University of Ibadan, Ibadan MacArthur Foundation Grant ICT-Related Training Programme

Basic Computer Operations

Introduction to Computers

WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
An electronic machine Accept inputs

(instructions and data) presented to it in a prescribed format from input devices, Carry out some operations on the input automatically, Supply the required results (output) in a specified format on output devices
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Characteristics of a Computer system

Speed

Large storage Capacity

Reliability Automatic

Diligence
Versatility Electronic Not a Substitute for Human Brain.

Benefits of Computer to Organizations

Dealing with increased volumes of

transaction Better working conditions for staff Better management of information Better control over costs Faster results

Types of Digital computers (based on processing power, size and functions)

Super Computers Mainframe Computers Mini Computers Micro Computers

SUPER COMPUTERS
Most powerful,

Most expensive,
Largest in size The fastest.

Used primarily for scientific applications in weather

forecasting, aircraft design, nuclear research, space research, seismic analysis and task that require mammoth data manipulation. An example of a supercomputer is Cray- 1 Supercomputer built by Cray Research Company.
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Mainframe
Process data at very high rates of speed

Very expensive (Millions of Naira)

Large (often filling an entire room) and Designed for multiple users

Serve as Servers for various company computers

Used in Banks, insurance companies, manufacturers,

mail-order companies, and airlines Example of Mainframe computer is IBM 370 located at the University Computing Centre in the 1970s.

Mini
Mini computers are smaller in size compare to main

frame computer The cost is lower than that of Main-Frame They possess most of the features found on mainframe computers, but on a more limited scale. Used by medium size business organizations for stock control and invoicing

Micro Computers
Generally used in colleges and institute for teaching purpose. Terribly limited in what they can do when compared to the larger

models discussed above because they can only be used by one person at a time, Much slower than the larger computers, Limited in storage capacity, Excellent when used in small businesses, homes, and school classrooms, Comparatively inexpensive and easy to use Often are connected to networks of other computers. Price varies greatly depending on the capacity and features of the computer, Make up the vast majority of computers. Categorized into: desktop, Laptop, Notebook, Palmtop and PDA
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How computers Work

COMPUTER

INPUT

OUTPUT

STORE

When a computer is asked to do a job, it handles the task in a very special way: (1) It accepts the information from the user. This is called input. (2) It stored the information until it is ready for use. The computer has memory chips, which are designed to hold information until it is needed. (3) It processes the information. The computer has an electronic brain called the Central Processing Unit, which is responsible for processing all data and instructions given to the computer. (4) It then returns the processed information to the user. This is called output. Every computer has special parts to do each of the jobs listed above

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Components of a computer system

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THE HARDWARE SUBCOMPONENT

Memory

Control Unit Input Unit Arithmetic & Logic Unit Output Unit

Central Processing Unit

A simple Computer Model

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Input unit
The Input Unit consists of devices through which information to

be processed is passed on to the computer. Such devices transform source information to be processed from human readable form into internal form which are transmitted to the Central Processing Unit.
The most commonly used input devices are the keyboard and

mice. There are lots of others such as: trackballs, touch pads, touch screens, pens, joy sticks, scanners, bar code readers, video and digital cameras, web cameras and microphones.

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Output Unit
The output unit consists of devices that change the internal form of

processed information (inform of electrical pulses) from the CPU into human readable or audible form. Common output devices include: Printers Monitor Speakers Headset Video output devices

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The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The Central Processing Unit often referred to as the CPU or

microprocessor is the brain of the computer. The CPU consists of electronic circuits that interpret and execute instructions; it communicates with the input, output, and storage devices. It is made up of the control unit and the arithmetic and logic unit.

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The Memory

Memory, or primary storage, works with the CPU to hold instructions and data in order to be processed. Memory keeps the instructions and data temporary for whatever programs you happen to be using at the moment. Memory is the first place data and instructions are placed after being input; processed information is placed in memory to be returned to an output device. The size of your computer memory is one of the factors that determines how fast your computer will be Memory is measured in Mega bytes (MB)

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Units of measurement for memory and storage devices

Memory is usually measured in Megabytes; a typical.

Storage is usually measured in Gigabytes.

Byte

Byte

8 bits (amount of storage for a character)

Kilobyte

KB

Roughly 1,024 bytes

Megabyte

MB

Roughly 1,000,000 bytes

Gigabyte

GB

Roughly 1,000,000,000 bytes

Terabyte

TB

Roughly 1,000,000,000 bytes

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External Storage Devices

Provide a permanent form of storage.

Provides large space capacity,

Provides reliability of stored information, Convenience and Economical.

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Floppy disk or Floppy A round plastic surface that is coated with magnetic film. They come in 3 / size. They hold about 720k to 1440K of information. They are typically are used to install new software, save, share, and/or copy files. Floppy drives are given letters. Commonly the floppy is A, a 2nd floppy is B and the hard drive is C.
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Hard disk (drive) or HD A stack of round metal platters called disks encased in a metal air tight shell. They commonly range in sizes from 1 to 250 gigabytes . The hard drive's function is to store all the files, and software the computer will ever use. Any file or software program used by RAM most likely will come from the disk drive. DVD-ROM (digital video disk, read-only memory) DVD's are similar to CD in that they are written and read by laser. Hard drives use magnetic currents store data. However CD's and DVD's use light (laser) to write and read data on a disk. These long and short pits are then stored or etched on the surface of the disk. They can only be read by laser technology. The new DVD technology increased the amount of memory a regular CD can hold. DVD's can range in sizes from 4.34GB (1000MB=1GB) to 7.95GB.

CD-ROM (Compact disk, read-only memory) CD's function much like hard drive in that they store large amounts of memory. What separates them is their mobility and optical storage technology. Their storage capacity is also very limited compared to hard drives. The can only hold up to approximately 700 MB of information. The other big difference is that you have to have a special drive to write to CD's. Otherwise they can only be read from.

FLASH DRIVE
A small, portable flash memory card that plugs into a computers USB port and functions as a portable hard drive. USB flash d rives are touted as being easy-to-use as they are small enough to be carried in a pocket and can plug into any computer with a USB drive. USB flash drives have less storage capacity than an external hard drive, but they are smaller and more durable because they do not contain any internal moving parts. USB flash drives also are called thumb drives, jump drives, pen drives, key drives, tokens, or simply USB drives. Flash drives come with varying amounts of storage capacity eg 128MB, 256, 4.5GB. Popular brand name drives, are Lexar, Sandisk, Kingston, PNY, Iomega and LG.

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Software Subcomponent

Consists of all programs that tell a computer what to do. Categorized into: 1.Application 2.System 3.Programming

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Application Software
Application software or package helps you accomplish specific tasks. You can use application software to write letters, manage your finances, draw pictures, play games and much more.

Types
Word Processor Spreadsheets Database Management Presentation Graphics Communication Software Internet Browser Accounting Packages Statistical Packages Desktop Management Graphic Packages Games/Entertainment Audit Packages Tutorials

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System Software
The systems Software manage computer resources and interact with both the user and application programs. System software helps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes: device drivers, diagnostic tools, operating systems, servers, utilities, windowing systems
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Programming Software
Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs, and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools include: compilers, debuggers, interpreters, linkers, text editors

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Operating System
An operating system is a software component of a

computer system that is responsible for the management of various activities of the computer and the sharing of computer resources. The most important program that runs on your computer. It manages all other programs on the machine Every PC has to have one to run other applications or programs. Its the first thing loaded.

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Some Basic Task of the OS

Recognizing input from the keyboard or mouse,

Sending output to the monitor,

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Some Basic Task of the OS

Keeping track of files and

directories on the disk, and Controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.
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Types of Operating System

Windows Vista Windows XP Windows 2000 Windows NT Windows 98 Windows 95 Unix Linux Apple MacIntosh

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Starting the Computer

Use the front power button to switch on the computer. If it does not

power up, you should check to see that the rear power supply switch is set to the '1' position. The '0' position is OFF. If the computer still fails to power up, you should check and see that it's plugged into a working outlet and make sure that the power strip's (UPS) main power switch is in the ON position (if you have a power strip). Most power strips have an indicator lamp to let you know that they're on AND that the strip is plugged into a working outlet. Assuming that your computer is in good working order, it will come on when you push the main power button. When it powers up, the 'power' light will be lit and the hard drive activity light will be flashing/flickering. You will also hear the hard drives 'spin up' and you'll likely hear at least one fan turn on.
Now that the computer is on, you should see a 'desktop' with 1 or more

icons (little images that indicate what software/function they represent) and a background image (the background may also be a solid color or a pattern). This background image is called 'wallpaper'

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Shutting Down the Computer

To shut down Windows XP: Click the Start button. From the Start menu, choose Turn Off Computer. Click the Turn Off button.

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WORKING WITH WINDOWS

Working with Windows

About Windows
Is a Graphic user Interface - Uses pictures, symbols, or icons rather than words to represent some object or icon or function.

Supports multitask,- which means that you may use more than one program at the same time. Have standards (icons, desktop, menus, pointers and pointing devices) that are usually the same or similar in all systems and applications
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Windows Terminology
Windows XP uses the following terms to name or describe its basic components: Windows - rectangular portions of the desktop or screen that
appear as separate boxes or panes Desktop - an area of the screen where windows, icons and other elements are opened and manipulated Icons - a small graphical representation of a program, a file or other object Shortcut (or aliases) a reference to an object so you can access it from another part of the GUI. Menus - a window element that allow you to choose from a listing of choices Toolbars - a graphical version of a menu Pointer - the symbol representing the mouses business end Pointing device - a mouse, trackball or touchpad

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Desktop
Desktop = GUI metaphor to define their workplace. It is an on screen work area on which windows, icons, menus, and dialog boxes and other objects appear. Can be configured in many ways to suit needs and tastes. The way taskbar and start menu look and behave Desktop background along with sounds and messages etc.

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Parts of the desktop

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ICONS

Standard Desktop Icons

They are small pictures or images that represent a program file, a data file or some command to perform a complex action. It makes easy to initiate actions, open programs and files and manipulate objects.
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Major Icons on the Desktop

My Computer icon provides access to the different parts on your computer. You can access the different drives (Hard Drive, Floppy Drive, Network Drives) inside My Computer. When you delete an object, Windows XP sends it to the Recycle Bin. You can restore objects that are located in the Recycle Bin or you can permanently delete them by right clicking on the Recycle Bin and select Empty Recycle Bin. The Internet Explorer icon launches the Internet Explorer browser. The Internet Explorer browser is what you will use to access the Internet and the World Wide Web. The My Documents Icon is a folder that offers an easy-toreach location where you can store and retrieve important data. Icons with an arrow in the lower left corner (picture on left) are shortcut icons. If you double click on them they will open up the program that the icon displays on it.

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Shortcuts
It is a quick and convenient way to run a frequently used programs or open a data file or folder without having to use the Start Menu or My Computer. It is nothing but a link to the actual program or file or folder. All data files that are opened by using a shortcut must have a file association. It can also reference hardware devices such as printers and storage devices.

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Taskbar
Acts as a container for other objects.
Provides a place to access programs that are opened. To restore a program that has been minimized to a fully functional window by clicking its button on the taskbar.

Other features (Detailed discussion in later chapters):

The Start Button gateway to the start menu The Notification area provides a place for notice of important programs that are running (System Utilities) and toolbar scrollbars the system clock. New features of XP taskbar: Group buttons of common programs. Hides icon in the notification area after short period of time, or if they have not been accessed recently.

Start button

Show Desktop button Taskbar

Open Program buttons Notification Area

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Start Button
The Start Button opens the Start Menu.
Start

Button also has a shortcut menu that can be accessed by right clicking on it. This menu provides important features of windows such as windows explorer, taskbar and start menu properties, the search tool, and the ability to open the start menu as a folder.

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The New XP Start Menu

Current user

Basic division of Start Menu:

Pinned List

Current User

Most Frequently Used Programs List

Pinned items list

The most frequently used program list Standard items on the right

All programs and log off/turn off buttons

Click here for the Programs menu

Turn off or log off the computer

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Mouse Handling and Clicking Techniques

In windows, the preferred method of navigating the system is by way of a mouse. There are shortcut keys that can be used, but using a mouse is faster and easier for most people. Parts of a typical mouse: Right button Left button Scroll wheel

Mouse Actions:
Pointing Moving the pointer around on the display unit to a particular object of interest

Right Click - clicking the right mouse button once Left Click - clicking the left mouse button once Double-click - clicking a button twice in rapid succession Dragging - holding a button down over an object while moving the mouse 43 Dropping - letting the mouse button up after a drag

Selecting Text with the Mouse

Any text Click and drag across the text you want to select whilst holding down the left mouse button. You can also select any text by placing the insertion point (cursor) at the start of the text you want to select, then, whilst holding down the SHIFT key, clicking the opposite end of the text. A word Double-Click on the word using the left mouse button A line Click in the selection Bar to the left of the line (the white space in the left margin) the mouse pointer will become an arrow when you are in the selection bar. Multiple lines Click and drag in the selection bar to the left of the line A sentence Hold down the CTRL key (bottom left-hand corner of the keyboard) and click anywhere in the paragraph A Paragraph Double-Click in the selection bar to the left of the paragraph or triple-click anywhere in the paragraph Multiple paragraphs Double-click and drag in the selection bar to the left of the paragraphs A Document Hold down the CTRL key and click the selection bar or triple click in the selection bar

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The Windows Keyboard

Windows PCs use tow basic types of keyboards that are classified by the number of keys they have:
101-key Enhanced keyboard 104-key Windows keyboard

The windows keyboard has some extra keys that address windows specific functions such as opening the start menu or opening the shortcut menu. Many new style keyboards also include keys or buttons for connecting to the internet, sending and receiving emails, and adjusting the volume of the sound system separate software needed to manage them.

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Parts of a windows keyboard

Windows Key

Typing Keys

Control Keys

Numeric Key Pad

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Special keys
Pressing the Computer Key displays the Start Menu The arrow keys move the cursor/insertion point one character or one unit at a time in the direction of the arrow

The Num Lock Key must be on for the Numeric Key Pad to echo numeric characters

Shift

Holding down the Shift key while pressing a character converts the character to upper case
The function of the Home, End, PgDn, PgUp ky are determined by the software in use

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Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts are key combinations that can be substituted for mouse actions, and visa versa. They are fairly universal throughout Windows.
Shortcuts can be found on most Windows application menus as shown on the Left. These are some of the most widely used shortcut keys. Ctrl+Z means, for example, press the Ctrl key and the letter Z key at the same time. Case does not matter.
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Windows XP Keyboard Shortcuts

Key Sequence ESC CTRL+C CTRL+X Action Cancel the current task. Copy selected text or object. Cut selected text or object.

CTRL+V
CTRL+Z DELETE SHIFT+DELETE CTRL+A

Paste from the clipboard.

Undo the last operation. Delete selected text or object. Delete selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin Select all.

F1
F2 F3 F4 F5

Display Help.
Rename selected item. Search for a file or folder. Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer. Refresh the active window.

ALT+F4
CTRL+ESC SHIFT+F10 TAB ALT+ Underlined letter

Close the active item, or quit the active program. If no programs are open this command will Quit Windows XP.
Display the Start menu. Display the shortcut menu for the selected item. Move through the active controls (buttons, textboxes, etc.) on a window or dialog box. Carry out the corresponding command or select the corresponding option. This is usually 49 on a menu or command button.

Parts of a Window
A window is an area on your desktop within which all Windows-based programs run

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Parts of a window
Control Box The control box provides a menu that enables you to restore, move, size, minimize, maximize, or close a window. The frame separates the window from the desktop. You resize the window by dragging its borders outward to expand it and inward to contract it. The title bar displays the name of the current file and the name of the current program. Use the Minimize button to temporarily decrease the size of a window or remove a window from view. While a window is minimized, its title appears on the taskbar. Click the Maximize button and the window will fill the screen. After you maximize a window, if you click the Restore button, the window will return to its former size. Click the Close button to exit the window and close the program. The menu bar displays the program menu. You send commands to the program by using the menu. Toolbars generally display right below the menu, but you can drag them and display them along any of the window borders. You use the icons on the toolbars to send commands to the program. The work area is located in the center of the window. You perform most of your work in the work area. The status bar provides you with information about the status of your program. Window frame

Title bar Minimize button

Maximize button Restore button Close button Menu bar Toolbars

Work area Status bar

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Starting a program

Click the Start button, located in the lower left corner of your screen. Highlight Programs. The Program menu will appear. Move to the Program menu and highlight the program you want to start. If you see a right pointer next to your selection, a submenu will appear. Refine your choice by highlighting the appropriate selection on the submenu. Continue until you get to the final submenu.` Click the program name to start the program. Note: A chevron at the bottom of the list of options means that there are additional options. To view the additional options, click the chevron.

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Quitting/Close/Exit a program
After saving your work, Click the Close button in the upperright corner of the window i.e. {x}
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To Switch Between Windows

Click anywhere on the window you want to have focus. OR Hold down the Alt key and press the Tab key (Alt-Tab) until you have selected the window to which you want to change. OR All active files display on the taskbar. Click the taskbar button for the window you want to have focus.

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Seeing what is in your computer

Double click on the My Computer Icon on the Desktop

You can then double click hierarchically on any of the items to see its contents (files)

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Using Explorer to explore your Computer

Click the Start button, located in the lower left corner of your screen. Highlight programs. Highlight Accessories. Click Windows Explorer.

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Working with Drives, files and folders

What are: Drive:
Drives are used to store data. Almost all computers come with at least two drives: a hard drive (which is used to store large volumes of data) and a CD drive(which stores smaller volumes of data that can be easily transported from one computer to another). The hard drive is typically designated the C:\ drive and the CD drive is typically designated the D:\ drive. If you have an additional floppy drive, it is typically designated the A:\ drive. If your hard drive is partitioned or if you have additional drives, the letters E:\, F:\, G:\ and so on are assigned.

File:Folders are used to organize the data stored on your drives. Related files are stored in
the same folder.

Folder: Any information stored in the drive is stored as file with a given file name.
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To create new folder

1. In the left pane, click the drive or folder in which you want to create the new folder. 2. Click any free area in the right pane. A context menu will appear. 3. Highlight New. 4. Click Folder 5. Type a Name for the Folder
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To delete a file or folder:

Right-click the file or folder you want to delete. A context menu will appear. Click Delete. Windows Explorer will ask, "Are sure you want to send this object to the recycle bin?" Click Yes.

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How do I copy a file or folder?

To copy a file or folder: Right-click the file or folder you want to copy. A context menu will appear. Click Copy. The file or folder should now be on the Clipboard. right-click the object or right-click in the right pane of the Drive/folder to which you want to paste. A context menu will appear. Click Paste
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How do I cut a file or folder?

To cut a file or folder: Right-click the file or folder you want to cut. A context menu will appear. Click Cut. The file or folder should now be on the Clipboard. After cutting the file, right-click the object or right-click in the right pane of the folder to which you want to paste. A context menu will appear. Click Paste Note: Cutting differs from deleting. When you cut a file, the file is placed on the Clipboard. When you delete a file, the file is sent to the Recycle Bin.
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How do I rename a file or folder?

To rename a file or folder: Right-click the file or folder. A context menu will appear. Click Rename. Type the new name

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How Do I Create Desktop Shortcuts

1. 2. 3. 4. Right-click the desktop. The context menu will appear. Click New. A submenu will appear. Click Shortcut. The Create Shortcut dialog box will appear. Type in the location and name of the item to which you want to create a shortcut. Alternatively, browse to find the item. Click Next. A dialog box will appear. Accept the default name or type in a new name. Click Finish.

5. 6. 7.

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Other accessories: Word Pad, Calculator etc

To access any of the accessories: Click the Start button, then Select All Programs, next Select the Accessories submenu, then Click the required accessory e.g. Word Pad command as shown here

Word Pad Menu command

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Naming and Saving files in windows program eg Word Pad

1. Click File, which is located on the menu bar. A drop-down menu will appear. 2. Click Save or Save As. A dialog box similar to the one shown here will appear. 3. Select the destination drive/folder 4. Type the name of the file 5. Select the type of application/version 6. Click Save

*Note :

The file Name should not be more than 255 characters (alphanumeric)

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Opening Files and Folders

Methods: (A) Double-click a document icon in My Computer.

(B) To open document from within a program 1. On the File menu click Open 2. To open a document in a different folder, click the arrow next to the Look in box, and then click the disk that contains the folder. 3. Click the folder that contains document you want to open. You may have to scroll to see more folders. 4. Click the document you want to open, and then click open. Note: You can also open documents from the document menu, where many programs save a list of recently opened documents. (X) To open a document by using the Documents menu 1. Click the start button, and then point to documents 2. Click the name the name of the document you want to open.

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Find files and folders

Click the Start button. The Start menu will appear. Highlight Search. Click Files or Folders. The Search Results dialog box will open. Choose an option. Enter your search criteria. Click search. The results of your search will appear in the right pane.
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Accessing the Most Recently used Documents

1. As you work, Windows XP tracks the last 15 files you used. It lists these files on the Most Recently Used Document list. To view the Most Recently Used Document list: 2. Click the Start button. 3. Highlight Documents. The most recently used documents will display. 4. To open a file listed on the Most Recently Used Document list, click the file name.
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Changing wall paper

Right-click your desktop. Highlight Properties. Click the Desktop tab. Select the wallpaper you want from the list that appears in the Background box. Note: If you would like to display an image you created, you can click Browse to find the image. Select how you want your image to appear on the screen. Choose from : Centre, Tile
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Changing Screen Saver

Right-click anywhere on the Windows desktop. A context menu will appear. Choose Properties. The Display Properties dialog box will appear. Click the Screen Saver tab. The Screen Saver field provides the list of available screen savers. Select the screen saver you want from the list. Click Preview to preview your screen saver. Click Esc to return to the Display Properties dialog box. In the Wait field, set the number of minutes of inactivity before the screen saver starts. Click OK.

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Changing System Date and Time

Double click on the clock in the bottom right corner of the screen OR Click the Start button, which is located in the lower left corner of the screen. The Start menu will appear. Highlight Settings. A submenu will appear. Click Control Panel. The Control Panel will open. Click Date/Time. The Date/Time Properties dialog box will appear. In the Date frame, select the month and year. In the Month field, click to open the drop-down menu and select the current month. Type the year in the Year field or use the arrows next to the field to move forward or backward until you get to the current year. The Time field is divided into four segments: hour, minutes, seconds, and AM and PM. To make an adjustment:
Click in the segment and either type in the correct information or use the arrow keys on the right side to select the correct hour, minute, second or AM or PM.

Time Zone: Click the Time Zone tab. Choose the correct time zone from the drop-down menu. If you want the clock to automatically adjust to daylight saving time, check the box on the screen. Click the Apply button. Click OK.

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Getting Help
To get Help Click the Start button, and then click Help. The list of Help topics appears. You can use tabs in Help to search for information in several ways. When you open Help by using the Start menu, or the Help menu in My Computer or Windows Explorer, you see Help for Windows in general. If you use the Help menu in a program, such as WordPad, Paint, or Microsoft Word, the Help you see is for that program. To find Help through the Contents Click the Contents tab to find topics grouped by subject, and then follow the instructions on your screen. To return to the list of tropics, click Help Topics. To find Help through the Contents Click the Index tab find specific topics listed alphabetically, and then follow the instructions on your screen. To return to the list of topics, click Help Topics. To find Help topics containing a word or phrase Click the Find tab to find all the topics that contains a specific word or phrase, and then follow the instruction on your screen. To return to the list of topics click Help Topics. To get Help on a specific item For information about an item in a dialog box, click [?], and then click them. A pop-up explanation appears. Click it to make it disappear.

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EXERCISES
Create a shortcut on your desktop that when double clicked will run Microsoft Word. Use Word Pad to create a file named practice1 and save it on your desktop. Copy the practice1 file from your desktop to the My documents folder. Change your desktop Wall Paper

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END

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