide Show options include looping, narration, monitoring resolution, and automatic or speaker-controlled slide progression.
• To Record Slide Shows, click Slide Show-Record Slide and choose to start recording. To Rehearse Timing, click on the Slide Show-Rehearse Timing Button.
• Speaker Notes are created by selecting the Slide, clicking ViewTab, NotesTab, and Add Text.
• Presentations are packaged via File Tab-Share-Publish Slides, select slides, click Browse, Select Slide Library, choose folder, click Select, then Publish.