BASIC COMPUTER ENGINEERING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.    DEFINITION OF COMPUTER ENGINEERING

2.    PARTS THAT MAKES UP A COMPLETE COMPUTER SYSTEM

3.    PARTS OF THE HARDWARE

4.    WHAT IS A COMPUTER SOFTWARE

5.    TYPES OF SOFTWARE

6.    WINDOWS

7.    VERSIONS OF WINDOW

8.    BASIC HARDWARE ASSEMBLING

  

Computer Engineering can be defined as a branch of computer study that deals intimately with the physical (Hardware) aspect of the computer system.

Generally the course cut across some other aspects of computer like the software because the computer system cannot be complete without mentioning all the parts that makes up a complete computer system.

PARTS THAT MAKES UP A COMPLETE COMPUTER SYSTEM

Therefore, in respect to the course Computer Engineering, Hardware and Software which are the major components of the computer system have to be fully explained.

 What is Hardware?

 Hardware can be defined as the physical aspect of the computer systems. In order words, it can also stand to mean the parts or components of the computer that a computer user can touch, see and also predict.

Components of the Hardware:

For the definition of computer to be complete, all the parts that constitute to the working principle of the computer have to be mentioned.

Therefore, the parts of the hardware are as follows:

1.    System Unit:- It is a part of the computer that controls the general working principle of the computer. It is also called the central processing unit (CPU) .  in order words, the CPC is referred to the brain of the computer where all calculations and analysis are done. The System unit is been composed by different parts which enables it to carryout its objectives. They include: The Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU) which controls and processes numerical data, the Control Unit (CU) which controls the flow of data, the memory that stores processed data (information).

2.    Monitor: - The monitor is specifically responsible for displaying information. It produces information in its soft copy.

3.    Printer:- It  is basically used to produce the hard copy of an information.

4.    Mouse:- It is an input device use to issue commands and send data into the computer.

5.    Keyboard:- The keyboard in order hand is an input device used to send data to the computer system for processing. It can also be used to issue commands via shortcut keys.

6.    Scanner:- It is responsible for sending sophisticated graphics and other forms of document in its hard copy status into the computer system.

WHAT IS A COMPUTER SOFTWARE

A computer software can be defined as set of instructions organized by programmers to enable the hardware to achieve its functions. In order words, it can also said to be programmes or an application that guides a computer user to achieve its functions.

Note, without the software the hardware remains dormant. Because for the computer to be useful, there must be software(s) installed in it.

TYPES OF SOFTWARE

1.    System software

2.    Application software

3.    Personal software

1.  System software: This is the major software as regards to the fact that it is the software that executes the most important task like booting the computer and running it . In order words, it can be a software that enhances the working of the computer generally e.g. MS-WOS, MS-DOS etc

2. Application software:These are software designed by programmers to enable user carry out their tasks. Application Software can be sub-divided into:

a. Application packages

b. User application programs

a. Application packages: these are packages use to handle different business issue  e.g. MS word , MS Excel, coral draw, MS Access ,peach tree Accounting  etc

(b) User application programs: These are instructions written by programmers or users required for the running of their individual business

         3.Personal software:These are the users of the Computer.eg computer operators, instructors, Analyst,engineer’s,programmer’s etc.note; without

Software the hardware remains dormant.Therefore without the computer user starting the computer, it will be at its rest position for millions of years.

OPERATING   SYSTEM (O.S)

An operating system (so)   can be defined as a set of program that acts as an interface between the computer and the user. It is system software thatmanages the system resources, controls other software’ and at the same time make sure that works given to the computer are properly                    executed and completed.   

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM

         1 Single User Operating Systems: It is an operating system that allows its user to carry out only one job at a given point in time e.g. Microsoft Disk Operating System (Ms- Dos).

         2   Multi –User OperatingSystem: It is an operating system that enables its user to carry outtwo or more task at a particular point in time.        e.g Microsoft        

          Windows operating  system (Ms-Wos)

FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM

1.    The operating system control all the activities of the computer such as\coordinating the flow of data between different application programs.

2.    O.S allows the computer user to get a result.

3.    It serves as an interpreter between the computer and the user.

4.    It loads it in the memory

5.    It loads the user program in the memory.

WINDOWS (MS-WINDOWS-MS WOS)

Microsoft Windows are operating system. It came out after MS DOS(Microsoft disk operating system) to enable users run multiple tasks at a given point in time.

DEFINITION:  Windows can be defined as an interactive and multi-tasking operating system with graphical user interface (G.U.I).

It is a rectangular environment full of graphics concerning the program been displayed on the screen.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WINDOWS AND O.S

The relationship between windows and O.S is that the, window itself is a specific example of an operating system and at the same time they posses the same features.

VERSIONS OF WINDOWS

1.  Lower version windows: These are windows that earlier existed.eg windows 3.0,3.1 ,4.0 ,4.1 etc

2. Higher version windows: They are the recent windows in existence.eg windows 95, 98 ,98 plus ,2000,2003 ,windows millennium(M.E) ,windows experience(X.P) ,windows vista ,windows 7 etc.

FUNCTIONS OF WINDOW ENVIRONMENT

1.    It is used to run program(s)

2.    It enables users to create files

3.    It is used to check the property of external devices eg flash drive ,      CD-Rom etc

4.    It can be used to create folder

5.    It is used to move a file from one location to another

6 .It is used to decorate the desktop windows environment.

WINDOWS TECHNIQUES

Windows techniques are operations that are done within any opened window with the use of mouse.

The techniques include:

1.    Pointing: it is the act of moving the mouse pointer on top of an icon. It is used to indicate the name of the icon pointed on.

2.    Clicking: This is the process of selecting an item or icon by moving the mouse pointer on an icon and pressing the left mouse button down.

3.    Double clicking: it is used to open an item by simply pressing the left mouse button twice at the same time on top of an icon.

4.    Right clicking: it display options concerning the icon.This is done by pressing the right mouse button down.

5.    Dragging: This is used to move an icon from one location to another by simply pressing the left mouse button down on an icon with a move to the direction of your choice.

FOLDER /ICON (FULL MANAGEMENT)

A folder can be define as a store house for filesand programs. OR as a feature that houses files and programs.It can also be called an ‘’ Icon‘’.THUS: anIcon can be defined as a pictorial or diagrammatical representation of files and Program.

TYPES OF FOLDER

1.    System Folder:-   These are folders already created by the system. They are automatically created immediately after system’s configuration. E.g

A       My Computer:-   It contains the configuration information and properties of the system.

B       My Document:-   It contains all the jobs created and saved b y a user.

C       My Network Place:-It contains the network information and configuration of a computer.

D       Recycle Bin:-It houses deleted files.

E       Internet Explorer:-         It opens the global file.

2.      Personal Folder:- As the name implies, they are folders created by users e.g my picture, CJ’s folder, my fotos, my assignment.

STEPS TO CREAT A FOLDER

For the fact that folder Can be created in different environment, especially in environments with the command “New”, it simply means that the steps to create it varies.

1.             Using the Desktop:

(a)          Right click on empty space on the desktop

(b)          Click on new

(c)          Click on folder

(d)          Type the name you want for the folder

(e)          Press enter key

2.             Using Windows Explorer:

(a)          Launch window explorer

(b)          Click on file menu

(c)          Click on new

(d)          Click on folder

(e)          Type the name you want for the folder

(f)           Press enter key

STEPS TO RENAME A FOLDER

1.          Right click on the folder you want to rename

2.          Click on rename

3.          Type the new name for the folder

4.          Press enter key

STEPS TO DELETE A FOLDER

1.          Right click on the folder you want to delete

2.          Click on delete

3.          Click on yes

RECYCLE BIN:- This can be defined as a location where deleted items are found.

Note: After deleted jobs can also be restored from the Recycle Bin.

STEPS TO RESTORE DELETED FILE

1.          Launch Recycle Bin

2.          Right click on the file you want to restore

3.          Click on restore, or click on restore all item in order to restore all the files

STEPS TO DELETE FILE FROM THE RECYCLE BIN

1.        Launch Recycle Bin

2.        Right click on the file you want to delete

3.        Click on delete. Or click on empty Recycle Bin in order to delete all the files at the same time.

CUT COPY AND PASTE

These are commands or instruction used to move a file  or group of items from a given location to another.

Note: Cut command moves an item from one location to another. While Copy keeps the items in its original position after pasting. Paste on the other hand can be defined as a command use to duplicate cut and c copied items.

Note: For a user to paste and item, he/she must first cut or copy an item. i,e paste is dependent on cut and copy.

STEPS TO CUT OR COPY AN ITEM(S)

1.          Right click on the item you want to cut or copy

2.          Click on cut or copy (optional)

STEPS TO PASTE CUT AND COPIED ITEM

1.          Open the environment you want to paste the item

2.          Click on edit menu and click on paste or

3.          Right click in the environment and click on paste.

DESKTOP ENVIRONMENT

The Desktop environment is the first environment that display immediately a system is booted.

FEATURES OF THE DDESKTOP ENVIRONMENT

Features or properties of the desktop environment simply refers to the elements or items found on the desktop.

1.             Icons or Folders:  They are pictures or diagrams that represent files and programs on the desktop.

2.             Wallpaper: It is graphical picture used to decorate the desktop.

3.             Screen saver:       It is an animation that displays when the system is idle.

4.             Task bar:   It contains the start button with date and time. In order words, it can be refers to as the footer bar.

Note: Idleness mode of the system simply refers to a situation whereby the system is turned on, but not in use.

STEPS TO APPLY THE WALLPAPER

1.          Right click on empty space on the desktop

2.          Click on properties

3.          Click on desktop

4.          Under backgrounds, select any background of your choice

5.          Click on apply and ok.

STEPS TO APPLY SCREEN SAVER

1.          Right click on empty space on the desktop

2.          Click on properties

3.          Click on screen saver

4.          Under screen saver, select any screen saver of your choice

5.          Click on apply and ok.

Note: To use a special text as screen saver e.g Jesus is Lord, He is my Saviour, My Redeemer Liveth etc under screen saver, click on 3D text under screen saveer’s, click on setting, under custom text, type the text for the screen saver, click on ok. Then apply and ok.

STEPS TO SET THE SYSTEM DATE AND TIME

1.           Under the task bar, right click on date and time

2.           Click on adjust date and time

3.           Set the date and time

4.           Click on apply and ok.

STEPS TO HIDE OR UNHIDE THE CONTENTS OF THE DESKTOP

1.           Right click on empty space on the desktop

2.           Click on Arrange icons by…

3.           Unmark show desktop icons in order to hide it or mark show desktop icons in order to display it.

STEPS TO HIDE AND UNHIDE THE TASK BAR.

1.           Right click on the task bar

2.           Click on properties

3.           Mark “Auto-hide the task bar” in order  to hide it or unmark “Auto-hide the task bar” in order to display it.

VIRUS AND ANTI-VIRUS

Computer Virus can be defined as programs written by programmers to counter or interfere with the functionality of the system. Virus programs are very harmful to the computer because they destroy files and programs and even prevent the system from booting.

TYPES OF COMPUTER VIRUS

1.           Boot-Sector Virus:-It is a type of virus that hides itself in the boot sector of the system and therefore hinders it from booting.

2.           Parasitic Virus:-These are virus that hides in an executable files and disks. Whenever such file is runned, it duplicate immediately to other programs and disks.

3.           Multi-Partite Virus:-These are virus that posses the characteristics of both Boot-sector and Parasitic virus. These virus affect the Boot sector of a system and even files.

MOST POPULAR TYPES OF VIRUS

1.        Norton Antivirus

2.        Stone virus

3.        Diehard 2000

4.        Dark Avenger

5.        Green caterpillar

6.        Win 32 virus

7.        Doctor Solomon virus

8.        Angello virus.

CHARCTERISTICS OF COMPUTER VIRUS

The characteristics or features of computer virus are as follows:

1.           They prevent the system from booting properly

2.           They cause the system to slow down in operation

3.           They cause programs to hang

4.           They duplicate easily from one source to another computer

5.           They are not Visible:- They normally hide in files or programs

6.           Sometimes, they cause the system to display funny message

7.            They cause loss of data

8.           They cause the appearance of symbols.

SOURCE OF COMPUTER VIRUS

The source of computer virus includes:-

1.        Through infected external devices e.g flash drive, memory card, Diskettes etc

2.        Through computers in the same network Dorman

3.        Excess browsing can also be another source of computer virus

4.        Excess download of shareware

5.        Dust particles on its own can cause virus spread

NON-VIRUS COMPUTER PROBLEMS

This chapter will help us to understand that not all computer problems are virus. There are some minor problems the system will encounter which are not actually virus. They includes:-

1.        Bugs:- These are minor errors found in a program. It occurs when programming a software. Bugs can cause a program to run slow during operation.

2.           Trojans:-They sometimes performs unexpected action in a system. For instance, they can start formatting a n disk or duplicating files without users instruction.

3.           Droppers:- They are virus carriers. They are capable of installing virus program into a computer during their operation.

4.           Hoaxes:-They always displays false information to computer users.

5.           Human Errors/Mistakes:-       Inexperienced computer users sometimes can press wrong keys when using the computer, thereby causing the system to malfunction.

NAMES OF SOME COMMON COMPUTER VIRUS

S/N	VIRUS NAMES	TYPES	WHERE IT AFFECTS
1	Ambulance	File Virus	It affects files
2	Amoeba	File Virus	It affects files
3	Angelina	Boot sector virus	It affects the boot sector
4	Armageddon	File Virus	It affects the files
5	Bad Boy	File Virus	It affects files
6	Bad Guy	File Virus	It affects files
7	Big joke	File Virus	It affects
8	Brazil	Boot Sector	It affects boot sector
9	Bye Bye	Boot Sector	It affects the boot sector
10	Casino	File Virus	It affects files
11	Cinderella	File Virus	It affects files
12	Demon	File Virus	It affects files
13	Die-hard	File Virus	It affects files
14	Desperado	File Virus	It affects files
15	Devil’s Dance	File Virus	It affects files
16	Empire Monkey	Boot Sector	It affects the boot sector
17	ETC	File Virus	It affects files
18	Form	Boot Sector	It affects the boot sector
19	Fish	File Virus	It affects files
20	Freddy	File Virus	It affects files

WAYS OF PREVENTING COMPUTER VIRUS

1.     By inoculating the system:- Simply by installing Anti-Virus programs in a system.

2.    User Awareness:-Computer users should be aware of various means of virus spread so as to prevent it.

3.    Users stop coping from infected devices

4.    Avoidance of excess downloading from the internet. Because, despite the amount of Anti-virus program installed in a system, there are virus that surpasses it.

5.    Networks should be properly controlled and monitored.

ANTI-VIRUS

These are programs specially designed by programmers to counter the works of virus. They are programs use to keep a system protected from virus.

TYPES OF ANTI-VIRUS

1.    Norton Anti-virus

2.    Doctor Solomon Anti-virus

3.    Kaspersky Anti-virus

4.    Avast Anti-virus

5.    AVG Anti-virus etc.

MEASUREMENT OF DATA/INFORMATION

The smallest unit of information to be represented in a computer is bit. It is either (O or I) which is a natural representation of Binary. A bit is too small to represent a character. Hence (8) bits were grouped together to form a byte. Collection of bytes (1000) gives kilobytes etc.

Below are how data/information are measured.

1 or O                           =       Bit

8 Bits                   =       A byte

1000 bytes            =       1 Kilobyte

1000 Kilobytes      =       1 Megabyte

1000 Megabytes    =       1 Gigabyte

BASIC COMPUTER ASSEMBLING

In this chapter, users are expected to study all the parts of the computer system so as to make assembling easy.

In assembling the system, learners are expected to note the following:

1.    Input devices:-  Which include Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Joystick etc.

2.    System unit:-    which is the CPU

3.    Output devices:-  Monitor, printer etc

In addition, learners are advised to note the ports or drives in which all the peripherals i.e input and output devices will be connected. For instance, USB mouse and keyboard will be connected to the USB port of the system. Then Ps2 mouse and keyboard also goes to the system Ps2 port.

Note: All USB external devices goes to the system USB port and Ps2 external devices to the system Ps2 port.

COMPUTER TERMINOLOGIES AND ACRONYMS

1.    ICT:-  Information and Communication Technology

2.    Info-Tech:-  Information Technology

3.    Connectivity:-This is a means of connecting computers together through modem or network and communication lines to provide information access.

4.    Modem:-         Modulate/Demodulate

5.    NUI:-  Network User Interface

6.    GUI:-  Graphic User Interface

7.    Registers:-These are high-speed storage areas that temporarily store data during processing. E.g RAM

8.    RAM:-  Random Access Memory

9.    ROM:-  Read Only Memory

10.CD-ROM:-  Compact Disk-Read Only Memory

11.Chips:-These are tiny electronic component found in the system.

12.Peripherals:-  These are I/O devices

13.Surge protector:-A device that protect the computer from being damaged by surges. (spikes of high voltage)

14.UPS:-  Uninterruptible Power Supply

15.Drive:-A location where external devices are loaded.

16.GIGO:-  Garbage in Garbage out

17.WYSIWYG:-  What You See Is What You Get

18.PC:-  Personal Computer

19.MB:-  Megabyte

20.GB:-  Gigabyte

21.KB:-  kilobyte

22.HDD:-  Hard Disk Drive

23.FDD:-  Floppy Disk Drive

24.USB:-  Universal Serial Bus

25.VDU:-  Visual Display Unit

26.O.S:-  Operating System

27.MS DOS:-  Microsoft Disk Operating System

28.MS WOS:-  Microsoft Windows Operating System

29.LAN:-  Local Area Network

30.MAN:-  Metropolitan Area Network

31.WAN:-  Wide Area Network

32.CPU:-  Central Processing Unit

33.VGA:-  Visual Graphic Array

34.Processor:-Major part of the CPU for processing.