HCS081: Introduction to Computers and File Explorer

Computer

An electronic device or machine that can be programmed to manipulate information and perform high-speed processing of symbols, numbers, texts, graphics and sound.

Computer Hardware

Physical or tangible components of the computer.

Basic Hardware

Includes Monitor/Screen, Keyboard, Mouse, System Unit, etc.

CPU

Central Processing Unit; piece of hardware that carries out instructions of a computer program and is considered the brain of the computer.

CPU Components

Includes Arithmetic Logic Unit, Control Unit, and Main Memory.

Computer Software

Programs that are installed inside the computer that instruct the computer of what to do.

System Software

Provides infrastructure that manages the overall operations of the computer and its devices.

Application Software

Allows the user to accomplish one or more specific tasks.

Operating Systems

Links the hardware to the software; examples include UNIX, Linux, Windows, Mac OS.

File Explorer

A tool for file management, disk maintenance, and pathways.

Information Processing Cycle

The cycle that includes input, process, store, and output.

Input Devices

Devices used to enter data into a computer, e.g., Keyboard, Scanner.

Output Devices

Devices that output data from a computer, e.g., Monitor, Speaker, Printer.

Malware

Software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.

Hierarchy in File Management

Constructing and organizing files and folders in a structured manner.

Lecture Structure

1 hr. Lecture + 3 hrs Tutorial per week.

Course Work Distribution

50% Course Work + 5% Attendance & Participation + 45% Final Exam.

Attendance & Participation

Is compulsory for the course.

Learning Outcomes

Define computer systems, its components and functions; Define file explorer, its functions and components.

4 Main Actions of a Computer

Input, process, store, output.

Data Processing

Data is keyed into the computer using input devices, processed in the CPU, stored to the disks and computer memory, and output to the monitor or printer.

Chapters Covered

1. Introduction to Computers 2. File Explorer 3. Microsoft Word 4. Microsoft Excel 5. Microsoft Access 6. Java Programming.

Microsoft Screen

The first screen that appears when you log in and the OS completes loading.

Folder

A collection of data and information, also known as a directory, indicated by a yellow icon, which can store files and other folders known as sub-folders.

File

Creates different types of files consisting of a filename and a file extension, e.g., Exercise1.docx.

File Management

A process of organizing files and folders in a hierarchical structure.

Pathways

Specifies the location of individual files or folders, with a general structure of Root directory:\Main directory\subfolder\file.

Root Directory

The top-level directory in a file system.

Main Directory

The primary directory that contains sub-directories and files.

Parent Directory

A directory that contains sub-directories.

Sub-Directory / Child Directory

A directory that is contained within another directory.

Disk Maintenance

Enables the user to perform maintenance on any storage device.

Formatting

Removes all data from the disk and prepares it for use.

Scanning

A process of checking the device for viruses using an anti-virus.

Checking for Errors

Checks for any damages to your storage devices.

Backup

A process of creating and storing a copy of all content on your storage devices in another location.

Defragmentation

A process of tidying up the disk to join all fragments of a file together.

Malware Symptoms

Signs that indicate the presence of malware, including unresponsive behavior, slow response, slow startup, crashing, missing files, and shortcuts.

Ways to Protect Your Computer

Install an antivirus and update regularly, always scan flash drives and other external drives before use, refrain from opening emails from unknown sources and suspicious websites, and be careful with free downloads.

Hierarchy

A structured arrangement of files and folders in a tree-like format.

Sub-folder

A folder contained within another folder; for example, 'Athletes' is a sub-folder of 'SPORTS'.

Pathway to Student.accdb

W:\\UNIVERSITY\HCS081\Student.accdb.

Pathway to Letters

W:\\PERSONAL\Letters.

Pathway to Timetable.xlsx

W:\\UNIVERSITY\Timetable.xlsx.

Number of subfolders in PERSONAL folder

There are 2 subfolders in the PERSONAL folder.

Rename

To change the name of a folder or file; for example, renaming 'UNIVERSITY' to 'COURSES'.

Move

To change the location of a file or folder; for example, moving 'Timetable.xlsx' into the 'UNIVERSITY' folder.

Collapse

To minimize the view of folders and subfolders in a file explorer.

Expand

To open and display the contents of folders and subfolders in a file explorer.

Search tool

A feature in file explorer that allows users to find files or folders by typing keywords or patterns.

Applications folder

A folder where application files are stored; for example, 'W:\Applications\Notepad.txt'.