2019/2020 SESSION SS1 COMPUTER SCIENCE NOTE

SCHEME OF WORK

1 OVERVIEW OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

- Definition of computer
- Two main constituents of computer
2 COMPUTER HARDWARE
- System unit
- Peripherals
3 COMPUTER SOFTWARE
- System software
- Application software
4 PRACTICALS
5 DATA AND INFORMATION
- Definition of data and information
- Difference between data and information
- Examples of data and information
6 COMPUTING DEVICES I
- Pre-computer age to 19th century
- Features and components
7 COMPUTING DEVICES II
- (20th century to date)
- Features
- Component
- Uses.
8 INPUT DEVICES (KEYBOARD)
- Definition of input devices
- Types of input devices
- Keyboard structure and function
- Keys on the keyboard
9 INPUT DEVICES (MOUSE)
- Features
- Function
10 PRACTICALS
11 REVISION EXAM

OVERVIEW OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

 Definition: Computer is an electronic device that accepts data as INPUT, stores data as
STORAGE processes data as a process and brings out the required result as an OUTPUT.
 Computer is an electronic device which under the control of a stored program can accept
data, store date, process data and produce the result (information) as output.
The computer can also store its instruction and data internally in its memory and will act in
accordance to the stored instruction.
CONSTITUENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
There are two main constituents of a computer system.
a Computer hardware
b. Computer software
COMPUTER HARDWARE
The computer hardwares are the physical parts of the computer that we can see, feel and touch.
Examples: System Unit and Peripherals.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
These are set of instructions or programs that enables the computer to perform or carry out it’s
function.
Examples/Types.
a. System software
b. Application software

COMPUTER HARDWARE
The computer hardwares are the physical parts of the computer system that we can see, feel and
touch.
It is also the electronic component of the computer system which can perform the functions
when programmed.
COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER HARDWARD
There are two main components of the computer hardware.
- System
- Peripherals.
THE SYSTEM UNIT
The system unit is the core of the computer. It is also known as the base unit. It is the main body
of a personal computer, typically consisting of the motherboard, power pack, cooling fan,
internally disk device, the memory modules and expansion cards that are plugged into the
motherboard such as video and network card.
A system unit can also be described as a rectangular box where many electronic components that
process information in the computer are located.
All other peripherals devices are connected to the system unit.
COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM UNIT
The system unit houses the following:
The motherboard:- This is the very basic unit in the computer system. It is the
components to which all other internal component of the computer are attached. It links all the
other main component to the computer together.
Consequently, the motherboard is sometimes referred to as the heart of the computer system.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is a processing devise found inside the system unit. It is mounted on the motherboard
inside the system unit. It is otherwise called the microprocessor chip or the processor.
The CPU determines the speed and capabilities of the computer. It is said to be the brain of the
computer. It’s function is to process and compute data, run programs and appliances on the
computer.

COMPONENTS OF THE CPU

The CPU has the following major components.
- The Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)
- The control unit (CU)
- The memory unit (MU)
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
This stores computer files and information permanently (long term storage), unlike RAM that
looses its contents when there is no power supply. The hard disk retains all information stored in
it at all times.
It also stores important system files like the operating system (OS), program files and other data
when the computer sysem runs out of RAM it will always use the hard disk temporarily as a
virtual memory bank. The HDD is alo called internal or primary storage unit of the computer
system.
DIAGRAM OF HARD DISK DRIVE:

DIAGRAM OF THE MOTHER BOARD

DIAGRAM A MICRO – PROCESSOR CHIP

Video card: This enables the computer to display images and graphics on the monitor or screen.
Also this component contributes to clear and detailed pictures.
Power Supply Unit
This components of the system unit supplies all the components inside the system unit with
power by converting the high voltage from an alternating current (AC) power outlet to lower
voltage that the components of the system requires.
Without the PSU, a computer and its component will not be able to power up the PSU is also
called power pack.
RAM
This is an acronym for Random Access Memory. It is another vital component of the computer.
It is a volatile storage media where the computer stores data and information.
Together with the CPU, RAM determines the speed of the computer system.
Optical Drive.
This is a components used to play and read CD’s, VCD’s. Also it can be called CD-ROM.
Network Card And Router
This is used to connect the computer to the internet.
Floppy Disk Drive (FDD)
This is used to read and write data and instruction.
N.B It will be good to know that the last (3) three components (optical drive, network card
and router and floppy disk drive) are optional components of the system unit.
PERIPHERALS
Peripherals are hardware devices that are connected to the system unit used perform certain
functions such as the input/output operations.
COMPONENTS OF PERIPHERALS
Peripherals are classified into
a. Input devices
b Output device
INPUT DEVICE
Are those devices that are used to enter data and command into the computer system. Examples
keyboard, mouse, scanner, joystick, light pen, etc.
OUTPUT DEVICE
Are those device that display the result of the processed data to the outside world in the form of
hard copy or soft copy. Examples monitor, printer, speaker, plotter, projector.

THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Computer software are programs or set of instructions that runs on the computer which enables it
to perform it’s function.
Computer software can also be defined as a program which enables the computer to carry out
specific task.

Types of software
There are two main types of computer software
1 System software
2 Application software

SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software are set of instructions programs that enables the user to gain access to the
computer system and perform certain fundamental operation. Examples.
a. Operating system
b. Utilities
c. Translators
(a) OPERATING SYSTEM
Operating system is the program designed to efficiently manage the resources computer
system and provide common services for the execution of the other programs. It sits
between the hardware and the application software and performs certain essential
supports/task. Examples:
Graphic User Interface (GUI)
Single User Operating System
Command Based/Command line operating system LINUX etc.
(b) UTILITY SOFTWARE
Utility software are general purpose programs that are used for the general house-keeping
of the system. They perform such functions as
1 Sorting of files
2 Anti-virus services
3 Back-up services
4 Copying of files
5 Editing of files
6 Tracing and scanning of errors

(c) TRANSLATORS
These are programs that takes as input programs written in one programming language
and produce as output programs in another programming language (Machine language).
It is a software that translate program in one programming language (source code)
Another programming language (object code) example.
Source code -----Translator----- object code
Input output
TYPES OF TRANSLATORS
1 Assembler
2 Interpreter
3 Compiler
 * Compiler – Language translator that translate programs written in one
programming to another programming language at the same time.
* Interpreter – Translates programs written in one programming to another
programming language statement by statement.
* Assembler – Language translator that translates ONLY program written in
assembly language.

APPLICATION SOFTWARES
Application softwares are programs or set of instruction that are used to carry out specific
tasks or to solve problem of specific nature.
Types of Application Software
 User application software
 Application package
CHARACTERISTIC OF COMPUTER
* Speed – This is the ability of the computer at a fast rate to be able to carry out activities.
* Accurately – Ability of computer to carry out operation correctly.
* Automation – Ability of the computer to carry out activities without or little human
intervention.
* Versatility – Ability of the computer to perform many task at once or at the same time.
* Storage – Has a very large storage capacity.
* Programmability – Ability of the computer to accept instruction.

DATA AND INFORMATION

Data are raw facts, figures, event, words, symbols, activities and transactions that are recorded
and have not yet been processed.
Data is the raw material from which information is produced. Usually data items do not make
much sense or meaning on their own until they are processed.
Types and classification of data
Data is classified into four types
1 ALPHABETIC DATA
This is a type of data that consist of alphabetic letters only (A-Z)
 Examples: Name, School, occupation, nationality.
2 NUMERIC DATA
This is a type of data that consist of number only (0-9)
Examples: Phone number, Account number, Admission number, Register number etc.
3 ALPHANUMERIC DATA
This type of data consist of the combination of both alphabets and numeric data
(Alphabet and Number)
Examples: Plate number, Dates etc.
4 SYMBOLIC DATA
This type of data consists of symbols. Examples. *, %, $, #, +, -, ÷@ etc.
SOURCES OF DATA
There are two main sources of data: Primary and Secondary source. Data can be generate from
the following:
a. Documents
b Journal
c Books
d Interviews
e Presentation
f Database
g School Register
h Bank Statement etc.

INFORMATION
Information is defined as data which has been processed in such away as to be meaningful and
useful to the person who receives it.
Information however is a processed data. Information is made of figures, words, symbols that
have meaning. Any news spread to you either orally or written is information.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION
There are two main sources of information.
- Primary source
- Secondary source
Information can be gathered from the following sources examples.
- Radio
- Magazine
- Newspaper
- Internet etc.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DATA AND INFORMATION

S/N DATA INFORMATION
1 Are raw facts Are processed facts
2 Not meaningful Are meaningful
3 Not significant on its own Are significant
4 Are carried out by observation and Are carried about by analyzing
recording

EVOLUTION OF COMPUTERS
COMPUTING DEVICE 1 (PRE-COMPUTING AGE TO 19TH CENTURY
Many inventors have taken several centuries to develop into their modern forms and modern
inventors are rarely making the product of a simple inventors effort. The bits and pieces of a
computer (including the software) come together over many centuries, many people each adding
a small contribution. Each one of the inventions mentioned below are small step on the road to
the ultimate goal.
Early man counted by the means of matching one set of object with another (stones and fingers).
Early table called Abacus formalized counting and introduced the concept of computation. The
pre-computing age devices include:
a Abacus – 450 BC
b Napiers bones - 1614
c Slide rule – 1624
d Pascaline/pascal calculators - 1614
e Stepped Reckoner/Liebnitz multiplier
f Jacquards loom – 1882
g Difference engine – 1812-1822
h Analytical engine – 1833 – 1871
i Hollerith’s census machine – 1890
j Burough’s machine - 1885

ABACUS MACHINE
This is one of the early known computing devices. It was invented in about 450 BC. It is made of
a rectangular wooden frame with wire or strings with beads or pebbles hung on them. It is
usually represented as units (eg hundred, tens, unit)
Uses: It is used to solve simple calculations. It is used to store and retrieve data/information.
It is used for counting, adding and substracting.
DIAGRAM:

An Abacus representing 653 items.

The Chinese used these method to count. The beads were threaded on lines of wire. the beads on
the first line counted the units, the beads on the second line counted the tens, the beads on the
third counted the hundreds and so on.
By moving the beads back and forth along wire, numbers could be added and subtracted.

NAPIERS BONES
In the middle of the 16th century (i.e 1614) precisely, a Scotman called John Napier discovered
that he could multiply and divide numbers by simply adding and subtracting their representative
geometrical series called logarithm to help him in his studies. After this he invented what is
called the Napier’s bones.
This bones were set of ivory rods. Napier placed the logarithm of numbers on these set of ivory
rods so that by sliding the bones up and down, resulting in adding or subtracting. The numbers
geometrical series, he performed multiplication and division. They were placed side by side to
get the product of a number.
They are usually eleven (11) in number in one device.
Features/components.
- It was made of ivory rods
- The bones contain marks on them
- It consists of eleven (11) bones in one device
Uses
- It is used for multiplication and division operation
- It is used for computing square roots, cube roots and squares
- It is used to solve geometrical problems (logarithms)
Diagram:
SLIDE RULE
Having discovered that Napier’s device could solve geometric problems, an English
mathematician named William Oughtred invented the slide rule in 1624 to aid in calculation.
This was achieved by sliding pieces of woods instead of ivory rods. It was an analog device (ie
reading in continuous scale).
Features
- It is made up of two or more moveable rules placed side by side
- The difference in the product were always potential to the logarithm of the number.
- They were made of wood
- By sliding the rule, multiplication and division were applied.
Uses:
- They were used as calculating devices
- They were used in solving logarithms
- They were used to perform multiplication and division too.
Diagram:

PASCAL CALCULATOR/PASCALINE
This was the first real mechanical calculating device invented by a French man named Blaise
Pascal in 1642.
After his research, he discovered that this device could add and subtract numbers by using a
series of eight rotating gears or wheels. When the first wheel counted out ten digits (ie
completing one revolution).
The gear would compel the pin on its edge to rotate the wheel next to it.
This second wheel in turn after completing one revolution rotates the next one and so forth.
Features of Pascaline
- It was made of wheel with teeth
- It counts in thousands, hundreds, tens and unit
- Values were read from the position of each wheel.
- Addition is done by moving wheels forward, subtraction is done by backward movement.
Uses
- It was used for addition and subtraction
- It is used today in fuel and electricity meter
- It is used in keeping track of car mileage
- It is used by banks and other establishments in counting money.
Diagram:

LIEBNITZ MULTIPLIER (STEPPED RECKONER)

In 1671 a German mathematician named Gottfried Von Liebnitz made a machine that could not
only add and subtract but also multiply, divide and calculate square root. Both the inventions of
John Napier and Gottfried were able to perform various calculation based on the inbuilt
instruction which were programmed into machine mechanically by the way the gears turned one
another as they moved.
Features
- It works by instruction
- It was built with stepped reckoner
- It was a mechanical device
- It was made of gears
Uses
- It was used to perform various calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication
and divisions.
- It was used to calculate the square roots.

JACQUARD’S LOOM
This is one of the earliest development in programmable instructions or machine. It came from a
weaving industry in the year 1802 by a French man named Joseph Marie Jacquard a weaver.
The machine was developed to automate the weaving process. The loom was controlled by a
series of punched cards. The cards made of cardboard were actual instructions read by the
machine as they passed over a series of holes of the machine. The machines translated the holes
in the card into colours in weaves, during the weaving process. Given that cards represented on a
loom operation, a whole collection of cards were necessary to operate the loom. This concept
gave birth to punched cards.
With the cards, the patterns could be stored with high degree of accuracy to facilitate. The
production of textile materials. The machine uses binary numbers representation in its operation.
The basic principle of punch cards are still in use in the textile industry today.
Uses
- It is used in production of textile material
- It automates weaving process
- It is used to maintain accuracy.
DIFFERENCES ENGINE
Between the 1812 – 1822, Charles Babbage a professor in mathematics invented a machine
known as Difference Engine. This machine was used in the evaluation of polynomials by means
of finite differences. This machine was very useful in the generation of mathematical table.

ANALYTICAL ENGINE
As a result of the limitation on technical know how (technology). Charles Babbage also
attempted to build a second machine known as Analytical engine which was meant for general
purpose calculations computation that co-operated program.
Between the years 1833 – 1871, Charles Babbage conceived the idea of building a device which
could perform every calculation based on the instruction coded on the cards without human
intervention. Even intermediate results to be stored in a memory unit.
This device contained features similar to those found in today’s computer as at then (1800s).
An arithmetic unit called the Mill performed the intermediate and total results as well as
instructions for each stage of calculations. This machine was created to receive instructions and
data by means of punched cards and the output would be automatically printed which was to be
done mechanically and electronically.
Even though, the Analytical engine was originally conceived in 1833, Charles Babbage died
before it could be constructed at the age of 37 years.
Nevertheless, his son was able to build a model based on his father’s prototype and notes and
completed it in 1871. Even at that, to his father is tribute, he was recognized as the father of
computers.
Uses.
- It is used to store data
- It is used to perform arithmetic operation

HOLLERITH CENSUS MACHINE

An American statistician Herman Hollerith developed a mechanical tabular based on punched
cards to rapidly tabulate statistic from millions of pieces of data. He was the founder of one of
the companies that later emerged and became IBM (International Business Machine). At the
urging of John Shaw Billings, Hollerith developed a mechanism using electrical connection to
trigger a counter recording information. The key idea was that numbers could be punched in
specified location on a card in the non-familiar rows and columns, then the cards could be
counted or sorted mechanically and the data recorded.
Hollerith built machine under contracts for the census office which used them to tabulate the
1980 census in only one years where the 1880 census had taken eight (8) years.

BURROUGH’S MACHINE
William Burrough (1857 – 1898) built his first experimental model of adding machines with
printer in 1884. The high keyboard adding and recording machines were the only Burrough’s
product designed by William Burrough himself.
Features
The distinguishing features are the high sloping keyboard. The beveled glass front and the
printing mechanism.
Sight was a necessity as the display register is actually inside the casing. Many machines had
glass side as well to display the internal mechanism and the ornale cast iron frame work. The
proper carriage can be positioned manually to adjustable stops.
Uses
- The machine performs addition only with no provision for subtraction either directly or
addition of complements

COMPUTING DEVICES II (20TH CENTURY TILL DATE)

The 20th century computing devices are as follows
a ENIAC – Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computers
b EDVAC – Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer
c UNIVAC – Universal Automatic Computer I
d Desktop Personal Computers
e Palmtop Computers
A ENIAC: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer. After the introduction of binary
system or the operation of complete circuits and incomplete circuits ( 0 1) which was
called the MARK- 1 became the digital electronic computer known as the Electronic
 Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC). It was developed in 1946 by JOHN
MAUCHLY and PRESPER ECKERT.
This machine could perform calculations 200,000 times faster than the most brilliant
man.
ENIAC is generally acknowledged to be the first successful high speed electronic digital
computer. (EDC). ENIAC also was the first machine to use more than 2,000 vacuum
tubes, using nearly 18,000 vacuum tubes.
B EDVAC: This is an acronym for Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer. It
was one of the earliest electronic computers. Unlike its predecessors the ENIAC, it was
binary rather than decimal and stored computer programs. The EDVAC was binary serial
computer with automatic addition, subtraction, multiplication and programmed division
and automatic checking with an ultra sonic memory capacity of 1,000,004 bit words later
set to 1,024 words, thus giving a memory in modern times 5.5 kb.
MAUCHLY AND ECKERT, ENIAC engineers were joined by JOHN VON
NEUMANN to design develop EDVAC in 1945.
EDVAC was operating on ON/OFF switch ability for memory was required because
EDVAC was to use binary rather than decimal numbers, thus simplifying the
construction of the arithmetic unit.
C UNIVAC
This is an acronym for Universal Automatic Computer – 1. It was also manufactured by
JOHN MAUCHLY and PRESPER ECKERT. It was designed in the year 1948. The
UNIVAC I handled both numbers and alphabetic characters equally as well.
The UNIVAC – I was unique that it separates the complex problems of input and output
from the actual computation facility. It was used for general purpose computing with very
large amount of I/O (input and output operations)
D Desktop Personal Computer
These are small relative inexpensive computers that are designed for individual users.
Typically, these devices include the monitor, keyboard, mouse, system unit and other
Peripherals. This computer used a microprocessor that enables manufacturer to place
an entire CPU on a single chip.
Businesses uses desktop personal computers for word processing, accounting, graphic
 design, spread sheet, and database management application.
E Laptop and Notebook Computers
These are portable computers that usually feature integral keyboard and monitors.
F Palmtop Computers
These are hand-held with portable programmable electronic devices that accept data,
execute pre-recorded instruction, and perform mathematical and logic operations and
output results.
INPUT DEVICES
Input devices are electronic devices that are used to enter data and command into the computer
system. For computer processing, data needed to be entered into the computer (input) and the
result processed needs to be communicated to the user (output)
Input is the process of entering and translating incoming data into machine readable form. The
data to be entered is often referred to as input. The devices used to enter data are referred to as
input devices.
Types/ Examples of input devices.
a Keyboard
b Mouse
c Scanner
d Light pen
e Joy stick
f Track ball
g Digital camera etc.
(a) LIGHT PEN: This is a pointing device that can be used to choose or display menu
options. The pen contains a photocell placed in a small tube.
As the user moves the tip of the pen over the surface, it detects the light coming from a
limited field of view.
The light from the screen causes the photocell to respond and this electric response is
transmitted to the process that can identify the menu options that is triggering the
photocell.
Light pen is useful for graphic work especially for computer aided design (CAD) purpose
(b) JOY STICK: A joy stick is a personal computer peripheral or general control device
consisting of a hand held stick that pivots about one end but transmits it to two or three
dimension to a computer.
A joystick is generally controlled so that moving the stick left or right signals movement
along the x-axis and moving it forward (up) or back (down) signals movement along the
y-axis.
Joystick are often used to control games and usually have one or more push buttons
whose state can also be read by the computer.
(c) TRACKBALL: A trackball is a pointing device consisting of a ball house in a socket
containing sensors to detect rotation of ball about two axis like an upside down mouse
with an exposed protruding ball. The user rolls the ball with his thumbs, fingers or the
palm of his hands to move a cursor. They are usually incorporated with laptops.
(d) SCANNER: In computing, a scanner is a device that analyses an image (such as
photograph, printed text or handwriting) or an object (such as an ornament) and convert it
to a digital image. Most scanners today are variations of desktop scanners. The flat bed
scanner is the most common in flat bed offices.

(e) DIGITAL CAMERA: The photographs are shot on digital media like the RAM and
ROM can transferred to computer through input.

INPUT DEVICES (KEYBOARD STRUCTURE)

A keyboard is an input device consisting of a panel of keys used to enter a text, characters and
other commands into the computer.
In A keyboard typically characters are engraved or printed on the keys and each press of a key
typically corresponds to a single written symbol.
A standard desktop computer keyboard has 101 keys. The keyboard is primary or basic input
device.
FUNCTIONS OF KEYBOARD
1 A keyboard is used to send instruction into the computer
2 A keyboard is used to input data into the computer
3 A keyboard provides quick access to menu on the computer.
TYPES OF KEYBOARD
There are 3 main types of keyboard.
a Standard keyboard
b Enhanced keyboard
c Windows keyboard

STANDARD KEYBOARD
This is a type of keyboard that consists of 88 keys and 10 function keys.
ENHANCED KEYBOARD
This is a type of keyboard that consists of about 104 keys and 12 function keys.
WINDOWS KEYBOARD
This is a type of keyboard that consist of 104 keys and above 12 function keys and a window
key.

STRUCTURE OF A KEYBOARD
The standard structure of a keyboard includes:-
- Numeric keys
- Alphabetic keys (Capital and Small letters)
- Control key
- Alternate key
- Function keys
- Navigational keys
- Special character keys
KEYS ON THE KEYBOARD
a Function keys
b Alphabetic keys
c Numeric keys
d Special character keys
e Navigational/Arrow
f Control key
Function keys- A function key is a key on a keyboard that can be programmed so as to cause an
operating system command interpreter or application program to perform actions.
Numeric keys:- These keys are located on the right side of the keyboard. It contains numbers 0-
9. The numeric keypad ia active when NUM LOCK in on.
Alternate keys:- The alternate keys are used to alternate keyboard function. They are the ALT
key, shift key, ALT + CRL key, Num Lock.
Alphabetic keys:- These are keys with letter A-Z. they are 26 in number.
Arrow Keys:- These are navigational or directional keys. They are used to move the cursor
either up or down, left or right.
Control key:- A control key is a modifier key which when pressed in conjunction with another
key will perform a special operation for example control + ALT + DELETE
Special keys:- These include the following keys ENTER, HOME, END, PGUP(Page up),
PGDN(page down) DEL (Delete), INS, BACKSPACE, ESC (Escape), SPACE, CTRL (control),
ALT, SHIFT.

KEYBOARD COMMANDS
1 Ctrl + P - This command instruct the computer to print a text or document.
2 Ctrl + Z – This shortcut is used to undo the last command performed on the system
especially in word processing applications.
3 Ctrl + Y – This actualizes the last command only if it was undone at a point.
4 Ctrl + Esc – This command displays that start menu.
5 Ctrl + S – This command is used to save a text or document.
6 Ctrl + U – It is used to add or remove underlining from a selected character.
7 Ctrl+ A – This command selects all items very similar to highlighting.
8 Ctrl+ X – This is the shortcut used to cut a selected or highlighted text.
9 Ctrl + W – This command will close a currently open document.
10 Ctrl+ C – This is used to copy a highlighted text
11 Ctrl + E - This is used to move a selected text to a suitable position of the page.
2 Ctrl + I – This adds or remove italics
13 Ctrl + B – This command is used to add or remove bold formatting.
14 Ctrl + = - Used as a spell checker
15 Ctrl + F – This opens the find what dialog box
16 Ctrl + N – Used to open a new window in internet explorer
17 Ctrl + F5 – In internet explorer refresh the web page.
18 Ctrl + O – Bring up a browser dialog and allows you to select a file to open.
19 Alt + Tab – Used to display a list of open application window.
20 Alt + Enter – Displays selected items properties.
21 Alt + - - Display the current window’s system menu
22 Alt + F4 – Used to close the current active window.
23 Alt + PrtSc – Used to snapshot the top window of the active application
24 Window key + M –Minimizes all open windows
25 Windows key + L – Locks the window XP computer
26 Window key + Tab – Move around the botton on the task bar
27 Windows key + E – Opens a new Explorer window.
28 Windows key + R – display the run command
29 Window key + F1 - display the windows help menu
30 F8 - This runs the system in a safe mode
31 F10 – Activates the menu bar option
32 F6 – Moves along panes in window explorer
33 F1 – Bring out the help assist
34 F2 – Used to rename a selected object
35 Windows key + Pause – display the system properties dialog box
36 Ctrl + Shift + Tab – can be used to move backward through the options
37 Ctrl + C + C – Used to open the clipboard
38 Ctrl+V – Used to insert text or art from the clipboard
39 Alt + Tab – display a list of open application
40 Ctrl + Tab – Enables movement from one open window to the next.
Diagram of a keyboard

MOUSE (STRUCTURE)
Mouse is an input and hand held device that lets us point and items on the screen. It has a cable
that is used to connect it to the system unit or either a serial port, PS/2 or a USP port depending
on the type of plug head the mouse cable carries.
A mouse could have two or three buttons and each of the buttons perform different functions. It
is often placed on a pad called mouse pad.
The mouse controls a pointer on the screen called mouse pointer. The pointer could change to
different shapes depending on the action the computer is carrying out at a particular time.
Uses
- It is used to point at objects or commands on the screen.
- It is used to select commands
- It is used to move pictures from one place to another
- It is used to move the cursor.
Types of Mouse
a. Mechanical mouse
b. Optical mouse

Mechanical mouse: This type of mouse contains a rubber ball that makes the cursor move
according to the rotation of the internal roller.
Optical mouse: These are otherwise known as laser mouse. They work well on several surfaces
excluding bright surfaces and in bright light.

FUNCTIONS/OPERATIONS OF MOUSE
1 POINTING – You point to an object on the screen by moving the mouse so that the
pointer is positioned in the object. When the pointer is an arrow, the very tip of the arrow
must be exactly on the object.
2 CLICKING – You select an object by clicking. You move the pointer onto the desired
item and then quickly press and release the mouse buttons.
3 DOUBLE CLICKING – You start a program by double clicking. This means rapidly
pressing and releasing the left mouse button twice. The pressing could be done quietly.
4 DRAGGING – Dragging means holding down the mouse buttons while moving the
mouse.

Diagram of a mouse