BRIMATECH SOLUTIONS

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS COURSES

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NOTES

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 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
What is computer?

Computer is the machine or device which accepts data, process data, stores data and give you output in
readable form or machine form.

Data: is a collection of facts, figures or instructions that do not have meaning to the user. Data may be of
numbers, alphabets/letters or symbols, and each can be processed to produce information.

Information: is the data which has been refined, summarized & manipulated in the way you want it, or into a
more meaningful form for decision-making.

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 COMPUTER WINDOWS
ICONS

In computing, an icon is a pictogram or ideogram displayed on a computer screen in order to help the user
navigate a computer system or mobile device.

FILE

A file is an object on a computer that stores data, information, settings, or commands used with a
computer program.

FOLDER

A folder is a storage space that many files can be placed into to group them together and organize
the computer.

 A folder can also contain other folders.

RECYCLE BIN

The Recycle Bin in used by Windows computers to store deleted items. It temporarily stores files and folders
before they are permanently deleted.

TASK BAR

Is a visual device on the desktop that typically shows the user which applications (tasks) are currently active
and running.

MOUSE POINTER

Is a symbol or graphical image on the computer monitor or other display device that echoes movements of the
pointing device, commonly a mouse, touchpad, or stylus pen?

COMMON COMPUTER TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Boot: The act of starting up a computer.

Byte: One character (eight bits of data).
Cursor: The blinking vertical or horizontal line that indicates where text is being typed.
CD-ROM: Compact Disc Read-Only Memory
CD-R/CD-RW: CD-Recordable/CD-Re-Writeable.
Disc drives that create (or burn) new CDs.
CPU: Central Processing Unit. The computer's electronic brain.
Crash: A hardware or software failure.
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Dialog Box: A window that asks a question or requests the user to make a choice.
Drive: A device that spins disks or tapes in order to read and write data; for example, a hard drive, floppy
drive, or CD-ROM drive. Each drive has an assigned letter. The “C” Drive is the hard drive (information is
stored in the computer). The “A” drive holds the floppy disk (information is stored in the floppy). The “D”
Drive is the CD-ROM drive.
Download: The act of retrieving data from another computer.
Upload: The act of sending data to another computer.
DVD: Also called DVD-ROM. Digital Versatile Disk Read-Only Memory.
File: Any form of digital data that's saved to a disk.
Filename extension: The last three characters of a file or folder name, appearing after a period (dot). For
example, DOC is the filename extension of MyLetter.DOC.
Floppy Disk: The standard removable storage device used with computers. The floppy disk goes in the “A”
Drive.
Icon: A small drawing that represents a program, command, data file, service, function, or website.
Hardware: The electronic, electrical, and mechanical components that make up a computer.
Maximize: Expanding an open window to fill the screen by clicking the maximize button.
Minimize: Shrinking an open window by clicking the minimize button.
Mouse: The standard pointing device used with computers.
Open: To activate a program or data file.
Operating System: The main program that controls your PC (personal computer). (Windows 95, 98, ME, and
XP, 7, 8.1,10, Mac Os, Linux, Ubuntu )
Pointer: The arrow that moves when the mouse is jostled.
Port: Input/output receptacles which enable your PC to connect to other hardware resources, such as a
keyboard, printer, mouse, and so on.
RAM: Random Access Memory. The computer's temporary memory. It is used when you are
running a program or creating something. RAM is erased when you turn your computer off.
Software: Programs that run in a computer, such as a word processor, spreadsheet, database, web browser,
or e-mail system.
USB: Universal Serial Bus. The standard input/output port for connecting devices to computer
VGA. Stands for "Video Graphics Array." It is the standard monitor or display interface used in most PCs

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IMPORTANT CONCEPTS ON COMPUTER USAGE

 Booting a computer

 Proper handling of computer

1. Use antivirus and a firewall
2. Defragment and clean your hard drive (windows) regularly on Mac its
automatically
3. Do not touch your keyboard with water
4. Don’t run many processes at once
5. Clean your computer
6. E.t.c
 CHANGE DESKTOP BACKGROUND
A computer desktop can be changed its background by using backgrounds which
come together with the window. You can also download different themes for
background from the internet and change your computer background. Also you can
change your background by using your own photo from your phone or camera.
 Copy, Cut, Paste , Delete a File or Folder
Are essential commands of modern human–computer interaction and user interface
design. They offer an inter-process communication technique for transferring data
through a computer's user interface. The cut command removes the selected data
from its original position, and the copy command creates a duplicate; in both cases
the selected data is kept in temporary storage called the clipboard. Clipboard data is
later inserted wherever a paste command is issued. Delete command removes the
file or folder from the computer to your recycle bin, if the recycle bin will be cleared
the file or folder will be permanently deleted from your computer. Keep in mind if
file or folder is deleted from external storage like USB Drive, External HDD, SD Card it
will be deleted permanently.
 INSTALL AND UNINSTALL APPLICATION
Some of application programs /application come together with your window but
others are installed. In order to install an application you must have a set up file of
that application. Also, drivers like printer drivers and other peripherals drivers are
installed using their set up files. To install, double click the set up file in order to
open it and follow the procedures on the windows wizard.
Uninstall a program / application means to remove the installed program from your
device. You can uninstall a program from your control panel following this path
Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features

COMPUTER SYSTEM
Comprises of two components

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 1. Hardware and
2. Software

1. COMPUTER HARDWARE
Computer hardware is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer
system. Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or components of a computer such
as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, hard drive disk (HDD), system unit
(graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard and chips), etc. all of which are physical
objects that can be seen and touched

a) INPUT DEVICES

Input device is any peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment to provide data and
control signals to an information processing system such as a computer or other information
appliance. Input device Translate data from form that humans understand to one that the
computer can work with. Most common are keyboard and mouse

b) Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A CPU is brain of a computer. It is responsible for all functions and processes. Regarding
computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system.

The CPU is comprised of three main parts:

i. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Executes all arithmetic and logical operations. Arithmetic
calculations like as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Logical operation like
compare numbers, letters, or special characters

ii. Control Unit (CU): controls and co-ordinates computer components.

iii. Registers: Stores the data that is to be executed next, "very fast storage area".

c) MEMORY/STORAGE

Primary Memory:

1. RAM: Random Access Memory (RAM) is a memory scheme within the computer system
responsible for storing data on a temporary basis, so that it can be promptly accessed by the
processor as and when needed. It is volatile in nature, which means that data will be erased
once supply to the storage device is turned off.

2. ROM (Read Only Memory): ROM is a permanent form of storage. ROM stays active
regardless of whether power supply to it is turned on or off. ROM devices do not allow data
stored on them to be modified.

Secondary Memory:

Stores data and programs permanently: it’s retained after the power is turned off

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 1. Internal Hard Drive
2. USB Drive
3. External Hard Drive

d) OUTPUT DEVICES

An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to communicate the
results of data processing carried out by an information processing system (such as a
computer) which converts the electronically generated information into human readable
form.

2. COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Software is a generic term for organized collections of computer data and instructions, often
broken into two major categories: system software that provides the basic non task-specific
functions of the computer, and application software which is used by users to accomplish
specific tasks.

SOFTWARE TYPES

A. System software is responsible for controlling, integrating, and managing the individual
hardware components of a computer system so that other software and the users of the
system see it as a functional unit without having to be concerned with the low-level details
such as transferring data from memory to disk, or rendering text onto a display. Generally,
system software consists of an operating system and some fundamental utilities such as disk
formatters, file managers, display managers, text editors, user authentication (login) and
management tools,and networking and device control software.

B. Application software: is used to accomplish specific tasks other than just running the
computer system. Application software may consist of a single program, such as an image
viewer; a small collection of programs (often called a software package) that work closely
together to accomplish a task, such as a spreadsheet or text processing system; a larger
collection (often called a software suite) of related but independent programs and packages
that have a common user interface or shared data format, such as Microsoft Office, which
consists of closely integrated word processor, spreadsheet, database, etc.; or a software
system, such as a database management system, which is a collection of fundamental
programs that may provide some service to a variety of other independent applications.

OPERATING SYSTEM
The low-level software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks
and controlling peripherals.
LISTS OF OPERTING SYSTEM TYPES

 Mac OS
 Unix, The Shell Terminal.
 Ubuntu, Simplified Linux Setup.
 MS-DOS, BASIC.
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  Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, 11

COMPUTERS CLASSIFICATION
Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows, though there is
Considerable overlap:

• Personal computer: A small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor. In addition

to the microprocessor, a personal computer has a keyboard for entering data, a monitor for
displaying information, and a storage device for saving data.

• Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer,

but it has a more powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor.

• Minicomputer: A multi-user computer capable of supporting from 10 to hundreds of users

simultaneously.

• Mainframe: A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds

orthousands of users simultaneously.

• Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of

instructions per second.

LAPTOP AND SMARTPHONE COMPUTERS

 LAPTOP: A laptop is a battery or AC-powered personal computer that can be easily

carried and used in a variety of locations. Many laptops are designed to have all of the
functionality of a desktop computer, which means they can generally run the same
software and open the same types of files. However, some laptops, such as notebooks,
sacrifice some functionality in order to be even more portable.
 Notebook: A notebook is a type of laptop that is designed to be even more portable.
Notebooks are often cheaper than laptops or desktops. They are generally less powerful
than other types of computers, but they provide enough power for email and internet
access, which is where the name "notebook" comes from.
 Mobile Device: A mobile device is basically any handheld computer. It is designed to be
extremely portable, often fitting in the palm of your hand or in your pocket. Some
mobile devices are more powerful, and they allow you to do many of
 Tablet Computers: Like laptops, tablet computers are designed to be portable. However,
they provide a very different computing experience. The most obvious difference is that
tablet computers don't have keyboards or touchpad. Instead, the entire screen is touch-
sensitive, allowing you to type on a virtual keyboard and use your finger as a mouse
pointer.
 Smartphone: A Smartphone is a powerful mobile phone that is designed to run variety
of applications in addition to phone service. They are basically small tablet computers,
and they can be used for web browsing, watching videos, reading e-books, playing
games and more.

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
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 Speed
o Computer is a very fast device.
o It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount of data.
o The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond, and even the
picosecond.
o It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man who
will spend many months to perform the same task.
 Accuracy
o In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
o The calculations are 100% error free.
o Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is
correct.
 Storage Capability
o Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
o A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
o It can store large amount of data.
o It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio, etc.
 Versatility
o A computer is a very versatile machine.
o A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
o This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields.
o At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very next
moment it may be playing a card game.
 Diligence
o Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack of
concentration.
o It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
o It can perform repeated tasks with the same speed and accuracy.

DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS
following are certain disadvantages of computers

1. No I.Q.
• A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.
• Each instruction has to be given to the computer.
• A computer cannot take any decision on its own.
2. Dependency
• It functions as per the user’s instruction, thus it is fully dependent on humans.
3. Environment
 The operating environment of the computer should be dust free and suitable.
4. No Feeling
• Computers have no feelings or emotions.
• It cannot make judgment based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge unlike
humans.
KEYBOARD SKILLS
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COMPUTER CONNECTORS & CABLES
THE CABLE STANDARDS

Computer cables are not random pieces of electrical wire, we usually identify cables and
connectors using “strange numbers” such as RJ45 and IEC 60320. There is no need to be
confused, these are just standard codes by the various international organizations. These
are the few that you should be aware of:

 IEEE – Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

 USB IF – USB Implementers Frontier
 RJ – Registered Jack
 IEC – International Electrotechnical Commission

MALE-FEMALE

There is also a “gender” in the world of connectors.

 The “male” part refers to the connector’s side with pins.

 While “female” refers to the receptacle side.

DISPLAY CABLES
1) VIDEO GRAPHICS ARRAY (VGA)

This is one of the older display connectors, also called an “analog

video connector”. This used to be everywhere in desktops and
laptops, but the VGA connector could no longer catch up with the
advanced video technologies. It was taken over by the DVI and HDMI connector.

2) DIGITAL VISUAL INTERFACE (DVI)

Following a need for a cable that is capable of handling more video
data, the DVI connector took over VGA. It was the “mainstream
video connector” for a while, until the mobile market boom. People
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quickly realized that the size of the DVI connector is not good for mobile devices, and it is
soon taken over by HDMI and display port connectors.

3) HIGH DEFINITION MULTIMEDIA INTERFACE (HDMI)

This is the “common Joe” that you see everywhere these
days, and it comes in various different sizes to fulfill the
needs of various devices in the market. In particular, the 3
most common ones are:

 HDMI Type A: The full-sized HDMI, is used on desktops and some laptops.
 Mini HDMI Type C: For the smaller tablets and ultrabooks.
 Micro HDMI Type D: For mobile devices.

4) DISPLAYPORT
You can call this the “successor of DVI cables” with a much
smaller footprint, much more suitable for mobile devices. But
just a quick trivial, display port and HDMI cables carry both
video and audio signals; Technically speaking, they are not
categorized as “pure video cables”, but “audio-visual cables”.

DEVICE CABLES
Next, we move on with one of the most confusing parts of computer connectors – The
many devices and miscellaneous connectors.

5) PARALLEL
Once upon a time in the stone age of computers, we connect
printers to computers using these parallel cables. They are
built like tanks and wouldn’t even budge if you yanked hard
at it. Of course, they could not handle large amounts of data
fast enough and have been totally phased out.

6) SERIAL
The serial connectors are cousins to the parallel connectors. As some of
you may have noticed, yes, these are the ancestors of the USB.

7) PERSONAL SYSTEM/2 (PS/2)

These are invented by IBM for their line of computers called Personal
System, for the purpose of connecting the keyboard and mouse. It
turned out to be a good idea, got adopted by many other
manufacturers, and became the de facto standard – Until USB took over.

8) UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS (USB)

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 I don’t think USB needs a lot of
explanation, USB devices are everywhere
these days. But what you do need to
know, is that there are so many types of
USB that it is rather confusing.
 USB 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 – These are
the versions of USB, and every later
version of the USB simply supports a
better data transfer rate.
 USB 3.1 & 3.2 – Still USB 3. But
offers faster data transfer, and also
capable of handling more power for fast
charging.
 Type A USB – The common Joe USB connector that you see everywhere.
 Type B USB – The “square type” connector that is commonly used for printers.
 Mini and micro Type B USB – Used for mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets,
and digital cameras.
 Type C – Also used for mobile devices, but this one is reversible. I.E. There is no
direction, and you can plug this in upright or reversed.

9) FIREWIRE (IEEE 1394)

The FireWire is Apple’s so-called early version of the USB, but
this is not compatible with USB devices. While there are a
couple of gadgets made for the FireWire, it was never too
popular and was overshadowed by USB.

10) THUNDERBOLT
Following up with a not-so-popular FireWire, the Thunderbolt is the
successor with a twist.
 Thunderbolt 1 & 2 – Adopted much of the DisplayPort
technologies. The Thunderbolt port is a versatile one that can be
used to both connect devices and output video.
 Thunderbolt 3 – If you can’t win them, join them. Apple finally cracked under
pressure, this is pretty much a USB Type-C port with video output capabilities.

11) LIGHTNING
Lightning is the latest generation of iPhone/iPad connectors, and
it is specific to Apple devices only. Well, the certain half-eaten
fruit company definitely has no love for the mainstream
standards.

AUDIO CABLES
Now for the audio cables, which seems to be the only one that has not changed much
since the old days.

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12) 3.5MM AUDIO JACK
This is another one that is commonly seen everywhere, but
take note of the number of black stripes on the connectors.
 The one with 2 black stripes is what we call a 3 pole
connector.
 While the one with 3 stripes is called a 4 pole connector.
The reason for that extra pole is to support an additional
microphone on the earphones/headphones. So yep, just be aware that they are different.

13) OPTICAL FIBER AUDIO CABLE

Unlike the traditional copper wires, this one uses light to
transmit data, and thus called “optical fiber”. Although
expensive, the reason why some people may choose optical
fiber is that copper wires have a tendency to introduce noise
(static sound).
Light signals do not introduce noise, and that results in a
cleaner sound. Just don’t stare into the ends of the optical fiber cable, some may use lasers
and can blind people.

NETWORKING CABLES
Networking cables have not changed much since the old days as well, maybe that is
because most of it has gone wireless…

14) ETHERNET
You may have seen this while connecting a wireless router
to the modem. Yep, in the old days when we do not have
wireless, this is what we use to connect the PC to the
router. For you guys who want to sound like legit
engineers – The standard for Ethernet is IEEE 802.3, and
the connector is RJ45.
P.S. There are cat 5, cat 6, cat 7, and cat 8 ethernet cables. The difference is in the
supported bandwidth… Just get the latest cat 8 cables if unsure, they are technically
backward compatible.

15) TELEPHONE
Well, you should know this from your home telephone, and it is
also connected to AIO printers to send out faxes. Call this RJ11 if
people want to get technical.

16) FIBER OPTIC CABLE

When it comes to a faster Internet – Electricity and light are 2 of
the fastest things that we use to transmit data. But sadly, copper
wires are reaching the technical limitations for data transfer. The

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newer generations of “serious networking devices” are skewed towards using fiber optic
cables for ultra-fast data transfers.

POWER CABLES
For this final section, we will walk through the true survival of time – Power cords that
have never changed since… forever.

17) POWER CORDS

The power cords of a computer comply with the IEC
standards, which is the same as almost all of our other
household appliances. Here are 3 of the common power
plugs that you see in computers:

 IEC 60320 C13 &C14: The standard plug for desktop computers. Also known as the
“kettle plug”, because it looks just like the one we use for electrical kettles.
 IEC 60320 C5 & C6: This is the standard plug for the chargers of most laptops, also
known as the “cloverleaf”.
 IEC 60320 C7 & C8: Yet another standard plug for the chargers of laptops and even
some speakers.

18) DC BARREL JACK

The common Joe that you see everywhere in the world of
electronics… But take note – Even though it looks the same, these
actually come in different diameter sizes.

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