digital literacy, parts of a computer, computer hardware and software
- 1. Unit: Digital Literacy Trainer: Mr John Ndiritu Tel: 0729175459
- 2. Learning Outcomes Identify computer software and hardware. Apply security measures to data, hardware and software in automated environment. Apply computer software in solving tasks. Apply internet and email in communication at workplace. Apply desktop publishing in official assignments. Prepare presentation packages.
- 3. Introduction to Digital Literacy • Definition: Digital literacy is the ability to access, process, understand, and create information in a digital environment. • Importance: • Facilitates learning and communication. • Empowers individuals in a technology-driven world.
- 4. Key Terms • Digital: Electronic technology • Literacy: Ability to read and learn • Digital Literacy: Ability to use technology to find, evaluate, and communicate information • Computer: Electronic device that processes data into information • Data: Raw facts with no meaning • Information: Processed data with meaning
- 5. Components of a Computer System • Hardware: Physical components (CPU, RAM, motherboard) • Software: System & application programs • Liveware: The user
- 6. System unit • Definition: • The core of a computer system, typically a rectangular box placed on or under a desk. • Houses key electronic components for data processing. • Key Components: • Central Processing Unit (CPU): The "brain" of the computer, responsible for executing instructions. • Random Access Memory (RAM): Temporarily stores data used by the CPU while the computer is on; erased when powered off. • Motherboard: The main circuit board connecting CPU, RAM, and peripherals. • Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP): High-speed connection for video cards, faster than PCI.
- 7. System Unit
- 8. Components of a Computer
- 10. Computer Hardware • Monitor: Main output device. • Printer: Prints information on paper. • Storage Devices: Flash drives, hard disks, CDs. • Input Devices: Mouse, keyboard.
- 11. Hardware Categories: Input Devices Keyboard • Definition: The primary input device, similar to a typewriter, used for typing and executing commands. • Types of Keys: • Alphanumeric Keys: Letters, numbers, and symbols ($, %, @, etc.). • Special (Control) Keys: Used alone or with others (Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Esc, Windows key). • Function Keys: Perform specific tasks (F1-F12; e.g., F5 refreshes a browser page). • Navigation Keys: Move within documents (Arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up/Down, Delete, Insert). • Numeric Keypad: Similar to a calculator, for quick number entry. • Functionality: • Pressing a key sends an electronic signal to the CPU. • Standard keyboards typically have 101 keys.
- 13. A. – Function keys B. – Alphanumeric keys C. – Control keys D. – Navigation keys/cursor movement keys E – Numeric keypad
- 14. The Mouse Definition: A small device used to point, click, and interact with a computer screen. Types of Mice: • Mechanical: Uses a rolling ball for movement. • Optical: Uses LED light to detect movement. • Laser: More precise than optical mice. • Wireless: Uses Bluetooth or RF signals. Basic Parts: • Primary Button (Left): Selects and interacts with items. • Secondary Button (Right): Opens context menus. • Scroll Wheel: Scrolls through pages and documents.
- 15. Mouse Common Actions: • Clicking: Selecting an item. • Double-Clicking: Opening files and programs. • Right-Clicking: Accessing additional options. • Dragging & Dropping: Moving files and icons. • Scrolling: Navigating documents and web pages. Usage Tips: • Place on a smooth surface. • Hold lightly, keeping the wrist straight. • Adjust mouse sensitivity for better control.
- 17. Computer Software 1. Operating Systems: Linux, Windows, MacOS. 2. Application Software: 1. Word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word). 2. Spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel). 3. Graphic presentations (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint). 4. Database management systems (e.g., Microsoft Access).
- 18. Functions of ICT Data Capture: Collecting information (e.g., internet cookies). Data Processing: Analyzing and converting data. Generation of Information: Organizing into useful forms. Storage: Retaining for future use (e.g., cloud storage). Retrieval: Accessing stored data (e.g., search engines).
- 19. Positive Uses of ICT in the Society • Industry & Commerce: Enhances efficiency and productivity • Healthcare: Medical automation, record-keeping, remote surgery • Government: Improves efficiency in ministries • Education & Research: E-learning, training simulations • Communication: Telecommunications, air traffic control • Law Enforcement & Defense: Crime tracking, military technology • Home & Leisure: E-commerce, entertainment, assistive tech for disabled
- 20. Negative Effects of ICT • Lack of Social Skills: Reduced face-to-face interactions • Health Hazards: Obesity, sleep disorders, addiction • Internet Addiction: • Cybersexual & cyber-relationship addiction • Online gambling, shopping, gaming • Environmental Concerns: • E-waste & pollution • High energy consumption • Privacy & Security Issues
- 21. Advantages of Computers • High Processing Speed • Accuracy & Consistency • Reliability & Large Storage • Automation of Risky Tasks • Reduces Paperwork & Costs
- 22. Disadvantages of Computers • High Initial Cost • Job Loss Due to Automation • Cybersecurity Threats • Rapid Obsolescence & Upgrade Costs
- 23. Types of Computer Networks • LAN (Local Area Network): Small geographical area, e.g., office. • WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): Wireless communication within a limited area. • WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers large geographical areas, e.g., cities.
- 25. Generations of Computers 1. First Generation (1937-1946): Technology: The first generation relied on vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory. These machines were massive, consuming entire rooms. Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC I, and IBM 701. Characteristics: Operated on machine language (binary code).Power-hungry, generating significant heat. Input was via punched cards, and output was on paper. Fact: The ENIAC (1946) was the first general-purpose electronic computer. It could perform 5,000 calculations per second, an unprecedented feat at the time
- 27. Generations of Computers Second Generation (1947-1962): Transistors, memory, and programming languages. Technology: Transistors replaced vacuum tubes, making computers smaller, faster, and more reliable. Examples: IBM 1401 and UNIVAC II. Characteristics: Used high-level programming languages like COBOL and FORTRAN. Stored programs in memory instead of relying solely on magnetic drums. Reduced power consumption and heat generation.Exciting Fact: IBM's 1401 was so successful that it became one of the first widely used business computers
- 29. Generations of Computer Third Generation (1963-Present): Integrated circuits, multitasking. Technology: The advent of microprocessors allowed all the computing components to be integrated onto a single chip. Examples: Apple II, IBM PC, and Commodore 64. Characteristics: Personal computers became widely available and affordable. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) like Windows made computers user-friendly. Networking capabilities led to the development of the internet. Exciting Fact: The Intel 4004 microprocessor (1971) was the first commercially available chip, boasting 2,300 transistors and running at 740 kHz
- 30. Classification of Computers by Size
- 31. Classification of Computers by Size • Supercomputer: High-performance systems (e.g., PERAM, Jaguar). • Mainframe: Bulk data processing (e.g., IBM series). • Minicomputers: Affordable and interactive systems (e.g., laptops). • Microcomputers: Compact systems with microprocessors.
- 32. Classification by Functionality • Servers: Dedicated computers set up to offer services to clients (e.g., Web servers, File servers). • Workstations: Computers designed primarily for single-user tasks (e.g., Graphic design PCs, Video editing workstations). • Information Appliances: Portable devices for basic tasks like multimedia playback (e.g., MP3 players, eBook readers). • Embedded Computers: Computing devices used in machines for specific operations (e.g., Engine control systems, Smart thermostats).
- 33. Classification by Data Handling • Analogue Computers: Use physical quantities to model problems (e.g., Speedometer, Analog weather forecasting systems). • Digital Computers: Perform calculations using binary systems (0s and 1s) (e.g., Desktop PCs, Laptops). • Hybrid Computers: Process both analogue and digital data (e.g., Medical imaging systems, Flight simulation systems).
- 34. Components of a Computer Software • Definition: A computer software is a collection of instructions telling the computer how to work. • Types of Software: • Application Software: Performs specific functions or provides entertainment (e.g., Microsoft Office, Video games). • System Software: Manages hardware and provides basic functionalities (e.g., Windows OS, Linux). • Malicious Software: Developed to harm/disrupt systems (e.g., Ransomware, Trojan viruses).
- 35. Computer hardware • Definition: Physical, tangible parts of a computer. • Examples: • Input Devices: Keyboard, mouse. • Output Devices: Monitors, speakers. • Storage Devices: CDs, flash disks, hard disks.
- 36. Operating System Functions • Definition: System software managing hardware, resources, and services for programs. • Types of Operating Systems: • Single-tasking and multitasking. • Single-user and multiuser. • Distributed: Manages multiple computers as one system (e.g., Google Cloud systems). • Embedded: Designed for embedded systems (e.g., Operating systems in ATMs). • Real-time: Processes events/data within specific timeframes (e.g., Air traffic control systems).
- 37. Functions of an Operating Sytsem • Security: Protects user data with passwords and similar methods. • Job Accounting: Tracks resources and time used by tasks/users. • Memory Management: Oversees primary memory. • Processor Management: Allocates processor access. • Device Management: Manages communication via drivers.
- 38. Common Operating System Commands • APPEND: Sets or displays data file search paths. • ASSIGN: Redirects disk operations between drives. • ATTRIBE: Views or changes file attributes. • CALL: Executes and returns from batch files. • CHCP: Displays or changes active code pages for console output.