Software

Instructor | JOHN RHINO E. SANTOS

APRIL JOY D. PALAHANG

COMP 21 – SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS

◦◦◦ INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER ◦◦◦

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• Define computer
• Identify the main types of computers
• Differentiate the elements of a computer
• Apply occupational health and safety guidelines in operating a computer

Computer is a programmable device that can store, retrieve, and process data.

Today’s computer are electronic devices that can accept data (input), process that
data, and produce output and store the results.

Characteristics of Computer

• Speed: In general, no human being can compete to solving the computation

faster than computer.
• Accuracy: Since computer is programmed, whatever input we give it gives an
accurately results.
• Storage: Computer can store mass storage of data with appropriate format.
• Diligence: Computer can work for hours without any break and creating error.
• Versatility: We can use computer to perform completely different type of work
at the same time.
• Power of Remembering: It can remember data for us.
• No IQ: Computer does not work without instruction.
• No Feeling: Computer does not have emotions, knowledge, experience,
feeling.

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MAIN TYPES OF COMPUTERS

Computers can be generally classified by size and power:

• Personal Computer (PC). A digital computer designed for use by only one
person at a time. A typical personal computer assemblage consists of a central
processing unit (CPU), which contains the computer’s arithmetic, logic, and
control circuitry on an integrated circuit.

• Workstation. A powerful, single-user computer. It is like a personal computer,

but it has more powerful microprocessor and, in general, a higher quality
monitor.

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• Minicomputer. Small in size than the other computers of those times. It is used
in small businesses and firms.

• Mainframe. A powerful multi-user compute capable of supporting many

hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.

• Supercomputer. An extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of

millions of instructions per second.

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ELEMENT OF A COMPUTER: HARDWARE

Hardware refers to the physical elements that make up a computer or electronic

system and everything else involved that is physically tangible. This includes the
monitor, hard drive, memory and the CPU. Hardware works hand-in-hand with
firmware and software to make a computer function.

Input Devices

Input devices – components that send data to the computer.

Some examples of input devices:

• Keyboard is a peripheral device that enables a user to input text into a
computer or any other electronic machinery.

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• Mouse controls a cursor in a GUI (graphical user interface) and can move and
select text, icons, files and folders on your computer.

Output Devices

Output devices – peripheral devices that receive data from the computer. It can be a
display, projection or any other medium.

Some examples of output devices:

• Monitor displays video images and text. It is made up of circuitry, a screen, a
power supply, buttons to adjust screen settings and casing that holds all of
these components.

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• Printer takes the electronic data stores on a computer or other device and
generates a hard copy of it.

Secondary Storage Devices

Secondary Storage Devices – devices that store the data until the data is deleted or
overridden. These devices store data permanently. Therefore, they are non-volatile
memory. In other words, powering off the device will not delete the data in it.

Some examples of secondary storage devices:

• Hard Disk
• CD
• DVD
• Floppy Disk
• Flash Drive
• Memory Card

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Internal Components

Internal Components – elements that directly connect with the main functionalities of
the computer.

Some examples of internal components:

• Central Processing Unit (CPU) handles all instructions it receives from
hardware and software running on the computer.

• Random Access Memory (RAM) allows information to be stored and retrieved

on a computer.

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• Read-Only Memory (ROM) is a storage medium that is used with computers

and other electronic devices. ROM may only be read.

• Motherboard is a printed circuit board and foundation of a computer that is the

biggest board in a computer chassis. It allocates power and allows
communication to and between the CPU, RAM and all other computer hardware
components.

ELEMENT OF A COMPUTER: SOFTWARE

Software is a set of instructions or programs instructing a computer to do specific

tasks. It is often used to describe all the functional aspects of a computer that do not
refer to its physical components (hardware). Scripts, applications, programs and a set
of instructions are all terms often used to describe it. Everything that “runs” on a
computer, from an operating system, to a diagnostic tool, video game, or app can be
defined as software.

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Types of Software

• System Software – allows operating, controlling and extending the processing

capability of a computer. This software is necessary to run hardware and
application software. They are the interface between the hardware and the
users. Usually, computer manufacturers develop system software.

• Application Software – designed to achieve a specific user requirement.

Some application software are Word, Spreadsheet, Database Management
Systems, etc.

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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES

Occupational health and safety is a multi-disciplinary field concerned with the safety,
health and welfare of people at work.

Outlined below are a series of computer health and safety assessments that need to
be carried out by those who sit at a desk and/or use a computer. If these assessments
are carried out, potential risks can be highlighted and thus resolved.

1. Positioning of the chair

Each chair in the workplace should promote good posture and ensure maximum
comfort. Computer health and safety guidelines state that chairs should support
the lower back. It should also be noted that the chair must be between 19 and
27 inches from the monitor.

2. Layout of the desk

A working area should promote efficient working by being comfortable and
stress-free. The worker’s attention must not be diverted, so any potential
distraction should be removed.

3. Windows and lighting

The computer should not be situated in places where windows and lighting will
affect screen visibility; any kind of glare on the screen will make it harder to work
effectively. If this cannot be helped however, computer health and safety
guidelines suggest that screen filters should be purchased. With knowledge of
computer health and safety, each worker can check their screen regularly for
brightness levels. If they feel their work is being affected and/or their eyes are
being strained then they can inform their employer.

4. The screen monitor

To ensure full computer health and safety, the worker’s screen should always
be positioned at eye level. There is a risk of neck or eye muscles being strained
if the screen is higher than eye level. Computer health and safety rules also
mention that the screen should be wiped on a regular basis; screen visibility will
be seriously affected by build up of dirt or smears on the screen. Frequent
breaks should also be taken from the screen so that eye muscles don’t get
strained.

5. The keyboard
In order to follow computer health and safety instructions, the keyboard should
be positioned above elbow level. Workers should use the keyboard instead of
the mouse as much as they can. Many workers use only the wrist to move the
mouse when it should be moved by the whole of the arm.

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6. Typing position
Many people are unaware of how much the typing position can increase risks
of injury to all parts of the lower arm. Computer health and safety rules should
be examined in regards to how the arms, wrists, hands and fingers should be
positioned when typing.

7. Networks
Computer health and safety can be seriously affected by EMF (electromagnetic
field radiation). This can be avoided by using wired networks as opposed to wi-
fi or wireless networks.

8. Portable devices
Even though most office environments are supplied with computers, a lot of
people bring their own portable devices like laptops. Many are unaware that the
same computer health and safety guidelines apply to these portable devices as
much as they do to static devices (e.g. the worker with portable device should
also ensure that they have good posture and positioning like the worker with the
static device).

9. Computer health and safety exercises

There are various computer health and safety exercises you can do whilst at
the workplace. These exercises are moderate, do not need any additional
equipment and do not take up a lot of time. If the worker carries out these
exercises on a regular basis, then stress and strains on eye, neck, back or arm
muscles can be avoided or improved.

As a result, computer health and safety measures are advantageous to workers and
the employer. If workers are more comfortable and can avoid potential injuries, then
they will be able to generate more business for their employer.

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◦◦◦ INPUT DATA INTO COMPUTER ◦◦◦

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• Define computer ergonomics
• Identify the computer ergonomic tips when using a computer
• Identify the different storage devices that can be used to store files

Computer Ergonomics addresses ways to optimize your computer workstation to

reduce specific risks of computer vision syndrome (CVS), neck and back pain, carpal
tunnel syndrome and other disorders affecting the muscles, spine and joints.

Here are some of the top computer ergonomics tips:

1. Sit so your head and neck are upright and in-line with your torso, not bent down
or tilted back.
2. Face your computer screen directly. Avoid viewing your screen with your head
turned or your back twisted.
3. Keep your elbows comfortably close to your body.
4. Use a chair that provides support for your lower back and has a cushioned seat
with a contoured front edge.
5. Keep your mouse close to your keyboard so you don’t have to reach for it.
6. Position your computer display so the top of the screen is at or slightly below
eye level. This will allow you to view the screen without bending your neck.
7. Adjust the position of your display to prevent reflections of overhead and
outdoor lighting appearing on your screen.
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8. Put your monitor close enough to your eyes so you can comfortably read text
on the screen without leaning forward.
9. When working with print documents, use a document holder that positions them
at the same height and distance as your computer screen.
10. Use a hands-free headset when talking on the phone while working at your
computer.

Also, adjust the height of your chair and desk so that:

• Your upper arms are perpendicular to the floor, not stretched forward or angled
backward.
• Your forearms, wrists and hands form a 90-degree angle with your upper arms.
• Your thighs are parallel to the floor and your lower legs are perpendicular to the
floor.
• Your wrists and palms are not resting on sharp edges.

STORAGE DEVICES

Storage Device (also known as storage media) is any computing hardware that is
used for storing, porting and extracting data files and objects. It can hold and store
information both temporarily and permanently, and can be internal or external to a
computer, server or any similar computing device.

Primary Storage Devices

Primary storage devices: Known as main memory. Generally smaller in size, these
are designated to hold data temporarily and are internal to the computer. They have
the fastest data access speed.

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Examples:
• Random Access Memory (RAM) – volatile, it requires power to store data. It
is used in normal operations after the operating system is loaded.

2 Types of RAM:
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)
– slower, less expensive, less power consumption and needs to be refreshed
thousands of times per second

Static Random Access Memory

– faster, more expensive, more power consumption, does not need to be
refreshed

• Read-Only Memory (ROM) – non-volatile, it does not require power to store

data. It is used primarily in the startup process of a computer.

• Cache – a high-speed memory access area reserved on your computer’s main

memory or storage device.

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Secondary Storage Devices

Secondary storage devices: These usually have large storage capacity, and they
store data permanently. They can be either internal or external to the computer, and
they include the hard disk, optical disk drive and USB storage device.

Examples:
• Hard Disk Drive (Hard Drive/HD/HDD) – the main and usually largest data
storage hardware device in a computer. It contains one or more platters, housed
inside of an air-sealed casing. Data is written to the platters using a magnetic
head, which moves rapidly over them as they spin.

• Floppy Disk – also called flexible disk. Floppy disks are now outdated because
it can only store a small amount of data. It is replaced by the flash drive.

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• Compact Disks – exchangeable and easy to transport. Access to data is faster

than access to floppy disks but slower than hard disks and stores data the same
with a floppy disk does.

• Flash Drive – a very small, portable, solid-state hard drive that can be inserted
into a USB port for storage and retrieval of data.

• Memory Card – a small storage medium used to store data such as text,
picture, audio and video for use on small, portable or remote computing devices.

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• Cloud Storage – a service model in which data is transmitted and stored on

remote storage systems, where it is maintained, managed, backed up and
made available to users over a network (typically the internet). Users generally
pay for their cloud data storage on a per-consumption, monthly rate.

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◦◦◦ ACCESS INFORMATION USING COMPUTER ◦◦◦

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• Define desktop icon
• Identify different desktop icons that is commonly used
• Identify the different keyboard parts, shortcuts and finger placement

A desktop icon is a symbol with text under it that is displayed on the desktop. The
desktop is what is displayed when you log in on most operating systems. By double
clicking on an icon, you can open the folder or program related to it.

Recycle Bin

Recycle Bin is a location where deleted files or folders are temporarily stored in every
version of Microsoft Windows since Windows 95. It allows users to recover files that
have been deleted in Windows. It is located on the desktop.

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Microsoft Internet Explorer/ Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Internet Explorer (often abbreviated as IE or MSIE) is an Internet browser

that allows users to view web pages on the Internet. Users can also utilize Internet
Explorer to listen to and watch streaming content, access online banking, make
purchases over the Internet and much more.

Folder

Folder (also called a directory) is a space used to store files, other folders, and
shortcuts on a computer.

My Computer/ This PC

My Computer is a Microsoft Windows feature first found in Windows 95 and included

with all later versions that allows you to explore and manage the contents of your
computer drives. Although the name has changed to the newer versions of Windows
to “This PC”, it still has the same functionality as “My Computer”.

Control Panel

Control Panel is a section of Microsoft Windows that enables a user to change various
computer hardware and software features.

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KEYBOARDING TECHNIQUES

Keyboarding skills are a set of skills required to operate a keyboard smoothly while
typing. This includes understanding your computer keyboard layout and its functions.
It is a skill which is required whenever you need to type. Make sure to keep your arms
at home now, master that, then move on.

Keys

• Esc Key (Escape) – exit or cancels operations

• Tab – used to indent paragraphs or move from one text field to another
• Caps Lock – makes all letters capital until you turn it off
• Shift – allows you to capitalize letters when pressed down and allows you to
access the secondary function of your computer keys
• Ctrl (Control) – a modifier key that performs a special operation when pressed
in conjunction with another key or keys
• Windows Key – open and close your windows start menu
• Alt (Alternative) – a modifier key that performs a special operation when
pressed in conjunction with another key or keys
• Space Bar – adds one blank space between objects
• Right Click Key – allows you to access contextual menu options based on
where your mouse is on the screen
• Enter – starts a new line or begins a process
• Backspace – erases the object to the left of the cursor
• Insert – allows you to replace a word with another by writing over it
• Home – moves your cursor to the front of your line of text
• Page Up/ Page Down – scrolls the page up or down
• Delete – erases the object to the right of the cursor
• End – moves the cursor to the end of your line of text
• Numeric Keypad – a number pad typically found on the far right of the keyboard
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• Num Lock (Numeric Lock) – enables and disables the numeric keypad. Turn
the Num Lock on to use the numbers on the keypad, turn it off to use the keys
other functions
• Print Screen – copies the current screen to the clipboard to paste or sends the
current screen to the printer
• Scroll Lock – temporarily stops the scrolling of the text. Use is mostly restricted
to Microsoft Excel
• Pause/Break – allows a user to pause and un-pause an action such as a
computer game or scrolling text.

Function Keys

F Keys are known as Function Keys and may have a variety of different uses or no
use at all depending on the OS and the open program. They can be combined with
modifier keys as well.

• F1 – almost always opens a help screen in a program

• F2 – allows you to rename a highlighted file, icon, or folder
• F3 – often opens up a search feature
• F4 – opens the address bar in Windows and Internet Explorer. Closes the
currently active program when combined with the Alt key
• F5 – refreshes a website or webpage
• F6 – moves the cursor to the address bar in most web browsers
• F7 – opens up spell check in Microsoft Office programs
• F8 – enters the Windows startup menu when computer is booting up
• F9 – refreshes a document in Word and sends email in Outlook
• F10 – activates the menu bar in an open program. Can also operate as the right
click when combined with the Shift key
• F11 – activates full screen mode in all web browsers
• F12 – opens the Save As window in Microsoft Office programs

FINGER POSITION

The Home Keys – most important set of keys on the keyboard

Left hand – A, S, D, F
Right hand – J, K, L, ;
Thumb – spacebar

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The Top Row Keys – above home row keys

Left hand – Q, W, E, R, T
Right hand – Y, U, I, O, P

The Bottom Row Keys – below home row keys

Left hand – Z, X, C, V, B
Right hand – N, M, ,, ., /

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KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

Keyboard shortcut is one or more keys used to perform a menu function or other
common functions in a program or operating system. They usually are not as intuitive
as point-and-click mouse actions. However, they can be used by the novice users in
frequently used programs to get to locations much faster than using the mouse.

Some keyboard shortcuts:

• Alt + Esc: Switch between programs in order they were opened.

• Alt + Letter: Select menu item by underlined letter.
• Ctrl + Esc: Open Start menu.
• Ctrl + F4: Close active document (does not work with some applications).
• Alt + F4: Quit active application or close current window.
• Alt + Spacebar: Open menu for active program.
• Ctrl + Left or Right Arrow: Move cursor forward or back one word.
• Ctrl + Up or Down Arrow: Move cursor forward or back one paragraph.
• F1: Open Help menu for active application
• Windows Key + M: Minimize all windows.
• Shift + F5 Key: Move to a previous revision.
• Ctrl + A: Selects all in the current document.
• Ctrl + B: Bold text.
• Ctrl + C: Copies the item or text.
• Ctrl + D: Displays the Font dialogue box.
• Ctrl + E: Switch a paragraph between center and left alignment.
• Ctrl + F: Displays the Find dialogue box to search the current document.
• Ctrl + G: Displays the Go To dialogue box to search for a specific location in the
current document.
• Ctrl + H: Displays the Replace dialogue box.
• Ctrl + I: Italicize text.
• Ctrl + J: Switch a paragraph between justified and left alignment.
• Ctrl + K: Create a hyperlink.
• Ctrl + L: Left align a paragraph.
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• Ctrl + M: Indent a paragraph from the left.

• Ctrl + N: Create a new document.
• Ctrl + O: Opens a new document.
• Ctrl + P: Prints a document.
• Ctrl + R: Switch the alignment of a paragraph between left and right.
• Ctrl + S: Saves a document.
• Ctrl + U: Underlines text.
• Ctrl + V: Pastes the copied item or text.
• Ctrl + X: Cuts the selected item or text.
• Ctrl + Y: Redo the last action.
• Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
• Ctrl + Enter: Insert a page break.
• Ctrl + F2: Select Print Preview command.
• Ctrl + F4: Closes the active window.
• Ctrl + F6: Opens the next window if multiple are open.

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◦◦◦ PRODUCE OUTPUT THROUGH PRINTER ◦◦◦

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• Identify different productivity software and its parts
• Define printer
• Determine the different types of printers
• Produce output from productivity software to printer

Productivity Software is an application software used for producing information (such

as documents, presentations, worksheet, databases, charts, graphs, digital printings,
electronic music and digital video).

WORD PROCESSOR

A word processor is a software or a device that allows users to create, edit, and print
documents. It enables you to write text, store it electronically, display it on a screen,
modify it by entering commands and characters from the keyboard and print it.

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Basic Parts of the Word Window

• File Menu: The File tab will bring you into the Backstage View. The Backstage
View is where you manage your files and the data about them – creating, opening,
printing, saving, inspecting for hidden metadata or personal information, and
setting options.

• Ribbon: An area across the top of the screen that makes almost all the capabilities
of Word available in a single area.

• Tabs: An area on the Ribbon that contains buttons that are organized in groups.
The default tabs are Home, Insert, Design, Layout, References, Mailings, Review,
View and EndNote X5.

• Title Bar: A horizontal bar at the top of an active document. This bar displays the
name of the document and application. At the right end of the Title Bar is the
Minimize, Maximize and Close buttons.

• Groups: A group of buttons on a tab that are exposed and easily accessible.

• Dialog Box Launcher: A button in the corner of a group that launches a dialog
box containing all the options within that group.

• Status Bar: A horizontal bar at the bottom of an active window that gives details
about the document.

• View Toolbar: A toolbar that enables, adjusts, and displays different views of a
document.

• Zoom: Magnifies or reduces the contents in the document window.

• Quick Access Toolbar: A customizable toolbar at the top of an active document.

By default, the Quick Access Toolbar displays the Save, Undo, and Repeat buttons
and is used for easy access to frequently used commands. To customize this
toolbar, click on the dropdown arrow and select the commands you want to add.

• Tell Me: This is a text field where you can enter words and phrases about what
you want to do next and quickly get to features you want to use or actions you want
to perform. You can also use Tell Me to find help about what you're looking for, or
to use Smart Lookup to research or define the term you entered.

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SPREADSHEET

Spreadsheet or Worksheet is a file made of rows and columns that help sort data,
arrange data easily, and calculate numerical data. What makes a spreadsheet
software program unique is its ability to calculate values using mathematical formulas
and the data in cells.

Basic Parts of the Excel Window

• The Ribbon: The Ribbon is designed to help you quickly find the commands
that you need to complete a task. Commands are organized in logical groups,
which are collected together under Tabs. Each Tab relates to a type of activity,
such as formatting or laying out a page. To reduce clutter, some Tabs are shown
only when needed. Forexample, the Picture Tools tab is shown only when a
picture is selected.

• File Menu: Here you will find the basic commands such as open, save, print,
etc.

• Quick Access Toolbar: The place to keep the items that you not only need to
access quickly, but want to be immediately available regardless of which of the
Ribbon's tabs you're working on. If you put so many items on the Quick Access
Toolbar that it becomes too bigto fit on the title bar, you can move it onto its own
line.
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• Tell Me: This is a text field where you can enter words and phrases about what
you want todo next and quickly get to features you want to use or actions you
want to perform.You can also use Tell Me to find help about what you're looking
for, or to use SmartLookup to research or define the term you entered.

• Formula Bar: A place where you can enter or view formulas or text.

• Expand Formula Bar Button: This button allows you to expand the formula
bar. This is helpful when you have either a long formula or large piece of text in
a cell.

• Worksheet Navigation Tabs: By default, every workbook starts with 1 sheet.

• Insert Worksheet Button: Click the Insert New Worksheet button to insert a
new worksheet in yourworkbook.

• Horizontal/Vertical Scroll: Allows you to scroll vertically/horizontally in the

worksheet.

• Normal View: This is the “normal view” for working on a spreadsheet in Excel.

• Page Layout View: View the document as it will appear on the printed page.

• Page Break Preview: View a preview of where pages will break when the
document is printed.

• Zoom Level: Allows you to quickly zoom in or zoom out of the worksheet.

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POWERPOINT

Powerpoint is a Microsoft presentation program that creates a slide show of important

information, charts and images to display during a presentation. It is most often used
for business and school presentations.

Basic Parts of the Powerpoint Window

When you create a Blank Presentation in PowerPoint, the workspace opens in Normal
view. Normal view is divided into three areas:
1. Slide Pane - shows the full layout of a slide
2. Thumbnails – shows slide thumbnails
3. Notes Pane – used to input text relevant to a specific slide

Other views include Slide Sorter view which shows thumbnails of the entire presentation
and Slide Show view where you preview your presentation as your audience will see it.

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PRINTER

A printer is an external hardware output device that takes the electronic data stored
on a computer or other device that generates a hard copy of it. Printers are one of the
most popular computer peripherals and are commonly used to print text and photos.

Types of Printers

• Impact Printers – an impact printer makes contact with the paper. It usually
forms the print image by pressing an inked ribbon against the paper using a
hammer or pins.

Some examples of impact printers are:

Dot Matrix Printer Daisy Wheel Printer

• Non-Impact Printers – do not use a striking device to produce characters on

the paper; and because these printers do not hammer against the paper, they
are much quieter.

Some examples of non-impact printers are:

Inkjet Printer Laser Printer

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Basic Printing Essentials

Before the actual printing process of the productivity software, the user must make
sure that the basic printing essentials are fulfilled:
• The printer must be compatible with the computer version.
• The printer software must be compatible with the computer version
• The printer has established connection to the computer
• There is enough level of printer ink cartridge/toner
• There is enough supply of paper

How to Print a File

Watch the video to learn on how to print a file.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOya2IwwSmc

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◦◦◦ MAINTAIN COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS ◦◦◦

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• Determine the ways on maintaining computer equipment and systems

The 10 Commandments of Computer Care

The single best way to care for your gaming computer is to provide it with routine care.
Basic software and hardware maintenance is easy to perform and extends the life of
your computer.

Let’s take a look at the 10 commandments of computer care for your workstation PC:

1. Install Antivirus Software – Antivirus software is responsible for catching

viruses in spammy downloads and fishy websites. Some programs are free,
while others cost around $50-$100 per year. Even if you choose to pay for the
software, it’s still far less than what it would cost to have to restore your system.

2. Perform Regular Software Updates – Software updates keep your PC running

smoothly. Updates generally contain fixes for bugs and glitches as well as
enhanced security features.

3. Run Computer Maintenance – Computer maintenance is a vital step in

protecting your computer. On a PC, defragment your computer regularly and
clean the registry. Scans and updates are also necessary.

4. Backup Files – It’s a good idea to backup all files so that they are there if
something happens to your computer. External hard drives are the popular
choice for backing up photos, videos and other files. Software-based backups
are also useful and allow you to go back in your workstation PC’s timeline in
case of a glitch.

5. Keep Your Keyboard Crumb Free – It’s common to eat over your keyboard,
but it’s a habit you should stop. Crumbs are more than a nuisance; they can
damage the internal parts of the keyboard.

6. Clean the Screen – Another part of your gaming computer that you should keep
clean is the screen. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning,
and always use a soft cloth or wipes specifically made for electronics.

7. Remove Dust from Vents and Fans – The fan and vents keep your gaming PC
from getting too hot, but dust can get inside and cause them to run slow. Luckily,
you can either clean the fan and vents yourself or take your laptop to a computer
shop.

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8. Use a Surge Protector – Just one power surge can fry your gaming computer
while it’s plugged in. Protect your system with an inexpensive surge protector,
and carry one with you, too.

9. Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Moderate temperatures of 68 to 71 degrees

Fahrenheit are ideal temperatures for computers. Avoid leaving your laptop in a
hot car or cold, damp basement for instance.

10. Carry Laptops in Cases – If you bring your computer with you to school or work,
make sure that you transport it in a padded carrying case. These cases not only
protect computers from scratches and dents, but also they prevent them from
getting dust and debris inside the fans, vents, etc.

CLEANING MINOR MAINTENANCE

Dust isn’t just unattractive—it can potentially damage or even destroy parts of your
computer. Cleaning your computer regularly will help you keep it working properly and
avoid expensive repairs.

How to Keep Computer Clean

Watch the video to learn how to keep your computer clean

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdheyyNnJyk

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PROTECTING YOUR COMPUTER

Malware is any type of software that is designed to damage your computer or gain
unauthorized access to your personal information. It includes viruses, worms, Trojan
horses and spyware. Most malware is distributed over the Internet and is often bundled
with other software.

Antivirus software helps to prevent malware from being installed, and it can also
remove malware from your computer.

Some antivirus software are:

• Bitdefender
• Norton
• Kaspersky

It’s also important to stay smart when you’re browsing the Web or using email. Keep
in mind that your antivirus program may catch everything, so it’s best to avoid
downloading anything that might contain malware.

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BACKING UP YOUR COMPUTER

Creating backup copies is a best way to prevent loss of important documents, photos
or other important files.

Two ways to back up your copies:

1. External hard drives
You can copy important files of your computer to external hard drive.

2. Online backup services

There are online services that backup your files in the cloud, wherein you’ll be able
to recover them from any computer with an Internet connection. The sites varies
from amount of storage and some site requires fee for storage space.

Some of the online backup services are:

• Mozy
• Carbonite
• Box
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OTHER MAINTENANCE TECHNIQUES

Cluttered or unorganized folders make it more difficult to find the files. Additionally,
unwanted files eventually fill up your hard drive, which will make your computer slower
and more difficult to use.

Here are few things you can do to delete unwanted files and improve your computer’s
performance.
• Delete files: Delete unwanted files and empty recycle bin.

• Run the Disk Defragmenter: If your computer is running slowly, running Disk
Defragmenter can help to speed up.

• Run a Disk Cleanup: Disk Cleanup scans your computer for temporary files
and other files that can be deleted. You can then delete the files to free up space
on your hard drive.
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