COMPUTER AND ICT

LEVEL ONE

Mr. NIYIGENA Flavien

 COURSE CONTENT
Understanding computer as a system
Computer hardware and software
Microsoft office: Word, Excel, Power Point,…
Internet: Mailing, Searching,…
INES e-learning Platform
INES digital library
 LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this course, student will be able to:
 Explain the concept of computer as a system
To identify main parts computer and how they work
To differentiate hardware from software
 To use Microsoft office: MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point
 To understand internet and how to use it in searching, mailing,..
 To use INES e-learning platform
 To use INES digital library
 MAIN REFERENCES ( Books)
1. Computer fundamentals by Saha
2. Computer fundamentals and RDBMS by Smita Vaze
3. Computer Architecture by Sridhar
4. Guide to Hardware: Managing, Maintenance and
Troubleshooting 4th Edition by Jean Andrews
ICT
Why this course?
PART ONE: THEORY
 Introduction
Information Technology (IT) means creating, managing, storing and
exchanging information.
IT includes all types of technology used to deal with information,
such as computer hardware and software technology used for
creating, storing, and transferring information.
Computer takes data as input, processes them and produces the
results as output.
The information is the result of data processing.
Data refer to the facts or raw materials, which are processed to get
the information.
 Definition of computer
• A computer is an electronic and digital device that takes data
as input, process them and gives information as output with
ability to save it.
A computer has four functions:
a. Accepts data Input
b. Processes data Processing
c. Produces output Output
d. Store results Storage
Block diagram of a computer
 Parts of Computer
Computer hardware computer software
 Hardware
 In information technology, hardware is the physical aspect of computers.

Software
 Sometimes abbreviated as SW and S/W, software is a collection of
instructions that enable the user to interact with a computer, its hardware, or
perform tasks.

Without software, most computers would be useless.

For example, without your Internet browser software, you could not surf the
Internet or read this page.
 Parts of computer hardware
1. Computer System Unit

This is where all parts come together to work.

The system box holds the CPU to act as the brains of the computer.

The unit contains the motherboard which is the main circuitry for the
system.
The power supply for the main computer is located in the unit.

All the other parts including the monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers,
and others join at the unit to become a functional system.
 Parts of computer con’t
Monitor
The monitor is the visual component of the computer.
It displays information to the user.
Keyboard
Used for entering data, generating commands.
There is a number keypad to the right of the main alphabetical keypad.
Mouse
Used for making selections.
 Mouse has four common technics such as ; pointing, clicking ,scrolling and
dragging.
Parts inside the case Computer System Unit
 Motherboard
The main circuit board inside the computer

The big green panel that sits on the bottom of a Desktop PC or along the
side of a tower.

All the main parts of the PC plug into the motherboard to share data.

Not only does everything plug into it, but this is also how everything
communicates.
Most of the motherboards are hidden from view and is only exposed at
the rear of the computer.
 Hard drive

Hard Drive: The main storage area inside your computer.

 The hard disk or hard drive stores your computer's
operating system, the programs that are installed on your
computer, and most of your files.
Hard drive capacity is measured in gigabytes.
 Power supply

Most important electrical component

Converts AC voltage external source to DC voltage
Reduces voltage from 110-120 volts to 12 volts or less
Transmitting power in other parts of computer
Runs a fan to cool the inside of the computer case
Motherboard has 1 or 2 connections to power supply
 Central processing unit (CPU) or Processor
Processor (CPU): The chip that performs the majority of calculations and instructions
needed to make your computer run.
The processor is attached to the motherboard. It is often called the computer's "brain."
Components CPU
A typical CPU has three components.
 Registers, which stores instructions and data to be used by processor
Arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs simple arithmetic and logical operations.
 Control unit (CU), which manages the various components of the computer.
It reads and interprets instructions from memory and transforms them into a series of
signals to activate other parts of the computer.
 The control unit calls upon the arithmetic logic unit to perform the necessary calculations
 Memory
Types of Memory
Primary storage (main memory)
• Temporary storage used by the processor
Secondary storage (permanent storage)
• Enables data to persist after machine turned off
• Examples: hard drive, CD, DVD, USB drive
1.Secondary memory

 It is the slowest and cheapest form of memory.

It cannot be processed directly by the CPU.
It must first be copied into primary storage (Main memory).
Secondary memory devices include magnetic disks like hard drives and floppy disks,
optical disks such as CDs and CDROMs, and magnetic tapes, which were the first
forms of secondary memory.
 The Main Memory
1. Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is volatile, meaning that the information it holds is

dependent on a constant supply of power.
All data stored in it will be lost if the computer is rebooted
or turned off.
 RAM has High speed
 RAM is small than HDD
 Temporary storage area of CPU and other components
of the PC, such as video cards).
 It holds both program instructions and associated
data.
 2. ROM(Read Only Memory)

ROM is typically used to store low-level hardware instructions

such as the motherboard, video-card and BIOS.
ROM is non-volatile and
It does not require a permanent power source to retain data.
It stores hardware instructions such as the motherboard and
video-card BIOS.

• Notes: BIOS stands by basic input/output system, a cheap that

holds instructions for managing simple devices and starts the
computer
Summary
 Quiz # 1/ 10 marks
1. Differentiate data from information / 2marks

2. What are 4 functions of computer? / 4marks

3. Why computer can’t work without hard disk driver /2marks

4. Write in full these ICT terms /2marks

USB
VGA
HDMI
LAN
INPUT AND OUTPUT
Input devices
The devices which are used to input the data and the programs in the computer are
known as “ Input devices" or Input device can read data and convert them to a form
that a computer can use.
Output devices
The devices which are used to get what was inside the computer are know as “
Output devices" or Output devices can read data and convert them to a form that a
user can get.
Examples of output devices are monitor, printer, speaker, head set, etc.
Software and hardware
 SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
Hardware Needs Software to Work

software is a collection of one or more programs used to control and coordinate the
hardware and other application software.

2 TYPES SOFTWARE

There are two main types of software: systems software and application software.

Systems software includes the programs that are dedicated to managing the computer
itself, such as the operating system, file management utilities, and disk operating system
(or DOS)

Application software includes these end user programs like Google chrome, VLC…..
Systems software and Application software
 System software
 System software designed to run a computer's hardware and
application programs.
If we think of the computer system as a layered model,
the system software is the interface between the hardware and
user applications.
Example: OS, DOS, …
 ROLE OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Communicates with hardware devices.

Controls and monitors the proper use of various hardware

resources like CPU, memory, peripheral devices like monitor,
printer etc.

Supports the execution and development of other application

software.
 Operating System
An operating system or OS is a software program that
enables the computer hardware to communicate and
operate with the computer software. Without a computer
operating system, a computer and software programs would
be useless.
Examples: Windows, Mac OS X, Android, Ubuntu
 Applications Software
 Application software, or simply applications, are often called productivity
programs or end-user programs

 They enable the user to complete tasks, such as creating documents,

spreadsheets, doing online research, sending email, designing graphics, and
even playing games!

 Application software is specific to the task it is designed for and can be as

simple as a calculator application or as complex as a word processing
application. Ex: Database software, Accounting software, ….
Computer maintenance
How to maintain well your computer hardware
Protect it from falling down
Keep it away from liquid ( water, tea, …)
Clean it regularly
Unplug to avoid overcharging
 What Are Computer Viruses

computer viruses are type of malicious software, or malware, that

spreads between computers and causes damage to data and
software.
Computer viruses aim to disrupt systems, cause major operational
issues, and result in data loss and leakage. A key thing to know about
computer viruses is that they are designed to spread across programs
and systems. Computer viruses typically attach to an executable host
file, which results in their viral codes executing when a file is opened.
The code then spreads from the document or software it is attached
to via networks, drives, file-sharing programs, or infected email
attachments.
 Common Signs of Computer Viruses
Speed of System
A computer system running slower than usual is one of the most common signs that the
device has a virus.
Pop-up Windows
Unwanted pop-up windows appearing on a computer or in a web browser are a telltale
sign of a computer virus. Unwanted pop-ups are a sign of malware, viruses.
Programs Self-executing
If computer programs unexpectedly close by themselves, then it is highly likely that the
software has been infected with some form of virus or malware.
Accounts Being Logged Out
Some viruses are designed to affect specific applications, which will either cause them
to crash or force the user to automatically log out of the service.
Crashing of the Device
System crashes and the computer itself unexpectedly closing down are common
indicators of a virus.
How To Prevent Your Computer From Viruses
There are several ways to protect your computer from viruses, including:
Use a Trusted Antivirus Product
Trusted computer antivirus products are crucial to stop virus attacks or prevent
computers from being infected with viruses.
Avoid Clicking Pop-up Advertisements
Unwanted pop-up advertisements are more than likely to be linked to computer
viruses and malware.
Scan Your Email Attachments
A popular way to protect your device from computer viruses is to avoid suspicious
email attachments, which are commonly used to spread malware
Scan the Files That You Download Using File-sharing Programs
File-sharing programs, particularly unofficial sites, are also popular resources for
attackers to spread computer viruses.
Avoid downloading applications, games, or software from unofficial sites, and always
scan files that have been downloaded from any file-sharing program.
PART TWO: PRACTICE
START AND SHUTDOWN COMPUTER
 Start Up Steps and Sequence
From a user perspective, starting a computer is easy. You simply press the on
button and wait. But how it actually comes to life is far from simple, and is a
product of decades of development.
 Folder and File
 A folder, also called a directory , is a special type of file on your
computer's file system which contains other files and folders.

A file is an object on a computer that stores data, information,

settings, or commands used with a computer program.
 Microsoft Office
 Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop productivity application that is
designed specifically to be used for office or business use.

 It is a proprietary product of Microsoft Corporation and was first released in

1990.
Microsoft Office is available in 35 different languages and is supported by
Windows, Mac and most Linux variants.
 It mainly consists of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, OneNote, Outlook
and Publisher applications.
 Microsoft Office con’t
Microsoft Office was primarily created to automate the manual office work with a
collection of purpose-built applications.
Each of the applications in Microsoft Office serves as specific knowledge or
office domain such as:
Microsoft Word: Helps users in creating text documents.
Microsoft Excel: Creates simple to complex data/numerical spreadsheets.
Microsoft PowerPoint: Stand-alone application for creating professional
multimedia presentations.
Microsoft Access: Database management application.
Microsoft Publisher: Introductory application for creating and publishing
marketing materials.
Microsoft OneNote: Alternate to a paper notebook, it enables an user to
neatly organize their notes.
 MICROSOFT WORD
 Microsoft Word or MS-WORD (often called Word) is a
graphical word processing program that users can type with.
It is made by the computer company Microsoft.
Its purpose is to allow users to type and save documents.
Similar to other word processors, it has helpful tools to make
documents.
 Starting MS Word
When you use Word a lot, it helps to have quick access to its program
icon;
Step1: Single click on starting button
Step2 : Double click on MS word icon
 When it is the first time ;
Step1: Single click on starting button
Step2: Single click on all programs
Step3: Double click on Microsoft Office
Step4: Double click on Microsoft Office word
 Practice on MS WORD
Creating folder,
Creating word document
Text tying and saving,
Text styling and arrangement
Table : Dealing with table
Inserting shapes, comments, header, footer, symbols,
equations,..
Table of content,…
 Keyboard Shortcuts
In computing, a keyboard shortcut is a set of one or more keys that
invoke a command in software or an operating system.

These shortcuts can provide an easier and quicker method of using

computer programs. These commands are commonly accessed by using
the Alt ket (on PC computers), command key (on Apple computers), Ctrl,
and Shift in conjunction with a single letter.
The following are most popular shortcuts

• Ctrl and A: Selects all in the current • Ctrl and H: Displays the Replace
document. dialogue box.
• Ctrl and B: Bold text. • Ctrl and I: Italicize text.
• Ctrl and C: Copies the item or text. • Ctrl and J: Switch a paragraph
• Ctrl and D: Displays the Font between justified and left alignment.
dialogue box. • Ctrl and K: Create a hyperlink.
• Ctrl and E: Switch a paragraph • Ctrl and L: Left align a paragraph.
between center and left alignment. • Ctrl and M: Indent a paragraph from
the left.
• Ctrl and N: Create a new document. • Ctrl and S: Saves a document.
• Ctrl and O: Opens a new document. • Ctrl and U: Underlines text.
• Ctrl and P: Prints a document. • Ctrl and V: Pastes the copied item or text.
• Ctrl and R: Switch the alignment of a • Ctrl and X: Cuts the selected item or text.
paragraph between left and right. • Ctrl and Y: Redo the last action.
• Ctrl and F: Displays the Find dialog box to • Ctrl and Z: Undo the last action.
search the current document.
• Ctrl and G: Displays the Go To dialog box • Ctrl and Enter: Insert a page break.
to search for a specific location in the • Ctrl and F2: Select Print Preview
current document. command.
• Ctrl and F4: Closes the active window.
• Ctrl and F6: Opens the next window if
multiple are open.
 MS EXCEL

Creating spreadsheet
Data recording
Data Presentation
Functions : Sum, Average, Nested if statement,…
 MS EXCEL
Excel is a software program created by Microsoft that uses
spreadsheets to organize numbers and data with formulas
and functions
 Function in Excel
In Excel a function is a predefined formula that performs calculations using
specific values in a particular order.
All spreadsheet programs include common functions that can be used for
quickly finding the sum, average, count, maximum value, and minimum
value for a range of cells.
In order to work correctly, a function must be written a specific way, which is
called the syntax.
The basic syntax for a function is an equals sign (=),
The function name (SUM, for example),
And one or more arguments.
Arguments contain the information you want to calculate. The function in the
example below would add the values of the cell range A1:A20.
 STEPS TO USE FUNCTION
Step1: Calling a function
Example: =SUM
Step2: Assigning values to that function
Example: =SUM(C2:C6)
Step3: Execution by pressing enter
 Nested IF statement
A Nested IF statement is defined as an Excel formula with multiple
IF conditions.
It's called “nested” because you're basically putting an IF Statement inside
another IF Statement and possibly repeating that process multiple times.

The IF function is a built-in function in Excel that is categorized as a Logical

Function.
It can be used as a worksheet function (WS) in Excel. As a worksheet function,
the IF function can be entered as part of a formula in a cell of a worksheet.
 Syntax
The syntax for the nesting the IF function is:
IF( condition1, value_if_true1, IF( condition2, value_if_true2, value_if_false2 ))

This would be equivalent to the following IF THEN ELSE statement:

IF condition1 THEN
value_if_true1
ELSEIF condition2 THEN
value_if_true2
ELSE
value_if_false2
END IF
 Internet
Key definitions
Mailing
Search engine ( Searching)
E-learning platform
 Digital campus
Digital library (Scholavox)
 Internet

Definition
 A global network of networks.
 A global computer network providing a variety of
information and communication facilities, consisting of
interconnected networks using standardized
communication protocols.
 KEY DEFINITIONS
 Web browser is software that enables user to navigate
on internet web pages. The purpose of web browser is to
bring information resources to the user from a web server,
and may be a web page, image, video, or other piece of
content.
 Examples: Google chrome, internet explore, Mozilla,
Opera etc.
 Search engine tool

A web search engine is a software system that is designed

to search for information on the World Wide Web. The
information may be a mix of web pages, images, and other
types of files. Some search engines also mine data available
in databases or open directories.
Example: Google.com, Ask.com, Answer.com, Bing.com,…
 Electronic mail
 Electronic mail, or email, is a method of exchanging
digital messages between people using digital devices such
as computers, tablets and mobile phones.
Email first entered substantial use in the 1960s and by the
mid-1970s had taken the form now recognized as email.
Email operates across computer networks.
 How to use email ( Practice)
 INES DIGITAL PLATFORMS
INES as institute of applied sciences, all services are
digitalized and are available on the bellow platforms:

E-learning platform (https://e-learning.ines.ac.rw/ )

Digital campus platform (https://digitalcampus.ines.ac.rw/)

Digital Library platform (https://library.ines.ac.rw/ )

 How to access e-learning platform
Requirements
Corporate Email and its default password

Email: ug2321867@ines.ac.rw

Default password: 12345@Ines

 STEPS TO SIGN IN WITH YOUR CORPORATE EMAIL

For Computer Users: Open your browser and sign in with corporate email on Gmail login
page.
Phone Users: Follow the following Steps if it is your first time to use login with google on E-
Learning and if not go to step 3.

• Open Phone Setting

• Account
• Add Account
• Google
• Put your Phone Password/PIN/Fingerprint (if required)
• Enter your Corporate Email ( Ex: ug2423789@ines.ac.rw)
• Enter Your Password. Remember to use default password for the first-time which is 12345@Ines
• Click on Accept button
• If it is your first time to sign in, you will be required to change the password put your wish password with at
least 8 characters. ( Ex: 0782546488 or Musanze@2023)
• Click on I agree button

 Now after you have successful added corporate account in your phone, you can now access both E-
Learning and Digital Campus by just one click.
STEPS TO LOGIN WITH GOOGLE ON E-LEARNING

• Open your browser and go to https://e-learning.ines.ac.rw/

• Click on Google Login
• Select Corporate Email

NB: To login on digital campus with google use same process.

 INES DIGITAL LIBRARY

INES library have different materials for different users.

Materials like books, magazines, newspapers etc. are
available in numbers for users.
INES has main library where they are physical books and
e-books. Both books can be accessed through this link
http://library.ines.ac.rw/
STEPS TO ACESS INES BOOKS

Open any browser of your choice

Type this link: http://library.ines.ac.rw/
Search for a book ( for physical book)
Click on scholarvox menu
Click Login to put username and password
Start to enjoy e-books
N.B: You get username and password from library