BPO
*Session introduction to computer*
*Session objectives*
After completing this session you will be able to
Define what a computer is
Explain the types of computer
Identify the part of the computer
Explain the working principle of the computer
Compare the benefits and limits of a computer
*Introduction to a computer*
What do you use a computer for?
You use a computer to...
Type a document
Listen to music
Use the internet
Send email
Chat with a friend
Play games
Watch a movie
*What is a computer?*
A computer is an electronic device
It manipulates information a data
It is used to store retrieve and process data
You can use a computer to type documents, send emails, play games, watch movies, and browse the internet. You can also use it to edit or create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.
*Types of Computers?*
When you hear the word computer, you may think of a personal computer such as desktop laptop
However, computers come in many shapes sizes, and the perform many different functions in our daily lives. When you use a calculator, browse the internet or play games on your smartphone, withdraw cash from an ATM, aur use a wearable technology like a smartwatch or fitness tracker, you are using a type of computer.
*Desktop computers*
These are designed to placed on a desk.
They are made up of different parts, including the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and a mouse.
*Laptop computers*
These are battery powered computers and can be easily carried around the use almost anywhere.
Laptop has a world in monitor, keyboard, touchpad (which replace the mouse), and speakers. This means it is fully functional, even when no external device are connected.
*Tablet computers*
Tablet computers or tablets are handheld computers that are even more portable then laptops. Instead of of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use a touch sensitive screen for typing and navigation. The iPad is an example of tablet.
*Server*
A server is a computer that provide services like data or information to another computer on an network.
For example, whenever you use the internet, you are looking at something that is stored on a server.
*Parts of a computer*
Can you name some parts of a computer ?
Printer mouse CPU speakers keyboard mouse
Let's identify each component of the PC you will be working with during this course
*Keyboard* : it is used to enter data into a computer or any other electronic device by pressing keys.
*Monitor* : the monitor resembles a TV screen and is also called a visual display unit (VDU). It is used to display a white variety of information such as text, graphics, video, animation, icon etc.
*Central processing Unit (CPU)* : the CPU is the brain of the computer, containing all the circuirity needed to process input store data and output results.
*Mouse* : it is a small device that is connect to the system unit by means of a long wire or USB.
*Printer* : The printer, as the name suggests, is used to print the result of any operation.
The computer converts data into useful information by performing various actions on the data
A computer receives raw data as *input, processes* it with a set of instructions (a program), stores it and produces the result as *output*.
This is referred to as IPO cycle
Let us see as an example of Input, Process and Output .
Input-Process-Output
*Working principles of a computer*
You want to type a letter and post it to your brother.
How do you give input to a computer?
What does a computer use to process or manipulate the data?
How do you see the output from the computer?
A computer receives data as an input, processes it, and then produces output.
*Input*-the information entered into a computer system, examples include typed text, mouse clicks, etc.
Examples of input include words and symbols in a document number of a calculation, instruction for completing a process, etc.
*Processing*- the process of transforming input information into an output. The computer manipulates the data based on a pre defined set of instructions this manipulations is called processing.
*Output*- computer output is information that has been generated by the computer. Examples of computer output include documents, reports, graphs, music, and pictures.
Therefore, you can use a keyboard to type your letter, the computer will use the CPU to process the given information and you can take a print out of the letter to post it to your brother. Please note the letter (document) displayed on your screen is also an output.
*Benefits of Computers*
We cannot question the fact that computers have made their impact on almost all aspects of life in today's days world
Computers provide the following benefits:
*Speed*: computers work at a very high speed and much faster than humans.
The human equivalent of an average computer would be 1 million mathematicians working 24 hours a day.
*Accuracy*: computers really make mistakes. In fact, most computer errors are caused by human faults.
*Storage*: storage capacity of a computer is usually in Gigabytes (GBs) or more. We can store text files, videos, images, games, etc. on our computer and access it easily.
*Multitasking* : computer can work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
*Reliability*: computers can perform the same short of working repeatedly without throwing up errors, as my heaven with humans due to tiredness or boredom.
*Limitations of Computer*
Computers have to be explicitly told what to do. They cannot perform anything outside the defined scope.
Their limitations include:
*Virus and hacking attacks* :
Virus and hacking attack only to unauthorised access over a computer for an illicit purpose.
*Online cyber crime* : computers can be used to commit crime. Data stealing is one of the major plates in the world of computers.
*E-waste*: Computers and other electronics get replaced very fast and they all the told devices that get thrown away our talk sick waste and have a negative impact on the environment.
Session: Hardware
Session Objectives
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- Define what a hardware is
- Describe the input, output and processing devices
- Identify the storage devices
Hardware refers to the physical parts or components of a computer system, including the devices connected to it.
Examples include monitor, mouse, keyboard, hard disk drive (HHD), graphic cards, sound cards, motherboard, etc.
Components of a Computer
As you know, a computer follows the I-P-O cycle for processing. Therefore, all the devices/components of a computer can be categorized as input devices, output devices, or processing devices.
At the basic level, all computers are made up of a processor (CPU), memory, and input/output devices.
A computer receives input from a variety of devices, processes that data with the CPU and memory, and sends results in some form of output.
Input-Process-Output
There are 5 main computer components as given below:
- Input Devices
- CPU (Computer Processing Device)
- Output Devices
- Primary Memory
- Secondary Memory
1) Inputting: It is the process of entering raw data, instructions and information into the computer. It is performed with the help of input devices.
2) Storing: The computer has primary and secondary the data before sending it to CPU for processing and also stores the processed data before displaying it as output.
3) Processing: It is the process of converting the raw data into useful information. This process is performed by the CPU of the computer. It takes the raw data from storage, processes it and then sends back the processed data to storage.
4) Outputting: It is the process of process of presenting the processed data through output devices like monitors, printer and speakers.
5) Controlling: This operation is performed by control unit that is part of CPU. The control unit ensures that all basic operations are executed in a right manner and sequence.
Components of a Computer
Can you identify the input and output devices in the given picture?
An Input device feeds data into a computer.
Keyboard: It is used to enter data into a computer or any other electronic devices by pressing keys. It has different sets of keys for letters, numbers, characters, and functions.
The keys on your keyboard can be divided into several groups based on function:
Typing (alphanumeric) keys:
These keys include the same letter, number, punctuation, and symbol keys found on a traditional typewriter.
Control keys: These keys are used alone or in combination with other keys are used alone or in combination with other keys to perform certain actions. The most frequently used control keys are Ctrl, Alt, the Windows logo key Picture of the Windows logo keys, and Esc.
Function keys: The function keys used to perform specific tasks. They are labeled as F1, F2, F3, and so on, up to F12. The functionality of these keys differs from program to program.
Navigation keys: These keys are used for moving around in documents or web pages and editing text. They include the arrow keys, Home, End, Pages Up, Page Down, Delete, and Insert.
Numeric Keypad: The numeric keypad is handy for entering quickly. The keys are grouped together in a block like a conventional calculator or adding machine.
The keyboard provides different keys to perform various operations, as shown in the following table.
Mouse: A mouse is a small device that is connected to the system unit by means of a long wire or USB. When we move it using our hands, it causes the corresponding movement of a pointer on the screen. Laptop computers come with a touchpad that works as a mouse.
Scanner: The scanner user the pictures and pages of text as input. It scans the picture or document then converted into a digital format or file and is displayed on the screen as an output.
Touchpad: It is usually found in laptops as a substitute for the mouse. It allows you to move or control the cursor on the screen using your figure. Just like a mouse, it also has two buttons for right and left click. Using the touchpad, you can perform all the tasks that you do with a mouse, such as selecting an object on the screen, copy, paste, delete, open a file or folder, and more.
Webcam: It is a camera connected to a computer externally or the in-built camera provided on a computer (like in laptop). It is as input device as it can take pictures and can be used to record videos if required.
Output Devices
The output devices are used to display output of an operation.
The output can be meaningful information and can appear in a variety of forms as text, numbers, characters, pictures, printed pages (hard copies), audio or video.
Monitor: This also knows as VDU (Visual Display Unit). It is the display unit or screen of the computer. Similar to a TV screen, it is used to display a wide variety of information such as text, graphics, video, animation, audio etc. The display can be either in black and white or color.
Speaker: They receive audio input from the computer's sound card and produce audio output in the form of sound.
Printer: Using the printer, you can obtain the output on a paper.
Projector: It enables the user to project the output onto a large surface such as a big screen or wall. It uses light and lenses to produce magnified texts, images, and videos. So, it is an ideal output device to give presentations to a large number of people.
Processing Devices
The computer performs useful operations by manipulating the data in many ways. This includes modifying documents and pictures, adding numbers and drawing graphs according to user instructions. The processing devices are used to process the instructions given to the computer.
CPU (Computer Processing Unit): A Central Processing Unit is also called a processor, central processor, or microprocessor. It carries out all the important functions of a computer. It also helps input and output devices to communicate with each other. Due to those features, it is often referred to as the brain of the computer.
Processing Devices
The CPU chip is responsible for processing data, storing data and retrieving the information. Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the CPU.
There are many models of CPU chips available like Pentium I, Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium IV and Celeron.
Generally, a CPU has three components:
- Control Unit
- ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
- Memory or Storage Unit
ALU: The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs the mathematical and logical functions. Arithmetic functions include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Logical functions include selecting, comparing, and merging the data.
Memory: This part stores the data and information. Memory is the internal storage area in the computer system. It temporarily stores data, programs, and intermediate and final of processing.
Storage Devices
A storage device stores the information, either temporarily or permanently.
The computer memory holds the data and instructions needed to process raw data and produce output. The data is stored in storage devices for processing data as well as for future references. A storage device is available in various forms such as hard disk, RAM, cache. They also have externally connected USB drives like a pen drive.
There are two types of storage devices:
1. Primary storage devices
2. Secondary storage devices
Storage Devices
1. Primary Storage Device:
A primary storage device is any storage device or component that can store non-volatile data in computers, servers, and other computing devices. It is used to hold/store data and applications temporarily or for a shorter period of time while the computer and very fast in terms of accessing data files. The RAM and cache memory are the examples of the primary storage devices.
Storage Devices
There are two types of primary memory:
Random Access Memory (RAM): The programs and data that the CPU requires during execution of a program are stored in this memory. RAM is a volatile memory as the data is lost when the power is turned off. It does not store data or instructions permanently.
Read Only Memory (ROM): It stores crucial information essential to operate the system, like the program essential to boot the computer. It is not volatile as it always retains its data.
2. Secondary Storage Devices:
A secondary storages device refers to any volatile storages device that is internal or external to the computer. It can be any storage. The CPU can't directly access the secondary memory. First, the secondary memory data is transferred to primary memory then the CPU can access it.
Secondary storage devices include:
Hard Disk Drive (HDD): The hard disk is a high storage capacity disk and is permanently placed inside the computer. Normally there is only one hard disk for a computer but if required you can add extra hard disk to your computer.
Pen Drive: It connects to a computer via a USB port. It is commonly used to store and transfer data between computers.
Memory units are used to measure and represent data. Some of the commonly used memory units are:
1) Bit: A bit is the smallest memory unit to measure data stored in main memory and storage devices. A bit can have only one binary value out of 0 and 1. 2) Byte: A byte contains 8 bits or is equal to 8 bits. Thus, a byte can represent 2*8 or 256 values. 3) Kilobyte: A kilobyte contains 1024 bytes. 4) Megabyte: A megabyte contains 1024 kilobytes. 5) Gigabyte: A gigabyte contains 1024 megabyte. 6) Terabyte: A terabyte contains 1024 gigabytes.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board inside a computer that connects the different parts of a computer together. It is a thin plate which has sockets for the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive, expansion cards to control the video and audio, and also connects to your computer's ports (such as USB ports). The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer. It is responsible to distribute power to the various components of the computer.
Session: Software
Session Objectives
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- Define what a software is
- Distinguish between Application and System software
- Explore the 'Start' Menu
A PC is incapable of performing any task with the hardware alone. It requires instructions to function as desired. like data, instructions are also entered via the input devices like keyboard, mouse, and scanner. A set of instructions is called a Program. Software is a set of programs than enables the enables the hardware to perform a specific task. All the programs that run the computer are software.
We can categorize software into two types:
1. Application software
2. System software
Application Software
- Do you use MS Word application to create and edit documents?
- When you go to a bank or hospital or contact any call center, the staff enters your details in any call center, the staff enters your details in an application software that helps them to manage their customer's data and information.
- What is application software?
- Software especially suited for specific application is now available in the market. For example, software for billing systems, accounting software or software that enables the creation and storage of documents.
- Such software is called application software since it is designed for a specific application.
- Application software that takes care of a variety of business and corporate needs can now be bought off the business and corporate needs can now be bought off the shelf. These are also called standard software packages.
- They are reasonably priced and can run on any standard PC.
- Application Software is a set of programs designed to perform a specific task
- For example, a payroll software is used for managing payroll, Customer Relationship Management software is used to manage the details of customers
- Application software is designed for end-sers, so it does not control the working of a computer
- It can be easily installed or uninstalled, as required. It can be a single program or a collection of small programs
- Other examples include Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, etc.
- Using DBMS software, a user can maintain large volumes of data that can be modified, updated and queried
- A spreadsheet software package allows a user to enter numeric data, formula and perform calculations. Graphs and charts can also be generated from the given data. It has rows and columns, and the data is entered in the cell, which is an intersection of a row and column, e.g., Microsoft Excel.
- The Word processing software converts a PC into a sophisticated typewriting machine. It has the facility to perform spell checks, provide for synonyms, and allow changes or corrections in the document. for example, MS Word, WordPad, Notepad, etc.
- Multimedia software is developed to perform editing of video, audio, and text. It allows you to combine texts, videos, audio, and images. Thus, you can improve a text document by adding photos, animations, graphics, and charts through multimedia software. For example, VLC player, Window Media Player, etc.
- Enterprise Software are developed for business operational functions. It is often used in large organizations where the quantum of business is too large. It can be used for accounting, billing, order processing and more. For example, CRM (Customer Relationship Management), BI (Business Intelligence), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), SCM (Supply Chain Management), customer support system, etc.
- Examples of standard software packages include Financial Accounting and Inventory Control Packages
- In case a user is not satisfied with the available package, because it does not meet all the requirements, the package can be modified. However, if the package cannot be modified, the user can opt for a customized software package. A customized package is developed for a user's specific needs and may not be relevant to any other user.
- Microsoft Office suite of products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
- Internet browsers like Chrome, Internet explorer, Firefox, Safari
- The system software is the main software that runs the computer
- System software is a type of computer program that is designed to run a computer's hardware and application programs
- When you turn on the computer, it activates the hardware and controls and coordinates their functioning
- The application programs are also controlled by system software
- A computer can run without application software but not without system software
- The operating system is an example of system software
- An operating system is the system software that works as an interface to enable the user to communicate with the computer
- It manages and coordinates the functioning of hardware and software of the computer
- The commonly used operating system is Microsoft Window, Linux, and Apple Mac
- When a user wants to store any data or program, the data or program is stored at a location that is known only to the operating system
- Therefore, the operating system performs the task of storage management
- Besides storage management, the operating system also performs devices management
- For instance, when a user wants to print information on the printer, or display information on the VDU, he or she does not have to bother about the actual transportation of the information from the internal storage to the VDU or to the printer. The operating system takes care of it.
- Whenever you turn on the computer, the operating system, which is the most important program in the computer, starts automatically
- An operating system control almost everything a computer does, such as recognizing the input from the keyboard and mouse, sending output to the monitor, and organizing and managing files and folders on the computer
- To make other changes to how the Start menu looks, select the Start button, and then select Settings>Personalization>Start to change which apps and folders appear on the Start menu.
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