Basic 9 · Computing · Components of Computers
Personalising a Computer and Managing Files
In this topic you will explore how to personalise a computer, and use file management techniques, including working with hardware drivers.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Personalise a computer's settings
- Use file management techniques
- Explain the role of drivers
What you already know
- Operating systems
- File management
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Introduction To Computing
- Sub-strand
- Components of Computers
- Indicator
- B9.1.1.2.1 – Explore personalization of the computer
Introduction
Your phone probably looks different from your friend's. Computers can be personalised in the same way, to suit each person's needs.
1. Why Personalise?
Personalisation: Changing a computer's settings to suit the user.
Personalisation is not only about looks. Larger text can help someone with poor eyesight. Changing the mouse for left-handed users makes the computer easier to use. A clear screen with few icons lets you work faster. On shared computers, each person can have a user account with their own settings. In Windows, most of these options are found in Settings, under Personalisation, Accessibility and Devices.
2. Things You Can Personalise
| Option | Where to find it | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| desktop background | Settings, Personalisation | changes the wallpaper |
| colours and themes | Personalisation | changes the look |
| lock screen | Personalisation | sets the login picture |
| taskbar | right-click the taskbar | pins favourite apps |
| start menu | Personalisation | organises apps |
| display | Settings, System, Display | resolution, scale |
| mouse | Settings, Bluetooth & devices | pointer speed, buttons |
| sounds | Settings, System, Sound | volume and alerts |
| date and language | Settings, Time & language | Ghana time and English (UK) |
3. Changing the Desktop
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Choose Personalise.
- Click Background.
- Pick a picture, or a solid colour.
- Click Colours and choose a theme.
- Close the window.
4. Accessibility Settings
| Feature | Who it helps |
|---|---|
| narrator | people who cannot see the screen well |
| magnifier | people with poor vision |
| high contrast | people who find some colours hard to read |
| sticky keys | people who cannot press keys together |
| captions | people who are deaf or hard of hearing |
| voice typing | people who cannot type easily |
Accessibility settings make computers usable by more people. A designer who remembers these settings helps to include everyone, a value shared by Ghana's Persons with Disability Act.
5. Personalising Responsibly
On a school computer, ask for permission before changing settings, because others use the same machine. Do not choose offensive images. Choose a screen lock so that nobody can use your device when you step away. Choose a wallpaper with few distractions. Personal settings should help you to work, not stop you.
New words
- personalisation
- Changing settings to suit a user.
- wallpaper
- The picture on the desktop.
- resolution
- The sharpness of a display.
- accessibility
- Making technology usable for all.
Summary
- Personalisation suits a computer to the user.
- Settings include background, taskbar, display and mouse.
- Accessibility features support all users.
Class activity: Personalise a Desktop
- Change the background and pointer size, with permission.
- Try one accessibility feature.
- Restore the settings afterwards.
You need: Desktop computer, Mouse, Printed Windows desktop screenshot
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. The picture on the desktop is the…
- A. wallpaper
- B. icon
- C. cursor
- D. folder
Show answer
Answer: wallpaperBackground.2. Which tool makes the screen larger for those with poor vision?
- A. magnifier
- B. firewall
- C. spreadsheet
- D. browser
Show answer
Answer: magnifierAccessibility.3. Each person can have a user account.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueAccounts.4. The sharpness of a display is its ______.
Show answer
Answer: resolutionDisplay.5. Give three things you can personalise.
Show answer
Answer: Background, taskbar and mouse settings.Any three.6. Why is accessibility part of personalisation?
Show answer
Answer: Settings let people with different abilities use the computer comfortably.Inclusion.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Introduction To Computing
- Sub-strand
- Components of Computers
- Indicator
- B9.1.1.2.2 – Identify and use file management techniques (drivers and hardware)
Introduction
A computer with thousands of files is like a large library. Without order, nothing can be found.
1. Managing Files
File management: Organising, naming, storing and backing up files.
Use folders and subfolders to group similar files. For example, a folder called Term 1 could contain folders for each subject. Give files clear names, such as Maths_Project_Week3.docx, rather than Doc1. File extensions tell you the kind of file: .docx for Word, .xlsx for Excel, .pptx for PowerPoint, .jpg for images and .pdf for portable documents.
2. File Tasks
| Task | How |
|---|---|
| create a folder | right-click, New, Folder |
| rename | select, press F2 |
| copy | Ctrl + C, then Ctrl + V |
| move | Ctrl + X, then Ctrl + V |
| delete | press Delete (goes to the Recycle Bin) |
| search | type in File Explorer's search box |
| sort | click a column heading |
| compress | right-click, Compress to ZIP file |
3. What Is a Driver?
Device driver: Software that lets the operating system communicate with a piece of hardware.
Hardware cannot work by itself. When you plug in a printer, the operating system needs instructions on how to talk to that model. A driver provides those instructions. Windows installs many drivers automatically. For others, you can download the driver from the manufacturer's official website. Avoid unofficial websites, because downloads there might carry viruses.
4. Managing Hardware
- Open Device Manager from the Start menu.
- Look through the list of hardware.
- Find a device with a warning sign.
- Right-click and choose Update driver.
- Restart the computer if asked.
- Test the device.
A yellow warning sign in Device Manager indicates a problem with a device. Common faults include missing drivers, loose cables and faulty ports. Before removing a flash drive, use Safely Remove Hardware. This helps to prevent data loss.
5. Maintaining Your System
Delete files that you no longer need, and empty the Recycle Bin. Use Disk Cleanup to clear space. Keep Windows and your antivirus up to date. Regular maintenance keeps a computer running well. Make a monthly habit of organising your folders, and keep backups. If your folders are in order, you will save time when your teacher asks to see your work.
New words
- file extension
- Letters showing a file's type.
- device driver
- Software that controls hardware.
- Device Manager
- A Windows tool that lists hardware.
- compress
- To make a file smaller.
Summary
- Organise files with folders and clear names.
- Drivers let the operating system use hardware.
- Device Manager helps you to find and fix problems.
Class activity: Folder Tree
- Create folders for your subjects.
- Rename and move sample files.
- Show your structure to a partner.
You need: Desktop computer, USB flash drive, Printed Device Manager screenshot
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which extension is a Word document?
- A. .docx
- B. .jpg
- C. .mp3
- D. .exe
Show answer
Answer: .docxWord.2. A driver allows…
- A. the operating system to use hardware
- B. the screen to glow
- C. rain to fall
- D. printers to print money
Show answer
Answer: the operating system to use hardwareDefinition.3. Files can be sorted by date.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueSort.4. Pressing Ctrl + C ______ a file.
Show answer
Answer: copiesShortcut.5. State three file management tasks.
Show answer
Answer: Rename, copy and delete.Any three.6. A new printer does not work. Give two things to check.
Show answer
Answer: Check the cable and whether the driver is installed.Troubleshooting.
Homework
- Organise the files on a device you use, and write what you changed.