MS Word Part II

Lab 5: Microsoft Word

Today we'll be finishing up learning about this software. Since we're using Microsoft Word 2003 as reference, we just go along with the Microsoft Word 2007 instead.

By opening the program, we'll see a lot of features.

Tab Setting

The default tab setting is half an inch. On the document, press the tab key a few times to move across the page or we can manually just drag the ruler.

Document View

There are types of layout we can choose while working with our document to see how it look like:

• Draft view - when we're quickly editing the document
• Web Layout View - optimizes the document for online viewing (using browser)
• Print Layout View - shows the document as it will look like when it's printed.
• Reading Layout - make reading the document more comfortable
• Outline View - displays the document in outline form

Indents

These are useful to help reader find information rather quickly

• Left - Indents the entire paragraph from the left margin
• Right - Indents the entire paragraph from the right margin
• First line - Indents only the first line of the paragraph
• Hanging - Indents all lines after the first line of the paragraph

Columns

By default, the document has one column. We can have two or more columns by choosing Page Layout>Columns.

Alignment to Left, Center, Right, and Justify.

Drop Cap is an outstanding letter of a word, usually first alphabet from a paragraph.

Go to Highlight>Insert>Drop Cap

Bullets and Numbering

Numbering or Bulleting using Icon:

Highlight the list we want to number or bullet, click the Number Icon on Home ribbon

Remove numbering or bulleting:

Highlight the list, right click, choose Bullets or Numbering, press Enter, click None and press OK.

Next is learning on inserting the header and footer. As for the footer, not only for the page number, this is useful when it comes to assignments and we need to put the reference number and on the footer, we just stated our reference. As for the header, I usually use it as the subject name and topic.

Page Number

Just go to Insert>Page Number

Positions and alignments are used to determine the position and alignment of the page numbers. There are choices of page number as in the templates.

Finally the Tables.

Go to Insert>Table Command, select the number of columns and rows.

Or Table>Draw Table. use Eraser to erase a line or block of lines. We can customized the tables appearance as well. The color of the contents, the borders, the fonts, and so much more.

After we're done with the lab practices, we continues with 'Do You Know?' Presentations!

We formed few groups and discussed the few awesome things from what we learned so far. As for my group, one of the few things I presented like 'Do you know of how joystick got its name?'.

After we're done presenting, our instructor gave us the easiest assignment I ever encounter which is on 'Terms and Definitions'. We need to list out the terms and find the definitions that can be found scattered throughout our notes.

I think that's all for today... See you in next class!

Good or Bad News?

Depends.

That's all I can say when our temporary instructor just announced her being permanent instructor, replacing our ex-instructor now, Mdm. Shafini.

MS Word Part I

Lab 4: Microsoft Word

Well, today we're just gonna learn the very (very) basic of this application software on how to open, create a new one, saving, printing, and editing. Anyway, let's just enjoy this lab!

First of all, what is this program? Word processing software is an application software that can create any type of written document in electronic form i.e. soft copy.

As for Microsoft Windows, we have Microsoft Word as the word-processing application program. For us Mac lovers, we have our iWork's Pages!

First, is Creating a Document:

Microsoft Word offers few document templates. What is a template? Template is a document file that has pre-defined setting e.g. letters, certificates. How do we use a template? At the menu bar,

Office button> New>Templates Panel

Next is Opening a Document:

• On the menu bar, go to File and choose Open. A dialog box will be asking which document we want to open.
• From template.
• From our drives where we have a copy of Microsoft Word file and just open it.

Then, saving a Document:

Basically, there are 2 types of saving, say we're using Windows Vista. After we're done with writing the document, we want to save it, right?

First, if we just choose 'Save' in the menu or by shortcut (Ctrl + S), Microsoft Word will save it as Word document with extension .docx.

Second, say a friend is using a previous version of Windows e.g. XP. and we need to give him the copy of this document. A computer running Windows XP with Microsoft Word 2003 can't open this type of document. So, in order for him to be able to open this document in his computer, we can save the document in another format. So, go to the menu bar and choose Save As. A dialog box will open and from the box we can find options on Save As, and select 'Microsoft Word 2003'. We'll find another document with the same name as our .docx file but different extension i.e. .doc.

The good thing about Microsoft Word 2007, it has auto recovery where the program will automatically save the document like every 10 seconds. For Windows XP's Word '03, we have to enable by going to

Office button>Word Options Command Button>Save tab>Select Auto Recover

There we can choose the period, whether we want the program to save every e.g. 5 minutes while working on the document.

This very useful especially when we have a sudden power failure. At least like half of document are being saved, right?

Next is Printing a Document:

We can print out document but make sure your computer is connected to a printer, first!

Before we print, we can see the preview by go to the Office button and choose print, and select print preview.

So, how do we print? By going to the office button, and choose Print. As usual dialog box will popped out and in the box will give us options on how we want to print the documents i.e. the number of copies, in colour or black and white, just print the even or odd pages, we can even change the orientation of the printouts but this one we have to go the properties.

Finally, Editing and Proofing Document.

As for our assignments and notes, we definitely don't want them to appear dull and boring, right? Unless it's for the formal thesis or whatsoever. So there are lots of options for us to 'beautify' our documents like adding background or watermark of pictures or words, putting graphics on it, having tables, and so much more. Of course, we can run spell-checker program to see our spelling mistakes!

So that's all the basics to use this software.. Will continue on second part later on next class!

CPU, Memory and Hard Disk

Chapter 04 CPU, Memory and Hard Disk

This chapter basically focusing on the inside of the system unit but more on Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory and hard disk (HD).

CONTROL PROCESSING UNIT AND MEMORY.

What's motherboard? The motherboard is a large printed circuit board (PCB), a flat piece of plastic or fibre-glass that contains thousands of electrical circuits etched onto the board's surface.

The major components of the motherboard are the CPU and Memory.

• Central Processing Unite (CPU)

CPU also known as microprocessor, controls operations and performs arithmetic and logical operations. It is the portion of computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer and is the primary element carrying out the functions of the computer or other processing device. Its cartridges plug into a special slot (CPU Socket) on the system board because it is larger and have more pins than most other chips. It is generally covered by a heat sink, a heat-dissipating component that drains heat away from the microprocessor, a chip that generates so much heat that it could destroy themselves or other system components. To accomplish this, the heat sink may contain a small auxiliary cooling fan. The latest high-end CPU include their own built in refrigeration system, which are needed to keep these speedy processors cool.

Instruction Set

Processors can perform several operations. Each operation has a unique instruction number called an instruction. A processor's list of instructions is called its Instruction Sets. Different processors have different instruction sets and because of this, programs devised for one computer type won't run on another. Example, a program written for the Apple Macintosh will NOT run on an IBM PC.

Components of the CPU are the Control Unit and the Arithmetic-logic unit.

Control Unit coordinates and controls all part of the computer system. Basically, it extracts instructions from memory and decodes and executes them. Under the direction of a program, the control unit manages four basic operations.

1. Fetch. Retrieves the next program instruction from the computer's memory.
2. Decode. Determines what the program is telling the computer to do.
3. Execute. Performs the requested instruction, such as adding 2 numbers or deciding which one of them is larger.
4. Store. Stores the results to an internal register (temporary storage location) or to memory.

This four-step process is called a machine cycle or processing cycle and consists of 2 phases: the instruction cycle (Fetch and Decode) and the execution cycle (Execute and Store).

Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) or logical operations (comparing alphanumeric data).

Some operations require the control unit to store data temporarily. Registers are the temporary storage location in the microprocessor that are designed for this purpose. Register also store the result of intermediate calculations.

• Memory

The chips that enables the computer to retain information. It store program instructions and data so that the CPU can access them quickly.

The large memory modules housed on the computer's motherboard contain the computer's RAM. Random Access Memory (RAM) stores information (software as well as the data to be processed by the software) temporarily so that it's directly and quickly available to the CPU. RAM is volatile i.e. the contents of the RAM are erased when the computer's power is switched OFF. RAM is designed for fast operation; the CPU acts directly on the information stored in RAM. Each byte of memory has a unique location or memory address.

Types of RAM:

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) is a memory chip that needs to be refreshed periodically or it will lose its data. These types of RAM need constant power supply or they lose their contents.

1. Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM) is synchronized with the computer's system clock
2. Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) uses fast bus to send and receive data within one clock cycle. It is faster than SDRAM.
3. Double Data Rate Synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM) is a type of SDRAM that can send and receive data within one clock cycle.

Virtual memory is part of the hard disk (HD) that is reserved as RAM. More like extension of RAM. When RAM modules become full, the CPU accesses the hard disk to store and retrieve data. Hence, it's slower than RAM.

Since RAM is volatile, how does the computer start up again? Answer: Read Only Memory (ROM). ROM is a type of memory on which instructions have been pre-recorded. The instructions to start the computer are stored in ROM chips. Hence, in the opposite with RAM is non-volatile i.e. it can retain information even when the power is switched off.

RAM is fast, but it isn't fast enough to support the processing speeds of today's ultrafast microprocessor's e.g. Motorola G4 or the Pentium 4 (well, as of 2010, Pentium). These microprocessors use cache memory to function at maximum speed.

Cache Memory is a small unit of ultra fast memory built into the processor that stores frequently or recently accessed program instructions and data. Although generally no larger than 512 KB, cache memory greatly improves the computer system's overall performances.

There 2 types of cache memory, the first type is called the Primary cache or Level 1 (L1) cache, is included in the microprocessor chip. The second type is the Secondary cache or Level 2 (L2) cache, is included on a separate printed circuit board. To improve secondary cache performance, the latest microprocessors are housed in plastic modules that provide a special type of secondary cache called backside cache. Keeping the secondary cache as close as possible improves performance.

• Expansion Card

A printed circuit board (PCB) that can be inserted into an expansion slot of a computer's motherboard to add functionality to a computer system.

Memory versus Storage. How do we differentiate (or not to get confuse with) these 2 terms? By knowing their capabilities.

Memory is a temporary workplace where the computer transfers the contents of a file while its being used.

Storage also known as mass media or auxiliary storage, refers to various media on which a computer's system can store data.

Storage device holds programs and data in units called files. It provides non-volatile (permanent) storage for programs and data that user can work with.

Why don't the computers just use memory to hold all those files? Why is Storage is necessary?

1. Storage devices retain data when the computer is switched off.
2. Storage devices are cheaper than memory (RAM).
3. Storage devices play an essential role in system startup operations.
4. Storage devices are needed for output.

HARD DISK

A Hard Disk drive or hard disk is a high capacity, high speed storage devices that usually consists of rapidly rotating metal disks called platters.

The computer's hard disk is also referred to as online storage. Online storage (or primary storage) consists of the storage devices that are actively available to the computer system and do not require any action on the part of the user.

Hard disk can also be categorized as random access storage device or magnetic storage device. A random access storage device can go directly to the requested data without having to go through a linear search sequence while magnetic storage device use disks that are coated with magnetically sensitive material.

How stored data are organized on a disk? Disks contain circular bands called tracks. Each track is divided into pie-shaped wedges called sectors. Two or more sectors combine to form a cluster.

(image taken form here)

To keep track of where specific files are located, the computer's operating system records table of information on the disk. This table contains the name of each file and the file's exact location on the disk. On MS Windows, this table is called file allocation table (FAT), the latest is FAT32 while for Mac OS, is Hierarchical File System (HFS), the latest is HFS Plus.

Hard disks can be divided into partitions to enable computer to work with more than one operating system e.g. Linux users often create one partition for Linux and another for MS Windows . In this way, they can work with programs developed for either OS.

To communicate with the CPU, hard disks require a hard disk controller. A hard disk controller is an electronic circuit board that provides an interface between the CPU and the hard disk's electronics. The controller may be located on the computer's motherboard, on an expansion card, or within the hard disk itself.

Internal hard disk is fixed in the system unit. However, removable hard disks enclose platters within a cartridge that can be inserted into or removed from a drive bay. Removable hard disks are referred to as near-online storage. Near-online storage (secondary storage), consists of storage that isn't directly available but that can be easily made available by some simple action on the user's part, such as connecting the HD to the system unit via USB cable as for external hard disks.

An Internet Hard Drive is storage space on server that is accessible from the Internet. In most cases, a user subscribes to the storage service and agrees to rent a block of storage space for a specific period of time. Of course there are advantages and disadvantages for using this hard drives.

Advantages:

1. Instead of sending email attachments e.g. mp3 songs, images, videos, to share with family and friends, we just simply post the files to our internet hard drive and then allow them to be viewed or downloaded by others.
2. We can save backup copies of critical files or all the data on our hard disk to our Internet hard drive.
3. We can access our files from multiple locations from any device that can connect witht he Internet, hence all these files are available at any time.

Disadvantages:

1. Our data may not be secured
2. The storage device might become corrupt, causing us to lose our data.
3. The company offering the Internet storage may go out of business.

I think that's all for today's lectures. Next class would be on lab practices on MS Word.

Linux

Lab 3: Linux

How the general idea come about this Open Source Software (OSS)?

After seeing the pressure of license and propriety software users, where a lot of money is needed to make sure the software is in good condition, up to date and fulfills their need from time to time.

Open Source Software (OSS) characteristics:

• Software can be upgraded and modified by user easily and freely.
• Programmers can read, redistribute, and modify the source codes.
• The software development will be speed up.

First, we need to understand the software categories in terms of cost.

• Freeware e.g Internet Explorer, the Linux itself.
• Shareware e.g. WinZip
• Commercial e.g. MS Windows, MS Word,
• Private

Second, we need to understand the type of permission to modify these software:

• Free i.e. Open Source Software e.g. Linux
• Proprietary e.g. Internet Explorer, Winzip, MS Windows

Now the differences between freeware and Open Source Software (OSS):

As for freeware, the proprietary software given away without cost but it doesn't provide any right to user to examine, modify or redistribute the source code.

As for Open Source Software (OSS), the license give the users the freedom to run the program for any purpose, users i.e. programmers are allowed to study and modify the program and to redistribute copies of either the original or modified program but no royalty payment.

The impact of Open Source Software (OSS):

Within 5 years, 50% of the volume of the software infrastructure market could be taken by Open Source Software. Thus, Open Source Software position in large server will grow. With this, OSS reduce the dominance of Windows application and hence Open Source Software will rapidly become the market leader in consumer computing devices.

As Open Source Software play a role as a significant player in market of consumer computing devices e.g: smart mobile phone, middleware will move gradually from proprietary products towards Open Source Software.

Next, we learned about the Linux-based Operating Software (OS)

Basically, what does Linux do?

Linux provides an open source i.e. observable, modifiable, redistributable and low-cost (free) operating system (OS). It is the alternative to proprietary operating systems e.g. Microsoft WIndows and Mac OS, and it runs on many hardware platforms, from conventional PCs to mobile phones to special-purpose boards for embedded systems.

Example of Linux distributor are like Ubuntu, RedHat, Mandriva, Fedora, Debia, SuSe and so much more.

What does Linux offer?

Desktop simplicity!

Linux Ubuntu Desktop

• Default applications

On the application menu, Ubuntu contains a selection of useful applications. We'll find OpenOffice 3.0 for word processing, spreadsheets and presentation, GIMP for image editing and more.

• OpenOffice

A complete office suite for word processor i.e. Writer, spreadsheet i.e. Calc, presentation i.e. Impress, and database i.e. Base.

• Safe and easy web browsing

Powerful and standard compliant Mozilla Firefox web browser.

• Personal Information Management

For integrated email, calendar and many more, there's Evolution. Simply check email, create an event in calendar or search for a contact.

• Music, video, pictures and their devices

Just plug and play the music, video, pictures and devices. Plug in camera and import pictures from it. organize and burn photos. Play, rip and mix our CDs with Rhythmbox Media Player or play video on Totem. For USB drives, we can drag and drop files between our internal hard drives and the USB.

• Pigin Instant Messaging Client

Pidgin (formerly known as Gaim), is a multi-platform instant messaging client. The software supports many commonly used instant messaging protocols, allowing the user to log into various different services from one application.

Gaim is a free and open source instant messaging client that can be used to communicate with users of AOL, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Gadu Gadu and Jabber instant messaging networks simultaneously. By using gaim you can chat with all your friends using one easy to use program!

• GIMP (GnU Image Manipulation Program)

Basically, GnU stands for GNU's not UNIX. The GIMP lets us draw, paint, edit images, much more. The GIMP is installed in Ubuntu by default and can be started by choosing Applications>Graphics>GIMP Image Editor.

• Help and Support

Documentation is available in the desktop help browser and online help at help.ubuntu.com

So, that's all about the Open Source Software, Linux!

Actually, I did 'test-drive' this Linux when I was in Foundation Centre and I think got the Installer CD somewhere at home but now that I'm using Mac OS... I don't know if I can turn my back on this one like I did with Microsoft Windows.

Anyway, it all depends on ourselves which one we want to use... More like which one we are more comfortable to use actually. I'm not forcing anyone to pick side or anything so I guess it's a good to learn something like this. I find it useful especially when I'm sitting down with my friends from ICT faculty.

Output

This is supposed to be the 5th week of my Computer class but since our lecturer canceled the classes throughout last week, hence we still at the 3rd week's schedule.

Another bad news is the fact that she's still sick, we got ourselves a temporary instructor. Why is it bad news? Not only that she's only been assigned our class yesterday, she also just found out the main portal where we got our notes from.

So today, we learned about the output devices.

What are the output devices? They are peripherals used to communicate the results of data processing carried out by an information processing system i.e. computer to the outside world. Basically, output devices transform processed digital information into forms that make sense to human.

An example of an output device is monitor. A monitor is a peripheral device that displays computer output on a screen which is referred to as soft copy. It comprises the display device, circuitry and an enclosure. We have two types of monitors: Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD or flat-panel).

Cathode-Ray Tube resembles televisions. It uses picture tube technology. It's less expensive than an LCD monitor and takes up more desk space and use more energy than LCD monitors.

Next was the Liquid Crystal Display or more likely to be called as LCD for short. In LCDs, the cells sandwiched between 2 transparent layers form images. LCDs are being used for notebook computers, PDAs, cellular phones and PCs. It is more expensive than CRT monitors. Types of LCD monitors are passive-matrix LCD, active-matrix LCD, gas plasma display, and field emission display. Also about LED, another type of LCD that need 40% less energy, mercury-free and one third thinner than the LCD itself.

We proceeded by discussing the terms like screen size, resolution and refresh rate of computer display.

Next was about another output device which is the printer. What is a printer? It is a peripheral device that produces a physical copy or hard copy i.e. printouts of the computer's output. The types of computers we discussed are the inkjet printer a.k.a the bubble-jet, laser printer, thermal printer, dot-matrix printer and last but not least, the plotter.

Inkjet printer makes characters by inserting dots of inks onto paper. The printouts are more like letter-quality and while the cost of the printer is inexpensive, the cost of the ink is quite costly.

Laser printer works more like a copier. The quality is determined by dots per inch (dpi) produced and colour printers are available. By using this type of printer usually you'll need expensive initial costs but actually it's cheaper to operate per page.

Thermal printer uses heat elements to produce images on heat-sensitive paper.

Dot-matrix printer form characters and images using series of small pins on a print head. It's a noisy and produced low quality printouts but low cost is needed.

Plotter is a printer that uses an ink-pen that moves over a large revolving sheet of paper like A3, A2, A1, even A0 papers. Basically, it is used in engineering, drafting, map-making, and seismology.

I'll post the lab practice on Open Source Software, Linux on the entry.

Discovered a Better Font

Easy to read and it looks awesome in my iPod Touch.

I love this font. =)

Been busy with classes and other stuffs. Will update in few days.

Promise.

p.s.: In love with The Vampire Diaries... =)

MS Windows Explorer

Lab 2: Windows Explorer

As for today's lab, we learned about Windows Explorer. In Mac, we called this as Finder.

Anyway, Windows Explorer is an application that is part of modern versions of the Microsoft Window OS that provides a GUI for accessing the file systems. it is the component of the OS that presents the user interface on the monitor and enables the user to control the computer. It is sometimes referred to as the Windows GUI shell, or simply 'Explorer'.

Purposes of this application:

To view:

• The contents of the disk drives
• The hierarchy of folders on the computer
• The files or folders in each folder

To organize the files or folders by copying, moving and deleting them

To create a folder, rename a file or folder and open a file by using Explorer.

Alright, let's find out how do we start this application.

This application software could be accessed by:

• Click Start>My Computer> Explore
• Click Start>Run (and then type 'explorer')
• Double-click the My Computer icon
• Launch from the Start Menu (Start>All Programs>Accessories>Windows Explorer)
• A shortcut key (Windows key + E)

Hierarchy or Tree:

Minus Sign indicates that all of its subfolders are displayed in the hierarchy.

Plus Sign indicates the folder consists of one or more subfolders that are not visible in the tree. By clicking the plus sign will expand the folder.

Creating a New Folder:

Some of the ways to create a folder:

• On an Explorer window, on the menu bar, choose File, then New, and select folder.
• Point to any blank area in the Contents area, right click, select New, and choose folder.

Viewing Icons in the Contents Area:

We can view the icons in many different ways to suit our need.

• Thumbnails - the miniature version of picture files
• Tiles - the basic information of every item
• Icons - Contents preceded by larger icons
• List - Easily see many of the contents of a folder
• Details - Detailed information about the item

Selecting Multiple Names of Files or Folders: Contiguous and Non-Contiguous

Contiguous:

1. Click the first name
2. Hold down the Shift key and click the last name
3. All items will be highlighted

Non-contiguous:

1. Click the first name.
2. Hold down the Ctrl key, click each of the names we want to select.

Copying a File and or Folder

When copying a file, we must know several details/information:

1. Where is the source drive and/or source folder (from where)?
2. What is the filename?
3. Where is the destination (to where)?

We can copy from one location to the same location, but the new file will be given a new name. A file can also be copied from one location to another location (different drive or different folder of the same drive), and the new file will have the same name as the source file.

5 ways to copy a file from the source folder to the destination folder:

1. Dragging the selected filename from the right area to left panel. While dragging, the icon and its name are dimmed. At the left side, drag the filename with the pointer beside the destination folder so that it is highlighted. Release 'the left mouse button. Note: When dragging a file from one drive to another folder in the same drive, Explorer automatically assumes that you will be moving the file. You have to hold down the Ctrl key to change the pointer shape to indicate copying.
2. Using the Edit menu: select the file (from where and which file); choose Edit then Copy; select the destination location; choose Edit then Paste.
3. Using the Copy and Paste buttons on the toolbar; similar to the Edit menu.
4. Using the shortcut menu (by right-clicking at the filename) Copy and Paste.
5. Right drag the filename from the right area to the destination folder (in the left panel); release mouse button; and choose Copy from the shortcut menu.

Moving a File and or Folder

Similar to copying a file, we need to know the source location (drive and/or folder), source file, and the destination location. We can move from one location to a different drive or different folder of a drive; the new file will have the same name as the source file.

5 ways to move a file from the source folder to the destination folder.

1. Dragging the selected filename from the right area to the destination folder in the left panel; then release the left mouse button. Note: When dragging a file from one drive to another folder in another drive, Explorer automatically assumes that you will be copying the file. You have to hold down the Shift key to change the pointer shape to indicate moving.
2. Using the Edit menu: select the file (from where and which file); choose Edit then Cut; select the destination location; choose Edit then Paste
3. Using the Cut and Paste buttons on the toolbar; similar to the Edit menu.
4. Using the shortcut menu.
5. Right drag as in copying a file, but choose Move in the shortcut menu.

Deleting a File/Folder

When we delete a file or folder from the hard disk, e.g. drive C, the computer will throw it away into the Recycle Bin. The item may be restored (put back at its original location). However, if we delete an item from a removable disk like the USB drive, the item will be permanently deleted (It is not put into the Recycle Bin and cannot be restored). Deleting a folder will delete all of its contents.

Five ways to delete a file/folder are listed below:

1. Dragging the selected file to the Recycle Bin (on the desktop or in the Folders pane of the Explorer window.
2. Choose File menu then Delete command.
3. Using the Delete button on the toolbar.
4. Using the shortcut menu, Delete.
5. Right-drag instead of dragging.

Renaming a File or Folder

We can change the name of a file or folder whenever we see a text box appear at its name.

4 ways to rename:

1. Click twice at the name.
2. Go the menu, choose File and select Rename.
3. Use shortcut menu, choose Rename.
4. Click at the name, press F2.

If the name is highlighted in the text box, typing a new character will automatically delete the name in the box (to replace with a new name). To edit the name, press an arrow key to move cursor or insertion point to the location to type, and then type the new character. Press Enter key when done renaming.

A file has a filename. Windows and Windows-based programs allow us to use long folder and filenames (up to 255 characters). The possible characters in a filename are: letters A to Z digits 0 to 9 and special characters: usually the _ (underscore) Spaces are allowed in names, but the following characters are NOT allowed: \ / : *?"<>I

Phew! That's all for today's class.. Not a lot to digest but a lot to post in here...

Anyway, I'll see you guys on next class!

Input Devices

Chapter 2: Input Devices

Input is any data or instruction entered into the computer's memory while input device enables user to direct the computer activities.

Input devices are the peripherals used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system i.e. the computer.

KEYBOARDS

Type writer-style keyboard which uses an arrangement of keys, to act as a mechanical levers or electronic switches. It allows the computer to enter words, numbers, punctuation, symbols and specials function commands into the computer's memory.

How the keyboards work? When we press a key, the keyboard sends a digital impulse through a cable to the computer. When the computer receives the impulse, it displays a character, i.e. a letter, number, punctuation mark, even a symbol on the display monitor.

The character appears at the on-screen location of the cursor, which shows where text will appear when we type. The cursor may be a blinking vertical line, a blinking underscore, or highlighted box.

Type of keyboards:

• Enhanced or Extended (Macintosh equivalent) keyboard is the typically 101 keys laid out in the QWERTY fashion, connected to the computer by a cable.
• Cordless keyboard uses infrared or radio wave signals.
• Ergonomic keyboard is designed to help cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) or damage to nerve tissue in the wrist and hand due to repeated motion (for those who're using keyboards for more than 12 hours a day, this type of keyboard is highly recommended).

Special keys on the keyboard. We can use the mouse or cursor-movement keys (also called arrow keys) to move the cursor around whenever we don't want to type where the cursor is located.

A Toggle key is a key named after a type of electrical switch that has only 2 positions: ON and OFF. Example are the Caps Lock, Num Lock keys.

Functions keys are the ones above the letters and numbers that are labeled F1 through F10, F12 or F15, which are used to provide different commands, depending on the program in use.

Near the function keys, is the Esc key, short for escape. Its function also depends on which program you're using, but it's generally used to interrupt or cancel an operation.

Modifier keys (known because they'll modify the meaning of the next key we press) are those keys have no effect unless we hold them down and press a second key. We use these keys for keyboard shortcuts, which provide quick keyboard access to menu commands.

MOUSE

Mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting 2D motion relative to its supporting surface. To put it more simply, it gives the user a control on the movement of the on-screen pointer.

Magic Mouse by Apple, Inc. (I don't own this picture.)

Pointer is the on-screen symbol that signifies the type of command, input, or response user can give. Actions using mouse are like click (one-finger tap), double-click, twice-click, right click (2 fingers-tap), selecting, dragging, zooming (with Control Key being hold down - for Mac user) and etc.

Types of mice:

• "Magic" mouse is developed by Apple, Inc. with seamless Multi-touch surface and laser-tracking engine. As it uses Bluetooth wireless technology, no worries of annoying cables around your keyboard.
• Cordless mouse uses infrared signals to connect to the computer's IrDA port; it must be within sight of the receiving port.
• Wheel mouse contains a rotating wheel used to scroll vertically within a text document, connects to PS/2 Port or USB port.

Other types of pointing devices:

• Touch screen - pressure-sensitive panel that detects where we tapped the display screen with fingertip(s).
• "Magic" Track Pad - developed by Apple, Inc. uses the same Multi-touch tech on the notebooks. It connects to iMac or MacBook via wireless Bluetooth connection.
• Trackball - consists of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect a rotation of the ball about 2-axes.
• Pointing sticks - Small, stubby nub that protrudes from the computer's keyboard. It's pressure sensitive.
• Joystick - a device with large vertical lever that can be moved in any direction. Often used to control the motion of an on-screen object in a computer game or training simulator.
• Light pens - Contains a light source that triggers the touch screen's detection mechanism. Used for detailed works by designer.
• Stylus - it has the tip that is dry and semi-blunt and are commonly used for PDAs.

MICROPHONE

As for the audio input we can use the microphone. Microphone is a device that converts sound input into electrical signals that computer can process.

Speech recognition is a type of input in which the computer recognizes words spoken into a microphone. Special software and a microphone are required. Early tech used discreet speech recognition while latest tech uses continuous speech recognition, where the user doesn't have to pause between words.

As for the video input, we can use webcam. Webcam is a video camera which feeds its images in real time to a computer or computer network, often via USB, ethernet even WiFi.

Alternative input devices are scanners and fax machines.

Scanner is a device that can be used by using optical character recognition (OCR) software. Its automatically converts the scanned text into a text file.

Flatbed-scanner is a scanner that can work only s single sheet of paper at one time.

Sheet-fed scanner is a type of scanner that draws in the sheets to be copied by a roller mechanism.

A Barcode is an optical machine-readable representation of data, which shows data about the object to which it attaches. While a barcode reader is a hand-held or desktop-mounted scanning device that reads an item's Universal Product Code (UPC), which is a pattern of bars printed on merchandise that the store's computer system uses to retrieve information about an item and its price.

Magnetic-Ink Character Recognition (MICR) is a system that encodes the bank, branch, account number on each cheque. After a customer used a cheque, the bank has to enter manually only the amount of the cheque.

Optical Mark Reader (OMR) is a scanning device that sense the magnetized marks from 2B pencil on OMR answer sheet to determine which response marked.

Alright, I think that's all that have been covered in class today. Well, there are few things I added as in the examples I used in here just to add the some extra flavours. Anyway, I'll post the lab practices which was on Windows Explorer later.

MS Windows

Lab 1: Microsoft Windows.

I'm a Mac user since 2009 and up until now I rarely use Windows. So I guess it's gonna take some time to get used to it again...

Anyway, today we learned the very basic of Microsoft Windows.

Microsoft Windows is an object-oriented operating system (OS). It uses a graphical usier interface (GUI) and all programs contain in this OS have common user interface and features (window, dialog box, icon, mouse pointer, and menu)

There are 2 ways of starting Windows. When the computer is OFF, we push the Power button for it to start. This is what we called as Cold Boot. When the computer is on (as a result of someone who logged off his account), we just restart the Windows by selecting Restart button. This what we called as Warm Boot.

On the Windows Screen, we have the Desktop; the area that takes up the entire background of the screen. The Objects i.e. wallpaper, mouse pointer, desktop icons, taskbar, are the items on the desktop. They have the capabilities i.e. functions and properties as in their settings and attributes.

First let's go to the desktop icons. These icons are the pictures appear on the desktop and they are representing a program or a file. Whenever you make a new account in your computer, icons like My Computer, Recycle Bin, My Network Places, and Internet Explorer, are the ones on the desktop by default.

Using the mouse:

Basically, on top of the mouse there are left button and right button.

The mouse operations are:

Mouse operation	Description
Point	Place pointer on desired object
Click	Press and release left button
Double-click	Quickly press and release left button twice
Right-click	Similar to click except using the right button
Drag	Hold down left button, slide mouse to a new location then release button
Right-drag	Similar to drag except using the right button
Click twice	Click at object. Then click again

The mouse pointer:

Mouse Pointer	Picture	Meaning
Block Arrow		Point
I-beam		Insert text
Hour glass		Busy/wait
Do not sign		Area is not available
Block arrow with ?		Display help on selected item
Horizontal arrow		Horizontal resize
Vertical arrow		Vertical resize
Diagonal arrow		Diagonal resize
Cross arrow		Move
Pointing hand		Link select

Next is how to use the keyboard:

• Esc - to cancel current job
• Shift - its function differs with different programs and at different situations. It may also be used with other key(s) or with the mouse It is also used to type uppercase letters and the top character on a key that has two characters on it, e.g. using Shift+End means you hold down the Shift key, press End key and then release the End key before releasing the Shift key.
• Ctrl (Control) - similar to Shift key. E.g. Ctrl+C is the copy command.
• Alt (Alternate) - similar to Shift key. E.g. Alt+F4 to close the active window
• ↑ ↓ ← → (Arrow keys) - usually used to move the cursor position while typing text.
• Backspace and Delete keys -to delete characters.
• Enter - usually used to end any typing, to choose a command button. (Usually the OK button).
• Tab - to select or go to the next text box or the next button before pressing Enter key.
• Caps Lock - to type uppercases without using the Shift key. It is a toggle Key.
• Num Lock - to type digits using the numeric keypad (on the right side of keyboard); it is a toggle key.
• Start - to get Start menu

Buttons:

• Command Button performs commands. The button usually has a name or picture on it. E.g. OK, Cancel, Save
• Option/Radio Button - An option preceded by a circle. The selected option displays a black dot. Only one option can be selected from a list of option buttons.
• Spinner button are two buttons at the right end of a text box (the up and down arrows).
• Check Box - An option preceded by square. The selected option is displayed with a check mark. None or more than a choice can be selected.

Menus:

There are four types of menu:

• Pull-down or drop-down menu e.g. When you click File on top of a Window.
• Pulp-up menu e.g. When you click the Start menu.
• Shortcut menu e.g. Right click on mouse on your desktop
• Cascading menu e.g. When you select View in My Computer window, select the Toolbars and there will be another menu cascaded. Indicated by right arrow at the end of a menu's name.

Features of the menus:

• Ellipses (...) - A dialog box will be displayed if we clicked the option.
• Dimmed Command - The command can't be selected until certain other conditions are met.
• Shortcut key - A key or combination of keys that can be used to execute the command without using the mouse e.g. Copy (Ctrl + C), Paste (Ctrl + V)
• Check mark - Indicates a toggle type of command. Selecting it turn the feature on or off. A check mark indicates the feature is on. More than one feature can be turned on.
• Bullet - Indicates only one of the command in the group can be selected. The bullet indicates the currently selected feature.

Dialog Box is how Windows programs provide and request information from the user in order to complete a task. It includes folder-like tabs across the top of the dialog box that can open to display related options. E.g. when we want to save our document as in Microsoft Word program.

Windows is a rectangular box or section on the screen dedicated to a specific activity or application. Icons window display icons in the window area while application window is when we're using an application software.

Example for opening a Window from an Icon:

On the desktop, there's My Computer icon, right? We can open it by double-click the icon or by right click the icon, a short cut menu will appear and choose Open.

Sizing a Window:

By buttons: At the top of a window, there are 3 types of button.

• Maximize button - to enlarge the window to its maximum size
• Minimize button - to reduce the window to a button on the taskbar.
• Restore button - to return the window to its size before it was maximized.

Custom sizing: when we want to resize the window according to our desired size. Useful while we're multi-tasking. So, how do we do it?

1. Place pointer on the portion of the border (left, right, top, bottom, or corner) that we want to resize or we can position the pointer until it changes shape to either a horizontal, vertical or diagonal resize shape as I showed in mouse pointer shape.
2. Drag the border in the direction we desire.
3. When the border is at the desired location, release the mouse button.
4. The window now is resized.

Moving a window:

1. Place the pointer at the title bar.
2. Drag the window to its new location.
3. Release the mouse button.

Multiple Windows: Moving Application between Windows of Different Application or Programs

Moving to a new window means we are making another window as the active window. There are three ways to select the active window from all the windows currently opened:

1. Click any part of the window usually at the title bar or at the window area.
2. Click the window's taskbar button.
3. Press Alt+ Tab. A dialog box appears, displaying the icons and application names of all open windows. Each time you press Tab, a new application is selected and a border appears around the selected icon. Release the Alt key when you want the icon selected to be active.

Closing a Window:

When we have finished working with a window, we should close it, right? The 4 ways to close the active window are:

1. Click the Close button at the title bar
2. Using the menu bar, click File menu then choose Close
3. Click the Control-menu icon then choose Close.
4. Press Alt+F4.

Quitting MS Windows: 3 ways:

1. Get the Start menu by clicking the button.
2. Choose Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows dialog box will be displayed.
3. Choose one of the options in the Shut Down dialog box. The options are:

• Log off - By logging off, we can let someone else to log on at the PC by using a different user name
• Shut down - Choose this option if we want to turn off the PC. It saves any settings we have changed in Windows and prepares the computer to be turned off. It closes any open programs before shutting down.
• Restart - This option saves any settings changed and restarts the computer by turning off and on itself.
• Stand by - This puts the PC in a stand by mode to save electricity while not in use

Alright, that's all for today's lab. See you next class!

Introduction to Computer

The first topic of this subject is the introduction of course.

Nowadays, we can see that workers with computer skills tend to make more money and have more satisfying careers than workers without such skills.

Basically, what is the computer? A computer is a machine that performs the four basic operations of the information-processing cycle which are the input, processing, output and storage. While a computer system is a collection of related components that are designed to work together thus a system includes hardware and software.

Hardware are the physical components of the computer including the system unit itself, as well as keyboards, monitors, speakers, mouse, storage drive bays, microphones, Network Internet Cards and etc.

In order for a computer's system to function, it needs a program. Program is a list of instructions that tells the computer how to perform the basic four operations to accomplish a task.

Software is a program that give the computer its instructions. There are two major categories of software which are the system software and application software.

System software includes all the programs that help the computer to function properly. Most important type is the Operating System (OS) i.e. Mac OS. Other part are the system utilities i.e. Help, Disk Utility, and etc.

Application software includes all the programs we can use to perform a task i.e. word-processing (Page), spreadsheet (Numbers), presentations (Keynote), emails, and most of all, Internet surfing (Safari).

Getting data in to the computer!

Data is the unorganized raw materials made up of words, numbers, images or sounds.

The first operation: Input

The input devices enable the user to enter data into the computer. This is how the computer accepts data. Examples of input devices are keyboard, mouse, microphone, digital cameras, and video cameras.

The second operation: Processing

This is where the computer transforms data into information.

Information is the data that have been simplified and organized in a way that people can use.

During processing, the computer's processing circuitry, Central Processing Unit (CPU) or microprocessor performs operations on the input data. The processor is located within the computer system's case called the system unit. Because the computer needs to juggle multiple input or output requests at the same time, it uses memory chips to store program instructions and data. Memory is essential to the smooth operation of the CPU. Most important type of memory is the Random Access Memory (RAM) which temporarily stores the program and data which the CPU interacts.

Third operation: Output

The computer provides the results of the processing operation in a way that human can understand. Output devices such as the monitor, printer, and speakers show the results of processing operations.

Fourth operation: Storage

The computer saves the data or output so that it can be used again later. Storage devices hold all the programs and data that the computer uses. Examples are Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, USB drives, Thumb Drives, CDs, DVDs and those people used back in the late 80s and early 90s like Zip Drives, Jaz Drives, Tape Drives and the one that I used when I was in lower secondary school, Floppy Drives.

We can say that communication i.e. moving data between computers is the fifth basic operation. hence, we need communication devices that enable computers to connect to a computer network.

Network is a group of 2 or more computer systems connected together, usually for the purpose of sharing input or output devices and other resources.

Most computers are equipped with modems. Modem is a communication device that enable computer to access other computers and the internet via telephone lines, cables and even wireless connections (WiFi).

Example of Information-Processing Cycle in action!

1. Input - you enter text in a word processing program i.e. Page. After done with typing in the contents, you want to run the program's spell checker program.
2. Processing - The computer checks and compares all words entered with a list of correctly spelled words.
3. Output - The computer provides a list of apparent misspellings. Then, you can correct the spelling in throughout the document.
4. Storage - You can save the revised document to your USB drive.

TYPES OF COMPUTERS

There are two types of computers which are the ones for individuals and those for organizations.

Computers for the individuals are:

Personal Computer (PC) also known as microcomputer. It is designed to meet the computing needs of an individual.

Desktop Computer are very suitable for office environment. It is a PC that runs programs to help individuals accomplish their work more productively or to gain internet access. Example Apple, Inc. iMac.

Notebook computer usually small enough to fit in a briefcase and is highly portable because many people need computer travel with them. It is as powerful as desktop and includes speakers, CD or DVD-ROM drive and a modem. Example Apple, Inc. iBook.

Laptop computer are the notebooks that usually bigger in sizes compare to the small notebook. Example Apple, Inc. MacBook and MacBook Pro.

Subnotebook are the notebooks that omit some component i.e. CD or DVD-ROM drive so as to cut down on weight and size. Example Apple, Inc. MacBook Air 11" and 13". Depends on how you see it, whether it's a disadvantage or not as you need to carry around external CD or DVD-ROM drive to open these disks.

Tablet PC is the type of notebook that has LCD (touch) screen that user can write on using special-purpose pen/stylus. Typically have keyboard for input. Example Apple, Inc. iPad and HP's Compaq.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) packs much of a notebook's power into much lighter package at lower price. It includes built-in software for scheduling and receiving emails. Example Apple, Inc. iPod Touch, also BlackBerry.

All-In-One Computer is a monitor with everything else built-in it. The only peripheral devices are the keyboard and mouse or magic trackpad. Example Apple, Inc. iMac.

Professional Workstations are powerful tools for architects, engineers, interior designers, graphic designers, financial analysts, who need exceptionally powerful processing and output capabilities. Example Apple, Inc. Mac Pro.

Network Computers (NCs) and Internet Appliances provide much of the PC's functionalities but at a lower price. Designed to connect to a network i.e. internet. Example MSN TV - popular during mid to late 90s.

Computers for Organizations are:

Servers are the computers that make programs and data available to people who are connected to a computer network. It is not designed for individual use and are typically centralized or operated from one location. Users connect to the network by clients (desktops, laptops, workstations) to connect to the server and obtain needed information. This use of remote or off-site clients and centralized server is called client/server computing. Size of servers are from microcomputers to mainframes. Example Dell, Sun Microsystems, IBM.

Minicomputers (mid-range servers) are mid-size computers that handle the computing needs of a smaller corporations that enable dozens or hundreds of users to connect to them simultaneously via PCs.

Mainframes are designed to handle processing jobs in large corporations or agencies. Example IBM, Honeywell.

Supercomputers are ultra-fast computers that process large amounts of scientific data and then display underlying patterns that have been discovered in the data. Used in quantum physics for an example. the latest on we have is in China, the TianHe.

I think that wraps the first lecture for this subject.

I'll post the lab practice on next entry.