Computer Software and Word 2016 Overview

Computer Skills (COMP 105) - Lecture Notes

• The lecture covered the concept of Information Technology (IT), Introduction to Computer, Hardware, and Software.
• Data is defined as facts and figures that relay specific information. However, it is unorganized.
• Information is processed data with relevance and purpose, often derived by contextualizing, categorizing, calculating, and condensing the data.
• Knowledge involves understanding and doing, representing processed information.
• IT systems involve hardware and software for capturing, processing, exchanging, storing, and presenting information.
• A computer is a general-purpose electronic device that is used for the production and processing of information, capable of calculating and storing results.
• Key functions of computers: accept data (input), process data according to rules, produce information (output), and store information for future use.
• Computers respond to instructions (programs) stored in memory.
• Computers process information by translating input into binary numbers and processing them to produce output.
• Computer functionalities include taking data as input, storing data/instructions, processing data into information, generating output, and controlling the processes.
• Computer systems consist of hardware (physical components) and software (instructions/programs).
• Hardware examples include RAM, ports, graphics card, power supply, cables, wifi card, motherboard, CPU, cooler, SSD, HDD, keyboard, monitor, speakers, USB drives, and mouse.
• Computer units include input unit, central processing unit (CPU), primary memory unit (RAM, ROM), secondary storage unit(hard disk, optical disk, flash memory), and output unit.
• Input devices serve to feed data and signals to a computer.
• Examples of input devices include keyboards, mice, joysticks, scanners, webcams, and microphones.

Computer Skills (COMP 105) - Lecture Notes #2

• Computer performance is measured by the amount of useful work accomplished in comparison to resources used.
• Good computer performance depends on features like: short response time, high throughput, low resource utilization, high availability, fast data compression, and high bandwidth.
• The latency/response time is the time taken for an input to be converted into an output (input-to-output time)
• Throughput shows the number of results produced per clock cycle.
• A trade-off exists between maximum performance and minimum cost. The best balance between performance and cost, especially in resource-sensitive applications (MIPS/Watt), is important.
• Software quality is impacted by performance, particularly the responsiveness of applications.
• Computer memory is a physical device for storing information temporarily or permanently.
• Memory is composed of chips on the motherboard or other circuit boards.
• Each byte has a unique memory location.
• Memory is categorized as internal processor memory (cache memory:registers, built-in cache), primary memory (RAM, ROM), and secondary memory (hard disk, optical disk, flash memory).
• Storage devices are used to store data outside the immediate computer memory.

Computer Skills (COMP 105) - Lecture Notes #3

• Software, particularly application response time, is critical for user interaction with a computer.
• Computer software, specifically application response time, is a key part of software quality.
• Computer memory is a physical device (electronic component) used to temporarily or permanently store data, instructions, and results.

Computer Skills (COMP 105) - Lecture Notes #4

• Windows 10's architecture comprises hardware, operating system (OS), programming language (like Java), and application programs (such as Word and Excel).
• Essential components of an operating system include device configuration (managing connected devices), file management (handling files, folders, and protection), and memory management (allocating RAM for processes).
• Common operating systems include network OS (Unix, Linux, Windows Server 2000), desktop OS (Windows XP/Me, Mac OS, DOS), and Mobile OS (Android).
• Key OS features are multi-tasking, multi-programming, parallel processing, buffering, and spooling.
• Windows 10 features include a start menu (using tiles for apps, search, task view), virtual desktops, and quick-access tools (power options, task manager, control panel, settings).
• Windows 10 settings include system configurations (display, monitors, default applications, power), devices (printers, mice, scanners), accounts (user accounts), privacy (location, camera), updates and security (Windows Update), and more.
• File Explorer is a tool to navigate files and folders, perform operations like moving/copying/renaming/deleting, and compressing.
• Compression reduces file sizes and is often useful for storage and transfer.

Computer Skills (COMP 105) - Lecture Notes #5

• A computer network is a collection of computers and devices connected via communication devices and transmission media. It can connect computers, printers, and scanners.
• Network communication involves processes between multiple computers where various devices exchange data, instructions, and information.
• Advantages of computer networks include sharing of devices (printers, scanners), programs, files, data, information, and a high-speed internet connection..
• Disadvantages include network management difficulties, delay connectivity issues, and risks from computer viruses.
• Network topologies (e.g., bus, ring, star) and communication technology (e.g., intranet, extranet, internet) are crucial aspects of network configuration.
• The internet is a wide area network that interconnects various devices across the world using communication media, forming a global network.
• Common internet services include electronic mail (email), file transfer protocol (FTP), Telnet, Usenet news, and the World Wide Web (WWW).
• Internet uses include online communication, software sharing, information posting, feedback, and customer support services.
• Advantages of the internet include its speed and cost-effectiveness, ease of global connectivity, and vast reach.
• Disadvantages include potential misinformation, unreliable content, and high initial setup costs.

Computer Skills (COMP 105) - Lecture Notes #6

• Microsoft Word 2016.
• The Word 2016 program allows the creation, editing, and generation of text documents such as letters.
• When opened, users have options to open recent documents, create a new file/document, or choose from templates.
• The program's interface involves elements like titles/bar (with window controls), quick access toolbar (for commonly used commands), tabs (e.g., File, Home, Insert, Design, Layout, References, Mailings, Review, View), and a 'Tell me' search box.
• The Page Overview presents the document's layout and structure, showcasing its elements such as pages and headings.

Computer Skills (COMP 105) - Lecture Notes #8

• Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 software is used to create presentations.
• When opened, PowerPoint displays a Start screen with options for creating a new presentation, searching for templates, or choosing from pre-made templates.

Computer Skills (COMP 105) - Lecture Notes #9

• Access 2016 databases
• Database fundamentals
• Tables in tables and field types.
• Primary keys: Unique identifiers for each row in a table ensuring each record is distinct and easy to reference. They enforce Data Integrity.
• Database Management Systems (DBMS): Software assisting creating, managing, and interacting with databases.
• Forms, queries, reports
• Create a database, create a table, create primary keys, relate two tables, enter data and edit data
• The navigation pane will display database objects such as tables, queries, and reports. A database has many objects.

This quiz covers the basics of computer software, including types and functions of application software and secondary memory. Additionally, it focuses on specific tasks and features in Word 2016, such as text formatting and manipulating fonts. Test your knowledge on these essential concepts!