InformationTechnology

PRINCESS NOURA BINT ABDUL RAHMAN UNIVERSITY

PREPARATORY YEAR

FIRSTSEMESTER (2013 – 2014 / 1434– 1435)

Computer skills (CMP-001)MODULE :1

Prepared by:

Ms. SalehaZiauddin

Ms. LamisHezbawi

Ms. Mazna Khan

Terminology translation by:

Ms. AbeerHelwa

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Reviewed and Approved by:

Ms. AzraJabeen(Director of IT Department)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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VocabularyComputer Generations الحاسب أجيالVacuum Tubes المفرغة األنابيبIntegrated Circuits المتكاملة الدوائرSilicon chips السليكون رقائقProcess معالجةlogical operations المنطقية العملياتInformation معلوماتData بياناتSpeed and accurate والدقة السرعةHardware المادية الوحداتInput devices االدخال أجهزةKeyboard المفاتيح لوحةThe Mouse الفأرةScanner الضــوئي الماسحBarcode Reader الشيفراتشريط قارئ Joystick التحكم عصاOutput devices االخراج أجهزةMonitor (Computer Screen ) الشــاشةLaser Printer الليزرية الطابعةInk-jet Printer الحبرية الطابعةSpeaker/Head phones السماعاتText نصpictures الصورVoice الصوتResolution الشاشة دقةTouch Screen اللمس لوحةCentral Processing Unit المركزية المعالجة وحدةMemory unit الذاكرة وحدةRandom Access Memory العشوائي الوصول ذاكــرةRead Only Memory فقط القراءة ذاكــرةTemporarymemory المؤقتة الذاكرةPermanentmemory الدائمة الذاكرةVolatile–non Volatile متطايرة – غير متطايرةStorage Device التخزين أجهزةInternal Unit الداخلية التخزين وحداتExternal Unit الخارجية التخزين وحداتHard Disk الصلب القرصFloppy Disk المرنة األقراصCD –Compact Disk المضغوط القرصSoftware البرمجياتOperating System التشغيل نظامApplicationSoftware التطبيقية البرمجياتGraphical User Interface الرسومية المستخدم واجهة

BASIC CONCEPTS

Computer:

A computer is an electronic machine that receives input, stores and automatically processes data, and provides output in a useful format.

Data:

Data is raw & unorganized facts and figures that need to be processed.

Information:

When data is processed and organized so as to make it useful and meaningful, it is called Information.

Information Technology

A term that refers to both the hardware and software that is used to store, retrieve and manipulate information.

Advantages of computers:

o Speed and accuracy of calculations and processing.o Saves huge amounts of data.o Economic in cost and time.o Network communications.

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COMPUTER GENERATIONS

The present computer system that we see today has evolved through various development stages. These stages are illustrated below:

First generation computers (Vacuum tubes):

o They relied on the machine language to perform operations. o They were huge in size.o They had very low processing speed.o They were very expensive.

Second generation computers (Transistors):

o The transistors replaced vacuum tubes.o They were smaller, faster, and cheaper than the first generation computers.

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Third Generation (Integrated Circuits):

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o The Integrated Circuits replaced the transistors in the third generation.o The Integrated circuits increased the speed and efficiency of the computer.

Fourth Generation computers (Present Microprocessor):

o The present microprocessor chip is the most powerful till date.o These computers can be linked together to form networks.o These computers are the fastest and the most efficient.

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TYPES OF COMPUTERS

Super computer:

o They are the biggest and the most powerful computers.o They are rare because of their cost and size. o Used by companies like NASA.

Mainframe computers:

o Great processing speed and data storage.o Often connected to many individual PCs with limited processing capabilities called

dumb terminals.o Used in Banks, Airlines etc.

Minicomputers:

o These computers minimized in size and power. o They are not used very commonly these days.

Microcomputer:

o It is called the personal computer (PC) which is popular everywhere.o It is small enough to fit on top of a desk, which can be used by one user at a time. o Used in homes, schools etc.

Workstation Computer:

o A workstation is a high-end microcomputer used in engineering applications. o Intended primarily to be used by one person at a time, they are commonly connected to

a local area network.o The term workstation has also been used to refer to a PC connected to a network.

Control Computer:

These computers are used for controlling operations in industrial, medical devices and travel media like planes and cars, to alert in any dangerous case.

PARTS OF A PERSONAL COMPUTER

A Personal Computer is broadly categorized into two parts – Hardware and Software. These will be illustrated in detail as follows:

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HARDWARE

The physical parts of a computer which you can see and touch are called Hardware. Hardware is classified further into the following:

1. Input devices

Devices used to translate data into a form that the computer can process are called Input devices. Some examples of input devices are as follows:

Keyboard: It is a board containing the keys of letters, numbers and some functions which allows you to type information into the computer.

Mouse: A small hand-held device used to point, select, click on items and to drag and drop items from one place to another.

Scanner :It allows you to scan pictures, text and images and save it to your computer in a digital form.

Bar Code Reader:It is a photoelectric scanner that translates the bar code symbols into digital form.Joystick:Small hand lever that can be moved in any directions to control movement on the screen. It can be used for playing games.

2. Output devices:

Devices used to translate the processed information into a form that humans can understand.Some examples of output devices are as follows:

Monitor (Computer Screen):Monitordisplays the output in terms of text, information or pictures. They come in different sizes and resolution.

Printer:A printer produces a hard copy of the material you are working on. For example, Laser Printer and Ink-jet Printer.

Plotters: They are similar to printers but allow you to print larger images.

Speaker/Headphones:Theyare used to output voice from a computer.

Touch Screen:It can be used as both Input and output device at the same time.It receives input from the touch of a finger. For example - smart phones, ATM machines etc.

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3. Central Processing Unit (CPU):

It is the most important part of a computer system. It is usually referred to as the brain of a computer. It determines the speed of your computer, which is measured in GHz (Giga Hertz).

The two main components of CPU are:

a) CU -Control Unit:It tells the computer system how to carry out program instructions from the memory. It controls and coordinates all activities of the computer.

b) ALU-Arithmetic and Logic Unit: It performs mathematical and logical operations.

4. Memory Unit:

Memory TypesRAM

(Random Access Memory)ROM

(Read Only Memory)

RAM isvolatile memory (the information is lost when you switch off the computer).

This chip is where the operating system is loaded to when you switch on your computer.

Used to store applications that you are currently working with.

It is a temporary memory

ROM isnon-volatile (the information is not lost when you switch off the computer).

This chip has special programs which are built-in when you buy the computer.

Used to store control programs.

It is a permanent memory.

Storage Devices : Hardware devices which are used to record and store data are called storage devices. They are of two types:

1. Internal storage.

2. External storage.

Some examples of storage devices are as follows:

Internal storage :

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Hard Disk: It is the most important storage media located inside the computer, which stores operating system and programs.

External storage:

Flash Memory (USB): A compact and easy-to-use device for transferring data between computers.

CD (Compact Disk): An optical disk which uses laser technology to read information. It can store data up to 750 MB.

DVD (Digital Versatile Disk): A high-density video disc that stores large amounts of data, especially high-resolution audio-visual material like movies, encyclopedia etc. In DVD, the capacity is up to17 GB.

Disk and memory capacity:

The smallest unit of storage is called bit.The bit is a binary numbering system which consists of 0 or 1.

8 bits = 1 Byte

1024 bytes = 1 Kilo Byte (KB)

1024 KB = 1 Mega Byte (MB)

1024 MB = 1 Giga Byte (GB)

1024 GB = 1 TeraByte (TB)

Computer Performance: The computer performance depends on the following:

- The speed of the processor, which is measured in Giga Hertz.- The capacity of RAM, which is measured in Giga Bytes.- The speed and capacity of the Hard Disk.

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SOFTWARE

Software, or programs, are instructions that tell the computer what to do and how to perform. It is divided into two types – Operating system and Application Software.

Operating System

An interface between hardware and user, which is responsible for the management of activities and the sharing of the resources of a computer.

It is the main software in any computer. Some examples are:

- DOS (Disk Operating system) - Windows (98 – Me – 2000 – XP – Vista – 7)- MAC OS- UNIX

Two main types of Operating Systems:

a. CLI (Command Line Interface): A user interface in which you type commands instead of choosing them from a menu or selecting an icon.

b. GUI (Graphical User Interface): A visual way of interacting with a computer using items such as windows, icons, and menus. It is user-friendly.

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Functions of Operating System:

- Interface: It provides an interface between the user and the machine.

- Resource management : The resource management function of an OS allocates computer resources such as CPU time, main memory, secondary storage, and input and output devices for use.

- Input/output management: Thischecks the input and output of the data, their location, storage, and retrieval.

- File management : Setting up directories to organize your files according to their type and displaying a list of files stored ona particular disk.

Application Software:

They are programs used to perform some specific tasks. Some examples are as follows:

1. Word Processor:It is used to write and format texts, insert tables and pictures.Eg: Microsoft Word

2. Spreadsheet: It is used for automatic calculations and creating charts.Eg: Microsoft Excel

3. Database:A structured set of data held in a computer.Eg: Microsoft Access

4. Presentation: It is used to design slides for business and education.Eg: Microsoft PowerPoint

5. Web Browser: It is defined as a program designed to enable users to access, retrieve and view documents and other resources on the Internet.Eg: Internet explorer

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File Extensions

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ExplanationExtensionIconNo.

Text Files

Plain text (notepad).txt1

Image Files

High Resolution.jpeg1

Medium Resolution.bmp2

Audio Files

Medium Quality- Size.mp31

Highest Quality- Size.wav2

Video Files

Highest Quality- Size.avi1

Low Quality – Size.wmv2

Executable Files

Like programs & Games.exe1

Compressed Files

Compressed by Windows.zip1

Compressed by WinZip.zip2

Compressed By Winrar.rar3

Microsoft Office Files

Microsoft Excel.xlsx1

Microsoft Power point.pptx2

Microsoft Access.accdb3

Microsoft Word.docx4

NETWORKS

Network:It is a set of two or more computers connected to share information and resources.

Main Parts of Network architecture:

- Client: It is a computer connected to the network and doesn’t have any control or privilege.

- Server: Itis a computer that is responsible for controlling network resources.

- Resources : All files, printers and other hardware or software that the network users can

share.

Advantages of using networks:

- Information sharing.- Resources sharing (printers). - Software sharing- Information protection (user names and passwords) - Emails

Types of Networks : There are mainly two types of networks – LAN and WAN.

LAN : It means Local Area Network; they are group of computers connected together in the same region or a limited area.

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WAN : Itmeans Wide Area Network; which is a network that connects computers over wide geographical area or may be other countries using telephone lines or satellite.

INTERNET, INTRANET AND

Internet (Interconnected Network): It is a global network of inter-connected networks.

Intranet (Internal Network): An Intranet is a network of computers within a private company.

It is a close version of the Internet but can only be accessed by authorized members in the same organization.

Extranet (External Network): It is similar to an Intranet but it can be accessed by outsiders who have the permission to access the company’snetwork.

Note:All of the above networks need a modem to work.

Transfer Rate:The speed of modem is called Transfer rate, and is measured in bps (bits per second). New modem speed is measured in Mbps or Gbps.

INTERNET

A system of connected computers that allows your computer to exchange data, messages and files with any of the millions of other connected computers.

World Wide Web (WWW)

A collection of web pages and related resources which are linked together across the internet is called World Wide Web (WWW).

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Internet Service Provider (ISP):

It is a company that provides individuals and other companies access to the Internet, and other related services such as Web site building and virtual hosting . For eg: STC, Mobily and Zain.

Uniform Resource

Every page has its own unique address known as URL. The different parts of an URL are illustrated below:

http://www.pnu.edu.sa

Web Browsers

A web browser is a software application used for retrieving and presenting an URL on the World Wide Web. Examples are:

Web Site

A computer storage area that contains one or more web pages

Home Page

The first web page you see when you launch internet explorer

Search Engines

Search engines are designed to search for information on the World Wide Web.

The search results are generally presented in a list of results.

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Internet Explorer Netscape Navigator Mozilla Firefox Google Chrome

Protocol

Domain Name

Top Level DomainDomaDom

Country Domain

Downloading

The process of transferring a file from a network computer to your local computer is called downloading.

Uploading

The process of transferring a file from your local computer to a network computer is called uploading.

Cookie

A file created by an internet site to store informationon your computer.

FIELDS OF USING COMPUTERS IN OUR

- Computers in Education :Schools have computerlabs that gives students access to different program.

- Computers in Management : Computers increase company's performance in helping with collecting data and producing reports.

- Computers in Banks : ease the access for bank account through ATM.- Computers in Medical Fields : Computers help in organizing hospital files, also help in

diagnosing diseases.- Computers in Pharmacy : Computers help in tracking pharmacy's storage system and

financial transactions.

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- Computers in Industry Field :

Artificial Intelligence (AI): It is a part of Computer Science which aims to design intelligent computer systems to help in solving problems. One of these systems is Robot.

Robot: It is a machine created to simulate the human being activities in a fast and organized manner. Works that can be performed by the Robot are:

- Welding and plumbing- Handling dangerous materials- Defusing bombs

CONCEPTS OF INFORMATION

Tele-working:Working from home and communicating with the office by phone, fax and computer is called Tele-working.

Advantages :

1. Reduced or zero commuting time2. Greater ability to focus on one task3. Flexible schedules4. Reduced office space requirements

Disadvantages : 1. Lack of human contact and competition2. Negative impact on teamwork3. No Self-discipline

E-Documents:Documentsor files which are created by the computer applications, e.g. text documents, are referred to as e-documents.

Advantages:

1. Reduces the need for printed material (books) which reduce the cost of printing. 2. Easy to sharethese files online. 3. Easy to browse or search for a file on the computer. You can also use the search facility.

E-Commerce:Buying or selling via the internet usually using a credit card is called E-commerce. Payment method of E-commerce involves the use of Visa Card or Master Card.

The Advantages of the E-Commerce:

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1. Global Market: you can buy from any country. 2. Open 24 hours a day. 3. Saves the client's time.

The Disadvantages of E-Commerce:

1. Risk in payment due to disclosure of credit card number or bank account. 2. The risk of information leakage during transport, to a hacker who might change the

name of the buyer.

SAFETY AND HEALTH

Right methods to deal with the computer:

1. The screen : Adjust the screen's brightness settings and position so that it is comfortable for your eyes.

2. The keyboard : It should be in front of you, and under your hand. It should not be in the same level or above your hand.

3. You should putthe mouseover a mouse pad to save it from dust.

4. The chair andthe tableshould be adjustable and in good height.

5. Use cleaning tools to clean up the computer. 6. Use original ink and good paper for printing.

Health Problems which are caused by the wrong use of computers:

1. Wrong distance from the computer screen can result in vision problems and eye inflammation.

2. Incorrect posture in front of the computer can cause neck pain, back pain and leg pain.3. Inappropriate height of the table and chair can lead to back problems.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION:

Information Security:It is a science which focuses on how to provide protection to the information and to avoid misuse of data.

How to provide protection for Information System:

- Put password to log in for information.

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- Ensure that the source of e-mail attachments is genuine. - Adopt fingerprint, eye print or voice print systems in your Information system. - Create a backup copy of your work outside the system. - Use of encryption techniques. - Don’t leave your computer open when not in use. - Don’t leave your devices with any person.

Encryption: It is the altering of data so that it is not usable to prevent it from unauthorized users.

VIRUS

It is a software program which is written with the intention of causing damage in a computer system.

Virus spreading ways:

- Computer networks.- Copying and distribution of illegal software through the internet.

Virus protection ways:

- Don’t use flash or CDs from unreliable sources. - Use only registered software. - Never open e-mail attachments from unreliable source. - Install an anti-virus program and always keep it up-to-date.

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