EXAM GUIDE ON

COMPUTER PROFICIENCY

Compiled & Presented

By
Engr. Omerigwe Simon, MNSE, MIAENG
Saturday 6th October, 2018
 Objectives
• To provide you with the basic computer
knowledge to take the NSE Computer
Proficiency Exams.
• Equip you with the baseline evaluation
techniques required as engineers in
computer applications and usage.
• Introduce you to basic computing concepts
and using its tools to improve Efficiency,
Performance & Delivery at work place.
 Contents
• Computer Basics
• Internet Basics
• Search Engines
• Charts
• Definitions
Computer
Basics
 What is a Computer?
• A computer is a machine or device that
performs processes, calculations and
operations based on instructions provided by
a software or hardware program.
• A computer is an electronic device that
manipulates information or data. It has the
ability to store, retrieve and process data.
 Hardware
• Any part of your computer that has a physical
structure, such as the keyboard or mouse.
• This includes all the internal computer parts
which you can see, feel and touch.
 Software
• Any set of instructions that tells the hardware
what to do and how to do it.
• This includes all the components of a computer
embedded in the hardware which can not be
seen or touched.
 Types of Computers
Computers comes in many shapes and sizes,
and they perform different functions in our
daily lives.
When you withdraw cash from an ATM, scan
groceries at the stores, use a calculator, or
make a call, you are using a type of computer.
 Types of Computers - Examples
• Desktop Computers
• Laptop Computers
• Tablet Computers
• Server Computers
 Types of Computers - Examples
A Server is a computer that serves up information
to other computers on a network.

Other Types of Computers:

• Smartphones
• Game Consoles
• Wearable's: This technology is a general term for
a group of devices including fitness trackers and
smart watches designed to be worn throughout
the day.
 Types of Computers By Size
Supercomputers:
Are very expensive, very fast, very large, and
the most powerful computers we have in the
world. They are capable of storing and
processing tremendous volumes of data at a
very high speed due to their optimization to
execute a few number of programs. Its speed is
measure in million cores or petaflop per
second. Eg. Tainhe-2 (3.12 /33.86)
 Types of Computers By Size
Mainframe Computers:
Are computer types capable of supporting
hundreds or even thousands of users
simultaneously.
They are mostly used by governments and
large organizations for bulk data processing,
critical applications, transaction processing,
census and industries.
 Types of Computers By Size
Minicomputers:
Are multiprocessing systems capable of supporting
from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously.

Microcomputers:
Are computers designed to be used by on user at a
time. They are referred to as personal computers
and can easily be handled or placed at the top or
under a desk.
Internet
Basics
 What is the Internet?
• The internet is the global system of
interconnected computer networks that use the
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
suit (TCP/IP) to link devices worldwide.
• The internet is a telecommunications network
that uses telephone lines, cables, satellites and
wireless connections to connect computers and
other devices to the World Wide Web.
 Computer Network
Two or more computers that are connected
with one another for the purpose of
communicating data electronically.
 Types of Network
Local Area Network (LAN)
Computer network that connects a group of
computers in close proximity to each other like
in an office building, school or home.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

This is similar to LAN, but spans an entire city
or campus. WAN is formed connecting multiple
LAN’s.
 Types of Network
Wide Area Network (WAN)
This is a network that extends over a large geographical
distance. Usually consist of two or more LAN and MAN’s.
The internet is the best known example of a public WAN.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

VPN is an encrypted connection over the internet from a
device to a network. This is used to introduce security
and privacy to private and public networks. They are
mostly used by corporations such as Banks.
 Types of Network
Intranet
An intranet is a network where employees can
create content, communicate, collaborate, get
things done and develop the company culture.

Extranet
This is similar to an intranet, but also provides
controlled access to authorized customers,
vendors, partners, or others outside the company.
Search
Engines
 What Are Search Engines?
• Search engine is a service that allows internet
users to search for content via the world wide
web.
• A search engine is a software program or
script that allows internet uses find
information on the world wide web using
browsers.
• Examples of search engines are; Google,
Yahoo, and MSN.
 Types of Search Engines
Search engines are basically classified in three
categories;

• Crawler Based Search Engines

• Human Powered Directories
• Hybrid Search Engines
 Types of Search Engines
Crawler Based Search Engines

This are search engines optimized using four

basic steps (crawling, Indexing, Calculating
Relevancy, and Retrieving the Result) before
displaying any sites in the search results.
Examples: Google, Bing, Baidu, Yahoo
Charts
 What is a Chart?
• A chart is a type of diagram or graph that
organizes and represents a set of numerical
or qualitative data.
 Types of Charts in Excel
Excel provides you with different types of charts
that suits your purpose based on the type of data
been analyzed. They include;
• Column Chart
• Line Chart
• Pie Chart
• Bar Chart
• XY (Scatter) Chart
And lots more. Each of these chart types have sub-
types.
Types of Charts in Excel
Types of Charts in Excel
Definitions
 Keynote Definitions
Multitasking: The concurrent execution of
multiple programs, tasks or processes over a
certain period of time.
Data: This is information processed or stored by
a computer in the form of text documents,
images, audio clips or graphics.
HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is the
underlying protocol used by the world wide
web to define how messages are formatted and
transferred.
 Keynote Definitions
HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secured.
This is the secured version of HTTP and most
recommended.
HTML: Hypertext Markup Language is the
standard language for creating webpages and
web applications.
CSS: Cascading Style Sheets is the language that
describes how HTML elements should be
displayed.
 Keynote Definitions
Antivirus: Is a computer programs designed to
protect your computer from viruses or
malicious software.
CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access is a
channel access method used by various radio
communication technologies.
GSM: Global System for Mobile communication
is an international standard for mobile
technology.
 Keynote Definitions
RAM: Random Access Memory is the device
used for temporary data storage. It’s a volatile
memory unit.
ROM: This is a non volatile memory used in
computers and other electronic devices.
AI: Artificial Intelligence is an area of computer
science that emphasizes the creation of
intelligent machines that work and react like
humans.
Thank
You!
QUESTIONS?