Mayuga National High School

Mayuga, Guindulman, Bohol

Contact Center Servicing-1
Module 3- Week 1

Topic: PERFORM BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS AND INTERNET NAVIGATION (CO)

Competencies: 1. The learners demonstrate an understanding of concepts and principles of basic computer
operations and internet navigation
2. The learners shall be able to demonstrate skills in basic computer operations and internet navigation
Learning Objectives: LO 1. Apply computer basic operation procedures
1.1 Observe OHS policies and procedures in computer operation and internet navigation in accordance
with requirements
1.2 Check basic peripheral devices based on proper connection
1.3 Start computer according to logon procedures
1.4 Access operating system features and functions
1.5 Use available online help functions
CONCEPT NOTES:
A. SAFETY MEASURES
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies and procedures are crucial in computer operations to ensure the well-being
of employees and the proper functioning of the workplace. Let's discuss some key aspects of OHS policies and procedures
in computer operation:
1. Ergonomics: Proper ergonomic practices are essential to prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). OHS policies should include guidelines on ergonomic workspace
design, including the arrangement of chairs, desks, monitors, and input devices to promote good posture
and reduce physical stress.
2. Workstation Setup: Employees should receive training on how to set up their workstations correctly. This
includes adjusting the chair height, monitor height and angle, and keyboard and mouse placement.
Additionally, guidelines for using adjustable furniture and accessories like footrests should be provided.
3. Computer Equipment Maintenance: Regular maintenance of computer equipment is essential for
safety. Procedures should be in place for the inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of computers,
monitors, keyboards, and other peripherals to ensure they are safe to use.
4. Electrical Safety: OHS policies should include guidelines for electrical safety, such as the proper use of
power strips and surge protectors, and ensuring that electrical cords are not damaged or creating tripping
hazards.
5. Cable Management: Proper cable management is crucial to prevent tripping hazards and to maintain a
tidy workspace. Procedures should outline how to organize and secure cables and wires effectively.
6. Fire Safety: Computer operations often involve the use of electrical equipment, which can pose fire
hazards. Fire safety procedures, including the use of fire extinguishers and emergency evacuation plans,
should be part of the OHS policies.
7. Software and Data Security: Policies and procedures related to software usage and data security are
essential to protect sensitive information and prevent data breaches. This includes guidelines for password
management, data encryption, and safe internet browsing practices.
8. Training and Education: Regular training sessions should be conducted to educate employees about
OHS policies and procedures in computer operation. This ensures that all employees are aware of best
practices and can identify and report safety issues.
9. Emergency Response: Procedures for responding to computer-related emergencies, such as equipment
failures, should be established. This includes contact information for IT support and procedures for
reporting and documenting incidents.
10. Health and Well-being: OHS policies should promote the overall health and well-being of employees.
Encouraging short breaks, stretching exercises, and eye care practices (e.g., the 20-20-20 rule for reducing
eye strain) can help maintain employee health and productivity.
11. Reporting and Investigation: Employees should know how to report safety concerns or incidents related
to computer operation. Procedures for investigating and addressing these reports should be clearly defined.
12. Compliance and Enforcement: Finally, OHS policies and procedures should outline the consequences
for non-compliance and the responsibilities of both employees and management in ensuring a safe
computer operation environment.
It's essential for organizations to regularly review and update their OHS policies and procedures to adapt to
changing technology and workplace conditions. Ensuring a safe and healthy computer operation environment not
only protects employees but also contributes to productivity and the overall success of the organization.
B. BASIC COMPUTER PARTS
Understanding the basic computer parts is fundamental when it comes to computer literacy. Let's discuss the
primary components of a typical desktop computer:
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU, often referred to as the "brain" of the computer, performs
calculations and executes instructions. It processes data and controls most of the computer's operations.
2. Motherboard: The motherboard is the main circuit board in the computer. It houses the CPU, RAM, and
other essential components. It also provides connectors for peripherals like the hard drive, optical drive,
and USB devices.
3. Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is the computer's temporary memory. It stores data and
programs that the CPU is currently using, allowing for quick access and execution. RAM is essential for
multitasking and overall system performance.
4. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD): The HDD or SSD stores permanent data, including
the operating system, applications, and user files. HDDs use spinning disks to store data, while SSDs use
flash memory for faster access.
5. Power Supply Unit (PSU): The PSU provides electrical power to the computer's components. It converts
AC (alternating current) from the wall outlet into DC (direct current) used by the computer's internal parts.
6. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Also known as a graphics card or video card, the GPU handles
graphics-related tasks, such as rendering images, videos, and 3D applications. Some CPUs have integrated
graphics, while others rely on dedicated GPUs.
7. Optical Drive: Optical drives, like DVD or Blu-ray drives, are used to read and write optical discs (e.g.,
DVDs, CDs). They are becoming less common due to the prevalence of digital downloads and streaming.
8. Expansion Slots: These are slots on the motherboard where you can install additional components, such
as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards.
9. Cooling System: To prevent overheating, computers have cooling components like fans and heat sinks.
These dissipate heat generated by the CPU, GPU, and other components.
10. Input/Output Ports: These connectors on the back and front of the computer allow you to connect
peripherals, such as USB devices, monitors, speakers, and networking cables. Common ports include
USB, HDMI, Ethernet, audio jacks, and more.
11. Case or Chassis: The computer case or chassis houses all the internal components and provides physical
protection. It also contains ventilation and mounting points for cooling fans.
12. Peripherals: These are external devices that enhance the computer's functionality, including the
keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, and speakers.
13. Operating System (OS): The OS is software that manages computer hardware and provides a user
interface. Common examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Understanding these basic computer parts is essential for troubleshooting, upgrading, and general computer
maintenance. It also provides a foundation for learning more about computer hardware and technology.
C. CONNECTION OF PC HARDWARE AND PERIPHERAL DEVICES
Connecting PC hardware and peripheral devices is a crucial step in setting up and using a computer. Here's a
guide on how to connect various hardware components and peripheral devices to your PC:
1. Power Supply:
 Plug the power cord into the power supply unit (PSU).
 Connect the other end of the power cord to a wall outlet or a surge protector.
2. Motherboard:
 Install the CPU onto the motherboard socket, following the manufacturer's instructions.
 Insert RAM modules into the RAM slots on the motherboard, aligning the notches correctly.
 Connect the CPU cooler (if not pre-installed) to the CPU and the motherboard's designated CPU
fan header.
 Attach the power supply cables (ATX, CPU, PCIe) to the motherboard, ensuring they are securely
connected.
3. Storage Drives:
 Connect the data and power cables to your hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) and
the corresponding connectors on the motherboard and PSU.
 Mount the drives in the drive bays inside the computer case.
4. Graphics Card (GPU):
 If you have a dedicated GPU, insert it into the appropriate PCIe slot on the motherboard.
  Attach the necessary PCIe power connectors from the PSU to the GPU.
5. Optical Drive (if applicable):
 Connect the data cable and power cable to the optical drive and the corresponding connectors on
the motherboard and PSU.
 Securely mount the optical drive in a drive bay.
6. Cooling Fans:
 If you have additional cooling fans, connect them to the motherboard's fan headers or directly to
the PSU, depending on the type of fan.
7. Front Panel Connectors:
 Connect the front panel cables from the case (power button, reset button, LED indicators, audio
jacks, USB ports) to the motherboard. Refer to the motherboard manual for the correct pinouts.
8. Peripheral Devices:
 Keyboard and Mouse: Connect them to the USB ports on the back or front of the computer case.
 Monitor: Connect the monitor to the graphics card's video output using the appropriate cable (e.g.,
HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA).
1. USB (Universal Serial Bus) Ports:
USB-A: The standard rectangular USB port used for connecting a wide range of peripherals
such as keyboards, mice, printers, and external hard drives.
USB-B: Often used for connecting printers and some older external hard drives.
USB-C: A versatile, reversible connector used for many modern devices, including
laptops, smartphones, tablets, and accessories. USB-C can carry data, power, and video
signals.
2. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Port:
Used for connecting monitors, TVs, projectors, and other display devices to computers,
gaming consoles, and multimedia equipment. HDMI carries both video and audio signals.
3. Ethernet Port (RJ-45):
Used for connecting computers to wired local area networks (LANs) or the internet. It
provides a high-speed, reliable network connection.
4. VGA (Video Graphics Array) Port:
An older video connector used for connecting monitors and displays to computers. VGA
is being phased out in favor of digital connectors like HDMI and DisplayPort.
 Speakers and Headphones: Plug them into the audio jacks on the front or rear of the case.
 USB Devices: Connect USB peripherals (e.g., external hard drives, thumb drives, printers) to
available USB ports.
9. Network Connections:
 Connect an Ethernet cable to the network port on the motherboard or a dedicated network card.
 Alternatively, set up a Wi-Fi connection by inserting a Wi-Fi adapter into a USB port or connecting
to a built-in Wi-Fi module on the motherboard (if available).
10. Power On:
 Ensure all connections are secure.
 Turn on the power supply unit using the switch on the back.
 Press the power button on the computer case to start the PC.
11. Operating System Installation:
 If you're setting up a new PC, follow the on-screen instructions to install the operating system from
a bootable USB drive or DVD.
 If your PC already has an OS installed, it should boot into the desktop environment.
12. Driver Installation:
 Install necessary drivers for your hardware components, which can typically be downloaded from
the manufacturer's website or provided on a CD/DVD with the hardware.
Properly connecting hardware and peripheral devices is essential for the functionality of your computer. Be sure
to consult the manuals that come with your components and follow any specific instructions provided by the
manufacturers for a seamless setup.
D. BASIC PC HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE OPERATION:
1. Hardware: PC hardware includes physical components like the central processing unit (CPU),
motherboard, RAM, storage devices (HDD/SSD), graphics card, power supply unit (PSU), and peripheral
devices like monitors, keyboards, and mice. Hardware components work together to process data and
perform tasks.
 2. Software: PC software refers to programs and applications that enable the computer to perform specific
tasks. This includes the operating system, productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office), web browsers,
and various specialized applications.
3. Operation: PC hardware and software work together to execute tasks. The CPU processes instructions
from software, data is stored and retrieved from storage devices, and the results are displayed on the
monitor or sent to other devices.
E. COMPUTER START-UP PROCEDURES:
1. Power On: Start by turning on the power supply unit (PSU) switch if it has one. Then, press the computer's
power button.
2. POST (Power-On Self-Test): When the computer starts, it performs a self-diagnostic test called POST
to ensure that hardware components are functioning correctly. If there are issues, error codes may appear.
3. Boot Process: After POST, the computer loads the BIOS or UEFI firmware. This firmware initializes
hardware and selects the boot device (e.g., hard drive, SSD, USB drive). The selected boot device loads
the operating system.
4. Operating System Load: The operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux) loads into memory from
the boot device. It manages hardware resources, provides a user interface, and runs applications.
5. User Login: You'll typically need to enter a username and password to access the computer, unless auto-
login is configured.
F. OPERATING SYSTEM FEATURES:
1. Graphical User Interface (GUI): The GUI provides a visual way to interact with the computer. It
includes a desktop, icons, windows, and menus.
2. File Management: The operating system manages files and directories, allowing users to create, move,
copy, delete, and organize data.
3. Multitasking: Modern operating systems support multitasking, allowing multiple applications to run
simultaneously.
4. Peripheral Support: OSs manage peripherals like printers, scanners, and external storage devices,
making them accessible to applications.
5. Security: Operating systems include security features such as user accounts, file permissions, and
firewalls to protect the computer and data.
6. Networking: OSs enable network connectivity, allowing computers to communicate with each other and
access the internet.
7. Updates and Maintenance: Operating systems receive updates and patches to fix vulnerabilities and
improve performance. They also provide tools for system maintenance, including disk cleanup and
defragmentation.
G. ONLINE HELP FUNCTIONS:
1. Help Menus: Most software applications, including operating systems, have built-in help menus or
documentation. You can usually access these by clicking on "Help" or pressing the F1 key.
2. Contextual Help: Some applications offer contextual help, providing information about specific
functions or options when you hover over or select them.
3. Online Documentation: Many software vendors maintain online documentation and support resources
on their websites. You can often find user guides, tutorials, and troubleshooting information there.
4. Forums and Communities: Online forums and communities, including those on platforms like Stack
Exchange, are valuable resources for finding answers to specific software-related questions.
5. Vendor Support: If you encounter a critical issue or need personalized assistance, you can contact the
software vendor's support team through email, chat, or phone.
6. Video Tutorials: Video-sharing platforms like YouTube often have video tutorials that walk you through
various software functions and troubleshooting steps.
Understanding these basic concepts of PC hardware and software operation, computer start-up procedures,
operating system features, and online help functions is essential for effectively using and maintaining a computer
system. It can help you troubleshoot issues, improve productivity, and make the most of your computing
experience.
Activity: 1. On your notebook, copy and answer the following:
1. What is the function of the central processing unit (CPU) in a computer?
a. Storing data b. Managing peripherals
c. Performing calculations and executing instructions d. Providing electrical power

2. Which component of a computer is responsible for temporary data storage during operation?
a. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) b. Solid State Drive (SSD)
c. Random Access Memory (RAM) d. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

3. What does GPU stand for in the context of computer hardware?

a. General Processing Unit b. Graphical Processing Unit
c. Global Processing Unit d. General Purpose Unit

4. Which hardware component stores permanent data, including the operating system and user files?
a. RAM b. GPU c. HDD or SSD d. CPU

5. What is the primary function of an optical drive in a computer?

a. Processing graphics b. Storing temporary data
c. Reading and writing optical discs d. Managing network connections

6. What is the initial step in starting up a computer?

a. Pressing the power button b. Logging in
c. Running a diagnostic test d. Turning on the monitor

7. What is the purpose of the POST (Power-On Self-Test) during computer start-up?
a. Initializing hardware components b. Loading the operating system
c. Connecting to the internet d. Running installed applications

8. What does BIOS or UEFI firmware do during the boot process?

a. Initializes hardware and selects the boot device b. Loads the operating system
c. Connects to external peripherals d. Powers on the monitor

9. What is the typical sequence of events during computer start-up?

a. POST, loading BIOS, selecting peripherals
b. Loading the operating system, POST, user login
c. Turning on the monitor, selecting peripherals, POST
d. POST, loading BIOS, loading the operating system

10. After the operating system is loaded, what is the next step in the computer start-up process?
a. Running applications b. Turning off the power supply
c. Running the POST d. Connecting to the internet

11. What is the primary function of an operating system?

a. Managing hardware resources b. Creating user accounts
c. Printing documents d. Editing photos

12. Which of the following is NOT an operating system feature?

a. File management b. Multitasking
c. Web browsing d. Security controls

13. What does GUI stand for in the context of operating systems?
a. Graphical User Interface b. Global User Interface
c. General User Integration d. Graphical User Integration

14. What is the primary purpose of file management in an operating system?

a. Loading applications b. Storing and organizing files and directories
c. Connecting to the internet d. Managing peripheral devices

15. Which operating system feature helps protect the computer and data from unauthorized access?
a. Multitasking b. File management
c. Security controls d. Web browsing
16. Where can you usually find the "Help" option in most software applications?
a. Under the "File" menu b. On the desktop
c. In the taskbar d. In the system tray

17. What term refers to contextual information that appears when you hover over or select specific options in
software?
a. Tooltips b. Context menus
c. Keyboard shortcuts d. User guides

18. If you encounter a critical issue with software, what online resource can you use to find answers to your
questions?
a. Email the software vendor b. Contact the software developer directly
c. Check online forums and communities d. Restart the computer

19. What is the primary purpose of video tutorials in the context of software help?
a. Providing step-by-step instructions b. Managing file permissions
c. Running diagnostic tests d. Initializing hardware components

20. What do you call the documentation and support resources provided by software vendors on their websites?
a. User guides b. Contextual help
c. Online forums d. System updates