Module 1.1 – Introduction to computers
Types of computing devices: Laptops, Desktops, Smartphones,
Tablets
All computing devices are electronic i.e. they need electricity to work.
Hardware – The physical parts of the computer that we can touch and
see. e.g. the mouse, monitor, keyboard, printer, different parts found
inside the computer box or system unit.
Software – A set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. These
are also called programs.
What a makes a computer a multipurpose tool?
The ability to run different types of programs i.e. using the same
hardware to load a game and use your device for entertainment or you
can load a word processor and type out a document or you can load a
graphics program and create a picture.
Information Processing Cycle (The way a computer work) –
Computing devices receive input, processes it and then produces some
form of output (input -> process -> output or storage).
Difference Between Data and Information
Data is unprocessed facts or items.
Information is the result of the processing of data and should be useful
and meaning full.
So
A computer is a multi-purpose electronic device that can receive input,
process the input and produce output or store the data or the result of
the processing.
,Windows
Operating System – The most important program on the computer that
controls all the activities on the computer.
Booting process – The automatic loading of the operating system when
the computer is switched on.
Logging on – The process of getting access to the programs and data on
computer which are usually protected with the username and password
– This is especially nessesary when more than one person uses the
same computer and when a computer is linked to several other
computer in a nextwork.
To logon you are most likely to authenticate or verify your identity.
The authentication process might differ with different devices but
involves one or more of the following:
- Entering a username and password
- Entering a pin
- Swiping in a pattern called a screen lock pattern
- Letting the device scan and recognise your face or your fingerprint
which is known as biometric security.
Multifactor Authentication – when you need to enter more than your
username and password to access an app
Authentication is a way to check whether you are the person who is
allowed to use a computing device.
The desktop
When you switch on a computer after logging in you will see the desktop.
This is the first basic screen of the windows operating system.
Recycle bin – The place where the app of deleted files/folders are
temporarily stored. Here you can restore items or delete them
permanently.
This PC – Allows you to quickly access all the file locations on your
computers.
, - the arrow by the corner of the app indicates a shortcut to
opening the app.
The Taskbar -Runs across the bottom of the screen and gives quick
excess to frequently used applications and system function.
The Start Button - used to access various features and application on
the computer. Clicking on it will bring out the menu that indicates
shortcuts to programs, setting, and files.
Taskbar icons - open applications and provides quick access to them.
Notification area - provides quick access to various settings and
functions such as sound, network settings.
Working with the GUI
What is a GUI?
A graphical user interface(GUI) allows users to interact with a computing
device to make selections and performs actions through the use of
graphical elements such as icons.
A GUI is designed to be used with a keyboard and mouse (touch can
also be used to interact).
Gestures
See picture below.
- Right clicking brings up a list or pop-up menu with options related
to the app and makes it easier to use the GUI.
- Left clicking is used to select something
- Double click is used to open a file, folder or app
- Dragging is used to move or rezise an object
Types of computing devices: Laptops, Desktops, Smartphones,
Tablets
All computing devices are electronic i.e. they need electricity to work.
Hardware – The physical parts of the computer that we can touch and
see. e.g. the mouse, monitor, keyboard, printer, different parts found
inside the computer box or system unit.
Software – A set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. These
are also called programs.
What a makes a computer a multipurpose tool?
The ability to run different types of programs i.e. using the same
hardware to load a game and use your device for entertainment or you
can load a word processor and type out a document or you can load a
graphics program and create a picture.
Information Processing Cycle (The way a computer work) –
Computing devices receive input, processes it and then produces some
form of output (input -> process -> output or storage).
Difference Between Data and Information
Data is unprocessed facts or items.
Information is the result of the processing of data and should be useful
and meaning full.
So
A computer is a multi-purpose electronic device that can receive input,
process the input and produce output or store the data or the result of
the processing.
,Windows
Operating System – The most important program on the computer that
controls all the activities on the computer.
Booting process – The automatic loading of the operating system when
the computer is switched on.
Logging on – The process of getting access to the programs and data on
computer which are usually protected with the username and password
– This is especially nessesary when more than one person uses the
same computer and when a computer is linked to several other
computer in a nextwork.
To logon you are most likely to authenticate or verify your identity.
The authentication process might differ with different devices but
involves one or more of the following:
- Entering a username and password
- Entering a pin
- Swiping in a pattern called a screen lock pattern
- Letting the device scan and recognise your face or your fingerprint
which is known as biometric security.
Multifactor Authentication – when you need to enter more than your
username and password to access an app
Authentication is a way to check whether you are the person who is
allowed to use a computing device.
The desktop
When you switch on a computer after logging in you will see the desktop.
This is the first basic screen of the windows operating system.
Recycle bin – The place where the app of deleted files/folders are
temporarily stored. Here you can restore items or delete them
permanently.
This PC – Allows you to quickly access all the file locations on your
computers.
, - the arrow by the corner of the app indicates a shortcut to
opening the app.
The Taskbar -Runs across the bottom of the screen and gives quick
excess to frequently used applications and system function.
The Start Button - used to access various features and application on
the computer. Clicking on it will bring out the menu that indicates
shortcuts to programs, setting, and files.
Taskbar icons - open applications and provides quick access to them.
Notification area - provides quick access to various settings and
functions such as sound, network settings.
Working with the GUI
What is a GUI?
A graphical user interface(GUI) allows users to interact with a computing
device to make selections and performs actions through the use of
graphical elements such as icons.
A GUI is designed to be used with a keyboard and mouse (touch can
also be used to interact).
Gestures
See picture below.
- Right clicking brings up a list or pop-up menu with options related
to the app and makes it easier to use the GUI.
- Left clicking is used to select something
- Double click is used to open a file, folder or app
- Dragging is used to move or rezise an object
