Information & Communication Technology — Quick Review Notes

Computer Fundamentals

  • A computer is an electronic device that stores, retrieves, and processes data.
  • Core abilities: input, processing, storage, and output of information.

Categories of Computers

  • Mainframe: high-capacity, multi-user, very costly.
  • Supercomputer: fastest class; handles up to 101310^{13} calculations per second; extremely expensive.
  • Workstation: powerful single-user machine for complex tasks.
  • Server: provides resources and web pages to other machines on a network.
  • Personal Computer (PC): microcomputer intended for one user.

Personal Computer Forms

  • Desktop: stationary; paired with monitor, keyboard, mouse.
  • Laptop/Notebook: battery or AC powered; portable.
  • Tablet: touch screen interface; no separate keyboard/mouse required.
  • Smartphone/Handheld: phone plus computing features (web, apps, games).

Computer System Components

  • Hardware: physical devices (input, output, processor, storage, communication).
  • Software: programs; divided into system software and application software.
  • User (liveware): person operating the system.
  • Data: information entered, processed, or stored.

Operating System Essentials

  • Most critical software; manages memory, processes, hardware, and other software.
  • Booting sequence: runs tests, checks new hardware, then loads the OS.

Hardware Overview

  • CPU: “brain” of the system; executes instructions.
  • Memory
    • RAM: temporary, working memory while system is on.
    • ROM: permanent code (e.g., BIOS).
  • Input devices: tools for entering data (keyboard, mouse, etc.).
  • Output devices: present processed data (monitor, speakers, printer, etc.).
  • Storage
    • Hard-disk drive (internal)
    • Optical media (CD/DVD) – data burned onto discs.
    • Flash/Thumb drive – portable USB storage.

Current ICT Trends

  • Smartphones and tablets dominate personal computing.
  • Cloud computing: on-demand remote storage and processing with minimal local management.

MS Word 2016 – Window Elements

  • Title Bar: shows document & program name.
  • File Bar / Menu Bar: file commands and general options.
  • Ribbon/Formatting Toolbar: buttons for formatting text.
  • Ruler: set margins, indents, tabs.
  • Insertion Point: current typing location.
  • Scroll Bars: navigate through the document.
  • Status Bar: displays cursor position & view mode.
  • View Buttons: switch among print, web, reading, outline, etc.
  • Task Pane & Help: quick access to common tools and documentation.

Keyboard Essentials

  • Alphanumeric keys: letters, numbers, symbols.
  • Control keys: Ctrl, Alt, Windows, Esc—modify other key actions.
  • Function keys: F one to F twelve—program-specific tasks.
  • Navigation keys: arrows, Home, End, Page Up/Down, Insert, Delete.
  • Numeric keypad: calculator-style number entry.
  • Common single-key actions: Shift (uppercase/symbol), Caps Lock (toggle uppercase), Tab (horizontal move), Enter (new line/confirm), Spacebar (blank space), Backspace (delete left).

Word Processing Basics (Home Tab)

  • Font tools: name & size selection; bold, italics, underline.
  • Alignment: left, center, right, justify.
  • Paragraph tools: bullets, spacing, indentation.

Page Layout & Graphics in Word

  • Orientation: portrait vs. landscape.
  • Margins: adjust page boundaries.
  • Columns & size changes for page design.
  • Graphics: insert, move, delete images within documents.