Earlyface

COMPUTER STUDIES
PREAMBLE
This examination syllabus is developed from the National Curriculum for Senior Secondary School Computer Studies. It highlights the scope of the course for Computer Studies examinations at this level. Its structuring revolves around conceptual approach. The major thematic areas considered in the entire syllabus include:
Computer fundamentals and evolution
Computer hardware
Computer Software
Basic Computer Operations
Computer Applications
Managing Computer files
Developing Problem-solving skills
Information and Communication Technology
Computer ethics and human issues

Each thematic area forms a concept which is further divided into sub-concepts. This examination syllabus is not a substitute for the teaching syllabus. Therefore, it does not replace the curriculum.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the syllabus are to test candidates’ understanding, knowledge and acquisition of
basic concepts of computer and its operations;
manipulative, computational and problem-solving skills;
application of software packages;
operation of computer – related simple devices;
on-line skills and their applications;
safe attitudes and good practices on effective use of computer;
potential for higher studies in Computer related areas.
EXAMINATION SCHEME
There will be three papers, Papers 1, 2 and 3, all of which must be taken. Papers 1 and 2 shall be a composite paper to be taken at one sitting.

Paper 1: will consist of 50 multiple-choice objective questions all which are to be answered in 1 hour for 25 marks.
Paper 2: will consist of five essay questions. Candidates will be required to answer any three in 1 hour for 30 marks.
Paper 3: will test actual practical skills of school candidates and knowledge of practical work for private candidates. It will consist of three questions to be answered in 2 hours for 45 marks.
DETAILED SYLLABUS
TOPIC CONTENT NOTE
COMPUTER EVOLUTION
Computing Devices I (Pre-computing age- 19th century) Features , components and uses of early computing devices:
Abacus;
Slide Rule ;
Napier’s bone;
Pascal’s calculator;
Leibnitz multiplier;
Jacquad loom;
Charles Babbage’s analytical engine;
Hollerith Census Machine;
Burrough’s Machine.
Contribution of each of the founder of these devices to modern computers.
Trend of development in computing devices from one to the other.
Computing Devices II (20th century to date) Features, components and uses of:
-ENIAC
-EDVAC
-UNIVAC 1
-Desktop Personal
Computers
-Laptop and Notebook computers
-Palmtop. Sizes and basic components should be considered in a comparative form.
FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTING
Overview of Computing System – Definition of a Computer;
– Two main constituents
of a Computer
Computer hardware;
Computer software
– Classification and
examples of
hardware and
software.
– Functional parts of a
computer

Characteristics of Computers
– Electronic in nature;
– Accuracy;
– Speed;
– Interactive etc.

Differences between hardware and software should be treated.
Data and Information – Definition and
examples of data and
information;
Differences between data and information.
COMPUTER ETHICS AND HUMAN ISSUES

Security and Ethics

Sources of security breaches:
Virus, worms and Trojan horses;
Poor implementation of network;
Poor implementation or lack of ICT policies;
Carelessness- giving out personal and vital information on the net without careful screening.
Hackers, spammers etc.

Definition and effects of viruses and worms should be treated

Definition of hackers and spammers should be treated
Preventive measures
Use of antivirus software e.g. Norton, McAfee, Avast, etc
Use of firewall;
Exercising care in giving out vital and personal information
Encryption
Proper Network Implementation and Polies
Using sites with web certificates
Exercising care in opening e-mail attachments

Legal Issues
-Copyright (software copyright)
-ownership right to
-text;
-images;
-audio;
-video
-Privacy of audio and video software
-Cyber crimes
-identify theft;
-internet fraud
-Hacking

Explanation of firewall is required

Definition of encryption should be treated

COMPUTER HARDWARE
Input devices
Definition and examples of input devices
The use of keyboard, mouse, scanner, joystick, light pen, etc
Classification of keys on the keyboard into Function, Numeric, Alphabetic
-Cursor keys
-Features, function and operation of the mouse
-Differences in keyboard, mouse, light pen and scanner
Output Devices -Definition and examples
-Output devices: monitor, printer, speaker, plotter – Type, features and uses.
-Differences between input and output devices
-Similarities and differences in inkjet, laser and line printer

Examples and types of printers and monitors should be treated.
Central Processing Unit Components of C.P.U.: Arithmetic and logic unit, control unit
Function of ALU and Control Unit Combination of the CPU and Memory Unit as system unit should be mentioned.
Memory Unit Types of Memory Unit: Primaryand Secondary memory
-Components of Primary memory unit: ROM and RAM
Differences and uses of ROM and RAM
Examples of Seconadry memory devices: floppy disk, hard disk, compact disk(CD), flash disk, digital-video-disk(DVD)
Unit of storage in memory devices: bits, nibble, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes
Interconversion of unit of storage.
-Comparative study of auxiliary storage devices in respect of their size, speed and technology
Physical identification of RAM and ROM devices required.

Simple calculation involving the conversion from a unit to another
Size and shape variation of floppy,
flask/USB and compact disks should be noted
Logic Circuits -Definition, types and uses of standard logic gate: AND, NOT, OR
Symbols of AND, NOT, OR gates
-Construction of truth table for standard logic gates
-Differences between AND, NOT, OR gates
-NAND and NOR as alternative logic gates should be treated
Construction of Truth Table for NAND and NOR
Construction of a simple comparator with -XOR( Exclusive OR)
-NOR gate Logic equation for AND, NOT, OR gate should be treated.
Uses of logic gates are required.

Simple definition of a comparator is required.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
System Software

Operating System
Definition and types of software
System software
Application software
(ii) System software and their examples
Operating System e.g. MS Windows
Translator e.g. Compiler
Tools/ Utility e.g. Anti-virus

Examples of Operating System
MS Windows
Linux
UNIX
MS-DOS etc

Examples of Translators
Assemblers
Compilers
Interpreters
(v) Examples of Utility
Programs
Editor
Anti-virus etc
www.earlyface.com.n g
Definition, types, examples and function of Operating System
Graphic User Interface(GUI)
GUI (MS Windows, Linux, etc)
Command line (MS DOS, UNIX, etc)
Differences between system and application software is required

Operating systems of phones, ipad and other computerized devices should be treated. E.g. Android, Blackberry, etc.

Differences among the translators should be noted

Differences between GUI and Command line Operating Systems are required.
Application Software Definition and types of application software
Common Application
Packages and their
examples
Word processing(MS Windows)
Spreadsheet(MS Excel)
Database(MS Access)
Graphics
Packages for spreadsheet purpose
Accounting software
Payroll program
Banking software
Education management software
Statistical packages
Hospital management software Differences between user application program and application packages are required
COMPUTER APPLICATION
Word Processing
Definition and examples of word processing and word processor
-MS Word
-Wordstar
-WordPerfect
Features of Word Processing programs in general.
Application areas of Word Processing programs
-Office
-Publishing
-Journalism
-Education, etc.
(iv) Features of MS
Word
Steps in activating and exiting MS Word
Basic operations in MS Word
-Create
– Edit
– Save
-Retrieve
-Print
– Close
(vii) Further operations
in MS Word
-move
-copy
-cut
-use of different
Types
and sizes of fonts
-formatting
-justifying
-search/explore
-spell checking
-file merging, etc
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Definition of each operational term is required.
Spreadsheet (i) Definition and examples of spreadsheet program
-VisiCALC
-MS Excel
-SuperCALC
-Autocad, etc
(ii) Feature of
spreadsheet program
(iii)Application areas of
Spreadsheet
programs:
-Accounting
-Statistical
calculation
-Student result, etc
(iv)Features of MS Excel
Environment
-status bar
-menu bar
-formula bar, etc
(v)Definition of basic
terms in MS
Excel
-worksheet
-workbook
-cells
-cell ranges
(vi)Data types in Excel
-Number
-Labels
-Formula
(vii)Basic operation in
Excel
-Data Entry
-Saving
-Retrieve
Copy
-Move
(viii)Arithmetic
calculations using
formula and built-in
function
(ix)Additional operation
in Excel
-Editing
-Formatting
-Printing
-Drawing charts, etc

Simple calculations with and without built-in function e.g. sum, average, etc

Pie chart, histogram, bar chart, etc
Database (i)Definition of database
and database packages
(ii)Examples of database
packages
-Dbase IV,
-Foxbase
-MS Access
-Oracle, etc
(iii)Basic terms in
Database
-File
-Record
-Field
-Key
(iv)Types of database
organization
methods and their
features
-Hierarchical
-Network
-Relational
(v)Features of database
format
-Files designed as
tables
-Tables comprise
row and
columns
-Row containing
related
information
about a record.
-Column
containing
specific type of
information
about a field.
(vi)Steps in creating
database
-define the structure
-indicate field
type(numeric,
character, data,
text, etc)
-enter data
-save data
(vii)Basic operations on
already
created database.
Database
-searching
-modifying
-sorting
-reporting
-selecting
-inserting, etc

Graphics (i)Definition of Graphics
(ii)Examples of Graphics
packages
-Paint
-Harvard graphics
-Photoshop
-Coreldraw, etc
(iii)Features in activating
and existing
Coreldraw
(iv)Simple design using
Coreldraw
-Business card
-School logo
-National flag
-Invitation card
-Certification, etc

Presentation package (i)Definition of presentation
package
(ii)Examples of presentation package
-MS PowerPoint, etc
(iii)Features of
PowerPoint
environment
(iv)Steps in activating
and exiting
PowerPoint
(v)PowerPoint operation
-create new
presentation
-insert pictures, text,
graphs
-animated contents
-add new slide
-save presentation
-run slide show
-print presentation
-close presentation

MANAGING COMPUTER FILES
Concept of Computer Files

Handling Computer Files
(i)Definition of some
terms
-computer file
-record
-field
-data item
(ii)Types of data item
-numeric
-alphabetic
-alphanumeric
(iii)File structure
organisation
(Data item—record—
file—database)
(iv)Types of file
organization
-serial
-sequential
-index
-random
(v) Methods of accessing
files
-serial
-sequential
-random
(vi) File classification
-master file
-transaction file
-reference file
(vii)Criteria for
classifying files:
-nature of
content(program
and data)
-organisation
method
-storage medium

(i)Basic operation on
computer files
-file
-delete
-retrieve
-insert
-copy
-view
-update
-open
-close
(ii) Effect of file
insecurity
-data loss
-data corruption
-data becomes
unreliable
(iii)Causes of data loss
-over-writing
-inadvertent
deletion
(iv)Methods of file
security
-use of backup
-use of antivirus
-password
-proper labelling
of storage
devices, etc
(v)Differences between
computer files and
manual files
(vi)Advantages of
computer files
-more secure
-fast to
access,etc
(vii)Disadvantages of
computer files
-expensive to set up

-irregular supply
of electricity

Differences among the organization methods are required

File processing using BASIC programming is required.
BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS
Booting and shutting down process

Computer Data Conversion

(i) Description and types
of booting process
(ii)Types of booting
process
-cold booting
-warm booting
(iii)Steps involved in :
-booting a
computer;
-shutting down a
computer
(iv)Identification of
features on a desktop

(i)Definition of registers,
address, bus
(ii)Types and functions
of registers: MDR,
CIR, SCR
(iii)Differences between
register and main
memory
(iv)Steps involved in
how a computer
converts data to
required information (Input-Process-Output)
(v)Factors affecting
speed of data transfer:
-bus speed;
-bus width.
Difference between cold and warm booting should be treated

Fetch-execute cycle is not required
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY(ICT)
Communication Systems

(i)What‘ICT’ acronym
stands for.
(ii) Types of ICT
-Broadcasting
-Telecommunication
-Data Network
-Information
Systems
-Satellite
Communications
-Examples of
Broadcasting
-Radio
broadcasting
-Television
broadcasting
-Satellite system
-Examples of
Telecommunication
-Public Switched Telephone Network(PSTN)-Landline
-Mobile phone
systems
-Circuit Switched
Packet
Telephone
System(CSPT)
-Satellite telephone
system
-Fixed wireless
telephone
system
-Examples of data
networks
-Personal Area
Network(PAN)
-Local Area

Network(LAN)
-Metropolitan Area
Network(MAN)
-Wide Area
Network(WAN)
-Internet
-Examples of
Information Systems
-Data Processing
System
-Global Positioning
System(GPS)

Application areas of ICT

(c)Internet

(d) Electronic Mail(e-
mail)Services (i)Application Areas of ICT include
the following:
-Teleconferencing
-Video conferencing
-Telecommuting
-Telecomputing
-Messaging
-Information search, retrieval
and archival.
(ii)ICT based gadgets
and their
operations
-Mobile phones
-Computers
-Fax machines
-Automated Teller
Machines(ATM)
-Dispensing
machines
-Point of Sale
Machines
– Automated Cash
Register(ACR)
-Radio sets
-Television sets, etc
(i)Definition of Internet
and some
Internet terms:
-Homepage
-Browse
-Browser
-Chatroom
-Cybercafe
-HTTP
-HTML
-ISP
-Webpage
-Website,etc

(ii)Types of internet
browsers
-Internet explorer
-Netscape navigator
-Opera
-Firefox
-Cometbird ,etc
(iii)Features of Internet
browsers:
-Title bar
-Menu bar
-Tool bar
-Address bar,etc
(iv)Types of Internet
services
-Electronic mail (e-
mail)
-e-mail discussion
group
-Instant messaging
-Telnet
-Usenet
-File Transfer
Protocol(FTP)
-Worldwide
web(www)
-Chatting, etc
(i)Definition of electronic
mail
(ii)E-mail Services:
-sending/receiving e-
mail
-chatting, etc
(iii)Steps involved in
creating e-mail
account
(iv)Steps involved in
opening mail box
(v)Features in an e-mail
address e.g. fmemail@fmegovng.org
(vi)Definition and steps
involved in chatting

Definition and description of these terms are required

Knowledge on the operations on these ICT-based gadgets is required.

Demonstration of these terms through Internet access is required

Access Internet through these browsers.

Application of the features of Internet browser window is required

Benefits of Internet to our society should be stressed

Procedure for sending and receiving e-mail is required

(e)Networking

(f) Introduction to Worldwide web (W.W.W.) (i)Definition of a
Computer Network
(ii)Types of Network
-PAN
-LAN
-WAN
-MAN
-Internet
(iii) Network topology
-Star
-Bus
-Ring
(iv)Network devices
-Hub
-Modems
-Switches
-Routers
-Network Interface
Card(NIC)
(v)Advantages of
Networking
(i)What is the ‘W.W.W.’
acronym stands for
(ii)Brief history of W.W.W.
(iii)Basic terminologies:
-W.W.W.
-website
-webpage
-homepage
-protocol, etc
(iv)Protocol
-HTTP
-HTML
(v)Uses/benefits of www
(vi)Navigating through
websites www.waeconline.org
-www.itbeginswithu.org
-www.servenigeria.com
-www.phillipemeagwali.com
-www.jambonline.org
(vii)Difference between
e-mail and website
address features:
e.g.www.waeconline. org and waec@yahoo.com
(viii)Software for web
development
-Frontpage
– etc

Differences in the various topologies should be treated

Knowledge of “Bridge” as a networking device is required.

Nigeria’s contribution to www should be mentioned

Use of HTTP and HTML should be mentioned

Visits to these websites are essential
(g) Cables and Connectors (i)Types of Network Cables and
Connectors
-Cables: Twisted pair,
coaxial, fibre optic,
telephone
-Connectors: RJ45, RJ11, T-
connectors
(ii)Types of Computer Cables
and Connector
-Cables:Power cables
Data cables
– Printer
Cable,universal serial
bus(USB), monitor
cable, serial cable
-Connectors: Male and
female
Identification of different Network Cables Connectors should be treated

DEVELOPING PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
Programming Language(PL)

(i) Programming Language: Definition, examples, levels and features:
(ii)Levels and examples of programming language
-Machine Language(ML) ,
e.g.100011001
-Low Level Language(LLL),
e.g. Assembly Language
-High Level Language(HLL)
e.g. BASIC,C++, FORTRAN, etc.
(iii)Comparison of ML,
LLL, HLL.
(iv)Advantages and
disadvantages of ML,
LLL and HLL.

(b)High Level
Languages (i) Definition and
examples
(ii)Classification of HLL
as
-Scientific
-Gen-purpose
-Business
-AI
-String processing
language(SPL)
(iii)Features of BASIC,
C, PASCAL,
COBOL –
Comparative study Other programming languages such as Java, Python, etc. should be mentioned.

(c)Algorithm and
Flowchart

(d)BASIC Programming

(i)Definition of :
Algorithhm and
Flowchart
(ii)Functions of
Algorithm
(iii)Characteristics of
Algorithm:
-Finite
-Effective
-Unambiguous
(iv)Writing algorithm
for:
-Computing average
of a given
set of numbers
-Evaluation of
equation:
y=a(b-c)2/(d+2)
-Computing out the
first ten odd
numbers, etc
(v)Flowchart symbols:
– I/O, Process, decisions, etc
(vi)Use of each flowchart symbol
(vii)Flowchart diagrams for given programming problem

(i)What BASIC acronym stands for
(ii)BASIC characteristics
(iii)Types of data
-variable
-constant/literal
-numeric
-string/alphanumeric
(iv)BASIC Statements
INPUT
PRINT, LPRINT
LET
END
REM
READ
DATA
(v)Arithmetic operators
(-,+,*,/)
(vi)Arithmetic
Expressions
(vii)Evaluation of
Arithmetic
expressions
(viii)Simple BASIC
Programs

(ix)Running Simple
Programs

(i)Built-in functions in
BASIC
-SQR(X)
-INT(X)
-SIN(X)
-ABS(X)
-RND(X)
-COS(X)
-TAN(X)
-LOG(X)
-EXP(X)
(ii)BASIC Notation of
-(-b±√(b^2-4ac))/2a
-(x-y)/(x+y)
-(a+b) +c/sind
-ex+y – sin(x+ny), etc
(iii)BASIC program to
-find the square root
of numbers
-find square root of S,
round up to an
integer
-find the cosine of
known values
-find the tangent of
given angles.
-plot sine wave curve
(iv)Additional BASIC
Statements
-DIM Statement
-FOR – NEXT
statement
-WHILE-END
statement
(v)Defining one-
dimensional array ,
using DIM statement.
(vi)Operating on Array
elements
-Input of array
-Output of array
-Arithmetic
operations on array
(vii)Write BASIC
program to :
-store a vector of 10
numbers
-calculate the mean
of 100 numeric
values
-calculate area of 10
different
rectangles
-Compute the sum of
the first 100 integers

Types of data should be treated

Program to calculate
-Area of triangle
-Area of a rectangle
-Average of 3 numbers,etc
The simple BASIC program developed should be executable on the computer.

Numbers of iterations should not exceed eight (.

Systems Development Cycle
(i)Definition of system
development cycle
(ii)Description of system
development cycle
(iii)Stages in system development
Cycle
-Preliminary study
-Feasibility
-Investigate study
-Analysis
-Design
-Implementation
-Maintenance
-Study review
(iv)Description of each
stage of
system development
cycle
(v)Diagram of system
development
cycle

(e)Program
Development
Cycle (i)Definition of program
(ii)Characteristics of a
good
Program
-Accuracy
-Readability
-Maintainability
-Efficiency
-Generality
-Clarity
(iii)Precautions in
developing a
program
-Be stable, steady
and patient
-No step skipping
-Follow order of
execution
(iv)Steps involved in
program
development
-Problem definition
-Problem analysis
-Flow chatting
-Desk checking
-Program coding
-Program
compilation
-Program
testing/debugging
-Program
documentation
(v)Description of each of
stages in program
development
(vi)Examples of :
-Interpreted
program
(BASIC)
-Compiled program
(COBOL,
FORTRAN)
Flow diagram on how a compiler and interpreter works is required

LIST OF FACILITIES AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS REQUIRED:
Computer set
Laptops
Scanners
Printers
Fax Machine
GSM Phone
Memory chips
Hard disks
Flash drives
Internet connectivity
DVD
Compact disks
Cables (power and data)
Word processing packages, database package, BASIC program and
CorelDraw