THE COMPUTER
A computer is an electronic device that can accept data and process data in order to get the required information. The computer receives data through the input device, and it processes the data to generate 1information which it produces and displays through the output device.
PARTS OF THE COMPUTER
A computer has four main parts which are:
- Keyboard
- Monitor
- The Central Processing Unit(CPU) or System Unit
- Mouse
Keyboard: A keyboard is an input device. It serves as a primary tool for accessing and inputting data. The computer keyboard is an important part which is used to enter command, text, numerical data and other parts of data by pressing the keys on the keyboard. A computer keyboard is very much like the keyboard of the typewriter. But it has additional keys that are used to carry out special functions.
The main parts of a computer keyboard include the following:
- QWERTY Pad/ Typing Area: This is the main section of letters on the keyboard. It is arranged like a traditional typewriter where one presses alphabetic keys.
- Number Pad/ Numeric Keypad: This is the far right side of the keyboard which features a number pad that looks like a calculator.
- Arrow Keys? These are at the right bottom of the keyboard. These are the four directional arrow keys which provide navigation through documents and help toscroll in Web browsers.
- Function keys / F bar: Functions keys are those keys other than the alphanumeric keys that allow the user to perform special functions such as auto- centring. These are 12 functions keys starting from F1 through F12. Function keys are located at the top of a keyboard and that are used for special purposes or tasks.
- Extra Keys: Some newer keyboards have shortcut keys above the F keys. These might include
Power, Sleep Mode, Calculator, My Computer and Web
The other parts of computer keyboard are :
- Alt (alternate ) key: This is used with other function keys to access software operations
- Caps lock key is used to key all capital letters
- Enter/Return Key is used to return the cursor to the beginning of a new line or to enter information into a microcomputer.
- Backspace key moves the cursor to the left one space at a time. It also deletes characters.
- Delete key is used to delete text.
- Control key is used with other keys to perform specific functions such as temporary indent.
- Insert key allows the user to insert text without deleting previously typed text.
- Tab key moves the cursor forward one space at a time.
- Cursor movement keys allow the cursor to be moved up, down, left, or right within the text
- Numeric lock is used to activate the numeric keypad.
- Space bar spaces the cursor forward one space at a time.
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE TYPEWRITER AND THE KEYBOARD
- The typewriter and computer keyboards are both QWERTY keyboards
- They both receive data with the help of an input device.
- The keyboards are operated the same way and that is why the acquisition of keyboarding skills in typewriter can be immediately transferred to the computer keyboard.
- They both process data
- They both produce visible information.
EVALUATION QUESTION
- What is a computer?
- State the two major components of a computer system .
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- The part of the computer that serves as an input device is __ A. CPU B. monitor C. mouse D. printer.
- A similarity between the computer and typewriter is that both have A. carriage B. margin stops C. platen knobs D. space bar
- Which of the following keys differentiate the computer from the typewriter? A. home row B. numeric C. shift D. delete
- Which of the following is not a part of the computer? A. Speaker B. Mouse C. Knob D. CPU
- The sum total keys on the computer is known as A. keyboard B. monitor C. mouse D. programs.
THEORY
- What is a computer?
- Mention the major parts of a computer
- List five (5) function keys
GENERAL EVALUATION
- Define co-operative society.
- State four characteristics of co-operative society.
- State four disadvantages of co-operative society.
- Mention the source of capital for co-operative society.
Give three advantages of co-operative society
See also