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1_1 IntroComputers

Module 1.1 provides an introduction to computers, covering definitions, hardware and software components, and the information processing cycle. It also includes an overview of Windows operating system features, user profiles, and keyboard skills. The module emphasizes the importance of saving work and organizing files effectively.

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owamichrisndlovu2
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© © All Rights Reserved
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2 views

1_1 IntroComputers

Module 1.1 provides an introduction to computers, covering definitions, hardware and software components, and the information processing cycle. It also includes an overview of Windows operating system features, user profiles, and keyboard skills. The module emphasizes the importance of saving work and organizing files effectively.

Uploaded by

owamichrisndlovu2
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 41

Module 1.

1
Introduction to
computers
Contents 2
 What is a computer?
 Hardware and software
 The information processing cycle
 Introduction to Windows
 Start-up time
 The desktop
 Common features of programs
 Saving our work
 Introduction to the keyboard
 The keyboard (input)
 Keyboard skills
 Test and improve
What is a computer? 3

• Laptop • Desktop
• Smartphone
• Tablet
 Multi-purpose
 Electronic devices
 Portable/mobile (left picture)
A computer is an electro-
mechanical device that does a job
of work for the user.

It consists
of 2 main
parts,
namely
Hardware
and
Software.
Hardware are all those parts
that are physical and can be
seen and touched.
Software are coded instructions
that run all aspects of the
computer.

These instructions tell the


hardware and other software
what to do.
What is a Super
Computer?
These are high powered, large computers
that is used by big corporations and
governments, NASA, universities etc.
whenever you need to do massive amounts
of calculations.
What are Mainframes ?
These are very powerful and are used to
control major networks, e.g., in banks,
universities and large companies such as
Anglo-American.
What are Servers ?

A more powerful
computer that
provides services
for a network is
called a server.

Their services
include printing,
email and storing
files.
This is a single computer for
home or office use, usually
found on a desktop.

It is called
a Personal
Computer
(PC).
Mobile devices are electronic devices, usually
hand held(portable), which helps the user
with their diary, dates, calendars, notes etc.
Smart phones are devices that combine
functions of a phone with computing abilities.

These devices, bringing all the functions of


different devices into a single device, are
called Converging Devices.
Hardware and software 1
3
Hardware

Physical parts of a
computer that we
can touch and see

Mouse, monitor, keyboard, printer


and the parts inside the computer box
Hardware and software 1
4
Software

• Specific instructions we give the computer to


get it to do something useful
• Multi-purpose tool: ability to run different types
of programs
Hardware and software 1
5
Software

Why a smartphone can also be regarded as a ‘computer’

Apps enable it do much


more than just make
phone calls
The information processing 1
6
cycle

Output

Input Processing of
data

Storage
The information processing 1
7
cycle
The information 1
8
processing cycle
Example: adding a contact to your
smartphone
The information 1
9
processing cycle
Computers process data into information
2
0

Activity 1
Introduction to Windows 2
1
Start-up time

• Booting process: the operating system automatically


loads when the computer is switched on

• Log on with a username and password to get access


to your own files and data
Introduction to Windows 2
2
The desktop

Icons

Desktop

Tiles
Start
button Notification area
Quick launch
Taskbar
Windows 10 Taskbar
The Start Menu
A User is someone who utilises a computer or
network service. They simply use the computer
as a tool, to provide a service.
Each User using a computer can be
distinguished from one another, they have
their own User Profile.

In a Windows environment, a user profile is


a record of user-specific data that defines
the user’s working environment.
Introduction to Windows 2
9

GUI – Graphical User Interface

Common mouse actions:


• Clicking
• Double-clicking
• Right-clicking
• Dragging
• Scrolling
3
0

Activity 2
Introduction to Windows 3
1
Common features of programs

o Title bar
o Active window
o Taskbar
o Resizing or moving a window
o Window control icons at top right
3
2

Activity 3
3
3

Activity 4
Saving our work 3
4

• Current work done on a computer is


kept temporarily in memory
• To keep that work you have to save it to
storage
• Save work in files – organize files in
folders
• Give files and folders meaningful
names
3
5

Activity 5
Introduction to the 3
6
keyboard
Used to input data
Introduction to the 3
7
keyboard
Input on smartphone

Keyboard is displayed
by software on screen –

can display letters


alphabetically rather
than in qwerty layout
Introduction to the 3
8
keyboard
Keyboard skills

Touch typing
Test and improve 3
9

Summary – concepts, terms and tips


What is a computer?

Introduction to Windows

Saving your work


Introduction to the
keyboard
4
0

Written module activity


4
1

Written module activity

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