Computer Fundamentals & Applications - Topics & Subtopics

Objectives: Computer Fundamentals & Applications - Topics & Subtopics

Computer Fundamentals & Applications - Topics & Subtopics

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS & APPLICATIONS (ITT 04101)

Comprehensive topics & subtopics — ready for lessons, notes or a syllabus.

1. Introduction to Computers

  • Definition of computer, features, capabilities
  • History and evolution — generations of computers
  • Classification: analog, digital, hybrid; micro, mini, mainframe, supercomputers
  • Computer architecture / organization (CPU, memory, I/O)
  • Data vs Information; attributes of good information (accuracy, relevance, timeliness)
  • Basic computing tasks: input → processing → output → storage

2. Computer Hardware

  • Input devices:
    • Keyboard (types, layout), mouse, touchpad
    • Scanner, barcode reader, microphone, webcam, joystick
  • Output devices:
    • Monitors (LCD, LED, resolution), printers (inkjet, laser), plotters, speakers, projectors
  • Storage devices:
    • Primary: RAM (DRAM, SRAM), ROM (PROM, EPROM, EEPROM)
    • Secondary: HDD, SSD, hybrid drives, optical (CD/DVD/Blu-ray), flash drives, memory cards
    • Removable & portable storage concepts
  • Processor / CPU:
    • ALU, Control Unit, registers, clock speed, multi-core, threads
  • Motherboard, chipsets, BIOS/UEFI
  • Expansion cards: GPU, sound card, NIC; PCI/PCIe slots
  • Ports and connectors: USB (versions), HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, SATA, Ethernet
  • Power supply, cooling (fans, heat sinks), basics of assembling a PC

3. Computer Software

  • Definition of software and its relation to hardware
  • Types of software:
    • System software — Operating systems, device drivers, utilities
    • Application software — Productivity suites, browsers, media players
    • Firmware, middleware, embedded software
  • Programming fundamentals:
    • Algorithms, flowcharts, pseudocode
    • Programming paradigms: procedural, object-oriented, functional
  • Programming languages & translators:
    • Machine language, assembly, high-level languages
    • Compiler vs Interpreter vs Assembler
  • Software installation, updating, licensing (proprietary vs open source)

4. Number Systems and Logic

  • Number systems: decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal
  • Conversions: binary ↔ decimal, hex ↔ decimal, octal conversions
  • Binary arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
  • Complements: 1's complement, 2's complement, sign representation
  • Boolean algebra: basic laws, identities, De Morgan's theorems
  • Logic gates: AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR — truth tables
  • Combinational circuits: adders, multiplexers, decoders, encoders
  • Basic sequential circuits: flip-flops, counters, registers (overview)
  • Simplification of Boolean expressions (K-maps basic idea)

5. Operating Systems (OS)

  • Definition and primary functions of an OS
  • Types of OS: batch, time-sharing, multi-user, real-time, distributed
  • Process management: processes vs threads, scheduling algorithms (FCFS, SJF, Round Robin), context switching
  • Inter-process communication, synchronization (mutex, semaphore) — conceptual
  • Memory management: RAM allocation, paging, segmentation, virtual memory
  • File systems: organization, directories, file access permissions
  • Device management, drivers, I/O handling
  • OS utilities: shell/command line, task manager, system tools

6. Application Software & Productivity Tools

  • Word Processing:
    • Document creation, formatting, styles, headers/footers, templates, mail merge
  • Spreadsheets:
    • Cells, ranges, formulas, functions (SUM, AVERAGE, IF, VLOOKUP), charts, pivot tables, data validation
  • Presentations:
    • Slides, masters, transitions, animations, embedding media
  • Databases (intro):
    • Database concepts: table, record, field, primary key, foreign key
    • Basic SQL: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE; simple queries and joins
  • Other common tools: email clients, web browsers, graphics editors, PDF readers

7. Computer Networks & Communication

  • Why network? Benefits and uses (resource sharing, communication)
  • Network types: LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN, CAN
  • Topologies: bus, star, ring, mesh, tree — pros & cons
  • Network models: OSI 7-layer model overview; TCP/IP model
  • Important protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, POP3, IMAP, TCP, UDP, IP
  • Transmission media: copper cable, fiber optics, wireless (radio)
  • Network devices: modem, router, switch, hub, bridge, gateway, access point
  • Wireless networking: Wi-Fi standards (802.11 family), Bluetooth basics, hotspots
  • IP addressing: IPv4 vs IPv6, subnetting concept (intro)

8. Internet & Web Technologies

  • Internet, Intranet, Extranet — definitions
  • How the web works: web servers, browsers, HTTP/HTTPS
  • Basic HTML/CSS concept (structure of a webpage)
  • URLs, DNS, domain names, IP addressing
  • Email protocols and clients, webmail
  • File transfer: FTP and alternatives
  • Search engines: how to search effectively, indexing basics
  • Web services, APIs (basic idea), e-commerce overview
  • Online collaboration tools (cloud docs, video conferencing)

9. Computer Security, Ethics & Issues

  • Threats: viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware
  • Security measures: firewalls, antivirus, intrusion detection, backups
  • Encryption basics (why encrypt), public vs private key (concept)
  • Authentication & authorization: passwords, multi-factor authentication, access control
  • Safe browsing habits, phishing awareness, social engineering
  • Legal & ethical issues: copyright, software licensing, plagiarism, digital rights
  • Privacy, data protection laws (conceptual), responsible use of ICT
  • Digital footprint and online reputation

10. Troubleshooting, Maintenance & Future Trends

  • Basic troubleshooting steps for hardware and software
  • Diagnostic tools: device manager, event viewer, system logs (intro)
  • Preventive maintenance: backups, updates/patches, disk cleanup, defragmentation (HDD), SSD care
  • System restore, recovery options, safe mode
  • Upgrading & replacing hardware components
  • Emerging technologies & trends: cloud computing, IoT, big data, machine learning/AI, mobile computing, edge computing, quantum computing (overview)
  • Careers & certifications (suggested): CompTIA A+/Network+/Security+, Microsoft, Cisco basics

Reference Book: N/A

Author name: SIR H.A.Mwala Work email: biasharaboraofficials@gmail.com
#MWALA_LEARN Powered by MwalaJS #https://mwalajs.biasharabora.com
#https://educenter.biasharabora.com

:: 1::

➡