Data Processing

course outline

Topics

• History of Computers

  Covers computing devices, number systems, and generations of computers. Candidates should identify computing devices, understand the importance of number systems, relate generations to their features, and describe each generation by year, components, speed, and storage.

• Data and Information

  Defines data and information, explores types of data, and methods of handling data, including digitalization. Emphasizes the differences between data and information.

• Application of ICT in everyday life

  Examines the uses of ICT in daily activities and its societal impact. Links ICT applications to societal development.

• Components of Computers

  Covers input devices, output devices, system units, and storage devices, including examples and their use in data processing.

• The art of Information processing

  Defines information processing and outlines the steps involved. A description of each step is required.

• Process of Information transmission

  Defines information transmission and covers methods and modes of transmitting information, including visual, audio, and audio-visual methods.

• Medium of Information Transmission

  Discusses types and classifications of means for transmitting information, such as radio, television, and newspapers.

• Networking

  Explains the meaning of Networking, Internet, and Intranet, and covers types of networking like MAN, LAN, and WAN, including their significance.

• Internet

  Defines the Internet, its benefits, internet browsers, internet security, and the abuse of the Internet. Candidates should develop skills in using various internet services.

• Operating System

  Defines operating systems, covers types, examples, and functions. Contrasts text-based and graphical user interfaces.

• Word Processing

  Covers the definition, uses, and examples of word processing software. Includes starting, loading, exiting, creating, saving, and retrieving documents. Candidates should be able to create and manipulate documents.

• Spreadsheet

  Defines spreadsheets, lists their uses, and provides examples of applications. Covers loading, exiting, creating, saving, and retrieving spreadsheet files. Candidates should be able to create and manipulate worksheets.

• Database Management System

  Defines DBMS, lists uses and examples of applications. Covers loading, exiting, creating, saving, and retrieving database files. Candidates should be able to use DBMS to create and manipulate database files, including packages like Microsoft Access.

• Presentation Package

  Defines presentation packages, lists uses and examples. Covers loading, exiting, creating, saving, and retrieving presentation files. Candidates should be able to create and manipulate slides.

• Web Design Packages

  Covers the definition, uses, components, and examples of web design packages. Designing web pages is not required.

• Graphic Packages

  Defines graphic packages, lists their uses, and provides examples, with a focus on Corel Draw.

• Maintenance of Computer

  Covers general cleaning, battery maintenance, DVD lens cleaning, hardware and software maintenance, computer crash, and data recovery. Candidates should be aware of basic maintenance procedures and ensure data integrity.

• Computer Ethics

  Addresses computer room management ethics and laboratory rules and regulations, emphasizing responsible computer use and security.

• Safety Measures

  Details sitting arrangements, positioning of computer peripherals, lighting, maintaining a dust-free environment, and keeping liquids away from the computer room. The importance of safety measures should be emphasized.

• Career opportunities in Data Processing

  Lists professions in computer fields, qualities of a good data processing professional, and computer professional bodies. The duties of each professional and professional body should be covered.

• Computer Virus

  Defines computer viruses, lists types, examples, sources, warning signals, and covers prevention, detection, and deletion. The destructive effects of virus infections should be discussed.

• Relational Model

  Covers database and table creation using application packages, creating relationships between tables, and the creation of forms, queries, and reports. Emphasis is placed on arranging data, primary/foreign keys, and query languages like QBE and SQL.

• File Organization

  Defines file organization and covers its various types. A comparison between different types of file organization is required.

• Database Security

  Explains the concept of data security, access control, data encryption, and the role of a database administrator. The importance of data security is highlighted.

• Parallel and Distributed databases

  Covers the basic concepts of parallel and distributed databases and storing data in a distributed database (DBM). Definitions and the significance of storing data in distributed systems are required.