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Computer Notes

Computer Literacy for Teachers (University of Dar es Salaam)

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COMPUTER NOTES
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
1.1 WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
Computer is an electronic device that accepts data, process data, store and convert it
into information (output) that is useful to people.
A computer is an electronic machine which accepts, processes and stores data
automatically following some instructions to give useful output
A Computer is an electronic machine that takes data, store it, processes that data and
produce information.
1.4 UNDERSTAND DATA AND INFORMATION
1.4.1 DATA
Data are raw facts and figures that on their own have no meaning
These can be any alphanumeric characters i.e text, numbers, symbols.
Data Is anything enter in the computer for the purpose of getting output e.g text,
graphics, numbers, sound, etc.

1.4.2 INFORMATION
Information- is the result obtained after data has been entered and processed
Information: Data that has been processed into a form that gives it meaning.

HOW TO GET INFORMATION

Informatio = Data + Context + Meaning

Types of data are: Processing

• Alphanumeric –numbers, letters, symbols etc.
• Images-graphic images, pictures
• Audio-sound, noise, tones
• Video-moving pictures

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2.0 TYPES OF COMPUTERS

Types of Computers can be categories/classes depending upon:
• Based on size
• Based on Data Handling Capabilities
2.1 Based on Size:
• Supercomputer: A high-performance computer used for complex calculations
and simulations.
• Mainframe Computer: Large and powerful, often used by large organizations for
critical applications.
• Minicomputer: A mid-sized computer, less powerful than a mainframe but more
powerful than a microcomputer.
• Workstation Computer: A powerful, single-user computer used for specialized
applications.
• Personal Computer (PC): A small, single-user computer based on a
microprocessor.
• Server Computer: Designed to provide data and services to other computers or
devices on a network.
• Tablets and Smartphone: Portable, touchscreen devices with computing
capabilities.

2.2. Based on Data Handling Capabilities:

• Analogue Computer: Processes continuous, non-discrete data such as speed,
temperature, and pressure.
• Digital Computer: Designed to perform calculations and logical operations at
high speed.
• Hybrid Computer: Combines the features of both analogue and digital
computers.

1.3 CHARACTERISTICS / ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGE OF A COMPUTER

1.3.1 ADVANTAGE OF COMPUTER
i. Speed: Computers operate at very high speeds, and can perform very many
functions within a very short time. The speed is measured in millisecond
ii. Accuracy: Unlike human beings, they never make mistakes.
iii. Reliability. The computer can be relied upon to produce the correct answer if
it is given the correct instructions & supplied with the correct data.
iv. Consistency: This means that, given the same data & the same instructions,
they will produce the same answer every time that particular process is
repeated.
v. Storage: A computer can store data & retrieve this data when required.
vi. Diligence: Unlike human beings, a computer can work continuously without
getting tired or bored.

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1.3.2 DISADVANTAGE OF COMPUTER

i. Violation of Privacy: - Secret information can be hacked by other people
ii. Impact on Labor Force: Reduce the number of number worker due to
automation of machines.
iii. Health Risks: It produces harmful rays. Eg can affect male reproductive system
iv. Impact on Environment: Computer parts take long time to decay when
disposed.
v. Computers can only be used areas where there is source of power.
vi. Requires skilled manpower to operate.

1.4 FUNCTIONS OF COMPUTER

There are four main equipment functions of a computer system:

i. Input
ii. Processing
iii. Storage
iv. Output.
Input: transferring of information into a computer system; data entry. Commonly
methods of input (keyboard, scanner, flash drive, CD).
Processing: the manipulation and control of information (data) within the computer
system.
Storage: a process through which digital data is saved within a data storage device by
means of computing technology. Or users can save data onto a device.
Output: displaying of information. Output may occur via a display or monitor.

A COMPUTER BLOCK DIAGRAM

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1.4.2 HOW A COMPUTER WORKS

i. All digital computers work essentially the same way.
ii. A human operator uses input equipment to enter data and instructions into the
computer.
iii. The processor then performs manipulation on the data, while the memory stores
information during
iv. processing. The results then are sent to the output equipment, which presents
them to the user.
v. File storage devices enable information to be saved for future use.

1.4.3 APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTER IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF HUMAN LIFE

i. IN EDUCATION
• To teach (give courses) in different subjects
• To give Computer Assisted Instructions (CAI)
• To give Computer Assisted Learning (CAL)
• To keep records
• As a research tool e.g. to analyze data from experiments
• To process records
• To assist in education management.
• To keep records of books and borrowers in a library.
ii. IN MEDICINE (HEALTH)
• To assist in hospital administration
• To keep records of employee and patients
• To monitor conditions of patients e.g temperature, heart-beats
• To help doctors to investigate illness (diagnosis) and prescribe treatments.
• To do medical research.
iii. IN HOME
• For recreation e.g playing games, listening to music
• As an education tool
• To store personal information
• To access to news when connected to the internet
• To access databases
• As a home accountant to keep a track of expenses and to balance a family
budget
• To protect homes against crimes from burglary vandals by using electronic
security systems.
• For alert emergence services automatically e.g fire brigade, police.
iv. IN INDUSTRY AND ENGINEERING
• To design drawing for products using Computer Aided Design (CAD)
programs e.g. airplanes, bridges, cars, buildings, electronic circuit boards.
• To manufacture products using Computer aided Manufacturing (CAM)

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• To plan and control major projects.

To simulate (predict what will happen in real-life situation from a model
situation.) e.g. turning of traffic lights.
• To control some operations in automobiles e.g mixing of fuel and air
entering the engine
• A branch of computer science called artificial intelligence, uses programs
that help to solve problems by applying human knowledge and experience
e.g. in medicine, law etc.
v. IN MILITARY
• It can be used for planning and decision – making
• It can used by planners to stimulate wars
• It can be used to guide modern weapons such as missiles and field
artillery
vi. IN GOVERNMENT
• It can be used for internal revenue service’s e.g to provide reports for
tax purposes.
• It can be used for planning, analysis, forecast, sampling, predictions etc.
• It can be used for weather forecasting,
• It can be used for Law enforcement
vii. IN TRANSPORTATION
• It can be used for a Traffic control
• It can be used in driving stimulator
• It can be used for reservation systems
• Are embedded in aircraft to provide efficiency in flying.

1.5 COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

1.5.1 PARTS OF COMPUTER

• The computer is mainly consists of two parts which are:-

1.Computer Hardware
2.Computer Software

1.5.2 PARTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

• The parts of a computer system are as follow.
• Hardware
• Software
• Data
• Users

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1.5.3 COMPUTER HARDWARE

A computer hardware is a collection of machines (physical components or elements)

which form a complete computer system. Also, Is the actual machinery that makes up
the computer system. Is the collection all physical pieces of equipment (elements) that
makes up a computer system. Is a set of devices that accept data, processes them and
displays them. Also, Is the set of all physical parts of the computer. Examples of
hardware in a computer are the keyboard, the monitor, the mouse, motherboard,
processing unit etc.

TYPES/COMPONENTS/ELEMENTS OF COMPUTER HARDWARE

COMPUTER HARDWARE is a composed of the following components/elements

according to the functions of the computer:

• Input devices or input hardware

• Processing devise or processing hardware
• Output devices or Output hardware
• storage devices or storage hardware
• Communication devices or Communication hardware

INPUT DEVICES OR INPUT HARDWARE

Is any hardware component that allows you to enter data, programs, commands and
user responses into a computer. OR is a peripheral device which accepts data and send
it into the corresponding processing unit (CPU). OR is a peripheral device which accepts
data in a form that a computer can use and sends the data to the central processing
unit (CPU). Is a peripheral device which accept data from outside the computer system
and transmits (sends) it to the central processing unit (CPU). Examples of input devices;
Keyboard, mouse, Light pen, Joystick, Scanner, Bar-code reader, PEWS terminal,
Trackball, Touch pad, Pointing stick, pen(stylus)

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CLASSIFICATION OF INPUT HARDWARE

Input device are classified into:
i. Keying devices eg Keyboard
ii. Pointing devices eg Mouse
iii. Scanning devices eg Scanner
iv. Digital camera
v. Other input technology e.g
Touch screen- a screen that accept user finger or stylus as command.
are much used in smart phone, airport and PDAs
Voice Input – is input technology that enable the microphone to enter data into
computer in the form of speech.

I. KEYING DEVICES
Is the device that used to enter alphabetic letters, numbers and special characters into
the computer.
Keying device are further divided into:
i. Traditional keyboard (standard keyboard)
ii. Flexible keyboard- this can be folded and put into the bag
iii. Ergonomic keyboard- are designed to give the human comfort
iv. Keypad- is small keyboard used in small device like phone & laptops
v. Braille keyboard- this is a keyboard special for blind, it contains a key
identified by raised dots
NB: ONLY Traditional keyboard (standard keyboard) will discuss at this level

KEYBOARD
• Is a standard input device of most computers.
• Is the most common input device used for entering text data directly into a
computer
• Used to type data into the computer.
TYPES OF KEYS ON KEYBOARD:
i. Alphanumeric keys
ii. Function keys
iii. Special Purpose keys
iv. Cursor movement and editing keys
Special purpose (control) keys
v. Numeric keypad keys

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1. ALPHANUMERIC KEYS
This includes the following:
i. Alphabetic letters: A to Z
ii. Number keys: 0 to 9
iii. Special symbol: *,/,-,+,
2. FUNCTION KEYS: F1-F12
Are labelled by F1, F2, ...F12.
It is used for special task in various program to perform special task e.g F1 is helping
menu in most program
3. SPECIAL PURPOSE KEYS
These are keys are used to perform specific task.
i. Caps lock: for changing upper case to lower case and vice versa
ii. SHIFT – The key is used in combination with another key to:
✓ Select the upper symbol in the button with two symbol.
✓ Change the alphabetic symbol.
iii. Escape (ESC) – used to Cancel the currently running program.
iv. CTRL& ALT- The key is used in combination with another key to perform
shortcut operation.
v. Window key: the key used to provide the starting point for any program in the
computer.
vi. Enter key - Is used to accept command, can be used to start a new line
vii. Tab key- This key moves the cursor by leaving space to the next at specified
interval e.g. 10mm
viii. Space bar key- Is used to leave space between words
ix. Backspace key - This key is used to delete character and words from right to
left side of the cursor.
4. CURSOR MOVEMENT AND EDITING KEYS
Are the keys that used to move the cursor on the screen and help the user to edit the
document.
i. Arrow key: These keys are used to move the cursor up, down, left and right
ii. Delete key (del.): is used to delete character and words from left to
right side of the cursor.
iii. Insert key: used to insert character e.g picture at the cursor position
iv. Page up and page down keys:
Page up key- used to move the cursor up one page
Page down key- used to move the cursor down one page
v. Home and End key:
Home key –used to move the cursor to the beginning of the current line
End key- used to move the cursor to the end of the current line

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5. NUMERIC KEYS
This key are used for entering the numeric data into computer fast.
It includes the following:
i. Numbers: from 0 to 9
ii. Arithmetic sign: +, -, *, /,
➢ + for addition, - for minus, * for multiplication, / for division
Numeric keypad can work if the Num lock key is ON, otherwise will work as Cursor
movement and editing keys.

II. POINTING DEVICES

These are devices which are used for controlling the cursor on the screen.
TYPES OF POINTING DEVICES
i. Mouse (standard mouse)
ii. The trackball
iii. Joystick
iv. Light pen

MOUSE
The mouse is a device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a
display screen.
A mouse This is an input device that helps computer users to communicate within
different parts of the opened window or on the desktop screen.

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BASIC PARTS OF COMPUTER MOUSE

A mouse typically has three parts, namely:
(i) Left button (Primary button)
- Is used to select menu options or commands.
-This button you will use most often.
(ii) Right button (Secondary button)
- Is used to access shortcut menus
-used to get list of option/command.
(iii) Scroll Wheel - Located at the middle of the two buttons, it is mainly used to
move up and down on the Working window area.

HOLDING MOUSE
Hold like this And not like this

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BASIC MOUSE OPERATIONS

i. Moving- This means sliding the mouse around the opened window to change
the location of the pointer.
ii. Clicking (click)- This means press the left button once.
iii. Double clicking- This means press the left button twice quickly.
iv. Right-clicking (right-click)- means press right button of mouse once. It
is usually displaying (a drop menu) list of things you can do with the item.
v. Dragging-This means point an object/icon, pressing the left button and holding
it and then moving the object/icon to a new position.

FUNCTION OF COMPUTER MOUSE

Various functions of a computer mouse are:
• It can point objects on the monitor.
• It can use to open files/folders/documents on the monitor.
• It can select things on the computer monitor.
• It can use for dragging or changing the position of a file on the monitor
THE TRACKBALL
-Is a mouse with a ball located at top that used to move the cursor in either direction
-this pointing device has no flat surface
JOYSTICK
is an input device that looks like a lever used to control a pointer in a screen. Its
purpose used for playing computer games, the user control game by varying the
pressure, speed and direction of joystick.
LIGHT PEN
is a pen used to detects the command or item being illuminated by it.
STYLUS
Is small pen that used to input command to a computer screen. Is used on devices such
as person Digital Assistant (PDAs) that recognize commands or hand written data.

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III SCANNING DEVICES

Scanning- is the process of capturing data from an object and converting it into digital
format. A scanner is an input device that converts hardcopy (printed documents) to
softcopy (data that can be processed by a computer).

TYPES OF SCANNING DEVICES

Scanning devices are classified into:
i. Optical scanner: Is a scanner that capture the data by using the light
technology.
ii. Magnetic scanner: Is a type of scanner that capture a data by using magnetic
ink or coded into a magnetic strip

DIGITAL CAMERA: Are camera that capture and store images as digital data instead
of on photographic film. A digital camera records images electronically on a memory
card rather than on film

JOYSTIC: is an input device which is commonly used for computer games.

MICROPHONE: Used to input sound into a computer. Microphone is also an input

device used to inputting the voice signal into the computer. It is also commonly used for
live chat. Microphone are also used to record voice into the computer.

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THE FUNCTION OF INPUT DEVICES

• To accept data from the user into the computer system
• To accept instructions from the users.
• To accept commands for running or aborting or halting a program from the user.

REVIEW QUESTIONS
PRACTICAL
1. Using one of the computers in the computer laboratory, identify the
visible parts of a computer and write down the following details:
a) The brand name of the computer.
b) The type of computer whether desktop, tower top, laptop etc.
c) The number of buttons on the mouse.
d) The number of buttons on keyboard.
e) Draw the diagram of keyboard layout.
f) Draw a well labeled diagram of computer mouse.
g) Identify the power button on the system unit and the monitor.
h) Use the buttons on the monitor to adjust its brightness
2. Connect and disconnect the common input devices to the computer.
Questions.
1. What is the difference between Function keys and special PC keys?
2. Explain the various categories of keys found on a standard keyboard.
3. Define the following terms:
a) Double clicking
b) Clicking
c) Drag and drop
d) Right clicking
e) Mouse pointer
f) Pointing
4. What makes a mouse move a pointer on the screen?
5. Classify the following keyboard characters:
a) A,B,C,…………….Z
b) 0,1,2,3,……………9
c) F1,F2,F3,………….F12
d) Del, Insert
e) Home, End, Page up, Arrow key.
f) Ctrl, Shift, Alt
6. List the common input devices (hard ware) of a computer.
7. Explain the functions of input devices.

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PROCESSING DEVICES
Processes hardware is the hardware used for all manipulations of data before giving
to output results. Example is the central processing unit (CPU) which is also known as
the processor.

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT(CPU)

The central processing unit (or CPU) is the part of a computer that interprets and
carries out the instructions contained in the software. The CPU is called the brain of the
computer. It is mounted on a circuit board known as the motherboard or system
board.
The Central processing unit (CPU) contains three separate units for its
operation.
These are:
1) Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU)
2) Control Unit(cu).
3) Main Storage(memory).

ARITHMETIC LOGICAL UNIT (ALU)

ALU use to perform all Mathematics Calculations (arithmetic operations) include +, ÷,
×, - and Comparison Operation (Logic operations) include ≥, ≤, <,>. In order for the
ALU to be able to process data, it has special temporary storage locations called
registers, which hold the data just before processing. It also holds the results after
processing.
CONTROL UNIT (CU)
The Control Unit used to direct and controls all the operations in the CPU
MAIN MEMORY
Main memory is the storage area of data when computer is working.
Types of main memory.
There are two types of main memory;
I. RAM - Random Access Memory
II. ROM- Read Only Memory

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RAM vs ROM

FUNCTIONS OF CPU.
CPU is sometimes referred as microprocessor whose functions are:
• Recognize instructions:
• Execute Instructions.
• Change Instruction execution sequence.
• Coordinate data transfer.
• Coordinate data transfer to and from primary storage (RAM) and ALU.
• It stores data and all instructions.
• It controls all the sequences of operations according to the instructions.
• It processes data and commands all other parts of the computer.
• It sends the processed result to the output.

MEMORY CAPACITY
Memory and storage capacity is measured in units called bytes.
A byte is equivalent to a single character
Characters can be a number from 0 to 9, letters A to Z or special symbol.
Example: a number 5637 has 4 bytes.
: The word “My school” has 9 bytes since the space between them has 1 byte.
Memory quantities can be expressed in: Bits, Byte(B), Kilobyte (KB), Megabyte (MB),
Gigabyte (GB).
8Bits= 1Byte= 1Character
1024Bytes ≈ 1000Bytes=1Kb
1024Kb ≈ 1000Kb = 1Mb
1024MB ≈ 1000MB = 1Gb

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REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Explain the term central processing unit (CPU).
2. List five functions of CPU.
3. What is a Microprocessor?
4. Explain the functions performed by :
a) The control Unit
b) The arithmetic Logic unit.
c) The main memory
5. What is the different between volatile memory and non-volatile memory?
6. Define and explain the difference between RAM and ROM.

OUTPUT DEVICES
Output Device are devices used to display the processed data or information to the
user.
Examples of output hardware are:
• Screen monitor
• printers
• projectors
• Speakers

TYPES OF OUTPUT DEVICES

These devices classified into two categories
• Softy copy output devices
• Hard copy output devices

SOFT COPY OUTPUT DEVICES

Soft copy output devices refers to intangible output that can be seen or heard; such
as screen display and sound. Softcopy is text or graphics displayed in an electronic
format, usually on the monitor.
Examples of soft copy output devices are monitors, LCD projectors and speakers.
• A monitor also known as Visual Display Unit (VDU) or the screen is used to
display information in visual form using text and graphics (pictures and video),
enabling the user to monitor what is going on in the computer.
• The monitor is one of the most important output devices, it is used to display
text and pictures.
The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen. Like a
television screen, a computer screen can show still or moving pictures.
There are three basic types of monitors:
• CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors
• LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors

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MONITORS

CRT
LCD
s
SPEAKERS
Speakers are used to play sound effects from computer. They may be built into the
system un it or connected with cables.

HARD COPY OUTPUT DEVICES

Hard copy output devices refer to tangible output that can be felt such as a paper.
• Hardcopy is text or graphics printed out on paper.
• Examples of hard copy output devices are printers, plotters and facsimile (fax).
PRINTER
➢ A printer is an output device used for converting Softcopy into hardcopy
documents.
➢ Printers take electronic data sent from a computer and generate a hard copy.
➢ A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper.

CANON CANON
EPSON

BROTHER

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TYPES OF PRINTERS
Inkjet-This printer spray drops of inks to shape characters on the paper.
LaserJet-These printers work with the laser technology just like the Photo copying
machine. They produce quality text and graphics and are considerably faster and are
expensive compared to other types of printers.

REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. List the common computer output devices.
2. Explain the functions of output devices.
3. Differentiate between soft copy and hard copy.
4. What is the difference between a CRT monitor and LCD monitor?
5. State one advantage and one disadvantage of laser and inkjet printers.
6. Give two advantages of sound output devices.
PRACTICAL WORK.
Practice on how to connect and disconnect output devices to the computer system unit.

STORAGE HARDWARE
Storage hardware are components of a computer used to store the data(processed
data) for future use. The storage hardware of a computer is called the computer
memory.
There are two types of data storage devices namely;
• Primary memory (Main storage)
• Secondary memory (Auxiliary/ backup) storage)

PRIMARY STORAGE.
Primary storage, also known as main memory, is the memory that a computer uses
to store data temporarily. It is directly accessible by the processor and is often referred
to as "memory" in computer systems

RAM
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CHARACTERISTICS OF PRIMARY STORAGE.

1. Volatility: Primary memory is volatile, meaning that data in primary memory
does not exist if it is not saved when a power failure occurs.
2. Access: The CPU can directly access the data in primary memory
3. Storage: Primary memory is stored inside costly semiconductor chips
4. Capacity: The capacity of primary memory is usually in the range of 16 to 32
GB
5. Speed: Primary memory is faster than secondary memory, allowing active
programs to deliver optimal performance to the end-user
6. Expense: Primary memory is more expensive compared to secondary
memory

TYPES OF PRIMARY MEMORY

There are two main types of primary memory:
• RAM (Random Access Memory): This is a volatile memory that loses data
when the power is lost.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): This is a non-volatile memory that retains data
even after a power failure.

SECONDARY STORAGE (MEMORY

Secondary storage (memory) is where programs and data are kept permanently on
a long-term basis. Common secondary storage devices are the hard disk (internal and
external HDD), CD, DVD, flash, memory cards and floppy disks. Secondary storage
devices also known as auxiliary storage devices.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SECONDARY STORAGE

• Non-volatility: Secondary storage devices are non-volatile, meaning they retain
data even during a power failure.
• High capacity: Secondary storage devices have high storage capacity, typically
ranging from gigabytes to terabytes
• Economical long-term archiving: Secondary storage trades high performance
for economical long-term archiving, making it suitable for storing noncritical data
that does not need to be frequently accessed
• External hardware devices: Data is stored on external hardware devices like
hard drives, floppy disks, solid-state drives (SSDs), tape drives, and optical media
• Slower access: Secondary storage is slower than primary memory, but it can
store a substantial amount of data
• Lower cost: Secondary storage devices are less expensive compared to primary
memory.

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HARD DISK DRIVE

A hard disk drive (HDD) is an internal or external computer component that stores
data permanent, such as the operating system, applications, and user files.

FLASH MEMORY AND MEMORY STICK

A flash disk or memory stick is a solid-state device that connects to the computer via
the USB port. It provides a very fast and reliable method of storing data externally.
They are referred to as solid state because they do not have movable parts.
REVIEW QUESTIONS (storage)
• Define secondary storage devices of a computer.
• List the common secondary storage devices of a computer.
• KIMORI INVESTMENT is a company that works in production reference books.
One of the editors wanted to transfer a 40MB document from the hard disk of
one computer to another using a removable storage media. Give five examples of
the devices he/she could use.
• List the two types of storage devices of a computer.
• Distinguish between primary storage and secondary storage devices.
• What is hard disk?

COMMUNICTAION DEVICES
Is the process of sending and receiving data and programs from one computer to
another or secondary storage device to another. Is the process of transmitting (or
sending) data from one person to another or from one device to another.
Examples of communications devices
• Modem
• Multiplexor
A MODEM
Is a device by which computers exchange information over telephone lines. Is a piece of
hardware that converts (changes) digital signals into analog signal and vice versa.
COMPUTER COMMUNICATION
Is the transfer of information between computers.
DATA COMMUNICATION
Is the process of transmitting (or sending) data from one user to another or from one
computer to another.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Is data communication over large distances.

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PERIPHERAL DEVICES
A peripheral is a device connected to a computer, but not part of it, and is more or
less dependent on the host. It expands the computer capabilities, but does not form
part of the core computer architecture.
Examples are
• Computer printers
• Image scanners
• Tape drives
• Microphones
• Loudspeakers,
• Digital cameras.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer Software is the set of instruction which tell the computer what to do.
Software also called computer program or simply a program: Is a series of
instructions that tells the hardware of a computer what to do. A set of instructions given
to the computer to solve a problem is called Software.
For example, some instructions for taking picture, printing document, doing
calculations, Accepting the input data from keyboard etc.

TYPES OF COMPUTERS SOFWARE

There are two main types of software that all programs fit under, namely:
(i) Application software:
(ii) System software

APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software – is a software designed to perform specific tasks. This software
operating system has been loaded.
Examples of application software:
• Microsoft Word - for typing.
• Microsoft Excel - for Calculations.
• Microsoft Access - for Storage.
• Microsoft Power Point - for Presentation.
• Mozilla Firefox – for internet suffering

FUNCTION OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

The most common functions of application software are
• Manipulating data
• Managing information
• Calculating figures
• Writing reports
• Creating spreadsheets
• Manipulating images
• Developing websites

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EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION SOFWARE

The most common examples of application software are the computer
programs that we used in our everyday life. This application software
includes:
• Microsoft products such as Office, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Music Application Software's like Pandora and Spotify
• Real-time online communication like Skype, Google Meet, and Zoom
• Team collaboration software like Slack
• Internet browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox
• Multimedia Software like MX Player and VLC Media Player
TYPES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE
The type of application software you require to use depends upon your needs. Here is
the list of application software, or you can say types of application software.
• Word processing : Ms word, wordpad and Notepad
• Spreadsheet Software: Google Sheet, Ms Excel, Zoho Sheet
• Presentation Software: Google Presentations, Powerpoint, Zoho Powerpoint.
• Multimedia Software: VLC Media Player, MX player
• Educational Software: MATLAB, Google Classroom
• Web browser Software: Google Chrome, FireFox

TOURISM SOFTWARE
Travel and tourism software is a software that allow travel agencies and agents to
manage flight bookings, accommodations, travel requirements (i.e. passports, visas,
and the like), transportation, and even tour schedules and itineraries in one central
location online.
Tour Operator System (TOS): is a program that enables the user to manage and
crucial tour activities online such as reservations, appointments, booking and meeting
online.
Tour Operator System (TOS): is an essential system that can help tour operators to
manage itineraries and travel business operator.

FEATURES OF TOUR OPERATOR SYSTEM

• Booking Management: Booking features enable the user to get online
bookings from their customers.
• Itinerary creation: Tour Operator Software enables the gather more
information for the trip, make reservations, and flight bookings among others
solutions.
• Point of sales and payment processing: Enables users to sell to customers
and take cash payments. TOS offer support for payments worldwide with built-in
payments and payments gateway such as stripe, PayPal and chase among
others.
• Customer database and CRM (Customer relationship management): the
user can securely keep track of the customer information with an inbuilt-CRM.
The user can gather and store customer details which can enable them to meet
their need more effectively.

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• Reports: TOS offers full customizable reports to help the user their business
more effectively.
• Agent management: TOS help travel agency manage their daily activities more
effective and collaborate with another worldwide.

ii) System software.

System software are software designed to operate the computer hardware and to
provide a platform for running application software Examples are Operating system
(OS), Firmware, Utility software.
➢ Without software, most hardware would sit there doing nothing or perform
specific tasks

TYPES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Two types of system software are;
• Operating system
• Utility Programs
OPERATING SYSTEM (OS)
• Is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and
provides common services for computer programs. Eg. keyboard, monitor, mouse
etc.
• It also contains instructions that allow you to run application software
Examples of OS are:
• Microsoft Windows is the name of the popular operating system that is used
on many of today’s computer. i.e Windows Xp, Windows 7, 8, 10,11
• Linux and Unix

UTILITY PROGRAMS
• is a type of system software that performs a specific task usually related to
managing a computer, its devices or its programs.
• Utility program is a system software that allows a user to analyze, configure and
maintain the computer.
• It performs a specific task related to the management of computer.
• Example: Anti-virus

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DEVICE DRIVERS
• A Device Driver is a computer program that operates or controls a particular type
of device that is attached to a computer.
• Like printers, Scanner

GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE

GUI is an interface that allows users to interact with different electronic devices using
icons and other visual indicators. Graphical user interfaces are used in many devices
such as mobiles, MP3 players, gaming devices, smart phones etc.

ELEMENT OF GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE

• Window explorer
• Menus
• Icons
• Control
• Tabs
Window:
This is the element that displays the information on the screen.
• It is very easy to manipulate a window.
• It can be opened or closed with the click of an icon.
• It can be moved to any area by dragging it a round.
• In a multitasking environment, multiple windows can be open at the same time,
all of them performing different tasks.
Menus
• A menu contains a list a choice and it allows users to select one from them.
• A menu bar is displayed horizontally across the screen such as pulldown menu.
• When any option is clicked in this menu, then the pulldown menu appears
Icons
• Files, programs, web pages etc. can be represented using a small picture in a
graphical user interface.
• This picture is known as an icon.
• Using an icon is a fast way to open documents, run programs etc. because
clicking on them yields instant access.
Tab
• A tab is a graphical user interface object that allows multiple documents or
panels to be contained within a single window. Tabs are used in various web
browsers such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari etc. Multiple web pages
can be opened in a web browser and users can switch between them using tabs
Control
• Information in an application can be directly read or influences using the
graphical control elements.
• These are also known as widgets.
• Widgets: An application, or a component of an interface, that enables a user to
perform a function or access a service.
• Normally, widgets are used to display lists of similar items, navigate the system
using links, tabs etc. and manipulating data using check boxes, radio boxes etc.

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STARTING THE COMPUTER.

The process of starting a computer is called booting .
There are two ways of booting a computer,
✓ A warm boot means restarting a computer that is already ON.
✓ A cold boot means starting a computer that is already OFF .
Providing a User Interface
User interface controls how the user enters data and instruction and how information is
displayed.
Configuring devices
means OS handling and enabling communication with input and output devices.
• Most OS come with drivers for popular input & output devices.
• These drivers install new devices and check whenever there is conflict with these
devices.
HOW TO START A COMPUTER
• Check all cables are connected properly
• Switch On the main power supply button
• Switch On the UPS button. (UPS: uninterruptible power supply)
• Switch On the power supply of the CPU
• Switch On the monitor Button.

Desktop Is an operating system it is a user-friendly software the first screen that

appears on starting computer.
Icons: the small pictures on the desktop of the computers.
Taskbar: the thin bar at the bottom of the desktop

HOW TO SHUTDOWN A COMPUTER

• Click on the start button.
• Click on button
• Click on the shutdown option.
• Switch off the monitor button
• Switch off the UPS button
• Switch on the power supply button

PRACTICAL
1. Apply a correct procedure of switching ON the computer using windows-based
operating system.
2. Apply a correct procedure of switching OFF the computer using windows-based
operating system.
3. How long does it take to turn ON?

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FOLDER
. Folders
• A folder (directories) is a collection of multiple files.
• Subfolder is a folder that store other folders.
• Folder icon looks as below:

EMPTY FOLDER FOLDER WITH FILES

CREATE A NEW FOLDER

To create a folder:
• Right click on any Blank space on screen.
• Click New.
• Click Folder.
• Type a name by using keyboard
• Click twice on blank space.

FILES
Files are the most basic unit of data that users can store on a disk.
• Examples of Files are:
i. Every program,
ii. image,
iii. video,
iv. song,
v. Document.

FILE ICONS
File's icon, tells what kind of file it is.
Here are some common file icons:

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CREATE A NEW FILE

Files are created by using a program.
For example:
• Text document file created by a word processing program.
• Movie file created by a video editing program.

RENAMING FILES/FOLDERS
Renaming means giving an item a new name.
Steps to rename file / folder:
1. Right-click the file/folder.
2. Click Rename.
3. Type over the existing name with the new name.
During Renaming, Warnings appear when:
❖ The new name is invalid.
Change the name to make it valid. File names must start with a letter, and can contain
letters, digits, or underscores.
❖ The folder is on the search path.

OPENING A FILE/FOLDER.
• To open a file/folder, double-click it.
OR,
• Right-click the file/folder,
• Click Open or Open With, and then click the name of the program that you want
to use.

CLOSING A FILE/FOLDER.
To close a file/folder click the X at the upper righthand corner of the window.

SAVING A FILE
To save a file click File in the menu bar and then click
Save As,
In the dialog box that appears, type a file name then click Save.
OR,
Short cut: Ctrl + S,
In the dialog box that appears, type a file name then click Save.

DELETING A FILE/FOLDER
To delete a file/folder, select the file/folder.
Press DELETE
In the Delete File dialog box, click Yes.
When you delete a file/folder, it's temporarily stored in the Recycle Bin.
Recycle Bin allows to recover files or folders that deleted accidentally.

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COPY AND PASTE A FILE OR FOLDER.

To copy a file or folder, means making a duplicate of the original item.
Steps to copy/paste file/folder:
i. Right-click the file or folder you want to copy.
ii. Click Copy.
iii. Open the location where you want to store the copy.
iv. Right-click within the location
v. Click Paste.
• Shortcut: Ctrl+C to copy.
Ctrl+V to paste.

CUT AND PASTE A FILE OR FOLDER.

To cut a file or folder, removes the original item.
Steps to cut and paste file/folder:
i. Right-click the file or folder you want to cut.
ii. Click Cut.
iii. Open the location where you want to paste.
iv. Right-click within the location
v. Click Paste.
• Shortcut: Ctrl+X to cut.
Ctrl+V to paste.

DRAG-AND-DROP
Drag and Drop is the process of moving an item from one location to another on
screen.
Steps:
Press and hold down left mouse button to "grab" it.
Then move your pointer to the location you need to place it and release the button.

PRACTICAL
Use the windows-based operating system to:
Create, Rename, Delete, Copy, Cut, Paste, Save, Close, Open, Drag and Drop
file and folder.

REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What is booting?
2. Differentiate cold booting and warm booting.
3. Define the following terms:
• Files
• Folder
• Subfolder
4. Distinguish between system files and application files.
5. Describe two functions of files.
6. Explain each of the following commands as used to manage files and folders:
• Rename

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• Move
• Delete
• Copy
• Paste

1. Define computer software.

2. Describe two types of computer software.
3. What is the relationship between software and hardware?
4. Explain the two types of System software.
5. Define Operating system (OS).
6. Give three examples of Operating system.
7. Give five examples of application software and their respective uses.

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