Computer Practice N4 Study Guide. (CTC)
Computer Practice N4 Study Guide. (CTC)
Computer Practice N4 Study Guide. (CTC)
COMPUTER PRACTICE N4
STUDY GUIDE
2021
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
Table of Contents
1 About CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE...........................................................................................6
2 Our Teaching and Learning Methodology......................................................................................6
2.1 Icons......................................................................................................................................8
3 Introduction to the Module.........................................................................................................12
3.1 Module Information............................................................................................................12
3.2 Module Purpose.............................................................................................................12
3.3 Outcomes..........................................................................................................................12
3.4 Assessment.......................................................................................................................13
3.5 Planning Your Studies / Resources Required for this Module: ......................13
4 Prescribed Reading.......................................................................................................................14
4.1 Prescribed Book.............................................................................................................14
4.2 Recommended Articles.................................................................................................14
4.3 Recommended Multimedia.........................................................................................14
5 Module Pacing..............................................................................................................................15
5.1 Week 1: Introduction to ICT concepts, digital world, and digital
citizenship....................................................................................................................................18
5.1.1 Introduction to the concepts of ICT's, the digital world and digital
citizenship................................................................................................................................18
5.1.2 Different types of ICT systems.....................................................................................20
5.1.3 Computer usage and applications as part of society....................................................20
5.1.4 PERSONAL COMPUTERS AND HOW THEY ARE USED...................................................22
5.1.5 Categories of hardware................................................................................................26
5.1.6 Computer Performance...............................................................................................30
5.1.7 Starting up and shutting down operating system........................................................32
5.1.8 Types of operation system...........................................................................................33
5.1.9 Shutting down or restarting a computer......................................................................33
5.2 Week 2: MICROSOFT WORD & MICROSCOFT EXCEL ..............................46
5.2.1 Purpose of word processing applications .......................................................46
5.2.2 Use basic features to create, edit and format a document..........................................47
5.2.3 Applying basic formatting to a document....................................................................48
5.2.4 Document formatting..................................................................................................51
5.2.5 Spreadsheet application – MS Excel............................................................................58
5.2.6 Basic spreadsheet formatting......................................................................................62
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5.7.4 Cybercrimes:................................................................................................................94
5.8 Week 8: Digital Citizenship..................................................................................................95
5.9 ICT and health:.....................................................................................................................95
5.9.1 Positive and negative impact of ICT ON A USER’S health.............................................95
5.9.2 Ergonomic issues.........................................................................................................96
5.9.3 Positive impact of ICT...................................................................................................96
5.9.4 How can an individual user make a difference?...........................................................97
5.9.5 How can the organisation make a difference?.............................................................97
6 References....................................................................................................................................97
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
With the intention of paving an easier path to tertiary education for students
without National Senior Certificates, poor grades and passes that did not allow
them to study at university, we became champions of academic change and
developed a unique range of courses so that these students could also study
further and realise their career goals.
Our courses hold a strong accreditation from the QCTO and are geared towards
the technical thinker, the student with strong leadership attributes and those who
enjoy working with people. Studying at Central Technical College empowers you
with a qualification to access university, ignite a successful career and maintain
consistent employment!
• A learning-centred approach is one in which not only lecturers and students, but all
sections and activities of the institution work together in establishing a learning
community that promotes a deepening of insight and a broadening of perspective with
regard to learning and the application thereof.
• An outcomes-oriented approach implies that the following categories of outcomes are
embodied in the academic programmes:
• Culminating outcomes that are generic with specific reference to the critical cross-field
outcomes including problem identification and problem-solving, co-operation, self-
organisation and self-management, research skills, communication skills,
entrepreneurship and the application of science and technology.
• Empowering outcomes that are specific, i.e. the context specific competencies students
must master within specific learning areas and at specific levels before they exit or move
to a next level.
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
CTC actively strives to promote a research culture within which a critical-analytical approach and
competencies can be developed in students at undergraduate level. ICESA accepts that students’
learning is influenced by a number of factors, including their previous educational experience, their
cultural background, their perceptions of particular learning tasks and assessments, as well as
discipline contexts.
Students learn better when they are actively engaged in their learning rather than when they are
passive recipients of transmitted information and/or knowledge. A learning-oriented culture that
acknowledges individual student learning styles and diversity and focuses on active learning and
student engagement, with the objective of achieving deep learning outcomes and preparing
students for lifelong learning, is seen as the ideal. These principles are supported through the use of
an engaged learning approach that involves interactive, reflective, cooperative, experiential, creative
or constructive learning, as well as conceptual learning via online-based tools.
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2.1 Icons
The icons below act as markers, that will help you make your way through the study guide.
Additional Information
Announcements
Assessments
Audio Material
Calculator
Case Study
Chat
Discussion Forum
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Glossary
Group Assignment
Help
Individual Assignment
Lesson Material
Module Information
Module Welcome
Outcomes
Survey
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Practice
Lesson/Virtual Class
Quote
Reading
Revision
Self-Assessment Quiz
Lesson Material
Thinking Point
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Time
The allocated time required per week, unit and module related to the
module credit structure as per your factsheet
Video
Vocabulary
Important words and their definitions that aid the development of your
specialist vocabulary
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
It is a fact that you will be able to perform your tasks better if you have good computer skills. The
computer is one of the most important business tools today and will form a large part of your day-
to-day function. Poor computer skills show up quickly in an office environment and will affect the
way people view your performance. The truth is that it does not just affect the way people view your
performance, but also affects your actual performance negatively.
NQF Level 5
3.3 Outcomes
At the end of this module you should be able to:
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3.4 Assessment
You will be required to complete both formative and summative assessment activities.
Formative assessment:
These are compulsory internal assessments which are compulsory and contribute towards your
Term Mark.
1. NATIONAL ASSIGNMENT
2. NATIONAL TEST
3. NATIONAL DP EXAMINATION
Summative assessment:
These are external assessments from the DHET. Students must be registered with the DHET in order
to write these assessments.
Mark allocation
Assignment 20%
TOTAL 100%
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5 Module Pacing
NAME OF TOPIC FOR THE WEEK AS PER THIS GUIDE AND REFLECTIVE OF LMS
2021
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ICT systems and Basic Principles
2 Word Processing and spreadsheet applications
3 Presentation software
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Hardware components that constitute a software
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Digital Citizenship
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Digital Citizenship
Exam
Week
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Case Studies A case study should be within each unit and can be used in any
relevant subsection of content. The case study should be robust
enough for the student to understand how to apply something or to
see how a function/tool/theory or practice may work in a real world
environment. A case study should be seen as a way for the student
to be reflected in the learning experience and as such, it is advised
that case studies are selected from local/afrocentric contexts and
illustrate our commitment to intersectionality within our teaching
and learning approach and philosophy.
Discussion Forum Each unit of study/each week will require at least ONE discussion
forum topics. This can either be embedded within a certain section
of content or it can be at the end of the unit content depending on
the requirements of the module as per the subject matter. The
discussion forum topic/question should robust and dense enough
for the student to be engaged and a reference must be made to the
fact that the Discussion Forum topic is live and available within the
module page on myClass.
Example/Practice These are to be used within each section that deals with applied
learning – the application of a process, technique, equation or
function. The example is to be used when an example of a problem
and a solution is provided and the practice is to be used when a
problem is provided for the student to solve.
Vocabulary Vocabulary is to be used within each subsection of content where
an important word, term or definition is provided that students are
to take note of.
Glossary The glossary is an LMS activity function and can be inserted into a
guide where the development of a glossary is required and
necessary for the module. This is to be used mainly within NQF 5
modules as it speaks to the specific level descriptors of that module.
Additional Resource Each subsection of content must have at least THREE additional
resources. These can be supplementary articles and journals,
mixed/multimedia content such as a respected blog, social media
account, news site, music video or audio recording. The additional
resource must be provided by the study guide author if it is an
“attachment” that will require loading into the LMS.
Prescribed Reading Each subsection must refer to a page, section or chapter in the
prescribed reading for the module. The prescribed reading should
indicate to the student where to locate the texts from which the
subsection has been summarised or written. This may be placed at
the start of the subsection, or at the appropriate point where a
student must leave the study guide/lms and read through a text
section in the prescribed reading.
Quote Each subsection of content should have at least ONE quote that is
from a thought leader in the field, or contextualises a section of
learning for the student. The quote must not be inserted as a
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graphic but as plan text with the appropriate graphic alongside it.
Self-Assessment Quiz Each unit/week will have a self-assessment quiz for the student.
Within the study guide, the author can refer to the self-assessment
as per the below but must stress that the self-assessment will be
live in the module myClass page for completion.
Referencing
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Time It will take you 6 hours to make your way through this study week.
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This defines any person that uses digital devices and connects to the
internet for purposes of work, study, or even personal use.
Can you imagine life without your cell phone, which we use to access the
internet and social media such as Facebook, YouTube, etc. You may not
even be able to survive without social media which keeps us connected to
each other and entertained.
A digital citizen means understanding the risk with using computers. When
you use computer technologies to access the Internet and social media. you
leave behind a digital footprint of your activities.
Criminals can now use this information for their gain You need to take the
appropriate security measures to protect your information. There is
acceptable and unacceptable behaviour when it comes to being in the
digital world.
There are things that you can do, like download music from trusted sources,
and things that you cannot do, like spreading fake news on the Internet.
What is ICT?
This means that we are now looking at the connectivity be between devices
and between people. It includes the hardware, software, data, connections,
and procedures required to connect to the digital world. ICT enables
governments, organisations and even people can be connected via the
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Internet. The Internet can be accessed by the public and there are
instances when information that we communicate must be the private or
restricted to the members of an organisation will make use of network to
communicate.
Information Systems
These are computer systems ana soft re mat are used to store all types of information
required for an organisation. The information can be about products. services,
employees, suppliers, finance, sales. stocks. etc.
These are ICT systems that are used in manufacturing or production companies. They
can be used to control the manufacturing process without physical human involvement.
These are systems where the main aim is communication, the delivery of data from one
point to another point, without loss of data Examples are:
Personal uses
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People as individuals use computers and applications for some of the following
reasons:
Organizational uses
Smartphones
Most of us own cell phones: and many of those cell phones are smartphones These
smartphones are like minicomputers. They allow us to use similar applications that we
would use on a PC, like word processing, spreadsheets, email. and web browsers. They
allow us to connect to the Internet and interact via different social media applications.
Laptops
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Tablets
Tablets are mobile computers that are blaster than smartphones but smaller than
laptops. They have touchscreens and run of a battery or power supply. They do not
usually come with keypads like laptops. They work in a similar way to smartphones.
Digital readers
Digital readers are electronic devices that are specifically meant for reading E-books
(electronic books). They are also called E-Readers (Electronic Readers). Most E-
Readers have touchscreens, and they allow you to move through pages just as you
would with a real book. They also allow for Internet connections so that you can
download e-books.
Wearable devices Wearable devices are electronic digital devices that can be worn,
usually by people. These can be devices like smartwatches, smart clothes, smart shoes,
smart glasses, or activity trackers. They have many benefits and can connect to other
mobiles devices like smartphones. Activity trackers are usually used to keep track of
fitness levels and monitor heart rates. Smartwatches can do the same things as activity
trackers, but some can also allow connection to some social media applications as well
as allow for making phone calls.
Gaming devices These are devices that are meant for playing video games or electronic
games. These gaming consoles can be connected to a television so that the game can be
viewed on a screen. These games can be multi-player or single-player games. They
even allow for Internet connections which means that games can be played with people
that are in different locations over the internet.
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hardware: the physical devices Mot you can see and touch. software: electronic
programs that tell the hardware what to do.
Hardware is all the physical components that you can see, feel and touch. The hardware
is broken up into input, processing storage and output devices.
Input devices
Devices used to Input from the user, like a keyboard, for mouse, scanner, touchscreen,
stylus, etc.
Output devices
Devices that are used to produce output the user, like a monitor, speakers, printer.
These are small devices that are found inside the computer tower. The CPU (central
processing unit) is the brain of the computer and does the processing of tasks.
Computer memory stores data waiting to be processed by the CPU.
Storage devices
Devices used to store data in various formats. These can be internal storage like hard
disk drives, or removable devices like. flash memory sticks.
Software is the programming instructions that tell the computer what to do. A
computer is a machine, and as such it needs to be told what to do, otherwise it would
not be able to work. For this reason, software is extremely important, and it is what
changes a computer from just an electronic hardware that cannot do anything. into an
extremely powerful tool that is capable of so many things.
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There are various types of computers that are meant for different purposes,
as shown in the table below.
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Input
In this step the computer receives data from the input source such as the
user or a program. This is the methods used to enter data into the
computer. The input data is sent to be processed by the CPU. The user
can input data using devices like a keyboard, mouse, microphone,
scanners, touchscreen joystick controller, etc. Data input can also come
from the networking devices such as Wi-Fi, Cell phone networks and the
internet.
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Output
Once the input has been processed, it is then converted into a format to be
displayed to the user. The output is sent to an output device like the
monitor, speakers, printer, digital projector. etc. It can also be sent to a
storage device for example when you save a document on a flash memory
stick.
Storage
These are the devices used to store the input from the user or the
processed information from the CPU. When the CPU is processing input, it
stores computer instructions or data in its temporary memory. RAM
(Random Access Memory). When it needs to store data permanently, it
does so on the hard disk drive or removable storage devices. The CPU also
accesses the programming instructions (software) from the hard disk drive.
Communication
The hardware devices are connected to the computer via connecting cables.
Devices can be connected to the computer internally or externally. Data is
sent from the device to the computer via these cables. Each type of cable
can transmit data at different speeds. The CPU receives information from
the device and processes it. The communicates information to output
devices of the storage device.
These are any external devices that provide input, storage and output functions for the
computer which can be connected via cables or wirelessly such as keyboards, printers,
external hard drive etc.
We will look at the specific hardware that is used with the different types of computers
which can be found inside or outside a computer. Devices that are found inside the
computer are known as internal components. Devices that are found outside the
computer are known as peripherals and are usually connected externally to the
computer either with cables or wirelessly. Computing hardware is broken into five
main categories:
2. Input devices
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3. Output devices
4. Communication devices
5. Processing devices
6. Storage devices
Input devices
Keyboard - The user types on the keys to issue instructions to the computer. This is the
most common input device.
Mouse - Is used to move the cursor on the screen and navigate around in a software
application.
Touchpad - Is a small, flat, rectangular pointing device that works like a mouse. It is
sensitive to pressure and motion and is found on laptops and some tablets.
Touchscreens - They provide touch input and are used by smartphones, laptops. All in
One Computers, Interactive televisions, tablets, laptops, wearable devices, digital
cameras, and navigation systems.
Digital pen or stylus – A digital pen is an input device that capture and converts a
user’s handwriting or drawing into a digital format
Output devices
Display screens This is the most common output device that displays text, images,
graphics, and video information. Almost all digital device uses a screen to display in
pies are monitor, laptop screens, Television, cell phone screen, camera screen, printers,
microwaves, smart watches, drone remote screens, etc.
Inkjet printers
A type of nonimpact printer that forms characters and graphics by spraying tiny drops
of liquid ink onto a piece of paper. Prints high quality photos.
Laser printers
Uses laser technology to print high quality images and text on paper in colour or black
and Nliute. They can print at very high speeds and can be used for high volume
printing.
Photo copiers
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Photocopiers can print documents from a computer or print copies of documents that
are scanned first.
Photocopiers use laser technology to print high quality images and text on paper in
colour or black and white. They are commonly used by businesses.
3-D printers
3-D printers use a process called additive manufacturing to print solid objects from a
digital design. 3-D printers work by laying dorm thin layers of material in the form of
liquid or powdered plastic, metal, or cement, and then fusing the layers together, such
as clothing, prosthetics, eyewear, implants, toys, parts, prototypes.
Processors
The CPU has two parts which works together to process the tasks for the computer:
Note
On larger powerful computers, such as servers; contain multiple CPU chips. Tasks are
shared between the many CPU chips. This enables the server to perform a high
workload.
Multicore Processors
A processor core is a flat extremely thin piece of silicone containing circuitry necessary
to execute instructions. A multi-core processor is a single chip with two or more
separate processor cores layered one on top of the other. The operating system views
each processor core as a separate processor.
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Mobile Processors
The Mobile CPU has been specifically designated to be much smaller and use less
power than the CPUs for desktops and laptops. This has allowed smartphones to be
thinner and have longer battery life. The CPU has the biggest impact on the speed of a
device and modern smartphones have 5g or Artificial Intelligence (All technology
embedded in the CPU to improve
Communication devices
Computer memory
The computer's memory is primary storage and there are two important types of
memory:
The main purpose of storage hardware is to store data. There are, however. different
reasons for choosing between the different storage devices.
Processing - A computers CPU is responsible for processing the tasks and the RAM is
used to store the instructions waiting to be processed by the CPU. The information is
stored permanently on the computer's internal storage (HDD or SDD) such as our
documents, pictures, videos, etc. When we want to watch a video, the files are read
from the HDD or SDD and loaded into the RAM to be processed by the CPU.
The internal storage device (I-DD or SDD) speed will determine how fast the files can
be loaded into RAM. Which in turn affects the speed of the computer. The faster the
internal storage, the faster the computer.
Portability - This refers to the ability to move a device around easily. Internal storage
devices are not meant to be removed from the computer, so they are not portable
devices. External storage devices are all portable and can be easily moved around
Many of us carry our flash memory sticks with us to College, and this is one of the best
portable storage devices around.
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Backup - This refers to storing our data from our computers on another removable
device. We back up data in case of damage to our internal storage. Most organisations
back up their data daily at an off-site facility. This is done to protect the organisation
flow loss of data due to things like theft or fire. Magnetic storage is one of the best
devices for backing up an organisations data.
Storage vs Memory
We have learnt about storage (secondary storage) and memory (primary storage) below
we list some of the differences between the two.
A hard disk driver is a type of magnetic disk that is made that is made up of movable
parts. It consists of many circular disks which rotate. It also has an access arm that
reads/writes the data to the disk. These disks inside the speed of 5400 to 15000
revolutions per minute (rpm). The faster the speed, the better the drive.
Some typical characteristics of HDDs are:
Solid state drives (SSD) are used for internal storage and do not have any movable
parts.
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Computing power depends on a combination of how fast the CPU can work and how
much data it can store in its primary memory (RAM). It I also influenced by how fast
can data be moved from the storage device to the computer’s memory.
System Software
System Software is software that is intended for the computer. It controls and
maintains the operations of a computer and its devices. System Software is made up of
two categories, the Operating System, and Software Tools.
Operating systems:
This is the most important software that controls all the operations on a computer or
mobile device. Operating systems (OS) provide a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for
interaction between the user and the computer.
• Microsoft Windows, Linux and Apple Mac OS for PCs and laptops.
• Android and Apple iOS for mobile devices.
Application Software
Application software is software that is intended for the user. People have many
different uses for computers, so they can use different types of application software.
There are different types of software available to go with the different types of
computing devices
Servers – Servers are meant to handle many processes from many different
devices that are usually based in different locations.
PCs and Laptops – make use of the same software for both operating system
and applications
Android devices – are mobile devices like Tablets. Software used in these
devices are usually the same
Apple devices – are unique because they only work with operating system
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Desktop
It is the large space on the screen that resembles an office desk
Icons
Icons are small pictures that represent shortcuts to a file, folder, or software application
Recycle bin
It is found on the desktop and stores your recently deleted files
Task bar
Usually found at the area of the screen as a longer bar
Start button
To launch a program, click on the start button which is found on the bottom left-hand
side of the screen.
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Logging off
It is the process of closing all the open applications and exiting user account session
Sleep mode
It is a power save mode that stops all open applications but does not close them which
allows the user to continue working after a short break.
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There are two types of restarting a computer that is cold start and warm start
Before we progress to the following learning unit learning unit, make sure
you can understand and talk through the following concepts: Starting up and
shutting down an operating system
Discuss the typical functions of the OS
Discuss the concept of users and user profiles
Describe the concept of logging off or placing a computer in sleep mode
Describe the concept of restarting a computer using an appropriate routine
Shut down or restart a computer
Differentiate between different types of operating systems and their use
between different fonts of computing devices
Describe how an operating system interacts with the hardware and other
applications.
REVISION QUESTIONS
1. In your oval words, explain what a computer is. (2)
2. Briefly explain the stages of the Information Processing cycle. (10)
3. From the different types of computers (Servers, Workstations, PCs, Laptops, Smartphones,
Embedded devices), indicate which is best suited to the scenarios below, and provide a
reason for your answer: (8)
a. You want to be able to complete assignments or other
electronic tasks at home.
b. A salesperson who often travels for work.
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c. You want to track your fitness levels as you train at the gym.
4. A video editor for a large movie company needs a computer
5. Log in to your computer. Ask your lecturer for username and password
6. Change the date and time settings on your computer to 1 January 2021
7. Put your computer on sleep mode
8. Wake your computer up
Files
We use and share data on our computers or mobile devices daily.
File organisation
File organisation refers to the structure of a file and the way it is stored onto a storage
device
The Windows file system uses hierarchical structure to organise the files and folders
File explorer
Types of files
A file is created using a specific program and the type of program determines what
type of file it is as seen in the table below
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Application file – This type of file is executable file that enables application to t=run
Data file – This type of file is the document that was created and saved by the user
when using software application
System file – This type of file contains detailed instructions for the CPU but they are
part of the operating system
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Properties of files
Steps below explain how to access the properties window for a file
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Windows Libraries
Modern day operating systems utilize libraries which is a centralized place for related
files
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Creating folders
Folders can be created from various applications and as well as File explorer
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Files or folders may be copied or moved from one drive location to another or from one
folder to another. There are some important points to understand when using a copy
function:
• A copy is made of the original and the duplicate is saved at the
destination location
• When windows are copying the files from the original location to
destination location, it will check to see if there are files with the same name
already
Moving files
Moving a file or folder means that the file or folder is removed from the original
location and saved in the destination location.
Deleting files and folders
When you no longer need file/folder, you can delete it from the storage device
• Be very careful and make sure you are deleting the correct file/folder
• Always check the contents of the folder before you choose to delete it
to ensure that you do not need the folder.
• Always use the standard delete function when deleting files from the
computer hard drive.
• If you perform a permanent delete from a secondary storage device
such as memory stick, the file will be permanently deleted
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There are different ways to view display information. The view ta provides us with a
range of options to change the views as well as decide what kind of information we
want too view
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Windows 1 Commands
System Information
Taking screenshot
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Before we progress to the following learning unit learning unit, make sure
you can understand and talk through the following concepts:
• Explain ICT
• Differentiate between different types of ICT.
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REVISION QUESTIONS
Let us see what you have learned so far by taking this short self-assessment.
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Be sure to complete the self-assessment quiz before you move on to the next
section!
• Letters
• Memos
• Invoices etc.
The benefits of using a word processor
• Easy to use • Copying, pasting, and deleting text
within a document
• Formatting text • Creating and editing tables
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• Microsoft word
• Word perfect
• Pages for Mac
• Google Docs
List of office applications
• Office 365
• Microsoft office
• Office on the Web
Characteristics of a good word document
Backspace and delete keys Removes text, characters, and inserted objects from the documents
Enter Press the ENTER key only when you want to end a paragraph or to
end a blank line
Tab space Leaves a tab space from the current cursor position or insertion point
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• Selecting text
• Copying and moving text
• Deleting text
• Using find and replace.
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Paragraph formatting
Aligning text
Paragraph indentation
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Tab stops
Borders
Shading
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Page orientation
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Line numbers
Revision questions
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Welcome to my Blog
It is a fact that you will be able to perform your tasks better if you have good computer skills. The
computer is one of the most important business tools today and will form a
large part of your day -to-day function. Poor computer skills show up quickly in an office
environment and will affect the way people view your performance. The truth is that it just affect the
does not way people view your performance, but also affects your actual
performance negatively.
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Inserting a table
Insert Textbox
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Insert symbols
Print documents.
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Revision questions
Personally, I strongly encourage you to develop keyboard skills. The aim is to touch
type (type while reading and not looking on the keyboard) and to type at least 12 words
per minute. There are numerous typing exercises freely available on the internet. If you
can type well, you can work faster and more efficiently. There are numerous free
programmes available, such as Key Hero (www.keyhero.com<) where you can create
an account and track your progress. The subject Computer Practice N4, N5 and N6 are
included our range of National Qualifications in the courses National Diploma in
Human Resources Management, Business Management, Marketing Management and
Financial Management. You can study these courses via distance learning at IBTC.
This means you can work and study at the same time. You also have the benefit of
starting any time (no waiting for classes to begin) and you can progress at your own
time (you can go faster or slower, depending on how quickly you want to qualify).
With our unique Hand Holding methodology, we walk with you all the way to the
exam, where you are sure to pass first time.
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Spreadsheet Software are programs that are used to organize and analyze data
• Personal budget
• Shopping list
• Creating invoices and billing
• Business financial Budgets
• Managing payroll
Benefits of using spreadsheet application.
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Excel components
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Revision questions
Before we progress to the following learning unit learning unit, make sure
you can understand and talk through the following concepts:
Before we progress to the following learning unit learning unit, make sure
you can understand and talk through the following concepts:
• How to type and save a document
• Speed typing skills
• How to use a keyboard
• Page margins
• Headers and footers
• Page orientation
• Columns
• Purpose of spreadsheet
• How to use excel interface
• Creating a new spreadsheet
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Self-Assessment
SELF ASSESSMENT SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO PDU FOR EACH UNIT
USING THE
SELF ASSESSMENT QUIZ TEMPLATE
Let us see what you have learned so far by taking this short self-assessment.
Be sure to complete the self-assessment quiz before you move on to the next
section!
Saving spreadsheet
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Closing spreadsheet
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Merging cells
Wrap text
Hiding/unhiding
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Creating a formula
You have to start a formula with the ‘=’ symbol followed by the mathematical
operation for your formula.
• Click on the cell to display the result of the calculation.
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Excel uses order precedence to calculate formula when it contains many mathematical
operations:
Using auto-fill tool to repeat the formulae and increment data entries
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Cell referencing
Every cell in a worksheet has a cell address which indicates the column label and row
number
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Sorting data
Revision questions
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Before we progress to the following learning unit learning unit, make sure
you can understand and talk through the following concepts:
• Editing contents of a cell
• Opening an existing spreadsheet
• Closing a spreadsheet
• Manipulating cells, rows and columns
• Calculations using simple formula
Self-Assessment
SELF ASSESSMENT SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO PDU FOR EACH UNIT
USING THE
SELF ASSESSMENT QUIZ TEMPLATE
Let us see what you have learned so far by taking this short self-assessment.
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• Sales Presentation
• Conference speaking
• HR training
• Education
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Closing Presentation
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Deleting a slide
Re arranging slides
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Viewing a slideshow
Revision questions
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Before we progress to the following learning unit learning unit, make sure
you can understand and talk through the following concepts:
• Inserting pictures into the presentation
• Modify slideshow content
• Design a presentation for a specific content matter
• Select and apply animation and transition effects
• Insert headers and footers
Self-Assessment
SELF ASSESSMENT SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO PDU FOR EACH UNIT
USING THE
SELF ASSESSMENT QUIZ TEMPLATE
Let us see what you have learned so far by taking this short self-assessment.
Time It will take you 6 hours to make your way through this study week.
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• Server
• Network client device
• Network interface card
• Network hardware devices
• Communication media
• Network software
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• Route
Purpose – to filter and forward data packets from one network segment to another.
Use – Switch, firewall and modem.
Operation – routers use network addressing table to determine the best path for
forwarding the data packets.
• Switch Hub
Purpose – Switch ang hub have similar roles, in that they are both used as a common
point to connect devices together to form a network.
• Modem
• Wireless access point
Communication media
For electronic devices like computers, cell phones etc to communicate with each other,
they must be connected to each other. This connection cab be wired or wireless.
Wired networks A wired network is a network where different devices are connected to
each other via physical cables. The main types of cables are twisted pair or fibre optic
cables.
A wireless network is a network where different devices are connected to each other
without physical cables. This network uses infrared signals or radio frequency waves
to transmit data between devices.
5.4.3 5G Technology
5G is designed to do a variety of things that will transform our lives such as faster
download speeds, improved signal performance, more bandwidth capacity to connect
to billions of devices, enable new services such as Internet of things and artificial
intelligence.
Advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless networks
Wired Networks Wireless networks
Devices are connected via physical cables Devices are connected wirelessly through signals like
infrared and radio waves
The network is more reliable because there are Network can be less reliable as you cannot control the
physical connections devices like satellites or cellular towers
The speed of data transfer is very high The speed of data transfer is lower than the wired
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There is usually no interference with data There might be data interference in data transfer if
transfer signals are blocked
Cost to set up a network depends on the type of The cost to connect to a wireless network is relatively
cables used cheap
Revision questions
Before we progress to the following learning unit learning unit, make sure
you can understand and talk through the following concepts:
• Networking hardware
• Network hardware and their uses
• Communication media
• Creating a small office network or home office network
Self-Assessment
SELF ASSESSMENT SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO PDU FOR EACH UNIT
USING THE
SELF ASSESSMENT QUIZ TEMPLATE
Let us see what you have learned so far by taking this short self-assessment
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
Time It will take you 6 hours to make your way through this study week.
• Data analysis is a big of the 4th Industrial revolution also known 4IR.
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• Data analysis and big data has transformed the way we live our lives.
• When you use the internet to compare products and prices on websites
such as Price check, you are using data analysis.
• Data analysis can be presented with the data information knowledge
wisdom hierarchy model.
• The DIKW hierarchy is a popular model used to stimulate real world
data analysis.
• Saves time.
• Better project management. • Better communication
• Saves cost.
• Meetings organised easily.
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• Owner – this is usually the manager on the project with the highest
level of access and can add team members or viewers.
• Team member / collaborator – These are people that work on the
project. They add or edit content and leave comments.
• Viewer – these are people that only have the right to view the content,
they cannot make changes. Some collaborations software allows viewers to
make comments as well.
Create an online collaboration account.
Creating a google account.
Sharing files using google
One you open a google account, you can make use of google drive.
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Blogging
An online journal for posting thoughts and ideas on an individual subject and allowing
others to comment on the post.
Purpose and use of blogs.
• Header
• Main content area
• Side content area
• Footer
Visitors do not get to leave comments, instead Visitors can leave comments as well as read
they can fill out online forms that are send to the the3 comments that others have posted on the
website owners blog
Websites do not display creation dates that Blog posts usually reflect the date of the post,
update author and content title
Websites are usually for displaying information Bloggers sometimes have sponsors, so they can
about an organisation offer prizes or gifts for their visitors.
Categories of blogs
• Persona
• News
• Company related.
• Microblogs
• Educational
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Revision questions
Before we progress to the following learning unit learning unit, make sure
you can understand and talk through the following concepts:
• Apply computational thinking skills towards the development of a
computer-based solution.
• Find and access Data and information, process data and information,
present solution.
• Online collaboration tools and services
• Blogging principles
Self-Assessment
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
Let us see what you have learned so far by taking this short self-assessment.
Time It will take you 6 hours to make your way through this study week.
An ISP (Internet Service Provider) is a company that allows you access to the internet,
either free or for a fee.
5.6.3 IP Addresses
This is a unique ID that can identify the device from other devices on a network.
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• Computing device
• Network components
• Data contract with an ISP
Online services
Online tasks refer to tasks that are completed with the aid of the internet.
• Banking
• Shopping
• Reservations and bookings
5.6.4 The World Wide Web:
The WWW or web for short, is a virtual network that consists of websites and
webpages connected across the world.
• Internet protocol
• Host name
• Domain name
• File path
• Webpage
• Web browser
• Search engine
• Online tools
• Network tools
Different types of websites
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
• Portal
• news
• Informational
• Business etc
• Weblog etc
Advantages and disadvantages of the web
Advantages Disadvantages
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• Web los
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• From liv
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
Browsing Searching
This is done by typing the address of a particular This is done using a search engine.
website that you wish to visit
Browsing is usually casually looking through Searching is done with a specific goal in mind
websites
You physically type out web addresses and visit The search engine produces results of
different websites websites/webpages that you can visit to get your
information.
For example
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Skype
• WhatsApp
• YouTube
Revision questions
Before we progress to the following learning unit learning unit, make sure you
can understand and talk through the following concepts:
Let us see what you have learned so far by taking this short self-assessment.
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
Time It will take you 6 hours to make your way through this study week.
Intellectual property – the ownership over some content that is proven by the law.
• Copyright
• Patent
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
• Trademark
• Trade secrets
Intellectual property is protected by laws, but there are certain times when these
properties can be shared. This is referred to as IP Licensing.
• Ip licensing allows people or organisation to charge a fee for the use of their
work.
• An IP license agreement/contract must be drawn up to legalise the process.
You have a moral responsibility to recognise that certain work belongs to other
individuals or organisations and you cannot pass it off as your own. This is also
referred to as plagiarism.
Information accuracy
5.7.4 Cybercrimes:
Computers, the Internet, and technology make it easier for criminals to commit
computer related crimes or cybercrimes.
• Hardware related.
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
• Software related.
• Identity theft • Information theft.
• Bandwidth theft
• Theft of time and services
Time It will take you 6 hours to make your way through this study week.
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
• New advances in the medical field allows the use technology to create artificial
organs to be transplanted into humans.
Healthcare professional can communicate with The use of headphones can lead to hearing loss
experts around the world in some people
ICT helps with the development of new The eyesight can be affected
treatment methods as well as medication
ICT tools make it easier to detect illness or People can suffer from technology
health problems addiction
Using ICT is a way of distress and escaping the The wireless signals around us could be harmful
hustle and bustle of the real world. to our health especially if its near individuals
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COMPUTER PRACTICE N4 CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE©
• We can monitor and study the environment easily and understand our
impact.
• It allows for collaboration between scientists from around the world in
a virtual lab that allow them to create better and smarter solutions.
• There is less demand for paper due to the paperless communication,
thereby reducing the number of trees cut down.
Negative impact of ICT
Revision questions
Before we progress to the following learning unit learning unit, make sure
you can understand and talk through the following concepts:
• Legal issues relating to the ICT.
• ICT and healthy related issues
• Ergonomic issues
• Responsible use of computers
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Self-Assessment
SELF ASSESSMENT SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO PDU FOR EACH UNIT
USING THE
SELF ASSESSMENT QUIZ TEMPLATE
Let us see what you have learned so far by taking this short self-assessment.
6 References
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Cronje, G. de J. Du Toit, G.S. & Motlatla, M. 2009. Introduction to Business Management. 6th
edition, Cape Town: Oxford University Press.
Dick, P & Ellis, S. 2006. Introduction to Organisational Behaviour, 3rd edition, London: McGraw
Hill.
Dollinger, M.J. 1995. Entrepreneurship: Strategies & Resources. 3rd edition, Illinois: Irwin &
Austen Press.
Drucker, PF. 1954. The Practice of Management. 1st edition, New York: Harper & Row.
Du Toit, GS, Erasmus, BJ, & Strydom, JW. 2013. Introduction to Business Management. 9th edition,
Cape Town: Oxford Publishers.
Erasmus, B. Strydom, J. & Kloppers SR. 2016. Introduction to Business Management. 10th edition,
Cape Town: Oxford University Press
Havenga, PH. Hurter, e. Schulze, h. kelbrick, r. Manamela T. Manamela, E. & Stoop, P. 2009.
General Principles of Commercial Law. 7th edition, Cape Town: Juta Publishers.
Kapoor, JR. & Hughes, RJ. 2012. Business Management. 5th edition; Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Company.
Louw, L. & Venter, P. 2013. Strategic Management: Developing Sustainability in Southern Africa.
3rd edition, Cape Town: Oxford Publishers.
Nieman, G. & Bennet, A. 2011. Business Management. 2nd edition, Pretoria: Van Schaik Publishers.
Peters, T. & Waterman, R. 1982. In search of excellence. New York: Harper and Row.
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