COMPUTER APPRECIATION CLASS PART VIII: COMPUTER VIRUS AND HOW TO PREVENT IT

WELCOME TO THE LAST PART  OF OUR COMPUTER APPRECIATION CLASS

PART 8 is a special class where you WILL understand how to curb the computer virus.

We will like to introduce a book written by INFO LINKS COMPUTER SCHOLARS FORUM ON "CURBING COMPUTER AND INTERNET VIRUS" TO YOU.

WHAT IS COMPUTER VIRUS?

A computer virus is a software program which is able to replicate itself and spread from one infected computer to another or cause your computers firewall to be compromised and open to attackers. The infected objects can be system, program or document files. After infecting your computer, it might slow it down, damage the contents of the infected files, mislay the data or defect your computer systems normal operation.

PREVENTING COMPUTER VIRUS

1. Install a trusted Antivirus

IF  you hear the phrase " trusted antivirus"?  You need to buy a licence virus. You may want to ask. "Is free antivirus OK"? From my experience, free is good but those having a price tag are better. Vibre, Norton and Kaspersky are my own choices. However, if you insist of getting free, you can try Avira, Avast, Panda Cloud and others. After all,  having a free antivirus is better than no antivirus at all.

I will also Recommended: Free SmadAV Antivirus

2. Keep your Antivirus updated

To prevent computer virus, installing antivirus isn’t enough. You should keep your antivirus updated. Why? Every minute or seconds new virus is created. In order for the antivirus to be effective, it should update its virus definitions the soonest possible.

Today, updating antivirus is easy, you will just have to connect your computer on the internet. Then, the antivirus will automatically update. YOU must update your antivirus if you want it to be active.

3. Password protect your Antivirus

I urge you to protect your antivirus. You can do this by pass wording your antivirus. This is to protect your antivirus from any setting changes that may affect its effectiveness in preventing virus. If it’s password protected, the user will need to type the right password to change the settings or allow any applications that might harmful to your computer.

4. Schedule a daily antivirus scan

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Make it habit to run a scan before you use your computer. In that way, your antivirus may catch the newly created virus that might undetectable yesterday.

5. Always update your OS (Operating System)

Every now and then, OS developers updates its Operating system to fix bugs and vulnerabilities. Sometimes, at least once a month it updates. So, set your OS to auto updates, in that way you will not miss any security fixes. Thus, it keeps your OS and computer secure.

6. Do not visit Adult sites

I know you may be a victim of this. but, now you know that adult sites impose threat to your computer. AVOID IT AT ALL COST. Though not all adult sites are source of virus though some. 

7. Do not visit Crack sites

Have you heard Piratebay? It is just one of many Crack sites on the web. These sites offers pirated software, serials and cracks. By just visiting these sites you are putting yourself in danger of getting viruses.

In case by accident you visited a crack site, don’t download anything and don’t ever disable your antivirus, even if they will prompt you to do so. Avoid these sites to prevent computer virus and it will also keep you  away from any possible legal  obligation.

8. Do not let anyone insert a flash drive into your machine

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THIS: Flash drives and other portable devices are the most common virus carriers. So, don’t let anyone, especially those you do not know. A simple Flash drive insertion into your computer may inject scripts/malware that may steal your data or open your computer ports. In that way, any well-trained hacker may access your device and do everything they want at your expense.

9. Protect your Network

Many of us are victim of this one. Yes,  Network sharing makes life easier but put limits. Do not let anyone access your files on the network, password protect your computer.  Some students after a training ask me "Can I contact virus from WiFi? I  advised them not to broadcast SSID. If in case you need to Broadcast your SSID use the WPA or WPA2 encryption. Do not share your WiFi passwords, change it once in a while.

10. Do not use Public free WiFi

IT MAY BE DANGEROUS. Free WiFi might cost you a lot! If you use your phone or gadget for online purchases, beware of using FREE WiFi. Come to think of it, if you can access it as an average person with no programming skills, how about those well-trained hacker? They can manipulate that advantage and install scripts, virus, malware into your device. So, be cautious on using Free Public WiFi.

11. Commonsense: THINK before you CLICK

USE YOUR COMMONSENSE. Do not click links from unknown senders. Almost everyday, if you are using the free email services you received unsolicited emails. They employ click baits that touch your emotions whether it’s fear or so much joy that 99% will result you clicking the links. So, THINK! They do the same on messenger, game chats and etc.

You can contact Info Links Computer Consulting Department to help your computer by sending a mail to: ilciempowermment@gmail.com or by Text on 07033539930

For  more information Get a copy of our book and read"CURBING COMPUTER AND INTERNET VIRUS"

CONGRATULATIONS.

You are now a computer literate. Please read our next blog to do your assessment. We shall need your contact to send a message across to you to plan for your 3 days practical class that we earn you a certificate from our computer school..

THANKS FOR READING

COMPUTER APPRECIATION CLASS PART VII: COMPUTER WARES

WELCOME TO THE COMPUTER APPRECIATION CLASS PART 7

We shall be learning all about the "COMPUTER WARES"

Computer wares are programs or device that helps the computer to function effectively.

The computer has three types of wares which are as follow:

1. HARDWARE

2. SOFTWARE

3. HUMAN WARE

• THE COMPUTER HARDWARE

This is the physical parts of any computer. The hardware constitutes of the parts of a computer that can be felt, carry and transferred from one place to another. There can never be the soft without the hard. That is, the soft without the hard is no ware.

• THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE

This is set of instruction given to the computer in order to perform a specific task or solve a particular problem. It is also known as program. The term software is applied to the programs, which must be placed in the hardware before the hardware/software combination can do useful work. Therefore without the software the computer is a dummy.

TYPES OF SOFTWARE

There are two types of software namely: system software and application software.

SYSTEM SOFTWARE

They are instructions written by computer manufacturers to control the operations of the computer system. They are programs that contribute to the control and performance of the computer system. Examples of system software include operating system, translator, data base management system and utility programs.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

These are programs normally written by programmers/computer user within an organization which enable the computer to produce useful result. E.g. inventory control, attendance accounting, student records, etc.

TYPES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Application software is grouped into two main software namely: User application programs and Application packages.

USER APPLICATION PROGRAMS

These are programs written by the user in order to perform specific job for the user. Such programs are written in variety of programming languages according to circumstance but must be written in a systematic way so as to produce desired result.

APPLICATION PACKAGES

Also called software packages are already written programs or suite of programs for a particular application area, which must conform to internationally accepted rules. E.g. Word processing packages (MS word, Word perfect, PageMaker), Graphic design packages (Symphony, Fantasy, Harvard graphics), Spread Sheet packages (MS Excel, Quattro Pro), etc.

THE HUMANWARE

Human ware:

The man-machine interface is called a human ware. The people who work with the computer are collectively called the human ware or livewire.

Like we all know that computer is automatic (but under the supervision of human), it need human to activate (initialize) it before the combination of hardware/software can execute any job (work). Human-ware (also known as people-ware) doesn’t include those that can not operate computer. Human-ware includes programmer, operator, etc. Anybody that can guide computer to perform (execute) task is a human-ware.

The computer is made of two wares (which are hardware and software). But for a computer to carry out any operation, three wares are needed which include the above mentioned two and the human-ware. Come to think of it, this machine work on data and these data will be fed via its’ input device into the computer. People-ware is those responsible for inputting data. Without the human-ware the computer can not work on his own. For example, you have a software but you did not slot it into the DVD ROM do you expect the software to find is way into the computer with your assistance. of course the computer needs you to work.

Wow. I guess you understand the computer class today. If you have any question please comment or call 07033539930.

THANKS FOR READING

COMPUTER APPRECIATION PART VI: COMPUTER PORTS AND ITS FUNCTIONS

WELCOME TO THE COMPUTER APPRECIATION CLASS PART 6

We shall be focusing on " COMPUTER PORTS AND ITS FUNCTIONS

Acording to Chinonso Nwakaeme a port is the external device on the computer that can be use for connections. Computer dictionary define, A port as a physical docking point which an external device can be connected to the computer. It can also be programmatic docking point through which information flows from a program to the computer or over the Internet.

In computer terms, a port generally refers to the female part of connection. Computer ports have many uses, to connect a monitor, webcam, speakers, or other peripheral devices. 

Characteristics of Ports

A port has the following characteristics −

1. It is a connecting device

2. It is the external device on the computer

Other characteristics:

*External devices are connected to a computer using cables and ports.

*Ports are slots on the motherboard into which a cable of external device is plugged in.

*Examples of external devices attached via ports are the mouse, keyboard, monitor, microphone, speakers, etc.

Let us now discuss a few important types of ports −

Serial Port

Serial port has two versions: 9 pin, 25 pin model and data travels at 115 kilobits per second

• It is use for external modems and older computer mouse

Parallel Port

Parallel Port is also called printer port. it has 25 pin model. it is a IEEE 1284-compliant Centronics port

• It is use for scanners and printers

PS/2 Port

It is also called mouse port. Most of the old computers provide two PS/2 port, each for the mouse and keyboard.  it is IEEE 1284-compliant Centronics port

• It is use for old computer keyboard and mouse

Universal Serial Bus (or USB) Port

It was introduced in 1997. Most of the computers provide two USB ports as minimum. while data travels at 12 megabits per seconds. Note that USB compliant devices can get power from a USB port.

It can connect all kinds of external USB devices such as external hard disk, printer, scanner, mouse, keyboard, etc.

VGA Port

It has 15 holes that is similar to the serial port connector. However, serial port connector has pins, VGA port has holes.

• It connects monitor to a computer's video card.

Power Connector

The Power Connector  is a three-pronged plug.

• It connects to the computer's power cable that plugs into a power bar or wall socket.

Firewire Port

The data travels at 400 to 800 megabits per seconds. Invented by Apple. It has three variants: 4-Pin FireWire 400 connector, 6-Pin FireWire 400 connector, and 9-Pin FireWire 800 connector.

• Transfers large amount of data at very fast speed.
• Connects camcorders and video equipment to the computer.

Modem Port

• Connects a PC's modem to the telephone network.

Ethernet Port

This port resides on an Ethernet Card. Data travels at 10 megabits to 1000 megabits per seconds depending upon the network bandwidth.

• It connects to a network and high speed Internet.
• It connects the network cable to a computer.
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Game Port

It is currently replaced by USB

• Connect a joystick to a PC

Digital Video Interface, DVI port

DVI port is commonly popular among video card manufacturers.

• Connects Flat panel LCD monitor to the computer's high-end video graphic cards.

Sockets

• Sockets connect the microphone and speakers to the sound card of the computer.

We know you enjoyed this tutorial. Please note that we are left with PART 7 and PART 8. You are hereby expected to prepare for your assesment, if you want to get certified.

THANKS FOR READING

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COMPUTER APPRECIATION PART V: HISTORY OF THE COMPUTER

Instructor: Chinonso Nwakaeme.



WELCOME TO PART 5 OF COMPUTER APPRECIATION CLASS.

GOOD DAY EVERYONE. we shall be focusing on the "History of the Computer"


Today, we have entered a new era: the computer age – an age which owes everything to inventors. Charles Babbage, an English mathematician, is considered to be the great-grandfather of the computer. Over 150 years ago, in 1840 to be exact, he invented a sophisticatedcalculating machine and called it the "Analytical Engine." As with many inventions, his creation was far in advance of its time.

It took another 100 years before the first computers were built, and as you know, they were huge and incredibly heavy. Take, for instance, the famous Mark I. It was the world’s first electro- mechanical computer and was used during World War 2 by the U.S. Navy. In comparison to 20th- century systems, it could be likened to a battleship: 2.6 meters high, 16 meters wide, 2 meters deep, and weighing a massive 5 tons!
 a programming language so that it can be understood by computers.

It was a sensational breakthrough which opened doors to automatic programming and thus directly to contemporary personal computers (PCs).
Today, computers are at the center of thousands upon thousands of other inventions. They are the heartbeats of the modern world. Computers are every-where – from kitchens to concrete mixers, from planes to pockets, from homes to offices. They see, They listen. They speak. They act. Never in world history has one invention had such an influence on humanity as a whole.
It may interest you to know that without the computer age, there would be no global awareness. Internet, in particular, has created a brand new environment. A new culture has been born – free, rapid, and universal – where people share their knowledge and expertise. Information and communication techniques have been turned upside down, distance has been eliminated, frontiers abolished.

A tremendous interactivity among people has been established through the use of social media today and yet people still don’t see why they need a computer literacy.
I would like to mention something concerning Internet. The inventors in 1990 of the World Wide Web (WWW), which revolutionized the contemporary computer world, did not become millionaires. British Tim Berners-Lee and Belgian Robert Caillau, both researchers at European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, did not make any money through their invention of the WWW. They refused to patent it. They feared that in so doing, the use of the Web would prove prohibitively expensive preventing its use worldwide. Thus, they passed up a fortune so that our world can learn and communicate today, and we should be grateful to them for their foresight and magnanimity.
The invention of the computer with its multitude of programs and new information technologies is transforming the traditional perception of an inventor. A more positive image is emerging. No longer personified by an eccentric crackpot, a crackpot male genius working alone in attic, garage or basement, today's inventors resemble more and more millions of other scientists, industrial researchers and entrepreneurs in workshops or laboratories surrounded by a computer station.
Are you among those still living in the industrial e agwhile you we are in the Computer age.

I hope you enjoyed the class. Forward your question to us.

THANKS FOR READING