COMPUTER MANUAL
©2017
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS AND WINDOWS
What is a computer?
A computer is an information-processing machine. It may also be defined
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COMPUTER MANUAL
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS AND WINDOWS
What is a computer?
A computer is an information -processing machine. It may also be defined
as a device that works under the control of stored programs automatically accepting, storing and processing data to produce information that is the result of that processing.
BASIC COMPUTING TERMS Data- Refers to raw facts describing a situation
Information – Refers to data that has been assembled into a more useful form or intelligible form e.g. invoices, vouchers, reports e.t.c
Binary- A base-2 number system in which values are expressed as combinations of two digits, 0 and 1.
Bytes
A unit of data that typically holds a single character, such as a letter, a digit, or a punctuation mark. Some single characters can take up more than one byte.
COMPUTERS SYSTEM
A Computer System is made up of three main components
- (^) Hardware
- Software
- Liveware
Hardware are the physical components of a computer e.g. keyboard, printer, mouse, system unit etc. Hardware categories
A computer system is a set of integrated devices that input, output, process, and store data and information. Computer systems are currently built around at least one digital processing device. There are five main hardware components in a computer system: the central processing unit (CPU); primary storage (main memory); secondary storage; and input and output devices.
Basic elements of hardware The basic elements that make up a computer system are as follows:
a) Input Most computers cannot accept data in forms customary to human communication such as speech or hand-written documents. It is necessary, therefore, to present data to the computer in a way that provides easy conversion into its own electronic pulse-based forms. This is commonly achieved by typing data using the keyboard or using an electronic mouse or any other input device.
Keyboard can be connected to a computer system through a terminal. A terminal is a form of input and output device. A terminal can be connected to a mainframe or other types of computers called a host computer or server. There are four types of terminals namely dumb, intelligent, network and Internet.
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) controls the processing of instructions. The CPU produces electronic pulses at a predetermined and constant rate. This is called the clock speed. Clock speed is generally measured in megahertz, that is, millions of cycles per second.
It consists of: o Control Unit (CU) – The electronic circuitry of the control unit accesses program instructions, decodes them and coordinates instruction execution in the CPU. o Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) – Performs mathematical calculations and logical comparisons. o Registers – These are high-speed storage circuitry that holds the instruction and the data while the processor is executing the instruction. o Bus – This is a highway connecting internal components to each other.
(ii) Main Memory Primary storage, also called main memory, although not a part of the CPU, is closely related to the CPU. Main memory holds program instructions and data before and after execution by the CPU. All instructions and data pass through main memory locations. Memory is located physically close to the CPU to decrease access time, that is, the time it takes the CPU to retrieve data from memory. Although the overall trend has been increased memory access time, memory has not advanced as quickly as processors. Memory access time is often measured in milliseconds, or one thousandths of a second.
e) (^) Output Results are taken from main storage and fed to an output device. This may be a printer, in which case the information is automatically converted to a printed form called hard copy or to a monitor screen for a soft copy of data or information.
Output devices Output is human-readable information. Input (data) is processed inside the computer’s CPU into meaningful output (information). Output devices translate the machine-readable information into human-readable information. Printers
- Outputs printout on paper often referred to as hard-copy output. Plotters Plotters are typically used for design output. They are special-purpose output devices used to produce charts, maps, architectural drawings and three-dimensional representations. They can produce high-quality multi-colour documents or larger size documents. Plotters produce documents such as blueprints or schematics.
Monitors
- Output device for soft-copy output (temporal screen display of output which lasts as long as the monitor’s power is on). They are the most frequently used output devices. Some are used on the desktop; others are portable. Two important characteristics of the monitor are size and clarity.
Voice-output devices 1 Voice-output devices make sounds that resemble human speech. Voice-output devices use prerecorded vocalized sounds to produce output. The computer “speaks” synthesized words. Voice output is not as difficult to create as voice input. Most widely used voice-output devices are stereo speakers and headphones. Devices are connected to a sound card in the system unit. Sound card is used to capture sound as well as play it back.
Examples of voice output uses: Soft-drink machines, the telephone, and in cars. Voice output can be used as a tool for learning. Can help students study a foreign language. Used in supermarkets at the checkout counter to confirm purchases. Most powerful capability is to assist the physically challenged.
Auxiliary/Secondary Storage devices
Secondary storage devices store a larger amount of data or instructions than does main memory, on a more permanent basis. On a per megabyte basis, secondary storage is also cheaper than primary storage. Secondary storage is also infinitely extendable, unlike main memory, which is finite. Secondary storage is not volatile. Secondary storage is also more portable than primary storage – that is, it is possible to remove it from a computer and use the device and its contents in another.
Types of secondary storage devices
1 Magnetic disks – Stores bits as magnetic spots. Magnetic disks are similar to magnetic tapes in that areas are magnetized to represent bits. However the disks’ read/write head can go directly to the desired record, allowing fast data retrieval. Magnetic disks can range from small and portable, such as diskettes with 1.44MB of storage capacity, to large capacity fixed hard disks, which are more expensive and less portable. o Floppy disks (diskettes) § 5 ¼ floppy disks § 3 ½ floppy disks – The most common size with a capacity of 1. MB. They are not very fast and durable. o Hard disks/Fixed disks – Also called hard drives. Their capacity range from 20 to 120 GB. They are fast and durable though not foolproof. Most are internal, but disks that use removable cartridge are available. Disk compression can be used to increase capacity but slows performance. 2 Optical Disks – Store bits as “pits” and “lands” on surface of disk that can be detected (read) by a laser beam. o CD-ROM (Compact-Disk Read Only Memory) – Only read and cannot be erased for rewriting. Has a capacity of 650 MB
c. SDRAM – Synchronous
- ROM (Read Only Memory) – Its contents can only be read and cannot be changed. ROM chips is non-volatile, so the contents aren’t lost if the power is disrupted. ROM provides permanent storage for unchanging data & instructions, such as data from the computer maker. It is used to hold instructions for starting the computer called the bootstrap program. ROM: chips, the contents, or combination of electrical circuit states, are set by the manufacturer and cannot be changed. States are permanently manufactured into the chip.
NB
- Computer Virus is a malicious program written with the intention of destroying computer resources.
- CONTROL PANEL-Provides you with options of customizing your computer with its functionality.
Software refers to the programs that facilitate the working of a computer system. There are two types of software namely:
- System software e.g. Operating System
- Application software Operating System refers to that software responsible for starting the computer. It is necessary for other programs to run and for the user to interact with the hardware. Commonly used Operating systems are:-MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System). Windows XP, Windows 2007.
STARTING UP A COMPUTER
NB: Ensure the power cables are correctly placed in the sockets and they are ON
- Press the switch button on system unit and the monitor
- The system will boot i.e. Load the operating system from the main memory ready to be used.
- Log on to the system.
DESKTOP The on-screen work area on which windows, icons, menus, and dialog boxes appear.
To change your desktop background
- Open Display in Control Panel.
- On the Desktop tab, do one or more of the following:
- Click a picture in the Background list. In Position , click Center , Tile , or Stretch.
- Click Browse to search for a background picture in other folders or on other drives. You can use files with the following extensions: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .dib, .png, .htm. In Position , click Center , Tile , or Stretch.
- Select a color from Desktop color. The color fills the space not used by a picture.
INTRODUCTION TO WINDOWS
BASIC PARTS OF A WINDOW
Window is a portion of the screen where programs and processes can be run.can be resized, minimized e.t.c.
Most windows have the same features but not all. The most common features of a window are:
BASIC MOUSE TECHNIQUES
The following table describes some of the actions you could do with your mouse.
Term Meaning Action
click To quickly press and release
the mouse button
To point at something
Double click To click the mouse button twice in rapid succession
To execute/ open something
Drag To press and hold down the mouse button while you move the mouse
To move something
Keyboard layout The arrangement that accommodates the special characters and symbols used in different languages. Keyboard layouts affect which characters appear when you press the keys on your keyboard. After you change your keyboard layout, the characters that appear on your screen may no longer correspond to the characters that are printed on your keyboard keys.
- On the File menu, click Save As.
- In the File name box, enter a new name for the file.
- Click Save
Selecting a document view
Do any of the following:
- Click the View menu to select Normal , Web Layout , Print Layout , Outline , Reading Layout , Document Map , or Thumbnails.
- Click the File menu to select either Web Page Preview or Print Preview view.
Change the size of text
- Select the text you want to change.
- (^) On the Formatting toolbar, type or click a point size in the Font Size box. For example, type 10..
Adding page numbers
- On the Insert menu, click Page Numbers.
- In the Position box, specify whether to print page numbers in the header at the top of the page or in the footer at the bottom of the page.
- In the Alignment box, specify whether to align page numbers left, center, or right relative to the left and right margins, or inside or outside relative to the inside and outside edges of pages that will be bound.
- (^) If you don't want a number on the first page, clear the Show number on first page check box.
- Select any other options you want.
Headers and footers
- Headers and footers are areas in the top and bottom margins of each page in a document.
- (^) You can insert text or graphics in headers and footers— for example, page numbers, the date, a company logo, the document's title or file name, or the author's name— that are printed at the top or bottom of each page in a document.
- You can work in the header and footer areas by clicking Header and Footer on the View menu
Tables
A table is made up of rows and columns of cells that you can fill with text and graphics. Tables are often used to organize and present information.
Creating a table
- Click where you want to create a table.
- On the Table menu, point to Insert , and then click Table.
- Under Table size , select the number of columns and rows.
- (^) Under AutoFit behavior , choose options to adjust table size.
- To use a built-in table format, click AutoFormat. Select the options you want.
Add a cell, row, or column to a table
- On the Table menu, point to Insert , and then click an option.
Note
- To quickly add a row at the end of a table, click the last cell of the last row, and then press the TAB or ENTER key.
- To add a column to the right of the last column in a table, click in the last column. On the Table menu, point to Insert , and then click Columns to the Right.
- You can also use the Draw Table tool to draw the row or column where you want.
Word Art
You can insert decorative text by using Insert WordArt on the Drawing toolbar. You can create shadowed, skewed, rotated, and stretched text, as well as text that has been fitted to predefined shapes.
Because a special text effect is a drawing object, you can also use other buttons on the Drawing toolbar to change the effect— for example, to fill a text effect with a picture.
Drawings Use the Drawing toolbar to add any shapes or pictures that you want.
Add bullets or numbering
Bullet: A dot or other symbol that is placed before text, such as items in a list, to add emphasis.) or numbers to existing lines of text.
Add bullets or numbering to existing text
- Select the items you want to add bullets or numbering to.
- On the Formatting toolbar, click Bullets or Numbering.
.
Hide All
Exercise 2
1.Open a blank document and create the following diagram. Save your Work as MY DIAGRAM
NB: Remember to group your diagram.
- Open a blank document and create the following table as it appears. Save it as TABULATION
name eng kis social total
ken 45 55 58
Helen 78 78 79
Sam 89 89 46
Susan 89 90 45
Required Compute the totals using a function
- Merge the following letter to the above students in 2
We shall open school on 3rd^ January 2010,you are required to come with your school fees on the opening day.
Merry Christmas
- Create the following word art
MICROSOFT EXCEL
Introduction to Spreadsheets A spreadsheet is computerized version of an accountants pad. A manual worksheet in a computer is therefore referred to as an electronic worksheet. It’s basically made to cater numeric oriented work which the data liable for arithmetic, financial, logical and or calendar operations. All computer applications that have the above properties are referred to as Spreadsheet packages. This include:
- Lotus 1-2-
- Ms Excel
- (^) Super calc
- VisiCalc
- Quattro Pro
Application Areas
- Budgets
- Checkbook registers
- Loan and mortgage payment calculations
- Income preparation
- Experience reports
- Research data analysis
INTRODUCTION TO MS EXCEL To start and run the application, do the following Select All programs then Microsoft office, Microsoft excel Or start Run and type Excel and click Ok.
Important terminologies
Work book- is a file in Excel. It contains worksheet, chart sheets and visual basic modules.
Name box- indicates the active cell. Can also be used to move to particular cells by typing its address.
Formula bar- A bar at the top of the Microsoft Excel window that you use to enter or edit values or formulas in cells or charts.
WORKING WITH FORMULAS
A formula is a sequence of values, cell refernces,names,functions or operators in a cell that produces a new value from existing values. A formula always begins with an equal sign(=). For example =B4 + B
=sum (C4:C =Average (E7:E9)
CHARTS AND GRAPHS
A chart is a graphic representation of worksheet data.
Chart wizard-is a series of dialog boxes that guides to create a chart or modify settings of an existing chart
Creating Chart Open a new workbook and type in the following table
QTR1 QTR2 QTR3 QTR
FILA 230 345 460 575
PUMA 260 380 500 620
REEBOX 290 415 540 665
NIKE 320 450 580 710
SAVE THE WORKBOOK AS SPOTY
MICROSOFT ACCESS INTRODUCTION TO ACCESS
- Access is a relational database manger with strong object oriented qualities.
- Access stores all objects (such as multiple tables, queries, forms, report and macros) in
one file
ACCESS CONCEPTS
- Database is a collection of objects used to store your data.
- Tables are collections of data arranged in rows of records and columns of fields.
- Queries once your data has been stored in the form of tables, you can obtain specific subsets (dynasets in Access) of that data by using queries.
- Forms are used to display the data stored in tables or queries. Forms routinely are used for adding a new data to a table and for editing or displaying existing data, usually in a one-record at a time format.
- Reports -the desired result of any database is to provide information reports. You can print reports from table or form queries, in virtually any desired format.
- (^) Macros -They are groups of instructions that accomplish a specialized task.When you run a macro Access sequentially carries out the list of instructions.
- Modules. If programming is necessary, you can write modules, which are collections of code using Basic programming language.
WORKINGWITH ACCESS
- Click start button, go to programs, Microsoft office and click Microsoft Access.
- Access loads in a document and you will see the Microsoft Access start-up window and a dialog box prompting you for creating or opening a database
- Click “Blank Database” option since you are creating a new database.
- The file New Database window appears. Enter the name of the database you to create.
- A blank database window shown below appears.
WORKING WITH TABLES
Creating Tables
To create a blank (empty) table for entering your own data, you can:
- Create a table in Design view, where you can add fields, define how each field appears or handles data, and create a primary key
- Use the Table Wizard to choose the fields for your table from a variety of predefined tables such as business contacts, household inventory, or medical records.
- Enter data directly into a blank datasheet. When you save the new datasheet, Microsoft Access will analyze your data and automatically assign the appropriate data type and format for each field.
Library table
ADMNO Book Name BOOK NO DATE OF
PURCHASE 101/45 Dictionary LB/147/78 1112/
102/78 Mcse BB/741/78 07/1/
106/88 Introduction to computers
Bv/784/55 10/10/
102/78 MIS Ee/788 03/03/
101/44 ATLas Aa/78 12/04/
102/78 STAMIS Da/96 01/02/
REQUIRED
- Create relationship using the most appropriate field
- Query the students details table and display the following fields. ADMNO, COURSE and DATE OF ADMISSION.[my query]
- Create a query to display those who are more than 30 in age.
MICROSOFT POWER POINT
Creating presentations Creating a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint involves starting with a basic design;
- Adding new slides and content;
- Choosing layouts;
- Modifying slide design, If you want, by changing the color scheme or applying different design templates ; and creating effects such as animated slide transitions. The information below focuses on the options available to you when you start the process. The New Presentation task pane in PowerPoint gives you a range of ways with which to start creating a presentation. These include:
- Blank Start with slides that have minimal design and no color applied to them.
- Existing presentation Base your new presentation on one that you have already written and designed. This command creates a copy of an existing presentation so you can make the design or content changes you want for the new presentation.
- Design template Base your presentation on a PowerPoint template that already has a design concept, fonts, and color scheme. In addition to the templates that come with PowerPoint, you can use one you created yourself.
- Templates with suggested content Use the AutoContent Wizard to apply a design template that includes suggestions for text on your slides. You then type the text that you want.
- A template on a Web site Create a presentation using a template located on a Web site.
Insert a new slide
- To insert a new blank slide, do either of the following:
- On the Formatting toolbar, click New Slide.
- With the insertion point in the Outline or Slides tab, press Enter.
- (^) In the Slide Layout task pane, click the layout you want.
Apply a slide layout
- On the Format menu, click Slide Layout.
- On the Slides tab in normal view, select the slides you want to apply a layout to.
- In the Slide Layout task pane, point to the layout you want, and then click it.
Delete a slide
- On the Outline tab or Slides tab in normal view, select the slides you want to delete. (If you want to select slides in order, press SHIFT as you click; for slides not in order, press CTRL as you click.)
- On the Edit menu, click Delete Slide.
Transition
One of a set of transitional display effects that are available in some
Microsoft Office applications. Transitions specify how the display changes (such as fading to black) as a user moves from one item (such as slide or
Web page) to another.)
Add transitions between slides
A) Add the same transition to all slides in a slide show presentation
- On the Slide Show menu, click Slide Transition.
- In the list, click the effect you want.
- Click Apply to All Slides.
B) Add different transitions between slides