WEB DEVELOPMENT AND DATABASE

ADMINISTRATION
LEVEL -I
Based on March, 2022, Curriculum Version 1

Module Title: Operate Personal Computer

Module Code: EIS WDDBA1 M03 0322
Nominal duration: 60 hours

Prepared by: Ministry of Labor and Skill

September, 2022
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
1.1 Start the computer
1.1.1 Introduction to Computer
An electronic device that can store, retrieve and process data, and can be programmed
with instructions that it remembers. The physical parts that make up a computer (the central
processing unit, input, output and memory) are called “hardware”. Programs that tell a
computer what to do are called “software”.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Figure1. 1 Information cycle

A computer (also referred to as a PC) can be used for various functions, e.g., word
processing, spreadsheets, databases, business accounting, desktop publishing, accessing the
Internet, sending email, playing games, movies, music, etc.
1.1.2 Identify the parts of computer
A peripheral device is defined as a computer device connects to a computer system to add
functionality., such as a keyboard or printer, that is not part of the essential computer (i.e., the
memory and microprocessor). These auxiliary devices are intended to be connected to
the computer and used.
there are many different models of personal computers. They include desktop personal
computers (PC), notebooks and Laptops but they all have the same basic hardware parts:
 keyboard
 mouse/touch pad/trackball
 monitor (screen)
 System unit.

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The diagram below shows a typical set up of a personal computer.
1. Monitor (or Screen or VDU - Visual Display Unit)
The monitor (or screen) enables the operator to view data (and to alter it before printing it out).
2. Keyboard: The computer keyboard has the standard QWERTY layout with extra keys for
specific functions.
3. Speakers: The speakers play sound when on-capable features are accessed on the computer.
4. Mouse: A mouse is used to select menu options, text and graphics displayed on the monitor.
5. Printer: A printer is used to print text and graphics onto paper.

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 Figure1. 2 The typical set up of a personal computer
6. System unit containing CPU (Central Processing Unit)
A chip (called a Central Processing Unit) within the system unit processes data and relays
messages to and from the keyboard, monitor, disk drives and printer.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of your computer. It is a “chip” where your
computer interprets and processes information.
7. Hardware: The physical components of a computer system - everything that you can touch
- are called hardware.
8. Software: The programs used on a computer are called software. This includes system
software and application software such as MS-Word, MS-Excel, etc. System software is
necessary in order to run a computer and all applications within it.
9. Hard Disk and CD ROM Drives
Drives are used to store and access data. A hard disk drive is a permanent storage device within
your computer. CD-ROM drives allow you to read data from portable media (CD).
10. Video card
A video card fits inside your computer and determines the resolution (fineness of information)
and number of colors your monitor can display. In addition to some video cards allow the
display of graphics such as graphs, circles and geometric designs as well as text.
11. Memory

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The memory is not a permanent storage place for information.
It is only active while your computer is turned on. To avoid losing your work you should save
data on a disk (i.e., hard disk or floppy disk) for permanent storage.
A. Compute component
The computer system needs people, data, hardware and software to operate. The process for
getting data in, processing the data and getting the information out is known as
input/process/output.
1. Input: - is the data that is entered into the computer. It is entered through input devices.
Some examples of input devices are:

 mouse
 keyboard
 microphone
 scanner
 digital camera
 joy stick
 touch pad
 MP3 player
 Digital video player (plays DVDs).
Figure1. 3 Output Device
i. Using the mouse
One of the most useful tools for working on a computer is the mouse. The mouse is used to move
a pointer or cursor around the screen, in order to select a button or icon to perform a particular
task, or to access, move or copy data.
Mouse pointer: the arrow will match the movement on the screen. To move the
mouse pointer, move the mouse across the mouse pad and watch the pointer on the
screen move in the same direction.
Some common ways that you can use a mouse with two buttons include:
 Single Click = quick click of the LEFT Mouse Button

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  Double Click = two quick clicks of the LEFT Mouse
Button.
 Triple Click = three quick clicks of the LEFT Mouse Button.
 Right Click = quick click of the RIGHT Mouse Button.
 Drag and Drop = Pressing and HOLDING the LEFT Mouse Button and SLIDING the
pointer across the screen.
 Scroll = Rolling the Scroll wheel when the Window is showing a more than one page of
information.
 A mouse may also have the additional feature—a scroll wheel—that enables you to use
 the mouse to scroll up and down a window instead of using the window’s scroll bars

Figure1. 4 A mouse with two buttons and a scroll wheel

ii. Keyboard: - A keyboard is a peripheral device that enables a user to input text into a
computer or any other electronic machinery. A keyboard is an input device and is the
most basic way for the user to communicate with a computer.

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 Figure1. 5 Keyboard Layout
1. Output: - is what the computer displays as a result of processing data (e.g., calculations
or instructions). Some examples of output devices are:
2. printers
3. speakers
monitor/screen.

Figure1. 6 Keyboard Layout

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 2. Process: - refers to the computer performing operations and
calculations (using the data that has been input and software). This processing of data is done
by the central processing unit (CPU) that is housed in the system unit.
3. Table 1. 1 Components of Computer system

Hardware Software
Peripherals: Operating System
Microsoft Windows
Application Software
Microsoft Word
Mouse External CD Writer Microsoft Excel
Monitor Printer Microsoft PowerPoint
Keyboard Scanner Computer Games

1.2 OHS standards

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): - A planned system of working to prevent illness and
injury where you work by recognizing and identifying hazards and risks. Health and safety
procedure is the responsibility of all persons in the computer and technology industries.
1.2.1 Purpose of OHS
The purpose of the Health and Safety policies and procedures is to guide and direct all
employees to work safely and prevent injury, to themselves and others. All employees are
encouraged to participate in developing, implementing, and enforcing Health and Safety policies
and procedures.

1.2.2 Categories of hazards

i. Biological. Biological hazards include viruses, bacteria, insects, animals, etc., that can cause
adverse health impacts.

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ii. Chemical. Chemical hazards are hazardous substances that can
cause harm. Gases, dusts, fumes, vapors and liquids.
iii. Physical: Slippery floors, objects in walkways, unsafe or misused machinery, excessive noise,
poor lighting, fire.
iv. Ergonomic: poor design of equipment, workstation design, (postural) or workflow, manual
handling, repetitive movement.

1.2.3 Basic workplace hazards in IT

The most common hazards in IT are Ergonomics. It is the study of people at work that aims to
reduce the physical stress and resulting injuries associated with working, such as overuse
injuries, poor posture and more serious muscle skeletal disorders. Ergonomics aims to reduce
such injuries by designing work spaces, tools, tasks and equipment that help maintain the
physical health of workers.

1.2.4 Safety issues in IT

There are a number of safety issues that can arise from using ICT devices. Some of these safety
issues include:
1. Most ICT devices require an electrical power source. Whenever you have electrical power
sources you run the risk of the electrocution.
2. ICT devices with wires can make a room a potential hazard. Trailing wires are easy to trip
over if they are not secured or tucked away.

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3. Some ICT devices (like computer screens) are fairly heavy and
can cause injury if they fall on you. Equipment should be positioned securely on strong
desks and tables well away from the edge.
4. ICT devices require power from a mains outlet. If too many devices are plugged into a single
main at the same time it is possible to overload the circuit and start an electrical fire. You need
to ensure that your room has many plug sockets so you don't have to overload any single one.
A. Health problems
There are a number of health problems that you can suffer if you use ICT devices incorrectly or
for too long. The main ones are:
1. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
2. Back and Neck Strain
3. Eye Strain and Headaches
Description of these health problems, their causes and how to prevent them
1. RSI causes painful swelling of the wrist and fingers. Sufferers with really bad RSI are unable
to use their hands at all.
2. RSI is caused by doing the same small movements over and over again across a long period
of time. For example, clicking a mouse button repeatedly.
3. Computer users who type and use a mouse all day long are commonly affected.
4. Back ache and neck ache can cause great pain and really affect the quality of your life. Both
back and neck ache can be caused by sitting incorrectly and using poor quality chairs without
back rests. This is called poor posture
Staring at a computer screen for too long can strain your eyes and cause headaches. Eye
strain can cause your vision to blur. Common causes of eye strain are screen flicker and
having direct light causing screen glare
B. Safety issues
There are a number of safety issues that can arise from using ICT devices. Some of these
safety issues include:
1. Electrocution
2. Tripping over wires
3. Heavy equipment falling on you
4. Fire risks
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 1.3 Check input voltage
Computer consists of several interior components, such as coils, capacitors, and electronic circuit
boards to regulate current. Your power supply unit requires fans to cool down the interior
components, but fans are one of the primary reasons for power supply failure. You will also find
colored wires attached to the circuit board, and these wires are used to transmit various voltages
to the main board and any connected devices. The typical PC power supply draws approximately
110 volts of alternating electrical current from the wall outlet, which converts to a much smaller
unidirectional flow of electrical current.
Alternating current (AC) defines the flow of charge that changes direction periodically. AC
voltage is produced by the alternator, which is a special kind of electrical generator used to
produce alternating current. Direct current (DC) can be described as a constant voltage or
current, which is generated by a rectifier, batteries, or an AC generator that is equipped with a
commutator. Modern power supplies are equipped with several safety circuits that check the flow
of current continuously to detect extreme power output conditions.
Steps to check the computer power supply voltage
 Plug the power supply into the wall.
 Find the big 24-ish pin connector that connects to the motherboard.
 Connect the GREEN wire with the adjacent BLACK wire.
 The power supply's fan should start up. If it doesn't then it's dead.
 If the fan starts up, then it could be the motherboard that's dead.

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 Figure 1.8. Power supply of computer

1.4 Switch on or off computer

A switched-mode power supply (SMPS) is an electronic circuit that converts power
using switching devices that are turned on and off at high frequencies, and storage components
such as inductors or capacitors to supply power when the switching device is in its non-
conduction state.
1.4.1 Switch on the computer
Starting your computer is also known as booting the computer. It is important to switch your
computer on in the correct way because the computer will check the peripheral devices on start
up. Starting the computer will also start the operating system.
A. Logging on
The computer you are using may have been set up so that you need to log on to the computer in
order to be able to access the software and stored data, and commence using it. This is a security
feature that is often in place for computers in the workplace, school, college or other large
organisation.
When you log on you are connecting the computer with a network of other computers in the
organisation. If you need to log on you will see a box on the screen asking you for two items of
information that you need to type in:
1. Username

2. Password.

Usernames and passwords are set (for each authorized user) by the IT Administrator for the
organisation. Your teacher or IT Department (in an organisation) will provide you with these
details.
Sequence for switching on power of computer
1. Check peripheral device connections.
2. Turn on power at the power outlet.
3. If the monitor has a separate switch, turn it on.
B. Security conditions

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Your username and password determine what information
and features of the computer and network you have access to, and this is determined by the IT
security policy of the organisation.
Therefore, it is important to note the conditions of use that apply to you when you log on to a
computer with your username and password. These conditions appear on the screen before you
are asked to enter your name and password. You must click on the OK button after you have
read the conditions. This enables you to get to the log on screen where you enter your name and
password.
1.4.2 Switch off the computer
Shutting down a computer closes all open programs and exits the operating system safely so
hardware isn't damaged and your operating system isn't corrupted. The sections below explain
how to shut down a computer, with instructions for different operating systems.
A. Shutting down a computer
It is good practice to use the correct shut down procedure when you want to turn off your
computer so that you do not lose data. If you still have any software applications or files open,
they will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. Each of the applications and files must be
closed. You may get a message asking you to confirm whether files need to be saved. Make sure
you save any work you have done before you turn off the computer.
Depending on whether or not you have had to log on to start using a computer, you will need to
follow a different sequence shutting down the computer.
B. Logging off
Logging off means you are disconnecting the computer from the network and no one else will be
able to access the same computer unless they also have a log on (username and password). You
must log off the computer regardless of whether or not you will be turning off the power.
Sequence for Turn off a computer:
1. Follow this sequence if you do not have to log off first.
2. Close all files (remember to save your latest work if necessary).
3. Close all software programs.
4. Remove floppy disks or other storage media from drives if necessary.

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5. Click on Start on the taskbar. Select Turn Off computer
from the Start menu.
6. Check that Turn off is selected.

System Power
Button
Monitor Power
Button

Figure 1.9. Start computer

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UNIT TWO: ACCESS BASIC SYSTEM INFORMATION

2.1 Insert user name and password

An operating system allows your computer to manage software and perform essential tasks. It is
also a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows you to visually interact with your computer’s
functions in a logical, fun, and easy way. Interact with your computer’s functions in a logical,
fun, and easy way. The first screen appears after you turn on the power of computer is a desktop

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 Figure 2. 1 Windows 10 screen

If it is a shared PC; more than one user uses it, or one user with password protected, you will
arrive at Welcome Screen you can select the proper username and enter password

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 Figure 2. 2 Windows 10 user selection screen
2.2 Navigate operating system
Once your computer has finished starting up, the first thing you'll see is the desktop. You can
think of the desktop as the main workspace for your computer. From here, you can view and
manage your files, open applications, access the Internet, and much more.
1. Working with windows
Whenever you open a file, folder, or application, it will appear in a new window. You can have
multiple items open at the same time in different windows. it's important to know how to switch
between open windows, how to move and resize windows, and how to close windows when
you're done using them.
2. Parts of a window
You'll see the same three buttons in the upper-right corner of almost every window. These
buttons allow you to perform several functions, including these below.
A. Click the Minimize button to hide the window. The window will be
minimized to the taskbar. You can then click the icon for that window
on the taskbar to make it reappear.
B. Click the Maximize button to make the window fill the entire screen.

c. If the screen is maximized, the Maximize button will be temporarily replaced by

the Restore button. Just click it to return the window to its original size.

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 D, Click the Close button to close the window.
3. To move a window
Click and drag the top of the window to move it to the desired location on the screen. When
you're done, release the mouse.
The window will appear in the new location.

Figure 2. 3 Resize windows

4. Change the date and time

Follow these steps to change the date and time on your computer clock.
Right-click on the time in the bottom-right of the screen and select Adjust Date/Time

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 Figure 2. 4 changing date and time
2, A window will open. On the left side of the window select the Date & time tab. Then,
under "Change date and time" click Change

Note: Both Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically must be Off to make
this change.

3, Enter the time and press Change

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 1. The system time has been updated.

5. System Information
You can access this utility by doing a search for System Information in the Start menu or by
using Run command, entering msinfo32 and pressing Enter. This utility provides well detailed
information about software and hardware on a system in an easy to use and friendly graphical
user interface.

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