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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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

`Inside /outside of the system unit(

Storage

A 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.

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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.

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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.

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 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)

• 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(

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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.

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.

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 Experience

Create Shortcut Icons on Your Desktop

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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PRESENTATION

VIDEO

PRACTISE

Self test

Figure 1 Components of a computer

Figure 2 Software

VIDEO

Figure 3 Examples of Operating System

Figure 5 RAM

Figure 4 Central Processing Unit CPU

Figure 7 Motherboard

Figure 8 Ports

Self TEST

PRESENTATION

VIDEO

Online storage

PRESENTATION

VIDEO

PRESENTATION

Figure 20a Bytes and Bytes

Self TEST

VIDEO

Figure 11 Proper posture

Figure 32 Identifying your PC’s Hardware

Figure 13 Create Short Cut

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