SUB-ICT SIMPLIFIED

SUB-ICT SIMPLIFIED
Information and Communications Technology

Pass Sub-ICT with a Distinction

FIRST EDITION BY

BATWAWULA HENRY

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 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
STUDIES

Introduction to Computers (ICT)

A Computer is one the most important tool to be used in Day-today life. I has led to a number
of changes in the modern world today.

Definition of a computer
A computer can be defined as an electronic device manipulates information or data.
OR
Is an automatic machine made up of electronic and electromechanical devices which manipulates and
process data.
OR
A computer is an electronic device which can input data, process, store and output meaningful
information.

Characteristics of Modern Computers

 Speed. Modern computers process data at fast speed. There speed of operation is measured in
Millions of Instructions Per Second (MIPS).

 Accuracy. Computers are capable of detecting and correcting any misstates made. And they are
capable of performing calculations to the extent of 24 decimal accuracy.

 Storage. Computers are capable of storing large volumes of data and information for future use.

 Diligence. Computers have the ability of performing the same task ‘over and over’ for a long period of
time without getting tired or bored.

 Artificial Intelligence. Computers can respond to requests given to them and provide solutions due
to there programmability.

 Automatic. Computers work automatically hence they don’t need any supervision to perform
programmed routines.

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 SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

Data and Information

Data raw (unprocessed) facts fed/entered in the computer system. Examples of Data
include: Alphabets, numbers, symbols and musical notes etc.

Information is the processed data which makes meaning to the user. Examples of Information
include: Words, songs, comments etc.

Devices that aid in transforming data into information

 Keyboard for inputting data
 Digital camera for inputting data
 Microphone for inputting data
 Barcode reader for inputting data
 Central processing unit for processing data
 Speakers for output of information
 Printers for output of hard copies
 LCD monitors for outputting text, graphics & video information
 Flash memory for storage of information
 CD-R for storage of information
 Hard disks for storage of information

THE WORLD OF ICTs

Definition: ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is the integration of
computers and other telecommunication facilities for the purpose of communication.
O
R
ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) are a set of technological tools and
resources used to communicate, create, disseminate, store and manage information.

MAJOR REASONS FOR STUDYING ICTs IN SCHOOLS TODAY

 To encourage learners to develop ICT skills to enhance their work in a variety of subject areas.
 To help the learner develop and consolidate his/her knowledge of ICT and be aware of new
and emerging technologies.
 To help the learner to develop as an independent user.
 To equip the learner with skills for lifelong learning.

MAIN COMPONENTS/ PARTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

(i) Hardware: These are physical/ tangible parts of a computer which you can see, touch and feel.
These include: Keyboard, mouse, Central Processing Unit(CPU), monitor, printer, flash disks,
modems, etc
(ii) Software: Is a set of instructions or programs that tell the computer what to do and how to do it.

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 It is an interface between hardware and its user. E.g. System software and Application software.
(iii) Human ware (User): This refers to the skilled personnel available to perform the operation on
the computer, such as secretaries, network administrators, programmers, system administrators,
computer architects, etc

(iv) Data and Communication: This involves the use of computer networks hence enabling the
sharing of information from all around the world.

(v) Procedure: These refer to documentation materials which contain the guide for using the
hardware and software.

STAGES INVOLVED IN TANSFORMING DATA INTOINFORMATION

(i) Collection and preparation of data
(ii) Input of data
(iii) Processing of data
(iv) Output of information

WAYS HOW ICT IS APPLIED IN DIFFERENT

AREAS
(i) Business
 ICTs are helpful in mobile banking such as use of mobile money services.
 It helps in efficient management and running of businesses. Activities such as data management,
data processing are enabled.
 ICTs enable business sectors to carry out advertisements and marketing of their goods & services.
 Business premises use ICT equipments to enhance their security. For examples use of CCTV
cameras, sensors, Voice recognition equipments (VRE), Smart cards, etc.
 Businesses can use the internet to carry out research on quality and guinenity of products.

(ii) Health
 The use of ICTs in health has enabled many procedures such as liver, throat surgeries.
 ICT high end machines such as CT scan, Ultra sound devices, Magnetic Imaging have enabled
the diagnosis and cure of many diseases.
 ICTs have enabled online consultations by medical professionals.
 The security of the hospital, property and the patients is ensured by high end ICT devices such as
CCTV cameras, sensors, etc.

(iii) Education
 Enables research by students. The internet is a huge resource of information with online libraries
and dictionaries such as Wikipedia, Google answers.
 Online universities enable distance learning(cyber classes)
 ICT aided facilities like Audio-visual ways ease the students’ understanding on complex topics.
 The use of storage devices such as CD-RW/DVD-RW & flash memory, online storage have eased
the storage of data and also offering online backups.
 Enables edutainment that combines education with entertainment such as chess and titans.

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(iv) Security
 Use of street CCTVs, figure print detection technology, scan equipments are used by
security operators.
 Use of phone and internet tapping technique enable the tracking down of crime by authorities.
 Use of ICT gadgets in modernizing the army such as rader system, warning systems, military
lasers, etc.
 Use of sophisticated technology such as use of Drones in spying on enemies and analyzing possible
targets.

(v) Art, leisure and

entertainment
 the social and leisure world of Chat rooms and social sites have enabled many people to connect
and socialize globally.
 ICT innovations such as cartoons, graphical imaging have made the entertainment experience
hundred times better.
 ICTs have enabled movie making, Audio and music recording in the entertainment industry.
 There are web sites which carry news and other matters related to entertainment such as
YouTube, Fan fridge, etc
 ICTs have enables the digitalization of photo print outs, stickers, movies recordings, etc.

POSITIVE IMPLICATION OF ICTs ON THE WORLD

TODAY (a)Social/ ethical field
 Ease of communication
With the use of mobile phones, internet services and media houses that have made
communication easier between individuals.
 Improvement on peoples standards of living
The use of ICTs in areas such as entertainment, communications, banking, etc has improved
peoples standards of living.
 Enhancement of personal security.
People can now afford having automatic remote control gates or doors. Installation of CCTV
cameras and sensors. There are security locks or even subscription with security agencies who
offer online and satellite security surveillance of property.
 Easy education with Online cyber classes
There are online universities that offers online degrees and also distance learning (cyber classes).
So this makes learning easier and convenient for individuals who may be busy and unable to
attend lectures physically.

(b)Economy
 Infrastructural development
Capital deepening through ICT investment development is important for economic growth. It
establishes infrastructure for the use of ICT networks and provide productive equipment and
software to business.

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  There is growth of labor productivity With the continued sue of ICTs, many workers in firms have
improved on their personal skills and productivity. A work force which has been trained or has ICT skills
may bring about innovative skills to the company.
 Enhancement of advertisement of goods and services
Many sectors, industries and individuals use internet for advertising their services and products.
 There is reduction in transport and communication cost
With the use of internet facilities such as E-commerce, E-banking(use of credit cards),
there is reduction to barriers to international trade.

(c)Environment
 ICTs help to improve the environment through use of improved practices in agriculture and forestry.
That aid in research on better farming techniques, mechanizaition.
 Environmental agencies are able to monitor state of air and water pollution by use of remote sensors.
 Government agencies responsible for the environment use ICTs to signal disaster warnings and
relief supplies.
 The continuous manufacture of less pollutant manufacture of hardware tools has eased the
conservation of the environment.
(d)Politics
 ICTs are a means by which the public is informed or educated about democratic matters(civic
education) e.g. by use of SMS platform, the internet( social sites such as twitter, Facebook, my
space)
 ICTs are a means of promoting communications(strong democracy) e.g. by use of opinion polls
pre to the real election exercise.
 There is high computerization on referendum on all maters of public importance

(e)Security
 ICTs have eased the security mechanism of nations by use of high technology in defense system.
Such as use of remote controlled missiles, radars, satellite.
 With computerized registration of details about every citizen, the police can now easily track
down crime.
 ICTs have proved to be a basis towards modernizing the army by employing ICT skills in its
defensive mechanism.
NEGATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF ICT IN DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE
WORLD TODAY
(i) Social/ethical field
 Social isolation: With the continued use of ICTs such as the internet based way of
communication, social interaction with peers has been reduced. So face to face interaction
has greatly been degraded.
 Pornographic and unwanted material: The internet has a large amount of information
in the form of pornography and other unwanted material like pornographic pictures and videos.

 Stealing of money online is now rampant: Thieves are always active in obtaining
stolen credit and details to purchase goods and services over the internet.

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(ii) Economy
 There’s rise in unemployment in firms: The use of ICTs kills labor intensive sectors
of the economy e.g. the use of mobile telephones, email systems has killed the postal
system.
 There is high cost of living because of use of ICTs: With the use of ICTs such
as Mobile phones, internet services, digital TV series. Users have to keep on paying or
subscribe monthly for these services which greatly hinder individual/family finances and
incomes.

(iii) Environment
 The continuous disposal of worn out or unwanted ICT gadgets like computer
hardware components may lead to the pollution of the environment.
 Some of the ICT gadgets contain many hazardous chemicals which when exposed to
humans may be harmful to their health, e.g. CRT monitors, CT Scan contain emissions
which risk to human health.
 Many of ICT gadgets use a lot of energy in their functionality.

(iv) Politics
 The use of ICTs as a means of communication to masses of people has sometimes been
used as a means of inciting violence e.g. In the incidence when the former president of
Egypt(Hossin Mubarak) was topped, his opponents used sites such as face book, twitter
to mobilize resistance against his government.

(v) Security
 The use of High end ICTs such as drones, satellite in spying on other nations may bring
about a serious security concern.

WAYS THROUGH WHICH ICT HAVE IMPROVED COMMUNICATION

TODAY
 The use mobile phones enable people in distant areas to communicate instantly.
 With the internet services many people can communicate any time anywhere.
 It is possible to have real time interaction through the use of Instant Messaging, chat
rooms and social websites.
 People can send a receive fax messages using telephone services.
 People can gain access to information, news by use of many multimedia services utilizing
ICT technology.
WAYS IN WHICH COMPUTERS CAN BE USED
(a)In a Bank
 Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) transactions such as withdraws, deposits of money.
 Processing of customer cheques by use of Magnetic Character Recognition Reader(MICR)
 Creating a data base and keeping customer records.

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 Use of notes(money) counting devices
 Use of CCTV cameras & sensors in ensuring security in the bank environment.

(b)In a Super Market

 Use of bar code readers in reading serial numbers on packaged products
 At EPOS(Electronic Point Of Sale) when receipting for customer goods
 Creating a data base and keeping customer records

(c)In a school
 Teachers can use computers to prepare and store records about their students, such
as attendance, record of progressive assessment.
 The work of school accountant / bursar in storage of financial records about
students and prepare staff pay roll is made easy.
 Can be used to set students examinations as well as preparing mark sheets, grading
and positioning.

(d)By a farmer
 Keeping record of his farm, i.e. customer details, sales etc.
 Use of internet services for research about new technology in farming.
 Use of mobile money services in paying and receiving payments for goods and services.
 Automatically regulating the environment conditions in green houses using sensors.

(e)In a factory
 In inventory control off goods stock and sales
 Use of bar code readers in reading serial numbers on packaged products.
 Creating data base and keeping customer records
 Used during automatic control of running machines
 In maintaining the security of the premises of the factory.

GREEN COMPUTING
Green computing refers to the environmentally responsible usage of computers and related
resources. It may involve use of energy efficient hardware equipments, reduced energy
consumption and proper disposal of E-waste.

GREEN COMPUTING PRACTICES

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  Turning off the monitor when it’s not in use or using more energy efficient monitors like LCDs
instead of traditional CRT monitors.
 V o l u n t e e r computing or file sharing practices
 Virtualization of servers
 Using more energy efficient and less noisy cooling systems(like using liquid cooling systems
instead of the conventional heat sinks and fans)
 Temperature maintenance and regulation to reduce thermal shock wear and tear to computer
parts.
 Increased online security measures through the use of firewalls, anti spyware and
antivirus programs to reduce the increased amount of e-waste on the internet and on other
networks.

Briefly explain two ways in which ICT related equipment may

cause environmental degradation.
 Through environmental pollution: Improper disposal of e-waste causes pollution since
some
ICT equipments contain toxic substances which are harmful
 Through Electronic Magnetic Emission: Some ICT gadgets may contain emissions that
are harmful to human health.

POSSIBLE MEASURES FOR GREEN COMPUTING

Suggest the possible measures to ensure that the use of
computer technology does not affect the environment.
 Lower power hardware: This involves the use of PCs that consume less power i.e.
use of lower power processor.
 Virtualization: Involves the use of computer software to stimulate hardware. Stand-
alone physical servers are replaced by virtual servers that run as software on a small
number of computers
 Cloud computing: This is a technological advancement where software applications,
processing power, data and even artificial intelligence are accessed over the internet.
 Energy efficient coding: This involves saving of power by getting software to make less
use of the hardware. The use of small and efficient energy conscious software.
 Improved repair, re-use, recycling and disposal: The emphasis on hardware repair,
the recycling of old computer hardware into a second use situation, the re-use of components
from PCs that are beyond repair.
 Less pollutant manufacture: The reduction in the use of many hazardous chemicals
(such as lead, mercury, cadmium) in the manufacture of hardware equipment could prevent
people being exposed to them, as well as enabling more E-waste to be safely recycled.

State two reasons why emerging computer technology is

causing environmental challenges.
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  Most Hardware equipment are non-recyclable.
 Computer power doubles every year

CLOUD COMPUTING
What is meant by Cloud computing?
This is a technological advancement where software applications, processing power, data and
even artificial intelligence are accessed over the internet.
OR
Cloud computing refers to outsourcing of services such as those of computer hardware,
software and other platforms over the internet.

BENEFITS OF CLOUD COMPUTING

Less maintenance: Hardware, applications and bandwidth are managed by the
service provider.
Scalability: You pay only for the applications and data storage you need.
Expert service: Services are continuously monitored and maintained by the service
provider. Continues availability: Public cloud services are available whenever you are
located. Companies may potentially reduce their carbon foot print
It removes the need for most users to run high power PCs and laptops.
Enables anybody to obtain the environmental benefits of virtualization (use of
computer software to stimulate hardware)

EXAMPLES OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES THAT ARE FOUND IN ELECTRONIC

WASTE (E-WASTE)
 Lead
 Mercury
 Cadmium
 Beryllium
 Brominated flame retardants (BFRs)
 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Suggest the possible solutions of reducing the environmental harm from

improper disposal of e-waste
 Less pollutant manufacture: This involves the manufacturing of hardware that are
less hazardous and easy to recycle.
 Recycling of old computer hardware into a second use situation
 By re-using of components from PCs that are beyond repair
 Upgrading of existing systems

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 CHAPTER TWO
Computer Management, Lab Care
and Maintenance
COMPUTER MANAGEMENT
Booting: This refers to the process of turning (powering) the computer and loading
the operating system into memory.
OR
Booting is the process of switching on the computer.

WAYS OF BOOTING A COMPUTER/TYPES/CATERORIES OF BOOTING

 Cold booting(hard rest)
 Warm booting(soft rest)

Describe the process of cold booting a computer.

 The system unit is switched on from the power button
 The computer goes through Power On Self Test(POST) with the help of BIOS (Basic
Input/ Output System) and the operating system is then loaded.

Distinguish between cold booting and a warm booting of a computer.

 Cold booting is the switching on the computer for the first time when it has been completely
off.
While
 Warm booting is the restarting of a computer which has been previously on.

WAYS OF PERFOMING A WARM BOOT

 By choosing start> shut down> restart
 By pressing CTRL + ALT + DEL
 By pressing the computer’s restart button

State two ways of booting a computer loaded with DOS or Windows OS

 Booting from a diskette or disk i.e. flash disk, compact disk, floppy disk.
 Booting from the Hard Disk.

DANGERS OF SHUTTING DOWN A COMPUTER IMPROPERLY.

 Loss of data
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 Crashing of hard disk
 Corruption of files

THE COMPUTER BOOTING PROCESS

Describe the computer booting process
 The system unit is switched on from the power button thus allowing the BIOS to start up.
 The computer then goes through Power On Self Test(POST) to check whether the computer
hardware is connected and working properly.
 The BIOS looks for boot program contained on either hard disk or compact/flash disk to load
the operating system.
 The boot program is then loaded into memory and executed.
 BIOS then searches for the system configuration information for the OS and the rest of OS is
loaded into RAM, and the desktop and Icons display on the screen.
In the process of booting, state the function of each of the following.
1. RAM
This provides temporal storage of boot program when loaded in it(memory) to enable
the computer to boot.
2. CMOS
This is used to store configuration information about the computer including amounts of
memory, type of disk drives, hardware, current data and time. Thus during the booting
process this information is retrieved.
Mention instances when booting of a computer may fail
 In case of hard disk crash
 When there is no operating system installed on the hard disk
 When the bootable device is unavailable such as hard disk

WAYS OF KEEPING FILES IN A SYSTEM SECURE

 Regularly perform a routine maintenance on files and storage devices.
 Install an updated antivirus software on your computer
 Remove corrupt files in the system
 Perfume regular scanning for suspicious malware in your computer system.
 Avoid keeping so many files in the same folder/directory.
 Use utilities like scan disk, defargmenters to remove in fragments in directorie.
.COMPUTER SOFTWARE/ PROGRAM(s)
Define the term computer program.
 This is a sequence of instructions written to perform a specific task with a computer.
OR
 Is a set of instructions designed to perform a specific function with the computer.
EXAMPLES OF COMPUTER APPLICATION PROGRAMS
(i) Spreadsheet program like MS Excel, lotus 1-2-3, Visi Calc, etc
(ii) Database like MS Access, My SQL, Dbase I, Dbase II, etc
(iii) Word processor like MS Word, Word Perfect, Apple pages,etc
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(iv) Presentation Software Like MS Power Point, Harvard graphics, etc
(v) Web browser like Mozilla Fire Fox, Opera, Internet Explorer, Net
scape. (vi) Publishing programs like MS publisher, MS Front Page, HTML
STEPS OF STARTING A PROGRAM
 Click Start button
 Point to All programs/ programs
 Open programs folder by clicking on it
 Then click on the program you want to open.
OR
 Double click on the shortcut of the program on the desktop

PROGRAMS THAT ALWAYS RUN IN BACKGROUND WHEN

THE COMPUTER IS STARTED
 Time and date
 Antivirus
 Network connection
 Volume control
 Battery status (in case of laptops or notebook computers)

REASONS NECESSARY TO RESTART A COMPUTER

 The computer has hanged (freezed)
 The computer had failed to boot fully
 After installing a new program.
 The speed of the computer had slowed down.

FOLDERS
Define the term a folder.
 A folder (directory) is a storage location for related files and sub-folders.

FILES
Define the term a file.
 A file is a collection of related data.

A computer file comprises of a file name and a file extension

separated by a dot. Explain the function of the file extension.
 It identifies the type of file, e.g. files with extension.exe are executable.
 It helps in categorizing the files for easy retrieval. E.g. during search of files the Operating
System can first isolate file of a particular extension then search among them and this makes
the search process faster.

EXAMPLES OF FILES
 Alliance.doc
 Fees structure.xls
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 Dog.jpg
 Letter.txt
 CMD.exe
 Sembera.mpg/.mp4
 I can’t stop loving you.mp3
 Students Database.accdb/.acc/.db

FILE EXTENSION
What is meant by file extension?
 This is a part (suffix) at the end of a filename which identifies the type of file it is.
EXAMPLES OF FILE EXTENSION AND THE FILE TYPES THEY REPRESENT

File File type Example

extension
.Doc MS Word Alliance.doc
.xls Spreadsheet Mywork.xls
.ppt Presentation AIDS.ppt
.db Database Finance depart.db
.pub Publication Cards.pub
.rtf Rich text format Invitation.rtf
.txt Unformatted text document Mukeere.txt
.pdf Portable document format A level sub ICT.pdf
.exe Executable file Luzige.exe
.bat Batch file Autofile.bat
.gif Graphics Interchange format Flower.gif
.jpeg or .jpg Joint Photographic Experts Davita.jpg
group
.png Portable network Graphics Ken.png
.mpeg or Moving picture Experts group Indecent
mpg proposal.mpeg

Describe the following file path: C:\Users\documents\A’level Sub

ICT.pub
 The file A’level Sub ICT.pub is in documents sub folder which is in Users folder found on
hard disk C

Give any two details about a file that is stored by an Operating System.
 File name
 File size
 File type
 Date and time of creation
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  Storage location or path
 Attributes
FEATURE OF A FILE NAME
 A file name is made up of two parts: the file name which relates to the contents and the
file extension which identifies the file type.
 The file name should be associated with the content
 Special characters such as “/”, “&” must be avoided in file names

FILE ATTRIBUTES
Define the term file attribute as used in operating system.
 A file attribute is a feature of a file that defines how it can be accessed and the
operation which can be performed on it.

Explain the three file attributes

(i) Read only: This protects the file from any unauthorized change or deletion of data
(ii) Hidden: Files with this attribute are concealed and cannot be viewed in windows explorer
and therefore cannot be opened or deleted unless one knows their
names.
(iii) Archive: This attribute shows that the file has already been modified and needs to be
backed up or archived. Thus when such a file gets deleted accidentally, it can be recovered
using restore or undelete command.
Describe how you could search for a file in the hard disk
using the operating system.
 Click start then select search or find from the start menu
 Type the name or extension of the file to be searched
 Select C: as drive to search from.
 Then click search
OR
 From the windows exprorer type the name of the file in the search
libraries section
 Then click on the search icon

Define an Icon in desktop environment?

 This is the smallest graphical or pictorial representation of several commands, an
application, or a shotcut

State the major icons on the deskop

 My computer
 My documents
 Recycle bin
 Network places(Network)

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 Outline any five ways a file is kept secure in a computer
 By setting passwords to the files
 By installing an updated antivirus software
 By limiting physical access or usage of computers by un authorized users
 BY encrypting the files
 By avoiding usage of old storage devices
 By using the audit log mechanism to monitor each activity by user

List the elements that can be displayed on the desktop screen of a

normal working computer.
 Icons
 The start button
 The task bar
 Notification area
 Windows desktop background

MAJOR DESKTOP ICONS AND THERE FUNCTIONS

 My computer:
Its a system folder that enables you to explain the contents of drives as well as manage files.
 My documents:
Its a personal folder for storage of personal files & graphics.
 Recycle bin:
It’s a temporal storage location of deleted files and folders.
 Network places:
This displays shortcuts to shared computers, printers and other resources on network.

Explain the functions of the following parts of the desktop.

1. Start button:
When clicked, it opens the start menu which is the primary access to the programs,
utilities and settings that are available in windows.
2. The task bar:
This is located at the bottom of the screen and contains the active tasks, which are icons and
titles of programs that are running on the computer or folders that are open.
3. The Notification area:
This area contains the icons of special programs as well as the time of day.

State any two elements housed by the task bar.

 Start button
 Notification
 Icons of running programs

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 COMPUTER LAB CARE & MAINTENANCE
Computer literacy
What is meant by Computer literacy
 This refers to the comfort level someone has with using computers and programs
associated with computers.

Servicing and maintenance of computers is an activity which should

be done regularly. Give three reasons why computers should be
regularly serviced.
 To prolong the life time of hardware
 To pre-empt proplems that may render the proper performance of the computer system.
 To update outdated software programs such as Antivirus, Operating systems, application
softwares, etc

COMPUTER LABORATORY
Define a computer
Laboratory.
 This is a room/building equipped with computer facilities to enable the teaching and learning
process to take place.

Areas of Laboratory security

Briefly explain any four areas of Laboratory security.
 Physical security:
This involves ensuring that all computer lab equipments such as computers and other assets
are locked down through cabling or other means. So the computer lab should be monitored
either in person by a lab technician, remotely through security cameras, or combination of
the two.
 Electrical Power and wiring:
All aspects of electrical wiring as used to provide in buildings and structures must be clearly
known. Ensure that all wires are properly insulated to avoid electric shocks and shot circuits in
computer lab usage.
 Security Cameras(CCTV):
The computer lab requires surveillance in areas that may need monitoring such as the inside
of the lab and its outside, this is mostly done by use of CCTV and sensor devices.
 First Aid Kit:
It is necessary to have a first aid kit for emergencies such as accidents in the lab, sickness.
 Fire extinguisher:
This is used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations.
 Air conditioning:
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 Used to alter the properties of air (primarily temperature and humidity) to more favorable
conditions. More generally, air conditioning can refer to any technological cooling, heating,
ventilation, or disinfection that modifies the condition of air

Distinguish between safety precautions and safety practices in the

Computer Laboratory.
 Safety precautions are measures that are put in place to prevent damages of computers
& equipments in a computer laboratory
While
 Safety practices are the activities that are continuously done to prevent damages in the
computer laboratory.

WAYS TO ENSURE SAFETY OF COMPUTERS IN THE LABORATORY.

 Dusting and dumb proofing the computer room.
 Ensuring proper electrical wiring to avoid accidents from electric shocks and short
circuits.
 Setting up a spacious lab room to enable easy movement of users within.
 Installing fire prevention and control equipments.
 Providing stable power supply
 Burglar proofing lab room
 Putting up lab rules and regulations, and enforcing these rules.

Define an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

 This is a power backup device that provides alternative source of power in case of power
blackout. It also regulates the amount of power use by the computer.

Distinguish between a surge protector and a UPS.

 A surge protector only protects a computer from high voltage.
While
 A UPS protects the computer from sudden power loss.
State three reasons why a user will be required to restart a computer.
 When the computer slows down
 After installing new software programs
 After installing new hardware devices
 When a computer freezes
 After uninstalling a software program
 In case one wants to recover form errors

State three possible dangers of shutting down a computer improperly.

 Crashing of hard disk
 Loss of data
18
 Corruption of files

FUNCTIONS OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN A COMPUTER LABORATORY

1. UPS
 This acts temporary power storage unit for the computers in case of power blackouts.
 It regulates the amount of power into the computer, hence eliminating power surge and partial
blackouts.
 It alerts the user in case of power blackout by producing a beeping sound.
2. Air Conditioner
 To modify the condition of air in the laboratory such as cooling and heating ventilation.
 To regulate dust accumulation in the computer lab.
 To dispel insects that could cause harm to the computer hardware
3. Wool carpet
Improved Safety: Because it affords more traction, carpet helps prevent slips and falls.
When falls do happen, chances of injury are greatly minimal.
Carpet provides a non-glare surface that reduces reflection and eye strain.
4. Internet gateway
An internet gateway is your modem or router or any other peripheral which allows you
to access the internet.
5. Burglar proofing
It ensures the physical security of the laboratory against Burglars.

CAUSES OF DATA LOSS IN A COMPUTER

 Computer virus infections
 Power fluctuations/blackouts
 Improper shutting down of computers
 Accidental deletion of files
 Crashing of hard disk
PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE PROTECTIOON AGAINST COMPUTER DATA
LOSS
 By installing anUp-to-date antivirus software.
Use of UPS or surge protector to protect computers from power loss or high voltage
 Shutting down the computers properly using correct procedures.
 Handling of storage media correctly.
BEHAVIOURS THAT MUST BE AVOIDED WHILE IN THE COMPUTER
LABORATORY
 Avoid eating and drinking while in the computer lab, since food particles and spilled drinks can
attract insects and flies, also causing rusting and short circuits.
 Avoid shouting, loud talking or cell phone use in the lab since may destruct the attention of
users of the lab.
 Avoid installing, modifying or deleting of any software on the lab computers without
19
 authorization.
 Do not remove, modify, relocate, or disassemble lab equipments without permission of
the lab coordinator.
 Sending/ posting harassing messages or repeatedly sending/ posting unwanted
messages(electronic or paper) to others should be avoided.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SETTING UP A COMPUTER LAB

 Laboratory physical security
 Adequate space for computers and users
 Availability of fire fighting equipments
 The room should be well ventilated
 Availability of power source
 The room should be away from dust roads
 Lab should easily be accessed by users.
What is meant by the term Trouble shooting?
 This is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on
the computer. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem so that it can be
solved, and so the product or process can be made operational again.
Outline the steps of trouble shooting process.
 Identification of the malfunctions or symptoms within a system.
 Generating possible causes of the symptoms and eliminating causes of the problem.
 Confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state.
Explain the importance of the following items in the laboratory.
1. Computer covers
 To protect dust from reaching the hardware components of the computer system.
 To protect the computers from moisture and dust.
2. Anti glare screen
 To reduce electromagnetic rays from CRT monitors
 To help prevent eye strain and body fatigue caused by over bright monitors
3. Blower
 To remove dust accumulation from hardware components and system units.
4. Surge protector
 To regulate and protect computers from high voltage
5. Gaseous fire extinguisher
 It enables to put off fire in case of an outbreak.

Explain the term formatting disks as commonly used in computer lab.

 This refers to the process taken to erasing the contents on the disk to make it empty.
State the circumstance which usually requires one to format a disk.
 In case of a virus infection
 When the disk space is full
20
 When the Operating system becomes corrupted
 During fresh installation
Mention three items which must be installed before computers can
become usable.
 The Operating System
 Application programs such as Microsoft Office Suit
 Device drivers
 Antivirus software.

During installation, a system administrator usually has to configure

certain hardware devices such as those on computer network. Explain
the
meaning of the term “configuration”
 This refers to the process of setting specifications required for a
computer or communication device to properly be useable.

WAYS OF CARING FOR MICROCOMPUTERS IN A LABORATORY

 Computers should regularly be serviced, including peripheral devices.
 Switch off the computer in proper order i.e. by shutting down from the star button, then the
UPS and finally socket.
 Avoid foods or drinks near computer hardware as these may attract files and dirt.
 Avoid switching off the computer abruptly as this may lead to corrupting of files and sometimes
crushing of hard disk
 Do not service computers or open system casing when power cables are still connected as this
may lead to electric shock.
 Use computer covers to protect computers from effects of dust especially when computers are
not being used.
 Avoid exposure of computers to direct sunlight and heat.
 Servicing should be done by technicians to avoid mistakes.
 Use stabilizers and UPS to protect computers from power surge.

21
 CHAPTER THREE
Computer Hardware
COMPUTER HARDWARE
 These are physical components/parts of a computer that can be
seen, touched and felt.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER HARDWARE

 Input devices
 Output devices
 Storage devices
 Central processing unit.

FACTORTS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING TO PURCHASE COMPUTER HARDWARE

 Multimedia capability
 User needs
 Portability
 Upgradeability and compatibility
 Software requirements
 Warranty given and its scope
 Multimedia capability

Define the term input device.

 This is a device used to enter or feed data and instructions into the
computer for processing.

State four ways of inputting data into the computer system, giving an example for
each.
 Using the keying-in device such as keyboard.
 Using a pointing device such as mouse, joystick, light pen, and track ball.
Using data capture devices such as scanners, digital cameras, and barcode readers.
 Using Voice/speech recognition equipment such as microphones.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A COMPUTER SET

 Hard disk capacity
 Processor speed and type
22
 Amount of RAM(Random Access Memory)
 State of the computer, whether new or clone
 Type of the computer, whether it is a desktop or laptop
 Technology used to make the monitor and its size.

Distinguish between soft copy output and hard copy

output.
 A softcopy is the output received on the computer screen in form of a document, video or
audio form. This kind of output is intangible and cannot be touched or felt. While
 Hardcopy is a tangible output received on physical medium like a paper and it can be
touched and felt be a person.

Give three situations where a hard copy is preferred to a soft copy.

 For physical data storage
 When one wants to sign a document physically
 When one wants to scan, photocopy or fax a document
 When one is unable to use display devices due to fatigue of eye strain
 When one wants to read the work away from the computer.

EXAMPLES OF ICT HARDWARE DEVICES THAT CAN AID A BUSINESS MAN

 Mobile phone for communication
 Barcode reader for reading serial numbers of packaged goods
 Sensors for monitoring security within business premises
 CCTV cameras for monitoring security within the building
 Electronic Point Of Sale(EPOS) to record purchases of consumers.

DEVICES THAT CAN BE USED AS BOTH INPUT AND OUTPUT

 Multifunctional device- is a single piece of equipment that compounds
the functionalities of a printer, scanner, copy-machine and facsimile machine.
 Digital camera.
 Smart board
 Touch screens

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

Mention any two practical uses of LED(Light Emitting Diode) on a printer.
 To show whether the device is ready
 To show whether the device is idle
 To show whether the device has a fault/ problem e.g. a paper jam
 To show whether the trays of the printer are out of paper
 To show whether the device is working/ is on.

MONITORS
They are two types of monitors namely:
23
  LCD monitors (Liquid Crystal Display)
 CRT monitors (Cathode Ray Tube)
The LCD technology is replacing the CRT technology in display devices. State the
advantages of LCDs over CRTs.
 LCDs require less desk space
 LCDs are more energy saving
 The radiation emitted by LCDs is negiligeble
 LCDs have a good resolutions
 LCDs are more portable

Mention the disadvantages of LCD technology as compared to CRT.

 LCDs are more expensive
 The LCD color output is usually slow and poor
 LCD monitors can only be viewed from a very narrow angle.

Define the following terms as used in display devices

1. Resolution
This refers to the number of pixels per inch on the screen which determines the clarity of
images displayed and is measured in Dots Per Inch (DPI)
2. Refresh rate
This refers to how many times per second the screen is redrawn to avoid flickering.
3. Video adapter (Video card)
This is a card slotted on the motherboard that converts digital output from the computer
into analogue video signals that is sent through a cable to the display device.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A MONITOR

 Size of the screen needed
 Display type(technology used) either CRT or LCD
 Monitor controls such as brightness, contrast, displayed area, etc
 Resolution

Distinguish between LCD projectors and DLP projectors.

 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) projectors are projectors that use liquid crystal display
technology to produce lower quality images only.
While
 Digital Light Processing (DLP) projectors are projectors that use tiny mirrors to reflect
light.
PRINTERS
 A printer is an output device that converts softcopy into hard copy.
TYPES OF PRINTERS
They are two major types of printers, and these include:
24
 1. Impact printers
2. Non impact printers
IMPACT PRINTERS
 Impact printers are printers where the printing mechanism physically touches the printing
medium e.g. a paper while printing. So they make some noise while printing.

EXAMPLES OF IMPACT PRINTERS

 Dot matrix printers
 Daisy wheel printers
 Thermal printers

NON IMPACT PRINTERS

 Non impact printers are printers where the printing mechanism does not physically touch
the printing medium e.g. a paper while printing.
EXAMPLES OF NON IMPACT PRINTERS
 Ink jet printers
 Laser printers
ADVANTAGES OF NON IMPACT PRINTERS OVER IMPACT PRINTERS
 They produce high quality output
 They are fast in printing
 They hardly make any noise when printing

DISADVANTAGES OF IMPACT PRINTERS OVER NON IMPACT PRINTERS

 They are quite slow at printing
 They are noisy while printing
 They produce poor quality output

ADVANTAGES OF DOT MATRIX PRINTERS OVER INK JET PRINTERS

 They are cheap to maintain
 They can withstand dusty environments and high temperatures
 Multi copy production is possible as long as carbonated paper is used
 Are readily available on the market
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A PRINTER
 The initial and maintenance cost
 The range of capabilities of a printer
 The availability of cartridge on the market (in some printers cartridge
is costly)
 The amount of work(information) to be printed
 Speed of the printer
 Technology used in printing, either impact or non impact
 Range of capabilities of printers
 Compatibility with existing hardware technology.

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AUDIO OUTPUT DEVICES
State two audio output devices
 Speakers
 Headsets (headphones)

ADVANTAGES OF AUDIO OUTPUT DEVICES

 No permanent copy of audio is produced
 A computer can only repeat the same message exactly the same way, thus if the
message is not understood the first time, even when repeated may not be understood.

Define the term multi media as used in computing.

 It is a feature that combines audio, video, text and images to enable interactive and
effective way of communication.

List any four requirements of a multimedia system.

 Sound card
 Audio output device (speakers or headsets)
 Multimedia software (such as windows media player)
 A CD or DVD drive
 super video graphic adapter monitor.
Mention five ICT hardware devices that can be used in the bank.
 Ink jet printer
 PC camera
 Digital cameras
 Flat bed scanner
 Electronic Fund Transfer Point Of Sale (EFTPOS)
 CCTV cameras for monitoring security within the building
 Sensors for monitoring security within business premises
 Automatic Teller machine (ATM)
 Magnetic Ink Character Recognition Reader (MICR)

What is meant by “dead tree edition” as used in output devices?

 This refers to the printed paper version of written work

State one specialized application of each of these hardware devices

1. Light pen
They are used to design work and also by health care professions such as dentists to
record patients’ information easily.

2. Stylus and graphic tablet

26
 They are used for computer aided designs and drafting by Architects, mapmakers,
artists and designers.

3. Barcode reader
They are used mostly in supermarkets, departmental stores, sales outlets to read
barcodes(serial numbers) on packaged products.

4. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Reader

They are often used to read characters on turn around documents such as water bills,
electricity bills, etc.

Complete each sentence below (a)-(e) using one item from the list.
A USB
A register
A cache memory
A serial port
An Arithmetic Logic Unit

a) Cache memory is a high speed memory built into the CPU that temporarily stores
data during processing.
b) Control unit is a part of the CPU that coordinates its operations
c) Register is a fast memory chip located on or near the CPU to help speed up processing.

d) A USB is used to connect up to 127 peripheral devices to a computer without additional

expansion.
e) An Arithmetic Logic Unit is part of the CPU that performs logical operations.

PERIPHERAL DEVICES
Explain what is meant by the term “Peripheral device”.
 This is an external device attached to the system unit.

List down any four Peripheral devices

 Key board
 Monitor
 Mouse
 External CD drives
 Printer
 Speakers

Write short notes on the following terminologies in computer hardware

1. BUS
This is a path on the mother board of the CPU used to send data from or to peripherals,
RAM and CPU.
27
 2. Serial ports
These are sockets that can be used to connect devices that use a serial interface such as
modem, scanner, mouse, etc. A serial port transmits data bits one after the other
(serially) over a single line.

3. Parallel ports
These are sockets on the computer that are used to connect newer versions of printers or
other peripheral devices such as a portable hard disk, tape backup, scanners, CD- ROM
that need a faster data transfer than a serial port.

4. PS/2 ports
These are ports used to connect the PC to its keyboard and mouse.

5. USB port
This is an external port that can allow the user to connect up to 127 external PC
peripheral devices such as USB keyboards, mice, printers, modems, scanners and
external disk drives.
What is meant by Peripheral device interface (ports)?
 These are sockets or slots that peripheral devices connect to on the motherboard.
Distinguish between a USB port and SCSI port.
 Universal Serial Bus (USB) port uses a serial method of data transfer
(one bit of data at a time in a single wire)
While
 Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) port uses the parallel method of data
transfer (eight bits of data at a time, each in its own wire.
USB is an emerging technology which is becoming common today. State three
advantages that make USB more superior to other technologies.
 They are quite faster in data transfer compared to PS/2 ports
 They can be used to connect up to 127 external PC peripheral devices since they are
universal
 At least eight other peripheral devices can be chained and connected
to the same port.
What is meant by a storage device?
 This is a hardware component that writes and reads data to and from storage media.
Distinguish between Primary memory and secondary storage. Give an example of each.
 Primary memory/ RAM (Random Access Memory), is where both data and
instructions are temporarily held for immediate access and use by the computer’s
microprocessor e.g. RAM, Cache memory and Buffer.
While
 Secondary storage is any storage device designed to retain data and instructions
(programs) in a relatively permanent form e.g. hard disks, CD-ROM, flash memory.
28
Distinguish between writing data and reading data as used in storage devices.
 Writing data means recording data from memory to a storage medium.
While
 Reading (retrieving) data means transferring data from storage medium into the
computer’s memory for use by the operating system or application program.

State one use of each of the following memory

1. Cache memory
This stores data temporarily during processing

2. Firmware
These are ROM chips that contain data, instructions and information which is recorded
permanently by the manufacturer of hardware.
3. Buffer
This is a region of memory that is used to temporarily hold data while it is being moved
from place to place.
4. CMOS
CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-conductor) is memory used to store
configuration information about the computer which includes amount of memory, types of
drives current date, time, etc.

5. Virtual memory
This is a kind of memory were the operating system allocates a portion of storage
(usually on the hard disk) to function as additional RAM or in the absence of RAM.

In the space provided below, fill in the correct answer of hardware device
1. Enters instructions in the command line user interface
Keyboard
2. It is used to input text and graphics from hard copies into electronic format
Scanner
3. Used to ease in the processing of cheques by reading magnetized ink
MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition reader)
4. Is used to move a pointer in GUI
Mouse
5. Used to make multiple choice questions in an examination
OCR (Optical Character Recognition Reader)
State the difference between Data Bus and Address Bus
 Data (memory) Bus is used to transfer data and instructions from memory to the CPU
for execution.
While
 Address Bus consists of all signals necessary to define any possible memory address
locations within the CPU.
29
Explain the meaning of the following features in computer interfaces
1. Plug and play
This is an interface that allows devices to be installed, configured and immediately
removed from the computer while it is still working e.g. USB
2. Hot swappable
This is a peripheral device feature that allows devices that can be plugged and removed
from computers while the computer is running e.g. USB devices.
State one function of a ROM chip
To store permanent data (firmware) required by the computer.

COMPONETS OF THE SYSTEM UNIT

 Mother board
 Power supply
 Memory chips
 CPU/Microprocessor
 Expansion slots
 Data buses
 Ports and connectors.

MICROPROCESSOR
 This is an integrated circuit (chip) that does all the processing of a full scale computer.

MAJOR PARTS OF A MICROPROCESSOR/Central Processing Unit(CPU)

1. Control Unit
2. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
3. Registers
State the function of the following parts of the microprocessor
1. Control Unit
 It coordinates all operations within the CPU(microprocessor)
 Directs data that require mathematical operations from memory to ALU
 sends processed data to either output device or storage device
 Erases information from memory when instructed
2. Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU)
 It performs arithmetic, comparison and logical operations
3. Registers
 It stores data within the CPU during processing
 It holds the work area, programs and data input.
Distinguish between clock rate and word size
 Clock rate/speed is defined as the frequency at which the processor executes instructions
or processed data.
While
 Word size is the number of bits that the CPU can process at a time
30
State the function of the following in a computer
1. System clock
This is an internal clock that generates a signal that is used to synchronize the
operation of the CPU and data movement around the other components of the
computer.
2. PCI slot
This is an interface that allows additional hardware such as network cards to be
connected.

3. Motherboard
This is a surface used for mounting computer components such as CPU, memory
cards, expansion slots.
What is meant by machine cycle?
 This is a series of operations needed to execute a single instruction.
Briefly describe each of the operations of the machine cycle.
1. Fetching
The process of obtaining data items from memory.
2. Decoding
This is the process of translating instructions into commands that the computer
understands.
3. Executing
This is the process of carrying out commands.
4. Storing
This is the process of writing the results into memory.
Explain the following terms as used with computers
1. Parallel processing
This is the use of multiple processors to execute a program at the same time
2. Multi-processing
This is the execution of more than one program by the same processor.
3. Multi-programming
This is the processing of two or more programs by the same processor at the same
time.
VERSIONS OF MICROPROCESSORS ON THE MARKET TODAY
 Pentium duo-core
 Pentium i-3 core
 AMD Duron
 AMD Sempron
 AMD Duo Core

31
 CHAPTER FOUR
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer Software:
 This is a collection of computer programs and related data that provides
instructions to the computer hardware.
OR
 Computer software is an interface between hardware and its users.

WAYS THROUGH WHICH COMPUTER SOFTWARE CAN BE ACQUIRED

 By buying standard software from vendors or licensed software companies.
 From user developed (in-house/ tailor made) software.

Explain why is it important to consider user needs when purchasing computer

software.
 It is because the analysis of user needs determines the types of software the user
will acquire.

ITEMS THAT SHOULD COME ALONG WITH AUTHENTIC SOFTWARE

 User manual
 License
 Installation guide
 Refresh guide
 Provision for trial version

Distinguish between open source and proprietary software

 Open source software is one whose source code is freely made available to users
so that they can modify, use and distribute the modified product. While
 Proprietary software is one whose source code is hidden from the
users and therefore modification is for only the copyright owner/ software developer.

HARDWARE DETAILS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BEFORE INSTALLING A

SOFTWARE.
 Hard disk capacity
 Processor speed and type
 Amount of RAM

TERMS USED REGARDING TO SOFTWARE

1. General purpose software
Is software purchased off-the-shelf by the user and is used for wide variety of purposes.

32
 2. In-house developed software
These are customized programs written by a programmer or software developer under
contract.
3. Software release
Is the public or private distribution of a new or upgraded version of software product.
4. Software version
Software version also known as software upgrade is the major upgrade in a current
software leading to even changes in software interface and some procedures.
5. Software suit
This is a collection of individual application software packages sold as a single package.
E.g. Database software, spreadsheet, presentation, word processor, publisher software
are all sold under Microsoft Office suit.

ADVANTAGES OF GENERAL PURPOSE SOFTWARE

 It is relatively cheap and readily available
 They are user friendly i.e. they are easy to learn and use
 They are provided with supportive documentation in both soft and hard copy format.
 They can be used to accomplish a number of tasks e.g. word processor
generates a variety of documents (letters, notices, memos, speeches)
TYPES OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE
They are two major types of computer software namely:
1. System software
2. Application software.

SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software is set of programs that manage and control the operations of a
computer and other types of software that run on it.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE
There are three classification of system software namely:
1 Operating systems
This is a set of programs containing instructions that coordinate all the activities among
computer hardware devices. E.g. Windows, MS DOS, Linux.
2 Utility programs
This is software designed to help analyze, configure or maintain a computer system.
E.g. Antivirus, back up, screen saver, debugger, file compression, etc.

3. Programming languages
These are artificial languages designed to communicate instructions to a machine,
particularly a computer. E.g. BASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN, PASCAL, etc.
33
OPERATING SYSTEM
What is meant by Operating system?
 This is a set of programs containing instructions that coordinate all the activities
among computer hardware devices.

FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM

 It makes hardware to start operating
 Supervises and coordinates hardware operation
 It helps in memory management
 It monitors system performance
 It helps in storage management
 Helps in configuring devices. Operating system supports plug and play and can
configure devices automatically.
 It administers security. Operating system enables system administrators do
system audits on system users.
 It acts as an interface between the user and hardware.

EXAMPLES OF OPERATING SYSTEM

 Windows such as Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8
 Netware
LINUX
Windows Vista
MS DOS
UNIX
Palm OS for PDAs
 Solaris for e-commerce applications
 Pocket PC 2002
FEATURES OF A USER FRIENDLY OPERATING SYSTEM
 It works at faster speeds thus enabling application programs to run more frequently
 Uses GUI in its commands.
 It is multitasking. It enables the user to carry out many tasks at ago.
 It allows a user to recover from errors using the Undo and Redo actions.

WAYS OF IDENTIFYING AN ILLEGAL COPY OF OPERATING SYSTEM

 Frequent interruptions of warning messages about genuinity of operating system
being used (fatal error)
 Prices of software are extremely cheap
 There is no documentation material accompanying it.
 There is no license agreement or certificate of authenticity.

WAYS OF ACQUIRING AN OPERATING SYSTEM

34
  By downloading open source copies of the software from internet.
 By purchasing a licensed copy from authorized software vendors.

List two devices controlled by an operating system

 Secondary storage devices
 RAM
 Processor
 Input devices such as keyboard, digital camera, mouse, etc
 Output devices such as printer, monitor, speakers, etc
 Communication interfaces and ports

FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN ORDER YOU TO UPGRADE AN OPERATING SYSTEM

 Capability features with existing hardware of the computer.
 User friendliness of the operating system.
 The cost
 Security features related to the operating system
 Reliability of the operating system
 Hardware configuration of the computer

A University student on internship has just bought a new laptop for his
computing work, suggest any three software programs he will need installed
on his computer before using it.
 Operating system such as Windows 7, Windows 8
 Antivirus software
 Software suit such as MS office
 Device driver software.

TERMINOLOGIES USED IN OPERATINGSYSTEM

1. Patch
This is a program code that rectifies a bug (error) in an operating system or seals the
weak points of an operating system.
2. Interrupt
This is an act of suspending the normal sequential processing of instructions in a
computer.
3. Troubleshoot
This is to trace, identify and correct any hardware and software related problems.
UTILITY PROGRAMS
 Is software designed to help, analyse, configure or maintain a
computer system

FUNCTIONS OF THE FOLLOWING UTILITY PROGRAMS

1. Disk defragmenters. This moves fragments of files to one location.

35
 2. File compression
This adjusts or reduces the size of a file with programs such as winZip to improve
system performance.
3. Diagnostic utility
This compiles technical information showing identified problems in the system.
4. Network utility
These analyse the computer network connectivity, configures network settings, checks
data transfer or log events
5. Antivirus
This is a utility that scans a computer system for the possibility of malware and viruses.
6. Backup software
These are utilities that make copies of all information on a disk and restores either the
entire disk (e.g. in the event of disk failure) or accidental deletion of information.
7. File viewer
This is a program that enables the viewing of the location and access to contents of a
file.
8. Cryptography utility
This enables data to be transmitted over a communication channel without it being
hacked.
9. Memory testers
Checks for failures in the storage of the system.
10. Disk cleaners
This enables the computer user to decide on what to delete in case the hard disk is full.
11. Screen savers
Prevents phosphor burn out in most CRTs and LCDs
PROGRAMING LANGUAGES
What are programming languages?
These are artificial languages designed to communicate instructions to a computer
system.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
There are four major classifications of programming languages.
 Machine languages
 Assembler languages
 High level languages
 Fourth generation languages
Distinguish between machine language and high level language
 Machine languages are languages written in binary form in the computer and
are extremely hard for humans to read and write.
While
 High level languages are languages consisting of statements or sequences of text
including words, numbers and punctuations much written like natural languages.

36
 EXAMPLE OF HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGES
 BASIC (Beginners All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code)
 COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language)
 FORTRAN (Formula Transition)
 Pascal
ADVANTAGES OF HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGES
 They are machine independent
 They are user friendly.
 They are problem oriented
They are easier to learn, write, correct and revise than assembler and machine languages.
Distinguish between Command Line Interface and Graphical User Interface
 Command Line Interface is an action that prompts a computer user to type in
commands or instructions e.g. Log in details such as user name and password.
While
 Graphical User Interface is an action where a user clicks on any command
especially graphics e.g. copy and paste or moving an item.
ADVANTAGES OF USING GUI
Give two advantages of using a GUI in operating systems
 It is easy to learn and use unlike command line interface
 It is user friendly since it offers guidelines on how to navigate programs
 It is easy to transfer data from one window to another by the drag and
drop method
 One does not need to master the commands in order to use it unlike the command line
interface
Mention one similarity between GUI and menu driven interfaces
Both interfaces have a list of options to choose from
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GUI AND MENU DRIVEN INTERFACES
 The menu driven interface has no icons unlike GUI that has icons
 The menu driven interface does not allow the use of pointing devices unlike GUI
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
 Application software are programs designed to help a user perform a specific task.
Examples of application software
Word processor e.g. MS Office Word, K-Word, Apple pages, King soft Word, etc
Database software e.g. MS Office Access, Dbase, Paradox, Oracle
Spreadsheet e.g. MS Office Excel, apple numbers, MS Visi Calc, etc
Presentation software e.g. MS Office Power Point, Harvard Graphics, Corel presentation
Browsing software e.g. Mozilla Fire Fox, Internet Explorer, Opera, Netscape, etc
Multimedia software e.g. Windows media player, VLC player, Real player for playing audio
and video files.
Educational software such as Encarta, Matlab, Google earth, etc
Web design software such as Java, HTML, MS Front Page, etc
37
 Desktop publishing software such as MS publisher, Adobe photo shop, etc
CATEGORIES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE
 Licensed software
This is where a user purchases only the license of the software and not the software
itself. The vendor allows for the installation of this software on a specific number of
machines.
 Commercial/ sold
This is where the user purchases a legitimate copy of the software itself from the vendor
and is free to resale it.
 Freeware
This is the application software that can be downloaded, used and copied without any
restrictions. E.g. internet software such as web browsers, file converters, etc.
 Shareware
This is an application software that can be downloaded but you need to pay some
amount of money for using them.
 Open source
This is software made available with their source code that a user is free to modify its
code and use it
 Needs to be installed
This is software that has to be installed before you use your computer, such as device
driver software, MS office suit
 Run online
This is software that runs online and you do not necessarily need to download it e.g.
Antivirus, Internet games

Distinguish between Custom made software and off the shelf software.
 Custom made (special purpose/ tailor made software) is software written to
meet the needs of an organization that cannot be usually satisfied by other sources of
software.
While
 Off-the-shelf ( general purpose/ packaged software) is software which may be
used for a wide variety of purposes, e.g. Word processors, spreadsheets, databases,
presentations, etc
Distinguish between single user license and site license.
 Single user license is a license agreement that gives a software buyer the right to
install and use software on a single computer at a time.
While
 Site license is a license that gives a software buyer the right to use and install the
software on multiple computers at a single site.

38
WORD PROCESSORS
What is meant be Word processing?
 This refers to the process of entering and manipulating a document using a computer
and computer programs.
What is a word processing application?
 Word processing applications are computer programs that are used for of creating,
saving, editing, formatting and printing text documents.
EXAMPLES OF WORD PROCESSORS/ WORD PROCESSING APPLICATIONS
 Microsoft Office Word,
 Corel WordPerfect,
 Lotus WordPro,
 Apple Pages,
 OpenOffice.org Writer,
 LibreOffice Writer,
 KWord
 Celframe Write
 Kingsoft Writer etc.

COMMON FEATURES OF WORD PROCESSING APPLICATIONS

 Word Wrap: this feature automatically sends a word that does not fit
within the margin settings onto the next line, without the user pressing
Enter key.
 Find: allows the user to locate all occurrences of a particular character, word
or phrase.
 Replace: allows the user to substitute existing characters, words or
phrases with the new ones.
 Spell checker: allows the user to check spellings of the whole document
at one time or to check and even correct the spelling of individual words as
they are typed (Autocorrect)
 Grammar checker: this reports grammatical errors, usually by a wavy
green line, and suggests ways to correct them.
 Thesaurus: suggests alternative words with the same meaning
(synonyms) for use in the document.
 Mail Merge: This is feature used to create similar letters to be sent to
several people. The names and addresses of each person can be merged
with one single main document.
 Automatic page numbering: numbers the pages automatically in a
document
 Tables: allow users to organize information into rows and columns.
 Multi-columns: arranges text into two or more columns that look similar
to newspaper or magazine
 Drop cap – Formats the first letter in paragraph to be dropped across two or
more lines.
39
  Clipart:, refers to pre-made images about various subjects used to
illustrate concepts in documents.
 Templates: establish the initial document layouts and formats for various
document types.
 Printing: allows a user to obtain a hard copy of a document from the
printer.
 Word Count: Establishes the number of words, characters, paragraphs, etc.
in a document.
 Headers and Footers: Used to insert text in the top and bottom
margin through the document.
 Footnotes and Endnotes are used as references that provide additional
information about a word or phrase within a document.
 Insert and Delete allows a user to add and remove portions of text while
editing document.
 Bold, Underline, Italic – These and other formatting features that allow
a user to improve on the appearance of text.
 Cut, Copy, Paste, Insert, Delete – These and other editing features
that enable a user to make changes to the text in a document.
Distinguish between copy and cut command in word processing
 Copy command allows the duplication of text or data to get two or more copies
leaving the original behind.
While
 Cut command allows the complete transfer of data or text from one position to
another without leaving the original behind.
Distinguish between Save and Save As in word processing
 Save command is used when the file is being saved for the first time on the computer
or any other storage location
While
 Save As command is used when the user wants to change the name of the file.
OR When the user wants to change the storage location of a file.
TERMS USED IN WORD PROCESSORS
1. Thesaurus
This is a word feature that allows you to search for meanings or synonyms without
leaving the word processor.
2. Drop cap
This is an artistic (enlarged) beginning letter of a sentence or paragraph
3. Macros
This is a character of words that represents a series of key strokes such as text or
commands
4. Footnote
This is a note at the bottom of a page of a book or manuscript that comments on or cites
a reference for a designated part of the text.
40
 5. Mail merging
This is the combination of two files into a single file when creating mass productions.
SPREASHEET SOFTWARE
 Is an application software used to organize data in rows and columns in order to
perform calculations on it.
EXAMPLES OF SPREADSHEET PROGRAMS
MS Excel
VisiCalc
Lotus 1-2-3
Symphony
Apple numbers
 Jazz
Open Office. Org Calc
VP planner
TERMS USED IN SPREAD SHEETS
1.A workbook
This is a collection of worksheets in a spreadsheet. It is the main file of a spread sheet
program
2. worksheet
This is a single page contains rows and columns (cells) where you enter data.
3. Active cell
This is the cell where the cursor is currently stationed
4. Data / cell range
This refers to a group of cells that usually acts as a basis for calculations in worksheets
including creating chats.
5. Automatic recalculation
This is a feature in spread sheet that automatically adjusts the results of a formula if
there is any adjustment in data.
EXAMPLES OF DATA TYPES STORED IN A SPREADSHEET
Labels/ text
values/Numbers
Formulas / Functions
What is meant by cell reference?
 This is the location / address of a cell in a worksheet e.g. B5, F9, D4
Distinguish between relative cell referencing and absolute cell referencing
 Relative cell reference is a reference to cells relative to the position of the formula.
While
 Absolute (fixed) cell reference is a reference that always refers to cells in a
specified location
State the function of the following as used in spread sheets.
1. Auto fill/ copy hand tool. This is a feature that automatically fills in cells, create row
of data and even copy formatting from one cell to the next

41
 2. Freezing and unfreezing panes
 This is a feature that enables headings of a large worksheet to be viewed as you scroll
through a work sheet. In this case these headings do not disappear as you scroll
through.
SPREADSHEET CELL ERROR MESSAGES
1. #VALUE. An argument or operand used is of wrong type
2. #NAME. It means that Microsoft Excel does not recognize the name used in the formula
3. ######. The cell width needs to be adjusted such that the values are all seen.
ERROR VALUES IN MS EXCEL
1. #DIV/0!. The formula is trying to divide by 0
2. #N/A!. No value is available
3. #NULL!. You specified an intersection of two areas that do not intersect
4. #NUM. There is a problem with a number used in the formula
5. #REF. The formula refers to a cell that is not valid e.g. 6E instead of E6.
Distinguish between a formula and a function as used in spread sheets
 A formula is a sequence of instructions for performing calculations and displaying
result in a cell.
While
 A function is a predefined formula that provides shortcuts for commonly used
calculations.
FUNCTIONS USED IN SPREAD SHEETS
 Sum
 Average
 Maximum
 Minimum
 Count
 Mode
 If
 Median
 Rank

Explain the meaning of these terms as used in chats & graphs in spreadsheets
1. Data series
These are related data points or data markers that are plotted in a chart usually
distinguished by a unique colour or pattern.
2. Legends
These are small boxes that identify the pattern or colour assigned to data series in a
chart.
3. Embedded Chat
This is a chart which is created within the same worksheet having the table.

42
UB ICT SIMPLIFIED

4. Chart sheet
This is a chart displayed on a separate worksheet from the real sheet onto which a
table is formed.
Mention one data management tool used in spread sheet.
 Sorting
 Filtering
 Creating charts/ graphs

State the use of the functions in spread sheets

1. RANK
This enables one to create positions of data in either ascending or descending order
2. What IF
This is used to forecast the outcome and test different parameters with the help of
the automatic recalculation feature.
3. COUNT
This is used to count and return the number of items in a given range.

Distinguish between data filtering and sorting

 Data filtering involves the display of data rows that meet
certain criteria.
While
 Sorting is the arranging of data alphabetically or numerically either
is ascending or descending order.
The worksheet below shows a school’s expenses (in dollars) paid out for the first
three
months of the year.
A B C D E F G H
1 Item Jan Feb Mar Total Average
2
3 Food 72 72 106
4 Electricity 24 37 66
5 Telephone 96 90 114
6 Stationary 48 38 64
7
8 Total

a) Write down a formula to calculate the following

i) Total expenses for electricity
=SUM(B4:D4) or =(B4+C4+D4)
ii) Average expenses for stationary
=AVERAGE(B6:D6)
iii) The highest expense for telephone
43
=MAX(B5:D5)

44
SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

b) Write down a formula to count all the items with expense

greater than 70 dollars
=COUNTIF (B3:D6,”>70”) or +COUNTIF (B3:D6,”>70”)
The spread sheet table below was created using MS excel and shows part of sub
ICT
results for some students of S.6 in a certain school in an end of term exam.

A B C D E F G H
1
2 S850/1 S850/2
NAME S850/ S850/ OUT OF OUT OF TOTAL GRADE POSITION
1 2 40% 60%
3
4 Ann 55 80 22 48 70 D1 2
5 Fred 57 59
6 James 43 50
7 Kezia 73 80
8 David 59 59
9 Maria 66 70
m
1 Suzan 49 40
0
1 Oliver 50 57
1

a) Suggest two other spread sheet programs that could be

used to create the records besides MS Excel.
 Lotus 1-2-3
 Visi Calc
 Open Office. Org Calc
 Jazz
 Symphony
 VP planner

b) Which function is suitable for grading students in column G

 The IF function

c) Write down a formula for creating position for

students in column H basing on total.
 =RANK (F4, F$4:F$11,0)

d) State the tool you would employ to complete the

45
 positioning for all the students.

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

 The Auto fill/ copy handle tool

ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING
Define the term electronic publishing?
 This is the production, distribution and user interaction of
computer based production of text, graphics and other interactive media.
OR
 It is the type of publishing that is used to create and
disseminate information by electronic means including email and via web.

EXAMPLES OF ELECTRONIC PUBLICATIONS

 E-mail publishing
 E-books
 Web publishing
 Print on demand
 Digital content
 E-journals
 Electronic ink
 Online portfolios
 Digital scrap books and online photo galleries.

TERMS USED IN PUBLISHING

SOFTWARE
1. Frame
These are areas within a publication which may include text areas and picture areas
2. Handles
These are small circles which appear around the edge of a frame when you click on the
frame
3. Template
These are tools having pre-chosen design styles that can be used in publisher to help
easily create basic publications.

EXAMPLES OF PRINT ON DEMAND/ DESKTOP PUBLICATIONS

 Books

46
  Journals
 Magazines
 Flyers
 Posters

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

 Calendars
 Brochures
 Certificates
 Banners
 Business cards
 News letters
 Greeting cards

FEATURES OF ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING SOFTWARE

 Has inbuilt templates which users can adopt in publications
 Text formatting features
 Has inbuilt fonts
 Has ability to import text and graphics from other programs
 Has standard shapes such as lines used for drawing
 Has page formatting features such as margins, footers

EXAMPLES OF ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING SOFTWARE

 Microsoft Publisher
 Adobe InDesign
 Adobe page maker
 iStudio publisher
 Corel Draw
 Frame maker

DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

What is meant by Data base management system (DBMS)?
 This is a collection of programs that enables users create and
maintain a database.

EXAMPLES OF DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

 Microsoft Access
 Oracle
 My SQL
 Visual basic
47
  Dbase
 Paradox

ADVANTAGES OF DBMS OVER FILE BASED SYSTEM

 It controls data redundancy. Data of similar type is stored in
single location hence easing independence updates.

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

 It helps restrict unauthorized access. Many DBMS use security

mechanism to protect data.
 DBMS provide facilities for recovery from hardware and
software failures. (Provides backup and recovery)
 Improves data accessibility and responsiveness. It is possible
to access data via an internet connection.
 It improves maintenance through data independence.
 It enforces standards in databases.
 It avoids duplication of data.

The table below shows part of a database for employees of a certain

company
EMPLOYEE FIRST LAST SEX BASIC SALARY ($) DEPARTMENT
ID NAME NAME
K001/04 Glenn Tucker M 25000 Security
K007/008 James Bond M 30000 Security
K013/098 Jessie Elvis M 20000 Messenger
K009/003 Mary Heitinga F 40000 Council
K156/145 Leon Melanine F 58000 Council
K345/001 Jack Freddie M 10000 Cleaner
K728/024 Hwan Sung M 33000 Technical
a) Write down the data type for the following fields
i) SEX
Text
ii) EMPLOYEE ID
Text

iii) BASIC SALARY ($)

Currency
b) How many records are there in the table
 7 records (number of rows used for data entry)
c) What is the suitable primary key?
EMPLOYEE ID
d) Write down a query for employees in the security and

48
 council department.
 “Security” or “Council”

The table below shows part of a database. Use it to answer the questions that
follow.

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

StudentID Name Math Eng Sci SST Total

marks
014/KSS/005 Senind 80 60 78 46
014/KSS/102 Opondo 90 81 72 60
014/KSS/009 Kutosi 56 92 66 46

(a) What is the most appropriate primary key?

Student ID
(b) (i) Write down the criteria for students whose name
ends with letter O and have a mark in math greater than 70
Name: Like”*O”, math>70
(ii) Write down a criteria for students whose names begin with letter K to S and
have a mark in science less than 68
Name: Like”[K-S]*”, Sci<68
(c) The formula entered in design view for total mark is
Total:[Math]+[Eng]+[Sci]+[SST]
(d) Write down an input mask for Student ID to contain KKK and incremental by one
“KKK1”

Distinguish between the following terms as used in database management

system. (i) Validation rule and validation text
Validation rule gives an expression that must be true whenever you add or change a value
in a field e.g. “F” or “M”
While
Validation text is a text that appears when a value violates the validation rule e.g. required
to enter F or M for this field.

(ii) Data validation and data verification

Data validation involves checking data input against / predetermined data limits coded
in the computer
While
Data verification involves checking data input manually by comparing input data with
source data

State the importance of an input mask as a field property in databases

An input mask controls the value of a record and sets it in a specified format e.g. a telephone

49
 number field can be formatted with an input mask to accept ten digits that are automatically
formatted as
“(555) 123-4567. And the blank field will look like ( )

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

CHAPTER FIVE

INTERNET &
WWW
 Introduction to Internet
 Internet Services
 Electronic Mail (E-mail)
 World Wide Web (WWW)

INTRODUCTION TO INTERNET
Internet is the global connection of computers linked together sharing information and other resources.

OR

This is a worldwide network with more than 100 million users that are linked for the
exchange of data, news, conversation and commerce.

OR

It is an arrangement of connected computers which allows the computer users all over
the globe to exchange information.
50
SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

It is based on the networking technologies of the Internet Protocol Suite. It is the successor of
the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) developed by DARPA of the U.S
Department of Defense. The internet is also the communications backbone underlying the
World Wide Web (WWW).

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS
The term protocol or internet protocol refers to the set of rules that govern transmission of
data across all computers on a network

OR

These are rules that govern how communication over the internet is carried out.

EXAMPLES OF COMMUNICATION/ INTERNET

PROTOCOLS (i) IP
Internet Protocol (IP) is an address that uniquely identifies each computer on
the internet.
(a)
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is a protocol suite that
determines how computers connect, send and receive information on the
internet.
(b)
HTML
Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) refers to the Hypertext authority system which
transmit text, data, images, sound and multimedia file types across a network.
(c)
HTTP
Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is a set of rules by which an HTML document is
transferred over the web.
(d) FTP
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) enables file sharing between hosts.
OR
FTP is an internet standard that allows users to upload and download files with
computers

Key functions of FTP are:

 To promote sharing of files (computer programs and or data)

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

51
  To encourage indirect or implicit (via programs) use of
remote computers.
 To shield a user from variations in file storage systems among
hosts.
 To transfer data reliably and efficiently.
(e) IMAP
Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) is a method of accessing electronic mail
bulletin board messages that are kept on a mail server.
(f) POP
The Post Office Protocol (POP) is designed to allow a workstation (PC) to dynamically
access a mail drop on a server host.

(g) SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is a protocol designed to transfer electronic mail
reliably and efficiently. SMTP is a mail service modeled o the FTP file transfer server.
SMTP transfers mail messages between systems and provides notification regarding
incoming mail.
(h) TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is a protocol also used in data
transfer on a network
(i) TELNET
Is an Internet protocol that enables a computer to function as a terminal working from
a remote computer.

EFFECTS OF INTERNET TO SOCIETY

Today internet is becoming part of the human life. Describe the positive and
negative effects of the internet to society.

POSITIVE EFFECTS

 Information resources: The internet offers research

information to students and users with the help of numerous websites and search
engines.
 Faster communication: It offers a speedy communication
when
using services such as Email, Chat, commerce, etc
 Entertainment: Internet improves access to entertainment
such as online games, musical downloads, etc
 E-commerce: Online shopping is possible using numerous
websites such as eBay, olx, etc
 Social Networking: Using numerous sites such as Facebook,
twitter, MySpace, etc people can find both new and lost long friends, find jobs,
52
 business
opportunities, etc

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

 Online Services: One can access online services such as hotel

reservations, pay for bills and taxes, etc
 Formation of communities: The internet enables many
forums involving debates and discussions.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS

 Theft of personal Information: When using an unsecure

connection, there is a high possibility that your personal details such credit card
number, bank account information; etc may be accessed by Con artists or hackers.
 Virus threat: Computers on the internet are very prone to
virus attacks, which may lead to crushing of hard disk or data loss.
 Spamming: Unwanted/ Unsolicited E-mails in bulk are
very frustrating as they make the internet connection very slow and unreliable.
 Easy access to pornography: Un restricted access to porn
may have a bad influence on the mental health especially in Teens/ Children. It
may also play a havoc in marital and social lives of adults.
 Social disconnect: When many people are engulfed in a
virtual world of socialization, this may lead to drifting apart of friends and family
members.

INTERNET SERVICES
REQUIREMENTS NEEDED FOR AN INTERNET CONNECTION

 Internet Service Provider

 Internet software such as Lotus Notes, Microsoft Office Outlook,
Internet browsers, etc
 Transmission medium such as wireless (satellites, microwaves,
Wi-Fi, etc)
 Data Terminal Equipment.

USES/SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE INTERNET

 World wide Web (WWW)

 E- mail
 Mailing Lists
 Chat Rooms
53
  Instant Messaging (IM)
 News Groups
 Internet Forums / Message boards
 Provides Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
 E-commerce

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

 E-banking
 E-Learning
 E-publishing

EXAMPLES OF INTERNET CONNECTION

SERVICES (i) Email

Is the process of sending and receiving messages across the internet or other computer
networks.

(ii) Chat rooms

This is any technology ranging from real-time online chat over instant messaging and
online forums to fully immersive graphical social environment.

(iii) Mailing lists

This is a group of subscribers to an organization, thus the organization uses this list to send
material to multiple recipients.

(iv) News groups

These are discussion groups/ forums within the Usenet system for messages posted from
different locations.

(v) Internet forums/ message boards

These are online discussion sites where people hold conversations in the forms of posted
messages. In this case messages are temporarily archived.

(vi) Instant Messaging (IM)

This is a set of communication technology used for text-based communication between two
or more participants over the internet or other types of networks.
54
 (vii) VoIP

VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) refers to the communication protocols, technologies,
methodologies and transmission techniques involved in the delivery of voice
communications and multimedia sessions over the Internet Protocol network (IP)

OR

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is a method for taking analog audio signals and
converts them into digital data that can be transmitted over the internet.

TERMS USED IN INTERNET

1. URL

This is an acronym for Uniform Resource Locator. It is the global address of a website and
other resources on the World Wide Web (WWW).

It is a string of characters that specify the address of a web page.

2. Uploading

This is the process of transferring files (Text, Audio, Video, Graphics and Sound) from one
computer system to another or to a storage device or the internet.

3. Downloading

This is the process of retrieving or bringing copies of files (Text, Audio, Video, Graphics and
Sound) over to your computer or storage device from another location such as the internet.

4. Surfing

This is the process of accessing Data from the internet.

5. Online meetings

This is where people who are far away can chat virtually using services such as video
conferences, Skyping, etc

FACTORS THAT LEAD TO A SLOW INTERNET SPEED

 Quality of ISP: Some ISPs provide slow connections because of

outdated technology.
 Age of the computer set used: Computers with outdated
55
 technology (old processors) slow down the connection speed of internet.
 Type of communication medium used: Physical
transmission medium is slow compared to Wireless
 Distance of broadcasting services: If far away from the
computers.
 Type of browsers: Some browsers may be using
outdated technology.
 Weather: Prevailing bad weather conditions may affect
internet
speed.

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

PRECAUTIONS THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN DOWNLOADING CONTENT

FROM THE INTERNET

 Do not download content from unknown or an trusted sites.

 Be sure that your internet connection is stable and does not
break.
 Ensure that there exists enough storage space for the content to
be downloaded.

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER (ISP)

This is a company that supplies connections to the internet, including offering services related
to the internet.

EXAMPLES OF ISPs IN UGANDA TODAY

 Uganda Telecom Limited

 Orange Telecom
 Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN)
 Airtel Uganda
 Iway Broadband
 Inconnect
 Smile Telecom

SERVICES PROVIDED BY INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS (ISPs)

 Internet access
 Domain name registration
56
  Web hosting
 Providing customized e-mail addresses
 Access to software tools
 Provide fire walls
 Manage internet traffic e.g. By use of dedicated lines
 Provide backup storage of data.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SUITABLE ISP

 Initial connection cost

 The subscription fees for the services
 The available band width

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

 Authenticity
 Additional value services such as web hosting, firewalls, backup
storage of data
 Experience in the internet field

E-MAIL (Electronic mail)

Electronic mail (e-mail) is the process of sending and receiving messages over the internet.

OR

This is a method of exchanging digital messages from one or more recipients across the
internet or other computer networks.

EXAMPLES OF EMAIL SOFTWARE

 Gmail
 Yahoo mail
 Hotmail
 Ovimail

FEATURES OF THE ELECTRONIC MAIL

 Enable people to send many copies of the same message to

many people
 The mail is sent instantly
 Enables attachments
 Indication for read and unread messages
 Sent box for storing sent mails
 Outbox for storing outgoing mails
 Inbox for storing incoming mails
57
 TERMS USED IN ELECTRONIC
MAIL

1) Compose
This is the process of creating a new mail
2) Inbox
This is the storage location of incoming mails
3) Sign out
This is the process of exiting an email account
4) Forward
This feature allows one to pass on a received mail to other recipients
5) Check mail
This feature enables a user to view all the details of a received mail.

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMON FIELDS ASUSED IN EMAILS

1) To:
This specifies to whom the message was sent. This is a field where you type in the
recipients email address.
2) Subject:
This provides a hint as to what the message is about.
3) Carbon Copy (CC):
This tells us that the message was “carbon copied” to another user. In other words this
field is often used when one wants to send a copy of the email to other recipients.

4) Blind Carbon Copy (BCC):

This field is often used if additional copies of the same email message are to be sent
out to other recipients but without each of them knowing about it.
5) Attachment:
This is a textual, graphical, audio or video file that accompanies an email. It can
be downloaded by the recipient for use

An email compose window consists three main elements: header, message

and signature. Mention three items contained in the header.

 Recipient’s address
 The subject
 Attachment

What do you understand by mail etiquette as applied in sending mails

58
  These are the moral rules ( Social code) to be observed when
using email services.

State one mail etiquette

 Usenet

SPAM is known to be unsolicited mail inbox. State any three potential harm that
such mail can bring.

 It leads to congestion of mail box

 They sometimes carry malware / viruses
 They can be an avenue for fraud
 They sometimes contain porn content which is undesirable.

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

PARTS OF AN EMAIL ADDRESS

[email protected]

User name Domain name Domain

type

Separator
Dot

 User name: This specifies the identity of the recipient of

the email
 @: This at symbol acts as a separator between the user name
and the domain name
 Domain name: This identifies the domain that hosts the
email
account
 Dot(.): This separates the domain name and domain type
 Domain type: This specifies the category of the domain

Distinguish between sign in and sign up as used in emails

59
  Sign in is used to access content of an already existing email
account by use of a user name and password.
While
 Sign up is used to create a new email account.

Hope’s company email address is [email protected]

Describe the parts of his email address

 hopem: is the user name

 @: the separator between the user name and domain name
 mutocorporation: is the domain name
 Dot(.): this separates the domain name from the domain
 type
Com: this identifies the category of the domain in this case
commercial

ADVANTAGES OF E-MAILS IN BUSINESS

 It offers a speedy communication to business clients

 It is reliable compared to other forms of communication

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

 One can communicate to multiple people at the same time using

the mail merge feature.

ADVANTAGES OF USING EMAIL SOFTWARE OVER THE POSTAL SYSTEM.

 The message sent is usually instant

 Email is more secure since there may be no intermediate persons
 It is possible to send the message content to multiple people. E.g.
using the mail merge feature.
 It is convenient to as one can access it from anywhere at any
time.
 A person can access a variety of information cheaply such as audio,
text, graphics and video as attachments.
 It takes less time to compose and send the message.

DISAVANTAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF EMAILS AS A COMMUNICATION METHOD

 The Email system is not possible without an internet connection

 The Email sent with attachments is susceptible to virus and worm
infection
 The Email system does not favor illiterates
 It only accommodates Intangible data(soft copy)
 It is expensive to setup an internet connection for sending emails.

60
ADVANTAGES OF USING MOBILE PHONES FOR INTERNET ACCESS

 They are portable, thus can be used from anywhere

 They are readily available
 They are cheaper to users
 Immediate contact is available
 They offer faster connections
 They save time which would be wasted in crowded internet cafes.

DISADVANTAGES OF USING MOBILE PHONES FOR INTERNET ACCESS

 They can easily be lost

 They have limited display of content
 Large volumes of data may not be downloaded
 Some phones cannot browse certain websites
 Better internet connections may be limited to advanced phones such
as smart phones

POPULAR TYPES OF E-COMMERCE CARRIED OVER THE INTERNET

i. Online shopping:
Customers can view, select, order and pay for their merchandize online. Customers can
use Electronic fund transfer method or E-money to pay goods and services.
ii. Online advertisement:

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

Advertisers pay for the search service and customers can be targeted for specific types
of Ads on the basics of their search results.
iii. Online banking:
This involves the Electronic transfer of funds using credit card applications

SOME MOBILE NETWORK ACRONYMS

i.
GSM
Global System for Mobiles
ii. GPRS
General Packet Radio Service

SOME INPUT/OUTPUT DEVICES NEEDED FOR VIDEO CONFERENCING

 Webcam
 Microphone
 Speaker

61
DOMAIN NAME

This is a unique name that denotes a company, an organization, society or group on the internet.

TYPES OF DOMAIN NAMES

i.
Com
Commercial business e.g. www.microsoft.com or www.mountofolivescollege.sc.ug
ii. Org
Nonprofit Organization e.g. www.ngo.org
iii. Edu
Education e.g. www.ncsu.edu or www.duke.edu
iv. Net
Networking organization e.g. www.earthlink.net
v. Gov
Government agency e.g. www.epa.gove or www.whitehouse.gov
vi. Mil
Military e.g. www.army.mil or www.navy.mil

EXAMPLES OF TOP LEVEL DOMAIN NAMES

 .com
 .org
 .net
 .gov
 .edu

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

 .mil

WORLD WIDE WEB (WWW)

This is an internationally complex system of servers or web servers that communicate with each other
over the internet with client machines running browser software.

TERMS RELATED TO WORLD WIDE WEB

i. Web
browser
This is an application software or program designed to enable users access, retrieve, view
documents and other resources on the internet. E.g. Internet Explorer, Mozilla fire fox, Google
chrome, Opera, Netscape, etc

ii. Search engines

These are programs that enable users to search for documents and other resources on the
62
 World Wide Web. E.g. Google, Yahoo search, Dog pile, Bing, etc
iii. Web
server
This is a computer that satisfies users requests for web pages.
iv. Web
master
This is a person who creates, maintains and manages a website often for a business,
organization or company.
v. Home
page
This is the starting page or table of contents for a website. OR Home page is the first page of
a web site.

WEB BROWSERS

A web browser is a application software or program that enable users to access, retrieve,
view documents and other resources on the internet.

COMMON EXAMPLES OF WEB BROWSERS

 Google chrome
 Mozilla fire fox
 Internet explorer
 Opera
 Netscape
 Mosaic
 Lobo
 Kmeleon
 Safari
 Sea Monkey
 Abaco
 Camino
 Epiphany

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

 Flock

FEATURES OF A WEB BROWSER

 The display area for displaying a webpage

 Navigation tools for moving back and forward in a site
 The refresh button for reloading a webpage
 A combo box for entering the URL address
 A button for terminating the process of loading a web page
 A button for taking a surfer to the default homepage for the
browser

63
WEBSITES AND WEB PAGES

A website is a collection of related web pages

While

A web page is a file (document) that can be accessed and read over the World Wide Web.

TYPES OF WEBSITES

 Online Social Networking websites

These are websites that build online communities who want to interact with other people
socially or meet people to share their interests e.g. My space, Google+, twitter, facebook,
whatsapp,
etc.
 Information websites
These are websites that enable information or resource sharing over the web e.g. Wikipedia.org
 E-commerce websites
These are dynamic websites that carry out business transactions electronically over the internet.
E.g. business.com, google business, Alibaba.com
 Internet blog
These are sites generally used to post online diaries, journals which may also include
discussion forums. Eg. Xanga, blogger, Usually a blog owner will logon daily or whenever
necessary post anything.
 A wiki
This is a website that allows its users to add, edit its contents via a web browser using a
richtext editor or markup language.

MAIN ACTIVITIES THAT CAN BE CARRIED OUT ON AN ACTIVE WEB PAGE

 Select an item

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

 Navigate through the web page

 View the content on the web page
 Print the page
 Follow links to other pages
 Download items that are downloadable on the page
 Copy items from the webpage
 Refresh the page

64
TERMS USED IN THE WORL WIDE WEB

 Surfer
This is a person who spends time exploring the world wide web.
 Web portal
This is a website that provides specialized services such as email, searching, news updates
financial updates, weather and links to selected websites.

 Browsing
This is the process of navigating through web pages and websites over the internet.
 Newsgroups
These are organized groups of internet users sharing ideas and interests.
 VoIP
VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) refers to the communication protocols, technologies,
methodologies and transmission techniques involved in the delivery of voice communications
and multimedia sessions over the internet protocol network (IP)
Or
VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is a method for taking analog audio signals and turning
them into digital data that can be transmitted over the internet.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

This refers to a string of characters that specify the address of a web page.

MAIN PARTS OF THE URL

There are three main parts of the URL and these include;

 Protocol
 Web server’s domain name
 File name

Example. http://www.mutocorperation.com/systemsecurity.pdf

Protocol Web server domain name File name

Distinguish between a Hyperlink and a Hypertext

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

 A hyperlink is a string of clickable text or graphics that points

to another Webpage or document
While
 A hypertext is a web page that has hyperlinks to other web
pages

65
Study the URL below and answer the questions that follow:

http://www.muto.org/countries/uganda

(a) Explain the various parts of the URL

 http (hyper text transfer protocol) defines the protocol or scheme
by which to access the web page

 www.mock.org identifies the domain name of the computer

(server)
where the webpage resides. In this case the server is located at MOCK

 Countries represents the path of the URL
 Uganda is the document name that is currently opened
(b) What is the top level domain in this URL
 Org (Organization)

MULTIMEDIA SITES

These are websites for entertainment and news mainly containing videos, music, radio broadcasts, Live
TV

EXAMPLES OF MULTIMEDIA SITES

 You Tube
 Tube mate
 Fan fridge
 Free Book search
 FindSounds
 Meta Café
 Musgle

Write these acronyms in full

 PDAs
Portable Digital Assistants
 HTML
Hyper Text Markup Language
 IBM
International Business Machine
 Wi-Fi
Wireless Fidelity
 ATA

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

Analog Telephone Adapters

66
INTERNET TELEPHONY

This refers to a broad range of services over the internet such as transmitting voice, video and even fax
that were traditionally performed over the telephone line.

OR

Internet telephony also known as VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) refers to the communication
protocols, technologies, methodologies and transmission techniques involved in the delivery of voice
communications and multimedia sessions over the internet protocol network (IP).

WAYS HOW INTERNET TELEPHONY CAN BE USED

 PC to PC
Users can connect to anyone else using the same program for real time video chatting over an
existing internet connection.
 PC to Phone
Some programs such as Skype allow a computer user to dial an actual phone number, so that
one user is using their computer microphone and the other user is using telephone.
 PC to fax
Internet telephony can be used to send fax transmissions to a physical fax machine.
 Phone to Phone services
This is where a user needs to purchase a device (such as Casio PAP2T) and plug it into an
internet router, thus allowing any phone to be plugged into it.
 Mobile phone to PC or Phone
Skype provides free applications for smart phones to enable Skype users to make free phone
calls or at a small fee.

The emerging usage of the ICTs has seen the Electronic form of payment (e-payment)
used by most service sectors and organizations. Mention any three companies/
government entities in Uganda using e-payment system.

 UMEME
 Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)-e-tax
 Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA)
 National Water and Sewerage Cooperation

State any four advantages of using the e-payment method rather than the traditional
way of money payment.

 It is fast and more reliable

 Money paid is in safe custody
 It eliminates issues of fraud since there is no cash payment in the
organization

67
SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

 It also eliminates issues of forgery and bribery.

TECHNOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PEOPLE WHO USE INTERNET TELEPHONY SUCH

AS SKYPE.

 Pentium – use a class PC with standard sound card having

microphone input jack and headphone/ speaker output jack.
 An internet connection of high speed.
 Internet telephone software such as Microsoft Net Meetings
 A microphone to pick up your voice
 A speaker for hearing the person you are calling
 PC headset
 PC camera / Webcam

PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT INTERNET TELEPHONY

 Skype
 Yahoo messenger
 AOL instant messenger
 Whatsapp
 Palm Chat. etc

SERVICES OFFERED BY INTERNET TELEPHONY

 Voice (VoIP)
 Video e.g. Video phone calls
 Transmitting fax

ADVANTAGES OF USING INTERNET TELEPHONY OVER THE TRADITIONAL

CONVENTIONAL WAY

 Low cost
Some internet telephony companies allow free PC to PC calls for its software users. PC to
phone connections are cheaper than traditional phone calls.
 Support conference calling
Some Internet telephony companies offer a conference calling features as part of the
service package for no additional fee
 Portability
Internet telephony services work anywhere thus the user finds available broadband access.
 Support video
Internet telephony features has the ability to enable users to transmit and watch video, thus
one with a laptop and internet connection can use internet telephony from anywhere.
 Area Code
A subscriber to VoIP/ internet telephony service is able to assign any area code to his
phone number for incoming calls.
68
SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

 Internet telephony provides free features such as caller ID, call

waiting, call forwarding unlike with traditional phone lines.

DISADVANTAGES OF USING INTERNET TELEPHONY OVER THE

TRADITIONAL CONVENTIONAL WAY

 Poor broadband connection makes internet telephony unreliable.

 Internet telephony may suffer from problems like dropped calls
and audio distortion due to network problems.
 Older computers with slower processors and limited RAM may
not
support internet telephony calls.
 It has limited emergency call support. Emergency services cannot
trace internet telephony calls since the calls do not originate at a physical location.
 Internet telephony may give poor sound quality compared with
analog phone lines.
 Electricity: If power goes out or if the laptop battery runs low, it
may take with an internet connection, thus no internet telephony.
 Compatibility issues: Some VoIP may have compatibility issues with
hardware devices such as conventional modems that may need to dial out an outgoing
number. Some of there devices may be set up for voice and not data.

TELECOMMUTING

This is a work arrangement in which an employee works at a location that is remote from the
actual business facility at which he is employed.

TECHNOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS SUPPORTING TELECOMMUTING.

 Teleconferencing
 Video conferencing
 Internet telephony
 Mobile telecommunication technology

Telecommuting is a work arrangement in which an employee works at a location that is

remote from the actual business facility at which he is employed.

Mention three employees concerns about telecommuting.

 It can negatively affect a person’s career

There is a decrease in productivity (poor performance) due to a lack of supervision. Also the
employee is less likely to get promoted since he hasn’t consistently seen and appraised.
 Worry of technological issues involved
Such worries such as hardware failures, poor internet connection and failure to trouble shoot.
 Social isolation
69
 An employee may miss out on the physical interaction with co-workers due to work at
remote area.

 Missing out on important issues at actual company

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

Telecommuters may miss out on information sharing and new corporate strategy and at
high projects at their companies.

 Co-worker jealousy
Other employees miss out on telecommuting may imagine that one who telecommutes
receives more privileges thus jealousy may come up.

BENEFITS OF TELECOMMUTING TO A COMPANY

 Telecommuting insures continuity of operation in the event of

a disaster.
 It is more environment friendly (greener approach to work).
There is a reduction to office energy consumption since few hardware devices will be
using energy.
 It is cost efficient/ saving
Companies may save on costs of transport, fuel, food on their employees.
 Increase productivity of employees
Telecommuting removes office distractions and allows employees to concentrate on their duties.
 Telecommuting equalizes personalities and reduces potential for
discrimination.
This ensures that people are judged by what they do and not their looks.
 It increases collaboration
Once telework technology is in place, employees and contractors can work together
without regard to logistics. This increases collaboration options.
 Telecommuting reduces staffing redundancy and offers scale up and
scale down options.
The need to over staff just in case is greatly reduced.
 Enables companies to retain key employees.
Losing a valuable employee can cost an employer millions of shillings
 Saving space
Telecommuting ensures that the company saves a lot an office space and utility (heating,
air conditioning, water, and sewer)

70
SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

CHAPTER
SIX
DATA COMMUNICATION
& NETWORKING
 Introduction to the data communication
 Elements of data communication
 Transmission media
 Networking
INTRODUCTION TO DATA COMMUNICATION

This refers to the high speed data exchange between computers and or other electronic devices
via network media such as cables or wireless.

ELEMENTS OF DATA COMMUNICATION

1. Sender:
This refers to a device that initiates an instruction to transmit data and instructions e.g. a
source computer.
2. Receiver:
This is a device that accepts the data signals from the source device.
3. Transmission medium:
This is a communication channel or path over which the data signals are sent e.g. Cables or
wireless.
4. Protocol:

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

This is set of rules and procedures for exchanging information among computer devices on
a network. E.g. Ethernet, TCP/IP.
5. Messages:
The data/content/information to be relayed or transmitted over a transmission medium.
71
 6. Communication device/ signal converter:
Is a device that converts data or instructions from the sending device into signals that can
be carried out by a transmission medium to a receiver.

DATA COMMUNICATION TOOLS

These are tools that enable you to emulate and test networks.

FEATURES THAT DIFFERENTIATE MANUAL FROM ELECTRONIC DATA COMMUNICATION

Manual data communication Electronic data communication

Does not require subscription or Requires some form of subscription

payment for usage in communication or payment for the service

They are cheap to maintain Are costly to maintain especially

when servicing of hardware.

The range of communication is The range of communication is quite

limited to a gathering especially in wide, globally using tools such as
ceremonial settings such as rituals Emails, mobile phones, IMs

Usually involve messengers or Usually involve use of internet

couriers e.g. Postal services, Office facility such as email, IMs
messengers

SERVICES OFFERED BY DATA COMMUNICATION

1. Email
This is a method of exchanging digital messages from the author to one or more
recipients across a computer network or the internet.
2. Skype
This is a service that allows users to communicate with peers by voice using a microphone or
by video using a webcam and instant messaging using internet.
3. Instant messaging (IM)
This is a set of communication technologies used for text based messaging between two
or more participants over the internet or other types of networks.
4. News groups
These are forums or discussion groups usually within the Usenet system for messages
posted from many users in different locations.

TERMS USED IN DATA COMMUNICATION

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

1. Bandwidth
This is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted by a communication medium in
a fixed amount of time.
72
 2. Network topology
This is the physical or logical arrangement / organization of computers, communication
media and other peripherals to facilitate data flow in a network.
3. Duplex
This refers to a transmission of data signals in both directions simultaneously.
4. Simplex
This is transmission of signals in only one direction.
5. Half duplex
This is where transmission of signals is possible in both directions but one direction at a time.

TRANSMISSION MEDIA

There are two types of transmission media

namely;

 Physical transmission media:

Physical transmission media provides a physical path usually restricted along which signals are
relayed e.g. cables
 Wireless transmission media:
Wireless transmission media transmits data signals from one point to another without
using physical connections.

FEATURES TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A COMMUNICATION/ TRANSMISSION MEDIA

 The speed of data transmission

 The cost of media
 Installation costs
 Data security
 Country/ company policy
 Availability in the market
 Size of the network

TRANSMISSION MEDIA IN DATA TRANSMISSION

 Twisted pair cables

 Coaxial cables
 Optical fibers

ADVANTAGES OF OPTICAL FIBRE IN DATA TRANSMISSION

 It has greater capacity in terms of bandwidth. Thus hundreds of GBps over tens of kilometers
have been demonstrated.
 Are highly secure, as they are resistant to tapping, eaves dropping.
 Enable faster data transmission since they use light to transmit data,
 They are immune to electromagnetic and electrical interference which bring about noise.
 It is cheap when transmitting for longer distances.
 Has lower attenuation which is constant over a wide range.
 They are smaller in size and lighter in weight hence offering an easier way to use along public
ways and reducing structural support requirements.
73
Distinguish between Digital and analog data

 Digital / Discrete data is data that is encoded / represented as distinct

values usually in form of zero’s and one’s
While
 Analog / Continuous data is data encoded according to a continuous physical parameter
such as height, amplitude of a waveform.

CAUSES OF DEGRADATION OF SIGNALS DURING DATA TRANSMISSION

 Presence of noise (unwanted signals)

 Interference from other signals
 Poor weather / environmental conditions which leads to signals to travel lesser distance
 Faulty or poor quality hardware equipments
 Distortion due to change of shape of signal which may be caused by attenuation.

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY

Define the term wireless technology?

Wireless technology is a kind of data signal transmission from one point to another without
using physical connections.

EXAMPLES OF WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES USED IN DATA TRANSMISSION

 Microwaves
 Infrared
 Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)
 Blue tooth
 Satellite (broadcasting) communication

ADVANTAGES OF USING A WIRELESS TECHNOLGY COMPARED TO OTHER

TRADITIONAL TECHNOLOGIES.
 It is a cheaper deployment of a Local Area Networks (LANs)
 It is faster to setup as it does not have many connections to be made.
 Enables expandability. Adding new devices/ computers to the network is easy.
 Mobility. It can be used in remote locations provided there is network coverage.
LIMITATIONS WITH THE USE OF WIRELESS FIDERLITY (Wi-Fi) AS A
COMMUNICATION MEDIUM,

. Wi-Fi networks have a limited range making it difficult to communicate with distant devices.
 Wi-Fi has a high power consumption compared to other standards such Bluetooth. This
makes the battery life in Wi-Fi mobile devices a concern.
 Mobile use of Wi-Fi over wide ranges is limited, for instance in automobile moving
from one hotspot to another.
 Wi-Fi is less secure than wired connections (Ethernet) since the intruder does not need physical
connection. Unencrypted internet access can easily be detected by intruders.
 Wi-Fi possess a high data security risk especially for open wireless access to a LAN (un
encrypted Wi-Fi networks)
74
  There is always interference. Wi-Fi connections can be disrupted or
the internet speed lowered by having other devices in the same devices. There is Wi-Fi
pollution due to the excessive number of access points in the same area which can lead to
interference/ overlapping of signals.

Distinguish between Baseband and Broadband transmission of signals in data

communication.
 Baseband transmission is where only one signal can be sent at a time since it utilizes the full
capacity of the transmission medium.
While
 Broadband transmission is where several signals can be sent simultaneously over the
same transmission medium but at different frequencies.
 Baseband is digital signal while Broadband is analog signals.

DATA TRANSMISSION TECHNIQUES

1. Blue tooth
This is a technology standard of exchanging data over shot distances using shot wavelength
radio transmission over mobile devices.
2. Satellite
This is a broadcasting transmission in effect from a microwave relay station where two or
more ground based microwave transmitters/ receivers are linked together
3. Wi-Fi
This is a popular technology that allows an electronic device to exchange data wirelessly (using
radio waves) over a computer network, including high speed internet connection.
4. Infrared
This is a technology standard of electromagnetic radiation used for data transfer in
industrial, scientific and medical applications.
5. Microwaves
This is a technology of radio waves which is extensively used for point to
point telecommunication
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING MOBILE PHONES

The advantages out way disadvantages of using Mobile phones as a communication

medium compared to the traditional way of communication. Mention three advantages
and two disadvantages of using mobile phones.

Advantages

 The message can be received instantly

 Mobile phones are faster in communication
 They offer at most privacy during communication
 They favor both literates and illiterates
 They can be used from anywhere as long as there is reception of network signals
 Most mobile phones provide a variety of services e.g. Internet connectivity, games, radio, TV
and teleconferencing, etc

Disadvantages
75
  They are expensive in terms of usage and maintenance
 Can easily be stolen
 When they develop mechanical faults, they ruin communication
 They cannot be used in areas where there is no network coverage
 Sometimes they are susceptible to tapping or eaves dropping by security agencies of the
government hence depriving privacy of an individual.
 Over exposure to radiation from these phones leads to health problems.

APPLICATIONS OF DATA TRANSMISSION TECHNIQUES

1. Twisted pair cables

 It is used within buildings for LANs supporting personal computers.
 It is the most commonly used medium for digital signaling e.g. for connections to a
digital switch.
 It is the most commonly used medium in wired telecommunication networks and is
the workhorse for communication within buildings
2. Satellite
 They are used in television distribution e.g. for broad cast feeds to and from
television networks and local affiliate stations; in video conferencing; in distance
learning by universities and schools.
 In long distance telephone transmission.
 In private business network e.g. when transmitting a program from a central location
to the satellite, to local stations then to individuals.
 For radio audio services in instances where listeners roam a continent listening to
the same audio programming anywhere.
 For Internet access in remote areas that cannot access broadband connection.
 Communication satellites are used for military communication applications, such as
Global Command and Control systems
3. Blue tooth
 For wireless control of and communication between a mobile phone and a hands free
headset.
 Wireless networking between PCs in a confined space and where little band width is
required.
 Personal security application on mobile phones for prevention of theft or loss of items
 For wireless control of and communication between a mobile phone and a blue tooth
compatibility car radio stereo system.
 For wireless communication with PC input and output devices such as keyboard, mouse,
printer, etc.
 For sending small advertisements from Bluetooth enabled advertising hoardings to other
discoverable Bluetooth devices.
 For dial up internet access on personal computers or PDAs using a data capable mobile
phone as a wireless modem.
 Allowing a DECT phone to ring and answer calls on behalf of nearby mobile phone.
4. Wi-Fi
 Used in personal computers to connect a network resources such as the internet via a
wireless network access point.

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  Used in Video game consoles to connect a network resource.
 Used in digital audio player to connect a network resource.

5. Microwaves
 They are used in broadcasting and telecommunication transmissions such as televisions
broadcasts, in Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) such as WiMAX.
 In Radars(found in air traffic control, whether forecasting, navigation of ships and
speed limit enforcement) when detecting the range, speed and other characteristics of
remote objects.
 They are used in Radio astronomy e.g. when determining the distance to the moon or
mapping the invisible surface of Venus through cloud cover,
 They are used in navigation such as the Global Position System(GPS)
 They are used in micro ovens during the heating process in industrial process
(drying and curing of products)
 They are used to transmit power over long distances e.g. in Solar power satellite with
systems with large solar arrays that would beam power down to the earth’s surface
via microwaves

TOPIC:
COMPUTER NETWORK
This is a collection of computers and other hardware devices linked together using a
communication media for purpose of communication and resource sharing.

IMPORTANCES OF A COMPUTER NETWORK

Mount of Olives College Kakiri is considering to set up a computer network in its

premises. They have contracted an IT professional for advices on this task.

Briefly mention any five purposes of computer networking

 To enable resource sharing like printers, storage devices, modems, application programs, data,
etc
 To enable remote communication between devices using services such as Emails, chat rooms,
instant messaging, teleconferencing, etc
 To enable distributed processing facilities e.g. data can be processed from many terminals and
then stored on a common server.
 To enable data security and management. A network administrator can easily monitor and
manage a company’s sensitive data with high security.
 To ensure cost effectiveness and reliability in an organization.
 Reduces chances of data loss in an organization.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SETTING A COMPUTER NETWORK

State five factors an IT professional considers before setting a computer network

for an organization.

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  Cost of installation. An organization hast to choose a network basing on cost effectiveness and
within their budget.
 Number of computers and other hardware devices to be connected.
 The communication medium to be used such as cabling system or wireless technology.
 The architecture of the building to be used.
 The number of users to access the network. A bigger number of users require a large network.
 The bandwidth to be used on the network. This will determine the speed of the network.
 Expansion of the network. The future expansion of a network will depend on the topology
used i.e. a star topology easily enables future expansion
 The technicalities involved in setting the network.
 The safety provisions of the network.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS OF SETTING UP A COMPUER NETWORK

 Clients/ workstations
 Server
 Transmission media (either physical or wireless)
 Network interface card (NIC)
 Router/ bridges/ gateways
 Protocols
 Network software like Networking Operating System.

LIMITATIONS OF COMPUTER NETWORKING

 Costly and Complicated: It is expensive to install cables and other network devices, and also to
maintain the network.
 Unreliability/ Downtime: A fault in the network server, switches, routers can prevent the
whole network from working.
 Security concerns: Networks are prone to hackers and crackers.
 Harmful content: The internet is full of harmful/ inappropriate content such as porn. The
internet may also expose one to scams.
 Virus issue: Computer networks are prone to virus attacks which may eventually spread and
corrupt the data.

USES OF LAN TO A SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

 It acts as an Access point to the internet with installation of a gateway.

 For monitoring of computer users
 For communication among users
 To enable resource sharing like printers, storage devices, modems application programs, data,
etc among others.

NETWORK DEVICES

1. Terminal
This is the work station/ client/ computer from where data is sent or received
2. Server
 This is the main computer that facilitates data communication

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  It is the computer running software that enables it to serve specific requests from
other computers/ clients
3. Transmission media
This is a communication channel or path over which data signals are sent from source
to destination. This can either be physical or wireless

4. Network Interface Card (NIC)/ Network Adapter

It is a piece of computer hardware designed to allow computers to physically access
a networking medium.
5. A switch
 This is a multipurpose device which gets input signals in one port and sends the
output signals to many of its other ports.
 It is a device that forwards and filters chunks of data communication between
ports based on MAC addresses in the packets.

Distinguish between Peer to Peer and Client server models in computer networks.

A Peer to Peer network model allows any user to share files and other resources with any other
user and does not require a central dedicated server computer. In this model each computer acts
as a server and a client.

While

In a server client network model environment, files are stored on a centralized high speed file server
PC that is made available to client PCs. All other networking devices such as printers and internet
connections are routed through the server.

Mention five advantages of a client server model over Peer to Peer client model network.

 Centralization: Resources and data security are controlled through the server.
 Scalability: Any or all other elements can be replaced individually as the needs increase.
 Flexibility: New technologies can easily be integrated into the system.
 Interoperability: All components (client, servers & network) work together.
 Accessibility: Servers can be accessed remotely and across multiple platforms.

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

This is a network used to interconnect many computers within a given local area, usually
in premises of a single organization building such as a school. A very high speed data
transmission can be attained within a limited geographical area.
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
This refers to the interconnection within geographical limits of a city or town. MAN may be
owned by a single company that has many other branches across a metropolitan area each
having its own LAN. The use of WIMAX.
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
This is a network used to interconnect a number of widely dispersed computers in various
cities of a country or different countries. These networks usually have telephone lines,

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 underground
coaxial cables, and satellite and microwave communication. WAN usually consist of many LANs
and MANs connected together to form a large network.
4. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
This is a kind of local area network that uses non-physical network connection to
communicate to nodes. Usually this does not involve use of cabling medium for data
transmission.
5. Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)
This is a popular technology that allows an electronic device to exchange data wirelessly (using
radio waves) over a computer network, including high speed internet connection.

Give four reasons why WLAN would be preferred to a cabled LAN.

 It is a cheaper development of a Local Area Network (LANs)

 It is faster to setup as it does not have many connections to be made.
 Enables Expandability: Adding new devices/ computers to the network is easy.
 Mobility: It can be used in remote locations provided there is network coverage.

Give three reasons why the school should not use blue tooth technology to create a
network.

 Blue tooth technology is limited to only a few devices.

 It cannot support higher band width applications.
 It has a limited range / area of reach.

NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

A network topology is the layout in which computers are arranged for communication with
other devices.

MAJOR TYPES OF NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

1. STAR TOPOLOGY
In this topology all devices/ nodes are connected to a central hub. Nodes communicate
across the network by passing data through the hub. The hub does the broadcasting to other
nodes.

ADVANTAGES OF STAR TOPOLOGY

 Easy to install and wire.
 No disruption to the network when connecting and removing devices.
 Easy to detect faults in the network and to remove parts.

DISADVANGES OF STAR TOPOLOGY

 Requires more cable length than in bus topology.
 If the hub, switch, or connector fails, nodes or computer devices attached are disabled.
 More expensive than bus topology because of the high costs of a hub, switch etc
2. BUS/ LINEAR TOPOLOGY
All devices are connected to a central cable called the bus (backbone). In this topology,

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 only one device can send data at a time.

ADVANTAGES OF BUS TOPOLOGY

 Easy to connect computers and peripheral devices to a linear bus
 Requires less cable length than a star topology.

DISADVANTAGES OF BUS TOPOLOGY

 The entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.
 Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.
 Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.
 It is not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building.

3. RING TOPOLOGY
In this topology, all devices and computers are connected to one another in a circle. Each
station/ node is responsible for regenerating and retransmitting signals across the network to
its neighbours.

ADVANTAGES OF RING TOPOLOGY

 Transmission of data is fairly simple as it only travels in one direction.
 No data collision.
 Easy to expand the ring topology network.

DISADVANTES OF RING TOPOLOGY

 The network fails to work if a single computer device is disconnected.
 If the cable connecting devices breaks, the network fails to work.
 Data must pass through a computer until it reaches its destination. This can make slower
than other networks.
 If there is any problem in the network, there is difficult to identify the cause.

4. TREE TOPOLOGY

This topology consists characteristics of bus and star topology. It consists of star-configured
work stations connected to a linear bus backbone cable. It allows the expansion of an
existing network.

ADVANTAGES OF TREE TOPOLOGY

 Enables point-to-point wiring for individual segments.

 Its supported by several hardware and software venders.

DISADVANTAGES OF TREE TOPOLOGY

 Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used.

 If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.

 More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

INFRARED

This is a technology standard of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than those of

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visible spectrum used for data transfer in industrial, scientific and medical applications.
APPLICATIONS OF INFRARED
 They are used in night vision, using infrared illuminations to observe people and
animations without being detected.
 Are used in Astronomy by using sensor equipped telescopes to penetrate dusty regions of
space; to detect objects such as planets.
 Infrared imaging cameras are used to detect heat loss in insulated systems, observing changing
blood flow in the skin, etc.
 Infrared imaging is used extensively for military and civilian purposes such as target
acquisition, surveillance, night vision, environment monitoring, etc
 Whether forecasting

Describe these classifications of Network software

1. Network Operating system

This operating system is specifically designed to optimize the networked computers ability
to respond to service requests.
2. Network Protocols
This is a set of rules and procedures for exchanging information among computer devices on
a network. They define how the transmission channel is established, how information is
transmitted and how errors are detected & corrected.

Distinguish between Logical and Physical Topology, give an example of each.

Logical topology deals with the way data flows on one device to another on a network e.g.
Ethernet, token Ring.
While
Physical topology refers to the physical layout or arrangement of computers on a network e.g.
Star, bus, ring, tree and mesh topology.

NETWORKING OPERATING SYSTEM

This is the operating system specifically designed to optimize the networked computers ability
to respond to service requests.

EXAMPLES OF NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEMS

 UNIX/ Linux
 Macintosh Operating System (Mac OS)
 Novell Netware
 Cisco Internetwork Operating System
 Microsoft windows server

FUNCTIONS OF NETWORKING OPERATING SYSTEMS

 It responds to requests from application programs running on the network.
 It helps to implement network security features
 It enables various processes on the network to communicate with each other.
 It provides access to network resources such as printers, files and modems.
 Supports network services like network card drivers and protocols.

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 State true or false for each of these networking concepts

WAN is faster than LAN in data

communication False
Infrared can be used in military lasers True
Twisted pair cables are more expensive
than optical fiber cables False
WIMAX technology is used in MANs True
Ethernet and token ring are examples of
physical topology False

Mention one function of the following networking devices

1. Router
This is a device that connects multiple computers to a single Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
for internet access.
2. Bridge
This reduces the amount of traffic on a LAN by dividing it into segments and address filtering.
3. Gateway
This is network device that allows access from one network to another e.g. from one LAN
to another WAN.
4. Repeater
This is a device that receives a data signal from one point of a network, then amplifies it
and then retransmits it to other parts of the network.
5. Network software
This is software that is designed to help set up, manage and monitor computer networks.

Coaxial cables are the most commonly used networking cable medium sometimes
in the absence of twisted cables.

ADVANTAGES OF COAXIAL CABLES AS A TRANSMISSION MEDIUM

 They are more suitable mediums for faster data transfer

 They are more stable under high network traffic
 They are immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI)
 It is more efficient at carrying many analog signals at high frequencies

DISADVANTAGES OF COAXIAL CABLES AS A TRANSMISSION MEDIUM

 They are very expensive for long distance data transmission.

 They are not suitable for long transmission due to high attenuation
 They are susceptible to tapping and eaves dropping.

Distinguish between a Hub and switch.

A Hub broadcasts the packets to all computers on the network

While

A switch forwards data packets directly to the address node using the point to point method.

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 CHAPTER SEVEN
COMPUTER SECURITY, ICT ETHICAL ISSUES
& EMMERGING TECHNOLOGY
 Computer Security
 Privacy and ethical issues
 Emerging Technologies
 ICT industry
COMPUTER SECURITY
Computer security refers to all processes and mechanisms by which Computer-based equipment,
information and services are protected from unintended or unauthorized access, change or
destruction.

FORMS OF COMPUTER SECURITY

There are two basic forms of computer security and these namely;

1. Data security
This is a means of protecting a database from destructive forces or unauthorized users.
Data security can be in form of backup, data masking, disk encryption.
2. Physical security
This is the protection of personnel, hardware, programs, networks and data from physical
circumstances and events leading to serious losses or damage to an organization. This security
can be in form of use of Fire extinguishers, use of sensors and CCTV to guard against intrusion
by burglars.

Describe the meaning of “Hardware Security Threats”

This is a situation where a person can maliciously, forcefully gain access to hardware with intent
to steal or destroy data saved on them.
SOME POSSIBLE THREATS TO DATA SECURITY

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  Computer viruses
 Hacking
 Cracking
 Phishing
 Fraud
 Eaves dropping
 Sabotage
 Surveillance
USED IN COMPUTER SECURITY

1. Hacking
This is the act of breaking into a computer system to gain unauthorized access. This may
also involve defeating security capabilities, use of unauthorized revelation of passwords.
2. Denial of service Attack
This is an attempt to make a machine or network resources unavailable to its intended users.
It may also involve efforts of one or more people to temporarily or indefinitely interrupt or
suspend services of a host connected to the internet such as those of banks, credit card
payments gateways.
3. Spam
This is the unsolicited sending of bulk email to users of internet such as email accounts
4. Data masking
This is the process of obscuring or masking of specific data within a data base table or cell to
ensure that data security is maintained and sensitive information is not exposed to
unauthorized personnel.
5. Data erasure
This is a method of software based overwriting that completely destroys all electronic data
residing on a hard drive or other digital media to ensure that no sensitive data os leaked
when an asset is retired or reused.

Natural disasters can cause loss of data

WAYS OF ENSURING THAT DATA AND PROGRAMS ARE NOT LOST IN CASE OF A DISASTER.

 Make a backup; this is the making a duplicate (copy) of the data

 Store data/ information in a network
 Store data to areas which are not prone to natural disasters.
 Build information systems with structures that can withstand natural disasters

WAYS OF RECOVERING DATA LOSS THROUGH ACCIDENTIAL ERASURE

 Make use of backups

 Use the data recovery utility
 Recover the lost data through the recycle bin, restore it
 Use the Undo command to reverse the deleted action

SOME OF THE INTERNET/ NETWORK ATTACKS

 Hardware security mechanisms:Is a situation where a person can maliciously, forcefully

gain access to hardware with intent to steal or destroy data saved on them.
 Denial of service attack:This is a mechanisms mostly by hackers meant to disrupt data
flow and communication between machines, making system resources unavailable.
 Sniffing:This is the act of intercepting TCP/IP packets while getting transferred on a network.
 Virus and worms: These attacks have the ability to destroy data and also replicate
themselves in programs and files.
 Trojan horses: These are useful tools by hackers to try and break into a private network.
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 Hackers usually attach these Trojan horses to files which triggers viruses.

WAYS OF PROTECTING AGAINST EACH OF THE ABOVE NETWORK/ INTERNET ATTACKS

 We can protect against Hardware security threats by use of a locking mechanism for desktop
or use of chain mechanisms for laptops
 We can protect against Denial of service attacks by use of fire walls
 Sniffing can be protected against by use of fire walls
 Virus and worms can be protected against by use of Genuine Antivirus software.

COMPUTER VIRUSES What is a computer Virus?

This is a piece of malicious software designed to infect a computer system.

OR

This is a mini program that duplicates itself and attaches its replica to other programs and documents.

TYPES OF COMPUTER VIRUSES

1. Trajan horse:
These are malicious programs that enter a system or network under the disguise of
another program.
2. Stealth virus:
This is a virus type that disguises itself by redirecting commands around itself to
avoid detection.
3. Computer worm:
This is a malicious programs that auto replicates or is capable of multiplying itself there by
using up all the available memory space.
4. Polymorphic virus:
This is a kind of virus which changes form/ hides from the antivirus software or it will
encrypt itself to avoid detection.
5. Retro virus:
This kind of virus directly attacks or bypasses the antivirus software installed on the computer.
6. Time bomb:
This is a time of a virus that lies dormant until a certain date or time or for a period of time
and cause harm to the computer system when triggered.
OR
This is a malicious program that is programmed to detonate at a specific time and release
a virus into the computer system or network.
7. Logic Bomb:
This is a malicious software that is triggered with time

WAYS THROUGH WHICH COMPUTER VIRUSES ARE SPRAED

 By use of a removable storage device such as flash disk, memory card which Hs been
contaminated.
 Through an email attachment.
 Through downloading content on the internet from un trusted sites/ sources.
 As part of another program
 From pirated software (Demo/ trial version software i.e. software without a product key/
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 license key)
 Through infected proprietary software

SYMPTOMS OF VIRUS INFECTION IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM

 Programs on your computer system start to load slower.
 They computer system mysteriously shuts itself down or starts itself up and there is a great
deal of unanticipated disk activity.
 You mysteriously loose access to a disk drive or other system resources because the virus has
changed the setting on the device to make it un-useable.
 Your system suddenly does not reboot or give you unexpected error messages during start up.
 Program sizes change from the installed versions
 Unusual files appear on your hard drive or files start to disappear from your system.
 Your web browser, word processing application or other software begins to exhibit
unusual operating characteristics. Screens or menus may change.

In any country, security agencies usually employee the mechanisms of Trapping and
Eaves dropping in case of tracking down crime.

Distinguish between the terms Eaves dropping and Tapping.

Eavesdropping is the act of secretly listening to the private conversation of others without
their consent.
While

Tapping involves acquiring data by redirecting a communication between two entities.

CRIMES ASSOCIATED WITH CYBER TERRORISM

 Online black mail

 Denial of service attacks
 Identity theft
BACKUP

Explain the term Backup as regards to Computer Security

Backup refers to the making of copies of data so that additional copies may be used to restore
the original after a data loss event.

INSTANCES WHERE BACKUP IS REQUIRED

 In case of natural disasters such as fire outbreaks, earth quakes.

 In the event of hackers or cracking of the original data
 In case of data loss due to virus infection.
 In the event hard disk crashing.

WAYS OF ENSURING EFFICIENT BACKUP OF DATA

 Make regular backups

 Backup on removable storage such as secondary storage
 Keep backup media off site

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  Set up automatic backup intervals

Explain the following terms as used in computer security.,

1. Spoofing:
Is a situation in which a person or program successfully masquerades as another by
falsifying data and there by gaining an illegitimate advantage.
2. Fraud:
Is the use of a computer system to create fake documents, hide information or
cheat unsuspecting public with intention of gaining monetary benefits.
3. Logic Bomb:
This is a malicious software that is triggered with time.
4. Denial of service:
Is a attempt to make a machine or network resources unavailable to its intended users.
5. Sniffing:
Is the act of intercepting TCP/IP packets while they are transferred on a network

HACKING

This is the act of seeking and exploiting weaknesses in a computer system or computer network. A
hacker may be motivated by multitude of reasons such as profit, protest or challenge.

FORMS OF HACKING

 Vulnerability scanner: Is a tool used to check computers on a network for known

weaknesses.
 Password cracking: Is the process of recovering passwords illegally from data that has
been stored or transmitted by a computer.
 Packet sniffer: Is an application that captures data packets which can be used to capture
passwords and other data in transmission over a network.
 Spoofing attack (Phishing): Is a situation in which a person or program successfully
masquerades as another by falsifying data and there by gaining an illegitimate
advantage.
 Root kit: a set of programs which work to subvert control of the operating system from its
legitimate operators.

CONTROL MEASURES TO GUARD AGAINST THE ILLIGAL ACTIVITIES OF HACKERS

 Use data encryption mechanisms

 Using fire walls at the network gateway
 Use of burglar proof doors and security lock devices
 Use of security mechanisms such as sensors and CCTV against.
 Ensuring password usage by authenticate users of data system.
DATA CONTROL
This refers to the measures and policies taken to ensure data security.

Jenifer the school secretary has lost all her data in the computer. She suspects that
either someone hacked into her computer system or it was due to a hardware
failure.
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Mention four ways she should have to protect her data.

 Making regular backups of your data.

 By use of hardware based mechanisms for protecting data such as use of security tokens to
physically access a hardware resource.
 Data masking
 Use of Guinean antivirus software to scan against malicious software.
 Perform regular maintenance of computers
 Password-protect documents
 Use disk encryption mechanisms
 Install a Firewall at the Network gateway to guard against intrusion of hackers.

Distinguish between Data encryption and pass wording documents

Data encryption involves the transformation of data information in to non-readable forms to

ensure data security when being transmitted over a network.
While
Pass wording of documents is a mechanism used to protect documents from unauthorized access.

WAYS TO GUARD YOUR SYSTEM AGAINST COMPUTER VIRUSES

 Installing an Updated Antivirus software

 Using Guinean Antivirus software
 Scanning all external storage devices for viruses before using them with the computer.
 Avoid downloading content from the internet without being sure of their safety.
 Sensitivity computer users on the damage caused by viruses.
 Installing a fire wall at the network gateway.

COMPUTER CRIME

What is meant by the term Computer Crime?

This refers to any criminal activities which involve the use of ICTs to gain illegal or unauthorized
access to a computer system with intent of damaging, deleting or altering computer data.

FORMS OF COMPUTER CRIME

 Computer viruses:
These are malicious programs that can replicate themselves and harm the computer system on
a network without the knowledge of the system users.
 Spam:
This is the unsolicited sending of bulk email mostly to gain unauthorized access.
 Hacking:
Is the illegal act of getting access to computer resources or data without prior knowledge
from the owner.
OR
This is the activity of breaking into a computer system to gain unauthorized access.
 Fraud:
This is the use a computer system to create fake documents, hide information or
cheat unsuspecting public with intention of monetary benefits.
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  Obscene or Offensive Content:
Is the access and use of harmful or offensive content such as pornography
 Trespass:
This is the illegal access to data sent over a network.
 Phishing:
This is the act of attempting to acquire sensitive information like passwords, usernames
and credit card details by disguising as a trust worth source.
 Cyber stalking:
This is the use of ICTs mainly the internet to torture other individuals through false
accusation, transmission of threats, damage to data and equipment.
 Identity theft:
This is the act of pretending to be someone else by using someone else’s identity as one’s
own.
 Drug trafficking:
This involves the use of ICTs such as encrypted emails, restricted chat rooms to sell illegal
substances.
 Cyber terrorism:
This is the act of terrorism committed through the use of cyberspace or computer
resources, e.g. the use of propaganda on the internet such as “there is a bomb planted on
a shopping mall”
 Tapping:
Is the use of intelligent programs (spyware) to gain unauthorized access to information
and data during transmission.
 Alteration:
This is the illegal amendment of data or information with the intension of misinforming others
or gaining money.
 Salami attack:
This is the use of programs to alter data in one’s computer system by little margin and then
transferring the stolen data to another computer system.
 Eavesdropping:
This is the act of secretly listening to the private conversation of others without their consent.

METHODS OF PROTECTING COMPUTERS AGAINST COMPUTER CRIME

 Log files
These are system files installed in a computer system to maintain a record of how the system
is being used.
 Audit trail
Is the thorough study done mostly by system administrators on an information system
to identify any loopholes that can be used to illegally access the system resources
 Biometric Analysis

This is the form of access control measure that takes the user’s attributes such as finger prints
and facial
recognition.
 Data encryption
This is the use of unreadable data (cipher) during data transmission which is later decrypted
by the recipient. In most cases it is only the sender and the receiver who is able to understand
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 the encrypted data.
 Security patch
This is a piece of code that is added to software so as to enhance its security
feature.
 Firewalls
This is a security mechanism installed at the network gateway to block any
unauthorized access to the system resources.
 Use of Guinean and updated antivirus software.

DATA SECURITY PRACTICESTHAT CAN BE CARRIED OUT BY A SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR

OF AN ORGANIZATION

 Making regular backup of data

 Keeping a copy of backup off side for eventualities of disasters such as fire outbreaks
 Performing regular maintenance on a system
 By use of hardware based mechanism for protecting data such as use of security tokens to
physically access a hardware resource
 Data masking
 Use of Guinean antivirus software to scan against malicious software on the system
 Use of log files: System files installed in a computer system to maintain a record of how the
system is being used
 Audit trail: This is the thorough study done mostly by system administrators on an
information system to identify any loopholes that can be used to illegal access the system
resources.
 Educate users of the system on the importance of data security. This is to ensure that users are
able to detect and avoid actions that may pose insecurity to system data.
 Use of licensed software on the system. This is to reduce on the risks of virus infections.
 Put up file level and share level security. This is where permission is set through user accounts
and passwords for system users.
 Use of secure wireless transmission to guard against hackers. The configuration of the network
should be secured.

COMPUTER FRAUD

What is meant by Computer fraud?

This is the use of computer systems to create fake documents, hide information or cheat unsuspecting
public with the intention of monetary benefits.
FORMS OF COMPUTER FRAUD

 Hacking
 Online identity theft
 Salami attack

Define the following terms

1. Data security

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 This involves protecting data against unauthorized access, alteration and destruction.
2. Privacy
This involves securing personal data so that only the owner can access it

Mention four precautions a financial institution such as a bank can take to prevent illegal
data alteration.

 Use of authentication method where the bank staff will be required to log into system whenever
they are to gain access.
 Use of Audit trails
 Setup log files in the system
 Limit the level of access to data

Distinguish between Financial Identity theft and Identity Cloning

Financial Identity theft involves use of false identity to obtain goods and services.

While

Identity Cloning is the use of another user’s information to pose as a false user.

FORMS OF IDENTITY THEFT

 Illegal migration
 Black mail
 Terrorism

CYBER STALKING

This is the use of ICTs mainly the internet to torture other individuals through false accusation,
transmission of threats, damage to data and equipment.

FORMS OF CYBER STALKING

 False accusations
 Obscene emails
 Abusive phone calls.

TERMS USED IN COMPUTER SECURITY

1. Spyware
This is an intelligent program that is able to secretly track and collect information about
users and their computers e.g. cookies
2. Password
This is a code that must be keyed in so as to gain access to a file or system resource.

3. Authentication
This is the process of verifying the log on credentials of a user requesting access to a computer
system resource.
4. Log files
These are system files installed in a computer system to maintain a record of how the system
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 is being used
5. Fire wall
This is a security mechanism installed at the network gateway to block any unauthorized access
to the system resource.

Distinguish between a hacker and a cracker

A hacker is a person who illegally accesses computer resources without prior knowledge from the
owner with an aim of archiving wrong endings

While

A cracker is a malicious intruder who breaks into a computer system for illegal purpose. This person
usually knows the codes and passwords of the system.

SOME DESTRUCTIVE ACTIVITIES THAT HACKERS DO ON A COMPUTER SYSTEM

 Copying of information
 Altering the passwords and user names on the system.
 Deleting the files
 Modifying information in the system
 Infecting systems with computer viruses

What is meant by firewall?

This is a security mechanism installed at the network gateway to block any unauthorized access to
the system resources.

FUNCTIONS OF A FIREWALL

 Filtering of network traffic or data packets on the computer.

 Concealing or hiding the true network address during data transmissionDistinguish between
Cyber terrorism and Cyber extortion.

A Cyber terrorist is someone who intimidates or coerces a government or organization to advance his
or her political or social objectives by launching computer based attacks against Computers, Network
and Information stored on them.

While

Cyber extortion is a form of cyber terrorism in which a website, email server or computer system is
subjected to repeated denial of service or other malicious attacks by demanding money in return
for promising to stop the attacks.

FORMS OF CYBER TERRORISM

 Online blackmail
 Denial of service
 Identity theft

ICT ETHICAL ISSUES

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The industry is faced with several ICT ethical issues that affect the moral values and

principles. Briefly explain the following ICT ethical issues

1. Plagiarism
This is the wrongful appropriation, purloining and publication of another author’s
language, thoughts, ideas or expression and the representation of them as one’s own
original work.
2. Software Piracy
This refers to the act of duplicating and installing of a copy of software into your
computer without authorization.
OR
It refers to the un authorized use or distribution of
software
3. Copyright Infringement
This refers to the copying of intellectual property without written permission from the
copyright holder, which is typically a publisher or other business representing or assigned by
the work’s creator.
4. Misuse
This refers to the use of harmful content such as porn, spam, stolen ID, hacking,
etc
5. Issue of Libel
This is the publication of false statement that injures one’s business or personal reputation.

OTHER TERMS USED IN COMPUTER ETHICS

1. Intellectual Property
This means that a company or person owns the rights to some kind of technology or
innovation.
2. Information Privacy

This is about understanding how information technologies impact the privacy of individuals and
developing new privacy preserving and secure technologies to protect them.

FORMS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 Copyright
 Trademarks
 Patient rights

State the importance of the following symbols as used on ICT products.

1. TM
This is a symbol which signifies an unregistered trade mark. Is a recognition, sign, design or
expression which identifies products or services of a particular source from those of others
2. ®
This is a symbol which signifies a registered trade mark.
3. ISBN

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 International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique numeric commercial book identifier
based upon the 9 digit Standard Book Numbering (SBN) code.

State the importance of a serial number on a product

 To enable electronic distribution and allow extensive evaluation of a product before purchase.
 To distinguish a product from one another

Distinguish between a patent and a trade mark.

A patent is a legal instrument (intellectual property law) declaring that a company or a person
has ownership over an idea/ technology.

While

A trade mark is a recognizable sign, design or expression which identifies products or services of a
particular source from those of others.

AREAS WHERE COPYRIGHT IS USED

 In publication works such as e-publishing, desktop publishing

 Digital broadcasters such as webcasting, digital films and televisions online
 Protection of data bases
 Responsibilities of online providers
 Peer to peer file sharing systems such as Napster
WAYS IN WHICH SOFTWARE PIRACY CAN BE REDUCED

 Educate users about the dangers of using pirated software

 Reduce the cost of software
 Use of holograms, a component which comes with the original copies and cannot be duplicated
 Putting up and enforcing legal rules on software piracy
 Encourage the use of open source software
 Use of flexible licensing of software.

What is meant by Brand Piracy?

This refers to the unauthorized usage of trade marks by producing and trading counterfeit
consumer goods.

MEASURES TO MINIMISE BRAND PIRACY

 Owner of trade mark may pursue legal action against trade mark infringement
 A company formally register their trademarks with the government

Briefly describe any five emerging technologies

1. 4G cellular communication
This is a system that provides mobile ultra-broadband internet access. For example use of
laptops with USB wireless modems to smart phones, and to other mobile devices.

95
 2. Artificial intelligence
This refers to the intelligence of machines, robots and the branch of computer science used
to create it.
3. 4G optical disks, hologram data storage
Any form of optical data storage in which information can be recorded or read with
3dimensional resolution one that has the ability to enable DVD sized disks to store data to a
level of petabytre
4. General Purpose computing on graphics processing units(GPGPU or GPU)
This is the utilization of graphics processing unit to typically handle computation for
only computer graphics.
5. Radio Frequency Identification(RFDI)
The use of a wireless noncontact system that uses radio frequency electromagnetic fields to
transfer data from a tag attached to an object, for purpose of automatic tracking and
identification.

TERMINOLOGIES USED IN EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

1. Artificial Intelligence
This refers to the simulation or creating of intelligence similar to humans
2. Digital Forensics
This is a branch of science encompassing the recovery and investigation of material found in
digital devices, often related to computer crime.
SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

3. Simulation
This is a science of representing behavior of real life situations using a computerized model
4. Virtual reality
This is a condition in which a person becomes psychologically submerged in an artificial setting
generated by a computer system

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF VIRTUAL REALITY

 In computer aided learning

 Computer games
 Interactive mapping such as Google maps
 3D movies
 Online tourism
 Online advertisement

APPLICATION AREAS OF SIMULATIONS

 Traffic control, using traffic lights

 Training the use of missiles by the army
 Training pilots on how to charter planes
 Training on use of fire fighting equipment

EXAMPLES OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

 Robotics (motion and simulations)

96
  Natural language processing. This is the ability of machines to have the ability to read and
understand the languages humans speak.
 Perception. This is the ability to use input from sensors to deduce aspects of the world
 Deduction, reasoning & problem solving. This is the use of problem solving algorithms that
imitate humans
 Expert systems. Software is designed to make a computer function like a human expert in
specific narrow areas of specialization
 Social intelligence
ROBOTICS
Define the term Robot

This is a computer controlled device that mimics a human being in carrying out routine tasks.
APPLICATION AREAS OF ROBOTICS
State any five application areas of robotic technology

 Car assembling
 Bomb detonation
 Inside dangerous chemical areas
 In military operations which may seem to be risky
 Fire fighting
 In repetitive and monotonous tasks in which human performance might depreciate with
time such as in packaging of goods.

CAREERS RELATED TO THE ICT INDUSTRY

1. ICT trainer/ Computer teacher/ Instructor:

This one is responsible for training people on how to use ICTs and various application
programs.
2. Computer programmer/ Software developer:
Designs computer applications by the use of programming languages.
This is a profession for the development or continued development and maintenance of
software programs.
3. Computer analyst:
Checks for correctness of data and programs on the computer
4. System analyst:
This one is able to test out all features of a product for any problems or use ability issues
5. Computer technician / Hardware engineer:
Is responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the computer equipment
This is a profession responsible for assembling, testing, maintaining and repairing of electronic
equipment.
6. Computer operator:
Controls the operations of the computer from the input of data and instructions to the output
7. Data entrant:
This is a professional responsible for taking data from a hard copy or other source and enter it
into electronic format.
8. Database administrator:
This is a job that requires creating, testing and maintaining on or more databases

97
 This one also designs and maintains the databases of the organization, prepares and enforces
standards for the use and security of information in databases.
9. Webmaster:
This is a job which requires one to create / completely design a website and maintain it.
10. Network/ System administrator:
This is a professional responsible for designing, setting up and maintaining a network, including
monitoring of network resources.
11. Graphical designer:
This is a professional who designs and creates either graphics or #D animations for software,
games, movies, web pages, etc.
12. Information Systems manager:
He/ she plans and directs the activities of the entire information services organizations.
13. Secretary:
Uses computers to keep all the necessary information instead of keeping paper files
14. Systems development manager:

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SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

He / she direct the activities of systems Development Personnel and projects.

And many others

REVISION PAST PAPERS

Name MARKING GUIDE

FUNCTIONAL COMPUTING
Subsidiary Subject ICT
Paper
1
2 hours 30
minutes
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES:

Write your name and stream in the spaces above.

This paper consists of three sections, A, B and C.

Section A contains 15 compulsory objective-type questions. The correct alternative

A, B, C or
D must be written in the box provided on the right hand side of each question.

99
 SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

Section B contains two general question crossword puzzles.Answer only one.Answers

to section
B must be written in the spaces provided in the question paper.

Section C contains three essay type questions. Answer only one. Answers to section
C must be written in the answer booklet provided.

FOR EXAMINER’S USE ONLY

SECTION A SECTION B SECTION C TOTAL
MCQ 1-15 Q16 Q17 Q18 Q19 Q20
30 30 30 20 20 20 100

SECTION A:(30
MARKS)

Answer all questions in this section. Each question carries 2

marks.

1. Which of these is a pointing device used to manipulate on-screen objects?

A. Compact Disk (CD)
B. Keyboard.
C. Monitor.
D
D. Mouse.
2. Musa has copied a calculation result from a calculator application to the
Clipboard. Which option can he use to get it from the clipboard into a text
document?
A. Cut.
B. Put.
C
C. Paste.
D. Save.
3. Using a pointing device to move an on-screen item from one location to
another on the screen is known as:
A. Dragging.
A
B.
Clicking.
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 C.
Pointing.
D. Double Clicking.
4. The maximize button is
used to:
A. Return a window to its previous size.
B. Expand a window to fill the computer screen.
C. Scroll slowly through a window.
B
D. Send a window to the task bar.
5. What appears if a window contains more information than can be displayed in the
window?
A. Program icon.
B. Cascading menu.
C. Scroll bars.
C
D. Check boxes.
6. For most windows programs, the save command is located on which menu?
A. File.
B. Edit.
C. Help.
A
D. Save.
7. Which of the following function keys is used for getting help on a computer?
A. F1.
B.
F2.
C.
F3.
D. F4.

8. Which of the following is a computer classification by size?

A. Analog.
B
B.
Mainframe.
C. Digital.
D. Special Purpose
.
9. Which of the following processor types is the fastest and strongest?
A. 80486.
B. Pentium II.
C. Pentium IV.
D
D. Pentium Duo Core.
101
10. is a general word for all characters such as letters, numerical
digits, symbols and marks that combine to form words and sentences.
A. Data.
B

B. Text.

C.

Works.

D. A

byte.

11. How many binary digits are required to store a file with 300 bytes?
A. 300 bits.
D
B.

800bits.

C.

1200bits.

D. 2400 bits.

12. Which of the following key combinations below is used to change case between
uppercase, lower case and sentence case?
A. Ctrl+Z.
B

B.

Shift+F3.

C. Ctrl+A.

D. Ctrl+U.

13. What is the correct sequence of launching Microsoft Office Word Processing
Application?

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

A. Start>Microsoft Office>All programs>Microsoft Office

Word.
102
 C
B. Microsoft Office >All programs> Start> Microsoft Office

Word. C. Start> All programs>Microsoft Office> Microsoft

Office Word. D. All programs> Microsoft Office Word

>Start>Microsoft Office.

14. Tangible components of a computer are called?

A. Software .

B. Hardware.
B
C.

Peripherals.

D.

Equipment.

15. Zooming.
A. Increases the font size.

B. Increases the page

size. C. Reduces the

font size.
D
D. Increases or reduces the magnification.

SECTION B (20 MARKS)

This section contains two optional crossword-puzzle type questions. Choose One.

SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED 2H E A D E R

16. Crossword Puzzle 1: Microsoft Word 3B N

2003. Use the Clues given below to solve
this puzzle. O D

L S
1 L
4U N D 5O C

103
 E
R
6 P
7 L A C E 8Fcommand? (7).
9. Alt+F4 is equivalent to which command?
I A P I(5).
10. What will pressing the F7 key check?
C
9 L O S E 10 SP E L L I N G
(8).
O N T 11.DCtrl+S is equivalent to which command?
(4).
P T E 13 Ctrl+P is equivalent to which command?
Y A (5).
17. The process of combining letters with
T S
11 A V E addresses to produce mass mailing
letters is referred to as mail: (5).
I U 19. Formatting used to display a character
O B above the 12line.
E (11).
21. Ctrl+O is equivalent to which command?
P R
13 I N
14 15 T S (4). N 16P
22. Under which drop down menu will
A T E C you find pageT setup options?
A (4).
23. An alternative name for a graph. (5).
I A 17 M E R G 18E 19S U P E R S C R I P 20T
24. Under which drop down menu will
21 O P E N L P I D Tyou find theR word count option?
A (5). E
25. Under which drop down menu will
F T I L P I Yyou find paragraph formatting
G options?X
(6).
22 F I L E C H A R
23 T 24T O O L S 25F O R M A T
26. Ctrl+X is equivalent to which command?
I R T E(3). A
27. Ctrl+U is equivalent to which command?
26 C U T U N D E R
27 L I N E (9). P

E H

1
1
3

CLUES ACROSS
2. Area at the top of the page which can
display information on every page.
(6).
4. Ctrl+Z is equivalent to which command?
(4).
6. Ctrl+H is equivalent to which

104
CLUES DOWN: called the Format: (7).
1. Pages can be formatted as portrait or: 14. Ctrl+I is equivalent to which
(9). command? (6).
3. Ctrl+B is equivalent to which 15. A special type of Word document, which
command? (4). can be recycled and used to create new
5. Portrait and Landscape are types of documents. (8).
page: (11). 16. When typing, pressing ENTER key
7. Ctrl+V is equivalent to which inserts a ….… break (9)
command? (5). 18. Under which drop down menu will
8. Ctrl+F is equivalent to which command? you find the Cut, Copy and Paste
(4). commands? (4).
9. Ctrl+C is equivalent to which 19. A set combination of formats that has
command? (4). a name and can be applied to text with
11. Formatting used to display a a single click. (5).
character below the line. (9). 20. What does 'T' stand for in RTF? (4).
12. To insert a manual page break, 21. Microsoft Word is often used within a
press the Ctrl key and which other suite of programs, called Microsoft:
key? (5). (6).
13. The tool used to copy formatting
from one item of text to another is

105
SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

17. Crossword Puzzle 2: Basic concepts of IT. Use the Clues given below to solve this
puzzle.

1 D I 2 R E C T O R Y 3 D

I A 4 M I

G N 5 S 6 O 7 U P S

8 W I N D O W 9S 10 C P U C L C

T O P A 11 M I C R O S O F T A

A M E N 12 I N T E L

L 13 M A I N F R A 14 M E T T

K E I 15 S O F T W A R E

E R C H S

16 L A S E R 17 H A11 R D W A R E K
5
A O R I

18 P R 19 I N T E R 20 T 21 P O W E R P O I N T

T N O H W G

O T 22 I N F O R M A T I O N

P 23 R E A D N E N R

A K R 24 E X 25 C E L 26 V I R 27 U S

N J O 28 E N

29 F R E E 30 W A R E P M I

T O T 31 K E Y B O A R 32 D V 33 C

34 R A 35 M R I O E E

D O 36 E 37 U N I X L 38 S C R E E N

106
 SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

U I G S T

39 A C C E S S 40 G R A P H I C A L A R

E H T L A

T L
39. An application program from Microsoft used for
producing databases. (6).
CLUES ACROSS 40. What does the 'G' in GUI stand for? (9).
1. Alternative name for a folder. (9).
7. A device that protects your computer in the event of a CLUES DOWN
loss of power. (3)
8. Operating system found on most personal computers. 1. Personal computers are not analogue, they are: (7).
(7) 2. W hat does the 'R', in RAM stand for? (6).
10. The brain of the computer. (3). 3. Another name for a floppy disk is: (8).
11. The company that manufactures Windows Operating 4. The ability to run more than one program at a time is
Systems. (9). called. (12)
12. A well-known CPU manufacturer. (5). 5. A device that allows you to digitize a picture or printed
13. A very large, powerful computer used by large page and import the data into your computer. (7).
organizations. (9). 6. Optical Character Recognition acronym (3).
15. Electronic Instructions that tell a computer how to 9. An audio output device. (7).
perform tasks: (8). 14. An audio input device. (10).
16. A common, high speed nonimpact printer, used in 15. Software that can be used for a limited trial period.
offices. (5). (9).
17. Tangible parts of the computer system such as the 16. Small popular portable computer. (6).
Monitor: (8). 19. Small private version of Internet, used only within an
18. An output device that produces a hard copy output organization. (8).
on a physical material like paper. (7). 20. Powdered ink, which is packaged in a print cartridge.
21. Application program from Microsoft used for creating (5).
presentations. (10). 22. Common type of nonimpact printers, which use liquid
22. What is the 'I' in IT short for? (4). ink.(6).
23. What does the 'R' in ROM stand for? (4). 25. A term referring to the legal protection given to text
24. An application program form Microsoft for producing and images that have been placed on the WWW. (9).
spreadsheets. (5). 27. What does the 'U' in USB stand for? (9).
26. Malicious software that can infect a computer. (5). 28. Term used to describe sending messages between
29. A type of software that can be freely copied and computers. (5).
distributed. (8). 30. An application program from Microsoft used for
31. Main input device, consisting of a set of buttons used word-processing. (4).
to operate a computer (8). 32. Operating system widely used before Microsoft
34. When a program loads from disk, it is copied into: Windows. (3)
(3). 33. What does the 'C' in CPU stand for? (7).
37. An operating system developed in the early 1970s 35. A pointing input device commonly used with desktop
by scientists at Bell Laboratories. (4). computers. (5).
38. A display output device that visually conveys text, 36 Number of bits in byte. (5)
graphics, and video information. (6).

107
 SUB-ICT SIMPLIFIED

SECTION C (40
marks)
Answer any two questions from this section. Answers must be written in the
answer booklet provided.
18. (a) Discuss any six areas where computers are applied and used in today’s
society.
(12 marks)
 Computers are applied in the areas of
1) Education, - for Computer Aided Learning (C.A.L), Computer Aided Assessment
(C.A.A.), for calculating mathematical arithmetic by students, for creating electronic
report cards, creating student databases etc.
2) Research, - for searching literature and references through use of electronic
databases on the World Wide
Web, Research Data Storage, Research publishing etc.
3) Business, - for electronic commerce, business advertising, electronic money
transfers, Telecommuting, etc.
4) Health, - for managing and storing health Records, printing labels,
monitoring/Diagnosis of patients, etc.
5) Communication, through Video Conferencing, E-mail, social networking, faxing, etc.
6) Military/security, for monitoring security through cameras, coordinating the
personnel, capturing data for
Police National Computer Databases, operating dangerous weapons, etc.
7) Homes – for managing household finances, accessing internet and running
Programs for Children at home, playback of Digital Media such as Video/ Music,
Family Pictures at home, etc.
8) Entertainment / leisure. For Computer games, for faster instant audio and video
playback in cinema halls and during functions, in the entertainment industry to
produce Music, Edit Video, etc.
1 mark for mentioning area of application, 1 mark for
explanation
(b) Explain any four demerits associated with computer usage in today’s
society. (08 marks)
1. Risk of addiction. Many people don't care about anything else because they spend
many hours in front of
computer.
2. Eye Strain. Using computer for long can be very harmful to the eyes.
3. Expensive. Computers are still costly because The initial costing and maintenance
cost of a computer are very high.
4. Need for Extra Training. Use of computers require additional training before use
108
 of computers and their programs.
5. Computers have led to unemployment of people such as Tellers, shop workers,
postal workers; since many manual/repetitive jobs have been replaced by
computers like ATMs
6. Electronic fraud: Stealing money electronically through practices like Credit card
cloning
7. Impact on Environment: Computer manufacturing processes and computer
waste are depleting natural resources and polluting the environment.
8. Hacking: Unauthorized access into computers possibly to access information,
compromising privacy. E.g.
Wikileaks
9. Software Piracy: Stealing software, not paying for licenses through cracking.
SUB ICT SIMPLIFIED

10. Presence of Viruses: You may lose all your programs, files, documents folders
and other data on your computer because of virus infection on the computer.
11. Moral Decay: The internet has websites with content such as pornography, which
have a bad impact on the users especially the young children.
12. Computers are delicate and they must be given a great care.
13. Over dependence. Our creativity, skills and reasoning can decrease when we are
too dependent to the computer. For instance, with email replacing the hand-written
letter, Onscreen Art designing instead of Hand drawing Art etc.
14. There is dehumanizing of people. Excessive use of computer for communication
with others threatens to reduce the intensity of personal bond that often develops
between people. For instance, the telephone calls
Any four x 2 marks = 8 marks.

19. (a) What is a Computer Laboratory? (02 marks)

 A computer laboratory is a building in which computers are setup in an

environment conducive for safe use.
(b) Mention any four good habits that you should exhibit while using computers in a
computer laboratory.
(08 marks)

1. Never use your computer during a storm. The computer is connected to electricity
and that means that lightning could be conducted to the computer.
2. Proper shut down of computers should be followed to avoid disk and system failure
(avoid abrupt switching off)
3. Be careful when using the internet.
Do not accept downloads from Internet
sites that you don't know and trust. And
never open an email attachment unless
you know and trust the person who sent
109
 it.
4. Handle delicate storage devices
with care. Don’t touch the inner
surface of Compact disks and Floppy
disks. Safely remove Flash disks from
the system.
5. Always Sit upright to avoid muscle
pains and back aches caused by poor
sitting posture. (see figure)
6. Always use surge protectors,
Uninterruptible Power supply (UPS) or
voltage stabilizers to ensure steady
power supply to safeguard their
system.
7. Proper cable installation and placement. Cables should be preferably along
walls, avoiding danger of exposing the use to electric shock
8. Always install lightening conductors to the computer laboratory to protect
the machines and the users of the computers.
9. Ventilation should be good. Good aeration enables the computer to cool and
hence avoids overheating
10. Minimize Electrical noise / interferences in the computer environment.
ELECTRICAL NOISE refers to externally radiated signals or electrical that cause
undesirable additions to the current voltage. Electrical noise is commonly generated by
devices like Fluorescent lights of high frequency, Motors, Battery Chargers, Inverters,
Radios, television, and Cell phones.
11. A computer room should have enough light avoid eyestrain, and headaches, and
Radiation filter screens can be fitted to reduce the light that reaches the
eye.
12. Standard furniture: The table on which a computer is placed must be strong and
wide enough to bear the weight and accommodate all the peripheral devices
13. Regular servicing should be done for hardware and software updates to ensure
proper working conditions of the computers
14. Always use and regularly updated antivirus software. Viruses and worms are
horrible computer-unfriendly programs that can crash your system and cause
damage.
15. Carry out Disk Defragmentation when necessary. Disk Defragmentation is the
process in which scattered pieces of individual files and free space are reorganized and
stored in an adjacent manner (next to each other) on the disk.
Any four x 2 marks = 8
marks

(c) State any five activities and/or items that are prohibited in your school’s computer
laboratory. (10 marks)

1. Avoid exposing computers to dust. Computer components should be kept dust-free.

2. Never try to remove the cover on your computer or touch inside the system unit.
There are many sensitive components. Instead, take it to a qualified technician.
3. Keep all liquids and food items away from your computer. Liquids and food crumbs
can cause rusting and corrosion and damage electronic circuits. Also, mixing liquids and
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 electronic components can cause serious electrical shock!
4. Physically, be careful, avoid knocking and dropping any hardware to the ground
as this could cause any of the delicate components to break or be damaged and stop
working.
5. Avoid making hardware connections to the motherboard when the computer is
on.
Eg keyboard, monitor and mouse connections.
6. Don’t bring magnetic devices to the lab. The computer has magnetic disks which
can be spoilt if they come near other magnetic fields.
7. Avoid excessively bright and flickering computer monitors. The brightness of
the computer monitors should be adjusted to avoid eye strain.
8. Avoid direct sunlight and high Temperatures that may damage
hardware components.
9. Do not access pornographic websites from the internet. Observe computer ethics
and standards as a good computer user.
10. Overcrowding of either machines or people should be avoided.

11. Bulky items such as bags should not be brought into the computer laboratory to
avoid possible theft of hardware components.
Any five x 2 marks = 10
marks
20. (a) What is a word processing application? (02 marks)
 Word processing applications are computer programs that are used for of creating, saving,
editing, formatting and printing text documents.

(b) Outline any four examples of word processing applications you know. (08 marks)
Examples of word processors include:
 Microsoft Office Word,
 Corel WordPerfect,
 Lotus WordPro,
 Apple Pages,
 OpenOffice.org Writer,
 LibreOffice Writer,
 KWord
 Celframe Write
 Kingsoft Writer etc.

(c) State any seven features common to most word processing applications. (14 marks)

COMMON FEATURES OF WORD PROCESSING APPLICATIONS

1. Word Wrap: this feature automatically sends a word that does not fit within the
margin settings onto the next line, without the user pressing Enter key.
2. Find: allows the user to locate all occurrences of a particular character, word or phrase.
3. Replace: allows the user to substitute existing characters, words or phrases with the
new ones.
4. Spell checker: allows the user to check spellings of the whole document at one time or

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 to check and even correct the spelling of individual words as they are typed (Autocorrect)
5. Grammar checker: this reports grammatical errors, usually by a wavy green line,
and suggests ways to correct them.
6. Thesaurus: suggests alternative words with the same meaning (synonyms) for use in
the document.
7. Mail Merge: This is feature used to create similar letters to be sent to several people.
The names and addresses of each person can be merged with one single main document.
8. Automatic page numbering: numbers the pages automatically in a document
9. Tables: allow users to organize information into rows and columns.
10. Multi-columns: arranges text into two or more columns that look similar to newspaper
or magazine
11. Drop cap – Formats the first letter in paragraph to be dropped across two or more lines.
12. Clipart: , refers to pre-made images about various subjects used to illustrate concepts
in documents.
13. Templates: establish the initial document layouts and formats for various document types.
14. Printing: allows a user to obtain a hard copy of a document from the printer.
15. Word Count: Establishes the number of words, characters, paragraphs, etc. in
a document.
16. Headers and Footers: Used to insert text in the top and bottom margin through
the document.
17. Footnotes and Endnotes are used as references that provide additional information
about a word or phrase within a document.
18. Insert and Delete allows a user to add and remove portions of text while editing
document.
19. Bold, Underline, Italic – These and other formatting features that allow a user to
improve on the appearance of text.
20. Cut, Copy, Paste, Insert, Delete – These and other editing features that enable a
user to make changes to the text in a document.

Any seven x 2 marks = 14 marks

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