The Federal Polytechnic, Ado - Ekiti: An Assignment On Basic Computer Application
The Federal Polytechnic, Ado - Ekiti: An Assignment On Basic Computer Application
The Federal Polytechnic, Ado - Ekiti: An Assignment On Basic Computer Application
MAC 113
Submitted By:
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SOFTWARE
Computer software consists of the programs, or lists of instructions, that control the
operation of the computer. The term could be referring to the sum of all programs
that may be used with a certain computer. Programs are sets of instructions given to
a computer to perform with the aim of getting a task done. Software unlike
hardware cannot be seen physically. However, their effect can be seen and felt on the
computer's memory.
1. SYSTEM SOFTWARE
2. APPLICATION SOFTWARE
computer. They operate at machine level and send all instructions and commands
directly to the computer for processing. Operating systems are an example of system
software and the computer itself. Other example of system program include utility
program, Translator.
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a. OPERATING SYSTEM: - Operating system form the backbone
of the computer system. They provide an interface for all application software and
even utilities and other system software. Thus they are an indispensable component
of computer system; they control the operation of the computer peripherals and
components, keep track of memory usage and so on. Examples of operating systems
are the Microsoft Disk Operating Systems are the Microsoft Disk Operating system
(MS-DOS). Windows XP, UNIX, IBM OS/2 Warp, Apple System 7.5 etc.
machine language to machine language for the computer understanding. There are
i. Interpreters: these will translate and compiles all lines source program and
execute same time if they are syntax error free e.g. BASIC
ii. Compilers: These will translate and compiles all lines of source program and
execute same time if they are syntax error free e.g. COBOL, FORTRAN
for maintenance and services of the computer systems. These includes Debug
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d. DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (DBMS): Data base
field or data design to store and retrieve a data form more emphasis as effectively as
possible.
programmers, which further requires human intuitive. E.g. Word processing package,
data processing package, desktop publishing package and spread sheet packages.
OPERATING SYSTEM
the hardware allocation gadget for proper communication between the hardware and
software resources. It also serve as interface for all application software, utilities
program and other system software. Examples of operating system are the Microsoft
Disk operating system (MS DOS) window 95, windows XP, UNIX, IBM OS/ 2 warp,
and Apple system 7.5 etc. However, operating system are responsible for the booting
process of the computer system whenever the system is switched on. As the name
implies, booting simply means the processes by which the system is been powered to
carry out a self-test and make itself ready for use. There is an acronym name for
P-Power
O-On
S-Self
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T-Test
Cool booting or fresh booting: this is a process by which the system is started by
Warm booting: This is a process by which the system is being reboot after
pressing a reset button on the system unit or by pressing Ctrl + Alt+Delete on the
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Multi-User Multi-Tasking Operating Systems
The single-user single tasking operating systems allocate all the systems resources
and functions and function to just one user who is executing single tasks at a time.
They are quite limited in their functionality, and were very common on stand alone
system. Examples are the Microsoft Disk Operating system (MS-DOS), and IBM’s
PC-DOS.
The single user multitasking operating systems allow a single user to execute various
task at the same time. For example you could be typing a letter while listening to
music at the same time. This saves time and increases productivity. Examples of such
operating system are Microsoft Windows, Apple system 7.5 and IBM OS/2
various terminals, all of which use the central computer’s processor, memory and
other resources. Examples of such operating system includes: UNIX, PC-MOS and
Visual Machine.
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The networking operating systems create a situation where various users can share
COMPUTER NETWORK
This is a process of linking several computers station together via a specific Protocol
in other to share the available resources such as files, printer etc. there are different
limited distance, such as across a site or within a building of not more than
more than one site but with a limited range, such as network across a
regional area that is, it can between two countries e.g. internet connection that
Second Classification
Another attribute which operating system may be classified is their user interface.
The command driven operating requires the user to perform operation by entering
include: MD-DOS.
Is a computer program that enable the user to communicate with the computer
most of the commands; the syntax (grammar) and accurate spelling of each command
Select program
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To exit from Ms – Dos prompts to windows
TYPES OF COMMAND
1. Internal commands
2. External commands
called resident command which are resident in the computer and are loaded each
other time the computer is being booted. They are usually called command. Com.
Command.Com is that part of DOS that the user actually communicates and
interprets what has been keyed in e.g. CLS, CD, RD, DIR, COPY, Date, Time, MD,
External Commands: These are commands that have a special file which require
information to be supplied each time their services are being required. E.g.
The internal command are loaded into computer memory by the operating system,
while the external command are utility software installed into the DOS directory as a
supplementary program.
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Microsoft Window Operating Systems: These are graphical user interface (GUI)
based operating system. It has opened up new frontiers operating system technology,
and has found widespread acceptance all over the world because of its intuitive user
interface.
The graphical user interface (GUI) provides a much more user-friendly approach.
The whole environment takes on the form of what has been tagged WIMPs
(Windows Icons Mice and Pointers). Operation may be carried out by clicking on
icons, or selecting menu commands by using mouse. Examples include all Microsoft
iii. The desktop appears to display the program manager with "Start button"
DESKTOP
Desktop is the last appearance prompted immediately after the system finished
1. Icons: This is a pictorial object that represents a program, files, folders and
on it.
3. Task bar: this is a bar that holds the start button, System Clock, Internet icons,
IMPORTANT ICONS
this folder qualified service personnel can easily make changes to the system
MY DOCUMENT ICON: This can be defined as a default folder for all users'
files of all different types. Here is the main folder where the computer saves all
the users' files except if the user decides on a new folder for his or her files.
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RECYCLE BIN ICON: Is a folder that contains all temporary deleted files. In
this folder all temporary deleted files can be recalled or permanently removed
FILE ICON: It represents either a system file or a user's file. This icon
To create a file or a document, load desired application software and input your
FOLDER ICON: It is a unique directory that carries a user name for storing a
related users files, the users or the system itself could at times create a folder.
files and folders that are shortcuts etc., this icon can be created by the users or
Wallpaper or system background has the following properties for enhancing the
beautiful appearance and some entertaining software for every windows desktop.
background.
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Select any Background from the list
Select Stretch
Click Apply
Then Click OK
Select properties
Select a desired screen saver, the system will automatically preview it on the
sample monitor
If you are not satisfy with the effect then click on setting button and make a
On the wait option, specified the number of minute computer will be left idled
Click apply
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Click OK
Then wait for the number of minute selected the system will automatically
appears on the task bar to switch between windows you want. When you close a
window, its button disappears from the task bar Depending on what task you are
working on, other indicators can appear in the notification area on the task bar, such
portable computer. At the end of the task bar is the clock and through this clock icon
one can easily adjust the properties for date and time.
Set the computer calendar and clock to current date and time
Click apply
Then click OK
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To view the current date after setting, point mouse to computer clock the,
START BUTTON: - this is an important button located at the left edge bottom of
the screen which must be activated with mouse or any other available means so as to
load a desired program; Whenever this button is pressed the following menu option
will be listed.
PROGRAMS: This menu option displays all the application programs available for
the users.
DOCUMENTS: It displays some list of documents that the user have worked on
previously.
SETTING: It display the list of system components for which the user can easily
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FIND AND SEARCH: It is used to search for file(s) or folder(s), people on internet
operating system and it also provides the troubleshooting option for solving software
name specified.
To avoid damaging files, always use the shutdown option to end the computer
session.
Click shutdown
this message "it is now safe to turn off your computer" then press the switch
Click shutdown
To start a program click the start button and point to programs then select the
program you want to use, click on it, it will take you to program environment. When
WINDOWS MANAGEMENT
the window beside the maximize button with (-) symbol. This will reduce the
application to an ICON size on the task bar situated at the bottom of the screen.
beside the close button with a rectangular shape. It is used to enlarge the
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4. CLOSE BUTTON: This is situated beside the maximize button. It is used to
TO QUIT A PROGRAM
Click the close button at the upper right hand corner of the window (X), OR click
FILE, Select QUIT. You can run as many programs as you want at the same time.
And to switch between programs, click the icon button for each window on the
taskbar.
Communication
Entertainment
Games
Systems tools
Calculator
Imaging
Notepad
Paint
Word pad
Windows explorer
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Communication: This portion of windows contains software for communication,
such as: hyper Terminal, Internet Connection Wizard, Net Meeting, network Dial-up
You can use the phone dialer by connecting the NITEL telephone wire and telephone
box to the modern port. Then follow these procedures to make a call through
computer.
HOW TO DIAL
2. Select program
3. Select Accessories
4. Select Communication
Entertainment: This contains series of multimedia software for playing audio video
CDs, Mpeg and Midi Sequence, etc. examples are: CD player, Sound Recorder,
CD player: This is a media software use for playing an Audio CDs. An Audio CDs
can be played by pressing the eject button of the CD ROM Drive and slot in the audio
CD. The music can automatically be played with the system detect the audio CD, but
Select Entertainment
Click CD player
Sound Recorder, this is a media software use for recording voice through
microphone and speakers were connected to the system properly and then
Note that microphone stand for voice input device while speaker stand as voice
output device.
Volume Control: It is used to control the speaker volume, the speaker volume can be
controlled by clicking the speaker icon on the taskbar and use the mouse pointer to
drag the control button to top or down for increase and decrease speaker volume
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respectively. An expert can double click the volume to display it properties for
advanced setting.
Windows Media player: This is a windows multimedia software for playing both
audio and Video CDs with this media, slot in the CD to be played and follow these
procedure:
Select program
Select accessories
Select Entertainment
Select CD ROM Drive, i.e. "E" or "D" Double click MPEGAV folder
Select All files type to show all video file on the folder
Click open
Games: These are fun software for users' leisure time and these games required
learning just like the way we learn about computer. To play a computer game in any
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windows version, the user will first of all study the instruction and the rules and
regulation of the game; therefore, you are expected to teach yourself at your leisure
time.
System Tool: This is a portion of windows where all the utility software were
installed for the service and maintenance of the computer system, the examples of
character map environment to any word processing software. How? Click start
button, select program, select accessories, select systems tools and click
Right click on it and select Copy option from the list Go to new destination to copy
Right click any blank portion and Select Paste option from the list
Right clicks and dragged it to a new location to copy to and release the mouse button,
Double click "My computer" then find the file or folder you want to copy, then right
click on it point to "send to" Click on 31/2 Floppy Drive (make sure that you insert a
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2. Then the will request for a diskette to copy 'Target Diskette' and the press
Notice: your source diskette is the disk that contains information you want to be
But remember that your source diskette and target diskette must have the same of
memory spaces also make sure that there are not information in your target diskette
This is a process by which a file can be moved totally from one place to another.
There are different methods of cutting and pasting a file or folder such as:
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Click Cut button on the standard tool bar
Paint: It is used to draw an object or paint an existing one, it can also be used
to edit a live picture. To use a paint program, Click Start program, select
Word pad: it is windows word processing software for typing a text and it is
text. To use word Pad, Click start button, select program, select accessories,
Windows Explorer
Windows explorer provides the means by which the users use windows efficiently
while exploring the windows environment in order to carry out different tasks.
Windows provide some special features and speeds up the way you work. In addition
to the button on the right side of the mouse button to access and move in faster or to
Managing files And Folders: the explorer allows you to perform many different
operations on the file or entire directories, e.g. you can also set properties for various
icons.
The system will prompt you the explorer contacts, such as: Menu Bar, Tool Bar,
Menu Bar: This bar display the list of available main menu that can be activated in
order to choose a task to do and these tasks were also shot cut through the available
Tool Bars: These bars display the list of available tools on a particular bar, and they
all serves as a shortcut to all the available tasks in every active window.
Folders Window: This window contains all the available folder in the selected root
directory.
Folder Content Window: this window contains the content of a highlighted folder in
folder window. Copy button, then go to your destination and activate past to display
Disk Cleanup: it is utility software to clear unwanted files or temporary files from
the disk. To cleanup a disk, click start button, select program, select accessories,
select system tools, click disk cleanup, select the drive to be cleaned and click OK,
mark all available check box for cleaning click OK and answer yes to cleanup disk.
Disk Defragmenter: It is utility software used to rearrange the file position in order
to provide more space. To defrag a disk, Click start button, select program, select
error found in some disk. To scan a disk, Click start button, select program, select
accessories, select system tools, click scandisk, select the disk drive to be scanned
Schedule Task: This is a task scheduler program used in scheduling the following
task with starting date and time, scandisk, anti-virus, defrag and disk cleanup. To
schedule a task, click start button, select program, select program, select accessories,
select system tools, click schedule task and follow the on screen instructions.
System Information: it is used to determine the software and hardware and status of
the computer system. To check system Information, Click start button, select
program, select program, select accessories, select system tools, click system
Calculator: Windows calculator has no different from the natural calculator we used
day-in-day-out, to use windows calculator, Click start button, select program, select
accessories, click calculator and activate the desired button with mouse pointer. The
above long procedure can be by passed for this shortcut, simply click start button,
click run, type CALC and press enter on the keyboard. A calculator view can be
changed by click view menu on the calculator layout and select either standard view
or scientific view.
Imaging: This software is used to scan an image of any into the system; it can also
be used for drawing and previewing an image. To use imaging program, Click start
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button, select program, select accessories, click imaging and follow the onscreen
instruction.
Notepad: It is windows word processing software for typing a text. To use notepad,
Click start button, select program, select accessories, click notepad and follow the
onscreen instruction.
Windows explorer tasks are different kind of operations that could be carried out in
and faster compared to other active windows. These are the example of task that can
perform in the windows explorer. Selection, Copy & Paste, Cut & paste, creating a
new folder. Deleting files or folders, Rename, viewing object's properties, creating a
Selection: This is a process by which the users make a selection of files or folders to
perform a task on. This task is very important for every task we desire to perform and
1. By selecting all files or folders: this process can be done by pressing Ctrl + A
on the keyboard or by checking the Edit Menu and click select All.
selecting the first file or folder, the hold down the shift Key and press any of
this key to select the desired files or folder, (i) Any of the four arrow keys, (ii)
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3. Random selection: this process can be done by selecting the first file or folder,
then hold down the Ctrl key mouse pointer to select at a random.
This is a process by which a file can be copied from one place to another. There are
Note: if the standard tool bar is not available, click on View menu.
Point to toolbar, and click standard button option from the list.
Note: if the standard tool bar is not available, click on the View menu, point to
Right Click any blank portion and select Paste option from the list.
Double click "My computer" and then double click the disk drive or folder in which
Type the name of the new folder and then press enters key.
Click on Folder option Type the folder name and press enter
Delete
This is a process of removing an unwanted file or folder from the system disk either
temporarily or permanently
Answer yes to send the selected file or folder to the recycle bin.
Note, if the standard tool bar is not available, click on View menu, point to
Answer yes to send the selected file or folder to the recycle bin.
Answer yes to send the selected file or folder to the recycle bin.
Right clicks and dragged the file or folder to the recycle bin, release the mouse
button and answer yes to send the file or folder the recycle bin.
Note: the above five method are for temporal deletion, therefore, all temporary
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Make a selection for the file or folder to be restored or to be deleted
permanently.
Double click the recycle bin on the desktop Click file menu
Click Restore option or Empty recycle bin option from the list
These will restore option/permanently delete single file or groups of selected files
Press shift + Delete Key and answer yes to delete. Note, this action can't be
undoing.
Click the file or folder you want to rename, you do not need option to open it.
Tip. A file name can contain up to 250 characters, including spaces. But cannot
Fairly click on the name of the file or folder; the system will invoke blinking cursor,
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Then type the new name and press enter
This allowed the user to determined Size, Date, Time and location to a new location,
To Undo an Action
Some of the previous action can be undo by right clicking on the blank portion were
the action was done and select Undo from the list, immediately the action was done
additional information about object selected the explorer and menu options.
To open a document in different folder, click the arrow next to the "look in Box",
Click the folder that contains the document you want to open
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