Syllabus content and objectives
Official JAMB Computer Studies outline · Section B: Fundamentals of Computing
Content
The two main constituents of a computer system: hardware and software.
Objective
Define a computer system in relation to its nature and programmability, list its functional parts, explain the characteristics of computers, and identify the differences between hardware and software.
Content
Characteristics of computers, including electronic operation, accuracy, speed, interactivity, reliability, consistency, and large storage capacity.
Objective
Explain the characteristics of computers.
Content
Computer hardware: types, examples, and uses of hardware devices and components, including the Central Processing Unit, peripherals, input devices, output devices, and storage media.
Objective
Define hardware devices, give examples, list computer hardware components and their functions, and explain the differences between input and output devices.
Content
Input devices, including keyboards, mouse, scanner, joystick, light pen, voice input devices, and digital cameras.
Objective
Explain the functions of major input devices and give examples; explain keyboard key classifications, including function, numeric, alphabetic, and cursor keys; describe mouse features, functions, and operations; and distinguish among keyboards, mice, light pens, scanners, and digital cameras.
Content
Output devices, including monitors, printers, speakers, and plotters.
Objective
Define output devices, give examples, and list the different types, features, and uses of each output device.
Content
Printer types: inkjet, laser, and line printers.
Objective
Explain the similarities and differences among inkjet, laser, and line printers.
Content
Central Processing Unit components: Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), and registers.
Objective
List the components of the CPU and explain the functions of the ALU, CU, and registers.
Content
Primary and secondary memory or storage units. Primary memory includes Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM). Secondary storage includes floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disks, compact discs (CDs), Digital Video Discs (DVDs), and USB storage devices.
Objective
Distinguish between primary and secondary memory; list the components of primary memory; explain the uses and differences between RAM and ROM; explain the functions of secondary storage; list examples of secondary storage devices; and compare them in terms of size, speed, cost, technology, access mode, and components.
Content
Units of storage measurement and their relationships: bits, bytes, nibbles, words, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes.
Objective
List the units used to measure storage, explain their relationships, and relate micro, mega, giga, and terabyte measurements.
Content
Registers, buses, and addresses. Registers include the Memory Data Register (MDR), Memory Address Register (MAR), Memory Base Register (MBR), Accumulator (AC), Program Counter (PC), and Current Instruction Register (CIR).
Objective
Define registers, buses, and addresses; explain the functions of the specified registers; and distinguish between registers and main memory.
Content
The input-process-output cycle in converting data into information.
Objective
State the major steps involved in how a computer converts data into required information using input, processing, and output.
Content
Factors affecting data transfer speed, including bus speed and bus width.
Objective
Enumerate the factors affecting the speed of data transfer.
Content
Logic circuits and gates: AND, NOT, OR, NOR, and NAND gates.
Objective
Define the different types of logic gates and their uses; interpret logic equations for AND, NOT, and OR gates; list their symbols; and construct truth tables for standard logic gates.
Content
Comparators and simple comparator circuits using XOR (Exclusive OR) and NOR gates.
Objective
Define a comparator and construct a simple comparator using XOR and NOR gates.
Content
System software, including operating systems, utility software, middleware, device drivers, and translators.
Objective
Differentiate between system software and application software, list types of system software, define operating systems, and explain their functions.
Content
Operating systems: functions, user interfaces, and examples, including Microsoft Windows, Linux, and UNIX. User interfaces include text-based command-line and menu interfaces and graphical user interfaces (GUI). Mobile operating systems include Android, BlackBerry, and iPhone operating systems.
Objective
Define an operating system, list its functions and user-interface types, give examples of operating systems, and discuss operating systems used on phones and tablets.
Content
Utility software: definition, functions, types, and examples, including editors and antivirus software.
Objective
Define utility software, list its functions and types, and give examples.
Content
Translator software: definition, functions, and categories, including interpreters, assemblers, and compilers.
Objective
Define translator software, explain its functions, list the different categories of translators, and explain their differences.
Content
Application software: examples, uses, open-source software, proprietary software, and methods of acquiring software, including in-house development and off-the-shelf acquisition.
Objective
List examples of application software and their uses; differentiate between open-source and proprietary software; identify methods of acquiring application software; and explain the differences between user application programs and general-purpose application packages.
Content
Common off-the-shelf application packages: word processing (MS Word), spreadsheets (Excel), databases (Access), presentations (PowerPoint), graphics (Adobe Photoshop), accounting (Sage), payroll (Sage), government applications (Remita), banking applications (Fusion Banking Essence), statistics (SPSS), educational applications (SchoolShell), and hospital applications (eHospital).
Objective
Give examples of common off-the-shelf application packages and explain their uses.
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