EDPM STUDY GUIDE

Fundamentals of computing
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it and stores data
for later retrieval.

Types of computers
Mainframe computer (big iron)
- Large
- Used by large organizations for critical applications (bulk data processing)
- More processing powers
Supercomputer
- Performance measured in floating- points operations per second (FLOPS)
- Has a high-level performance compared to general-purpose computer
- Used for a wide range of computationally intensive task (weather
forecasting)
Minicomputer
- Cost less
- Has an input-output device such as a teleprinter
- Has at least four thousand words of memory
Microcomputer
- Small
- Has a microprocessor as its (CPU)
- Includes a microprocessor, memory, and minimal input/ output circuitry
mounted on a single printed circuit board
Function Keys
F1
Almost always used as the help key, almost every program opens a help screen
when this key is pressed.
Enter CMOS Setup.
Windows Key + F1 would open the Microsoft Windows help and support center.
Open the Task Pane.

F2
In Windows renames a highlighted icon, file, or folder in all versions of
Windows.
In Microsoft Excel edits the active cell.
Alt+Ctrl+F2 opens document window in Microsoft Word.
Ctrl+F2 displays the print preview window in Microsoft Word.
Quickly rename a selected file or folder.
Enter CMOS Setup.

F3
Often opens a search feature for many programs including Microsoft Windows
when at the Windows Desktop.
In MS-DOS or Windows command line F3 will repeat the last command.
In Microsoft Word Ctrl+F3 will lowercase any highlighted text.
Shift+F3 will change the text in Microsoft Word from upper to lower case or a
capital letter at the beginning of every word.
Windows Key + F3 opens the Advanced find window in Microsoft Outlook.
In Windows Explorer start the search function.
Open Mission Control on an Apple computer running macOS X.

F4
Open find window in Windows 95 to XP.
Open the address bar in Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer.
Repeat the last action performed (Word 2000+).
Alt+F4 closes the program window currently active in Microsoft Windows.
Ctrl+F4 closes the open window or tab within the active window in Microsoft
Windows.
F5
In all modern Internet browsers, pressing F5 will refresh or reload the page or
document window.
Ctrl+F5 forces a complete refresh of the web page, clearing the cache and
downloading all contents of the page again
Refresh the list of contents in a folder.
Open the find, replace, and go to window in Microsoft Word.
Starts a slideshow in PowerPoint.

F6
Move the cursor to the address bar in Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and
most other Internet browsers.
Ctrl+Shift+F6 opens to another open Microsoft Word document.
Reduce laptop speaker volume (on some laptops).

F7
Commonly used to spell check and grammar check a document in Microsoft
programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, etc.
Shift+F7 runs a Thesaurus check on the word highlighted.
Turns on Caret browsing in Mozilla Firefox.
Increase laptop speaker volume (on some laptops).

F8
Function key used to enter the Windows startup menu, commonly used to access
Windows Safe Mode.
Used by some computers to access the Windows recovery system, but may
require a Windows installation CD.
Displays a thumbnail image for all workspaces in macOS.

F9
Refresh document in Microsoft Word.
Send and receive e-mail in Microsoft Outlook.
Opens the Measurements toolbar in Quark 5.0.
Reduce laptop screen brightness (on some laptops).
With macOS 10.3 or later, displays a thumbnail for each window in a single
workspace.
Using the Fn key and F9 at the same time opens Mission Control on an Apple
computer running macOS X.

F10
In Microsoft Windows activates the menu bar of an open application.
Shift+F10 is the same as right-clicking on a highlighted icon, file, or Internet
link.
Access the hidden recovery partition on Compaq, HP, and Sony computers.
Enter CMOS Setup on some computers.
Increase laptop screen brightness (on some laptops)
With macOS 10.3 or later, shows all open Windows for the active program.

F11
Enter and exit fullscreen mode in all modern Internet browsers.
Ctrl+F11 as the computer is starting to access the hidden recovery partition on
many Dell computers.
Access the hidden recovery partition on eMachines, Gateway, and Lenovo
computers.
With macOS 10.4 or later, hides all open windows and shows the Desktop.

F12
Open the Save as window in Microsoft Word.
Ctrl+F12 opens a document In Word.
Shift+F12 saves the Microsoft Word document (like Ctrl+S).
Ctrl+Shift+F12 prints a document in Microsoft Word.
Preview a page in Microsoft Expression Web.
Open Firebug or browser debug tool.
With an Apple running macOS 10.4 or later, F12 shows or hides the Dashboard.
Access the list of bootable devices on a computer at startup, allowing you to
select a different device to boot from (hard drive, CD or DVD drive, floppy
drive, USB drive, and network).
Dos and Don’ts of emails
Don’t
- Write in all caps
- Use backgrounds, weird fonts or images
- Ignore your audience
- Use abbreviations
- Use quotes/verses/sayings in signature
- Use an inappropriate email address
Do
- Proofread
- Check for tone
- Check for a response
- Use a good subject line
Types of communication
- Emails
- Instant messages
- Text messages
- Websites
- Audio
- Video
File Extensions
A file extension, sometimes called a file suffix or a filename extension, is the
character or group of characters after the period that makes up an entire file name.

The file extension helps an operating system, like Windows or macOS, determine
which program on your computer the file is associated with.
File extensions also often indicate the file type, or file format, of the file, but not
always. Any file's extension can be renamed but that won't convert the file to
another format or change anything about the file other than this portion of its name.
Basic Functions and formulas in excel

1. SUM
2. COUNT
3. COUNTA
4. COUNTBLANK
5. AVERAGE
6. MIN Excel
7. MAX Excel
8. LEN Excel
9. TRIM Excel
10. IF Excel

Copy, paste and delete

Ctrl + C = Copy

Ctrl + V = Paste

Ctrl + X = Delete
Database Management software

Database – a file that consists of one or more tables and the supporting objects
used to get data into and out of the fields

Primary key – the field that makes each record in a table unique

Form – an interface that enables you to enter or modify record data

Report – a printed document that displays information professionally from a

Datasheet View – a grid containing columns and rows where you add, edit, and
delete records in a database table

Design View – displays the infrastructure of a table, form, or report without

Access is the database software that is part of the Microsoft Office Suite.

An Access database is a place to store information such as names, addresses,

A row in a table is referred to as a record

A column is referred to as a field

A table is a database object that you use to store data about a particular subject.

A query is a request for data results, for action on data, or for both.

They can be;

action queries (add, change or delete data)

select queries (retrieves data and displays results in a datasheet)

- Business Letter Writing Tips

Save the fancy fonts for personal correspondence. Business letter format
rules dictate that plain fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman be
used. Your company may have a preferred font; if so, use that one.

- 12-point font is the standard for all business letter formats

- Follow the salutation or greeting with a comma or colon. If you aren’t sure
which your company prefers, use a comma for all greetings other than the
generic “To Whom It May Concern,” which is always followed by a colon.

- The closing, which is also known as a valediction, is always followed by a

- You can use any business letter formats with company letterhead, just skip
the return address that is usually located at the top of the page.

- Print your business letters on standard 8- ½” x 11” paper. Use good quality
white paper or choose a paper in a muted color like cream or gray. It is a
good idea to use a matching envelope.

- Format business letter envelopes carefully. If you are new to the process of
printing envelopes, practice using a plain sheet of paper to ensure that
everything is in the right place.
Indented Style letter format
Blocked Letter style format
Semi – blocked letter style format