WHAT IS COMPUTER?

◦ is an electronic machine, programmable, capable of accepting

data through an input device, store the data, and bring out
the result as an output through output device (e.g. Printer)
with a little human intervention at a limited time.
In 1640, the term ‘Computer’ was initially referred to as ‘one who
calculates’. Later in 1897, it was called the ‘Calculating Machine’. In 1945,
it was indicated as ‘programmable digital electronic computer’ which is
now called a ‘computer’.

The term ‘COMPUTER’ is an acronym for

‘Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for Technological and
Educational Research’.
The term ‘Computer’ is derived from the Latin word ‘computare’, which is
defined as- “to calculate”, “to count” or ‘to sum up”, etc. In other words, “a
computer is a device that performs computation”.

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
✓ Amazing Speed
✓ Accuracy
✓ Huge Storage
✓ Multitasking Support
✓ Data Security
✓ Automation
✓ Reduced Cost

DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
✓ Unemployment
✓ Health Issues
✓ Cyber Crimes
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 ✓ Virus and Hacking Attacks
✓ Improper Use
✓ Spread of False or Inappropriate Content
✓ Negative Impact on the Environment

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER
✓ Computer is electronic in nature
✓ It is fast and reliable
✓ It is versatile and flexible
✓ It processes, stores and permits retrieval of information for editing
and updating in the future.
✓ Computer processes your data based on sets of instructions called
program.
✓ It is durable
✓ It is also portable

HISTORY OF COMPUTER
The history of computer development dates back to the
period of scientific revolution between 1543 and 1678. And notable among
these inventions are the following

1. The Abacus
This early calculating device was developed by the Chinese as early as
500BC
a calculation tool used by sliding counters along rods or grooves, used to
perform mathematical functions.

2. Table of Logarithm
This machine which is for easy calculation, multiplication and division of
large number(s) was invented by John Napier (1550-1617)

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 used to find the value of the logarithmic function. The simplest way to
find the value of the given logarithmic function is by using the log table.

3. Slide rule
This is an analog calculating device which was invented by an English
man called Williams Oughtred between 1574-1760 in 1620, using
the principal of John Napier’s Table of Logarithm.
a ruler with a sliding central strip, marked with logarithmic scales and
used for making rapid calculations, especially multiplication and division.

4. Digital Calculating Machine

A French man Pascal Blaise (1623-1662) at the age of 19 years
introduced the first digital calculating machine to assist in the addition
and subtraction of columns of figures.
devices designed to add, subtract, multiply and divide through the
motion of their parts, with the result represented by an array of digits.

5. The Weaving Loom

Another French man Joseph Jacquard introduced this machine
between (1752-1834).
a device used to weave cloth and tapestry. The basic purpose of any
loom is to hold the warp threads under tension to facilitate the
interweaving of the weft threads.

6. Difference Machine
Charles Babbage (1792-1871) a French Professor of Mathematics at the
Cambridge University developed the Difference Machine used for
calculating and printing of mathematical table.
designed to calculate and tabulate polynomial functions. The design
describes a machine to calculate a series of values and print results
automatically in a table.

7. Analytical Engines
In 1833, Charles Babbage further modified the Difference Machine to an
Analytical Engine that contained computer components such as memory,

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 arithmetic and logical unit, input derives. Output devices etc. with
instructions coded and pinched on cards.
is considered the first steam powered computer.
Charles Babbage is today known as the Father of Modern Computers.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER
Computer can be classified into the following:
By generation
By size
By purpose

COMPUTER CLASSIFICATION BY GENERATION

FIRST Generation (1945-1949)

They are made-up of electronic valves (Vacuum Tubes)
for the circuit. The vacuum tubes required greater amount of energy and
generated much heat and has the following:
✓ It has memory
✓ It occupies a large space
✓ It is slow
✓ It generates a lot of heat

Examples of First Generation

✓ ENIAC - Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer
✓ EDVAC - (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer)
✓ UNIVAC - (Universal Automatic Computer I)

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 ✓ IBM-701 - Electronic Data Processing Machine, known as the
Defense Calculator
✓ IBM-650 - Magnetic Drum Data-Processing Machine

SECOND Generation (1950-1960)

were made to use transistors. They were smaller, faster,
less expensive and emitted less heat than vacuum tubes and it has the
following features:
✓ It was developed using transistors as the memory.
✓ It makes use of high level languages.
✓ It has high speed of operation than first generation computer

Examples of Second Generation

✓ UNIVAC 1108 - 1108 Multi-Processor System
✓ CDC 1604 - 48-bit computer designed and manufactured by
Seymour Cray and his team at the Control Data Corporation (CDC)
✓ CDC 3600 - 32,700 48-bit words of magnetic core memory and
supported a FORTRAN compiler

THIRD Generation (late 1960s and early 1970 )

Integrated circuit replacing transistors. It has the
following features:
✓ It was developed with integrated circuit (ICs)
✓ It gives rise to more developments in hardware technology
✓ It is durable and faster than first generation of computer

Examples of Third Generation

✓ IBM-360 series - designed to cover both commercial and scientific
applications

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 ✓ Honeywell-6000 series - the machines that Multics ran for most of
its life,
✓ PDP (Personal Data Processor) - used for process control, scientific
research and graphics applications
✓ IBM-370/168 - designed with virtual

FOURTH Generation (1975-1990)

Based on- Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) Circuits.
This was the Era of Micro processors and the evolution of Micro
Computers. The fourth generations of computers are roughly hundred
times smaller than those of the other generations, yet, they are
powerful than others.
Examples of Fourth Generation
✓ Micral - first personal computer based on a microprocessor
✓ IBM 5100 - first portable computers
✓ Altair 8800 - microcomputer designed in 1974 by MITS and based
on the Intel 8080 CPU.

Fifth Generation (1980 – Present)

Based on- Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI), Artificial Intelligence
(AI) and Parallel Processing Hardware.
Example- Desktop, Laptop, NoteBook, ChromeBook, and
UltraBook, etc

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER
BY SIZE
1. Super Computers
is a computer with a high level of performance compared to a general-
purpose computer.
2. Mainframe Computers

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 high-performance computers with large amounts of memory and data
processors that process billions of simple calculations and transactions in
real time.
3. Mini Computers
computer that was smaller, less expensive, and less powerful than a
mainframe or supercomputer but more expensive and more powerful
than a personal computer.
4. Micro Computers
a complete computer on a small scale, designed for use by one person
at a time.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER
BY PURPOSE
Special purpose computer:
- They are computers designed for a particular job or to solve problems
of restricted nature. Examples are computers designed for Air-traffic
control, Road Traffic etc.
Key characteristics of special-purpose computers
1. Specific Functionality
2. Optimized Design
3. Cost-Effectiveness
4. Real-Time Operation
5. Reduced Complexity
6. Embedded Systems

EXAMPLES OF SPECIAL PURPOSE COMPUTER

1. Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
These systems are used in retail environments for processing
transactions and managing inventory.
2. Medical Imaging Equipment
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 instrument capable of recording, storing, viewing or transmitting
visual images.
3. Gaming Console
Consoles like the PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch are optimized
for gaming, providing high-quality graphics and interactive experiences.
4. Traffic Light Controllers
provide safe and smooth road traffic by conducting road traffic control in
accordance with the time of day and the road traffic conditions, and also
perform advanced road traffic control to eliminate road traffic
congestion.
5. Elevator Controllers
operates through various computer functions and is also known as a
logic device. This device is essential for an elevator to run smoothly.
6. Aircraft Avionics
Avionics systems in aircraft manage navigation, communication, and
flight control, relying on specialized computers to ensure flight safety.
7. Digital Signage Displays
Digital billboards and displays use specialized computers to manage
content, scheduling, and interactive features.
8. Home Automation Systems
the automatic and electronic control of household features, activity, and
appliances.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER
BY PURPOSE
General purpose computer:
- These are computer design to solve wide variety of problems and can
be used to carry out different jobs or tasks.
Examples:
Desktops, notebooks, smartphones and tablets

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Key Characteristics of a General-Purpose Computer
✓ Versatility
✓ Programmability
✓ Turing Completeness
✓ Operating System
✓ Memory and Storage
✓ Input and Output
✓ Networking Capabilities
✓ Upgradability

CLASSIFICATION BASE ON DATA (DEVICE) PREPARATION

Analogue computer: - These are used in scientific and engineering works
and it is use to measure physical quantity that is proportional to, such as
temperature, reassures, voltage and scientific applications etc.
Examples:
Stopwatch, Thermometer, Speedometer, Electric meter, Stabilizer, Regulator

Digital computers: - any of a class of devices capable of solving problems

by processing information in discrete form.
Examples
Calculators, Handsets & Microcomputers, Digital Clock, Weighing Machine

Hybrid Computer: - is a computer intended to provide functions and

features in both analog and digital computers. It involves different processes
that combines both the properties of analogue and digital.
An example is a Robot used in an industrial environment.

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Computer Hardware
Computer hardware are the physical components or parts
that jointly form a computer system. There are different types of hardware.
Depending on the structure of the computer system, hardware can be
installed inside or outside of the computer physical body.
Types of Computer Hardware
Input Devices
Output Devices
Storage Devices
Internal Component

1. Input Devices
Input Devices are those devices through which a user
enters data and information into the Computer or simply, User interacts with
the Computer.
Examples of Input Devices are Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, etc.

2. Output Devices
Output Devices are devices that are used to show the
result of the task performed by the user.
Examples of Output Devices are Monitors, Printers, Speakers, etc.

TWO TYPES OF MONITOR

A. Monochrome Monitors (Black & White):- These type of monitors
displays texts, pictures, and images in black and white only.
B. Multi-Media (Colour) Monitors: These monitors displays pictures in
both colour, black and white.

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3. Storage Devices
Storage Devices are devices that are used for storing data
and they are also known as Secondary Storage Data.
Examples of Storage Devices are CDs, DVDs, Hard Disk, etc

4. Internal Component
Internal Components consists of important hardware
devices present in the System.
Examples of Internal Components are the Central Processing Unit (CPU),
Motherboard, etc.

Classification of CPU
MU (Memory Unit): it provides very fast access to the operation of the
computer.
CU (Control Unit): It locates and retrieves instructions from Memory
once at time.
ALU (Arithmetic Logical Unit): It carries out all arithmetic
calculations on keyboard.

Computer Software
Software is a collection of instructions, procedures, and
documentation that performs different tasks on a computer system. we can
say also Computer Software is a programming code executed on a computer
processor. The code can be machine-level code or code written for an
operating system.
Examples of software are MS- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Chrome,
Photoshop, MySQL, etc.

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Types of Computer Software
System Software
System Software is a component of Computer Software that directly
operates with Computer Hardware which has the work to control the
Computer’s Internal Functioning and also takes responsibility for
controlling Hardware Devices such as Printers, Storage Devices, etc.
Types of System Software include Operating systems, Language
processors, and Device Drivers.
Examples Operating systems
Microsoft Windows.
Mac OS.
Android OS.
Linux.
Ubuntu.
Chrome OS.
Fedora.
Examples of Language processors
C, C++, Java, FORTRAN compiler, PASCAL compiler
Python, Perl, LISP, APL, Prolog interpreter

Application Software
Application Software are the software that works the basic operations of
the computer. It performs a specific task for users. Application Software
basically includes Word Processors, Spreadsheets, etc..

COMPUTER APPLICATION AREAS

1. Office purpose:
Computer is used in offices for typing memos, letters, records etc., with
the use of word processing packages.

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2. Businesses:
In business houses like banks, insurance companies, accounting firms
etc. they all use computer for keeping of records and balancing of
accounts and ledgers.
3. Law profession:
Records of past cases are stored in the computer for easy and fast
access and reference to help lawyers when preparing a new case.
4. Medicine:
Computers are used for diagnosing patients, operations and keeping
records of patients.
5. Engineering:
Computers are used for designs and measurement of various kinds,
measurement can easily be done and results are seen on the screen
immediately.
6. Education:
Computer is applied as learning tools and keeping of Academics records
of students.
7. Research:
When researches are being conducted, the process of analysis, the
obtained data can be cumbersome and time consuming; it can take
weeks, months and even years for this to be done. But with the aid of
computer, researches are conducted and analyzed with ease.
8. Government:
The government applied computer operation in the field of census. It is
used for compiling census and survey data.

COMPUTER VIRUS
a type of malicious software, or malware, that spreads between
computers and causes damage to data and software. Computer viruses
aim to disrupt systems, cause major operational issues, and result in
data loss and leakage.

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Examples of Virus
✓ Raila Odinga
✓ Trogen Horse
✓ Worm
✓ ILOVEYOU or LOVEBUG
✓ SQL Slammer
✓ Stuxnet
✓ CryptoLocker
✓ Tinba
✓ Welchia
✓ Shlayer
✓ Code Red
✓ Klez

Effects of Virus.
✓ Virus corrupt data in files
✓ Virus cause improper display of VDU
✓ Virus cause deletion of files on the disk
✓ Virus cause increase in the size of files
✓ It makes the computer very slow
✓ Virus makes system behave abnormal (by tripping off the system)

Anti-virus software:
This detects and clean only virus that has been programmed to detect
and clean. Thus anti-virus can detect only the viruses that are known at
the time.

Examples of Anti-virus software:

✓ Microsoft Defender
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 ✓ Norton 360
✓ Bitdefender Antivirus
✓ Malwarebytes
✓ McAfee Total Protection
✓ ESET NOD32 Antivirus etc.
✓ Avast One
✓ Antivirus Business Edition
✓ Kaspersky
✓ Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
✓ Webroot Secure Anywhere

Advantages of Anti Virus Software

✓ It detects, blocks, and removes viruses and malware from the system.
✓ It warns about dangerous websites, attachments, links, advertisements, etc.
✓ Prevents identity threats.
✓ Blocks phishing.
✓ Keeps the online activities and accounts protected.
✓ Protects the system from getting slow or corrupted.
✓ Protects the data and files from deleting.
✓ Therefore, helps to run the computer system smoothly.

Ways in Detecting Anti Virus

1. Signature-Based or Virus Dictionary Detection
Signatures are bits of code that are unique to a specific
piece of malware. When signature-based antivirus software detects a piece of
malware, it compares the signature to its database of known signatures.

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2. Heuristic-Based Detection
Heuristic analysis detects and removes a heuristic virus by
first checking files in your computer, as well as code that may be behaving in
a suspicious manner. Once a potential threat has been identified, it gets
flagged. At this point, the threat can be removed from your system.

3. Behavior-Based Detection
a proactive approach to security that monitors user activity
and compares it to predetermined criteria. This allows the system to detect
any suspicious or unusual behavior, such as access levels, login attempts, and
system usage.
4. Sandbox Detection
Sandbox testing proactively detects malware by executing,
or detonating, code in a safe and isolated environment to observe that code's
behavior and output activity.

How to avoid Computer Virus

Avoiding computer viruses and malware requires a
combination of good practices and security measures. Here are some steps
you can take to minimize the risk of encountering computer viruses:

1. Install Antivirus Software:

Use reputable antivirus software and keep it updated. This
software can help detect and remove viruses and other malicious software
from your computer.

2. Keep Operating Systems and Software Updated:

Regularly update your operating system, web browsers,
and other software. Updates often include security patches that fix
vulnerabilities that could be exploited by viruses.

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3. Be Cautious with Email:
Avoid opening email attachments or clicking on links from
unknown or suspicious senders. Even if the email seems legitimate, be
cautious, as phishing emails can be very convincing.

4. Use Strong, Unique Passwords:

Use strong passwords that include a mix of letters,
numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common words or easily
guessable information. Consider using a password manager to generate and
store passwords securely.

5. Enable Firewall Protection:

A firewall helps block unauthorized access to your
computer. Make sure your operating system's built-in firewall is enabled, and
consider using a hardware firewall as well.

6. Be Wary of Downloads:
Only download software and files from trusted sources.
Avoid downloading pirated software or files from suspicious websites, as
these can often contain malware.

7. Backup Your Data:

Regularly back up your important data to an external hard
drive, cloud storage, or another secure location. This will help you recover
your data in case your computer is infected and you need to perform a clean
installation.

8. Enable Pop-up Blockers:

Use browser settings or browser extensions to block pop-
up advertisements. Some pop-ups may contain malicious content or links.

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9. Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks:
Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities. If
you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to
encrypt your connection.

10. Educate Yourself:

Learn about common phishing and social engineering
tactics used by cybercriminals. Being aware of these techniques can help you
recognize and avoid potential threats.

11. Secure Your Mobile Devices:

Apply similar security practices to your smartphones and
tablets. Install security apps, keep your devices updated, and only download
apps from official app stores.

12. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication for
your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a
second form of verification beyond just a password.

13. Regularly Scan for Malware:

Schedule regular scans of your computer for malware
using your antivirus software. Some software offers real-time protection,
which can help prevent infections in the first place.

14. Use a Standard User Account:

Avoid using an administrator account for your everyday
tasks. Use a standard user account instead. This can limit the impact of
malware that might try to make system-level changes.

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What is Microsoft Word?
is a word processing application software. It can be used
to write anything; a small paragraph, a list or even a long document. You can
edit it and give a variety of layout to a word document. You can also check
spellings, grammar and pictures in your text.

FEATURES OF MICROSOFT WORD

1. TITLE BAR
Title bar displays the name of the program. It has three buttons on the
right hand side corner.
2. MENU BAR
If you click on any one of these menu buttons, you can see a drop-down
menu which has a list of tools or commands that helps you to work on
Microsoft Word document.
3. FORMATTING TOOLBAR
The formatting toolbar contains the main layout options which help you
to decide how your text will appear on the word screen.
4. RULER
The ruler displays the margins of the text you type in Microsoft Word
documents.
5. STATUS BAR
The status bar displays the current status of the document. It displays
the current page that you are typing in, the line number, column and
other information.
6. VERTICAL SCROLL BAR
The vertical scroll bar is used to move vertically through a long
document. You can use the scroll bar to move the page up or down.
7. HORIZONTAL SCROLL BAR
The horizontal scroll bar is use to view a wide document horizontally by
clicking on the arrow pointing left or right and drag to shift the paper to
left or right.

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6. VERTICAL SCROLL BAR
The vertical scroll bar is used to move vertically through a long
document. You can use the scroll bar to move the page up or down.

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