Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
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COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
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Subject: Computing
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 17
Grade code: 3.1.2.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.1.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.1.2.LI.2
Theme: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE & ORGANISATION
Subtheme: COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
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This lesson introduces the practical and essential skill of installing and managing a computer's operating system (OS). The operating system is the soul of any computer, smartphone, or tablet. Without it, the hardware is just a collection of electronic parts. In Ghana today, from the phone repairer at Circle to the IT technician in a corporate office in Accra, understanding how to install, update, and troubleshoot an OS is a valuable, marketable skill. This lesson will move beyond theory and equip learners with the step-by-step knowledge needed to bring a computer to life and keep it running smoothly.
A. What is an Operating System (OS)? Think of a computer's hardware (CPU, RAM, Hard Drive) as the workers in a factory. The Operating System is the factory manager. It tells all the workers what to do, when to do it, and how to work together. It is the most important software that runs on a computer.
Key Functions of an OS: User Interface: Provides a way for you to interact with the computer (e.g., the desktop, icons, mouse pointer). This can be a Graphical User Interface (GUI) like Windows or a Command-Line Interface (CLI). Memory Management: Controls and allocates the computer's main memory (RAM) to various running applications. Processor (CPU) Management: Decides which task the CPU should work on at any given moment. Device Management: Manages communication with all hardware devices, like the printer, keyboard, and webcam, through software called drivers. File Management: Organises files and folders on the storage drives (Hard Disk, SSD, USB stick). Security: Manages user accounts, passwords, and protects the system from unauthorised access.
Examples of Operating Systems: For Desktops/Laptops: Microsoft Windows (10, 11), Apple macOS, Linux (e.g., Ubuntu, Mint). For Mobile Devices: Google Android, Apple iOS. B. The Installation Process: A Three-Phase Guide
Installing an OS is like building a house. You must prepare the land, build the structure, and then add the finishing touches.