Basic Computer

Applications
Lecture One
MODULE CODE: AMT 4209G (6)
CANDIDATES: GCAME (NTA LEVEL 7-I)
INSTRUCTOR: JOVIN J. KAMAL A (MSC. IT AND SYSTEMS)

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 Module outcomes
Apply principles of computer system to carry out connection
Apply specified procedure to turn on/off of computer to enhance
system performance and safety
Use utility software to carry out various utility functions on different
operating systems for computer efficiency
Apply principles of computer file management to manage file and
carry out electronic mailing
Use word processing packages to produce engineering reports
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 Module outcomes ...
 Use spreadsheet packages to produce documents
Use presentation packages to produce documents
Apply internet and email to communicate at workplace
Apply desktop publishing to do official assignments
Apply security measures to secure data, hardware,
software in automated environment
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 Concept & history of ICT
Concept of ICT:

ICT is a broad term that encompasses technologies used to handle
telecommunications, broadcast media, audio-visual processing, intelligent
building management systems, network-based control and monitoring
functions, and network-based information and communication systems

It involves the use of computers and communication devices to manage
and process information

ICT enables the processing, storage, retrieval, and transmission of
information
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 Concept & history of
ICT ...
History of ICT:

The history of ICT can be traced back to the development of early computing
machines such as the ENIAC in the 1940s.

Over the years, advancements in technology led to the creation of personal
computers, the internet, mobile phones, and other communication
technologies

E.g, the invention of the World Wide Web in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee
marked a significant milestone in the history of ICT, transforming the way
information is accessed and shared
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 Components of a computer
system
Computer system: a collection of entities(hardware,software and
liveware) that are designed to receive, process, manage and present
information in a meaningful format. It consits of:

Computer hardware: physical parts/ intangible parts of a computer

Computer software: also known as programs or applications, used to
control a computer

Liveware - is the computer user. Also kwon as orgwareor the
humanware. The one who commands the computer system to execute
on instructions.
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 system:
Hardware

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Motherboard
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Storage devices (hard drives, SSDs)
Input devices (keyboard, mouse)
Output devices (monitor, printer), and various peripheral devices
like USB drives and external hard disks

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 Components of a computer
system:
Hardware cont ...

Some explanations:

A computer’s CPU processes data

Motherboard - main circuit board connecting various component

RAM stores temporary information

Storage devices like hard drives store data for the long term

Input devices allow users to provide information to the computer

Output devices display or produce results

Scanning devices like scanners and barcode readers
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 Components of a computer system:
Software

System software: It is the bottom layer as it sits between the

hardware and the application software

This is basically an operating system (OS) of the computer

OS like Windows, macOS, Android and iOS are examples of system
software

OS are loaded into RAM when the device starts up, and have
access to the hard drive

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 Components of a computer system:
Software cont ...

Utility software: is part of the system software and performs specific tasks
to keep the computer running

Utility software is always running in the background

Examples of utility software are security and optimisation programs

Security programs include anti-virus software that scans and removes
viruses

Optimisation programs can include tools for system clean-up, disk
defragmentation, and file compression

These tools are typically installed as part of the operating system.
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 Components of a computer system:
Software cont ...

Application software: This is everything else! Anything that is not an

operating system or a utility is an application or app

Word processor, spreadsheet, web browser, and graphics software are all
examples of application software, and they can do many specific tasks

You can remove and add applications on your computer using the operating
system

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 Operating system
An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the
computer user and computer hardware, and controls the execution of
programs
OS manages all of the software and hardware on the computer. It performs
basic tasks such as file, memory and process management, handling input
and output, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers
Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at
the same time, they all need to access computer’s CPU, memory and storage.
The OS coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs
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 Operating system cont..
Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy
Most individuals use OS that already comes with their computer however it
is possible to upgrade or change the initial OS to suit your preference
Different OS will work in different ways. They may appear visually different,
have different terms for common functions and organise programs in different
ways
There are many operating systems that are available however the three
most common operating systems are Microsoft’s Windows, Apple’s macOS
and Linux
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 Classification of
computers
Computers can be classified into (in many ways e.g. purpose):

Mainframes & supercomputers - large, powerful computers used in large
organizations for critical & complex scientific applications

Servers - manage network resources - accessed via network

Desktop computers - for general use

Workstations - for specialized tasks like video editing

Gaming computers - for high-performance gaming

Personal computers and Laptops

Embedded systems - specialized computers within other devices, like those in cars
or household appliances
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 Miscellaneous
Connect components using appropriate cables
Plug the cables to the respective nodes/ports
Assess power source connectivity
Switch on UPS, CPU and monitor as per specified procedures
Close all opened files and exit all running applications
Switch off CPU, monitor and UPS as per specified procedures

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