OLG: Computer and Digital Literacy: Unit 2

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY

Welcome to this introductory unit on computer terminology
Welcome to our course on computer terminology! This unit is designed to introduce you to
the basic vocabulary and terminology used in the world of computers, from hardware to
software and everything in between. We hope you enjoy this unit!

BEFOR E YOU S TAR T

▶ Specific outcomes

▶ Glossary

C OUR S E C ONTENT

▶ 2.1 Hardware components

▶ 2.2 Operating system

▶ 2.3 Programmes and data

 ▶ 2.4 Computer networks

▶▶ 2.4.1 Types of networks

▶2.5 Using the internet

DIS C US S ION

▶ Discussion forum

C ONC LUS ION

▶ Progress check
Lesson 1 of 10

► Specific outcomes

00:16

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You should be able to:

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Identify the primary hardware components of a computer.

Explain an operating system.

Explain programmes and data.

Describe a network and the types of networks.

Explain the terms internet, World Wide Web (WWW) and intranet.
CO N T IN U E
Lesson 2 of 10

► Glossary

You must understand the following terms:

The "brain" of a computer that

CPU (Central performs most of the processing
Processing Unit) inside the system, executing
instructions and managing data.
 Temporary memory that stores
RAM (Random data and instructions that the CPU
needs for immediate access,
Access Memory) allowing for faster data retrieval
and processing.

A traditional storage device that

Hard Disk Drive uses rotating disks coated with
(HDD) magnetic material to store and
retrieve digital data.
 A newer storage device that uses flash
Solid State Drive memory chips to store and retrieve
(SSD) data, o ering faster access times and
better durability than HDDs.

The main circuit board of a computer,

providing connections and
Motherboard communication between various
components, including the CPU, RAM,
storage devices, and peripheral devices.
 A specialised processor is responsible
for rendering images, animations, and
GPU (Graphics videos, primarily used for graphics-
Processing Unit) intensive tasks like gaming and video
editing.

Software that manages computer

hardware and software resources,
Operating System providing a user-friendly interface and
enabling the execution of applications.
 Programs and applications that run on a
computer, including operating systems,
Software word processors, web browsers, and
multimedia players.

A security system that monitors and

controls incoming and outgoing
Firewall network tra c, protecting a computer
or network from unauthorised access
and potential threats.
 A network that connects computers and
devices in a small geographic area,
LAN (Local Area such as a home, o ce, or school,
Network) facilitates file sharing and resource
sharing.

A network that spans a larger

geographic area, connecting multiple
WAN (Wide Area
LANs or other networks, often utilising
Network) telecommunication services like the
internet.
 Back of card
A wireless networking technology that
Wi-Fi (Wireless allows devices to connect to a local
Fidelity) network or access the internet without
the need for physical cables.

CO N T IN U E
Lesson 3 of 10

► 2.1 Hardware components

01:14

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What is hardware?
“ Hardware refers to all the physical components of a computer. It includes all input
devices, processing devices, storage devices, and output devices. The keyboard,
mouse, motherboard, monitor, hard disk drive/solid state drive, cables, and printer are
all examples of hardware.”

You use hardware to provide input to a computer and also to get the desired output. Apart from input

and output devices, a computer uses processing devices to work on the input data and generate the

desired output.

The most important processing device is the central processing unit (CPU). The CPU is the brain of

the computer. It processes the input to perform calculations and produce output.
A motherboard is a large circuit board that connects input, output, and processing devices. The
motherboard circuits provide pathways that allow current and data to pass through these various
components. It also contains chips that determine how, when, and where data can flow through the

computer.

Depending on the task that you want your computer to perform, you can choose the appropriate
hardware. You can also use expansion cards, such as graphical display units (GPUs), to add new
features or to enhance the performance of your computer. All of these devices are plugged into the

motherboard.

Please revisit UNIT 1, to learn more about the motherboard.

Can you answer the following question?

Match the following hardware definitions with the corresponding examples

A peripheral device used

Mouse
for inputting data

A component that
processes and carries out
CPU
instructions in a computer
system

A device that stores digital

Hard drive
data permanently

A device that displays

visual output from a Monitor
computer system

SUBMIT
Complete the content above before moving on.
Lesson 4 of 10

► 2.2 Operating system

01:20

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What is an operating system?

An operating system (OS) is the most important programme that runs on a computer. Every general-
purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programmes. Operating systems
perform basic tasks, such as:

recognising input from the keyboard

sending output to the display monitor

keeping track of files and directories on the disk

controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers

Operating systems provide a software platform on top of which other programmes, called application
programmes, can run. The application programmes must be written to run on top of a particular
operating system and must be compatible with the specific operating system. Your choice of operating
system, therefore, determines to a great extent the applications you can run. For PCs, the most popular
operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, Google’s Android, and Linux.

As a user, you normally interact with the operating system through a set of commands. For example,
the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system contains commands such as COPY and RENAME for

copying files and changing the names of files, respectively. The commands are accepted and executed
by a part of the operating system called the command processor or command line interpreter.

More commonly used today, is a Graphical User Interface (GUI), which is simpler to use, and it is
driven by pictures. All modern operating systems work on this basis.
 An example of a Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Can you answer the following question?

Which of the following are features of a computer operating system?

Multi-Tasking

Compatibility with Office Equipment

Security

Managing Human Resources

Device Management

Virtual Reality Capabilities

SUBMIT

Complete the content above before moving on.

Lesson 5 of 10

► 2.3 Programmes and data

01:08

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Programmes and data

“ A platform can be described as a computer hardware and operating system in
unison.”

Programmes, also called applications/software, use this platform to perform tasks. There are many
types of programmes. Some programmes allow you to perform tasks such as writing letters, doing
calculations, or sending e-mail messages.

Example
A word processor like MSWord is a programme that helps you create an
assignment, report, or letter. Other programmes allow you to create
illustrations, play games, watch movies, or communicate with other
computer users.
Programmes process data that you provide as an input to your computer. This data can be in the form
of text, graphics, audio, or video, depending on the type of programme.

When the programme receives the data, it processes the data and displays the output on the monitor.

You can save this output in a file. Depending on the type of data that a file contains, the file is classified
as an audio file, a text file, a graphics file, or a video file (various other types of files also exist).

Examples of frequently used programmes are Microsoft (MS) Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and many more.

Is the following statement true or false?

A network port is a hardware interface used to connect a computer to a

network, and it can be physical or virtual.

True
False

SUBMIT

Complete the content above before moving on.

Lesson 6 of 10

► 2.4 Computer networks

00:50

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What are computer networks?

A computer network is a collection of computers and devices interconnected by communications

channels that facilitate communication among users and allow users to share resources. Networks may
be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics.

Computer networks can be used for a variety of purposes, including some examples:

1 Facilitating communications (emails, video conferencing, telephone).

2 Sharing hardware (printers, scanners, modems).

3 Sharing files, data, and information (presentations, documents, budgets).

4 Sharing software (antivirus, specific software packages).

5 Information preservation (securely storing client information, banking details).

 6 Security (databases, employee records).

7 Speed up interaction.

You have been hired by a small accounting firm to help them set up a network. The firm currently has

five employees who use their own computers for work. They want to increase efficiency and
productivity by sharing resources and collaborating more effectively. You have been asked to
recommend a network setup that will meet their needs.

1 What advantages can a network provide for a small accounting firm like this?

2 How can resource sharing through a network benefit the firm?

3 What are some ways a network can improve communication among employees?

4 How can centralized management of software and hardware resources benefit the firm's IT
staff?

5 What are some security protocols that should be implemented to protect the firm's data?

6 How can setting up a network lead to cost savings for the firm?

7 What are some ways a network can increase flexibility and mobility for the firm's
employees?

8 How can a network be scaled up as the firm grows and adapts to new technologies?
Write down your answers and compare them to the answers that will be revealed later in this unit.

A computer network is a group of computers or devices that are

connected to each other to communicate and share resources.

True

False

SUBMIT

Can you match the description to the type of network?

LAN (Local Area Network)

 Connects devices within a Usually privately owned and
limited area, such as a home managed by a single
or of ce building organisation

Typically very fast, with data Home or of ce networks,

transfer rates of up to 10 school networks, and campus
Gbps networks

WAN (Wide Area Network)

Spans a large geographical Can be privately or publicly

area, such as a country or owned, and may be managed
even the world by multiple organisations

Data transfer rates varying The internet, cellular

depending on distance and networks, and satellite
connection quality networks
 MAN (Metropolitan Area
Network)

Covers a city or metropolitan Usually owned and operated

area by a government entity

Cable TV networks, city-wide

Data transfer rates of up to 1
Wi-Fi networks, and public
Gbps
transportation systems

Complete the content above before moving on.

Lesson 7 of 10

►► 2.4.1 Types of networks

01:56

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What types of networks are there?

Personal Area Networks (PAN)

This is often used in small office environments, where a PC, is linked to a printer, scanner service.
Wireless Area Network (WLAN)
WLANs use wireless technology to connect devices (Wi-Fi) and not physically.
Local Area networks (LAN)
A LAN connects devices within a limited area, such as a home or a small group of offices. It commonly
includes computers and shared resources such as printers and scanners.
System-Area Network (SAN)
This architecture makes all storage devices on all servers, available on a LAN or WAN.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

VPNs are often used by people who work off-site and still want to be able to access their documents at
the office. This occurs through a secure internet connection, which appears like your office computer. A
VPN allows the user to connect remotely to a server or servers, not necessarily located within their
country, to access material as though they have connected directly to that server.

Wide Area network (WAN)

A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a large geographic area such as a city,

country, or spans even intercontinental distances, using a communications channel that combines many
types of media such as telephone lines, cables, and air waves. A WAN often uses transmission facilities
provided by common carriers, such as telephone companies.
Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN)
Its main feature is that it implements works on a point-to-multiple point system. In this process fibre
optic splitters are used to enable a single optical fibre to service multiple end points, who are often
individual clients.

Enterprise Private Network (EPN)

This network is privately owned and used by companies who are multiple remote offices, but still want

to share information internally and in a secure environment.

Can you match the network to the appropriate description?

VPN (Virtual Private

Netwrok)
 Provides secure access to a Allows users to access
private network over a public resources remotely as if they
network were on a local network

A network that utilises a

Offers secure and encrypted
network (usually the
communication, protecting
Internet) to connect remote
data from theft
users

WAN (Wide Area Network)

Facilitates communication
Connects devices over a large
and data transfer between
geographical area
remote locations

May be less secure than Can be a combination of

VPNs, as data is transmitted public and private networks,
over public networks connecting multiple LANs

Complete the content above before moving on.

Lesson 8 of 10

►2.5 Using the internet

01:23

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How to use the internet

Internet
The Internet is a worldwide collection of public networks that are linked to each other for information
exchange. The Internet started as a network to facilitate communication between government and
educational departments in the United States.

When other networks were connected to this network, it became a vast medium for exchanging
information and ideas.

Today, the Internet connects many commercial, government, and educational networks, as well as
individual computers, which share data.

The Internet offers a range of services to its users, such as file transfers between Internet users and
electronic mail for sending messages. The World Wide Web (WWW), or the Web, is another service that

the Internet provides. The World Wide Web includes specially formatted documents that are interlinked
and stored on servers around the world.
You can use the internet and its services to send messages to other internet users, search and apply for
jobs, stream music and series/movies, and buy and sell products.

Let's look at the history of the internet!

HISTORY OF THE INTERNET

Intranet
Many organisations use a special type of network to communicate and share information within the
organisation. Such a network is called an Intranet.

An Intranet is similar to the world wide web but is accessible only to authorised users of the
organisation.
An Intranet is much smaller than the Internet and can provide services such as document distribution,
software distribution, access to databases, and training. Various large enterprise software entities
provide the infrastructure for these, such as Microsoft SharePoint.

Here are the answers to the previous scenario!

You have been hired by a small accounting firm to help them set up a network. The firm currently has
five employees who use their own computers for work. They want to increase efficiency and
productivity by sharing resources and collaborating more effectively. You have been asked to

recommend a network setup that will meet their needs.

1 What advantages can a network provide for a small accounting firm like this?
A network can provide resource sharing, improved communication, centralised
management, enhanced security, cost savings, increased flexibility, and scalability
advantages for a small accounting firm.

How can resource sharing through a network benefit the firm?

2
Resource sharing can benefit the firm by reducing the need for
redundant equipment, such as printers and storage devices,
which can save money and increase productivity.

3 What are some ways a network can improve communication among employees?
A network can improve communication among employees by providing a platform for
collaboration and sharing files and documents.

4 How can centralized management of software and hardware resources benefit the
firm's IT staff?
Centralised management of software and hardware resources can benefit the IT staff by
reducing the administrative workload and enabling remote management and updates.
5 What are some security protocols that should be implemented to protect the firm's
data?
Security protocols such as firewalls and password protection can be implemented to
protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.

6 How can setting up a network lead to cost savings for the firm?
Setting up a network can lead to cost savings through the sharing of resources and the
reduction of redundant equipment.

7 What are some ways a network can increase flexibility and mobility for the firm's
employees?
A network can increase flexibility and mobility for employees by allowing them to work
from anywhere and access resources remotely.

8 How can a network be scaled up as the firm grows and adapts to new technologies?
A network can be scaled up as the firm grows and adapts to new technologies by adding
new devices and equipment to the network.

CO N T IN U E
Lesson 9 of 10

► Discussion forum

Discussion forum

Discussion forum for unit 2

To participate in meaningful discussions with the lecturer and fellow students regarding topics
introduced in this unit, simply click on the red button labelled "Discussion." This will provide you with
access to the discussion forum, where you can actively engage and share your thoughts.

DISCUSSION

CO N T IN U E
Lesson 10 of 10

► Progress check

Progress check

Do you understand the following? You must check the checkboxes before you can continue.

I can identify the primary hardware components of a computer.

I can explain what an operating system is.

I can explain what is meant by programmes and data.

I can describe networks and types of networks.

I can explain terms like internet, World Wide Web and Intranet.

Check the checkboxes before moving on

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