Computer

subject outline

Topics

• Evolution of Computing

  This section covers the historical development and classification of computing devices.

• History of Computing

  Candidates should be able to identify and discuss various computing devices from the pre-computing age to the 20th century. This includes devices like the Abacus, Slide Rule, Napier's Bones, Pascal Calculator, Leibnitz Multiplier, Jacquard Loom, Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine, Hollerith Census machine, Burrough's machine, ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC 1, and Desktop Personal Computers, discussing their history, contributions, and uses.

• Classification of Computing Devices

  Candidates should be able to relate each computer generation (First through current) with its characteristic features, describing each by its year of development, basic components/technology, speed of operation, and storage capacity/component. They should also explain differences in classification by size (micro, mini, mainframe, super) and differentiate among various modern computer systems by size, basic components, data, and usage (Personal Computers, Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, Hand-held, Servers, Workstations, Mainframes, Wearable, Super Computers, Digital, Analog, Hybrid, Special purpose, General purpose), stating their importance and use.

• Fundamentals of Computing

  This section introduces the basic concepts of computer systems, data, and information.

• Computer System Fundamentals

  Candidates should be able to define a computer system in relation to its nature and programmability, list its functional parts, explain characteristics such as being electronic, accuracy, speed, interactivity, reliability, consistency, and large storage, and identify the differences between hardware and software.

• Computer Hardware and Peripherals

  Candidates should be able to define and give examples of hardware devices. They should list computer hardware components, their functions, and different types including the Central Processing Unit, Peripherals (Input and Output devices), and Storage media. This involves explaining the differences between input and output devices, the functions of major input devices (keyboards, mouse, scanner, joystick, light pen, voice, digital camera), classifying keyboard keys (function, numeric, alphabetic, cursors), explaining mouse features and operations, and differentiating among various input devices and output devices (monitor, printer, speaker, plotters) along with their types, features, and uses, including similarities and differences among inkjet, laser, and line printers.

• Central Processing Unit and Memory

  Candidates should be able to list the components of the CPU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit, Control Unit, and Registers) and explain their functions. They should distinguish between Primary and Secondary Memory (Storage) units, list components of Primary Memory (Random Access Memory, Read Only Memory), and explain their uses and differences. Additionally, candidates should explain the functions of secondary (auxiliary) storages, list different types, give examples (Floppy disks, magnetic tape, hard disks, compact disk, Digital Video Disk, USB), carry out comparative analysis of auxiliary storage devices in respect of size, speed, cost, and technology (access mode, component), and list different units by which storage is measured and their relationships (bits, bytes, nibbles, words, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes).

• Computer Architecture and Data Flow

  Candidates should be able to define Registers, Bus, and Address. They should explain the functions of registers such as MDR (Memory Data Register), MAR (Memory Address Register), MBR (Memory Base Register), AC (Accumulator), PC (Program Counter), and CIR (Current Instruction Register). They should also explain the differences between registers and main memory, state the major steps involved in how a computer converts data to required information (Input - Process – Output), and enumerate factors affecting the speed of data transfer (bus speed and bus width).

• Logic Circuits

  Candidates should be able to define and give examples of different types and uses of logic gates (AND, NOT, OR, NOR, NAND). They should be able to interpret Logic equations for AND, NOT, and OR gates, list their symbols, construct Truth Tables for standard logic gates, define a comparator, and construct a simple comparator with XOR (Exclusive OR) and NOR gates.

• System Software

  Candidates should be able to differentiate between system and application software. They should list different types of System software (Operating Systems, Utility Software, Middleware, Device Drivers, Translators), define Operating System, list its functions, and different types of OS User Interfaces (Text - Command Line and Menu, and Graphical User Interface). Examples of Operating Systems include MS Windows, LINUX, UNIX, Android, Blackberry, and iPhone. They should also define Utility Software, list its functions and different types, and give examples (Editors, Anti-Virus). Furthermore, candidates should define Translators, explain their functions, list different categories (Interpreter, Assembler, and Compiler), and explain the differences among them.

• Application Software Overview

  Candidates should be able to list examples of application software and their usage. They should differentiate between open source and proprietary software, understand different methods of acquiring Application software (Built in house and Off the Shelf), explain the differences between User Application programs and general-purpose Application packages, and give examples of common off-the-shelf application packages such as Word Processing (MS Word), Spreadsheet (Excel), Database (Access), Presentation (PowerPoint), Graphics (Adobe Photoshop), Accounting (Sage), Payroll (Sage), Government (Remita), Banking (Fusion Banking Essence), Statistics (SPSS), Educational (SchoolShell), and Hospital (eHospital).

• Data and Information Concepts

  Candidates should be able to define data and information and list the properties of information.

• Data Representation

  Candidates should be able to list different types of data (integers, real numbers, strings, multimedia including image, audio/visual, signal) and identify ways of representing and handling data, specifically number bases with special reference to binary, decimal, and hexadecimal.

• Methods of Digitization

  Candidates should be able to define digitization, explain the process of digitalization (manual, heads-up, interactive tracing, automatic), and list different formats of digitized data (image, audio, video, motion, text, multimedia).

• Computer Application Packages

  This section explores various common computer application packages and their functionalities.

• Word Processing with MS Word

  Candidates should be able to define word processing, give examples of packages (MS Word, WordStar, WordPerfect, Open Word), identify general features (create, save, edit, insert, print, share), and list application areas (Office, Publishing, Journalism, Education). They should effectively launch MS Word, perform basic operations (create, edit, save, retrieve, print, copy, move), use different fonts, format, justify, search/explore, carry out spell checking and file merging operations, and close MS Word.

• Spreadsheet with MS Excel

  Candidates should be able to define spreadsheet, give examples of packages (MS Excel, VisiCalc SuperCalc, SPSS, Calc), identify general features (Environment, Status bar, menu bar, formula bar), and list application areas (Accounting, Engineering, Statistics, Calculation, what-if-scenarios, Education). They should effectively launch MS Excel, define basic terms (worksheet, workbook, cells, cell ranges), use MS Excel to create, edit, save, retrieve, and print spreadsheet documents, use data types (Number, Labels, Formula), perform basic operations (Data Entry, Saving, Retrieve, move, copy), perform arithmetic calculations using formulas and inbuilt functions, use different fonts, perform additional operations (Formatting, Editing, Printing, Drawing charts), and close MS Excel.

• Database Management with MS Access

  Candidates should be able to define Database, give examples of packages (Dbase, Foxbase, MS Access, Oracle), define basic database terms (File, Record, Field, key, form, table), list and explain different types of database organization (Hierarchical, Network and Relational), and list application areas (Office, Home, Education, Government, Hospital, Agriculture). They should explain different features of the database format in MS Access (Files as tables, rows/columns, related record information per row, specific field information per column), carry out steps to create a database (define structure, indicate field type, enter/save data), perform basic operations on existing databases (searching, modifying, sorting, reporting, selecting, inserting), and close the MS Access database.

• Graphics Design with CorelDraw

  Candidates should be able to define Graphics, give examples of packages (Paint, Harvard Graphics, Photoshop, CorelDraw, Autocad). They should explain features of CorelDraw (LiveSketch Tool, Multi-Monitor, Healing Clone Tools, Copy Curve Segments, Gaussian Blur Feature, Touch-Friendly GU Interface, Powerful Stylus Enhancements, Import Legacy Workspaces, Prominent Interactive Sliders, Custom Node Shapes, Font Filtering and Search, Corel Font Manager, Enhanced Vector Previews, Handles and Node), and use these features to activate existing CorelDraw files and design items like Business Cards, School Logos, National Flags, Invitation Cards, and Certificates.

• Presentation Design with PowerPoint

  Candidates should be able to define Presentation, give examples of packages (MS PowerPoint, Windows Movie Maker, Micromedia Flash, impress, Apple keynotes). They should explain features of the PowerPoint Environment (Animation Painter, Video Editor, creating video presentations, Automatic Ribbons Toolbars, Transitions, Sections, Cropped Tool, Mask Feature, Effective Preview, Screen Shot, Smart Guides), explain steps in activating an existing PowerPoint, and perform PowerPoint operations to create new presentations, insert pictures, text, graphs, animated contents, add new slides, save presentations, run slide shows, print presentations, and close presentations.

• Web Design with Dreamweaver

  Candidates should be able to define and give examples of Web design packages (HTML, XML, Dreamweaver, Rapidweaver, Google Web Designer, Microsoft Sharepoint Designer, Net Object Fusion, Xara Web Designer). They should list elements of Web Design (Navigation, Visual design, Content, Web friendly, Interaction, Information Accessibility, Intuitiveness, Branding, Turnaround time, Conversion), and use Dreamweaver for Social Media Management, Social Media Marketing, Website Design & Web Development, and Pay Per Click (PPC) Management and Advert Consulting.

• Managing Computer Files

  This section covers the fundamental concepts of computer files, their organization, handling, and security.

• File Concepts and Classification

  Candidates should be able to define basic terms such as File, record, field, and data item. They should identify and use basic data types (numeric, alphabetic, and alphanumeric), explain the relationship among file structure items (Data item – field - record-file-database), classify files according to their organization (Serial, Sequential, Index and random), access files appropriately (Serial, Sequential and Random), and classify files into Master, Transaction, and Reference types. Additionally, they should explain the criteria used in classifying files, including nature of content (Program and Data), organization method, storage medium, date, and size.

• Basic File Operations

  Candidates should be able to perform basic file operations such as Create, Delete, Retrieve, Insert, Copy, View, Update, Open, and Close files.

• Causes of Data Loss

  Candidates should be able to identify causes of data loss, including overwriting, inadvertent deletion, hardware malfunction, virus attack, theft, arson, and natural disasters.

• Data Security Methods

  Candidates should be able to use different methods of securing data and maintaining its integrity, such as Backup, Antivirus, Personal Identification Number, Biometrics, Passwords, proper labelling of storage devices, CCTV, Physical Security, Fire Extinguisher, and Smoke Alarms.

• Comparison of Computer and Manual Files

  Candidates should be able to compare the advantages and disadvantages of computer and manual files in terms of security, speed of access and creation, cost of setup and maintenance, and electricity supply.

• Computer Maintenance and Safety

  This section focuses on essential computer maintenance practices and safety measures for effective and secure computing.

• Booting and Shutting Down

  Candidates should be able to define booting, list the two types of booting processes (cold and warm booting), explain the difference between them, and explain the steps involved in booting and shutting down a computer system.

• General Computer Maintenance

  Candidates should be able to perform general cleaning of the computer system, charge and replace batteries for portable systems and UPS, clean drive lenses, perform simple hardware and software maintenance, and recover data from a crashed system.

• Computer Room Ergonomics and Safety

  Candidates should be able to define proper sitting arrangements, position the monitor, keyboard, CPU, mouse, and other peripherals appropriately, ensure proper illumination of the computer room, maintain a dust-free environment, keep liquids away from the computer room, and strictly adhere to laboratory rules and regulations.

• Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

  This section introduces core ICT concepts, applications, internet services, and networking fundamentals.

• ICT Communication Systems

  Candidates should be able to state the full meaning of the acronym ICT, define ICT, list types of ICT (Broadcasting, Telecommunication, Data Network, Information Systems, Satellite Communication), give examples of Broadcasting (Radio, Television, Satellites), list types of Telecommunications (PSTN Land Line, Mobile phone system, CSPT, Satellite Telephone System, Fixed Wireless Telephone System), list types of Data Network (PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN, Intranet, Internet), and list types of Information System (Data Processing System, Global Positioning System).

• ICT Application Areas

  Candidates should be able to define and identify various application areas of ICT, including Teleconferencing, Video conferencing, Telecommuting, Telecomputing, Messaging, Information search, retrieval and archival systems, E-Learning, Telemedicine, E-Commerce, E-Government, and E-Library.

• ICT Devices

  Candidates should be able to list different types of ICT Devices, such as Mobile phones, Computers, Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Dispensing Machines, Point of Sale Machines, Automated Cash Register (ACR), Radio sets, Television sets, and Scanners.

• Internet Concepts and Services

  Candidates should be able to define Internet and illustrate the use of terms like Home page, Browse, Browser, Zoomzoom, Cybercafe, HTML, ISP, Webpage, and Website. They should be able to access the Internet through various browsers (Internet Explorer, Opera, Firefox, Cometbird, Ubuntu, Google Chrome, Phoenix), explain features of Internet Browsers (Title Bar, Menu Bar, Tool Bar, Address Bar, Icons, Search Bar, Uniform Resource Locator/Hypertext link), and describe the use of different types of Internet services, including Electronic Mail (e-mail), E-mail Discussion Group, Instant Messaging/Chats, Virtual meeting platforms, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), World Wide Web (WWW), and Search Engines.

• Electronic Mail (Email)

  Candidates should be able to define Electronic Mail and Chatting, list e-mail services such as creating e-mail addresses, composing, sending/receiving e-mail, adding attachments, chatting, and creating mailing lists/groups. They should also explain the features in an e-mail address (e.g., user@Domainname) and the components of a domain name.

• Computer Networking Fundamentals

  Candidates should be able to define computer network and list and define various types of Networks: PAN (Personal Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), Intranet, Extranet, and Internet. They should explain the differences in basic network topologies (Star, Bus, Ring) and define and explain the use of network devices such as Hub, Modems, Switches, Routers, Gateway, Repeaters, Access Points Interface (API), and Network Interface Card (NIC).

• World Wide Web (WWW) - Concepts and Usage

  Candidates should be able to give full meanings of WWW, HTTP, HTTPS, HTML, XML, explain the history behind WWW, and explain basic terminologies like WWW, Website, Webpage, Homepage, and Protocol. They should define Protocol and list different types (http, https, ftp). Candidates should also list the uses and benefits of WWW (accessible information, connection, online purchasing, business websites, communication, online courses, marketing, professional contacts, unlimited access to information), and its disadvantages (risk of data/identity theft, cyberbullying, spread of fake news, hacking, spam mails, paedophile issues). They should be able to navigate through websites (e.g., www.jamb.org.ng, www.google.com), use software for web development (Frontpage, WordPress, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Google Web Designer), and differentiate between email and websites (e.g., [email protected] vs. www.jamb.org.ng).

• Network and Computer Cables

  Candidates should be able to identify different network cables and connectors, including cables like Twisted Pair, Coaxial, and Fibre Optics, and connectors like RJ45, RJ11, and T-Connectors. They should also identify different types of computer cables (Power Cables, Data Cables, Printer Cable, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Monitor Cable, Serial Cable, Parallel Cable) and connectors (Male and Female).

• Developing Problem-Solving Skills

  This section focuses on programming languages, algorithms, flowcharts, and the stages of program and system development.

• Programming Language Concepts

  Candidates should be able to define Programming Language (PL), identify different classifications of PL (Machine Language, Assembly languages, High-Level languages like BASIC, C, Java, Fortran 2008, Python, Pearl), and give advantages and disadvantages of Machine Language, Assembly Language, and High-Level Programming Language.

• High-Level Languages (HLL)

  Candidates should be able to classify High-Level programming Languages into Scientific, General Purpose, Business, Object oriented, Procedural, Artificial Intelligence, String processing, Domain Specific, Scripting, Systems, Visual, and Esoteric categories. They should explain the characteristics of High-Level Programming Languages (requires translation, portable, easier to read/write/maintain, uses data types/structures, selection statements, repetition/iteration constructs, logic operators/functions, programmer friendly, easy to code/debug/maintain), and define translators along with its two basic types: Interpreters and Compilers.

• Algorithms and Flowcharts

  Candidates should be able to define Algorithm and Flowchart. They should state the functions of algorithms (calculations, data processing, automated reasoning), state and explain the properties of Algorithm (Input specified, Output specified, Definiteness, Effectiveness, Finiteness), identify Flowchart symbols (Start, Input/Output, Process, Decision, Stop, Loop, Continuation), and draw Flowcharts for given programming problems.

• Programming Language Constructs

  Candidates should be able to identify features and syntax of a programming language, including Keywords, Variable types, Constants/literals (numeric, string/alphanumeric), and basic characteristics of the language. They should also understand basic statements of a high-level programming language (Input, Output, Processing, Comments, Subunits - Functions, Procedure, Methods, Subroutines, and Statements - Iteration/Loop, Conditional, Assignment, Dimension), arithmetic and string operators and expressions, built-in functions, primitive data (Integer, float, Boolean, character), non-primitive data types (Arrays, classes, string), and complex data structures (Trees, graphs, linked lists, objects).

• Program Development Process

  Candidates should be able to define a program, list characteristics of a good program (Accuracy, Readability, Maintainability, Efficiency, Generality, Clarity), state the precautions required in program development (stable, steady, patient, no step skipping, follow order of execution), and list the steps involved in program development (Problem definition, Problem analysis, Design - Flow charting/algorithm development, Program coding, Program compilation, Program testing/debugging, Program documentation, Programme Maintenance). They should also be able to provide examples of interpreted programs (BASIC, java, python) and compiled programs (COBOL, FORTRAN, C, C++, Java).

• System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

  Candidates should be able to define and describe SDLC, explain the stages in SDLC (Preliminary study - Identification of the problem, Recognition of the Need; Feasibility; Analysis; Design; Implementation - coding, testing, documentation and delivery; Maintenance; Review), and draw a diagram of a SDLC.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics

  This section introduces the definitions, branches, applications of Artificial Intelligence, and the fundamentals of Robotics.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Concepts and Applications

  Candidates should be able to define AI, identify its branches (Machine Learning - supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement; Neural Network; Expert Systems; Fuzzy Logic; Natural Language Processing; Deep Learning), and list Application Areas of AI such as Robotics, E-Commerce, Navigation, Human Resource, Healthcare, Agriculture, Gaming, Automobiles, Social Media, and Marketing.

• Fundamentals of Robotics

  Candidates should be able to define Robotics and Robots. They should identify the main components of Robots (Control system, Sensors, Actuators, Power Supply, End Effectors), mention types of Robots (Humanoid Robots, Autonomous Robots, Teleoperated Robots, Augmented Robots), itemize application areas (Logistics, Manufacturing, Home, Travel, Healthcare, Security, Space exploration, Entertainment, Agriculture, Food Preparation, Military, Customer Service), and state the advantages and disadvantages of using Robots.

• Computer Ethics and Human Issues

  This section addresses ethical considerations, computer security, cyber risks, and career prospects in computing.

• Ethical Issues in Computing

  Candidates should be able to define computer-related crime, state examples (Compromising computer systems, hacking, theft), list methods to prevent unauthorized use of computer systems (user identification, Passwords), list methods to protect computer resources using both electronic and manual methods, and list methods to protect the privacy of individuals (workers, companies, customers, government) by law and electronically.

• Computer Security and Cyber Risks

  Candidates should be able to define computer security, identify different types of computer security and their characteristics (Network security, Internet security (cyber), Application Security, Data security, Information security, End user security). They should identify appropriate security tools for different types of computer security (Firewalls, antivirus software, encryption), identify categories of application threats and their characteristics (Input, authorization, session management, parameter tampering), and identify basic dimensions of Information Security (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability - CIA). Furthermore, they should mention Network security issues (unauthorized intrusion, rules and configurations that protect confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility using both software and hardware) and Network security methods (antivirus software, application security, behavioral analytics, data loss prevention, email security, firewalls, mobile device security, network segmentation, security and event management (SEIM), Virtual Private Network (VPN), Web security, wireless security, Network Access Control (NAC)). They should also list Types of cyber security threats (Cybercrime, cyber-attack, cyber terrorism, malware, virus, trojans, spyware, Ransomware, Adware, Botnets, SQL injection, Phishing, Man-in-the-middle attack, Denial of Service, Dridex, Romance scams, Emotet malware) and list Cyber security safety tips (Regular software/OS updates, anti-virus software, strong passwords, not opening email attachments from unknown senders, not clicking on links from unknown senders or unfamiliar websites, avoiding unsecure WIFI networks in public places).

• Career Prospects in Computing

  Candidates should be able to list possible career paths in computing, including Software Developer, Software Test Engineer, Programme Analyst, System Developer, Web Developer, Software Development Engineer, Computer System Analyst, Database Administrator, System Administrator, System Engineer, System Analyst, Network Engineer, Business Analyst, Program Manager, IT Specialist, Data Analyst/Scientist, AI and Robotics specialist, System Security Analyst, Digital Forensic Analyst, Mobile App Developer, ICT Manager, Blogger, E-Marketer, Social Media Manager, ICT Educator, careers in Academia, Private Entrepreneurship, Internet Police, IT User Support/Desk Officer, ICT Librarian, and Computer Instructor.