J

Information
and
Communication
Technology
ICT-103
Prepared by:
Asefa Bayissa: Nekemte CTE
Aychilum Alemayehu: Nekemte CTE
Edited by:
Bikila Ambaw: Dambi Dollo CTE

Kebede Areda: Robe CTE
Nigussu Feyissa: Asella CTE
January 2009
Oromia EB
ii
Chapter One...................................................................................................................1
1
Introduction to Information and Communication Technology......................1
1.1
Information and Communication Technology...............................................1
1.1.1 Applications of ICT....................................................................................1
1.1.2 Roles of ICT in Education..........................................................................2
1.2
Concepts of Information................................................................................5
1.2.1 Data versus Information.............................................................................5
1.2.2 Sources of Information...............................................................................6
1.2.3 The value of information............................................................................6
1.2.4 Characteristics of Valuable Information.....................................................6
ICT Exercise...................................................................................................................7
Chapter Two...................................................................................................................8
2
Computer Basics............................................................................................8
2.1
Definition of computer...................................................................................8
2.2
Uses or Application areas of Computer.........................................................8
2.3
Characteristics of computers..........................................................................9
2.4
Classification of Computers by size, capacity & performance....................10
2.5
Computer systems........................................................................................13
2.5.1 Computer Hardware.................................................................................13
2.5.1.1 Input Devices...................................................................................13
2.5.1.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)........................................................15
2.5.1.3 Output Devices.................................................................................16
2.5.1.4 Storage Devices................................................................................17
2.5.2 Computer Software..................................................................................20
2.5.2.1 System software...............................................................................20
2.5.2.2 Application Software.......................................................................21
Computer Basics Exercise............................................................................................23
Chapter Three...............................................................................................................24
3
Basics of Windows.......................................................................................24
3.1
Windows Overview......................................................................................24
3.2
Switching on and Turning off /shutting down the computer........................24
3.3
Desktop........................................................................................................25
3.3.1 Elements of a desktop..............................................................................25
3.4
MOUSE........................................................................................................26
3.4.1 Basic Mouse Techniques..........................................................................26
3.5
Starting a program........................................................................................27
3.5.1 Start WordPad...........................................................................................27
3.5.2 Screen Elements of a Typical Window.....................................................27
3.5.3 Saving and Opening Files........................................................................29
3.6
Managing Files & Folders............................................................................30
3.7
Customizing a Desktop................................................................................31
Basics of Windows Exercise........................................................................................33
Chapter Four.................................................................................................................34
4
Microsoft Word Basics.................................................................................34
4.1
Introduction to Microsoft Word..................................................................34
4.2
Starting MS-Word Program:........................................................................34
4.2.1 The Screen Element of MS-Word...........................................................34
4.2.2 Creating and Closing Documents.............................................................36
4.2.3 Saving and Opening Word Documents...................................................36
4.3
Editing Word Documents.............................................................................37
4.3.1 Select text and graphics............................................................................37

4.3.2 Deleting text and graphics........................................................................37
4.3.3 Undo and Redo.........................................................................................38
4.3.4 Move (Cut) or copy text and graphics......................................................38
4.4
Formatting Word Document.........................................................................39
4.4.1 Character Formatting...............................................................................39
4.4.2 Paragraph Formatting...............................................................................40
4.4.3 Adding Borders and Shading...................................................................41
4.5
Inserting........................................................................................................42
4.5.1 Insert a picture from a clip Art.................................................................42
4.5.2 Insert Page Number..................................................................................43
4.5.3 Inserting WordArt.....................................................................................43
4.6
Working with Table......................................................................................43
4.6.1 Merging and Splitting cells......................................................................44
4.6.2 Inserting Rows and Columns...................................................................44
4.6.3 Deleting a Table.......................................................................................45
Basics of MS-Word Exercise.......................................................................................46
Chapter Five.................................................................................................................47
5
Microsoft Excel Basics................................................................................47
5.1
Introduction to Microsoft Excel...................................................................47
5.2
Starting MS-Excel........................................................................................47
5.2.1 Screen Elements of MS-Excel.................................................................47
5.2.2 Exiting MS-Excel.....................................................................................49
5.2.3 Entering Data in to worksheet..................................................................49
5.2.4 Saving and Opening work book.............................................................49
5.3
Editing Worksheet........................................................................................51
5.3.1 Moving in a work sheet............................................................................51
5.3.2 Selecting the parts of worksheet..............................................................51
5.3.3 Copying and Moving................................................................................51
5.3.4 Inserting Rows and columns....................................................................52
5.4
Formatting the Worksheet............................................................................53
5.4.1 Changing Fonts........................................................................................53
5.4.2 Applying border and patterns...................................................................53
5.4.3 Formatting numbers................................................................................54
5.5
Using formulas and functions......................................................................54
5.5.1 Creating formulas.....................................................................................54
5.5.2 Using functions........................................................................................54
5.5.2.1 The Sum function.............................................................................54
5.5.2.2 The Average function.......................................................................55
5.5.2.3 The RANK Function........................................................................56
5.5.2.4 The If function..................................................................................57
5.6
Using Chart..................................................................................................58
Microsoft Excel Exercise.............................................................................................59
Chapter Six...................................................................................................................60
6
Basics of the Internet....................................................................................60
6.1
What is the Internet?....................................................................................60
6.1.1 How does the Internet Work?...................................................................60
6.1.2 Internet Services.......................................................................................62
6.1.3 Accessing the Internet..............................................................................63
6.1.4 URLs and Search Engines........................................................................64
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6.1.5 Searching information using Google.......................................................66

6.1.6 How to Use Email on Yahoo....................................................................67
6.1.6.1 Creating new Account on Yahoo......................................................68
6.1.6.2 Reading and Composing Message...................................................69
Basics of Internet Exercise...........................................................................................71
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Course Objectives
Through the study of this course and upon the successful completion of
the course students, will be able to:
Understand the concept of ICT and its applications
Identify the different parts of computer system
Develop the skill of file management in computer
Have the knowledge of MS-Word and MS-Excel
Get awareness about internet and its services
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CHAPTER ONE
1Introduction to Information and Communication Technology
Objectives
After completion of this chapter, students will be able to:
Define ICT
Elaborate the application areas of ICT and its role particularly in education
Explain the concept of information
Explain the relationship between data and information

Discuss the different sources of information
Analyze the value of information and its characteristics
1.1 Information and Communication Technology

Technology Refers to all the means people use their inventions and discoveries to
satisfy their needs and desires. Information communication technology is one of such
technology which can be applied in various spheres of economic and social activities
of human beings. So, what is ICT?
Information communication technology is defined as any form of computer based
system that aid the capture, process, storage, and retrieval, and communication of
information which may include data: like text, numeric, graphs, still images, sounds
and video images. In short, ICT is the convergence of information processing and
information transmission technologies.
ICT also defined as a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to
communicate, and to create, disseminate, store, and manage information. These
technologies include computers, the Internet, broadcasting technologies (radio and
television), and telephony.
A personal computer with word processing software can be considered as one type of
ICT. ICT includes the hardware and software used to store, retrieve, process, and
transmit data/information. This may include computer hardware, telecommunications
hardware (routers, LAN card, hub, different types of network cables, satellite,
microwave, etc), software (operating system, programmed applications), and so on.
1.1.1 Applications of ICT

It can be applied in various spheres of economic and social activities of human
beings. ICT can be applied in the areas like:
1. In business:
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
a. Office Automation refers to use of computers and telecommunication

technology to help people better use and manage information.
b. It includes all types of computers, telephones, electronic mail and
office machines.
- It helps to collect, analyze, plan and control information about the
many facts of the business.
- Financial analysis such as advertising, marketing and sales.
- ICT helps for transaction process such as management.
- Text or written words
- Data, as in number or non-text format
- Graphics, including drawings, charts and photographs
- Audio, as telephone, voice mail (answering machine)
- Video, such as captured image, video tapes
In education
a. In colleges computers being used to teach courses
b. Internet for special education
c. Computers used to play multimedia educational programs in
classrooms.
d. Computers used to refer to various information from encyclopedia,
dictionaries, tutorials that come in CD.
In entertainment
a. Movies: To edit during the production of films
b. To reduce cost of production as physical models and sets are no longer
used.
c. Science fiction movies like star wars, special effects (titanic)
d. Music: To edit recorded music.
To create your own music
e. Sports:
f. Animation: To make cartoon films.
In home
a. Some people use computers just like office use such as word
processing, spreadsheet, and database program.
b. Internet
c. Computer games
In Medicinea. to keep patient record
b. Apply in hospital administration
c. To perform diagnosis
d. To understand human body
Engineeringa. To minimize cost and money using some software like CAD, CAM,
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)- is the computer-to-computer
exchange of business document in a standard format.
1.1.2 Roles of ICT in Education

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) which include radio and
television, as well as newer digital technologies such as computers and the Internet
have been touted as potentially powerful enabling tools for educational change and
2
reform. When used appropriately, ICTs are used to expand or increase access to
education, improve the relevance and quality of education.
One of the greatest hardships endured by the poor, and by many others, who live in
the poorest countries, is their sense of isolation. The new communications
technologies promise to reduce that sense of isolation, and to open access to
knowledge.
How can ICTs help expand access to education?
Anytime, anywhere. One defining feature of ICTs is their ability to transcend

or go beyond time and space. ICTs make possible asynchronous learning, or
learning characterized by a time lag between the delivery of instruction and its
reception by learners. Online course materials, for example, may be accessed
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ICT-based educational delivery (e.g.,
educational programming broadcast over radio or television) also dispenses
with the need for all learners and the instructor to be in one physical location.
Additionally, certain types of ICTs, such as teleconferencing technologies,
enable instruction to be received simultaneously by multiple, geographically
dispersed learners (i.e., synchronous learning).
Access to remote learning resources. Teachers and learners no longer have to
rely solely on printed books and other materials in physical media housed in
libraries (and available in limited quantities) for their educational needs. With
the Internet and the World Wide Web, a wealth of learning materials in almost
every subject and in a variety of media can now be accessed from anywhere at
anytime of the day and by an unlimited number of people. This is particularly
significant for many schools in developing countries, and even some in
developed countries, that have limited and outdated library resources. ICTs
also facilitate access to resource persons mentors, experts, researchers,
professionals, business leaders, and peersall over the world.
How can the use of ICTs help improve the quality of education?
Improving the quality of education and training is a critical issue, particularly at a
time of educational expansion. ICTs can enhance the quality of education in several
ways: by increasing learner motivation and engagement, by facilitating the acquisition
of basic skills, and by enhancing teacher training. ICTs are also transformational tools
which, when used appropriately, can promote the shift to a learner-centered
environment.
In general, Educators and policymakers agree that information and communication
technologies are of paramount importance to the future of education.
Increasing access through distance learning.
ICTs can provide new and innovative means to bring educational opportunities
to greater numbers of people of all ages, especially those who have historically
been excluded, such as populations in rural areas, women facing social
barriers, and students with disabilities.
Enabling a knowledge network for students.
With knowledge as the crucial input for productive processes within todays
economy, the efficiency by which knowledge is acquired and applied
3
determines economic success. Effective use of ICTs can contribute to the

timely transmission of information and knowledge, thereby helping education
systems meets this challenge.
Training teachers.
The use of ICTs can help in meeting teacher training targets. Moreover, ICTs
provide opportunities to complement on the job training and continuing
education for teachers.
Broadening the availability of quality education materials.
Network technologies have the potential to increase the availability of quality
educational materials. Their interactivity and global reach allow for
customized sharing of knowledge, materials, and databases, quickly and
cheaply over long geographic distances. Furthermore, online resources offer
teachers access to a vast and diverse collection of educational materials,
enabling them to design curricula that best meet the needs of their students.
Enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of educational administration and
policy.
New technologies can help improve the quality of administrative activities and
processes, including human resource management, student registration, and
monitoring of student enrollment and achievement.
1.2 Concepts of Information

We collect and use information in one way or the other in our daily life. When we ask
a passerby what time it is, we are looking for information. When you are asking the
period for information communication technology class, you are looking for spoken
or written information that is important for you. So, what is information?
Information is the action of telling or informing that of which one is told.
Information is something one did not know before.
Information is something that reduces uncertainty.
Information is a clue-it is the starting point for everything. When we say
information as a clue that means it is an idea/fact that suggests a possible
answer to the problem.
1.2.1 Data versus Information

Data is a collection of unorganized facts gathered about some entity, event or
observation, which can include words, numbers, images, and sounds that have little
meaning individually.
For example, 50 is a value, which must be representing some fact. Which fact?
It is currently unknown.
When data are processed, organized, structured or presented in a given context so as
to make them useful, they are called Information.
Continuing with our value 50, we can give it a fixed and definite meaning by
adding a prefix or suffix to it or by some other way. Thus by writing The price
of a good marker is br.50. Now the data item has acquired a fixed meaning.
Another example, suppose we have mark sheet with us, now in this case we have
marks as the data and the complete mark sheet is information. This is because the raw
data that is marks do not give any information to us, while from the processed data
that is the different sorts of information in mark sheet like total marks, percentage,
division, grade report etc we get some information as to where the student stands in
class (at what position etc.)
Input
Facts and figures
(data)
Processed
Output
Information
Thus, Information is a collection of meaningful facts and figures that can be used as
a base for guidance and decision making. Any meaningful facts or figures to be called
as information they have to be useful and meaningful for an individual or group.
When it is said that information serves as a base for guidance, it means information
guides the activities of individuals, business organizations or societies. It is on the
basis of relevant information that we make decisions.
1.2.2 Sources of Information
Information can be obtained from different sources like: text books, reference books,
news paper, radio, Television, peoples, etc. These various sources of information are
classified into two major categories: Documentary and non-documentary sources.
Documentary sources are documented or recorded sources of information in
different form text, image/picture/graph, sound, and video. Examples of
documentary sources of information include periodicals of some type,
indexes, bibliographies, text books, reference books, etc. research reports,
library catalogue, video and music recorded on CD/cassette, etc.
Non-documentary sources are those that are not properly recorded or

documented in the form of text, image/picture/graph, sound, and video for
public use. Non-documentary sources include professional societies,
industries, research organizations, universities, government departments,
colleagues, visitors, attendance to professional meetings, etc. The user
formally/informally consults these non-documentary sources to get the
required information.
1.2.3 The value of information

The value of information is directly related to how it helps the user or decision maker
to meet individual, organizational or societal objectives. The value of information can
be measured in terms of:
The time it saves to make decision,
The increase in profits it brings to the individual or the organization, and
The decrease in costs it makes possible to the individual or the organization,
etc,
1.2.4 Characteristics of Valuable Information

To be valuable to users, information should have the following characteristics:
Accuracy: information gathered for some specified purpose is accurate when it is

free from errors.
Completeness: information said to be complete if it contains all important facts that

are required for specific purpose. Complete information enables the user to make
sound decision.
Relevance: information presented to the user or decision maker should be related to
and necessary to the problem at hand.
Reliable: information must be collected from the right source.
Timeliness: information is timely if it is delivered when it is needed to the target
destination.
Economical: information is said to be economical if the profit gained from the
gathered information exceeds its cost of collection.
ICT EXERCISE
I. Choose the best answers
1.
Information is:
A. Processed and organized data.
B. Unprocessed data
C. Something we did not know before
D. Something based on which we make decision
E. All except B
F. All
2.
Which of the following is true about information?

A. Information has no effect on social, cultural and economic development of
human being.
B. Organizations make use of information to decrease their competitiveness.
C. Greater use of information increase effectiveness in working environment.
D. The use of information among the general public is continuously declining.
E. All except D.
3.
Suppose you heard the date on which ICT mid exam will be held from other
class student; in which category of source of information do you place this
source?
A. Documentary source
B. Non-documentary source
C. Text book
D. All except A
II. Give short answer for the following questions.
1. Give some examples on how data becomes information when processed?
2. What are the two basic source of Information?
3. Define data and information and distinguish the difference between them?
CHAPTER TWO
2Computer Basics
Objectives
After completing of this chapter, students will be able to:
Define the term computer

Discuss the application areas of computer
Elaborate the characteristics of computer
Identify the different types of computer
Identify the different parts/components of computer system:
List the various hardware components of computer system
List the various software components of computer system
2.1 Definition of computer

A computer is an electronic device that follows sets of instructions, computer
programs or software, which have been written by computer programmers to perform
a specific task.
In more broad sense, a Computer is an electronic programmable device that is capable
of getting or accepting data (raw facts) and instructions as input, processing data (i.e.
analyzing, manipulating, calculating, etc), storing data/information and programs in
storage devices (e.g. CD, flash disk, hard disk, etc) and producing information and
delivering it for the user as required.
2.2 Uses or Application areas of Computer

Nowadays human being uses computers starting from a simple household to space
technology to perform repetitive or routine tasks as well as tasks that require the
highest security. They can be used:
In organizations for
Keeping various records like financial, employee, etc records;
Preparing payroll for employees;
Managing & controlling inventory, etc.
At home
Using internet
Shopping being at home;

Keeping personal data;
Business Uses
Computers allow companies to keep large amounts of information
Makes ordering and tracking resources quicker and easier
Allows people to have meetings from different locations
Weather & environment
Computer equipments show temperature ranges, wind flow, & can be
used in weather forecasting
Transportation
Aircraft (Computer controlled & the pilot simply manages by telling
the computers what to do)
In automobiles to regulate the flow of fuel, etc.
Medical &Health care
As sensor of changes in blood pressure, heart rate, etc.
Scan the body & provide 3-D figure
In Academic areas
Aids teaching and learning process;
Keeping student record;
The Internet allows access to hundreds of online research materials
Allows colleagues to correspond quickly about ongoing research
2.3 Characteristics of computers

Computers exhibit certain characteristics to a greater or lesser extent depending on
their type and application. Computers are not merely calculators, but programmable
calculators. They have got their importance due to the following characteristics.
Speed
Computers make calculations at very fast rate, which is very essential for fast rate
of job executions. The speed of the computers i.e. execution of the instructions are
termed in terms of picoseconds, nanoseconds, microseconds.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the computers is very high. They can do the same task with same
accuracy consistently and repeatedly with out getting tired or bored like human
beings. The computer does the work assigned by human (in the form of program)
accurately as per the instruction unless there is an exceptional error unknowingly
or knowingly created by the human being.
Storage
A computer system can store large amounts of data in it. The Success of
Computers lies not only in storing them, but also in the great speed of utilizing the
memory storage. Modern computers can retrieve any data out of its stored
memory in a few nano-seconds.
Computers can be used to store data because of the following two main advantages:
They are the fastest machines on retrieval of data/ information.
They are the safest place to store data.
Storage capacity is measured in Bytes .A byte is equivalent to a single character.

This character can be a letter (A-Z, a-z), one of the digits (0-9), or another special
symbol like $, #, =, +,-, etc.
1byte (1B) = 8bits=1 character

1 Kilo Byte (1KB) = 103B
1Mega Byte (1MB) = 103KB = 106B
1Giga Byte (1GB) = 103MB = 106 KB = 109B
Versatility
Computers are capable of performing almost any task, provided that the task can
be reduced to a series of logical steps. Moreover it has the ability to communicate
with other systems and adopt several modes like audio visual, graphics etc.
Versatility is one of the important properties of computers that make them very
helpful. People with different professions or with different needs can use the same
computer for their corresponding tasks. A number of tasks, which are totally
different, can be performed using the same computer. You may use modern
computers to add numbers, to play games, to create different documents or to do
any (almost) other things you want to do. Considering their capacity they can be
used in factories, or in designing and drawing purposes or like to process data that
is going to be used in weather forecasting. By now, they are also used to help in
teaching-learning process (using animations). Listing the things that can be
accomplished using these modern electronic machines is as such impossible and
the above are just some examples.
The reason for the flexibility (versatility) of the computer is not its hardware. But
the software, the set of the electronic instructions (invisible) that tell the hardware
what to do for a request, is the real reason. If you can observe that there can be
different sets of instructions for different purposes, you will clearly see this point.
In conclusion, computers can perform different tasks ranging from simple
calculations to modeling and simulation. But what is expected from us is reducing
tasks to logical steps and writing codes (programs).
Diligence
Since computer is a machine it does not suffer from the human traits of tiredness
and lack of concentration. It maintains the same accuracy and fastness at any
time, even after a long period of continuous non-stop work. It does not have any
difference whether you are giving the job first when the system is freshly on or
after long period of time (after 24 hours or several days.
2.4 Classification of Computers by size, capacity &

performance
A.
Microcomputers: are called personal computers or just PC. These are smallest in
size and capacity and are applicable for office, home and personal use.
E.g. palmtop computers, notebook computers, laptop computers and
Desktop (or tower case) computers.
Personal Computers (PC)
10
These are the most widely used type of computers for personal, home and office use,
educational training in schools, and in small business enterprises. They are known by
their brand names such as Toshiba, Compaq, Dell, or Hewlett-Packard, IBM etcetera.
Types of PC:
i. Palmtop computers
Hand-held or palmtop computers are gaining popularity. Although they
become more sophisticated with each new model, palmtops generally have
limited features and capabilities. It is normally used for limited number of
functions as grammar and dictionary checking, calendar checking notebook,
and if possible to connect to other computers over network.
ii. Laptop computers
They are briefcase sized designed for portability. You can use laptop
computers on top of your lap when going in a car, on airplane, or even in a
caf. These computers are very convenient because they are designed for
portability. The system case, monitor, keyboard, and all internal workings are
all in one light, compact case. Plus, although these computers come equipped
with AC adapters they can run on batteries making it very easy to pick up and
go at a moments notice. They serve people in using e-mail and writing.
iii. Desktop/Tower computers
It is the most widely used type of personal computer. The desktop computers
primary parts rest separately on top of desk. These primary parts are
Keyboard, System unit and Monitor.
Laptop
Tower
Desktop
Fig 2.1 Personal Computers

B.
C.
Minicomputers: are larger in size and capacity than PCs. They are popularly used
in banks, universities and colleges.
Main frame computers: these types of computers process a vast amount of
information and have much higher processing speed and capacity than the above
two. They can be used in higher organizations like Ethiopian airlines designed for
complex operations.
The main frame is the workhorse of the Fig 2.2 Main frame Computers
11
business world. A main frame is the heart of a

network of computers or terminals which
allows hundreds of people to work at the same
time on the same data. It requires a special
environment - cold and dry.
D.
Supercomputers: are the most powerful computers, fastest, and the most expensive
type of computers. An example can be computers in NASA & the Earth Simulator in
Yokohama.
The supercomputer is the top of the heap in
power and expense. These are used for jobs that
take massive amounts of calculating, like
weather forecasting, engineering design and
testing,
serious
decryption,
economic
forecasting, etc.
Fig 2.3 Supercomputers
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2.5 Computer systems

A computer is not a single machine, but it is composed of components that can be
classified as Computer hardware and Computer software.
Computer systems have two major components that can be classified as hardware and
software. Hardware is the equipment you use, part of computer you can touch and
feel where as software is the set of instructions, called programs, that tells the
computer hardware what, when and how to do tasks.
Computer
Hardware
Input
device
Processor
Software
Storage
device
Output
devices
System
software
Application
Software
Fig 2.4 Structure of computer system
2.5.1 Computer Hardware

Computer hardware is the physical part of the computer that you can see and touch. It
is composed of a number of interacting physical parts based on the need of the
information flow. Four basic elements of the computer hardware are:
1) Input Devices
2) Central Processing unit (CPU)
3) Output devices
4) Memory /Storage Devices
2.5.1.1 Input Devices

What is Input?
Everything we tell the computer is Input.
Types of Input
Data: means the raw facts given to the computer.

Programs are the sets of instructions that direct the computer.
Commands are special codes or key words that the user inputs to perform a
task. These can be selected from a menu of commands like "Open" on the
File menu. They may also be chosen by clicking on a command button.
User response is the user's answer to the computer's question, such as
13
A computer cannot use the data for processing unless it is translated in a language it
understands. Input devices convert information from a form suitable to human beings
to one understandable by the computer.
Input devices enable a computer user to enter data, commands, and programs into the
computer and interact with computer. Different input devices handle different types of
information. Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, microphone, scanners, Digital Camera,
etc.
1. The Keyboard
One of the most common means of entering information into a microcomputer is
through the keyboard. Styles may vary, but the basic components are standard for
most keyboards.
The standard keyboard has four groups of keys. The alphanumeric keys and the
numeric keys enter text and number into the computer. The function keys are used
by programs as keyboard shortcuts to commands. The cursor-movement keys allow
you to move the cursor to various positions on the screen. The cursor is the point on
the screen that is active, and where the information you enter will appear.
2. The Mouse
A mouse allows you to move the pointer or cursor that is on the screen and
to select items by clicking on them.
The mouse rests on a mouse pad or desk top, and when the mouse is
moved around, the pointer on the screen imitates the motion of the mouse.
The mouse has buttons, which send a signal to the computer when clicked. Most
mouse have three buttons, the left button commonly performing a function, the right
button revealing the options available from the current position and the middle button
called scroll/wheel that scrolls documents not seen on one screen at a time.
3. Microphone:
A multimedia PC converts sounds and human voices to computer
information. A PC captures sound input through a microphone and
gives the output through a speaker.
14
4. Scanner:
Scanners scan paper and photographic images and convert them to digital images.
Photos scanned in are processed by PC software to enhance image quality. You can
input signatures, pictures, finger prints to your PC. The scanner works like a copy
machine. It captures a whole page and converts it to digital image. The scanned text
cannot be edited at this point. In short, scanner changes any visual information in
hardcoppy medium convert into digital forms.
5. Digital/Web Camera
Video cameras are used to capture single frame images or continuous video streams
for the PC. There are digital and photographic Cameras attached to your PC to create
image and video files. A digital camera takes still photos but records the pictures on
computer disks or memory chips. The information contained can be uploaded to a
computer for viewing.
2.5.1.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
What is processing?
Processing is the thinking that the computer does - the calculations, comparisons,
and decisions. People also process data. What you see and hear and touch and feel is
input. Then you connect this new input with what you already know, look for how it
all fits together, and come up with a reaction, your output. "That stove is hot. I'll
move my hand now!"
The kind of "thinking" that computers do is very different from what people do.
Machines have to think the hard way. They do one thing at a time, one step at a time.
Complex procedures must be broken down into VERY simple steps. Then these steps
can be repeated hundreds or thousands or millions of times. All possible choices can
be tried and a list kept of what worked and what didn't.
People, on the other hand, are better at recognizing patterns than they are at single
facts and step-by-step procedures. For example, faces are very complex structures.
But you can identify hundreds and even thousands of different faces. Human can
easily tell one face from another.
But a computer must have a lot of specific facts about a face to recognize it. Teaching
computers to pick one's face out of a crowd is one of the hardest things scientists have
tried to do yet with computers. But babies do it naturally!
So computers can't think in the same way that people do. But what they do, they do
excellently well and very, very fast.
The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the main part of a computer in which all
processing is carried out. This is the part of the computer that does the "thinking" and
also named as the brain of computer. The CPU has two major functions:
It co-ordinates and controls the computers activities. For example:

retrieving/opening files from disks, interpreting data and commands entered
from input devices like keyboard, and sending data to output devices like
printer, etc.
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It performs arithmetic and logic operations using binary number system.
CPU has three parts:

A. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU is designed to perform basic
arithmetic and logic operations.
1. The arithmetic operations include addition (+), subtraction (-),
multiplication (*) and division (/).
2. The logic operations include AND, OR, and NOT functions, <, >, =, , <=,
>=. The ALU can only do one thing at a time but can work very, very fast.
B. Control Unit (CU): The Control Unit is responsible for controlling the overall
operation of the computer system. Its main operation is to fetch, interpret, and
control the execution of program instructions stored in memory. In short, the
control unit directs and co-ordinates all units of the computer.
C. Registers: in order to retain intermediary results, the ALU requires a provision
for storing operand and instructions used for control unit. These storing
devices with in CPU are called registers. Registers have a very fast access
time.
The overall processes of CPU include:
Fetch: The CPU read instruction/data from the
memory
Decode: the instruction must be decoded or
interpret to determine what action is required
Execute: the execution of an instruction may
require performing some arithmetic or logical
operation on data.
Store: The result of an execution may require
writing data to memory.
2.5.1.3 Output Devices

An output device is a peripheral device that enables a computer to communicate (send
out) information to the user. It receives information from a computer RAM and
transforms it into human readable form (that the user can understand).
In general, there are three types of output from a computer. These are:
1. Printed or hard copy output
2. Display output or soft copy output
3. Voice output
1) Printed out put
There are two types of devices used to produce Printed out put. These are printer and
plotter.
i. Printer
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Printers are devices for producing permanent output on paper. Such output is
sometimes referred to as hard copy. e.g. Report, chart, etc. Printers can be
classified according to their printing speed, the quality of output produced, &
the printing method.
Printers use several different methods of printing. Accordingly, they are classified as:
1. Impact printers: - work like a typewriter. Letters are formed by bringing a
type element into contact with the paper. e.g. Dot-matrix, and daisy-wheel
2. Non-impact printers: - work without any physical contact or impact on the
printer & paper. They use thermal, chemical, electrostatic, & ink-jet
technologies. The two main categories of non-impact printers are ink-jet
printers & laser printers.
ii. Plotters: - devices that produce hard copy graphical output for engineering
design, weather map, etc.
2) Display output
In addition to hard copy output, a significant share of the output produced by a
computer system appears visually on the display screen (or Monitor) of a
computer. The output the monitor display is named as soft copy.
3) Voice output
In voice output systems, the user hears synthesized speech over headphones or
speakers.
2.5.1.4 Storage Devices

Storage refers to the media and methods used to keep information available for later
use. Some things will be needed right away while other won't be needed for extended
periods of time. A computer has two types of storages; one that store data or
instruction currently being processed (main memory) and the other store data or
software that retain with in computer for a long time (auxiliary storage).
A. Main Memory (Internal or primary memory)
Internally, temporary instructions or data can be stored in silicon Random Access
Memory (RAM) chips that are mounted directly on the computer's main circuit
board (motherboard). A RAM chip consists of switches that are sensitive to
changes in electric current. Each memory location can be referred by its memory
address.
RAM is a storage area where the computer stores the data and commands that are
currently being used or processed by CPU. When the computer is turned off, all
data in Main Memory (RAM) vanishes. A data storage method of this type is
called volatile since the data "evaporates." For this reason RAM requires a
constant power supply to maintain its contents. RAM chips are like pieces of
paper that can be written on, erased and used again. Its capacity is measured in
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Kilobytes, Mega Bytes, Giga bytes, etc. RAM chips are linked by circuitry to the
CPU.
Hence RAM is used to store:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Instructions waiting to be obeyed by other components of the CPU.

Instructions currently being obeyed.
Data awaiting processing
Data currently being processed.
Processed data awaiting output.
B. Auxiliary Storage Devices (External or Secondary Storage Devices)

When you create data on the computer or write (load) programs, you can not save
them permanently in the computers main memory. Primarily, main memory (RAM) is
not large enough to store all of the programs and data that are used. In addition, main
memory loses its data when the computer is turned off. For these reasons, the
computer has another form of memory for permanent storage. This memory is known
as auxiliary storage also called external or secondary storage.
Secondary storage devices consists use magnetic storage media in the form of floppy
disks, hard disks, flash disks or tapes and optical storage media like CD and DVD to
store programs and data. Once data is stored on these storage media, it can be
reloaded back into the computers main memory with out having to re-keyboard it.
Magnetic storage devices:
Magnetic storage devices are coated with tiny magnetically sensitive particles
which record binary data. The read/write head can change the magnetic charge of
the particles to represent 1s or 0s. When magnetic energy passes from the head to
the storage device, it writes. When magnetic energy passes from the device to the
head, it reads. Common magnetic devices are floppy disks, hard disks, flash disks
and magnetic tape. Each of these storage media can be erased and reused.
i. Hard disk is a high storage capacity magnetic disk made up of metal which can
be fixed in the system unit of the computer. The amount of data that storage
device can contain or store is called storage capacity. Hard disk is not a single
flexible disk, but a stack of metal disks sealed in a box. Accessing data from
hard disk is faster than accessing data from floppy disks. The amount of time it
takes to retrieve (or open) data from disk is called the disk access time.
ii. Floppy disk is commonly used for moving files between separate computers,
loading new programs onto the computer, or storing backup copies of data.
iii. Flash disk is a type of data storage media integrated with a USB (universal
serial bus) interface. USB flash drives are typically removable and rewritable,
much shorter than a floppy disk (1 to 4 inches or 2.5 to 10 cm), and weigh less
than 2 ounces (60 g). Storage capacities typically range from 32 MB to 32 GB
with steady improvements in size and price per gigabyte. Some allow 1 million
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write or erase cycles. USB flash drives offer potential advantages over other
portable storage devices, particularly the floppy disk. They are more compact,
faster, hold much more data, have a more durable design, and are more reliable
for lack of moving parts. Additionally, it has become increasingly common for
computers to ship without floppy disk drives.
iv. Magnetic tape reads and writes data in the same way an audiocassette taperecords and plays sound; with the exception that magnetic tape stores digital
data (1s and 0s). Because a tape physically allows only sequential access, data
retrieval can be slow and tedious; however tapes have more capacity than
floppy disks and are good for storing full-motion video images and backup data.
Optical Storage Devices
Optical storage devices use laser beams to read information from a spinning disk.
Optical storage devices include CD-ROMs, DVD-ROM. An ordinary CD-ROM
can hold 650,000,000 bytes (650 megabytes) of data; the disk can accommodate
extensive digital graphics, video and sound clips.
The diagram below shows how the various components of computer work together.
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2.5.2 Computer Software

The computer hardware is an electronic device which has the potential of performing
the task of solving a problem. However one has to give precise instructions to the
hardware in order to solve problem. The finite set of instructions (steps) that the
computer follow to perform a given job is called a program. The group of programs
that a computer needs to function is known as software. Hence, software or a program
is a complete set of instructions written by humans, which enables the computer to
obtain solution of a certain problem. Any program to be executed first it should reside
/ loaded/ in the memory.
Software is a collection of programs and routines that support the operations of
performing a task using a computer. Software also includes documentations, rules and
operational procedures.
Software is often divided into two categories:
System software:-includes the operating system and all utilities that enable
the computer to functions.
Application software:-includes programs that do real task for users.
2.5.2.1 System software

-
Constitutes those programs which facilitate the work of the computer

hardware.
It organizes and manages the machines resources, handles the input/output
devices.
It controls the hardware by performing functions that users shouldnt have
to or are unable to handle.
System programs make complex hardware more user friendly.
It acts as intermediate between the user and the hardware.
It enables the computer understand programming languages i.e. it serves as
means of communication between user and a computer.
The important categories of system software are:

A. Operating system
B. Language software
A. Operating system
The operating system coordinates the interaction between the user and the
computer.
The OS contains instructions that coordinates the over all activities of
hardware device. It also contains instructions that allow you to run
application software.
Therefore, OS have the following functions:
manage the computer resources;
interpret and process commands;
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manage input/output devices;

allow the system to understand application software, &
allow the user to communicate with the application software.
OS can be classified depending on the number of programs they can handle & the
number of users that can be working on the system at a time:
Single- Tasking Operating systems. E.g.: MS-DOS
Multi Tasking Operating systems. E.g.: MS-Window
Multi-user operating system. E.g.: Linux
B. Language Software
Used by programmers to develop application programs. Language software is a
generic name consisting of various programs that serve as compilers and
translators to develop programs in a number of different programming Languages.
Example: C++, Visual Basic, COBOL, etc
2.5.2.2 Application Software
Is software that is designed to perform tasks for the specific purpose.

Are usually called application packages as they may include a number of
programs along with operating instruction, documentation and so forth.
Depending on their function or task they are categorized in to the following:
Word Processors/ Word processing

- Is a computerized typewriter which permits the electronic creation, editing,
formatting, filing and printing text.
- Is the most common application of microcomputers.
- Until recently, word processing could be done only dedicated word processors. A
dedicated word processor is a computer that denies its users the opportunity to
execute any other program.
Example: WordStar, WordPerfect, Microsoft word
Spreadsheet
- Is an electronic worksheet.
- Until recently, financial analysis and other mathematical calculation were done by
entering numbers on pages of an accountants ruled ledger pad.
- You can quickly create a model of a situation on a spreadsheet by entering labels,
numbers & formulas.
- Using the programs built-in function you can perform complicated calculations
such as net percent value, internal rates of return, and monthly payments on a
loan.
Example: Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel, Quatropro
Database management system.
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Allow you to store information on a computer, retrieve it when you need it and
update it when necessary.
You can do this with index cards, but database management programs do them
more quickly and easily.
Example: You can store large mailing list, inventory record or billing
and collect information in lists stored in files and manipulate this
information, one file at a time with database management program.
You can record or create a database about employee information as
Name, sex, Marital status, salary, Date of Birth, Date of employment,
Post, Department, Level of education, Field of study, etc.
Then you can ask the computer the following question
- How many female workers are there?
- List employees with a salary of birr 500 and above
- List those employees who are department head and have
Bachelor degree or higher and so on.
Example: Dbase IV, FoxPro, Microsoft Access.
22
COMPUTER BASICS EXERCISE

I. Choose the best answer
1. The statement computer is programmable machine means;
A. Once manufacturers of a computer produce a computer with all the needed
programs no one adds another program to it.
B. A computer user can add any program that helps for his/her task once he/she buys
a computer
C. A computer is manufactured to do a specific task
D. All
2. Identify the wrong statement.
A. Computers can give help to almost all areas of human activities.
B. People choose computers because they can store huge amount of data than
human can handle
C. Registers are part of computer software
D. Computers are not as intelligent enough as of human being
3. Which of the following is true about computer?
A. The results of processing are displayed on the output devices
B. The data to be processed are entered to the computer with the help of Output
devices
C. The data processing unit are input devices
D. Input devices send data directly to the output devices
E. All
4. Which is false about software?
A. Without software hardware does nothing
B. It is composed of instructions/programs used to guide the hardware
C. It is the internal circuitry/physical part of computer.
D. All
5. Why floppy disk, CD, and hard disk are considered as secondary storage device?
Because:
A. Any data entered through input devices directly stored on them based on your
choice.
B. Data entered from input devices first stored on RAM then stored on them based
on your choice.
C. They stores data temporarily.
D. All
II. Give short answer
1) What is computer?
2) What are the major components of computer system?
3) List the four categories of computer hardware
23
CHAPTER THREE
3Basics of Windows
Objectives
After completing of this chapter, students will be able to:
Explain the concept of Windows Operating System

Develop the skill of switching on and turning of
computer
Know how to use mouse

Open different programs
3.1 Windows Overview

Windows is an operating system. An operating system is software that co-ordinates
the overall activities of a computer and control the way the computer work. As the
operating system, windows control all the basic functions of the computer. Windows
serves as the interface between you and the hardware and software that make up the
computer system.
Window is a rectangular framed region on the desktop that provides commands and
activities which enable you to easily manage, communicate and work with
applications, dialog boxes, etc.
3.2 Switching on and Turning off /shutting down the computer

Switching on computer
You switch on the computer with a power switch on the front or side of the system
unit. If the monitor light doesnt come on after about 3 seconds, i.e. after you turn on
the system units on-off switch, find and press the monitors onoff switch.
Turning off /shutting down the computer
Click on start
Click on Turn Off Computer
The diagram below will be displayed and click on Turn Off button
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Standby - This will put your computer into standby mode,

basically it will power down components like the monitor
and hard drive to preserve energy.
Turn Off - Shuts down the PC, always use this option to
turn off your PC.
Restart - this will restart the computer.
3.3 Desktop
The desktop is a work space that appears on the computer screen after you start a
computer. It is an area where you can organize your computer work. The desktop can
contain: icons, taskbar, start button, and mouse pointer.
3.3.1 Elements of a desktop
Icons: are small pictures that represent a program or applications, files,

folders, other objects.
E.g.
The My computer icon represents a program you use to organize the files
in the computer.
The Recycle Bin icon represents a storage area for deleted files.
Folder icons are usually yellow in colour and they are organizers for files
and other folders. E.g. My Document folder.
File icons: represent files. They look different because the type of icons
depends on the application on which they are created or the application
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(or program) they represent. This in turn has a significant role to help user
to easily identify file types.
Taskbar: the bar usually located at the bottom of the desktop that organize
the start button, opened windows, and the system date and time indicator.
Start button: used to display a menu from which you can start programs,
open documents, change system settings, get help, find files and folders,
run applications and turn off the computer.
Mouse pointer: an input device that help you to move, copy, select,
deselect objects on the desktop and other windows.
3.4 MOUSE
Mouse is a small handheld input device that you move around on your desk, usually
on mouse pad. When you roll the mouse across your desk, a pointer (an arrow shape)
moves on the screen.
A mouse makes it easy for you to point at object on the screen- an operation that you
cannot do easily with a keyboard. Using a mouse, you can quickly select different
screen objects, such as icons or menus.
A typical mouse has two buttons (left and right) for issuing commands. Some mice
have three buttons in which the middle button has various functions, depending on
the program being used.
The left mouse button (primary button) is the one used most frequently. Most
commands are issued with the button.
The right mouse button (secondary button) is used to display a short cut menu
(pop-up menu) which contains list of actions and options that can be applied
on the selected item.
3.4.1 Basic Mouse Techniques

What to do
Techniques
Pointing
Click
Double click
Right Click
Drag
Slide the mouse with out pressing a button until

the pointer is in the desired location.
Point to an object and quickly press and release
the left mouse button once.
the left mouse button twice.
the right mouse button once.
Point to an object, click and hold down the left
mouse button, and then move the object. To drop
the object, release the left mouse button while you
are dragging.
26
3.5 Starting a program

You can start a program by clicking the start button choosing the desired program
from the program menu. You use the start menu to start a program, find a file, or
display help information.
3.5.1 Start WordPad

WordPad is word processing program you can use to create, edit, save, open, and
print usually text documents.
Steps to start WordPad program
- Click the start button on the taskbar
- Point to programs menu:- an arrow next to a menu (program menu)
indicates a cascading menu pointing at the arrow displays a submenu
from which you can choose additional commands.
- Point to Accessories from the program sub menus.
- Click WordPad program from Accessories submenus.
OR
Click the start button on the taskbar
Click on Run and Type WordPad with in open box and click on Ok
Therefore, the WordPad program opens and blank document window

appears.
Note that when a program is open a program button appears on the taskbar
indicating that it is open.
3.5.2 Screen Elements of a Typical Window

Every program runs in its own program window; the WordPad window you have open
now is a good example of a typical window program. Since the controls in most
program window work similarly once you have mastered a program such as WordPad
you are well on your way to mastering window programs in general. Elements of the
WordPad window (and also for other window) are discussed as follows:
1. Title bar: a bar at the top of every window that shows the name of the
application, file, folder, dialog box or window. The title bar also contains control
menu box, maximize, minimize and close buttons. Moreover, you can use the title
bar to move the window over the desk top.
Minimize button (-): the first button at the top right side of the title bar, to
reduce or minimize the window to an icon so that it will be displayed on
the taskbar.
Maximize button (): the second and middle button at the right side of
the title bar used to enlarge the active window. So that it covers the entire
desktop.
27
Restore button (
): replaces the maximize button when the window is
maximized and is used to return the window to its previous size and
poison.
Close button ( ): the button at the right end of the title bar that is used to
close the window. To close a minimized window right click the windows
button on the task bar and click close.
2. Menu bar: usually located below the title bar that contains menu options each of
which comprises or organize lists of related commands. A command is an
instruction that carries out its task when selected. Some of them are: File, Edit,
View, Insert, format, Help---
Depending on the instruction coded at the back ground, when you select a
command, an action will take place, a dialog box will appear, a sub menu will be
listed, a feature or option may turned on or off, etc.
1) Command: is a list of commands that displayed when you click a menu
name on a menu bar or on tool bar and that you use to accomplish certain
tasks. E.g. save command.
3. Tool bars: one or more bars usually located below the menu bar or at the
horizontal scroll bar, that groups most frequently used commands you often use as
a button.
2) Standard tool bar: which organizes action commands such as New, open,
save, cut, copy, etc?
3) Formatting tool bar: which organizes formatting commands such as font,
font size, font style, text alignment, etc?
28
4. Scroll bar: vertical and horizontal bars usually located at the right and bottom
edge of the window respectively. The primary use of a scroll bar is to view or
scroll information line by line when the entire content of the window does not fit
in the space allotted.
5. Status bar: a bar located at the bottom edge of the window that displays
information about the current status of the window, property of the selected file,
folder or drive or other information about the selected item.
3.5.3 Saving and Opening Files

Saving Files
You create documents by using application programs like WordPad. The word file
refers to any document that is saved or will be saved onto a storage device like floppy
disk or hard disk for future use.
Most windows program provide two commands that let you save document save
and save as commands.
Saving a file
Click on save button on standard tool bar OR choose file save or file save
As from menu bar.
Select the folder or drives from save In combo box where you want to save
document from the save as dialog box appeared.
Type the file name in the file name text box, and
Click on save button.
If you are saving the document for the first time save and save as commands are the
same. How ever, use the command:
- Save: to save a file for the first time and to update a saved file under the
same name and location
- Save As: to save a file for the first time or under a new name and/ or to a
different location.
29
To open a Document
Click on File open command from menu bars OR click open button on
standard tool bar.
Click on the look In combo button and select the drives or folder that
contains the file you need to open from the open dialog box appeared.
Select the file name you want to open
Click on open button OR Double click on the file name.
3.6 Managing Files & Folders

Understanding File Management
File management is organizing and keeping track of files and folders

File is a collection of computer data that has some common purpose.
E.g. a letter you have typed, a picture you have drawn.
Folder- is an electronic location in which you store groups of related
files. It is also possible to place folders inside of other folders.
E.g. a folder to store all the files for an application program.
Drive is a physical place in which you store files and folders.
E.g. a floppy disk, hard disk.
File management can help you do the following:
Create a new folder so you can reorganize information
Examine and organize files and folders in a file hierarchy
Copy, move, and rename files and folders
Delete files and folders you no longer need and restore files you
delete accidentally
Locate a file easily with the Search feature
Create shortcuts to files and folders
Creating new folder:

To create a new folder, select the location where you want to create the new
folder, and then name it meaningfully, so you can know its contents by
reading the name
30
Thus
Navigate to the folder where the new folder will be stored
Click File on the menu bar, point to New, then click Folder
Type the folder name, then press [Enter]
Renaming file and folder:
Navigate to the disk drive which contains the file or the folder you want to
rename.
Select the file or the folder
Choose file menu and click Rename
Type the new name and press ENTER key.

Or
Rightclick the file or the folder and click rename from the short cut (popup) menu.
Type the new name and press ENTER key.

Deleting a file or a folder using file menu:
- Navigate to the disk drive which contains the file or the folder you want to
delete.
- Select the file or folder
- Choose the file menu and click delete
3.7 Customizing a Desktop

To change your desktop background
1. To open Display Properties, click Start, click Control Panel, and then
double-click Display, OR, Right click on free Desktop area then choose
Properties.
2. On the Desktop tab, do one or more of the following:
o Click a picture in the Background list. In Position, click Center, Tile,
or Stretch.
o Click Browse to search for a background picture in other folders or on
other drives. You can use files with the following extensions: .bmp,
.gif, .jpg, .dib, .png, .htm. In Position, click Center, Tile, or Stretch.
o Select a color from Desktop color. The color fills the space not used
by a picture.
o Click Apply button
o Finally click on OK
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To set or change a screen saver

1. To open Display Properties, click Start, click Control Panel, and then
double-click Display, OR, Right click on free Desktop area then choose
Properties.
2. On the Screen Saver tab, under Screen saver, click a screen saver in the list.
Note
After you select a screen saver, it will automatically start when your computer
is idle for the number of minutes specified in Wait.
To clear the screen saver after it has started, move your mouse or press any key.
To view possible setting options for a particular screen saver, click Settings on
the Screen Saver tab.
Click Preview to see how the selected screen saver will appear on your
monitor. Move your mouse or press any key to end the preview.
32
BASICS OF WINDOWS EXERCISE

I. Choose the best answer
1. Saving file is
A. The process of storing a document on computer for further use
B. The process of writing a document from Random Access Memory (RAM) to
secondary storage devices like floppy disk
C. The processes of retrieving (accessing) back a document from hard disk to
RAM.
D. All except C
2. A bar usually located at the bottom of a desktop and organizes start button, opened
programs, system date and time, etc is?
A. Task bar
B. Status bar
C. menu bar
D. Title bar
3. A button found on the right side of the title bar and used to enlarge (increase) the
size of a window in order to fit the entire desktop is?
A. Maximize button
B. Minimize button
C. Close button
D. Restore button
4. The bar below is
A. Menu bar
B. Title bar
C. Tool bar
D. Status bar
II. Do the following exercises
1) Create a folder named computer on desktop.
2) Create sub folders hardware and software under the folder you created
on question 1.
3) Type a one paragraph text on WordPad and save it within the folder you
created on number one by the file name paragraph.
4) Again try to save the file you created on question 3 under the folder
hardware.
Prepared by: Asefa B. & Aychilum A.
33
Nekemte CTE
CHAPTER FOUR
4Microsoft Word Basics
4.1 Introduction to Microsoft Word
Objectives
By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
Know the definition and purpose of Microsoft Word

Start Microsoft Word
Be familiar with the Screen Layout and Understand the Menus and
Toolbars
Create document, Save and Open files, and Exit Microsoft Word
Edit and Format documents

Insert pictures, WordArt, page number to word documents
Create tables using Table menu
Microsoft Word (MS-Word) is word processing software that runs on the windows
operating system, which enables you to create, edit, format, save and print document
for future retrieval. MS-Word is software that overlooks the work of typewriter.
Advantage of MS-Word over type-writer:
- MS-Word enables you see and adjust the print preview of your document that
avoids wastage of resources.
- MS-Word enables you format and edit your documents as you wish
- MS-Word enables you correct spelling and grammar errors
- MS-Word enables you easily create various types of web pages
- MS-Word enables you enter pictures, tables, symbols, and data from other sources
- Using MS-Word you can exchange data with other software (e.g. MS-Excel, MsAccess, etc), create columns, mail merge, drawing, etc.
4.2 Starting MS-Word Program:

-
Click the start button

Move mouse pointer to Programs /All Programs menu
Point to Microsoft office
Point to Microsoft office Word 2003 and click on it.
4.2.1 The Screen Element of MS-Word
34
Nekemte CTE
othe Word Screen
cvf
Menu Bar
Title Bar
Standard Toolbar
Formatting Toolbar
Ruler
New
document
window
Working
Scroll Bars
Area
Views
Status Bar
Title Bar
Indicates application and current

document in use
Menu Bar
General headings for accessing

commands
Standard Toolbar
Quick access to basic features of Word
Formatting Toolbar
Quick access to change the look of text
Ruler
Indicates Margin, Tab and Indentation

settings. Can also be used to change
these settings.
Scroll Bars
Allows quick movement around

document
Status Bar
Shows position of Insertion Point and

document status
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4.2.2 Creating and Closing Documents

Creating a New Document
A new document can be opened at any time within Word:
-
Select File | New.

The New dialog box will appear on the screen.
In the New section click on Blank Document.
Closing a Document
To clear all text from the screen and begin working on a new document:
Select the File | Close command OR Click Close window button (x) on menu bar
below the close button.
If the document has not been previously given a file name, or if it has been
modified in any way, Word displays a Message Box
Three options are given:

Yes
displays the Save As dialog box if the document

has just been created or automatically saves the
document if it is being modified.
No
clears the document from the active window.
Cancel
returns to the document.
Exiting Word
The final step of every word session is to exit word. To exit word:
Choose File Exit menu from menu bar OR click the applications close
button on title bar
4.2.3 Saving and Opening Word Documents

To save the work book
1. Click on File
2. Click on Save As /Save
3. Select the location from Save In box where you want to save your file
4. Type the file name in the file name box and
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5. Slick save
To Open Existing file
1. Open MS-Excel and click on file
2. Click on open
3. Select the folder that contains your file from look in box
4. Select your file and
5. click on Open
4.3 Editing Word Documents

Editing is the process of inserting new items (text, drawing, pictures), removing
unwanted items and/or modifying existing ones. One of the major advantages of word
processor over type writer is the case with which one can edit documents after
creating them.
4.3.1 Select text and graphics

Before performing any operation (copying, moving, formatting and the likes) on a
document, you must first select the text. You can select text and graphics by using the
mouse or the keyboard, including items that aren't next to each other. For example,
you can select a paragraph on page one and a sentence on page three.
Select text and graphics by using the mouse
Any amount of text
Drag over the text.
A word
Double-click the word.
An entire document
EditSelect
A graphic
Click the graphic.
4.3.2 Deleting text and graphics

You can delete one character at a time or delete a large block of text by selecting it
first, and the remaining text shifts over to fill the vacated space and line breaks adjust
automatically.
To delete text character by character :
- Press Delete key if the insertion point is just before the text to be
deleted
- Press Backspace key if the insertion point is just after the text to be
deleted
To delete a block of text :
- Select the block and press Backspace or Delete key or Choose
EditClear from menu bar
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4.3.3 Undo and Redo

If you make a mistake whether it is issuing wrong command or deleting some text by
accident, you can probably undo it with the words undo
undo opening, saving, or printing.
-
command. Word cannot
On the Standard toolbar, click the arrow next to Undo.

OR EditUndo.
Click the action you want to undo. If you don't see the action, scroll through the
list. When you undo an action, you also undo all actions above it in the list.
Notes
You can undo the very last action you took by just clicking Undo on the
Standard toolbar.
If you later decide you didn't want to undo an action, click Redo on the
Standard toolbar OR EditRedo
4.3.4 Move (Cut) or copy text and graphics

To copy text and graphics
Select the text and graphics
Click Edit menu

OR
Click copy
To cut(move) text and graphics
Select the text and graphics
Click Edit menu

OR
Click cut
Click Copy
toolbar
Click Cut
To paste the copied and cut text and graphics
Click where to paste (place) the copied/cut text.
Click Edit menu
Click Paste
OR Click Paste
toolbar
button on Standard
button on Standard toolbar
button on Standard
With cut, copy and paste you can move or copy text with in a document, between
documents, between different applications. Cut, copy and paste are easy to use if you
remember the following concepts:
- You must select text before issuing a cut or copy command
- You must position the insertion point at the desired location before issuing
the paste command other wise, you will paste at the wrong location.
The cut command removes selected text from its original location and
places it in the office clipboard.
The copy command places selected text in the office clipboard, but it
leaves a copy of the text in the original location.
The paste command pastes the most recently cut or copied text into the
document at the insertion point location.
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Office clipboard: lets you collect items from one application or document and paste
them into any other document. The office clip board can hold up to 24 items. It can be
displayed in the task pane with the Edit office clip board command. Once the
office clipboard is displayed, you can choose an item and paste it into your document.
Copy
Office
clipboar
d
Cut
4.4 Formatting Word Document

Formatting refers to all the techniques that enhance the appearance of your document.
Editing changes the content of a document, while formatting changes its appearance.
Character formatting includes all the features that affect individual characters and the
primary character formatting features are bold face, italic, font, font style, etc.
4.4.1 Character Formatting

Appearance features are applied using the Format | Font command, which opens up
the Font dialog box. Several features can be chosen at once, as well as obtaining a
preview of the text prior to changing.
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To change appearance before/after typing, open up the Font dialog box and
select from the following appearance options:
Font Style
Regular, Bold, Italic, Bold Italic.
Underline
includes None, Single, Words Only, Double and

Dotted.
Others
Font, Size, Color.
Effects
includes Strikethrough, Superscript, Subscript,

Hidden, Small and All Caps.
4.4.2 Paragraph Formatting

1. Alignment refers to how text appears on each line in relation to the margins.
Word is capable of four types of text alignment: Left, Centred, Right and
Justified (full).
To adjust the alignment of the paragraph:
Select the paragraph(s) or click with in the paragraph and then click on one of
the alignment buttons below from tool bar
Left
Justified
Centre
Right
Left - is a straight left margin and a ragged right margin.

Centre - each line is centred between the margins.
Right - is a straight right margin, ragged left margin.
Justify - straight left and right margins.
OR
Select the paragraph(s) or click with in the paragraph
Choose Format Paragraph Indents and Spacing tab
Select one of the alignments from the box
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2. To change the indentation of text, do one of the following:

Move the insertion point into the paragraph to be indented or select it.
Press the Indent buttons (Increase Indent
or Decrease Indent
)
from tool bar as many times as necessary to indent the paragraph the required
amount. Each time the Indent button is pressed, the text is indented to the next
tab stop.
OR
Under Indent choose one from the options given
3. Line spacing is the space between two adjacent lines in a paragraph. The default
setting for line spacing is Single. Other useful line spacing is Double and 1.
To change the line spacing
Choose Line Spacing drop down list box and select from the available
options.
4.4.3 Adding Borders and Shading

Borders and shading can add interest and emphasis to various parts of your document.
You can add borders to pages, text, tables and table cells , pictures. You can shade
paragraphs and text.
Page borders
You can add a border to any or all sides of each page in a document, to pages in a
section, to the first page only, or to all pages except the first. You can add page
borders in many line styles and colors, as well as a variety of graphical borders.
Word can automatically create a border around a whole page.
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To create a Page Border select Format | Borders and Shading and click on
the Page Border tab.
Select a Setting, Style, Colour and Width. Alternatively select Art to create
a border with Clip Art.
Select an option from Apply to:
Click OK.
Remove a Page Border by choosing None from Setting then OK
Borders can be created around tables, paragraphs or graphics also.
Select the text, table, cell or graphic. Select Format | Borders and Shading...
to bring up the Border dialog box. This has a slightly different title depending
upon whether the border is being created around a text, paragraph, table or
graphic.
Choose a Setting, Style, Colour and Width.

Click OK to create the borders and return to the document
4.5 Inserting
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4.5.1 Insert a picture from a clip Art

1. On the Insert menu, point to Picture, and then click Clip Art.
2. In the Clip Art in the Search for box, type a word or phrase that
describes the clip(picture) you want or type in all or some of the file
name of the clip.
3. Click Go/search.
4. In the Results box, click the clip to insert it.
4.5.2 Insert Page Number

1. On the Insert menu, click Page Numbers.
2. In the Position box, specify whether to print page numbers in the header at the
top of the page or in the footer at the bottom of the page.
3. In the Alignment box, specify whether to align page numbers left, center, or
right relative to the left and right margins, or inside or outside relative to the
inside and outside edges of pages that will be bound.
4. If you don't want a number on the first page, clear the Show number on first
page check box.
5. Select any other options you want.
6. Click Ok
4.5.3 Inserting WordArt

WordArt is a text objects you create with ready-made effects to which you can
apply additional formatting options. You can insert decorative text by using
WordArt. You can create shadowed, skewed, rotated, and stretched text, as well
as text that have been fitted to predefined shapes.
1. On Insert menu point to Pictures, then click on WordArt.

2. Click the WordArt effect you want, and then click OK.
3. In the Edit WordArt Text dialog box, type the text you want.
4. Do any of the following:
o To change the font type, in the Font list, select a font.
o To change the font size, in the Size list, select a size.
o To make text bold, click the Bold button.
o To make text italic, click the Italic button.
4.6 Working with Table

A table is made up of vertical and horizontal gridlines. A table contains rows and
columns that you can fill with text and pictures. The intersection of a row and a
column is a cell.
To insert a table, select Table | Insert | Table.
The following dialog box appears.
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Select the Number of columns and Number of rows required.

Click OK. The table is visible.
E.g.
4.6.1 Merging and Splitting cells

Cells in a table can be merged or split. To merge or split, the cells must be selected
before choosing the appropriate command.
Merge Cells
To merge cells means to join two or more cells together to make one
large cell.
- Select the cells to be joined.
- Select Table | Merge Cells. The cells are then merged.
Note: Cells from different rows can be merged.
Split Cells
To split means to divide a cell into two or more cells.
- Position the cursor in the cell to be split.
- Select Table | Split Cells....
- Increase the Number of Columns to the required amount.

- Click OK.
Note: Cells that have not been merged can still be split.
4.6.2 Inserting Rows and Columns

It is easy to increase a table in size by adding rows or columns to the edges, or even
between existing rows or columns.
Insert rows or columns
Move to where the new row/s (above the cursor) or column/s (to the left of the
cursor) are to be inserted.
Select Table | Select Row (or Column) to select the row/column. Select Table
| Insert | Rows (or Columns).
The new rows/columns are then inserted.
To insert more than one row or column select by highlighting the required
number of rows/columns before using the Select and Insert commands.
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Alternatively, position the cursor below where the new row is to be inserted
and click on the Insert Rows button,
, from the Standard Toolbar.
Highlight a column and the button will change to Insert Columns.
4.6.3 Deleting a Table

To delete a table it is necessary first to select it.
Either select Table | Select | Table, or click and drag in the selection bar.
Select Table | Delete | Rows or Table | Delete | Columns, depending on
which way the selection was made.
Note: To delete the text only within a table, select the table and press <Delete>.
To Delete rows or columns
Select Table | Select | Row (or Column).
Select Table | Delete | Rows (or Columns).
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BASICS OF MS-WORD EXERCISE

I. Do the following Exercise
Type the following text on MS-Word and Apply the font features like (font:
Bookman Old Style, Font Style: Bold Italic, Font Color: Pink, Font Size: 28)
WordArt is a text objects you create with ready-made effects to which you can
apply additional formatting options. You can insert decorative text by using
WordArt. You can create shadowed, skewed, rotated, and stretched text, as well as
text that have been fitted to predefined shapes.
II. Choose the best answer
1. A computer program that is used in creating, editing, formatting, saving and
printing documents.
A. Excel B. Window-2006
C. Window-2000
D. Ms-word
E.
None
2. Which of the following file names are not valid?
A. ab/102/99
B. ab.c
C. abc
D. x.z.y
E. all
3. The process of Insert new items and remove unwanted ones is called
________.
A. Formatting
B. Saving
C. Printing
D. Editing
E. None
4.
A button that can used to restore the texts that deleted accidentally is
_________
A. Redo
B. Format
C. Paste
D. Undo
E. None
5. Bold, Italic and Underline are ___________
A. Font Type
B. Font Style
C. Font size
D. all E. None
III. Give Short Answer
1. Compare typewriter with ms-word.
2. Explain the main difference between save and save as.
3. Tola was typing a letter using his computer. After typing his letter, he took
a tea break, during which time the power was shut off with out warming.
When he switched on his computer, he found that his letter had
disappeared. Did Tola make a mistake? If so, what went wrong?
4. What is the difference between Close and Minimize button?
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CHAPTER FIVE
5Microsoft Excel Basics
Objectives
By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
Know the definition and purpose of Microsoft Excel

Start Microsoft Excel
Be familiar with the Screen Layout and Understand the Menus and
Toolbars
Create, Save and Open work sheet files of Microsoft Excel
Edit and Format worksheet data

Use formulas and built in functions of a worksheet
Use MS Excel charts
5.1 Introduction to Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel is application software created specifically to help in the processing
of tabular information, usually numbers. In addition, it is used to keep data list,
analyze, summarize data, calculations and chart data. Microsoft Excel stores
information in rows (across the screen) and columns (down the screen), forming a
worksheet.
5.2
Starting MS-Excel
To start MS-Excel
Click on start
Point to programs/ All Programs
Point to Microsoft office
Point to Microsoft office Excel 2003 and click on it.
5.2.1 Screen Elements of MS-Excel

Title bar = Indicates application and current workbook in use
Menu bar = General headings for that Contains commands
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Tool bars = Contains short cut commands

Formula bar = Indicates active cell address and displays cell contents
Active cell = selected cell in the work sheet/ Position to insert information
Cell address/Reference =Indicate the name of active cell e.g A1, A3, B4, etc
Sheet Tab =Name of displayed sheets
(Sheet 1, sheet 2, sheet 3)
Title Bar
Menu Bar
Standard Toolbar
Formatting Toolbar
Formula Bar
Active Cell
Address
Worksheet Area
Scroll Bars
Status Bar
Work book:- is a MS Excel window where you work on. By default

it is composed of three worksheets namely sheet 1, sheet 2, and sheet
3, but can contain up to 255 worksheets.
Worksheet:- is a large planned rectangular area of intersection between
rows and columns you use the worksheet to keep data base, perform
calculation, and more other. Each worksheet has 256 columns and
65536 rows. The columns are labeled by letters, A, B, C IV and
the rows are labeled by numbers 1, 2, 3, ..65536. These letters and
numbers are shown in the Row and Column Headings on the
worksheet.
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Cell: - The intersection of Columns and rows in a worksheet. A cell is

named by the name of column and row e.g A1, B2, Z70 etc..
Database:- is a collection of similar data
5.2.2
Exiting MS-Excel
After you complete your task you can close the Window
To Exit MS-Excel Window:

Click on close button from the title bar
OR
Click on File
Click on Exit
5.2.3 Entering Data in to worksheet

You can enter constant values (it can be a numeric value, including data and time
or it can be text). First, you place the cursor in the cell in which you would like to
enter data. Then you type the data and press Enter.
To enter data in a work sheet:Click on the cell in which you want to enter data
Type the data
Press Enter
5.2.4 Saving and Opening work book

To save the work book
1. Click on File
2. Click on Save As /Save
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3. Select the location from Save In box where you want to save your file
4. Type the file name in the file name box and
5. Slick save
To Open Existing file
1. Open MS-Excel and click on file
2. Click on open
3. Select the folder that contains your file from look in box
4. Select your file and
5. click on Open
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5.3 Editing Worksheet

5.3.1 Moving in a work sheet
To move
One cell to the right
One cell to the left
One cell down
One cell up
To the lost column
To the first column
To the last row
To the first row
Press
- Right Arrow key or Tab key
- Left arrow key
- Down Arrow
- Up Arrow
- Ctrl Right arrow key
- Ctrl + Arrow key
- Ctr1 + Down arrow key
- Ctrl + up arrow key
5.3.2 Selecting the parts of worksheet

To select
Do the following
One cell
- Click on a cell
Range of cells
- Drag on the cell range
5.3.3 Copying and Moving

You can copy or move your data base as you did on the Microsoft word
Copying and moving using edit menu
1. Create the following database and
select it
2. Click on Edit
3. Choose copy or cut
4. Click on the cell where you want to
place the copied or cut text
5. click on paste
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Copying or moving using Tool bar
Cut
Copy
Paste
Select the database
Click on copy or cut button from the above tool bar
Click where to place the data
Click on paste button from the above tool bar
5.3.4 Inserting Rows and columns

To insert row(s):
1. Select a cell or cells / row or rows above which you want to insert new row (s)
2. Click Insert and click on Rows
2.
To insert column (s)

1. Select a column or columns to the left of which you want to insert column (s)
2. Click Insert and click columns
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5.4
Formatting the Worksheet
After you create the data base, it is possible to change the appearance of data by
changing font size, font color, style, alignment, ..etc
5.4.1 Changing Fonts

To change font size, color, style using Format Menu
1. Select your database
2. Click on format and click on cell
The format cells dialog box will be displayed
3. Click on font tab

4. Choose the option you want
5. Click ok
To change font size, color, style using Tool bar
2. Chose the option you want from the above tool bar
5.4.2 Applying border and patterns

By default MS-Excel data base has no printable border and no fill, you can apply
border and shading to the cells
To apply boarder
2. Click on format and click on Cells
3. Click on border tab
5. Click ok
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To apply Pattern (Shading)

1. Select your data base
2. Click on format and click on cells
4. Click ok
5.4.3 Formatting numbers

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Select your database

Click on format and click on cells
Select Number tab
Select the number format you like
Click ok
5.5 Using formulas and functions

Formulas and functions are used to perform mathematical operation; this is the
most import use of MS-Excel
5.5.1 Creating formulas

Enter the following data and calculate the results
1.
2.
3.
4.
Click on the cell in which you want to see the result

Type equal sign = ; any formula in MS-Excel begins with equal sign
Type the cell address/reference and operator (+, -,*,or / ).
press Enter
e.g.
=A2 + B2
5.5.2 Using functions

Functions are predefined formulas that perform calculations by using specific
values, called arguments.
5.5.2.1 The Sum function

It adds all the number in range of cells
To sum numbers in a range of cells
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1. Click on the cell in which you want to see the result

2. Click on auto sum button (
on the standard tool bar
3. Drag over the values to be calculated
4. press Enter
Auto Sum
OR
Enter the formula below manually on the cell you want to see the result
=Sum (A2: F2)
5.5.2.2 The Average function

It returns (arithmetic mean) of the arguments
To calculate the average in a range of cells:
2. Click on Insert function button ( f x ) on the formula bar
3. Select Average
4. Click on ok
Insert
Function
Average
Function
5. Drag over the Value to be calculated
6. press Enter
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OR
=Average (A2: F2)
5.5.2.3 The RANK Function

It returns the rank of a number in a list of numbers
To find rank of number in the list
2. Click on Insert function button ( f x ) on the formula bar
3. Select rank function
4. Click ok
The function argument dialog box will be displayed
Step 5
Step 7
Step 6
5. Click on the number from the list for which you want to find the rank
6. Click on ref box and drag over the list from which you find the rank and press
F4
7. Click on Order box and type 0
8. Finally click ok
OR
=Rank (A2, $A$2:$ $F2,0)
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5.5.2.4 The If function

It checks whether a condition is met, and returns TRUE if the logical test is evaluated
to be TRUE or FALSE if the logical test is evaluated to be FALSE. If is used evaluate
values for grade, Tax, Comments or others.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Click on a cell on which you want to see the result

Click on the Insert function ( f x ) button on the formula bar
Select if function
Click ok
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
5 Type the expression in Logical test box. e.g. E2 > 90
6 Press tab key and Type true value in Value if true box
7. Press tab key and type false value in Value if false box
8 Click ok
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5.6 Using Chart

Using Microsoft Excel, you can represent numbers in a chart. You can choose from a
variety of chart types. And, as you change your data, your chart will automatically
update. You can use Microsoft Excel's Chart Wizard to take you through the process
step-by-step.
To insert chart
1. Select your data base
2. Click Insert and click on chart
OR Click on chart wizard (
) on the tool bar
The chart wizard dialog box will be displayed. (It has four wizards)
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Select the chart type and click next (wizard 1 of 4)

Select the data range and click next (wizard 2 of 4)
Select the chart options you want and click next (wizard 3 of 4)
Select the chart location you want and (wizard 1 of 4)
click finish
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MICROSOFT EXCEL EXERCISE

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What is Microsoft Excel ?

What is the difference between work book and worksheet?
A worksheet may have______ columns and _____rows
The intersection of columns and rows is known as______
What is the difference between formula and function
1. Create the following database

Name
Sex
Subject Subject
1
2
Ayantu
F
84
74
Tola
Bontu
F
90
64
Chala
Tariku
M
92
90
Fite
Alemu
M
91
71
Merga
Kena
F
94
95
Asefa
Jemila
F
90
64
Mohammed
59
Subject
3
90
Sum
Average
Grade
(Sub
75
94
83
96
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CHAPTER SIX
6Basics of the Internet
6.1 What is the Internet?
Objectives
After completion of this chapter, students will be able to:
To explain the basic structure of the Internet.
To explain some of the services provided by the Internet.
To explain the functions and value of the World Wide Web and E-mail.
To introduce the concepts of URL and search engines.
To provide a basis for later practical application of the world wide web and
e-mail.
The Internet is the largest computer network in the world. It connects a large number
of computers, of all types, together. It is a powerful tool that allows you to
communicate and exchange information on a global level. The Internet consists of
hardware, software and associated services.
The diagram below illustrates some of the Physical Components that make up the
Global Structure of the Internet:
This could be a local area network in England

This could be Ethiopian Tele-Communications
This could be the local area network in the NCTE
Fig: 6.1. The Global Structure
6.1.1 How does the Internet Work?

Computers on the Internet are called: servers and clients.
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Some basics about Servers:

o
A server is a computer that acts as an information and service provider.
Servers are usually connected permanently to the Internet.
There are many, many servers connected to the Net.
Some basics about Clients:

o
Client computers are used by people who want to access the

information and services which are stored on servers.
A client computer is an information seeker or consumer.
There are many more client computers than server computers.
Client Server exchange:

o Every communication on the Internet works on a principle of requests
and answers:
A client simply submits a request for information to a server
A server replies to the request by sending an answer to the client
o There is no permanent connection that exists between a server and a client
Making a request
Sending an answer
This could be a CLIENT
This could be a SERVER
Fig: 6.2. Servers and clients communication
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6.1.2 Internet Services

There are many Internet services and if you're connected to the Internet you can:
Send and receive email.

Access Web sites for information.
Access World Wide Web newsgroups.
Join and participate in distribution and discussion lists.
Participate in live chat rooms.
Access and copy information stored on other servers.
Carry out research and use it to enhance your status and profession.
Provide others with information about yourself, your work and research
World Wide Web

The World Wide Web (WWW or the Web) is probably the best known service of the
Internet. The Web, with its ability to present information in a variety of forms, and
with its enormous base of information sources, will probably be the single most
compelling reason why you may wish to use the Internet.
Why use the web?
It extends your access to valuable information sources.
It enables text and graphics to be displayed on a single screen in a format that

you are familiar with in books and magazines.
It can communicate sounds and moving pictures
It is an exciting and creative 'publishing' medium.
Links on Web screens enable you to find other Web screens using nothing
more than a mouse click.
E-mail
A common use of the Internet is to exchange messages with others by electronic mail.
Email has a number of advantages over regular mail services - often called snail mail!
Why use e-mail?
Email is faster, arriving at its destination within seconds (even world wide).
You can send the same mail item simultaneously to a large number of people.
You can communicate globally and locally.
You can attach documents and other types of computer files to your messages.
You don't need to leave your computer to send an email message.
Telnet
Telnet is a program that allows you to log into computers on the Internet and use
online databases, library catalogs, chat services, and more. There are no graphics in
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Telnet sessions, just text. To Telnet to a computer, you must know its address. This
can consist of words (locis.loc.gov) or numbers (140.147.254.3). Some services
require you to connect to a specific port on the remote computer. In this case, type the
port number after the Internet address. Example: telnet nri.reston.va.us 185.
FTP
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. This is both a program and the method used to
transfer files between computers. Anonymous FTP is an option that allows users to
transfer files from thousands of host computers on the Internet to their personal
computer account. FTP sites contain books, articles, software, games, images, sounds,
multimedia, course work, data sets, and more.
E-mail Discussion Groups
One of the benefits of the Internet is the opportunity it offers to people worldwide to
communicate via e-mail. The Internet is home to a large community of individuals
who carry out active discussions organized around topic-oriented forums distributed
by e-mail. These are administered by various types of software programs.
A great variety of topics are covered by discussion groups. When you subscribe to a
group, messages from other subscribers are automatically sent to your electronic
mailbox. You subscribe by sending an e-mail message to the address of the group. You
must have an e-mail account to participate in a discussion group.
Usenet News
Usenet News is a global electronic bulletin board system in which millions of
computer users exchange information on a vast range of topics. The major difference
between Usenet News and e-mail discussion groups is the fact that Usenet messages
are stored on central computers, and users must connect to these computers to read or
download the messages posted to these groups. This is distinct from e-mail
distribution, in which messages arrive in the electronic mailboxes of each list member.
Chat & Instant Messaging
Chat programs allow users on the Internet to communicate with each other by typing
in real time. They are sometimes included as a feature of a Web site, where users can
log into the "chat room" to exchange comments and information about the topics
addressed on the site. Chat may take other, more wide-ranging forms. For example,
America Online is well known for sponsoring a number of topical chat rooms.
6.1.3 Accessing the Internet

In order to access the Internet from a computer in your institution, you need to have
some specific hardware and software.
Computer Hardware needed for the internet:
A computer
A modem
Telephone line
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LAN (Hub, network card, network cables)

Computer Software needed for the internet:
There are a number of different types of software involved in running the Internet
most of which are unnecessary for the end user to understand. This section explains
only the software associated with your ability to access to the World Wide Web (and
via this, E-mail). This software is called a Web Browser.
A Web Browser is a piece of software that reads and de-codes information from a
server and re-presents that information to a client (end user). Microsoft Internet
Explorer and Netscape Navigator are well known Web Browser applications.
When you ask for information from a World Wide Web server such as Internet
Explorer, the server sends the information that you requested. It does this by using
HTTP commands, the standard for transfer of HTML documents.
A Webpage or webpage a single page in a website, together with any referenced
images or scripts etc; often hyperlinked to others. A webpage is a resource of
information that is suitable for the World Wide Web and can be accessed through a
web browser. This information is usually in HTML or XHTML format, and may
provide navigation to other web pages via hypertext links.
A Website is a collection of pages on the World Wide Web that are accessible from the
same URL and typically residing on the same server
6.1.4 URLs and Search Engines

URL: Universal Resource Locator
Every Web page and every document on the Web has a unique address. These
addresses are called U-R-Ls or Universal Resource Locator. URLs contain letters
and numbers understood by the Web. You can also understand what URLs mean and
you can use URLs to find specific web sites and pages.
Understanding URLs will help you grasp some of the inner workings of the Web. In
the long run, you may be able to use this information to help you find useful
information.
Typically, you will use URLs to find a specific Web site. However, every item on the
Net, whether it is a Web page, a graphic image or a sound file, has its own URL.
Here is an example of a URL: http://www.idrc.ca/unganisha/index.html
A Rough Guide to URLs:
A URL is the address of a Web page on the Internet.

It stands for Universal Resource Locator.
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Every web page on the Internet has a unique URL.

URLs have a specific set of components that provide information about the
information to be accessed. It is useful to become familiar with these
components.
Knowing the URL of a web page allows you to go directly that page.
You dont need to know the URL of a specific web page to find it and its
associated information BUT if you do know its URL it will save you lots of
valuable time because you will not have to use a search engine to find it.
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Search Engine
A Search Engine is basically a search service that helps you to find information on
the Web. Search Services are there to help you find information when you do not
know the URL of the web site or page that you are looking for. A Search Engine is a
service that acts as an intermediary between you, the user or client, and a set of
databases containing URLs. There are millions of web sites and billions of web pages
on the web. Search Engines find and index websites largely by using specialist
software called 'spiders' or 'robots'. These spiders or robots are scanning the Web
ceaselessly, finding and cataloguing new websites and new web screens.
A Rough Guide to Search Engines
A Search Engine helps you to find information on the Web.

There are many Search Engines available and no one search engine is best.
Search Engines allow you to search using phrases, keywords and directories.
Directories help you to narrow down your search to a specific category.
Search Engines may present you with thousands of results.
Using Search Engines requires practice and patience and time.
Three popular Search Engines are Google, Yahoo and AltaVista.
Here are the URLs (web site addresses) of three very useful search engines:
Google:
o http://www.google.com
Yahoo:
o
http://www.yahoo.com
AltaVista:
o http://uk.altavista.com
6.1.5 Searching information using Google

1. Open Google website (i.e. http://WWW.Google.com)
You will see the following Window
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Google
Search tab
Google
Search
box
2. Type your query in Google Search box

3. Click on Google Search tab
You will probably see the following window
Total search
Result
Hyper
link
4. Follow the hyper link and read the information you need
6.1.6
How to Use Email on Yahoo
Email is one of the best things about the internet. It allows you to keep in touch with
family and friends all over the world and find out online support group which is our
main goal.
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We will be focusing on web-based email. However, you could access email through
programs such as Eudora and email services of internet providers. Information on
subscribing to either of these programs will be provided in another tutorial.
In this module you will be shown how to use Yahoos email services, but the same
ideas apply to many other web-based email providers.
To use E-mail on Yahoo should first have to have Yahoo E-mail account. It
includes:
Yahoo Id (User name) and Password. You can have a free E-mail account on
Yahoo.
6.1.6.1 Creating new Account on Yahoo

1. Open Yahoo website (www.yahoo.com)
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Mail
1. Click on Mail
The following Window will be displayed
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Yahoo ID
Box
Password
Box
2. Click on Sign Up
3. Yahoo will display Yahoo Registration Form
4. Fill the necessary data and click on Submit
6.1.6.2 Reading and Composing Message

1. Once you had your Yahoo Id and Password you can now Read message sent to
you or you can send message to friends
2. Open Yahoo web site (www.yahoo.com)
3. Click on mail
4. Type your Yahoo Id in Yahoo Id box
5. Type your password in password box
6. Click on sign In
The following window will be displayed
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Compose
In box
7. click on Inbox to the message sent to you
8. Click compose to send message to others
Step 13
Step 14
Step 15
Step 16
9. Type the address of your recipient
10. Type the subject of your message
11. Type your message
12. Click on send
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BASICS OF INTERNET EXERCISE

I. Give short answer for the following questions
1. What is the Internet?
2. What is a client?
3. What is a server?
4. What is the main principle of communication on the Internet?
5. Name the two popular Internet services.
6. Give two reasons for using the WWW.
7. Give two reasons for using E-mail.
8. What is the name of the software that reads and de-codes information
on the Web?
9. What do HTTP and HTML stand for?
10. What is a URL?
11. What is a Search Engine?
12. Name 3 popular Search engines.
13. List 4 problems that you will come up against when you start searching
the web?
14. What is a chat room?
15. Write down the URL that gives access to the Google search engine?
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Bibliography
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Ayele Tessema, Teach yourself, Addis Ababa

Guillame Rouchy, an Introductory guide to computers window
Dr, Meregiya, complete guide to information technology
S.k .MALHOTRA ANDT.D. MALOHTRA,new Delhi computer hence
computer science (Including c++),
V. Dr.Dida Midekso, An Introduction to computer science & its Application,
Addis Ababa University.
VI. Leon Alexis and Mathews Leon 1999, Fundamentals of Information
technology New Delhi
VII. Student text for grade 11: Information technology
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Information

Bikila Ambaw: Dambi Dollo CTE

4.3.1 Select text and graphics............................................................................37

6.1.5 Searching information using Google.......................................................66

Explain the relationship between data and information

1.1 Information and Communication Technology

1.1.1 Applications of ICT

a. Office Automation refers to use of computers and telecommunication

1.1.2 Roles of ICT in Education

Anytime, anywhere. One defining feature of ICTs is their ability to transcend

determines economic success. Effective use of ICTs can contribute to the

1.2 Concepts of Information

1.2.1 Data versus Information

1.2.2 Sources of Information

Non-documentary sources are those that are not properly recorded or

1.2.3 The value of information

1.2.4 Characteristics of Valuable Information

Accuracy: information gathered for some specified purpose is accurate when it is

Completeness: information said to be complete if it contains all important facts that

Which of the following is true about information?

Define the term computer

2.1 Definition of computer

2.2 Uses or Application areas of Computer

Shopping being at home;

2.3 Characteristics of computers

Storage capacity is measured in Bytes .A byte is equivalent to a single character.

1byte (1B) = 8bits=1 character

2.4 Classification of Computers by size, capacity &

Fig 2.1 Personal Computers

business world. A main frame is the heart of a

Fig 2.3 Supercomputers

2.5 Computer systems

Fig 2.4 Structure of computer system

2.5.1 Computer Hardware

2.5.1.1 Input Devices

Data: means the raw facts given to the computer.

User response is the user's answer to the computer's question, such as

2.5.1.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

It co-ordinates and controls the computers activities. For example:

It performs arithmetic and logic operations using binary number system.

CPU has three parts:

2.5.1.3 Output Devices

2.5.1.4 Storage Devices

Instructions waiting to be obeyed by other components of the CPU.

B. Auxiliary Storage Devices (External or Secondary Storage Devices)

2.5.2 Computer Software

2.5.2.1 System software

Constitutes those programs which facilitate the work of the computer

The important categories of system software are:

manage input/output devices;

2.5.2.2 Application Software

Is software that is designed to perform tasks for the specific purpose.

Word Processors/ Word processing

COMPUTER BASICS EXERCISE

Explain the concept of Windows Operating System

Know how to use mouse

3.1 Windows Overview

3.2 Switching on and Turning off /shutting down the computer

Standby - This will put your computer into standby mode,

3.3.1 Elements of a desktop

Icons: are small pictures that represent a program or applications, files,

3.4.1 Basic Mouse Techniques

Slide the mouse with out pressing a button until