LESSON ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Definition
Computer is a
device capable of solving problems or manipulating data by accepting data,
performing prescribed operations (mathematical or logical) on the data, and
supplying the results of these operations.
Computer can also
be defined as a device that takes input, processes it, and produces result (output)
automatically under program control. Computer operation must follow these three
stages. Namely;
[i] Input
[ii] Processing
[iii] Output
Computer
performs both mathematical and logical operations. For example, a computer can be
used to determine whether a business will be successful or not.
1.2
Data and Information
Data: According to ICT, Data
can be referred to as raw facts and figures that have not been processed. It can be values, numbers, or instructions
input by computer users. Data makes no meaning due to the fact that it has not
been processed.
Information: This is referred to as raw facts and figures that
have been processed. It can be values,
numbers, or instructions input by computer users. Information makes meaning due
to the fact that it has been processed. It conveys more meaning because it has been
processed manually, mechanically or electrically.
Information at a point in time may
become a data element at another point in time. Data becomes information after
processing.
1.3 History of Computers
Computer had passed
through different generations. It was identified and classified into
generations with respect to components used, space occupied (size), speed
and year introduced. The first traceable computer capable of
automatically performing a long sequence of arithmetic and logical operations
used a device called relays was
designed by Professor Howard G. Aiken and Grace Hopper at Harvard University and
named Mark 1. It was used by the US Navy
for gunnery and ballistic calculations, the
Mark I was in operation until 1959.
1.3.1
First Generation Computers (1946 to 1959)
Vacuum tubes
were used in place of relays in this generation. The size was reduced to 400m3
and processing speed was 300 milliseconds
. Magnetic drum was developed during this period as a
means of storing information device. Examples of computers of this generation
computers were ENIAC, EDVAC UNIVAC and
so on.
1.3.2
Second Generation Computer (1959 to1965)
Transistors were used in place of vacuum tubes and magnetic core was
used for storing information. The transistor was invented in 1947 but did not
see widespread use in computers until the late 1950s. The transistor was far
superior to the vacuum tube, allowing computers to become smaller, faster,
cheaper, more energy-efficient and more reliable than their first-generation
predecessors. Though the transistor still generated a great deal of heat that
subjected the computer to damage, it was
a vast improvement over the vacuum
tube. Second-generation computers still relied on punched cards for input and
printouts for output. The size was
reduced to 100m3 and their processing speed increased to about
12,000 microseconds. Example of this generation computer is IBM 1401. The first
computers of this generation were developed for the atomic energy industry.
1.3.3
Third Generation Computer (1965 to 1970)
The
development of the integrated
circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of computers.
Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors, which
drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers.
Integrated solid state-circuit i.e. transistors
and diodes were used and secondary storage was also improved. New input &
Output (I/O) devices like visual display device was introduced. Magnetic ink
readers and high-speed printers were introduced. Users interacted with third
generation computers through keyboards
and monitors and interfaced with an operating system, which
allowed the device to run many different applications at one time
with a central program that monitored the memory. Computers for the first time
became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and cheaper than
their predecessors. The space was reduced to 10m3 and processing speed
increased to 43,000 nanoseconds. Example
of this generation computers were IBM 360 and 370.
1.3.4
Fourth Generation Computers (1970 to date)
The microprocessor brought
the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits were
built onto a single silicon chip.
These generation computers use more advanced input and output devices such as color monitors and scanners. Size was reduced to 0.3m3 and increase in
processing speed to 240,000 picoseconds was made.
1.3.5
Fifth Generation Computer
This
is the type of computers that will be able to copy human senses based
on artificial intelligence in such a way that the computer will
be able to obtain instructions from the user by speaking to the computer to
complete most of the activities by using specialized equipment. Fifth
generation computing devices, , are still in development, though there are some
applications, such as voice
recognition, that are being used today.
1.4 The Microprocessor
Microprocessor
is referred to as the main “brain” of computer. Over the years,
11different version of microprocessors had evolved.
Common microprocessors include 8086,
80286, 80386, 80486, the Pentiums which is developed by Intel Co-operation. Microprocessors
developed by Motorola Company include MC68020, MC68040, etc
. The microprocessor determined the processing
speed of any microcomputer system.
1.5 Categories of Computers
Generally,
computers can be classified into 3 groups viz:
Data
(Input) type
i.
Analog Computers
ii.
Digital Computers
iii.
Hybrid Computers
- Use
i.
General Purpose Computers
ii.
Special Purpose Computers
- Size
i.
Large Computers
ii.
Small Computers
1.5.1
Data (Input) Type
i. Analog Computers
This
type of computer measure continuously changing condition such as speed, temperature,
pressure, it then converts them to physical quantity that is measurable. Examples
of analog devices are slide-rule and speedometers. Mostly, they are used for Scientific
and Engineering purposes.
ii. Digital Computers
Digital Computers represent data in form of discrete numbers and process
them using the standard arithmetic operations. They are mostly used in
commercial applications. Digital Computers can also be called binary computers
because they make use of 0 and 1 digits.
iii. Hybrid Computers
This
is a combination of Analog and digital computers characteristics. They are used
for activities that are tedious and sophisticated. Hybrid Computers perform
better than Analog and Digital Computers. They are used in places like Medical
and Spacecraft Manufacturing industries.
1.5.2
Use
There are two types
of computers here. Namely
i.
Special purpose computers
ii.
General purpose
computers.
i. Special Purpose Computers
These are computers designed to
perform a specific function. Special Purpose Computers can not be used to perform
any other functions apart from the one they are designed for. Examples of Special
Purpose Computers are Weapon Guidance, Word Processors, and Traffic Control
Computers.
ii. General Purpose Computers
These are computers
designed to perform different functions. General Purpose Computers can be used for
Word Processing, Database Management, Spreadsheet functions and many more. They
are commonly used in schools, offices, business centres, etc.
1.5.3
Size
i.
Large computers
such as Mainframe computers and Miniframe computers
ii.
Small computers such
as Microcomputers.
a. Mainframe Computers
They are the
largest, fastest and the most expensive computers. Mainframe computers can
occupy much space. They are used by large Organizations and Colleges. Mainframe
Computers work on a multi-user configuration system which enables hundreds of
terminals to be connected to it, such that many operators can work on it at the
same time without any of the operators disturbing each other.
b. Mini Computers
Mini
Computers is large, fast and expensive. It also support multi-user but not as
much as the mainframe computers. They are not as big as mainframe computers.
They are commonly found in big industries such as automobile industries.
c. Micro Computers
Micro Computers
are the smallest when compared with mainframe and mainframe computers. They
allow one user at a time. Microprocessor is used as the central processing unit
(CPU) of microcomputers. They have separate input and output devices. Micro
Computers are also referred to as personal computers (PCs).
1.6 Types of Micro computers
i.
Desktop computer
ii.
Desk side
computer
iii.
Laptop computer
iv.
Notebook
computer
v.
Palmtop computer
vi.
Pocket computer
i. Desktop Computer
This computer is named from the way the CPU is
placed. The monitor is placed on top of CPU. Basically, it consists of the
system unit (Central Processing Unit), monitor, and keyboard. They are commonly
found in offices, schools and other working places.
ii. Desk side Computer
Deskside
Computers are placed vertically beside the monitor. Apart from the difference
in the placement of deskside and desktop computers, both of them perform the
same functions and are built of the sam1e components. Desktop and Desk side computers
uses cathode ray tube (CRT) in the monitor.
iii. Laptop Computer
They are small computers that can be placed on lap
for usage. They are designed so that they can be used in buses, cars, planes
and some other places where desktop and deskside computer cannot be used. They use
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Technology to display images. Laptop has back-up battery
which runs for at least three hours which make it to be used when there is no
AC power. Track balls or flat pad is used as a pointing device.
iv. Notebook Computer
Notebook computers are smart mobile personal computer
systems usually weighing between 3 and 7lbs. Featuring integrated LCD screens
and keyboards, notebook computers offer the same functionality as desktop
computers, but are designed to be extremely portable and can be used almost
everywhere you go to help you maximize your productivity and active lifestyle.
v. Palmtop / Pocket Computer
This is one of the smallest computers that
are designed for special applications. Examples of palmtop computers are Electronic
Organizer, the Computer Bible, Qur’an pocket computers, Dictionary Computer, etc.
Features
of the Laptop / Notebook / Palmtop Computers
1.
Mobility
2.
Performance
3.
Entertainment
4.
Usable
5.
Wireless
Connectivity
Application
of Computer
The
dawn of the new age - The Computer Era - glows before us with the promise of
new and improved ways of thinking, living and working. The amount of
information in the world is said to be doubling every six to seven years. The
only way to keep up with these increased amounts of data and information is to
understand how computers work and the ability to control them for a particular
purpose. Computers are considered more than just an essential piece of fancy
equipment.
These 'magical' machines can do just
about anything imaginable, moreover they really excel in certain areas. Below
is the list of some of the principal applications of the computer systems:
1.
Businesses.
Businessmen
make bar graphs and pie charts from tedious figures to convey information with
far more impact than numbers alone can covey. Furthermore, computers help
businesses to predict their future sales, profits, costs etc. making companies
more accurate in their accounts. Computers may also play a vital role in aiding
thousands of organizations to make judgmental and hard-provoking decisions
concerning financial problems and prospective trends.
2. Buildings.
Architects
use computer animated graphics to experiment with possible exteriors and to
give clients a visual walk-through of their proposed buildings. The computers
provide architects a numerous amount of facilities to create different
buildings with greater accuracy, better designing and editing tools, and work
done at the fastest speed possible. Finally, a new kind of artist has emerged,
one who uses computers to express his or her creativity.
3. Education.
Most
good s1chools in the world have computers available for use in the classroom.
It has been proved that learning with computers has been more successful and
this is why numerous forms of new teaching methods have been introduced. This
enhances the knowledge of the student at a much faster
pace than the old traditional methods. Likewise, colleges and various
universities have extended the use of computers as many educators prefer the
'learning by doing' method - an approach uniquely suited to the computer.
4. Retailing.
Products
from meats to magazines are packed with zebra-striped bar codes that can be
read by the computer scanners at supermarket checkout stands to determine
prices and help manage inventory. Thus, a detailed receipt of the groceries can
be made, which is useful for both the customer and the retail store, especially
for the stock control system. This is referred as POS (Point of Sale)
transaction where a precise account of all the stocks available is recorded and
manipulated.
5. Energy.
Energy
companies use computers to locate oil, coal, natural gas and uranium. With the
use of these technological machines, these companies can figure out the site of
a natural resource, its concentration and other related figures. Electric
companies use computers to monitor vast power networks. In addition, meter
readers use hand held computers to record how much energy is used each month in
homes and offices.
6. Law Enforcement.
Recent innovation in computerized law enforcement
include national fingerprint files, a national file on the mode of operation of
serial killers, and computer modeling of DNA, which can be used to match traces
from an alleged criminal's body, such as blood at a crime scene. In addition,
computers also contain complete databases of all the names, pictures and
information of such people who choose to break the law.
7. Transportation.
Computers
are used in cars to monitor fluid levels, temperatures and electrical systems.
Computers are also used to help run rapid transit systems, load containerships
and track railroads cars across the country. An important part is the air
control traffic systems, where computers are used to control the flow of
traffic between airplanes which needs a lot of precision and accuracy to be
dealt with.
8. Money.
Computers
speed up record keeping and allow banks to offer same-day services and even
do-it yourself banking over the phone and internet. Computers have helped fuel
the cashless economy, enabling the widespread use of credit cards, debit cards
and instantaneous credit checks by banks and retailers. There is also a level
of greater security when computers are involved in money transactions as there
is a better chance of detecting forged cheques and using credit/debit cards
illegally etc.
9. Agriculture.
Farmers use small computers to help with
billing, crop information, and cost per acre, feed combinations, and market
price checks. Cattle ranchers can also use computers for information about
livestock breeding and performance.
10. Government.
Among other tasks, the federal
government uses computers to forecast the weather, to manage parks and
historical sites, to process immigrants, to produce social security checks and
to collect taxes.
LESSON TWO
2.0 BASIC COMPONENTS OF MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEM
2.1
Hardwares
and Softwares
Hardwares
and Softwares are the two basic components of microcomputers.
Hardwares: These are parts of computers that we can physically
see and touch.
Softwares: These are parts of computers that cannot be seen
physically and touch. They are written instructions or commands (i.e. set of
rules) installed in the computer system which enable it to function.
Without
software, computer hardwares cannot function. It can be said that Softwares is
like a soul to the computer hardwares as soul is to human body. That is,
without the soul, human body is useless.
2.2
Computer Hardwares
i.
The Microprocessor
This
is the brain of the microcomputer. It consists of the control unit (CU),
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU), Status flag, Accumulator, Program Counter and Status
Flag.
ii. The Control Unit:
This
is the section that takes care of the general activities of the computer. It co-ordinates
the input and output devices of a computer system.
iii. The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU):
This
is the unit that takes care of the calculation aspect. It also performs the
logic functions like comparison of value
for a corresponding logical decision.
iv. The Accumulator:
As the name implies, it accumulates
(stores) data that are input into the central processing unit. This stores data
collected from memory and waits for subsequent action.
v. The Program Counter:
The program counter or instruction
pointer, or instruction address
register is a processor register that indicates where the computer is in its
instruction sequence. Depending on the details of the particular computer, the
PC holds either the address of the
instruction being executed, or the
address of the next instruction to be executed.
In most processors,
the instruction pointer is incremented automatically after fetching a program
instruction, so that instructions are normally retrieved sequentially from
memory, with certain instructions, such as branches, jumps and subroutine
calls and returns,
interrupting the sequence by placing a new value in the program counter.
Such jump
instructions allow a new address to be chosen as the start of the next part of
the flow of instructions from the memory. They allow new values to be loaded
(written) into the program counter register. A subroutine call is achieved
simply by reading the old contents of the program counter, before they are
overwritten by a new value, and saved somewhere in memory or in another
register. A subroutine return is then achieved by writing the saved value back
in to the program counter again.
vi. The Status Flag:
Indicates
the condition of an arithmetic operation or status of a particular program.
2.2.1
Computer Memory
The
two types of computer memory are:
a. Random Access memory (RAM) and
b. Read Only Memory (ROM)
a.
Random Access memory (RAM)
RAM
is one of memory that saves information in the PC. The information saves here
could be lost whenever there is a power failure. Therefore, it can be said that
the information saved here are not permanently saved (i.e. Volatile memory). As
soon as the computer is shut off, whether intentionally or by an accidental
power outage, every thing in RAM disappears, just as quickly as a light bulb
goes out when the plug is pulled. So you don't want to rely on RAM to hold
everything.
By volatile
memory we mean a location which loses its data (or content) in event of
failures-even as power failure, or machine failure.
b.
Read Only Memory (ROM)
The
information saved in ROM is permanent. That is, information saved here cannot
be easily lost even if there is a power failure. Therefore, we say that, this
memory is non-volatile memory As the name implies, the contents of ROM are only
read from hence the user may not alter the content during program run. In fact,
some programs are stored in it during the manufacturing process.
c. Buses
Transmission
of signals to and from the computer system is done by the buses. The following are the buses that are available
in the computer.
¨
Address Bus: Carries the memory and port address
signals.
¨
Data Bus: Carries signals representing instructions.
¨
Control Bus: Carries control signals.
2.3 The Ports
The
ports are the terminals where communication i.e. to and fro of the signals take
place between the input devices, processing devices and the output devices. Basically,
the computer ports consist of the keyboard, the mouse, power ports,
the monitor port and printer ports.
Other ports may also be available depends on the choice of the computer owner.
2.4 Basic Input and Output Devices
Communication
to and fro the computer via the ports is achieved by the use of the input and
output (1/0) devices. They are in fact referred to as peripheral devices and
consist of the keyboard, printing devices, the display unit (monitor), the
printer etc.
2.4.1
The Keyboard
The
keyboard is an input device used to type data into the processing unit of the
PC. Most of the keys on the keyboard are laid out like the keys on a typewriter.
It consists of both alphabetic and numeric character keys.
It is a means of interacting with
your computer. There are some special
keys like Esc (Escape), Ctrl (Control), and Alt (Alternate). Most keyboards
also have a numeric keypad with the keys laid out like the keys on a
typical adding machine. If you're accustomed to using an adding machine, you
might want to use the numeric keypad, rather than the numbers across the top of
the keyboard, to type numbers. It doesn't really matter which keys you use. The
numeric keypad is just there as a convenience to people who are accustomed to
adding machines.
- The Enter Key is known as the return key. It carries out
tasks like loading of programs and / or completion of instruction from the
operating system.
- The Control (Ctrl), Alternate
(Alt) and the Shift Keys are
referred to as the Modifier
keys. They change the function of a particular key to another when
combined with other keys.
- The Function Keys are multi-purpose keys. There are labeled F1,
F2, F3, and so forth. The exact role they play depends on which program
you happen to be using at the moment.
- The Caps Key is the key that enable the user to change from
lowercase to uppercase and vice versa.
- Screen control and Cursor keys are used to move the cursor to any position you
require on the screen. The cursor keys are also called arrow
keys.
- The Spacebar is the long bar found at the bottom (base) of
the keyboard. It used to give spacing between one word or character and
the next. Other function (s) may also be assigned to it in other programs.
- 9Pause key causes the system to stop whatever it is doing until
another key is pressed.
- Print screen is used to copy the entire information on the
screen including the Title bar, Menu bar and other features of the window
which cannot be copy by mere Copy commands such as Ctrl + C.
- Escape (Esc) acts like a cancel key and perform any
other function as may be assigned in a program.
- Page-Up (Pgup) and Page-down
(Pgdn) keys moves a document one page up or down or perform any other
function as may be assigned.
2.4.2
The Pointing Devices
Mouse is the most popular type of
the pointing device. It has at least two buttons on it. The button on the left
is called the primary mouse button (or left button); the button on the
right is called the secondary mouse button or just the right mouse
button. We can simply refer to them as the left and right mouse buttons.
Many mice have a small wheel between the two mouse buttons
The idea is to rest your hand comfortably on the
mouse, with your index finger touching (but not pressing on) the left mouse
button. Then, as you move the mouse, the mouse pointer (the little arrow
on the screen) moves in the same direction. When moving the mouse, try to keep
the buttons aimed toward the monitor -- don't "twist" the mouse as
that just makes it all the harder to control the position of the mouse pointer.
If you find
yourself reaching too far to get the mouse pointer where you want it to be on
the screen, just pick up the mouse, move it to where it's comfortable to hold
it, and place it back down on the mouse pad or desk. Some mouse terminology are
described below.
§
Point: To point to an item means to move the mouse pointer
so that it's touching the item.
§
Click: Point to the item, then press and release the left
mouse button.
§
Double-click: Point to the item, and press the
left mouse button twice in rapid succession - click-click as fast as you can.
§
Right-click: Point to the item, then press the
mouse button on the right.
§
Drag: Point to an item, then hold down
the left mouse button as you move the mouse. To drop the item, release the left
mouse button.
§
Right-drag: Point to an item, then hold down
the right mouse button as you move the mouse. To drop the item, release the
right mouse button.
2.4.3
The Video Display Unit (VDU)
A monitor or display
(sometimes called a visual display unit) is a piece of electrical equipment which displays images generated by
devices such as computers, without
producing a permanent record. The monitor comprises the display device, circuitry, and an enclosure. The display device in modern
monitors is typically a thin film transistor liquid crystal display
(TFT-LCD), while older monitors use a cathode ray tube
(CRT). A
monitor or display (sometimes called a visual display unit)
is a piece of electrical equipment which displays images generated by
devices such as computers, without
producing a permanent record. The monitor comprises the display device, circuitry, and an enclosure. The display device in modern
monitors is typically a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD),
while older monitors use a cathode ray tube (CRT).Video
Graphics Array (SVGA) which offers good color products and beautiful graphics
displays. The monitors are also of different sizes, shapes and makes. Most
common sizes are 14, 15 and
2.4.4
The Printer
A printer is an output device that produces text and graphics on paper.
Major
types of printer
Printers can be divided into two main groups,
- Impact printer and
- Non-impact printer.
Impact printer
produces text and images when tiny wire pins on print head strike the ink
ribbon by physically contacting the paper.
Non-impact printer produces text and graphics on paper without actually striking the paper.
Printers can also be categorized based on the print method or print technology. The most popular ones are inkjet printer, laser printer, dot-matrix printer and thermal printer. Among these, only dot-matrix printer is impact printer and the others are non-impact printers.
Some printers are named because they are designed for specific functions, such as photo printers, portable printers and all-in-one / multifunction printers. Photo printers and portable printers usually use inkjet print method whereas multifunction printers may use inkjet or laser print method.
Inkjet
printers and laser printers are the most popular printer types for home and
business use. Dot matrix printer
was popular in 70’s and 80’s but has been gradually replaced by inkjet printers
for home use. However, they are still being used to print multi-part
forms and carbon copies for some businesses. The use of thermal printers
is limited to ATM, cash registers and point-of-sales terminals. Some
label printers and portable printers also use thermal printing.
Due
to the popularity of digital camera, laptop and SoHo office (small office / home
office), the demand for photo printers, portable printers and multifunction
printers has also increased substantially in recent years.
2.4.5
The Storage Devices
Generally,
the storage device comprises the magnetic
and Non-magnetic storage device. The
most common magnetic storage devices are the diskettes while Compact Disk (CD)
is a non-magnetic storage device.
How
to safe-guard Computer Storage device:
- Avoid temperatures below 10o C and
high temperatures above 60oC
- Avoid placing storage device in hot environment
- Do not place storage device near magnetic fields
- Touch not or wipe the exposed part of the storage
device media.
- Do not be subject them to any manual stress.
- Keep storage devices in write-protect when not
in use if available.
Where these rules are properly followed,
viruses attack will be greatly minimized.
Non-Magnetic
Storage Devices
The
Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD/DVD-ROM) is the most common Non magnetic
storage devices. It can saved very large bytes of information as high as 700 MB
or even higher which makes it better when compared to diskettes. CD-ROM allows you
to read from them and not written to or modified once information are stored in
them.
However,
there are CDs/DVDs, which supports reading and writing but they require their
own special drive.
2.5
How to Switch On and Off the Computer System
It is highly recommended that the stabilizer and the uninterruptible
power supply unit (UPS) should be used along computer system for adequate power
protection. The stabilizer should be connected first to the main switch before
the UPS. The system unit and other appliances can then be connected to the UPS.
If the Monitor is taking its power from the CPU, it is advisable that the CPU
is switched on last after all appliances have been switched ON and the process
is reversed up to the main switch while switching off. All running programs should be closed
properly before shutting down the
computer.
Procedure involves when shutting down:
¨
Point to start
button and click, click shut down / Turn off computer
¨
Select Shut down
/ Turn off computer
¨
Do not turn off
the computer until the system informs you to do so.
When you switch ON
the computer the loading of programs onto the system screen depends on the
capacity of your computer and also the application installed in the system. You
needs to wait until your system boots before you do anything on your system.
If this procedure is carefully
obeyed, it will make the life span of the system to be prolong and work
properly.
LESSON THREE
3.0 THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer softwares
are programs, instructions or written instruction arranged in logical order and
installed to the computer to accomplish the required task.
Two types of Softwares include:
¨
System Software
and
¨
Application
Software
3.1 System Software
This is the commands or written
instructions installed in computer system which makes it to operate or function
properly. It is also called operating system.
An
operating system is a suite of programs that takes over the operation of the
computer to the extent of being able to allow a number of programs to be run on
the computer without human intervention.
The
basic functions System Software (operating system) include the following:
- It Schedule and Load jobs in order to provide
for continuous processing.
- It Passes control from one program to another
under a system of priority.
- It takes care of selection and operation of
input and output devices and file handling.
- It Calls programs and subroutine into the main
storage when necessary.
- It provides of error- correction routine.
- It furnishes a complete record of what took
place during processing events
- It enables communication with the computer user and the system.
3.2 Application Software
These
are software designed to perform specific function. Today, there are different
kinds of software available to computer users.
Application software can be grouped
into the following categories:
¨
Word processors software
¨
Computer Aided
Design and Draughting (CADD)
¨
Spreadsheets
¨
Data Base
Management System
¨
Optical Character
Recognition (OCR) also known as Scanners
¨
Computer
Graphics
¨
Desktop
Publishing
¨
Communication
Software
¨
etc
Care must be
taking when selecting the variety of software you want to install in your
computer .You must take into consideration of the PC capacity, speed and RAM capacity.
Also, you must have a good reason why
you want to install a particular application software.
3.3 Checking Drive Capacity (Space)
To know how much
of drive capacity is used and what you are having left:
·
Double-click on
“My Computer” ICON
·
Right click on
either 31/2 floppy disks A ICON (for diskette), the hard disk,
Flash drive or CD/DVD drive ICON (depends
on your choice).
·
Click on
“properties”
·
Select the
“General” tab
(You can see on the
surface the information you requires).
3.4 How to give an Internal Label to the
drive(s).
To do this,
·
Double-click on
“My Computer” ICON
·
Right click on
either 31/2 floppy disks A ICON (for diskette), the hard
disk, Flash drive or CD/DVD drive ICON (depends
on your choice).
·
Click on “properties”
·
Select the
“General” tab
·
Inside the box
displayed, type the desired name for the drive.
Note: It is highly advisable not to
use any of the Punctuation mark s or symbols such as <, >, ?, - &, #,
etc when internal name or label is given.
3.5 Security of the Computer System and Files
It
is very important to give adequate care to the computer system. There is the
need to always ensure adequate security of both the system and files.
¨
Physical
securities such as declaring the computer room “Out of Bounds” to all
unauthorized staff or individual should be applied.
¨
Password can be
used to secure the PC:
3.6 Security Against Fire
¨
Automatic fire
detection system should be provided.
¨
Fire fighting
equipment such as extinguisher should be provided.
¨
Drives should be
kept in fire-proof save
¨
Air conditioner or
adequate cooling system should be installed in the computer room so as to
reduce the heat generated.
