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COMPUTER STUDIES

Contents
COMPUTER STUDIES ............................................................................................................................... 1
Course Outline (Packages) ..................................................................................................................... 3
Basic terms of computer studies ............................................................................................................. 3
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER............................................................................................................ 4
Components of a computer ..................................................................................................................... 4
COMPUTER HARDWARE ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.KEYBOARD ............................................................................................................................................. 5
2.MONITOR ............................................................................................................................................... 5
3.MOUSE .................................................................................................................................................... 6
COMPUTER SOFTWARE .......................................................................................................................... 7
MS WINDOWS ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Operating System (OS) ............................................................................................................................ 8
BASIC OPERATIONS OF A COMPUTER ................................................................................................. 9
Powering or turning on of the computer .............................................................................................. 9
Shut down or turning off or reboot(restarting) of the computer ....................................................... 9
Creating a folder ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Copy/Cut ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Steps on how to copy a file or folder or application etc. ................................................................... 10
Steps on how to paste a file,document, folder etc.............................................................................. 10
How to safely remove flash disk/USB disk/harddisk.......................................................................... 10
Steps on how to rename a file or folder ............................................................................................... 10
Steps on how to send to ......................................................................................................................... 10
Steps on how set date and time ............................................................................................................ 10
Steps on how to change computer background / wallpaper ............................................................ 11
Application Software ............................................................................................................................. 11
Steps on how to play a music or video ................................................................................................. 11
How to Change default application/program of a file ..................................................................... 12
Media Player Short keys ........................................................................................................................ 12
Browsing/Surfing/Internet ..................................................................................................................... 12

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Steps on how to access an email ........................................................................................................... 13

Steps on how to send an email/compose ............................................................................................. 14
MICROSOFT OFFICE(Ms Office ) .......................................................................................................... 15
MS- Microsoft .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Steps to get Microsoft Office.................................................................................................................. 15
MS WORD ................................................................................................................................................ 16
Uses of MS Word...................................................................................................................................... 16
How to create a new document and saving it .................................................................................... 16
MS EXCEL................................................................................................................................................. 18
Steps on how to get Microsoft excel ..................................................................................................... 18
Steps on how to save a new worksheet/workbook ............................................................................. 18
Steps on how to create a new excel document .................................................................................... 18
How to Arrange Data/ Organize Data ................................................................................................ 20
How to change font, font sixe, tye , colour, in Ms Excel ..................................................................... 21
MS PUBLISHER ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Steps on how to get MS Publisher ......................................................................................................... 21
Steps on how to save MS Publisher ....................................................................................................... 21
MS POWERPOINT .................................................................................................................................. 22
Steps on how to get power-point ......................................................................................................... 22
How to use Ms PowerPoint.................................................................................................................... 22
PDF (Portable Document Format) ...................................................................................................... 23
Steps on how to open pdf ...................................................................................................................... 23
How to create a pdf document ............................................................................................................. 23
Security of computer .............................................................................................................................. 24
How the virus enters the system ........................................................................................................... 24
Preventive Measures .............................................................................................................................. 24
How to Install an Application ............................................................................................................... 24
MS ACCESS DATABASE MANAGEMENT (DBM) .................................................................................. 25
Steps on how to get MS Access and creating a new MS Access document ........................................ 25
NETWORKING (INTERNET) .................................................................................................................. 26
CONTROL PANEL .................................................................................................................................. 26

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Course Outline (Packages)

1.Introduction to Computer
 What is a computer?
 What are components of a computer?(Software and Hardware?
 How do we operate a computer?
 What are the basic terms of a computer?
2. Ms Windows
3. Ms Word
4. Ms Power point
5 .Ms Excel
6. Ms Publisher
7. Ms Outlook (Emailing)
8. Adobe Page maker
9. Internet and Email
10. Networking essentials
11. Introduction to Database Management (Ms Access)
12. Security of Computer (Malware and Virus)
13. Drivers

Basic terms of computer studies

 Program- a set of instructions
 Data- a set of information
 Input – What is being taken inside
 Output – what is being taken outside

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Computer – Is a programmable machine, designed to perform arithmetic and logical operations
automatically and sequentially on the input given by the user and gives the desired output after
processing.
Program – A software application, or a collection of software applications, designed to perform a
specific task.

Components of a computer
It is divided into two :
1. Hardware
2. Software

COMPUTER HARDWARE
This are the physical parts of the computer. One characteristic of hardware is that they can be
touched and seen. It is composed of :
1. Keyboard
2. Monitor
3. Central Processing Unit(CPU)
4. Random Access Memory (RAM)
5. Memory(Hard disk, Memory Card, Flash Disk, Compact Disk(CD), DVD)
6. Mouse
7. Power and data cables

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1.KEYBOARD
Keys that must appear in a keyboard:
 Numbers(0-9)
 Letters (A-Z)
 Functional Keys (FN- F1 to F9)
 Windows key
 Alternative key(Alt)
 Control keys(CTRL)
 Backspace key- used to delete items(words) before a cursor
 Delete key- used to delete an item(words) after the cursor
 Symbols
 Punctuation keys
 Shift keys
 Escape key (Esc)
 Tab keys
 Space bar
 Caps key (Capital key)
 Enter key (ENTER)
 Number lock key (Num)
 Cursor movement keys (←↑→↓)
 Properties key
N/B :You have to long press Control key(CTRL), functional key(FN), Alternative key(Alt),
shift key(Shift) so as for them to perform their function.

2.MONITOR
It is the screen. Details and instructions from the CPU are presented in the monitor(Screen).

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3.MOUSE
It helps in navigation(movement of the cursor from one point to another).
Mouse consist of two parts (Left and Right Click)
To click is to press once
To highlight is to select what you need

a)Left click
Its main function is to select or hold or enter or open.
b)Right click
Its main function is to show options available to a particular item(folder, file or document or a
picture).
Options that are found in the right click include:
 Open
 Edit
 New
 Print
 Open with
 Share with
 Scan
 Send to
 Eject
 Cut
 Copy
 Paste
 Create short cut
 Delete
 Rename
 Properties
Other functions of a mouse include:
A) Single click ‘selects’
B) Double click ‘opens or enter’ an item(document, folder, file, programme, picture etc.)
The remaining Hardware’s refer to Computer Studies notes.

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COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Is a set of programs/applications that ensure a computer functions in a particular behavior.
It helps in achieving desired output. This comprise of all items that cannot be touched in a
computer but can only be seen on the monitor(screen).
Examples of Computer software
 Operating system(OS)
 Disk formatters
 File managers
 Display mangers
 Text editors
 Use authentication (Log In)
 Management tools
 Networking
 Audio tools
 Video tools

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MS WINDOWS

Operating System (OS)

It is the low level software that support a computer basic function such as scheduling task and
controlling peripherals.
Different computers have different OS.
Many computer have single OS but some may accept more than one OS.
Example of OS:
 Windows XP
 Windows Vista
 Windows 7
 Windows 8
 Windows 8.1
 Windows 10
 Kali Linux
 Ubuntu
Different Os have different properties. Note that not any computer can be installed any OS. For
an OS to be installed it will depend on the sixe of the hard disk, speed of the computer, bit(64 or
32 bit), RAM.

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BASIC OPERATIONS OF A COMPUTER

Powering or turning on of the computer

Steps:
 Press the power button on the laptop or on the CPU.

Shut down or turning off or reboot(restarting) of the computer

Steps:
 Click on the windows key
 Go to shutdown option and click on the down arrow
 Click shutdown or restart

Creating a folder
Steps in creating a folder
i. Go to the windows /page where you want to create the folder
ii. Right click
iii. Click new
iv. Click folder
v. Rename the folder
vi. Click outside the folder

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Copy/Cut

Steps on how to copy a file or folder or application etc.

1. Go to where the particular file is and highlight it/them.
2. Right click
3. Go to copy and click

Steps on how to paste a file,document, folder etc.

1. Go to the page or place you want that file to be copied to.
2. Right click
3. Go to paste and click.

How to safely remove flash disk/USB disk/harddisk

1. Go to the taskbar
2. Go to the show hidden icons.
3. Go to the USB icon.
4. Go to the preferred removable disk.
5. Go to eject and click

Steps on how to rename a file or folder

1. Highlight the particular file or folder.
2. Right click
3. Go to rename
4. Rename with the name you want
5. Click outside the highlighted/selected area of the folder or file or you can click enter.

Steps on how to send to

1. Go to the field/ folder that you want to send and highlight/ select it.
2. Right click
3. Go to send to and click
4. Chose the location/ device that you want to send to and click it.

Steps on how set date and time

1. Go to the date and time Icon.
2. Go to date and time settings.
3. Go to change or click set time automatically.

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Steps on how to change computer background / wallpaper

Method I
1. Go to the desktop/ home screen.
2. Right click
3. Go to personalize
4. Choose the appropriate/ desired wall-paper/ background.
5. Select the background you want i.e picture, solid color, slideshow.
METHOD II
1. Go to the picture you want to set it as wallpaper and select / highlight it.
2. Right click
3. Go to set as background wallpaper.

Application Software
It is a programme that has been installed in the operating system and performs a specific desired
output/ task.
Examples
1. Music players e.g VLC
2. Browsers e.g Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer
3. Word processing e.g Ms Word
4. Data management programs e.g Ms Excel
5. Design programs e.g Ms Publisher, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe pagemaker
6. PDF Readers e.g Adobe reader, Foxit reader, Nitro
7. Presentation programs e.g Ms Powerpoint
8. Security programs e.g Smadav, Avast, Kaspersky, AVG
9. Camera programs e.g. Youcam
10. Other programs include email, watsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Games, Playstore,
Bluestacks

Steps on how to play a music or video

Method I
1. Go to the location where the file to be played is.
2. Select/ click the file you want to play .
3. Right click
4. Go to open with..
5. Chose the appropriate /desired player/application and click.

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Method II
1. Go to the location where the file to be played is.
2. Double tap/click the desired file and it will play.
Method III
1. Open the VLC player
2. Go to the file you want to play
3. Click and hold the file you want to play.
4. Drop the file on the Open VLC

How to Change default application/program of a file

1. Select the file
2. Right click
3. Go to properties
4. Go to change
5. Chose the application you want
NB-- Click Ok then Click Apply then Click Ok

Media Player Short keys

N- Next
P- Previous
M- Mute
C-Crop
S-Close the playing video
Other Shortcut keys
CTRL+ A- Select all files
CTRL +C- Copy
CTRL +V- Paste

Browsing/Surfing/Internet
Reasons for browsing
1. Sending information
2. Checking information
3. Receiving information
4. Coordinating information
5. Sharing information
You have to have internet communication so as to be able to get internet access.

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All these information can be viewed by anyone regardless of where he/she is in the world.
Examples of browsers
 Mozilla firefox
 Google Chrome
 Internet explorer
 Opera
In order to browse we have internet data in order to use internet or browse.
Sources of data may include
 Wireless network (Wifi)
 Modem
 Network cables
 Satellite
 Router
In every browser application we have the following components:
1. Address
2. Menu
3. Tab windows
4. Bookmarks
5. Options

i. Address e.g. URL

http://www.help.com
http://www.google.com
ii. Emailing
It is an application/programme that helps us to send and receive messages. An
attachment e.g. document, pictures, videos application.
Among other files can be sent and received.
Examples of email applications include Gmail, Yahoo mail, Hotmail, Outlook email.

Steps on how to access an email

1. Search or type gmail or yahoo in the address space.
2. Click the appropriate email link.
3. Go to signing and enter your credentials i.e. username and password
4. Click log in.

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In the email application we can:

 Send messages (compose)
 Receive messages (read)
Email has the following categories
 Compose
 Inbox
 All mail
 Sent mail
 Drafts
 Chats
 Spam
 Trash

Steps on how to send an email/compose

1. Go to compose
2. Write the address you want to send to on the place it has been written (To:…….)
3. Enter the subject on the place it has been written Subject: …..
4. Write the message you want to send on the space it has been written Message …
5. In case there is an attachment to be attached. Click the attachment tool and then select the
file you want to attach and click ok.
6. Click send

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MICROSOFT OFFICE(Ms Office )

MS- Microsoft
It is an application/program in which its main work is to:
1. Create document
2. Edit document
3. Modify document
4. Read document
5. Present document
6. Manage a document
7. Graphic design
8. Sending and receiving email messages
9. Managing worksheets / work book and data
10. Recording and summarizing data
11. Performing, calculation involving data
MS Office include:
1. MS Word
2. MS Excel
3. MS Power-point
4. MS Outlook
5. MS Access
6. MS Publisher

Steps to get Microsoft Office

1. Click on the windows menu
2. Go to all programmes/ All applications
3. Scroll the type of MS office and then press enter
4. Select the type of MS office you need to use.

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MS WORD

Uses of MS Word
1. Create a document
2. Edit a document
3. Merge a document
4. Read a document
5. Present a document

Steps on how to create new document

1. Go to MS word and click enter
2. Click on blank document

How to create a new document and saving it

1. Click on file, then select new, click on blank document.
2. Save – i. Click on file
ii. Click save, click browse
iii. Select the folder or location you want to save the document. Rename the file
on the file name.
iv. Click open – i.e. if saving in a folder in specified location.
v. Click save
N/B--I f you click open, recent documents that have been either viewed or edited or created
will be seen:
Write symbols

Superscript

Subscript

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Example:

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MS EXCEL
Used mostly to save data, edit data, analyze numerical data. It can be used as a data management
tool.
Worksheet is a document /page that is composed of rows and columns.
Column runs from up then downwards
Row runs from left to right
Workbook is a combination of worksheets
Active cell is where the cursor is.

Steps on how to get Microsoft excel

1. Click /press the windows key
2. Click on the programmes/application
3. Scroll to MS office and click enter.
4. Click MS Excel

Steps on how to save a new worksheet/workbook

1. Click on title/MS office icon (CTRL +S)
2. Go to save
3. Select the location you want to save the file
4. Rename the file
5. Click save

Steps on how to create a new excel document

1. Click on file /Ms office icon
2. Click on new
3. Click create

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Example
Data

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How to Arrange Data/ Organize Data

Sort and Filter
Filter
Go to filter and sort icon
Click filter but ensure the active cell is on the first cell of the sheet.
Formulas (Functions)
 Rank
 Average
 Sum
 Count
 Hyperlink
 Max
 Sin
 Sum
 Sum (Total)
Go to auto sum icon and click ∑
Example

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How to change font, font sixe, tye , colour, in Ms Excel

i. Click on the cell you want to change and make it active and right click
ii. Go to format cells

MS PUBLISHER
It is used to design articles, pictures, posters

Steps on how to get MS Publisher

1. Press windows key
2. Go to all programs
3. Go to scroll to MS office and click enter
4. Select MS Publisher

Steps on how to save MS Publisher

1. Click on MS Office Icon/file
2. Select save
3. Select the location to save the file
4. Rename the file
5. Click save
Textbox is an important feature in MS Office whereby it can be inserted anywhere in a
document. It is usually used in MS Publisher.
The text box is found at home when you open the MS Publisher
Page design – you will find orientation(Portrait, Landscape), Margins, and background.
Steps on how to copy an image into MS Publisher
1. Select or go to where the image or picture is.
2. Right click and select copy(CTRL + C)
3. Go to that document of publisher where you want to copy the image and right
click(CTRL +V).
4. Crop the image if necessary
5. Try to move the image where you want it to be

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MS POWERPOINT
Its main use is to present your work to an audience. The PowerPoint is organized in a way that
utilizes available space and present ideas in a detail and easier way. Brief details are organized in
powerpoint.

Steps on how to get power-point

1. Press the windows key
2. Go to all programs
3. Scroll to MS office and click enter
4. Select MS PowerPoint
5. Click on the blank page

How to use Ms PowerPoint

1. Select a blank presentation or a specific template from the available templates that can be
achieved by going to file or clicking to the Ms Office Icon.
2. When you want to add a slide you click home then click new slide.
3. Inserting sound go to insert, click audio or video then go to audio or video on my PC or
computer and select the specific sound/video file you need.
4. Inserting a picture. Select picture in the ms powerpoint then the folder where the picture
is and select the picture you need.
Alternatively, go to the location of the picture, copy and then paste it on the slide
powerpoint you need it to be.

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PDF (Portable Document Format)

It is a type of document that can be opened by the following application:
 Adobe reader
 Foxit reader
 Microsoft word 2013 and 2016
 Nitro
PDF is a flexible document and it can easily be opened from different sources. It can be sent
through email and be downloaded easily on internet.
The pdf uneditable. However, certain pdf can be edited.
Certain pdf’s can be edited if opened by Ms Word 2013 and later versions.

Steps on how to open pdf

Method I
Double click the pdf document and it will open.
Method II
1. Select the file i.e. the document
2. Right click
3. Go to open with
4. Select the appropriate application(program) i.e. adobe reader, foxit reader, Ms word
N/B- Adobe Reader is normally used to open pdf document

How to create a pdf document

1. Open the Ms word/publisher/powerpoint/excel document.
2. Click on file top or Ms Office Icon
3. Go to save as
4. Rename the document or leave the name the way it is if it was saved before in the 1st
word document created.
5. Go to save as type, then select pdf
6. Click save

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Security of computer
Virus is a malware program which affect computer function in various ways.
We use antivirus to secure the computer system from virus attack.
Virus can cause the following effects:
1. Duplicating files
2. Deleting files
3. Multiplying files
4. Affecting the performance i.e speed and functioning of the computer
5. Lower the speed of the computer
6. Generating other dangerous programs(malware)
7. Copying your files to different computer without your consent(permission)
8. Changing layout of the computer

How the virus enters the system

1. Through emails
2. Through flashdisks and other external drives/disks.
3. Through internet i.e. through Ads(Advertisement)
4. Through other applications which are unsecured e.g. browsers
5. Through network cables

Preventive Measures
1. Install antivirus e.g Kaspersky, Avast, AVG, Smadav.
2. Avoid clicking on Ads while browsing
3. Browse on sites you are familiar or you have an idea about.
4. Avoid sharing flashdisks and other external drives
5. Copy files to your computer which you are sure of
6. Avoid using unsecure networks i.e. wifi, LAN cables, Bluetooth etc.
N/B- We should always backup our files in another computer or hard disks in order to
avoid loss of data incase of virus attack or we lose our computer.

How to Install an Application

1. Identify the source of the application
2. Select the application
3. Right click
4. Go to ‘Run as administrator’
5. Click yes on the pop-up window that will appear
6. Follow the steps that the particular program will give until you finish the installation and
it tells you the application was successfully installed.
N/B- Some applications/programs may need a restart for them to start functioning and
perform accurately e.g. Ms Office, antivirus
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How to Uninstall(Remove) a program/ application

1. Click windows key
2. Go to control panel
3. Go to programs
4. Click uninstall program
5. Go to the program you need to uninstall
6. Select then right click
7. Click on uninstall
N/B- Some program may need a restart for them to full remove their set up on the
computer system.

MS ACCESS
DATABASE MANAGEMENT (DBM)
It combines data in relation to Microsoft set database engine with a graphical user interphase and
software development tools.
While using MS Access the following steps are followed:
1. Database creation
Create your own Microsoft Access database and specify what kind of data you will be
storing.
2. Data input after your database is created. The data of every business can be entered into
the access database.
3. Query.
This is fancy term to basically describe the process of retrieving information from the
database.
4. Report.(Options)
Information from the database is organized in a nice presentation that can be printed in an
access report.

Steps on how to get MS Access and creating a new MS Access document

1. Click on windows key
2. Go to all programs/applications
3. Scroll down to MS Office and click enter
4. Select/click on Ms Access
5. Click on black templates
6. Rename the document
7. Select the location where you want to save the Ms Access document.
8. Click create

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NETWORKING (INTERNET)
How to access Network Utility
1. Click windows key
2. Go to control panel
3. Click network and internet

CONTROL PANEL
This is computer software which has many functions that is mainly concerned with improving
the performance of the computer and making the user have full potential on the use of the
computer.
It has the following components
1. System and security
 Windows firewall
 Action center e.g. Change user account control setting
 View amount of RAM and processer speed
 Power options e.g. battery setting and power saver
 Create and format disk partitions
 Windows update
 Backup and Restore
2. Network and Internet e.g. Network and sharing, view wireless networks
3. Hardware and Sound
 Divices and printers
 Change default setting for media devices
 Sound e.g. adjusting system volume
 Windows mobility center
4. Programs
 Uninstall a program
 Turn on and off windows program
 Change default programs
 View installed updates
5. User accounts and Family safety
 Change computer password
 Change your account picture
 Add or remove user accounts
 Parental controls
6. Appearance and Personalization
 Changes theme
 Change desktop background
 Change windows glass colours
 Adjust screen resolution e.g. brighteness
 Make text either small or bigger
 Folder Options

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 Customize taskbar
7. Clock, Language and Region
 Change date and time
 Change the time zone
 Change display language
8. Ease of Access
 Set up microphone
 Change how mouse works
 Start on screen keyboard
 Start magnifier
 Start narrator
 Speech recognition

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