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Contents

Computer Basics..................................................................................................................4

Terminology.....................................................................................................................4

Hardware & Software......................................................................................................5

Performance & Features...................................................................................................5

Operating Systems...........................................................................................................5

Health & Safety...................................................................................................................6

Personal Health and Safety.........................................................................................11

The Risks........................................................................................................................11

Musculoskeletal problems..........................................................................................12

Eye strain....................................................................................................................12

Prevention is better than cure.........................................................................................12

Avoiding Eyestrain.....................................................................................................15

Summary....................................................................................................................15

PC Health and Safety.........................................................................................................16

Identifying your PC’s Hardware................................................................................17

Turning on the Computer...........................................................................................17

Turning Off the Computer..........................................................................................17

Personalizing Your Computing Experience...................................................................18

The Internet & the World Wide Web................................................................................22

Sending E-mails.........................................................................................................27

Receiving the E-mails................................................................................................28

Using Instant Messaging............................................................................................28

Computer Security & Privacy................................................................................................

An Overview of Computer Security and Privacy..............................................................

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Protecting Your Computer and Your Data........................................................................

Keeping Your Computer Secure and Updated...................................................................

Productivity Programs.......................................................................................................30

Word...............................................................................................................................35

Excel...............................................................................................................................47

PowerPoint.....................................................................................................................58

Access............................................................................................................................69

Computer Ethics................................................................................................................80

Digital.............................................................................................................................82

The Modern Digital Experience........................................................................................82

Digital Audio.....................................................................................................................82

Digital Video&Photography..............................................................................................82

Digital Technology and Career Opportunities...............................................................82

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Computer Basics

Terminology

Hardware : are the physical parts of a computer. The internal hardware parts of a

computer are often referred to as components, while external hardware devices are

usually called peripherals.

Software: Computer software is a general term that describes computer programs.

It tells the hardware what to do.

Applications: An application, or application program, is a software program that

runs on your computer.

Programs: A program is executable software that runs on a computer. [Programs are often called applications, which can be used synonymously with "software programs."]

Utilities or tools: Utility programs, commonly referred to as just "utilities," are software programs that add functionality to your computer or help your computer perform better. These include antivirus, backup, disk repair, file management, security, and networking programs.

Research additional information @ www.techterms.com

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Figure 1 Components of a computer

VIDEO Self testPRACTISEPRESENTATION

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Hardware & Software Analogy

In a way, it helps to think of hardware and software like a symphony orchestra.

For hardware, you have the musicians and their instruments. The software is the music. As

with a computer, the music (software) tells the musicians and their instruments (hardware)

what to do. Without software, hardware just sits around and looks pretty. It can’t do

anything because it has no instructions, and nothing telling it what to do next.

And, like a symphony orchestra without music, that can be an expensive waste of time

(especially at union scale). No, you must have software to make the computer go and

complete the computer system. In fact, it’s software that determines your computer’s

personality.

Computer software is more important than computer hardware. Like the master and the

slave, it’s the software that tells the hardware what to do. This is especially important to

note when first buying a computer because most people dwell on the new computer’s

hardware rather than on the software controlling that hardware.

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Figure 2 Software

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Operating Systems

The most important piece of software inside a computer is the Operating System [O.S.]. It has several duties:

Control the computer’s hardware. Manage all the computer software. Organize the files and stuff you create on the computer. Define the appearance and layout of the Graphical User Interface we see as users. Provide additional functionality to the software and define the ease in usability of

the PC Interface with you, the human.

The most common and popular OS available now on PCs are Windows XP,Windows Vista and Windows 7. These are the options presently installed on a computer when purchasing a new PC. Operating system [version] do get updated and improved from time to time.

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Figure 3 Examples of Operating System

VIDEO

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Performance & Features

The performance and features in computers vary. The performance of the computer can

be impacted by a number of components.

The amount of memory available for handling multiple processes,

The speed of the processor,

The number of applications, processes, programs being handled by the computer at

the same time.

Research additional information @ http://computer.howstuffworks.com/computer-memory.htm/printable

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Figure 4 Central Processing Unit CPU

Figure 5 RAM

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`Inside /outside of the system unit

StorageA storage device is a hardware device capable of storing information. There are two

storage devices used in computers; a primary storage device such as computer RAM and a

secondary storage device such as a computer hard disk drive.

Research additional information @ http://www.washington.edu/lst/help/computing_fundamentals/troubleshootingxp/vocab Research additional information @ www.computerhope.com

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Figure 7 Motherboard

Figure 8 Ports

VIDEOPRESENTATION Self TEST

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BITS AND BYTES

Question:

What Is the Difference Between Bits and Bytes?

The terms bit and byte are common in computer networking. Both terms refer to digital

data transmitted over a network connection. For example, bits and bytes both may represent

network addresses or port numbers.

Answer:

A bit is a single numeric value, either '1' or '0', that encodes a single unit of digital

information. A byte is a sequence of bits; usually eight bits equal one byte.

Research additional information @ http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/basicnetworking/f/bitsandbytes.htm

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Figure 20a Bytes and Bytes

VIDEOPRESENTATIONPRESENTATION

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Health & Safety

Personal Health and Safety

Improving health and safety practice should be taken seriously, although it need not take much time or expense. Measures taken should include:

Understanding the law - make sure someone in your organization has a health and safety brief covering all areas, not just computers. Specific laws may be enacted from time to time which may impact the health and safety standards for computer usage.

Being aware of the health risks - the government officially recognizes some of the risks although there are some grey areas you'll need to make up your own mind about.

Taking steps to minimize the risks - this may only involve taking simple measures.

Training all users to recognize the risks - if people aren't aware of the dangers they can't take adequate precautions to protect their health.

Taking users views seriously - if users feel there is something wrong there sometimes is.

The Risks

With the increase in computer use, a number of health and safety concerns related to vision and body aches and pains have arisen. Many problems with computer use are temporary and can be resolved by adopting simple corrective action. Most problems related to computer use are completely preventable. However it is important to seek prompt medical attention if you do experience symptoms including:

continual or recurring discomfort aches and pains

throbbing

tingling

numbness

burning sensation

or stiffness

Seek help even if symptoms occur when you are not working at your computer.

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VIDEO Self TEST

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Laptop computers can present particular problems due to small screens, keyboards and inbuilt pointing devices (e.g. a small portable mouse or touchpad). Prolonged use of laptops should be avoided. If using a laptop as a main computer (i.e. use as a normal desktop computer in addition

to use as a portable), it is advisable to use the laptop with a docking station. This allows an ordinary mouse, keyboard and monitor to be used with the laptop. The main risks associated with using computers include:

musculoskeletal problems Eye strain and a greater awareness of existing eye problems

Rashes and other skin complaints have also been reported, although it is thought these are caused by the dry atmosphere and static electricity associated with display units rather than by the display units themselves.

Musculoskeletal problems

These can range from general aches and pains to more serious problems and include:

Upper limb disorders such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome - by far the most important as it can lead to incapacity

Back and neck pain and discomfort

Tension stress headaches and related ailments

These types of problem can be caused by:

Maintaining an unnatural or unhealthy posture while using the computer Inadequate lower back support

Sitting in the same position for an extended period of time

An ergonomically poor workstation set up

Eye strain

Computer users can experience a number of symptoms related to vision including:

Visual fatigue Blurred or double vision

Burning and watering eyes

Headaches and frequent changes in prescription glasses

Computer work hasn't been proven to cause permanent eye damage, but the temporary discomfort that may occur can reduce productivity, cause lost work time and reduce job

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satisfaction. Eye problems are usually the result of visual fatigue or glare from bright windows or strong light sources, light reflecting off the display screen or poor display screen contrast.

Prevention is better than cure

Several relatively straightforward precautions can be taken by computer users to avoid problems.

Avoiding musculoskeletal problems

General precautions to avoid musculoskeletal problems include:

Taking regular breaks from working at your computer - a few minutes at least once an hour

Alternating work tasks

Regular stretching to relax your body

Using equipment such as footrests, wrist rests and document holders if you need to

Keeping your mouse and keyboard at the same level

Avoiding gripping your mouse too tightly - hold the mouse lightly and click gently

Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts for applications you regularly use (to avoid overusing the mouse)

It is also important to have your workstation set up correctly. Your workstation includes monitor, keyboard, mouse, seating, desk, and where appropriate, footrest (to enable you to put your feet flat if they would otherwise not reach the floor), wrist rest, and document holder. Monitors should:

Swivel, tilt and elevate - if not use an adjustable stand, books or blocks to adjust the height

Be positioned so the top line of the monitor is no higher than your eyes or no lower than 20° below the horizon of your eyes or field of vision

Be at the same level and beside the document holder if you use one

Be between 18 to 24 inches away from your face

Keyboards should:

Be detachable and adjustable (with legs to adjust angle)

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Allow your forearms to be parallel to the floor without raising your elbows

Allow your wrists to be in line with your forearms so your wrists does not need to be flexed up or down

Include enough space to rest your wrists or should include a padded detachable wrist rest (or you can use a separate gel wrist rest which should be at least 50 mm deep)

Be placed directly in front of the monitor and at the same height as the mouse, track ball or touch pad

Chairs should:

Support the back - and have a vertically adjustable independent back rest that returns to its original position and has tilt adjustment to support the lower back

Allow chair height to be adjusted from a sitting position

Be adjusted so the back crease of the knee is slightly higher than the pan of the chair (use a suitable footrest where necessary)

Be supported by a five prong caster base

Have removable and adjustable armrests

Have a contoured seat with breathable fabric and rounded edges to distribute the weight and should be adjustable to allow the seat pan to tilt forward or back

Tables and desks should:

Provide sufficient leg room and preferably be height adjustable Have enough room to support the computer equipment and space for documents

Be at least 900 mm deep

Have rounded corners and edges

Ergonomic safety

Research additional information@ http://www.sfsu.edu/~ergo/coaches_material/workstation_hurt.html

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Figure 11 Proper posture

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Avoiding Eyestrain

Precautions that can be taken to avoid eyestrain include:

Exercising the eyes by periodically focusing on objects at varying distances Blinking regularly

Keeping the air around you moist - for example using plants, open pans of water or a humidifier (spider plants are said to be particularly good for this and removing chemical vapours from the air)

Adjusting the screen height / seating so that when sitting comfortably your eyes are in line with the top of the monitor screen

Adjusting the brightness control on your monitor for comfort

Adjusting the contrast on your monitor to make the characters distinct from the background

Adjusting the refresh rate of your monitor to stop it flickering

Positioning monitors to avoid glare (e.g. not directly in front of windows)

Keeping your monitor the screen clean

Keeping the screen and document holder (if you use one) at the same distance from your eyes

Servicing, repairing or replacing monitors that flicker or have inadequate clarity

Regular eye testing - do this at least once every 2 years and more frequently if necessary - especially if you are experiencing eye problems related to using display equipment. Indicate the distance from your eyes to the monitor to your optician and talk to them regarding special lenses or the use of bifocals.

Summary

Computers are an essential tool in the work of most organizations. Although problems can occur through their use, with the proper equipment, ergonomic workstation design, proper techniques and working practices, the risk of problems can be greatly reduced.

When in doubt, ask.

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PC Health and Safety

The PC health and safety are important and must always be taken into consideration when

owning a PC because investing your money to own this equipment its longevity and long-

term functionality is of utmost importance.

To ensure the Health and Safety of your machine both Hardware and Software must be

remembered.

Environment – where you use and store your PC is important. The environment cannot be

very humid in the long-term. Proper ventilation and cool air must be provided to ensure the

PC’s internal component receive the additional cooling needed to prevent overheating and

premature failure of your hardware. AC and fans should always be a consideration for the

rooms that you have use your PC in.

Care – Users must be careful when using a PC. Remembering a PC is an electrical

appliance should be the guideline users keep in mind when having food and beverages

around the PC. Spillage of liquids on the PC can cause simple sticking of keys as well as

electrical damage to components. Food on PC parts can cause insects and rodents to inflict

various levels of damage on your PC’s hardware and electrical cords.

The consideration and care taken with your other electrical appliances with your home

should be taken with your PC. The only additional concerns to keep in mind would be

potential viruses and worms contracted via the use of the Internet and the possibilities of

Hacking & Identity Theft.

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Identifying your PC’s Hardware

Turning on the Computer [Boot up]

Turn

on

any

peripheral devices that are connected to the console/system unit.

Turn on the computer by pressing the on/off button.

Some computers have the monitors on standby so when the PC Powers up the

Monitor comes on as well.

Your last step is to wait for the PC’s booting up session is completed. Your screen

will show the Windows logo on your monitor indicating which version of windows

you have installed on your PC.

Turning Off the Computer [Shut down]

Shutting down the computer is easy. It is critical that we shut down the computer in an

orderly fashion.

Click on the Start Button in the lower left hand corner of the screen

Click on Shut Down. If there is a drop-down menu select Shut Down from the choices.

When the monitor goes blank and the lights at the front of the console go off the

computer is off!

Personalizing Your Computing ExperienceCreate Shortcut Icons on Your Desktop

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Figure 32 Identifying your PC’s Hardware

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The clear blank

space of you screen

displayed on

you monitor is

referred to as

your Desktop.

Shortcuts can

be places on

the Desktop

for any

software

program and

application that

you want readily accessible, or that is frequently used.

Using the Mouse: Click the Start Button; point to, for example, “Programs” and then point to “Microsoft Office” and then Right Click on “Microsoft Word.”

A shortcut menu appears, move across to “Send To” and then move further

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Figure 13 Create Short Cut