MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO

COMPUTERS
Session 1: Introduction to Computers

DLPDI, Associate Trainer

Introduction
This module introduces learners to information and
communication technology (ICT).
 It creates a foundation for fundamentals for computer
hardware, operating systems and application software.
It discusses computer input and output devices, data
processing and data storage.
What computer software is and a general overview of
ICT is discussed.

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Module Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, learners will be able to:

1. Differentiate between computer software and computer hardware

2. Describe how computers processes data

3. Discuss different types of data storage and the rationale for

selecting the right storage medium
4. Describe the different types of computer networks

5. Differentiate the various types of software

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Computer Hardware
1A

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

i. Start and shut down a computer using the

start menu.
ii. Differentiate between Input, Output and
Input/output devices
iii.Describe the computer desktop standard icons

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Introduction
A computer is a multipurpose electronic device that
can receive, process and store data.
 Operates under the control of instructions stored in its
own memory
Instructions allow the computer to accept data,
manipulate the data according to specified rules,
produce results, and store the results for future use.
A computer has input, processing, storage and output.
Examples of computers: Desktop computers, laptops,
smart phones, office calculator, Point of Sale systems
etc.
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Computer functions

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Powering a computer…continued(2)
This is the standard symbol used on computer devices
to indicate the power buttons.

 It is used for cold booting. A soft boot is controlled by

the operating system and requires that the computer be
already powered.

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Class Discussion 1 : Naming Computer
Parts

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Class Discussion 1: Powering components
2. Identify the power switches of the computing
environment and classify as direct current powered or
alternating current powered
3. Is the Keyboard and mouse powered? If so, how.

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Class Exercise/Discussion: Starting and
shutting down a Computer
1. Point the mouse pointer to the windows key at the
bottom left corner of computer. Click once on the left
button of the computer.

2. Select restart. Observe and note down a few things that

the computer will communicate to you during the booting
process.
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Class Exercise/Discussion: Starting and
shutting down a Computer
3. Explain what could be happening when the
following took place:
a. Restarting, with circles going round
b. Hardware information by manufacturer
c. Windows Logo
4. What is the difference between “Sleep” and “Shut
Down”

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Difference between Input, Output,
Input/Output devices
A computer is a system. All systems have input, processing
and output and in most cases storage (which in itself offer
both input and output)
 An input device is a device that gives instructions or data to
a computer for processing.
 Usually, the devices are controlled by user to give
instructions to a computer.
 An input device can send data to another device, but it
cannot receive data from another device.
 Examples include: Keyboards, Mouse, Scanner, camera,
etc. The information flows in one direction only. From the
device to the processor.
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Difference between Input, Output,
Input/Output devices
An Output device is a peripheral component that the
processor uses to display information to the user or
another device.
 An output device can receive data from another
device, but it cannot send data to another device.
Examples include a non-touch screen monitor (Visual
Display Unit), a projector, speakers etc.

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Difference between Input, Output,
Input/Output devices
Input/Output device is one that allows entering of data
and also displaying or outputting data/information.
 An input/output device can send data to another
device and also receive data from another device.
 Examples include headsets that have speakers and
microphone, facsimile (fax), touch screen monitor etc.

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The Computer Desktop standard icons
When the Operating system loads and a user logs in,
they get to the computer desktop.
This desktop is modeled much like a standard physical
office and desktop with a recycle bin, where deleted
files go, shortcuts, which are like a catalogue to office
storage space etc.
To start using the application, there is a windows menu
accessed from the start button.

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The computer desktop standard icons

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Task: Class Exercise
1. Explain the following icons.
2. What is the role of the task bar and each of the icons
shown?

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Summary
In this session you have learnt:
The definition of a computer
Powering a computer: cold booting and warm booting
Naming parts of a computer
Starting and shutting down a computer
The booting process
Difference between Input, Output, Input/output devices
The computer desktop standard icons

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