FORM 3

STUDY NOTES

BELONGS TO: ………………………………………………………………

Ronalds Tech 2023 © Production

Page 1 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. USING SPREADSHEETS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3

2. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

3. PROGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 15

4. INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES ……………………………………………………………….. 31

5. TROUBLESHOOTING COMPUTERS …………………………………………………………………………………………. 42

6. USING DESKTOP PUBLISHING SOFTWARE ……………………………………………………………………………….. 46

Page 2 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

USING SPREADSHEETS  Rows and columns makes data entry and organization
A SPREADSHEET: easy i.e. in a presentable tabular layout
 Is a financial accounting ledger book in which data is 2. Preparation of budgets
organised in rows and columns  They manipulate numeric entries mathematically hence
CATEGORIES /TYPES OF SPREADSHEETS good for budgeting
1. Manual or traditional spreadsheets 3. Interest calculation
2. Electronic spreadsheets  Can be used to compute both simple and compound
A. Manual or traditional spreadsheet interest by entering a relevant formula correctly
 Is a collection of sheets of paper divided into rows and 4. Statistical analysis
columns on which data is entered manually  Have tools for computing mean, mode, standard
deviation, sum product, variance, regressive analysis
USES OF MANUAL SPREADSHEET etc.
 Organise data into tabular, for reading and calculations BENEFITS OF ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEETS OVER
 Book keeping in financial accounting where by numeric MANUAL
figures are entered on income and expenditure 1. Utilize powerful aspects of computers namely speed,
 Financial analysis in stock management accuracy and efficiency
B. Electronic Spreadsheet 2. Offers a larger virtual sheet for data entry and
 Is an application software consisting of rows and manipulation
columns, used to organise, calculate and analyse 3. Provide auto complete and autocorrect features, making
numeric data data entry easy
EXAMPLES OF ELECRONIC SPREADSHEETS 4. Enable a user to produce network i.e. all the work is
1. Microsoft excel edited on screen
2. Open office Calc 5. Have better editing and formatting features
3. Lotus 1-2-3 6. Have inbuilt formulae called functions
4. Corel Quattro pro 7. Supports automatic recalculation
MAIN COMPONENTS OF ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEET 8. Have graphs sued for visual representation of data
1. Work sheets 2. Database 3. Graphs which is easy to interpret
DISADVANTAGES OF ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEETS
1. A Work sheet 1. High startup costs e.g. purchasing computer and
software
 Is a work area made up rows and columns where data is
2. Learning how to use require effort and cost
entered
3. Files need to be protected against unauthorized access
 Rows are labeled with numbers 1, 2, 3…
and malware like viruses
 Columns are labeled with letters A, B, C…
 A row is the horizontal arrangement of cells STARTING MS EXCEL
 A column is the vertical arrangement of cells 1. click on the start menu
 A cell is the intersection of row and column 2. Point to all programs
2. A database 3. Point to Microsoft office
 Is a collection of related data items or records on a 4. Click excel -> the excel application window opens
worksheet e.g. school results for term1 OR
3. Graphs / charts 1. Locate and click the windows search icon
 A graph is a pictorial representation of the relationship 2. In the search box, begin typing “excel”
between two or more values on a worksheet 3. Click on the excel icon/ file that appears on the search
 Electronic spreadsheet contain different graphs/ charts results
to choose from FEATURES OF THE EXCEL APPLICATION WINDOW
1. Rows
USES OF SPREADSHEETS  A row is the horizontal arrangement of cells in a
1. Arranging information worksheet
 Are labeled using numbers 1, 2, 3…n

Page 3 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 2. Columns NB: To move to the first cell labeled A1, press ctrl + Home key
 A column is a vertical arrangement of cells TYPES OF DATA ENTERED IN A WORKSHEET
 Are labeled using letters A, B, C…. 1. Labels 3. Function
4. A cell 2. Values 4. Formula
 Is the intersection between a column and a row
 The active cell pointer is that highlighted with bold 1. Labels
outline  A label refers to alphanumeric characters entered in a
5. Worksheets cell
 A worksheet is the work area made up of rows and  Are aligned to the left by default
columns where data is entered  Cannot be manipulated mathematically
6. Formula bar  Are mainly used as column and row headings to
- is an input box where a cell entry or a formula is describe numeric content (if a column contains names of
displayed before it is inserted into the active cell. students for example, the label can be student name)
7. Labels  numeric values can be formatted as labels by adding an
 Column labels are A-Z, AA-AZ, IA-IZ apostrophe before the most significant digit in the
 Row labels are members 1,2,3, … number
8. Cell address 2. Values
 Is a reference to a particular cell  A value is a numeric data that can be manipulated
 Is given by column label followed by row number mathematically In a spreadsheet e.g. currency, numbers
 Example, cell A1, is a cell in column A, row1 in the 0-9 and date
worksheet 3. Formula
 The process of referring to a particular cell using its  A formula is a mathematical expression used to
address is called cell referencing calculate and return a new value from numeric data
9. Name box  Must start with an equal sign
 Displays the address of the active cell  E.g. =B3+D4, adds contents of B3 and D4 and returns
10. File tab/ office button (2007) the sum of an active cell
 Displays the dropdown menu which has common  Arithmetic operators used in excel: add (+), subtraction
commands like new, open, save As, Print, Close etc. (-), multiplication (*) and division (/)
11. Command ribbon 4. Functions
 Displayed by clicking any of the tabs  A function is an inbuilt formulae that can be quickly used
 Has a set of commands in groups  Ms excel has several functions e.g. SUM 
 E.g. Home tab has commands: paste, copy, cut, Bold, =SUM(A1,B1()
underline etc.
12. Work sheet tabs CELL REFERENCING
 Located at the bottom of a spreadsheet, labeled sheet1,  Is the use of cell addresses
sheet2… IMPORTANCE /ADVANTAGE OF CELL REFERENCING
 Sheets can be renamed as follows:  Enables Ms excel to keep calculations accurate and
 Double clicking it, and typing a new name automatic recalculation
13. Work book TYPES OF CELL REFERENCING
 Spreadsheet file that consists of one of more related 1. Relative
worksheets. 2. Absolute
3. Mixed referencing
NAVIGATING/MOVING AROUND A WORKSHEET
a. Using the keyboard A. RELATIVE REFERENCING
1. arrow keys  Is the one that changes depending on its position of
2. Tab key reference in the worksheet
b. Using a mouse  E.g. if =A1+B1 in cell C1 is copied to cell c2, the formula
1. Clicking the desired cell or using a touch pad reference changes to A2 + B2

Page 4 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 B. ABSOLUTE REFERENCING
 In this one the reference is made to a specific address
and does not change with position
 It is made by placing a dollar sign before the column
and/or row label e.g. $A$2
 E.g. if the result in cell C1 is 170 and absolute reference
is used, 170 will be copied to C2
C. MIXED CELL REFERENCING
 Is a combination of relative and absolute referencing on  See, the formula does not change with position
a specific cell address  Click on the show formula button to see the values, you
 E.g. A$3 referencing, the column is absolute while the get 78, in all the cells, reference is made to the same
row is relative cell

PRACTICAL EXAMPLE ON RELATIVE REFERENCE PRACTICAL EXAMPLE 2 ON ABSOLUTE REFERENCE

 Open a new work book  Create a worksheet as below
 Create a worksheet as below  Each entry is supposed to multiply by 2 in cell A1,
therefore it should be made absolute, and the other cells
should be relative as below

 Type a formula in cell =B2+C2

 Copy it to the rest of the cells  Copy the formula to the other cells
 In the formula tab, click on show formula button, In the  See, the left part changing, while the right does not
formula Auditing group to see the copied formula change with position
 You will note that, the formula will be changing based on  It should be as below, click the show formula button, to
the position, as shown below see the formula
 When you click, show formula button, you will get
2,4,6,8
RETRIEVING A WORKBOOK
 To open an existing workbook:
1. Click on file or office button
2. Click on open
3. Scroll to the workbook
4. Double click it
SAVING A WORKBOOK
1. Press Ctrl + s
2. In the save AS dialog, specify the location
 This is the relative reference 3. Type the name
4. Click the save button
 Click on the show formula button to see the values
CLOSING A WORKBOOK
1. Click file tab or office button
PRACTICAL EXAMPLE 1 ON ABSOLUTE REFERENCE
2. Click on close
 Change the formula in D2 to: =$B$2+$C$2
EXITING EXCEL click file menu->click exit or press ALT
 Copy the formula to the rest of the cells
+ F4

Page 5 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 EXERCISE ONE
WORKSHEET AND WORKBOOK FORMATTING  Formatting worksheets:
 Refers to enhancing the appearance of cells content to
make it more readable and appealing to the reader
WHY FORMATTING A WORKSHEET
1. To place emphasis
2. To catch attention i.e. make it more readable
3. To reveal hidden details of a worksheet
FORMATTING A SINGLE CELL
1. Make it active
2. Click home tab
3. Click the down arrow on the right of the format button in 1. Open a new workbook and save the file with the name
cells group “pay roll”
4. Click the format options you wish to apply on numbers, 2. Enter the labels and values in the exact cells locations
alignment, font, cell borders or background as desired
FORMATTING FONTS 3. Use auto fill to put the employee numbers in to cells
1. Highlight the cells that have the cell content A6:A8
2. Click format then format cells command 4. Set the column width and row height appropriately
3. Select the font tab by clicking it 5. Set labels alignment appropriately
6. Use wrap text and merge cells as desired
4. Select the font type, size, style, underline and colour
5. Click ok 7. Format cell B2 to short date format
FORMATTING NUMBERS 8. Format cell E4:G8 to include dollar sign with two decimal
1. Highlight the cells that have the numbers places
2. Click format then format cells on the home tab 9. Calculate the Gross pay for employee, enter the formula
3. click the number tab in cell E4 multiply hourly Rate by hours worked
4. Choose the desired number formats 10. Calculate the social security tax (SS Tax), which is 6%
FORMATTING BORDERS of the gross pay: enter a formula in cell F4 to multiply
1. Highlight the range you wish to insert borders Gross pay by 6%
2. Click format then format cells command 11. Calculate the net pay: enter a formula in cell G4 to
3. Select the Borders tab by clicking it subtract Social Security Tax from Gross pay
4. Specify the type of line, colour, and border style to be 12. Set the font type to be times new roman, size 12, font
color for date and payroll labels should be white
applied
5. Click ok button 13. Save your work book
FORMATTING COLUMNS (resizing) NB: After the exercise, be able to: format font, borders, columns
1. Point to the border that separates column headers and rows
2. Once the arrow changes to black double- edged cross,
drag to adjust the column width to the desired size PROTECTING A WORKBOOK
3. release the mouse  Techniques of protecting a workbook:
FORMATTING ROWS (Changing row height) 1. Making a work book read only
1. Point to the border that separates two row headers 2. Encrypting using password
2. Once the arrow changes to black double- edged cross, 3. Restricting access by adding digital signature
drag to adjust the row height to the desired size ENCRYPTING WITH PASSWORD
3. release the mouse ― for office 2016
GLOBAL FORMATTING 1. While the workbook is open click file button
 This refers to formatting the entire or whole worksheet 2. Choose save As
PROCEED AS FOLLOWS: 3. Choose tools dropdown (left of the save button) and
1. Press CTRL + A choose general options
2. Use the Format cells dialog box to format the content

Page 6 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 Use the protection options such as Mark as Final that sets
the workbook read-only.
• To make a workbook read-only, proceed as follows:
1. Click the file tab, point to info and then check the
protect workbook button.
2. On the drop down menu, select Mark as Final option.

EXCEL KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

4. You can now set two passwords:

i. one to open the workbook
ii. to modify
5. Enter one or both passwords and click OK

FREEZING PANES
FREEZE PANES
― Is a feature in spreadsheet that freezes a row or column,
so that is always displayed.
IMPORTANCE/REASON FOR FREEZING PANES
― Helps the user to track what the data in a particular row
or column stands for.
• locked or frozen rows /columns are not moved
6. Confirm the password (s) and click ok when scrolling a document
7. Click save (find out how it is done in office 2013_excel TO FREEZE PANES
bk3) 1. Move a pointer in a cell you want to freeze rows above it
UNPROTECTING A WORKSHEET or columns on its right
1. Navigate to the review tab 2. Click freeze panes on the view tab, in the windows
2. Click protect sheet, in the window enter a password that group
is required to unprotect the sheet TO UNFREEZE THE PANES
3. Click ok 1. Click view tab
TASK 2. In the windows group, click freeze panes, then select
Discuss how you can lock specific cells in an excel work sheet unfreeze
4mks HIDE/UNHIDE COLUMNS OR ROWS
SETTING MODIFICATION RESTRICTIONS 1. Select the columns or rows you want to hide
• Excel provide for the owner of the spreadsheet to specify 2. On the home tab, click format cells in the cells group
users who can open to read only, copy or print a workbook.

Page 7 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 3. Select the command to hide or unhide rows and Arguments
columns - Are cell addresses, numeric, logical or text values
enclosed in parenthesis.
FORMULAS AND FUNCTIONS For example.
A FORMULA =SUM(A3:F3), SUM is the function name while the range A3 to
― Is a mathematical expression used to perform F3 is the argument.
calculations CATEGORIES OF IN-BUILT FUNCTIONS
A FUNCTION Functions are categorized according to nature of calculation.
― Is an inbuilt or a predefined formula 1. Math & Trig
PERFORMING CALCULATIIONS ON WORKSHEET DATA 2. Statistical
― Select a range of cells first 3. Logic
― The range or cell range is a group of cells within a row 4. Date and time
or column To use a function from any of these categories, proceed as
― e.g. =SUM(A1:A10), the cells in column A1 through A10 follows:
are the range of cells that are added together 1. On the formulas tab, click insert function. Alternatively,
SELECTING A RANGE OF CONTIGUOUS CELLS click the fx button on the standard toolbar.
1. click the top left cell of the range to be selected 2. In the function dialog box displayed, select the category
2. hold down shift key, and then click the bottom right cell 3. In the function list box, select a function.
of the range 4. Specify the function argument then click OK.
SELECTING A RANGE OF NON CONTIGUOUS CELLS
1. Click the top left cell of the range to be selected A. Math & Trig functions
2. Hold down the Ctrl key and then click individual cells to  This acronym math & trig stands for mathematics
be selected and trigonometry.
CREATING A NAMED RANGE OF CELLS  Commonly used mathematical functions
1. Select the range to be named  SUM(). Adds the values in the selected range of cells.
2. Click inside the name box, replace the cell address by For example if A3, B3 and C3 contains 20, 50, 80
typing a name for the range, then press enter respectively, =SUM(A3:C3) returns 150.
 Round(). Rounds a number to specified number of
CREATING A FORMULA decimal places. If the second argument is 0, the number
ELEMENTS OF A USER DEFINED FORMULA is rounded off to the nearest integer. E.g.
1. An equal sign =ROUND(49.769, 1) returns 49.8 While
2. Operands (values, cell references, names etc.) =ROUND(49.769, 0) returns 50.
3. Operators  PRODUCT(). Multiplies a list of arguments separated by
TYPES OF OPERATORS USED TO CREATE A FORMULA commas. For example =PRODUCT(40,3,2) returns 240.
a. Arithmetic operators  QUOTIENT(). Returns the integer part of a division. The
– Addition, subtraction, division and multiplication function is used when you want to discard the remainder
– They follow precedence rule similar to mathematical of a division. E.g. =QUOTIENT(5,3) returns a value of 1.
concept of BODMAS B. Statistical functions
The following are some of the commonly used statistical
SYMBOL Description Example functions:
• AVERAGE( ). Returns the arithmetic mean of its
/ Division =A2/B2
arguments. For example, if A3, B3 and C3 contains 20,
* Multiplication =A2*B2 50 and 80 respectively, = AVERAGE (A3:C3) returns 75.
+ Addition =A2 + B2 • COUNT( ). Counts the number of cells that contain
- Subtraction =B2-A2 numeric values within a range. If a cell contains non-
numeric value, it is ignored. For example, = COUNT
(A3:C3) returns 3.
USING IN-BUILT FUNCTION
Function start with equal sign(=) then function name and
arguments.

Page 8 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 • MAX( ). Returns the largest number from a range of • TODAY ( ). Returns a number that represents today’s
cells. For example, = MAX(A3:C3) in a range containing date. This function takes no arguments. For example, by
20,35, 80, 68 and 79. returns 80 as the maximum value. the time of writing this function, =TODAY ( ) returned
• MIN( ). Returns the smallest number from a range of 07/02/2016.
cells. For example, = MIN(A3:C3) on 20, 35, 80, 68 and • NOW ( ). Returns the current date and time formatted as
79 returns 20 as the minimum value. date and time. It takes no arguments. For example, =
C. Logical functions NOW ( ) returned 07/12/2016 16:21 by the time of
• Logical functions return either true or false from an writing this book.
expression. Examples of logical functions include IF, • DATE ( ). Returns a serial number that represents a
COUNTIF, AND, OR, and NOT. particular date. Ms Excel uses year 1900 as serial
• IF( ). Returns a value or a label if a condition you specify number 1. For example, =DATE (107, 1, 4) returns
evaluates to TRUE and another if it evaluates to FALSE. January 4, 2007. Year = (1900 + 107), month = 1, day =
4.
• For example, if C5 holds a mean score then if we wish • HOUR ( ), MINUTE ( ) or SECOND ( ) Function returns
to display a comment PASS if mean is greater than 50 the current hour as number 0 to 23, minute from 0 to 59
or FAIL if otherwise then we can use IF(C5>50, “PASS”, and seconds from 0 to 59 respectively.
“FAIL”). ERRORS THAT APPEARS IN SPREADSHEET
Let us take another example. If A3, B3, C3, D3, and E3 contain a 1. #####
set of marks 35, 50, 80, 60 and 45 and grades are to be awarded  This occurs when the width of the column is too narrow. In
as follows: the case of numbers, if a column is too narrow to hold all
• 80 to 100 A the digits, the data will be display as (######).
• 60 to 79 B 2. #DIV/0! (DIVIDE BY ZERO)
• 40 to 59 C  Occurs when a formula attempts to divide by zero or when
• Below 40 Fail, a formula references a cell that is blank
To assign a grade use, 3. #N/A!
• = IF(A3>=80, “A”, IF(A3>=60, “B”, IF(A3>=40, “C”,  Error means no value available and it occurs when a
“FAIL”))) formula or a function inside a formula cannot find the
• COUNTIF( ). Counts the number of cells within a range referenced data.
that satisfies a certain criterion. For example, = 4. #NAME?
COUNTIF (A1:D5,”>50”) returns the number of cells in  Error occurs when text in the formula is not recognized
the range that have a value greater than 50. 5. NULL!
• SUMIF( ). Calculates the sum of values in a range of  Error occurs when two or more cell references are not
cells that satisfy a certain criterion. For examples separated correctly in a formula. For example, typing the
=SUMIF (A1:D5,”>1000”) selects cells that have values formula =B3+C3+D3 E3 results into a #NULL! Error. The
greater than 1000 and calculate them. space between D3 and E3 in the formula instead of a plus
• NB: In Excel, COUNTIF and SUMIF are found under sign causes the #NULL! Error.
statistical Maths and Eng categories respectively. 6. #NUM!
• AND( ). Returns true if both expressions in a comma  Error occurs when a formula has invalid numeric data for
separated list of arguments evaluates to true. For the type of operation.
example, = AND (3+2=5, 2+2=4) returns true. 7. #REF! ( invalid cell reference)
• OR() returns true if one of the expression in the comma  error occurs when a spreadsheet formula contains
separated list of arguments evaluates to true. For incorrect cell references.
example, =OR(3+2=7, 2+2=4) returns true. 8. #VALUE!
• NOT ( ). This is unary operator that reverses the value of
 Error occurs when a wrong type of operand or function
a Boolean expression from true to false and vice versa.
argument is used. For example, misspelling a function
For example, =NOT (3+2=5) returns false.
name or omitting a colon (:) when referring to a range of
D. Date and Time functions
cells.
Some date and time functions include:

Page 9 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 x86 architecture define processing power as the model and the
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION clock speed of the CPU.
c) Memory
DEFINITION OF TERMS
All software, when run, reside in the random access memory
SOFTWARE
(RAM) of a computer. Memory requirements are define after
Software is a collection of instructions that enable the user to
considering the demands of the application, operating system,
interact with a computer or have it perform specific tasks for
supporting software and files and other running processes.
them.
d) Secondary storage
INSTALLATION
Hard-disk requirements vary depending on the size of software
Installation (or setup) of a computer program is the act of making
installation, temporary files created and maintained while
the program ready for execution
installing or running the software and possible use of swap space
SOFTWARE UNINSTALLATION
(if RAM is insufficient)
Uninstallation of a computer program is the act of removing the
e) Display adapter
program from the computer.
Software requiring a better than average computer graphics
OPERATING SYSTEM
display, like graphics editors and high-end games, often define
An operating system or OS is a software program that enables
high-end display adapters in the system requirements
the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the
f) Platform
computer software.
A computing platform describes some sort of framework, either in
Examples of computer operating system:
hardware or software, which allows software to run.
1. Microsoft Windows 7
Typical platforms include a computer’s architecture, operating
2. Apple MacOS
system or programming languages and their runtime libraries
3. Ubuntu Linux
INSTALLER
4. Google Android
An installation program or installer is a computer program that
5. iOS
installs files such as operating systems, application programs,
DEVICE DRIVERS
drivers or other software onto a computer.
Is a program that controls a particular type of a device that is
The table below shows the differences between a package
attached to the computer
management system and an installer
A device a driver allows an operating system to communicate
Package management Installer
with a specific hardware device
system
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Usually part of an operating Each product comes
Are those programs developed to carry out specific tasks to solve system bundled with its own installer
particular problems for the user Uses one installation Performs its own installation,
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS database sometimes recording
All computer software need certain hardware components or information about that
other software resources to be present on a computer for efficient installation in a registry
usage. These prerequisites are known as system requirements Can verify and manage all Works only with its bundled
and are often used as guidelines as opposed to an absolute rule packages on the system product.
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS One package management Multiple installer vendors
The most common set of requirements defined by an operating system vendor
system or software application is the physical computer One package format Multiple installation formats
resources, also known as hardware.
A hardware requirements list is often accompanied by a hardware FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
compatibility list (HCL), especially in case or operating systems Software installation, also referred to as program setup refers to
a) architecture copying a program into a computer storage in a form that it can
all computer operating system are designed for particular be executed.
computer architecture. Most software applications are limited to The number of computer programs installed on a computer is
particular operating system running on particular architectures. only limited to its processing power and available disk space
b) Processing power Common operations performed during software installation
The power of the central processing unit (CPU) is a fundamental process include creation or modification of program folders and
system requirement for any software. Most software running on

Page 10 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

subfolders, configuring of Windows registry as well as copying of
files, environment variables and shortcut icons

FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SOFTWARE

INSTALLATION
Before installing any software whether an operating system,
device drivers or application software, you need to consider the
following:
1. System configuration particularly the type and speed of
the processor, amount of RAM and hard disk space
2. Reading the installation manual to get details on the
minimum system requirements, warnings and user
license agreement
3. Identify the software that will meet specific user needs to
avoid installing unnecessary software that end up taking 2. After clicking Install Now, a screen that contains the
valuable storage space. license terms is displayed. Read Microsoft User-License
INSTALLING AN OPERATING SYSTEM agreement terms and then click the box against “I
Before installing an operating system, read the manual, provided accept the license terms” shown in figure below
on the internet or in the CD/DVD disk that comes with the
operating system. The manual contains details on the minimum
hardware requirements a computer must meet
Installing windows operating systems has largely become a
wizard driven process. Microsoft has moved from FAT32-based
used in earlier operating systems such as Windows 98 and Me to
NTFS file systems.
INSTALLING MICROSOFT WINDOWS 7
 The process of installing Microsoft Windows 7 is not
different from earlier versions of Windows.
 The two methods of pf installing Windows 7 are upgrading
from a previous version, and fresh installation.
 In particular, installing windows 7 afresh is performed by
first creating and formatting a primary partition before the
installation process starts.
3. To install windows afresh, in the next dialog box
 However, upgrading from a previous Windows version is
displayed, click Custom (Advanced) as shown in figure
relatively simple. Once you insert a DVD into the optical
below
drive, the computer initialises the DVD and displays a
screen prompting the user to select configuration options. If
you choose upgrade, the rest of the process is managed
by the installation wizard.
To install a fresh copy of Window 7, the computer should be
setup to boot from DVD. Once the computer should be setup to
boot from DVD, proceed as follows:
1. Insert Windows 7 DVD into the optical drive and start the
computer. After the Power On Self-Test (POST) the
computer initializes the boot process. After few seconds
Windows 7 installation screen show in the figure below
is displayed. Select the preferred language and set the
time zone. In our case, choose Central Africa Time
(CAT) zone.

Page 11 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 4. Next, partition the drive (figure below) into two or more
drives (volumes) using NTFS file system and then click
Format.

NB: one of the major steps in windows upgrade the same

license to migrate from Windows 7 or 8 to current Windows
10
CONFIGURING WINDOWS 7
5. Windows 7 automatically formats the first drive usually Apart from working with files, folders and drives, windows 7
labelled Drive C as the primary drive and copies the provides the user with tools that can be used to customize the
installation files onto the partition as shown below desktop. Such features include arranging multiple windows on
the desktop, changing desktop background, setting screen
resolutions, hiding the taskbar among other things.
CONFIGURING DESKTOP APPEARANCE
Windows 7 lets the user change desktop appearance and display
properties such as icons, themes and wallpaper. To configure
desktop settings, right click the desktop the click personalise. The
control panel shown in figure below is displayed

6. After the copy process, the installer prompts for more

information such as username, password and the
product license key. you must enter license key that
came with the product to install a genuine copy of
Windows 7!
7. Follow the Windows 7 installation process, providing
necessary information required to continue. This
process is generally wizard driven and only requires
minimal interactions where necessary.
8. Once window 7 is successfully installed, connect to the
SETTING THEME AND BACKGROUND
Internet to install important updates or skip the update
To apply a new theme or wallpaper, proceed as follows:
procedure and enter the password to login to the
1. Make sure you are in change the visuals and sounds..
desktop as shown in figure below
windows
2. Inside the windows, scroll down the list of themes and
select desired theme.

Page 12 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 3. To change desktop background, click the background SETTING COLOUR AND SCREEN RESOLUTION
icon at the left. Select preferred background from The clarity and size of images on the screen depends on screen
displayed list. resolution and orientation. To change screen resolution and
4. Save the new theme and background changes before orientation, proceed as follows:
you close the dialog box. 1. Right click on an empty space on the desktop, and then
SETTING THE SCREEN SAVER click screen resolution.
If the screen saver is set, moving patterns or objects are 2. In the screen resolution window, change display properties
displayed on the screen if the computer is left idle for a period of such as display type, resolution or orientation.
time. To set screen saver proceed as follows: 3. On the colour list box, select colour quality.
1. In the personalization window, click the screen saver icon, 4. Click apply to view changes before you close dialog box.
at the bottom right side. 5. Click ok to close the dialog box.
2. In the screen saver dialog box, select a screen saver from HIDING THE TASKBAR
the screen saver list. To hide the taskbar, proceed as follows:
3. Set the wait time e.g. 10 minutes and click on resume, 1. Right-click the taskbar, and then click properties.
display logon screen. 2. Make sure the taskbar tab is selected, then select auto-
4. Click preview to see how the screen saver look like, and hide the taskbar check box.
then click apply button to save the changes before closing 3. Click apply, and then close the dialog box.
the dialog box. SETTING DATE AND TIME
5. Click ok to close the dialog box. Setting system date and time is very important because some
SETTING MOUSE POINTER system tasks such as the scheduler depends on date and time to
For accessibility reasons, you may need to change the default run.
mouse settings e.g. from left click to right click. To change mouse To set date and time:
settings, proceed as follows: 1. Click the start button and point to the control panel.
1. In the personalization window, click change mouse Alternatively click the clock in the system tray, then click
pointers. change date and time settings.
2. In the dialog box displayed (shown figure below) click the 2. In the control panel, click change date and time. A dialog
tab for the settings you wish to change. For example, to box shown in figure below is displayed.
change the default mouse button from left to right, click the 3. Change time and date or time zone settings. After
button tab. making necessary changes clock apply, and then click
3. Click apply to save the changes before you close the ok to close the dialog box.
dialog box.
4. Click ok to close the dialog box.

INSTALLING DEVICE DRIVERS

 Most drivers and application programs are packed in a
compressed format for purposes of sale and distribution. In
order to be used, they must be unpacked and installed.

Page 13 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

  During installation process, a computer is first tested figure below. This is very important because specifying a
whether it has the recommended hardware, operating wrong port e.g. LPTI instead of USD means that the
system and drivers. printer will not work.
 If the computer passes the test, the relevant program files
are copied into the target hard disk.
 However, some programs are designed to be installed
simply by copying and pasting their files to the desired 5. In the install printer drivers shown in the next step,
location, and there is no formal installation process. specify the manufacturer and the printer type and click
next.
INSTALLING DEVICE DRIVERS IN WINDOWS 7 6. In the dialog box that appears type the name of the
 A device driver is a utility software that controls a device printer and click next to start driver installation process.
installed in a computer. 7. Once the drivers are successfully instead, a test page
 For a device such as a printer, mouse, keyboard, a flash print dialog appear as shown in the figure below. Its
disk or a scanner to work; its drivers must be installed first. important to print a test page to be sure that the drivers
 In a nutshell, a device driver acts as a translator between are successfully installed.
the device and programs that use the device.
 Each device has its own set of specialized commands that
only its driver knows.
 Common devices such as the keyboard, mouse, monitor NB: for device installation process to be completed, you
and flash disks are automatically recognized by most may be required to restart the computer. Make sure you
operating systems through a process known as plug and save any important task before you click the restart
play(PnP). button or alert.
 In windows 7, there are many ways of installing the drivers INSTALLING APPLICATION SOFTWARE
but the most common is through an installation wizard.  Installation of application software is only limited to the
 For example, to install printer drivers, proceed as follows: hardware configuration, operating system and license
1. If the printer drivers are not in windows, insert the media agreement.
that came with the printer. Figure below shows  In windows 7, you can install thousands of applications but
examples of printer drivers that are pre-loaded in the most basic are word processors, spreadsheets, database
windows 7. management systems, desktop publishing software,
education software, among others
SELECTING THE RELEVANT APPLICATION
There are factors that determine which software to install. Some
factors include cost, authenticity, user document, system
configuration, reliability, user-friendliness, compatibility and
purpose. According to purpose, application programs are
generally classified into general purpose or special purpose
application software.
1. General purpose application software
Examples of general purpose application software
 word processors – word processing
 spreadsheets – calculations
 database – record keeping
 presentation software – presentation
2. Special purpose application software
2. After verifying that the drivers are available in windows Specialized applications are application programs purposely
7, click devices and printer on the start menu. designed to handle specialized task such as
3. In devices and printers window displayed, click add  desktop publishing software (DTPs),
printer, and then add local printer. Click next to proceed.  graphics editing software or presentation
4. Under choose printer port, specify the port through
which the printer will be connected as shown in the

Page 14 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

INSTALLING MICROSOFT OFFICE 2013
Generally, installation of the most application programs in
windows is the same. To install Microsoft office 2013 suite,
proceed as follows:
1. Insert the Microsoft office 2013 DVD into the optical
drive. Microsoft license agreement is displayed. To
proceed, read the agreement and click the check box “I
accept the terms of this agreement” as shown in the
figure below.

5. After choosing the installation option, click upgrade or

install now to proceed. The rest of the process is wizard
driven.
6. The installation process (figure below) will take several
minutes depending on the option selected and the
computer hardware configuration. Once the installation
is completed, you may be required to check for updates.
If connected to internet, ensure the “check wed for
updates checkbox’ is enabled otherwise click close.

7. After the installation progress is completed, you may be

prompted to register and activate the product for online
updates. This process ensures that you have a genuine
Microsoft office.
2. Carefully read and agree to Microsoft agreement terms. 8. To confirm that office 2013 has been installed, display
The installation dialog box in figure below is displayed to start menu and then point to All programs/programs.
choose whether to upgrade an existing version. The list of applications including newly installed are
displayed on the start menu.
NB: the steps outlined are specific to Microsoft office 2013
and may vary depending on the version of Microsoft office
and the type of the user license.

PRGOGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS
DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS
1. Algorithm
3. Once you are prompted to provide the license, enter the • Is a set of instructions designed to perform a
product key provided at the DVD easing that came with specific task (a blue print)
the software. 2. Algorithm Design
4. To install office afresh, click the customize button and • Is a process of designing a program
make sure that radio button “remove all previous 3. Computer program /program
versions” is selected as shown in the figure below. If you • Is a set of instructions written using a programming
decide to keep previous copies, select the second option language to instruct a computer to perform a task
then click continue. 4. programming Language (PL)
• Is a formal language that specifies the syntax and
semantics rules for writing computer programs

Page 15 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 • E.g. BASIC, C, C++, JAVA, PASCAL, FORTRANE 8. Assemblers
etc. • Are languages processors that convert assembly
5. Computer programming language programs into machine readable-form
• Is a process of writing a computer program using a 9. Interpreters
programming language • Are language processors that converts the source
• A person who writes programs is referred to as a code into machine code statement by statement
programmer 10. compilers
• Higher programmers are called software
• Are languages processors that convert the entire
developers and software engineers
source code into object code
6. source code
• Is a set of instructions or statements written by a • The object code can then be made into executable
programmer that are not yet converted into files by the linking process
machine-readable form
• It is mostly a text file written using programming • LINKING is the process of combining the object
languages like BASIC, PASCAL, C OR C++ code with library files required for the execution of
7. Object code the program
• This is when the source code is converted into COMPILER CONVERTING A SOURCE CODE TO
machine readable form EXECUTABLE FILE (linking)
• This is done using language processors
• Examples of language processors: Assemblers,
Interpreters and compilers

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INTERPRETERS AND Interpreted object codes Compiled programs require
COMPILERS takes less memory more memory because the
INTERPRETERS COMPILERS compiled object code is
large
Converts a program into Converts a program into
machine code one machine code as a whole HISTORY OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
statement at one time TYPES OR CATEGORIES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
Does not create object file Creates object code file 1. Low-level languages {first & second generation
languages}
Program execution is slow, Program execution is fast, 2. High-level languages {third, fourth and fifth generation
every time we run a since once a program is languages plus OOP & web scripting languages}
program it is interpreted compiled successfully, the 1. LOW-LEVEL LANGUAGES
again object code created does – Are classified low because they can easily be
not need re-compilation understood by the computer
– They require minimal efforts to convert into object
code

Page 16 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

TYPES OF LOW LEVEL LANGUAGES
a. Machine Languages (first generation) HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGES
b. Assembly Languages (second generation) – Are close to human language hence can be read and
a) MACHINE LANGUAGES understood by novice programmers
Instructions are written using binary code CATEGORIES
Sample : 1. Third generation languages (3GLS)
2. Fourth generation languages (4GLS)
3. Fifth generation languages (5GLS)
4. Object Oriented programming (oops)
5. Web scripting languages

THIRD GENERATION (3GLS)

– Are also called structured or procedural languages
– Structured programming approach emphasizes that:
– large programs should be broken down into smaller sub
b. ASSEMBLY LANGUAGES (Second generation)
programs each performing a single task
– allow programmers to write programs as a set of
– Use control structures in the problem solving
symbolic operation codes called mnemonics
BENEFITS OF STRUCTURED PROGRAMMING
– Mnemonics are basically shortened two or three
– It is flexible
letter words
– Easier to read and modify
c. Sample assembly language program:
COMMON EXAMPLES OF 3GLS
1. Pascal
2. Developed to help in teaching and learning of structured
programming languages
3. FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslator)
4. Developed for: -mathematicians, scientists and engineers
5. Enables writing of programs that solve mathematics,
scientific and engineering problems
WHY ASSEMBLY LANGUAGES WHERE DEVELOPED 6. COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language)
– To overcome the difficulties of understanding and using 7. Designed for developing programs that solve business
machine languages problems e.g. computer –based inventory control
NB: Assembly languages require an assembler to be converted systems)
into machine codes 8. BASIC (Beginners All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction
ADVANTAGES OF LOW-LEVEL LANGUAGES code)
1. The CPU understands machine language directly with 9. Developed to enable students easily learn programming
minimal or no conversion (it is simple)
2. The processor executes low-level languages programs 10. It is used for developing business and educational
faster because complex codes are already broken applications
down into smaller and simpler ones 11. COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language)
3. Low level languages are stable and hardly crash or 12. Designed for developing programs that solve business
break down once written problems e.g. computer –based inventory control
DISADVANTAGES OF LOW-LEVEL LANGUAGES systems)
1. Are difficult and cumbersome to use and learn 13. BASIC (Beginners All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction
2. Require highly trained programmers to develop and code)
maintain programs 14. Developed to enable students easily learn programming
3. Correcting errors or debugging in low level language (it is simple)
programs is difficult It is used for developing business and educational
4. They are machine dependent i.e. not portable from applications
computer to another FOURTH GENERATION LANGUAGES (4GLS)

Page 17 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

– Were designed to reduce programming efforts effort
– The programmer focus more on the problem than algorithm WEB DEVELOPMENT LANGUAGES
or structure – Are languages used to develop or add functionalities on
– Enhanced 3GLS may also be 4GLS, therefore these two web pages
generations overlap – Web pages are hypertext documents created in a
language called hypertext markup languages (HTML)
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 4GLS & 3GLS – HTML:
– 4GLS have advanced programming tools for: • Consists of tags
1. Integrating programs with databases • A tag is a word, symbol or character enclosed in
2. Generating reports angle brackets < > interpreted by the browser as a
3. Creating user interface (GUI) applications command
4. Generating program code automatically e.g. an • HTML Is not considered as a programming language
application generator because: it does not have declaration part and control
structures
EXAMPLES OF 4GLS
1. Power Builder SCRIPTING LANGUAGES
2. FoxPro – Are special types of web programming languages used to
3. Python enhance interaction and dynamism of HTML web pages
4. Progress 4GL – Examples: JavaScript, Vbscript and Hypertext
5. Microsoft Visual Basic preprocessor (PHP)
6. Delphi Pascal – A script is a small program code written in a scripting
language and then appended in the HTML program
5GLS – Why appending scripts?
– Are also known as natural languages • To add functionalities e.g. sliding calendar, form
– Are used to develop systems that solve problems using validation etc.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
– Artificial Intelligence refers to computer systems that mimic HTML ELEMENTS
human-like intelligence, for example: – Must have an opening and closing tag
1. Visual (seeing) perception – An opening tag is enclosed between <>, a closing tag
2. Speech recognition is enclosed between </>
3. Decision making – The content to be displayed is enclosed between an
4. movement opening and closing tag
– For example, to display “welcome to Bangwe
EXAMPLES OF 5GLS secondary” in the browser we have to write:
1. PROLOG <h2> welcome to Bangwe secondary </h2>
2. Mercury opening tag content to be displayed closing tag
3. LISP
4. OPS5 – a programming language for rule based EXAMPLES OF HTML TAGS
production
Tag Meaning
OBJECT ORIENTED PROGRAMMING
– Is a programming paradigm that emphasizes on the use of <html> </html> Marks the beginning and
objects in programs end of a HTML document.
– It is not a separate generation but a programming style All tags and text fall
(approach) between these tags
– It is a shift from structured (procedural) programming
<head></head> Marks the header part of the
– Examples of oops languages: objective C, c++, C#, python,
document
PERL, RUBY, DELPHI PASCAL and SMALL TALK
NB: OOPS cuts across the three generations

Page 18 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 <title> </title> Gives title of the webpage. 3. Program coding
Text between these tags 4. Program testing and debugging
appear in the title bar 5. Program review and maintenance
NB: The problem of calculating circle area will be used to
<body> </body> Marks the content of a explain each phase in our case!!!!
webpage

<h1> </h1> Sets size of text with H1 1. PROBLEM DEFINITION

being the largest and h6 – Refers to one’s ability to identify a problem that need to
the smallest be solved using a computer program
– Situations that may motivate a programmer to develop
BENEFITS OF HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGES a computer program:
– Are portable i.e. can be installed on more than one 1. Problems that prevent an individual or organization
computer from achieving their objectives
– Are user friendly and easy to use & learn 2. Opportunity to improve the current system
– Are more flexible, enhancing creativity and innovation 3. New directive from mgt or Govt requiring change of
– It is easier to correct programs written in high level status quo
languages – Sample problem: finding the area of a circle
LIMITATIONS OF HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGES – Programmer responsibility in this case:
– Need more hardware and s/w resources because • Develop a program that can be used to calculate
programs in these languages need to be compiled and the area
interpreted to machine code – Process of solving this problem:
– Require large computer memory to be executed • Input: - pie (a constant)
– Their nature encourage use of many instructions in a -the radius of the circle
statement, slowing the program processing • Process: the formula (pi x radius x radius)
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS • Output: Area of the circle (A)
GUIDELINES FOR SOLVING A PROGRAMING PROBLEM – This phase must end with the documentation
1. Clearly define a problem (problem definition) of hardware and s/w requirements for solving
2. Close your eyes and visualize the program running on the problem
the computer IMPORTANCE OF HARDWARE AND S/W REQUIREMENTS
3. Write a pseudo code version (algorithm design) of the DOCUMENTATTION
program
4. Desk check (dry-run) the pseudo code for any logical – Enables the programmer to design algorithms for
flow errors implementing solutions
5. Write a program code on a paper using a PL
6. Test the program on a paper for syntax and logical 2. ALGORITHM DESIGN
errors – An algorithm is a set of well-defined steps for performing
7. Write a source code using a PL such as Basic or C++ a task or solving the problem
(on a computer) WAYS OF EXPRESSING ALGORITHMS (SOLUTIONS TO
8. Compile the program with test data for any logical PROBLEMS)
errors 1. Flow charts- a type of diagram that represents an algorithm
9. Validate the results 2. Pseudo codes – an informal high level description of the
PL: short form for programming language operating principle of a program or algorithm
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT LIFECYCLE 3. Structured English statements
– Is a set of steps or phases that are used to develop a 4. A Pseudo code for a circle area problem, may look as:
program in any programming language program: calculate area of circle
PHASES OF THE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT LIFE-CYCLE BEGIN
(PDLC) SET as constant PI = 3.142
1. Problem definition PRINT “enter radius”
2. Algorithm design READ radius
area = PI x radius

Page 19 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 PRINT area double radius,area;
END double pi = 3.142;
EXPLANATION main ( ){
• The 1st statement declares the task to be performed by cout <<“enter the radius”;
the program cin >>radius;
• The 2nd statement indicate that 3.142 is a constant area = pi * radius * radius;
represented by PI cout<<“the area is “,area;
• Phrases within BEGIN and END denotes the return 0;
executable statements }
NB: some languages are case sensitive e.g. c++, the cin and
3. PROGRAM CODING cout must be lower case
– This stage involves writing the statements using a – other languages are not case sensitive e.g.
programming language e.g C, C++ or Java Pascal
FEATURES OR ELEMENTS OF THE PL 4. PROGRAM TESTING AND DEBUGGING
1. Reserved words/ keywords – Testing is the process of checking whether a program
– These have special meaning in a language has errors or bugs
– Can therefore be used only for intended purpose – Debugging refers to the process of correcting identified
– Reserved words in Pascal and c++: for, if, else, while, program errors
do etc. TYPES OF BUGS OR ERRORS
2. Identifiers 1. Syntax errors
– Are programmer defined symbolic names used to – Errors emanating from improper use of language
identify elements like variables and constants rules
– For example, in a program to calculate area of a circle, – E.g : -grammatical mistakes, punctuations, improper
pi, radius and area can be the identifiers naming of variables and misspelling of identifiers
3. Operators – They are detectable by a compiler unlike logical
– Are characters or symbols used to perform arithmetic errors
operations – Need to be corrected before a program runs unlike
– Five common arithmetic operators: addition +, logical errors
subtraction -, multiplication *, division /, assignment = 2. Logical errors
– E.g. a statement to add two numbers cab be expressed – Are Errors that results in incorrect or unexpected
as: sum= num1 + num2 behaviour
4. Variables – They are not detectable by the compiler or
– A variable is named location in computer’s memory for interpreter
holding data – The program with logical errors run but gives wrong
– The contents of a variable may change during program output or halts during execution
execution TRACING PROGRAM ERRORS
PASCAL PROGRAM FOR AREA OF A CIRCLE i. Dry-run (desk check)
CALCULATION  Go through an algorithm line by line before writing it
Program AreaCircle (input,output); in the program editor
const PI = 3.142; ii. Debugging
var radius, area : real;  Done when the program has been written in a
Begin program editor
writeln(‘enter the radius’);  Use debugging utilities to detect and correct syntax
readln(radius); errors before compiling
area := PI x radius x radius; iii. Test Data
writeln(‘the area is’, area)  After a program compiles successfully, carry out a
End trial using test data to check for logical and run time
C++ PROGRAM FOR CIRCLE AREA PROBLEM errors
#include <iostream.h>  use valid and invalid data when testing

Page 20 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

  Runtime errors are those errors that occur during – This means applications developed in VB.Net can also
execution of a program, may be caused by running run on internet
out of memory VB.NET PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS
1. Class
5. PROGRAM REVIEW AND MAINTENANCE  Is a template for creating objects or a collection of
– Refers to continuous update and fixing of program behavior (methods) and states (variables) that define a
errors after installation set of objects
– This process stops when the program has to be  E.g. for form4 class, we can define a class called
replaced “exam”, with columns student name, marks and grade
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD PROGRAM  Object Is an instance of a class that has state (data)
1. Simplicity: must be simple and easy to understand and behavior (functions)
2. Integrity: refers to reliability and accuracy of data  E.g. a particular student in form 4 is an object who has
– Mathematical statements must be tested for state or data such as surname, marks and grade
accuracy of calculated output 2. Methods
3. Efficiency: it should execute fast and use less memory  This defines a behavior or function to be performed by
4. Clarity: statements and comments should be clearly an object to manipulate data (state)
written  E.g. a method to add, delete or modify student details
5. Modularity: complex programs should be broken down in a class
into components such as modules, procedures or 3. Variables
subprograms 4. comments
PROGRAMMING IN VISUAL BASIC  These are statements used to explain what a program
BASIC or statements does
– Is an acronym for Beginners All-Purpose Symbolic  They are ignored by the compiler during program
Instruction Code execution
– Dialets of BASIC:  In VB a comment starts with a single apostrophe (‘)
1. Microsoft Visual Basic (VB) followed by the statement
2. GW-BASIC  E.g. ‘calculate
3. Q-BASIC 5. Variants
4. Turbo Basic  A variant is a special data type used if the programmer
– Ms Visual Basic is a member of Microsoft software does not declare a variable data type
development suite known as Microsoft Visual studio (to  Their data type keep on changing depending on the
be discussed) values they hold
WHEN TO USE VARIANTS (importance)
MICROSOFT VISUAL BASIC.NET  If the data type is not known until runtime i.e. during the
– Is a GUI-based programming language mainly for program execution
developing applications that run on MS windows platform 6. Constants
FEATURES OF VB.NET  A constant is a value that does not change during
1. Is an event driven programming language program execution
• An event is a response generated by the program when  In VB the key word const is used to declare the value
a user performs an action e.g. mouse click as constant
• E.g. a mouse click may cause a menu to be displayed  E.g. const PI As Double =22/7 means PI is a symbolic
on the screen name that holds quotient of 22/7 of type double
2. It has tools or controls accessed from the tool box TYPES OF CONSTANTS
3. Has objects called forms on which a programmer can add a) String constants
controls. – A string Is a sequence of characters enclosed in double
– Controls include: menu bars, status bar, toolbars, quotation marks
buttons and slide bars – Strings are used to write: addresses, names e.g “holiday
4. It is an object oriented programming language season”, “324678”
implemented using .NET frame work

Page 21 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 b) Numeric – It displays a list of items to select from during
– Are numbers that can be manipulated mathematically program execution
– Do not include letters and should not be enclosed in d. DateTimePicker
quotation marks – Used to place a control on the form that a user click
– Can be integer, double or scientific type to display a drop down calendar form which to
c) Named constants choose current day, month or year
– Are values given symbolic names rather than their actual e. HscrollBar
values e.g. PI used to represent 22/7 – Used to place a horizontal scroll bar
f. label
STRUCTURE OF VB PROGRAM – Used to place controls that explain content of other
– VB program has: controls on the form e.g. a text box for surnames,
1. Namespace declaration must have a label surname against it
2. A class g. ListBox
3. Variables – Used to draw controls that display a list of item the
GETTING STARTED WITH VB.NET 2017 user select from
1. start Ms visual studio and then select visual basic h. ShapeTool
2. On the start page window, click new project icon, – Used to draw circles, ellipses, squares and
choose either form application or console application (in rectangle within forms
our case we will be creating form applications) i. TextBox
– We choose form application – Used to draw textboxes in which the users provide
3. Select the windows form application and type the name input
at the bottom of the application e.g. hello world COMPONENTS OR FEATURES OF VB IDE:
4. Click ok button – the visual basic IDE is displayed 4. solution explorer
– IDE stands for Integrated Development – Displays a list of objects associated with the open
Environment project such as forms and modules
– IDE refers to a programming environment that 5. Properties window
provides programmers with several programming – Used to define properties of each object in an
features e.g. source code editor, debugger and application e.g. name, colour, caption etc.
compiler 6. Code window
COMPONENTS OR FEATURES OF VB IDE: – Displayed once you double click an object
1. Menu and standard tool bar – It is the environment in which we write the source
– Used for creating, editing and manipulating the code
application objects ACTIVITY: create Hello world program in VB.net
2. Forms Proceed as follows:
– Are objects on which you insert other objects e.g. 1. Start visual studio -> select visual basic
text boxes and command buttons in VB 2. Choose New project
3. Toolbox 3. Select windows Forms Application -> type the name e.g.
– Appear on the right of a form HelloWorld in the name box
– Has most of the tools required to create a program 4. Click the ok button, a blank form will be displayed
Tools or Controls used to Create a program: 5. Draw a label, text box and a command button on the form
a. Button using a tool box
– Used to place command button instances on the
form e.g. Ok, Save, Exit, Close etc. Hello World
b. Check box − Draw a label, text box and a command button as
– Provide a way of choosing from multiple values by below
clicking on check boxes
c. Combo box
– Is a type of list box that combines the capability of
text box and list of input

Page 22 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 ‘This program dispalys hello world on a form
txtHello.Text = “Hello, world!”
End sub
END Class

EXPLANATION TO THE CODE

− The first line is a comment
− In visual basic a comment starts with single quotation
mark
− The second line is an assignment statement
− assignment statement means take whatever is on the
right of the operator and replace whatever is on the left
ACTIVITY: Hello world
Proceed as follows: RUNNING THE PROGRAM
6. Change the form, label, text box and cmd button’s name 1. Click the form design tab on the project explorer pane
and caption properties in the properties window. 2. Click the debugging icon on the tool bar
− Name properties: or
− must not have a space − Simply press f5 key on the keyboard
− Must start with a prefix such as frm to denote the 3. Click the stop button on the to stop running the
type of object program
− In our helloworld example, the form name can be − A stop button looks like a small box
frmHello,the label lblHello, the text box txtHello
the command button can be cmdOK SAVING VB.NET PROJECT
− Property changes for our example, should be as : − Unlike application software, in VB.net you are required to
object Property Settings save several files:
1. Project
Label Name lblHello 2. Form module
Text Greetings 1. Saving the project file
Text Name txtHello − Start vb, ->new project->type a name -> click ok
Text (blank) − This creates a project folder where all files are
Form Name frmGreetings kept
Text Hello World 2. Saving a form: click save form as on file menu -> type
the name of a form ->click save button
Button Name cmdOK
Text Ok
OPENING AN EXISTING PROJECT
− Two ways:
ACTIVITY: Hello world
1. During startup
Proceed as follows:
2. From the file menu
7. Double click the command button, type the code to be
1. During startup
executed once a user clicks the Ok button in the code
i. Click open project button
window that appears
ii. Double click the folder containing the project to
− only type in between the private Sub and End Sub this
open and select .vbproj extension
code:
2. From file menu: click open project from the file menu
− ‘this program displays hello world on a form and select the project
txtHello.Text = “Hello, World!”
− Your complete code should look follows: ADDING NEW FORMS
Public Class frmHello 1. Click Add Windows Form
Private Sub cmdok_click(ByVal sender AS system.object, 2. In the dialog box, click windows Form icon and click
ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles cmdok.click add button

Page 23 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 3. Save it with your preferred file name and vb extension – Create a program that calculates area of a circle given that
PI =22/7, use PI as constant of double data type and
MAKING A NEW FORM EXECUTE AFTER RUNNING A radius as the input variable of single type. The program
PROGRAM should display the calculated area in the text box
1. Click project properties on the project menu Solution:
2. Set the new form as startup form and close the 1. Start visual basic and choose new project on the start
window page
2. From the tool box, use the label, textbox and button
DECLARATION tools to design the form
− Is an instruction to the compiler to reserve memory a form should now look as below
enough to store input or output from a computer
program
VARIABLES
− A variable is a name or identifier that is used to
represent a memory location whose content may
change during execution
RULES WHEN DECLARING VARIABLES
1. A variable name must not have more than 255 characters
2. Must start with a letter
3. May be declared using mixed, lower or upper case (VB is
not case sensitive)
4. Must not have a reserved word e.g. case, Else, Dim etc
5. Must not have spaces, use underscore or combine with
each word starting in upper case CHANGE THE NAME AND TEXT PROPERTIES OF THE
6. In VB: A variable is declared using a reserved word Dim CONTROLS AS SHOWN ON BELOW:
7. E.g. to declare a variable that stores radius of a circle we object property settings
use: label1 Name LblRadius
1. Dim Radius As Integer text Radius
2. The statement above instructs the compiler to text1 Name txtRadius
reserve memory location named Radius that stores text (blank)
an integer label2 Name LblArea
VB.NET VARIABLES DATA TYPES text Area
DATA TYPE DESCRIPTION text2 Name txtArea
Integer A whole number ( from - text (blank)
32768 to 32768) form1 Name frmCircleArea
Long integer Integers with big values text CircleArea
(form -2,147,483,648 to 2, button1 Name CmdCalculate
147, 483, 647) text calclulate
single Numbers with fractional part 4. Double click the button and insert the code below, between
(largest is 3.4 x 10 38 the private sub and End sub
Double Includes Fractional part but private sub…. Handles cmdCalculateArea.click
with much magnitude than a Dim Radius AS integer
single Dim Area As Double
string Characters enclosed in Const PI AS Double = 22/7
quotation marks Radius =val(txtRadius.Text) ‘convert radius to a numeric
Boolean Data type with only two value
logical states ie true or false Area = PI * Radius * Radius
EXAMPLE 2 txt.Text =str(Area)
End Sub

Page 24 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 5. Run the program, enter 3 into Radius text box. Then  Arrays
click the calculate button. The result of the calculation  Lists
is displayed in the Area text box as shown on the next  Enumerated types
page ACCESSING USER DEFINED DATA TYPES
 Use a period between the variable name of the user
CALCULATING AREA OF A CIRCLE defined type and specific member of the type
 E.g. if a record known as schoolrecord has a member
identified as name, to access a vale in the name, we
use schoolrecord.name in the code

DECLARATION USING SUFFIXES

A Suffixes
 Are special symbols added at the end of a variable or
a constant to associate it with a data type
Advantage
 They make programming easier and faster
COMMON SUFFIXES
SUFFIX Data type Long declaration Short

SCOPE
% integer Dim A As Integer A%
 Refers to the portion of the program that a variable or
a constant is recognised or accessed
TERMS FOR SPECIFYING THE SCOPE OF A VARIABLE OR ! single Dim X As single X!
A CONSTANT
1. Local or private $ String Dim Q As string Q$
2. Global or public
A LOCAL VARIABLE OR CONSTANT & Long integer Dim C As long integer C&
 Is the variable declared within a function
 Meaning it can only be accessed within that function # double Dim P As double P#
 E.g. private Dim x As integer, in this case x can only
be accessed in the module within which it is declared
A GLOBAL VARIABLE OR CONSTANT VB.NET OPERATORS
 Is the variable declared outside a function 1. Arithmetic operators
 Meaning it can be accessed by other modules within 2. Relational operators
the project 3. Logical operators
 E.g. public Dim y As string, in this case y can be ARITHMETIC OPERATORS
accessed by other modules in a project  Are special symbols that are used to write arithmetic
 example Vb.Net program with local and global expressions
variables  E.g. addition, subtraction, division and multiplication
SYMBOLS USED IN ARITHMETIC OPERATIONS
USER DEFINED DATA TYPES SYMBOL NAME OPERATION
 These are data types made up of multiple variables of
the same or different data types + Plus sign addition
 They are useful when programmer want to have a
single variable that can store several variables - Minus sign subtraction
 They are user defined because it’s a programmer who
creates them in a program * Asterisk multiplication
EXAMPLES OF USER DEFINED DATA TYPES
 Records

Page 25 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 / Slash Division

^ Caret Raise a number to

power of
\ Integer division Integer division

MOD Integer remainder Integer remainder

 For an integer division \, each of the numbers are

being divided is first rounded to an integer then the
quotient is truncated e.g. 2.4\3.5 will result to 2\4
being evaluated
 MOD returns the remainder e.g. 4 MOD 3 returns 1 PRECEDENCE OF ARITHMETIC OPERATORS
 Order f precedence is simply the order in which
Example 3 arithmetic operators are evaluated i.e. which operator
 Write a program that prompts a user to enter two is evaluated first
numbers a and b, calculate and then displays sum and  The order in programming is just the same as that of
average of the two numbers BODMAS in mathematics
SOLUTION precedence symbol explanation
1. Start visual basic and choose new project, type the
project name
1 exponentiation Exponential / powers are
2. Design a form using the label, textbox and button tools
performed first
from a tool box
3. Change the name and text properties of the controls, 2 Multiplication, Carried out from left to right
to identify the two numbers, sum and average division
4. Double click the calculate command button, enter the 3 Integer From left to right after
code between private Sub and End sub that calculates division multiplication & division
the sum and the average of the two numbers: 4 Integer Evaluated after integer
remainder division
Dim num1, num2, sum As Integer ‘declare 3 variables 5 Addition and Evaluated from left to right
as integer subtraction
Dim average As Double ‘declares average as double
RELATIONAL OPERATORS (1 of 2)
Dim average As Double ‘declares average as double
 These are operators used in expressions that return a
‘convert input in textboxes to numeric value
true or false value when evaluated
Num1 = Val(txtNumber1.Text)
 They are used to compare numeric variables,
Num2 = Val(txtNumber2.Text)
constants and expressions
sum =Num1 + Num2
average = Sum/2 Operator Name
‘display the sum and average in text boxes = Equal to or assignment
txtSum.Text = Str(Sum) <> Not equal to
txtAverage.Text = Str(Average)
> Greater than
5. If you run the program, the form such as shown below < Less than
is displayed. <= Less than or equal to
>= Greater than or equal to
EXAMPLES OF RELATION EXPRESSIONS
1. Y <> 100

Page 26 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 2. Y>60  Use its name followed by the arguments (variables
3. S <=(G+V) held in parenthesis of a function)
4. loss = (expenses – profit)  An argument is a value passed to a function
 Expression 1 will evaluate to true if y is not equal to 100,  E.g. Math.sqr()
otherwise it evaluates to false
COMMON MATH FUNCTIONS
LOGICAL OPERATORS FUNCTION FUNCTION DESCRIPTION
 Are special form of relational operators used to compare CALL
simple and complex expressions to form compound round Z=Math.Round() Returns the current date
statements
 Types of logical operators Exp Z=Math.Exp(w) Returns the exponential
value of e^w
operator operation
Sqr Z=Math.Sqr(w) Returns the square root of
w
And Results in a condition that is true if both
Log Z=Math.Log(w) Returns the natural
expressions are true
logarithm of w
Or Results in a condition that is true if one of the
Str Z=Math.Str(w) Converts value to string
condition is true and the other is false
e.g. Str(6.80)=“6.80”
Xor Results in a condition that is true if one of the
Cos Z=Math.Cost(w) Returns the cosine of w
conditions is true and the other is false
Not Negates the value of a logical expressions
Abs Z=Math.abs(w) Returns absolute value w
e.g. Abs(8) =8
 Examples of compound expressions that demonstrates use
PI Z=Math.PI Returns constant PI of 22/7
of logical operators
= 3.142
1. (x=30) And (student = “john”): returns true if value of x
=30 and student name is john
2. (x=20) And (y= 30): returns true if value of x is 20 and FORMAT FUNCTION
y is 30  Is used to display data in many different formats
3. (x=20) or (y<10): returns true if one x=20 and y <10 or Expression Sample
if x=20 and y >=10 or if x<>10 but y<10 formatted output
Print Format (16.778994, “##.##”) 16.78 (rounding
ASSIGNMENT STATEMENT the number)
 IS an executable statement that assigns whatever is on the
right to the variable on the left of it Print Format (NOW, “mm-dd—yyyy”) 1-20-2005
 Examples of assignment statements:
1. P= .25 Print Format ( 15678,”##,###.00”) 15,678.00
2. E = M*c^2
3. area = ½*base * height
4. x= x+1 Label1.Caption =Format 10,630.75
This means add 1 to the original value of x, and then $(Price,”##,###.##)
assign a new value to x ( or increment the value of x
by 1) CONTROL STRUCTURES
 Are constructs that determine the logical flow of
LIBRARY (INBUILT) FUNCTIONS execution of program statements
 These are predefined methods included in visual Basic TYPES OF CONTROL STRUCTURES
 They can be used to calculate a mathematical expression 1. Sequence
and returns a single value 2. Selection
ACCESSING LIBRARY FUNCTIONS 3. iteration

Page 27 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 Private Sub cmdok_Click…..Handles cmdOK.click
1. SEQUENCE (for programs covered so a far ) Dim comment As String
 Is a control structure in which the computer reads ‘convert the score in the textbox to a value
instructions starting from the first top line and score = Val(txtScore.Text)
proceeding downwards one-by-one to the end If score >= 50 Then
 This is called sequential program execution comment = “pass”
How a Sequential program executes codes: ‘display the remark pass or nothing
txtRemark.Text=comment
End If
End Sub

A pseudo code for the program can be:

IF mark >= 50 THEN
Print "pass”
ENDIF
- A Flow chart may look as:
- A pseudo code for the program can be:
IF mark >= 50 THEN
Print "pass”
ENDIF
- A Flow chart may look as:
2. SELECTION
 Is a control structure in which the execution of
statements depends on a condition that returns a true
or false (Boolean expression) e.g. x>=20
TYPES OF SELECTION CONTROLS
a. IF…THEN
b. IF…ELSE
c. Nested IF
d. Select …case
a. IF …THEN selection
 Evaluates the statement within the selection body if
the Boolean value returned is true
 If the boolean value is false, the statements are b. IF …THEN…ELSE selection
ignored - Is suitable when there are two available options
 It is used if only one option is available - For example, in a football match, if a player does a
 For example, a school rewarding only those who attain mistake which is considered serious he/she is given a
mean mark of 80% and above red card otherwise, he/she is given a yellow card
EXAMPLE:
 In this case, a student who scores 80 and above is
rewarded, the rest are ignored  Write a program that prompts a user to enter two
GENERAL STRUCTURE OF IF…THEN numbers x and y. the program then divides x and y as
IF <condition> THEN long as y is not zero. If y is zero, the program should
<statements if true> display an error message “sorry! Division by zero”
END IF SOLUTION:
EXAMPLE: Private Sub cmdOk_Click…..Handles cmdOK.Click
Write a vb program that prompts a user to enter mean mark Dim num1, num2, sum As Integer
score in computer studies exam. If a score is above 50%, the Dim quotient As single
program should display “pass” ‘convert the numbers in the text boxes to values
SOLUTION: num1= Val(txtX.Text)

Page 28 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 num2 = Val(txtY.Text)
‘computes the sum and average of num1 and num2 d. CASE
If num2 = 0 Then CASE selection is an alternative to the Nested IF, especially
‘displays an error message where there are several options to choose from
txtQuotient.Text=“error! Division by zero” Advantage: It reduces the lines of code compared to the
Else ‘ if y is not zero, divide the number Nested IF
quotient = num1/num2 Disadvantage: Boolean expression for the CASE selection can
txtQotient.Text = Str(quotient) ‘ convert to string only be expressed using integers or alphabetic character sonly
End If GENERAL FORMAT
End sub case x of
label1: statement 1
c. Nested If Selection label2: statement 2
 Nested IF or the IF…ELSE…IF selection is used where label3: statement 3
two or more options are to be considered to make a .
selection .
GENERAL STRUCTURE label n: statement n-1
IF <condition> THEN else
<statements> statement
ELSE IF <condition>THEN End case
<statements> d. CASE
ELSE<condition> THEN EXAMPLE:
<statements> Using case to grade students
END IF pseudo code may look as:
case average of
EXAMPLE: 80..100: Grade = “A”
IF at Bangwe day secondary school, only the best first three 70.. 79: Grade= “B”
students in a class are awarded as follows: 60.. 69: Grade = “C”
a. Position 1: scientific calculator 50..59: Grade = “D”
b. Position 2: hardcover 40..49: Grade = “E”
c. Position 3: ruler ELSE
ASSIGNMENT (5 marks) Grade = “F”
Write a vb program that prompts a user to input a position, then ENDCASE
the program displays the award e.g. ruler, in the text box (hint: SUMMARY ON SELECTION
a pseudo code is given on the next page to guide you)
IF…THEN IF…THEN…ELSE NESTED IF &
CASE
PSEUDO CODE
BEGIN used if only one suitable when Both can be used
IF position =1 Then option is available there are two where two or
award = “scientific calculator” available options more options are
ELSE IF position =2 Then to be considered
award = “hardcover”
ELSE IF position = 3 Then
award = “ruler” 3.LOOPING OR ITERATION
ELSE  Is a control structure that causes program statement or
award = “nil” statements to be executed several times
ENDIF  Many real world programs require statements to be
ENDIF executed several times until a condition satisfied
ENDIF  E.g. a program that calculates the cumulative sum of five
END subjects for five students

Page 29 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

TYPES OF LOOPING CONTROL STRUCTURES Wend
a. Do While …Loop
b. While…Whend EXAMPLE
c. Do…Loop While Problem for calculating sum and average of 10 numbers, can
d. Do Until…Loop be rewritten as:
e. For..Next while number < 10
A) Do While …Loop sum = sum + number
 Is a loop control structure used if a condition has to be met number = number1 + 1
before the statements within the loop are executed Wend
 It is also called a zero trip loop C) Do Until …loop
 E.g. in banking, to repeatedly withdraw money on ATM a  Is similar to the Do While …loop and while …whend
customer must have sufficient balance in his/her account statement, it executes the statements if the loop
TRANSACTION FOR WITHDRAWING MONEY condition is true
(REPRESENTATION)
Do WHILE balance > 0 EXAMPLE
withdraw cash A sample program on calculating numbers cab be rewritten as:
update balance Dim number As Long
Loop number = 0
 The condition balance >0 is first tested Do Until number > 10
 If it is true , the account holder is allowed to withdraw number = number1 + 1
cash loop
 The program exits the loop only when the balance falls  The Do …. Loop while executes the statements within
to zero the body at least once (unlike the while loop)
 Uses a post-test condition at the end of the loop
EXAMPLE:
Write a vb program that displays total count of the first ten GENERAL SYNTAX
numbers (, 2, …, 9), their sum and average using the Do Do
while…loop <statements>
Loop While <condition>
SOLUTION:
Private Sub cmdcount_Click…Handles cmdCount.Click EXAMPLE
Dim number As integer  In the case of ATM cash withdrawal, if a do…while or
Dim sum As Double do…loop until was used, if the customer balance was zero,
number = 0 the machine would dispense the cash, because the
sum=0 balance would be checked after the transaction, code
Do While number < 10 would be:
sum = sum + number Do
num = number +1 withdraw cash
txtCount.Text =Str(number) update balance
Loop ‘end of loop test UNTIL balance <= 0 (this code would be impractical)
Average =sum/number NB: remember to choose the appropriate loop statement to suit
txtSum.Text = Str(Average) the program needs
End Sub
ASSIGNMENT
B) While …Whend loop  Using the Do…Loop While control structure, write a
 Is similar to the Do While …loop statement program that displays total count of first ten numbers,
GENERAL FORMAT FOR WHILE…WHEND their sum and average in separate text boxes.
While <condition>
statements D) For …Next loop

Page 30 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

  Is an alternative to while loop used in case the number televisions and computer, using transmission
of repetitions are known media or links
EXAMPLE 5. Computer network
 To calculate the sum of 10 numbers, the For…Next  Is an interconnection of computers using
loop is appropriate because the number of looping is transmission media and networking devices to
known enable exchange of data and information
GENERAL FORMAT 6. Information and Communication Technology
For index = lowerlimit TO upperlimit STEP <index>  Refers to the convergence of computer networks
<statements> with telecommunication network to provide a
Next index communication platform through which people can
NB: the STEP part controls the looping such that you can count share information
in increments of 1,2, 3 etc.  ICT provides mobile internet, electronic
d. For …Next loop commerce, instant messages, e-mail, internet
EXAMPLE radio and digital television broadcasts
 To set count of even counts from zero, use:
For count = 0 To 9 STEP 2 HISTORY OF TELEPHONES
<statements>  Were invented after telegraph
Next count  announced 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell
ASSIGNMENT EVOLUTION OF TELEPHONE
 Using the For…Next construct, write a program that 1. Rotary dial telephone
counts and displays the number of 50 natural numbers 2. Touch tone dial telephone
on the form i.e. (0,1, 2, …, 49), their sum and average 3. Mobile telephone

See me if you have problems (Ronalds Tech) 1. Rotary dial telephones

 Were the first phones used around 1919 up to
1990’s
 One had to use a rotary dial to use the phone
INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION  Though obsolete, they are still found in some
TECHNOLOGIES government offices and homes
DEFFINITION OF TERMS USED IN COMMUNICATION
1. Communication
 Is a process of passing a message or information
from one person to another.
 You use sounds, words, symbols, signs, pictures
or signals to pass the message
2. Data communication 2. Touch tone dial telephone
 Is the process of transmitting data signals from  Have push button key pads unlike the rotary dial
one point to another through a communication telephones
channel  Came to the scene in the 1950’s
3. Telecommunication
 Is the use of technology to enable exchange of
messages in form of data and information over
wired or wireless communication media
 Telecommunication technologies: telegraph,
telephone, radio, television and computers
4. Telecommunication network
Why are they called touch tone dial phones?
 Is an interconnection of telecommunication
equipment like telephones, mobiles, radios,

Page 31 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

  Because each button produces a unique sound – Fall between a Smartphone and a computer in
when pressed (this is common in mobile phones terms of size and processing power
too) – Characteristics: large touch screen than
Smartphone, large internal memory, powerful
3. Mobile telephones processor than that of SmartPhone, can run
 first demonstrated by Dr. Martin cooper (1973) several applications and connect to the internet,
 Are small and light, can fit in the pocket therefore have high resolution screen and camera
 Communicate through cellular wireless network
set up by government or a mobile service provider
 Each mobile phone has a special component
called Subscribe Identification Module (SIM) card
 The SIM card identifies each subscriber on the
network

NB: most tablets have a SIM card slot to support mobile

communications like voice calls, text messaging and internet
access over mobile networks
USES (APPLICATIONS) OF NETWORKS
1. Electronic banking (e-banking)
2. Internet access at home and work
Types of mobile phones: 3. Point of sale (POS)applications
a. Basic/ conventional mobile phone 4. Mobile communications
– Are mobile phones designed just to make calls 5. Electronic government
and send text messages
– Characteristics: small, low resolution screen, 1.ELECTRONIC BANKING
physical keypad, limited memory capacity and low  Is the use of networked computer systems to offer
processing power banking services.
b. Touch screen feature phones  Banking services offered: like cash withdraws,
– Have wide touch screen and ability to process deposits, transfers and electronic payments
graphics in full colour E-BANKING SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGIES
– Characteristics: can connect to high speed i. Automated Teller machines (ATMs)
internet, have powerful processor than basic – Are computer terminals that have the ability to
phones, better resolution screens, high resolution provide 24 hour services to customers over a wide
cameras geographic region
c. Smartphone – The machine allows a person to withdraw and
– Have advanced features that make them operate deposit money as long as they can be
like portable computers authenticated for true identity
– Characteristics: powerful processor and large – Authentication is done by means of magnetic or
screen, powerful operating system e.g. Android, smartcard inserted in the terminal
IOS and Windows, high memory for high speed – The use is then required to provide Personal
internet and high resolution cameras with ability to Identification Number (PIN)
take HD pictures plus videos

d. Tablets

Page 32 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 – Computer networks are enabling governments to deliver
electronic services to the citizens e.g. payment of taxes,
international trade, electronic identities and passports
BENEFITS OF NETWORKS
1. Resource sharing
2. Remote communication
3. Distributed processing facilities
4. Cost effectiveness
5. reliability
ii. Internet banking A. RESOURCE SHARING
– Customers can perform transactions and view – Networks enables sharing of files, exchange of
their statements online mails, sending of faxes and printing
– The user can register with an organization like – Remember: a resource in a network means
VISA or Mastercard in order to perform data/information, files, printers, modems, fax
transactions on internet machines and any other components that can be
iii. Mobile banking attached to a network
 Customers can now use mobile phones to access – In most cases, the shared resource is attached to a
their bank accounts, withdraw, deposit and network server
transfer cash e.g. MO626 – Network servers run a special program called the
 Mobile to mobile cash transfer is also possible server software that controls and listens to client
without having to access the bank e.g. Mpamba to requests
mpamba – The other computers called Clients or workstations
2. INTERNET ACCESS AT HOME AN WORK send requests to the server
 We now access information held on the internet both – E.g. A print server will give permission for a
at home and work place because of computer particular client to print documents on the network
networks using computers, laptops, tablets and mobile printer
phones
IMPORTANCE ACCESSING INTERNET
 supports:
i. Research
ii. Access to e-health services
iii. Electronic commerce
3. E-COMMERCE
 Computer networks and internet has enabled
people to buy and sell goods and services online
 Mobile commerce (M-commerce) this is when a
mobile phone is used to access electronic
commerce services
4. POINT OF SALE (POS) SERVICES
 Computer networks enable people top pay for
goods purchased in retail stores using electronic B. REMOTE COMMUNICATION
money at the point of sale, using mobile cash – Refers to transmission of data signals between two
transfers or bank cards like VISA, Mastercards etc communication devices located in different geographical
5. MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS areas
– Mobile networks facilitate communications and – A remote client is a computer that tries to access
delivery of services like voice, data and money resources from another computer on a network in a
transfers different location
6. ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT

Page 33 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 – A remote server is a computer accessed by a remote – Data and information transmitted over a
client for services computer network is prone to illegal access
– Remote communication is possible through the use of than if a computer was not on a network
wireless communication media such as: radio waves, – Solution: Encryption- encrypted data cannot
microwave and satellite be understood by people who illegally access
IMPORTANCE OF REMOTE COMMUNICATION it unless they have a decryption key
– Enable people to share information and pass messages 2. High initial cost
over the internet i.e. you can work from home – Buying network hardware and software may
C. DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING be very high
– Refers to processing of data by interconnected 3. Social cultural effects
computers located in different geographical – Some Internet chartrooms and messaging
locations services enable under age children to meet
– The output can then be transmitted to another morally spoiled peers and adults
computer or a central server on an organization – Internet also gives access to pornographic
network and other negative materials
– A user thinks everything or processing is taking 4. Spread of terrorism and drug trafficking
place on their computer – Terrorist and drug traffickers use information
– Files reside on the user’s computer rather than the networks for their business communication
central server, allowing branch offices have their – Suggested solution: policing the internet to break
own servers that store data, information and other such syndicates
resources for their daily operations <these servers 5. Over-reliance on networks
periodically updates the central – If the network fails or goes down, all systems in the
ADVANTAGES OF DISTIBUTED PROCESSING organization are brought to a halt
– The failure of the central computer does not affect
the operations of the other terminals COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
– Processing load is shared equally hence no time  A communication system is a collection of terminal
wastage devices, communication channels and transmission
D. COST-EFFECTIVENESS media that enable exchange of messages between
– increase the efficient use of scarce resources e.g. users of the system
a large organization with standalone computers will ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
have to buy a printer for each computer, but with 1. Message source
networking one printer is sufficient 2. Transmitter
– provides a paperless communication environment 3. Communication channel
which reduces the costs i.e. with emails no stamp 4. Receivers
duty or physical delivery charges and even 5. Message user
– company executives may not need to travel across 1. MESSAGE SOURCE
continents to hold meetings, saving travel costs – IS person who wants to send the message across the
(through video conferences) communication system
E. RELIABILITY 2. TRANSMITTER
– Data can be transferred with minimal or no error – Refers to a terminal equipment that receives a
from the source to destination message from the source and converts it back to a
– If one computer breaks down, the user can still format that can transmitted over a channel
access data and information from other computers – E.g. a computer, radio or TV transmitter station in
using other devices such as on the tablets and broadcasting stations
mobile phones 3. COMMUNICATION CHANNEL

LIMITATIONS OF NETWORKS – Is a transmission media through which data and

1. Security issues information flows
4. RECEIVERS

Page 34 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 – A receiver is a terminal equipment that gets the
transmitted message from the channel and decodes it
before presenting it to the user
– E.g. a computer, mobile phone, radio tuner etc.
5. MESSAGE USER
– Is a person who is a target recipient of the message

A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

a. Network interface card (NIC)

NETWORKING DEVICES b. Modems and codecs
 Are devices that enable transmission of data signals c. Hubs
from the source to the destination on a computer d. Bridges
network e. Repeaters
BROAD CATEGORIES OF NETWORKING DEVICES f. Routers
1. Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) g. Gateways
2. Data Circuit-terminating Equipment (DCE) h. Switches
i. Access points
1. DATA TERMINAL EQUIPMENT
 Is a device at both ends of the communication network a. NETWORK INTERFACE CARD (NIC)
 It converts user information into signals at the source or  Creates a physical connection between a computer and
reconvert signals back at the destination the transmission media
 Nowadays most computer motherboard come with ready
EXAMPLES OF DTE’S on board network interface controller
a. Include desktop computers  The NICs has ports (at the back) in which the
b. Mobile phones terminated end of a network cable can be plugged
c. Laptops
d. Tablets
e. Personal digital assistant (PDA)
2. DATA CIRCUIT-TERMINATING EQUIPMENT
(data communication equipment)
 These are devices uses to establish, maintain and
terminate communication sessions between data source
and its destination (DTE’S)
EXAMPLES OF DCE’S b. MODEMS AND CODECS

Page 35 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

  A MODEM converts a signal from digital to analog
before transmission over analog media
 A CODEC converts an analog signal to digital form for
transmission via a digital medium
 At the receiving end now, terminal equipment convert
the signal to original form
 Nb: MODEM can be external, add-on card or inbuilt on
the motherboard

e. REPEATERS
 Are networking devices that receive a signal, removes
any distortion, boosts it and sends it to another segment.
 They are the simplest way to expand a network
c. HUBS OR CONCENTRATORS  They need to be used with reservations:
 A hub is a DCE that connects computers on a network  Because they expand the broadcast domain which may
and transmits signals by broadcasting them to all the lead to broadcast storms.
computers on a network  A broadcast storm is a condition where whereby the
 The computer whose address is on the signal picks the network is over being oversaturated with messages
message from the network making communication impossible
 Connect networks of the common architecture ie. with
same protocols
 Protocol is simply a set of rules that govern
communication between devices on a network
 Read on: intelligent hubs

d. BRIDGES
 A bridge is a network device that selectively determines f. ROUTERS
the appropriate network segment for which the message  A router is a device that interconnects different networks
is meant through address filtering  It also directs transfer of packets from source to
Advantage: reduce network traffic by dividing the busy destination
network into segment  Computers on a same network have same network
PURPOSES OF A BRIDGE address but different host number
1. Extend the length and number of stations that a  Brouters combines the functionalities or a router and a
segment can support bridge
2. Reduce overall traffic flow by ensuring that packets not
meant for that segment are broadcasted that segment

HOW IT WORKS

Page 36 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

  Receives a packet from a device on the network, checks
the destination network address, if it is the same as the
one on which a router is.
 The router passes the packet to the destination by
reading the host address
 Otherwise the packet is routed to the specified network
address
f. GATEWAYS
 A gateway is any device that can be configured to
provide access to wide area networks or internet
 E.g. a router in which a gateway software is installed
 But a gateway is not necessarily a router, it is can be a
computer configured to access internet
 A gateway is a very powerful network and internetwork
connectivity device WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES
Reason: it is able to convert data across networks and protocols  Are devices that enable the implementation of
networking without necessarily using physical
transmission media like cables
COMMON DEVICES USED IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
1. Wireless Access points
 Are access points to wired networks for people who
have wireless devices such as smart phones, PDA’S,
laptops and desktops. It is the most common network
components used to extend local area network.

g. SWITCHES
 Unlike a hub, a switch forwards a packet directly to the
address node
 A node is a data terminal equipment such as a 2. Wireless antennae
computer on a network
 Is device mounted indoors or outdoors to extend
 NB: some hubs also incorporate the switching wireless network to the surrounding buildings. It is used
mechanism; these are referred to as switching hub to propagate radio waves, Microwaves or infrared waves
 One switch may be used as a bridge to connect several that carry data to be received by access points in the
hubs in order to avoid collision problems caused by surrounding.
broadcasts 3. PCMCIA
HOW IT WORKS  Stands for personal computer memory card international
 Connects two nodes point to point as if they were linked association adapter
by a direct cable between them reducing the broadcast  Is an add-on card inserted into a device such as PDA or
problems laptop in order to enable wireless communication
between the devices and a wired network server

Page 37 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 ― The time taken by a signal to complete one cycle is
called periodic time
1
― Periodic time (t) is given by the formula T= , where f is
𝑓
the frequency of the wave
5. Signal modulation and demodulation
– is the process of converting data signals to and from
a form that is suitable for transmission
 A modem converts digital signal to analog for transmission,
this is called modulation
DATA SIGNAL TRANSMISSION  Another modem at the receiving end converts back analog
 Terms used in data communication: to digital form, process called demodulation
1. Data signal
– is a voltage level in the circuit which represents the
flow of data
– in data communication, data signals can either be
analog or digital in nature
– analog data is made up of continuous waveform while
digital data is made up of a non-continuous
waveform/discrete signal.

3. Multiplexing
– is the process of sending multiple data signals over
the same medium
– Multiplexing saves costs since many computers
may share a single cable
– Demultiplexing is the process of separating the
(a) analog signal multiplexed signals at the receiving end

(b) Digital data  Terms used in data communication:

2. Amplitude (A) 4. Band width
― Amplitude is the maximum displacement that the – is the maximum amount of data that a transmission
waveform of an electrical signal can attain. channel can carry at on time e.g. a cable
3. Frequency (f) transmitting 100 mbps is said to have 100 Mbps
― Frequency of an electrical signal is the number of cycles bandwidth
made by the signal in one second. 5. Baseband signal
― It is measured in units called hertz (Hz) – is a digital signal that is generated and fed into a
― 1Hz is equivalent to 1 cycle/second transmission medium without modulation.
4. Periodic time (T) – It utilizes the full capacity of the transmission media
6. Broad band transmission

Page 38 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 – is a transmission in which analog signals are – Assembling of packets at the destination node requires
transmitted over the transmission medium using computing effort
different frequencies
7. Attenuation 3. MESSAGE SWITCHED NETWORKS
– Is a decrease in magnitude and energy of a signal – In this network, an entire message is sent from one node to
as it moves along a transmission medium the next, then forwarded to the next, until the message
– Attenuation can be minimized by placing repeaters reaches the destination
along the medium at appropriate distances Advantages
– Transmission efficiency is greater since messages can
CLASSIFICATION OF COMMUNICATION NETWORKS share channel
– Message priorities can be set on the network
 3 CLASSES – Since the next route is determined from the current node,
1. Circuit switched network more efficient routing of messages is possible
2. Packet switched Disadvantages
3. Message switched – Long messages can dominate the channel at the expense
 A network can either be classified as circuit switched, of others
packet switched or message switched – Nodes must have large storage capacities to store and
forward messages
1. CIRCUIT SWITCHED NETWORK
– Is a dedicated circuit that has to be set before data is DATA TRANSMISSION MEDIA
sent from source to destination  Is a physical or wireless channel used for transmitting
– All data is sent through a dedicated connection e.g. data and information from one point to another
telephone network and dial-up network CATEGORIES OR TYPES OF COMMUNICATION MEDIA
Advantages 1. Physical media (using cable)
– Entities enjoy dedicated connection 2. Wireless media
– Data is sent through the same path from source to 1. Physical media (using cable)
destination – Data is transmitted through a physical channel e.g.
Disadvantages copper cables
– Expensive in terms of set-up cost and bandwidth utilization – Signals degrade as they travel through a medium this is
– Lack of error localization means a broken link, breaks called signal loss
down the entire communication
– Inefficient utilisation of the communication channel , since Common physical transmission media
other devices cannot use it, even if it is not fully utilized a. Two wire open lines cables
b. Twisted pair cables
2. PACKET SWITCHED NETWORK c. Coaxial cables
– In this network, a message is broken down into small d. Fibre optic cables
tokens called packets, serialised then sent over the A. Two wire open lines cables
network to the destination. Each packet follows its own – Is made up of two parallel copper wires separated by a
route to the destination and there is no dedicated plastic insulator
connection hence many users can use the same link at a – Are mostly used in telecommunication network to transmit
go. voice signal
Advantages – The plastic insulator reduce interference called crosstalks
– Efficient utilisation of communication channel since users
can share the same channel
– No setup cost is required, cheaper communication costs
– Errors to messages are localised i.e. if a packet becomes
damaged only that packet needs to be resent
Disadvantages
– Routing of the packets from source to destination is
required

Page 39 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

Disadvantage: – Has a copper core (coax) surrounded by a dielectric material
– Their linear nature allows electromagnetic filed to build up – The dielectric material is then surrounded by mesh conductor
around them during data transmission which may cause which is covered by a shield, making the cable more
interference resistant to electromagnetic interference than twisted pair
cable
B. Twisted pair cables – Have bandwidth of up to 1Gps hence are used as network
– Is made up of two solid copper wires twisted around each backbone
other in a double helix manner TYPES OF COAXIAL CABLES
– Winding of wires is meant t reduce the build-up of an 1. Thin coaxial cable also known as thinnet that has one
electromagnetic filed around the two wires as they transmit dielectric insulator
data 2. Thick coaxial cable also known as thicknet that has two
– Two common types of twisted pair cables: dielectric insulators around the core.
– Unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
– Shielded twisted pair (STP)
NB: unshielded twisted pair cables do not have a shield that
prevents electromagnetic interference from the environment ,
therefore are susceptible to noise and signal interference, unlike
the STP
– Most organizations today use cat5e and cat 6 twisted pair
cables to set up local area networks
Advantages
– They are stable even under high transmission loads
– Have high bandwidth compared to twisted pair
– Are capable of carrying voice, data and video signal
simultaneously
– Are more resistant to radio and electromagnetic
interference than twisted pair cables
Disadvantages
 Thick coaxial cable is hard to work with
 Coaxial cables are relatively more expensive to buy and
install as compared to twisted pair
 Local area network established using coaxial cables is
difficult to trouble shoot and maintain, this is why coaxial
cables are unpopular in LANS but twisted pair cables
Advantages of twisted pair cabling
D. Fibre optic cable
1. Easier to set up network because UTP cables are widely – is made up of the core, cladding, buffer, strength members
available and jacket
2. Devices used to set up UTP network are cheap and Core
readily available – Is the central part of the cable and is made of a hollow
3. UTP cables are cheaper because of mass production for transparent plastic or glass
telephone use Cladding
Disadvantages – Is single protective layer surrounding the core
1. UTP connection suffers high attenuation rate – Has some light bending characteristics, when light tries to
2. It is sensitive to electromagnetic interference and travel from the core to the cladding , it is redirected back to
eavesdropping the core
3. It has low data transmission rate as compared to fibre Buffer
optic cables – Surrounds the cladding and its main function is to strengthen
the cable
C. Coaxial cables

Page 40 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

Jacket iii. Radio waves
– Is the outer covering of the cable iv. Infrared
i) Microwaves
– Uses visible light to transmit data from one point to another – Are suitable for point-to-point transmission, meaning a signal
on the network is directed through a sharp beam from transmitter to receiver
– The electrical signals from the source are converted to light station
signals , then propagated along the cable – NB: Microwaves are also used in making microwave ovens
TYPES OF FIBRE OPTIC CABLES
i. Single mode
Point to point microwave
ii. Multimode
i) Single mode
– Has a very narrow center core
– The light in the cable can therefore take only one path
through it
– Has a very low attenuation rate and is preferred for long
distance

ii) Multimode fibre optic cable

– Has a thicker core than single mode
– Allows several light rays to be fed in the cable at an angle,
therefore distortion of signal is possible ii) Satellite communication
– Has a very high attenuation rate and usually used for shorter – Is a special type of microwave relay station in space
distances – The satellite earth stations are microwave dishes with
antenna used for relaying data using microwaves to the
satellite in space
components of a satellite transmission system
i. Transmitter earth station – has uplink frequency for
transmitting data to the satellite
ADVANTAGES OF FIBRE OPTIC CABLES ii. Satellite – is a relay station in the orbit that receives,
1. Are immune to electromagnetic interference and eaves amplifies and transmits the signal to a receiver earth
dropping station via a downlink frequency
2. Supports high bandwidth iii. Receiver earth station- receive data signals from the
3. Can be sued in highly flammable places because they satellite system
do not generate electrical signals
4. Are smaller and lighter than copper cables hence good
for space between ceiling and rooftop
DISADVANTAGES OF FIBRE OPTIC CABLES
1. Installation and configuration of fibre optic network
devices and the media is expensive
2. Installation is difficult because the cable is dedicated
3. Fibre optic network is difficult to troubleshot and
complex to configure

2. WIRELESS COMMUNICATION/ MEDIA

– Is used to transmit data from one point to another iii) Radio communication
through non- physical channel – Radio waves are not visible by human eye
Examples of wireless transmission – Radio waves are used in radio and television broadcasts
i. Microwave
ii. Satellite

Page 41 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 – Bluetooth is a latest short range radio transmission that  Two way communication is possible but not
allow devices within limited location communicate and simultaneously
share files  The transmitter send the message then after finishing,
– A network of Bluetooth-enabled devices is a called a the receiver is allowed to send back response e.g.
wireless personal area network (WPAN) OR piconet walkie talkies
e) Full duplex transmission
iv) Infrared transmission  Data can travel on the channel in both directions
 Infrared waves are not visible to the human eye simultaneously
 Communication through infrared is achieved by having  Two devices communicating on the system can send
transmitters and receivers (transceivers)within a line of messages to each other simultaneously
sight  Examples: sending email, instant messaging and
 Infrared rays do not penetrate obstacles like walls , hence conversation over a mobile phone
a need for a line of sight
 In networking , infrared waves can be used to connect
devices without need for cables
ADVANTAGES OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
– Wireless transmission is flexible compared to physical
media
– Wireless network can span a large geographic area
– Can take place via satellite even in remote areas even in
remote areas

DATA TRANSMISSION MODES

1. Parallel transmission mode
2. Serial transmission mode
3. Simplex transmission mode
4. Half duplex transmission mode
5. Full duplex transmission mode TROUBLESHOOTING COMPUTERS
a) Parallel transmission TROUBLESHOOTING
– In this transmission, a set of data lines (buses) are used to  Refers to the process of diagnosing and resolving
transmit data from one device to another simultaneously. hardware and software related problems.
– This mode of data transmission is common HARDWARE
i. Communication between components that are Hardware is described as a device that is physically connected to
connected to the motherboard e.g. transfer data from your computer or a computer component that can be physically
the memory to the processor touched.
ii. Transfer of data from the computer to some peripheral HARDWARE UPGRADE
devices e.g. printer A hardware upgrade is any new hardware that replaces or adds
b) Serial transmission to old hardware in the computer.
– In serial transmission data is sent as a string of series of 0s SOFTWARE
and 1s, over the communication channel Software is a set of instructions that enables a computer to
– Once a computer receives data, it usually converts it from perform a specific operations.
serial to parallel mode ERROR
c) Simplex transmission An error is a term used to describe any issue that arises
 In this mode, there is only one way transmission of data unexpectedly and causes a computer not to function properly.
on the communication channel ERROR MESSAGES
 The transmitter sends the data but the recipient can not Error messages are messages you get on a screen when there is
send a response back e.g. one-way radio a problem with either one of the hardware or software installed
d) Half duplex transmission into the computer.
BASIC INPUT OUTPUT SYSTEM (BIOS)

Page 42 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

Is a software stored on a small memory chip on the motherboard • In the setup screen, make necessary changes if
Bios instructs a computer on how to perform a number of basic possible.
functions such as booting and keyboard control. BIOS is also • Save the configuration changes and restart the
used to identify and configure the hardware in a computer such computer.
as the hard drive, floppy drive, optical drive, CPU, memory etc. 2. FAILURE OF MOTHERBOARD, MEMORY OR PROCESSOR
The BIOS is accessed and configured through the BIOS setup Occurs when the computer does not complete POST or it only
utility. All available options in BIOS are configured via the BIOS displays a red LED light instead of green.
Setup utility. The BIOS Setup Utility is accessed in various ways To resolve RAM errors, proceed as follows:
depending on your computer or motherboard make and model 1. Disconnect the computer from power and open up the
BOOT system unit and locate the slot where the RAM modules
The term boot is used to describe the process taken by the are plugged
computer when turned on to load the operating system and
prepares the system for use.
The first part of the boot process is controlled by BIOS and
begins after the Power On Self-Test (POST). Eventually, BIOS
hands the boot process over to the master boot code.
POWER ON SELF-TEST (POST)
The POST process is the initial set of diagnostic tests performed
by the computer when powered on.
 In this unit, we discuss how to troubleshoot some of the
following hardware and software problems.
– failure to load the operating system during booting process.
– computer failure to respond (hanging).
– abnormal restarting of a computer 2. Discharge static electricity that might have built up on
– failure of the monitor to display your body using a wrist member
– failure of operating system due to device drivers problems. 3. Check whether the memory modules are firmly plugged
into the slots. If they are, connect the computer to power
HARDWARE PROBLEMS and restart.
1. COMPUTER BOOT FAILURES 4. If the problem persists, you need to replace RAM
This occurs when the BIOS perform a power on self-test (POST) modules with new ones. The memory modules may be
to check for the status of basic input and output components. If damaged.
any error is found during POST, it is typically indicated using error 3. FAILURE OF POWER SUPPLY UNIT
messages on the screen or by series of beeps • It may fail due to power surge or failure of the cooling
 Typically, one beep indicates that all components have fan inside.
passed the post To resolve power supply unit problems, do one of the following.
 Error code displayed by BIOS 1. Check to make sure that the power supply is properly
1. Error code 120 indicates a problem with the connected to power socket or UPS.
motherboard 2. Check the power selector to ensure that it has the right
2. Code 162 problem with a processor power rating. It should be 240V that’s most countries but
3. Error starting with code 2 indicate memory (RAM) failure in US is 110V
4. Error starting with 3 indicate keyboard failure. 3. Open the casing and check whether the power cable
To troubleshoot start up related process, proceed as follows that connects to the motherboard is properly attached.
• Press F10 to enter BIOS setup when the computer is 4. If the problem persists, replace the power supply unit
showing dark screen. with the new one. Never try to repair a power unit
• Note BIOS setup key depend on the type of BIOS utility because it may cause serious body harm.
chip on your computer.
• Or u can press special key or combination of keys (
DEL, ESC, CTRL + ESC or CTRL + ALT + ESC) to
display the BIOS setup screen menu.

Page 43 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 2. If the problem is related to operating system, follow this
procedure:
 Press combination of the keys (Ctrl +Alt + Del) to restart
the computer
 During the reboot process, and before windows is
loaded, press F8 to display the safe mode startup
screen
 Choose safe mode to load windows with minimal
settings. Scan the drivers or check for any hardware
4. FAILURE OF COOLER FANS related problems in device manager.
• A computer may have several cooling fans such as that 3. If the problem persists, the operating system may be
of power supply unit, microprocessor and the chassis. corrupted by a malware. In such case, you may need to
The fans protect delicate computer components from use up-to-date antivirus software to scan the boot sector
damage caused by overheating. When a fan begins to for viruses.
wear out, it makes a whining or grinding noise. 4. If all the above fails, you have to re-install or repair the
To protect fans failure do one of the following operating system using the recovery disk created during
1. Place the computers in a dust free place or if the installation. The last but painful option is to install the
computer is in a dusty place, always remember to cover operating system afresh which means losing installed
it. programs and sometimes data.
2. Always use a blower to blow out dust that may have 6. DAMAGED REMOVABLE STORAGE MEDIA
settled on the computer parts. It shows a message indicating that there is an error reading from
3. In case one of the fan happens to fail, turn off the or writing to the media. The error message indicates that the
computer, unclip it and replace it with a new one. storage media may be corrupted or physically damaged.
5. ABNORMAL RESTARTING OF A COMPUTER To solve the problem, try one of the following:
• If a computer is restarting or shutting down abnormally, 1. Open the removable media such as CD or DVD in a
the problem might be due to poor operating system different computer to rule drive failure as the cause of
configuration, hardware failure or virus attack. If the the problem.
problem is serious, the computer may display a blue 2. If the problem is not related to the storage media, clean-
screen with a message such as fatal exception error has up the drive using cleaning tools available in most
occurred. computer vendor shops.
• To resolve this problem, do the following: 3. If the problem persists after cleaning, consider replacing
1. Use the device manager to confirm that all hardware it with a new one.
devices and drivers are properly installed or configured. 7. HARD DRIVE FAILURE
• If you start a computer and get an error message
starting with 16 error code, it means that the computer
doesn’t recognize or cannot communicate with the hard
disk drive.
• To troubleshoot this problem, proceed as follows:
1. Enter into the BIOS setup program to ensure that proper
hard drive type is selected.
2. If the error message persists, the disk platter (s) may
have crushed. Consider replacing if with a new one.

8. DISPLAY PROBLEMS ON SCREEN

• Display problems may cause health related problems
such as eyestrain, fatigue and headaches. To minimize
such health risks, CRT monitors have been replaced by

Page 44 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 LCD and TFT flat panel display that are safer and more 4. If the problems is still not resolved, open the computer
comfortable to use and make sure that the sound adapter is available or
9. CONTINUOUS BEEPING SOUND properly plugged.
This is an indication of a missing monitor or faulty video adapter. SOFTAWARE PROBLEMS
Check to ensure that the monitor is properly attached to the video In this section, we discuss some of the problems you may
card through the VGA or HDMI port. experience before installation or use of a computer running on
10. NO DISPLAY OR FLICKERING MONITORS most versions of Windows operating system:
 If a monitor fails to display and does not issue an error MISSING OPERATING SYSTEM
code, the first thing you should do is to move the mouse After POST, a computer searches for the presence of an
or press any key on the keyboard. Most computers use Operating System (OS) on the hard drive. If an OS is not
power management modes that cause the screen to go installed, the error message “missing operating system” may be
standby or sleep mode. displayed. If you are sure the operating system is installed, the
• Flickering may be caused by a poor refresh rate or problem may be due to boot sector or hard disk related problems.
failing monitor. The refresh rate determines how often A boot sector is where the booting instructions are stored once
the display on the screen gets redrawn. To resolve such you install an operating system. To resolve this problem, do one
display problems try one of the following of the following:
1. Make sure the monitor is plugged into power outlet and 1. Enter the BIOS setup screen and check the hard disk is
turned on. Also ensure that the brightness is set at visible to the computer
adequate level 2. If the hard disk is okay, reboot the computer using the
2. If this step does not solve the problem, check whether system recovery disk and try to repair the operating
the monitor is properly plugged to the VGA or HDMI port system
usually at the back of the system unit. CORRUPTED SYSTEM REGISTRY
3. if the problem is not related to power or interface, you In Windows, registry is the database that keeps record of all
may need to test the monitor using another computer system and application software installed on the computer. If the
before declaring it dead. registry is corrupted, the computer may fail to boot. For example,
4. Replace the monitor with the new one, preferably a TFT failure to load the desktop may be due to infection by malware or
flat panel display. corrupted system registry files.
11. REPEATED DISPLAY ON SCREEN To troubleshoot problems relating to corrupted registry, try the
• Repeated display of elements is due to poor colour and following:
resolution settings. This setting results in multiple copies 1. Repair the registry using emergency recovery disk or
of the same images. To resolve this problem, use restore the registry backup if you created one. If all
display setting properties to change the colour resolution these fail, reinstall the operating system.
settings. 2. If the system can start in safe mode, locate the
12. KEYBOARD AND MOUSE FAILURE malfunctioning device in the device manager and
Keyboard and Mouse problems may be due to improper disable it.
connection of the devices, poor handling or even mechanical WINDOWS PROTECTION ERROR
failure of the devices itself. Windows protection error is displayed during startup before the
13. PROBLEM WITH SOUND OUTPUT desktop is displayed. This problem occurs when critical Windows
Components that make up a computer audio system are the drivers fail to load.
sound controller, speakers and device drivers. If a computer does To deal with this problem, do the following:
not produce sound, try the following. 1. Restart the computer in safe mode as outlined above. If
1. Adjust the volume to adequate level. In addition, check Windows does not load, use the recovery disk to repair
to make sure that they are plugged into the sound the operating system.
interface. 2. Using the recover disk, repair the operating system
2. Ensure that the speakers power cable is properly paying attention to details
plugged into power outlet and the speakers are turned PROBLEM OF NON-RESPONDING SYSTEM
on Non-responding system commonly referred to as hanging refers
3. If the speakers and the interface cables are not faulty, to a computer failing to respond to commands. To resolve the
turn your attention to the sound adapter drivers problem, do one of the following:

Page 45 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del keys to display the Task Manager Most printers give warning of low toner or ink level before it is
2. In the Task Manager window, click the Process tab, and completely used up. In such case, be ready to replace or refill the
then select the non-responding process e.g. Microsoft cartridge. By refilling used cartridge, make sure it is tested to
Excel.exe. avoid possibility of using faulty cartridge
e) SMUDGED PRINTOUT
If dot matrix printers produces smudged printouts, check on the
printer head. Stuck pins may cause printouts to have a smudged
appearance as they drag across the page. In laser printers,
smudged printouts may be as a result of the drum failure to fuse
the toner onto the paper. For inkjet printers, smudges are mostly
due to touching the printout before the inks dries up. To
troubleshoot this problem, do one of the following:
1. In case of a dot matrix printer, replace the print head. If
doesn’t solve the problem, it could indicate worn-out
printer head or poor ink ribbon. Simply replace the head
or the ribbon
2. For laser printers, consult the user guide that may be
helpful in locating the problem especially relating to the
fuser. Because the fuser is a sensitive component that
gets very hot it is advisable for it to be handled by an
experienced technician.
3. Click End task button to terminate the application.
PRINTER-RELATED PROBLEMS
A printer is one of the most commonly used peripheral devices to USING DESKTOP PUBLISHING
produce hard copies. In order to troubleshoot printing-related
problems, you need to understand how a printer works and how SOFTWARE
to properly set it up. In the topic on output devices, types of
Desktop publishing (DTP): refers to the process of designing
printers and their printing mechanism was discussed. In this
publications of professional quality such as newspapers,
section, we explain how to handle printing related problems.
invitation cards, posters, fliers, journals and books using a
a) I/O PRINT ERROR
specialised DTP software.
The I/O print error indicates that the computer cannot properly
communicate with the printer. Ensure that the correct printer is  Desktop publishing software popularly known as DTP is
selected and turned on. If this does not work, you may be forced a special purpose software used to create publications
to reinstall the printer drivers of professional quality.
b) PAPER JAM
Paper jam usually stop the current print job until the jam is EXAMPLES OF DTPs include:
completely cleared. If paper jams in the printer, locate the paper  Adobe page maker, Microsoft publisher, QuarkXpress,
and gently try to remove it. If the printer continues to jam at Adobe in Design, Adobe Illustrator, Coreldraw, Serif
frequent intervals, try using a different papers. PagePlus and Apple Page 2.
Printers work best with a particular weight of paper, hence if you
use a paper that is too light or too heavy, paper jam may occur BENEFITS OF DESKTOP PUBLISHING
frequently.
 Every item on the page is contained in a frame hence
c) POOR PRINTOUT QUALITY
can be edited and formatted independently.
Quality related problems is easily resolved by replacing ink, toner,
or laser head/drum. However, quality problems may be due to  DTPs provide more control on how text and graphics
failures within the device’s print process. If a printer produces can be arranged and formatted.
garbage, this may be due to communications problems between
 Frames containing text or graphics need not follow in
the computer and printer. Make sure that appropriate drivers are
properly installed logical sequence. For example, a story on page 1 may
d) TONER/INK CARTRIDGE PROBLEM be continued on page 8.

Page 46 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

  DTPs provide master pages used to set a common newspaper columns and adding layers. A layer can be
layout which may be repeated on several pages. viewed as the arrangement of objects on top of each
other with each object being on its own layer.
 In DTPs, publications can be printed in a form suitable
• Printing: printing is the main goal of publication.
for commercial digital or offset printing using colour
Desktop publishing software therefore offer more
separations.
flexibility in printing, like in image colour separation.
 Most DTPs have predefined templates for brochures,
booklets, posters and business cards etc.
EXAMPLES OF PUBLICATIONS
 Multiple stories from different authors can be handled
1) NEWSPAPER: These are dairy publications bearing
with ease.
news, sports etc for the readers.
 DTP enhances visual communication to different
2) MAGAZINES: A magazine is a publications containing
audience.
news, features, specialist knowledge etc that has many
 DTP ensures files print properly in their true colors, pictures and illustrations targeting a particular audience.
fronts and measurements.
3) Book: A book is a publication in a particular subject
TYPES AND EXAMPLES OF DTP SOFTWARE area or featuring a particular story.

1) Graphic-based DTPs: these DTPs are specifically used 4) Calendar: this is a publication showing the dates and
to edit and format graphic objects such as pictures and days of a week, month and year.
vector drawings.
FEATURES OF DTP SOFTWARE
 Are freehand drawings such as those drawn by fine
artists. Most DTPs provide the user with a variety of tools for designing,
Examples of graphic-based DTP Software include: manipulating and editing a publication. The following tools are
 Adobe Photoshop common in most DTPs:
 Adobe illustrator
 CorelDraw • Select tool: used to select, move and resize images
These software have superior graphics handling capabilities such and text.
as setting resolution, brightness, contrast, cropping and filling • Text tool: used to draw text frames, insert and
images with colours. manipulate text.
NOTE: some graphic-based software like CorelDraw and adobe
illustrator may be also used for page layout design. • Shapes tools: for drawing basic shapes like rectangle's
2) layout-based DTPs: these types of DTPs are specially used and for importing objects.
to design page layout for text and graphics. • Zoom tool: this tool is used for magnifying publications
Examples of layout-based DTP softwares include: view.
 Adobe PageMaker
 Microsoft publisher • Rotate tool: this tool is used for rotating text or
 Adobe InDesign graphics.
PURPOSE OF DESKTOP PUBLISHING SOFTWARE
GETTING STARTED WITH MICROSOFT PUBLISHER
• Graphic design: using a desktop publishing software
such as CorelDraw or illustrator, one can design vector To launch publisher 2013 from start menu, proceed as follows:
images using the drawing tools. Image editing such as in
Adobe Photoshop lets the user manipulate graphics 1. On the start menu, click microsoft officer 2013, then
such as pictures. publisher 2013.
• Page layout design: the reason why we prefer DTPs to 2. Click built-in to choose a template or click BLANK to
processors is because of page design. DTPs are used design from a blank page. The publisher 2013
to design a page layout by setting consistent picture and application window displayed.
object locations, dividing a page in a number of

Page 47 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

microsoft publisher 2013 application window

F
EATURES OF PUBLISHER 2013 APPLICATION WINDOW  To view master pages in publisher 2013, on view
Menu tabs menu, click master page or simply press Ctrl + M. it
 The menu tabs are the main components of the user appears among the task panes.
interface that contains ribbon of commands used to Design tools
manipulate a publication.  Publisher 2013 has a set of tools used to design and
 This include; file tab, insert, page design, mailings, manipulate text and graphical objects.
review, add-ins and view tabs.
Printable area
IMPORTANT TOOLS AVAILABLE IN THE HOME, PAGE
 The printable area resembles a typical piece of paper
DESIGN AND INSERT RIBBONS USED TO CREATE AND
surrounded by margins. the objects to be printed must
MANIPULATE
appear in the printable area.
Rulers
 A good DTP must have both horizontal and vertical
rulers. TOOLS PURPOSE RIBBON
 They are used to perform exact measurements on
text and objects. Draw Text Tools for inserting text within a Home and
Master pages Box textbox. In publisher each Insert
 These are the main pages used to design a common textbox a frame that can be
layout for a large publication. You insert page number, manipulated as an object.
headers and footers on the pages.
 For a large document such as a book or project, you pictures Tool used for inserting Home and
need to set up common layout using master pages. graphical objects such as Insert

Page 48 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 pictures and cliparts from local Master Tool used for designing master Page
drive or internet Page pages that contains common Design
layout to be applied other
Table This tool is used for inserting Home and pages of the publication
tables into a publication Insert

Shapes Contains tools for drawing Home and CREATING PUBLICATIONS

different types of shapes such Insert • Once publisher starts, the startup screen is displayed.
as lines, squares, rectangles • It is on this startup window that you can select the type
and circles of publication you wish to create such as Thank you
cards.
Select Tool purposely used for Home and • Notice the Built-in publication templates window.
selecting graphical objects to Insert • You can click any of the templates thumbnails to
be manipulated display available templates in the Built-in type page.
Page This is the first button on insert Insert • In our case, let us start from scratch by clicking Blank
ribbon used to add pages into 8.5 x 11” thumb nail.
a publication DESIGNING A PUBLICATION
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING A
Picture Used to draw a picture frame Insert PUBLICATION
placeholder that reserves space for a 1. Decide the type of publication. Is it a newspaper? How
picture to be inserted later many columns per page? Is it a book? What paper
size will be used?
page parts Tool used to insert Insert
2. Decide the layout of the publication. This will enable
preformatted content such as
you to select appropriate template or to use master
headings and quotes
pages to create common layouts.
WordArt Tool used for inserting aristic Insert 3. Decide on about the colour scheme, forts, margins,
letters or words in a publication orientation, graphics etc and make sure the pages is
properly setup.
Insert File This tool is used for importing Insert SETTING UP NEW PUBLICATION
content from existing To set up a publication proceed as follows:
documents files saved on your 1. On the file tab, click page setup. A dialog box appears.
computer. 2. Specify the following page setup options:
Object Used for inserting content from Insert a) In the blank page size box, select a page size.
an external source and placing b) On the right of the dialog box select margin settings
it in your publication as an and then adjust them to desired size.
embedded or linked object c) Click advanced button to specify more settings.
d) Click OK to effect the change.
Page This is the tool to use if you Insert SETTING UP A PUBLICATION USING MASTER PAGES
Number wish to insert page numbers on • To create a publication that has several pages such as
multi-paged publications such a book or a report, it is important that you design a
as newsletters and books common layout for all pages using master pages.
• With master pages, you can create, modify, and delete
Change This tool is used to change or Page
content that appear I the rest of the pages.
Template applying predefined template Design
• Master page setting apply so all pages in the
on a publication
publication until you specify otherwise and they cannot
Orientation Tool used to change Page be renamed or deleted from the publication.
orientation of a publication into Design • To switch to master pages view, click the master
portrait or landscape pages icon(s).
To Set Up A Publication In Publisher Using Master Pages:

Page 49 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 1. On view ribbon, click master pages button. 1. Click the text block using the pointer tool.
2. Use master pages tools or menu tabs shown in figure 2. Position the pointer on the object and hold down the
below to edit or define master page(s) layout. left mouse button.
3. Click the close master page button to switch back to 3. Drag the text object to a new location.
other pages of the publication. Importing Text From A Word Document
Saving A Publication Instead of typing, you can import text from an existing
To save a publication, proceed as follows: document.
1. From file tab, click save as. To import text from a word document, proceed as follows:
2. In the save as dialog box, select the drive or folder to 1. On the insert ribbon, click insert file.
save in, enter the file name and select the type as 2. In the dialog box that appears in the figure below
shown figure below. select the file then click OK.
3. Click the OK button. 3. The text is pasted onto the printable area.
Closing A Publication Linking Text Frames
• Click close window button at the top-right corner of the  In publisher, when text in a frame spills overs to
window another page or column, a plus sign appearing at the
• Alternatively, click the office button, then select the top or bottom of the frame means that it is connected
close command. to a previous or next page or column means. this is
Opening A Publication referred to as Threading.
To open a saved publication, proceed as follows:  if you add or delete text in the frame, the rest of the
1. From file tab, click open. story is pushed or moved to occupy the empty space.
2. In the open dialog box, select the drive or folder where  Once text frames are threaded, you can easily redirect
the publication was saved. the flow of text in them than you can with unthreaded
3. Click the OK button. textboxes.
Inserting Text, Graphics And Tables To thread text frames, proceed as follows:
Having learnt how to create, save and open a publication in 1. Click the first text box to active the Text Box Tools tab.
publisher, we now demonstrate how to: 2. On the Textbox Tools Ribbon, click Create Link
• Insert text, graphics and tables into a publication. button located in the linking group.
• Edit text and graphical objects in a publication. 3. Click the text box you want to connect to the first one.
• Format text and graphical objects in a publication. Text boxes that are connected will display the link icon
• Print a publication. as shown below.
In most DTPs, you add text into a publication using the text tool  Use connected text boxes to continue a story or move
or text frame tool.in PageMaker, use either the text tool(T) or overflow text into the next text box. Notice that text
any of the text frame tool (rectangle, ellipse or polygon tool) that could not fit in the first text frame flows to the
Inserting Text Into Publication second.
To add text using or frame tool in page maker or publisher, Creating Basic Shapes
proceed • Publisher allows a user to create shapes such as
1. Click the Text tool from the tool box. lines, ellipses, rectangles and other polygons using the
2. On an empty area on the pasteboard or printable area, drawing tools on the inset tab.
drag to define the text block. To display shape drawing tools:
3. Type the text. 1. Click insert tab.
NOTE: 2. Then click the shape button in the illustration group.
 You can create artistic text using the word art frame  Once you insert a drawing you can right click it then
tool. select Format Autoshape.
Resizing And Moving Text  On the format Autoshape dialog box you can apply the
To resize the text block, proceed as follows: following formats:
1. Click the text block using the pointer tool. 1. Set the style and thickness of the shapes outline.
2. Position the pointer on the selection handle and drag 2. Set the background colour or pattern.
to resize. 3. Set the transparency of the autoshape.
To move the text block, proceed as follows: 4. Set the size and scaling of the drawing.

Page 50 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 5. Layout, position and wrapping options. 3. To draw a table larger than 10 x 8, click insert table in
Inserting Pictures the create table dialog box, make the necessary
To insert a picture in publisher, proceed as follows: selections like number of rows, columns, format etc.
1. On the insert tab, click picture button to display insert then click OK and the table will be inserted in the
picture dialog box . publication.
2. In the dialog box, select the drive or folder where the Editing A Publication
picture file is located.  Editing a publication involves making changes to text
3. Double click the file or click the file then insert. and graphical objects.
Object Linking And Embedding OLE EDITING TEXT:
 Object Linking Embedding (OLE): refers to DELETING TEXT AND TEXT OBJECTS
importing an object or existing file into a publication. To delete a text, proceed as follows:
 An OLE can be manipulated as part of a publication or 1. Click the text tool and highlight the text.
as a shared image between the source and current 2. Press the delete or backspace key.
document. To delete a text frame, proceed as follows:
 If an object is linked to the source application, any 1. Click the pointer tool then click the text frame.
changes applied to the source object are reflected in 2. Press the delete or backspace key.
linked images within a publication. COPYING AND MOVING A BLOCK OF TEXT
 This is because the destination file stories an image or To copy Or Move A Block Of Text In, Proceed As Follows:
copy of the source file. 1. Select the block of text.
 On the other hand, if an object is embedded, no direct 2. On the edit menu, copy to create duplicate or cut to
link exists. move the text.
 The embedded object becomes part of a publication 3. Click where you want to paste the text.
and updates on the source file do not affect the 4. On the home ribbon, click the paste button.
embedded object. SPELL CHECKING A PUBLICATION
To embed or link an object proceed as follows: Proceed as follows:
1. On the insert tab, click insert file in the text group. 1. Click the review tab to its ribbon.
2. In the insert object dialog box that appears, click 2. On the ribbon, click the spelling button labelled ABC in
create from file option. the proofing group.
3. Click the Browse button to select the file you want to 3. In the check spelling dialog box, make sure check all
link or embed. stories checkbox is selected.
4. To create a link, make sure the check box labelled 4. Replace or ignore the misspelt words
link is checked as shown in the figure below. For 5. Click OK to close the “dialog box”.
embedding, leave the box unchecked. FIND AND REPLACE
5. Click OK to insert the object. To search for a word or phrase in publisher, proceed as
Inserting Tables follows:
 A table is used to organise text into rows and columns. 1. On the home ribbon, click find or replace to display
When dealing with tables the following tables are find and replace pane
important: 2. In the search for box, type the word or phrase to be
1. Row: a horizontal arrangements of cells. searched.
2. Column: vertical arrangement of cells. 3. Click the replace option button. In the replace with
3. Cell: the intersection between a row and a column. box, type the replacement word or phrase.
 Rows and columns belonging to a single table behave 4. Click find next or replace/replace all button.
like one object even when the table overflows to other EDITING PUBLICATION LAYOUT
pages.  Sometimes you may be required to overhaul the
To insert a table in the publication: design of your page layout.
1. On the insert tab, click the table button in the tables  This may significantly affect the content such as text
group. flow and graphics position.
2. On the drop down menu that appears, drag the mouse To redesign the page layout, use master pages as follows:
pointer to select the number of rows and column. 1. Switch to the master page.

Page 51 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 2. Make necessary changes then switch back to TO ALIGN TEXT IN PUBLISHER, PROCEED AS FOLLOWS:
foreground pages. 1. Highlight the text.
EDITING GRAPHICAL OBJECTS 2. On the home ribbon, click left, centre, right or justify
 In editing graphical objects, properties such as size, button in the paragraph group.
position, colour and brightness are enhanced or TO SET TABS AND INDENTSIN PUBLISHER, PROCEED AS
modified. FOLLOWS:
Moving and resizing objects 1. On the home ribbon click the paragraph launcher icon
To resize an object, proceed as follows: to display paragraph dialog box.
1. Select the object using the select tool. 2. In the dialog box, click tabs and then set the required
2. To resize, place the mouse pointer on the sizing tab stop.
handles then drag. 3. To indent, click indents and spacing tab to specify
3. To move, place the mouse pointer on the shape then required indentation.
drag to the required place. INSERTING COLUMN GUIDES
EDITING GRAPHICAL OBJECTS  By default, a page is made up of one column.
Changing picture attributes  To divide the page into more than one column,
 A picture or clip art properties that can be edited proceed as follows:
include content, colour and brightness. 1. On the home ribbon, click the column button in the
To edit an objects properties in publisher, proceed as paragraph group.
follows 2. Select the number of columns from the dropdown list
1. Select the object to activate the picture tools under that appears.
which is the format ribbon 3. In case you want to divide the page into more than 3
2. Using tool on the format ribbon adjust the required columns, click more columns… at the bottom of the
picture properties such as brightness, colour etc. list. In the dialog box displayed specify the number of
3. Edit the object using other tools in the picture style, columns.
Arrange, crop and size. INSERTING HEARDERS AND FOOTERS
FORMATTING A PUBLICATION  Headers: are lines of text, page numbers or date that
 Formatting: refers to enhancing appearance of a appear at the top of every page.
publication by applying special effects or attributes to  Footers: appear at the bottom of every page.
the layout, text and graphical objects. To insert headers and footers in publisher proceed as
TEXT FORMAT follows:
To format a text in publication proceed as follows: 1. Click view tab and then master page button to switch
1. Highlight the text you wish to format. to master pages view.
2. On the home ribbon choose front style, size and other 2. On the master pages ribbon, click show header/footer
properties in the font group. button
SUPERSCRIPT AND SUBSCRIPT 3. To insert page numbers, click insert page number
To format text to superscript and subscript in publisher: button.
1. Highlight the text to formatted as superscript or 4. To insert text, type the content in the header or footer
subscript. text frame.
2. On the home ribbon, click the font launcher icon to FORMATTING SHAPES AND GRAPHICAL OBJECTS
display font dialog box.  Once you add a drawing or picture into your
3. In font dialog box, check superscript or subscript. publication, you may want to format it more appealing.
4. Click OK button.  In this section we demonstrate how to format shapes
PARAGRAPHS AND PAGE FORMATTING and graphical objects.
 Paragraphs and page formatting involves aligning text, FILL AND STROKE
indenting, adding column guides, inserting headers Filling: refers to apply a solid colour or patterns to a drawn
and footers. shape.
TEXT ALIGNMENT Stroke: refers to the outline or line style.
 Text can be aligned to the left , right centre or justified To fill background and change stroke in publisher, proceed
along the left and right margins. as follows:

Page 52 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406

 1. Select the object to activate the format ribbon, under 3. Position the cropping pointer over a placeholder on
drawing tools. the object and drag inwards to crop.
2. On the format ribbon specify the shape style, effects GROUPING OBJECTS
and other properties.  If you have several objects in a publication, you may
3. To apply more formatting options, click format auto want to group them together.
shape launcher in the shape style group. To group objects in publisher, proceed as follows:
4. In the dialog box that appear use the tabs to specify 1. Hold down the shift key as you click each object.
more format options. 2. Right the selections then click group on the context
Note: To make the fill transparent, slide the transparency menu.
button or press Ctrl + T. NOTE:
ROTATING OBJECTS You Can Ungroup Using The Same Procedures Only That You
TO ROTATE AN OBJECT IN PUBLISHER, PROCEED AS Select Ungroup Command.
FOLLOWS: WRAPPING TEXT AROUND AN OBJECT
1. Select The Object.  Text may be wrapped around an object.
2. Hold down the Ctrl key and drag the rotation handle To wrap text around graphical object, proceed as follows:
that appears above the object. alternatively, format 1. Double click the object to activate the format ribbon.
ribbon, click rotation. on the dropdown list appears 2. On the format ribbon, click the wrap text button to
select the rotation or flip option. display dropdown list.
3. Rotate the handle in clockwise or anticlockwise 3. Select wrapping option such as a square, tight or
direction. through from the list.
TO ARRANGE OBJECTS IN PUBLISHER PROCEED AS To print a publication in publisher 2013, proceed as
FOLLOWS: follows:
1. Select the object while pressing shift + Tab. 1. On the file tab click print.
2. On the format ribbon, click Bring Forward, or send 2. Under the printer option, printer properties hyperlink to
backward to select arrange option from the list. set print options in the dialog box.
CROPPING GRAPHICAL OBJECTS 3. To specify advanced print properties such as inserting
Cropping: is hiding unwanted parts of a graphical object crop makes, click the arrow on the right of the printer
particularly a picture. button, then advanced output settings from the
To crop an object in publisher, proceed as follows: dropdown list.
1. Select the object to activate format ribbon under 4. In the dialog box that appears use tabs such as marks
picture tools. and bleeds to specify advance print options.
2. From the format ribbon, click the crop button under 5. Click the print button to start printing.
group group.

Page 53 of 53 [email protected] +265990944406