PAPER NO.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
This paper is intended to equip the candidate with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable him/her to apply computing skills in an organisation.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
A candidate who passes this paper should be able to:
- Select appropriate computer hardware and software
- Apply data processing principles
- Demonstrate competence in basic computer operations
- Select appropriate information systems in an organisation
- Control information systems
CONTENT
Introduction to information communication technology (ICT)
- Components of a computer system
- Classification of computers
- Evolution of computers
- Computer peripherals and interfaces
- Application areas of computer systems
- Impact of ICT in society
- Careers in ICT
Computer hardware
- Input devices
- Processing devices
- Memory
- Storage devices
- Output devices
- Communication devices
- Selection of computer hardware
Computer software
- Classification of computer software
- Systems software
- Application software
- User interface
- Selection and acquisition of computer software
Computer start up/booting
- Types of power supply
- Power supply unit
- Power protection
- Booting process
- BIOS setup
Keyboard and mouse skills
- Types of keyboards
- Keyboard layout
- Typing skills
- Keyboard ergonomics
- Mouse skills
Software installation
- Installation procedures
- Operating system installation
- Application software installation
- Types of installations
- Installers
- Configuration
- Uninstalling software
Number systems, computer arithmetic and set theory
- Computer codes (BCD, ASCII, UNICODE and EBCDIC)
- Zoned decimal and packed decimal formats
- Number systems
- Number systems conversions and compliments
- Binary arithmetic
- Sets and set theory
- Error codes
Data processing cycle
- Introduction to data processing
- Stages in data processing
- Data input, output and control
- File organisation and access
- Data collection methods
- Data capture methods
- Methods of data processing
- Data processing systems
- Data processing modes
- Data hierarchy
- Data security
Logic, truth tables and circuits
- Statements
- Conjunction
- Disjunction
- Negation
- Propositions and truth tables
- Tautologies and contradictions
- Logical equivalence
- Conditional and bi-conditional statements
- Arguments and logical implications
- Simplification of logic circuits: Boolean expressions AND,OR and NOT circuits
Basic computer networking
- Networking terms
- Components of computer networks
- Types of computer networks
- Advantages and disadvantages of networking
- Internet use and benefits
Basic troubleshooting
- Hardware errors
- Hardware troubleshooting techniques
- Hardware troubleshooting tools
- Software errors
- Software trouble shooting techniques
- Software troubleshooting tools
Emerging issues and trends
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