Windows Desktop Elements

---

Once you are logged in a window computer system, you will get dozens of applications, so you can choose an option of your requirement.

Many of the options have shortcut icon readily available on your computer screen; however, in some computers, you may not find any such option on the screen; in such a case, you can take the help of menu button (as shown in the image given below) −

As you can see in the above image, in the left bottom, there is a window symbol (i.e., menu button); once you click on it, the given menu option will appear and from here you can choose your option.

Start Menu Options

The following table lists down the options that appear after clicking on the Start menu −

Sr.No.	Option & Description
1	All programs It displays all those programs, which are installed in your system.
2	Document It displays a list of folders used by the user.
3	Recent file It displays the recently used file.
4	My picture It displays a list of pictures.
5	My music It displays a list of music/song, etc.
6	My computer It displays the drives of computer where user keeps his/her work, file, folder, song, video, picture, e-book, etc.
7	Control panel It displays all the installed computer programs (software).
8	Printer It displays the installed printers (if printer is installed in the system, user can take print easily).
9	Help (support) It helps users to know how to do a particular task.
10	Search It helps a user to find a file in computer.
11	Run It helps to start an application program or execute a DOS command.
12	Setting It has different options that help to manage different settings of the computer, software as well as hardware.
13	Log Off It helps a user to log off the currently logged in user of the system.
14	Sleep It makes the system non-functional; however, puts the ongoing work and settings in memory and also keeps drawing small amount of power.
15	Hibernation Hibernation puts the open documents and programs on hard disk and then turns off your computer; in comparison to ‘sleep’, it uses very low power.
16	Restart Its function is to shut down and again start (log on) computer; it is done normally to refresh computer especially when computer is hanged.
17	Shut down It simply shuts down the system.

Note − Depending on the version of your window, the menu option may vary in terms of appearance and number of menu options; however, there would not be any change in basics.

Recycle Bin

Recycle Bin is a trash location where deleted files remain stored. Once you delete any sort of file, it gets stored (automatically) into recycle bin; therefore, if you mistakenly deleted some important file, don’t panic, go to recycle bin and restore it. However, if you deleted file from recycle bin as well, then it is very difficult to restore that permanently deleted file.

Internet Option

The option (i.e., short-cut key) of the Internet browser may be available on the main screen or at the bottom menu bar (as shown in the image given below). However, if do not find it at both these places, go to the menu, as all programs are listed there.

Mobile

---

Mobile computers are the systems, which are physically not remain connected to specific place rather these are mobile in nature, as one can carry anywhere anytime.

The mobile computer technology carries battery back; therefore, it does not require consistent electric power.

Mobile computers can be connected with Internet through wire or the connection can be wireless as well through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology. Likewise, it is portable, self-powered (because of inbuilt battery), and infused with wireless technology computing device.

Types of Mobile Computing Device

Following are the popular mobile computing devices −

Laptop

A laptop is a portable version of desktop computer. It is equally competent to do any computing work.

Notebook

It is a light weight portable personal computer.

Tablet

It is comparatively handier slate-shaped mobile computer.

Smart Phone

A smart phone is a fully equipped cell phone with most of the computing features.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

It is a computer device more popular as pocket computer. It is largely used in calculation, accessing the Internet, sending and receiving E-mails, scanning bar codes, use as a radio or stereo, playing computer games, video recording, typewriting and word processing, use as an address book, making and writing on spreadsheets, Global Positioning System (GPS), as a clock and calendar, etc.

Portable Data Terminal (PDT)

It is a computer device, which is largely used to enter or retrieve data through wireless transmission (i.e., WLAN or WWAN).

Mobile Data Terminal(MDT)

It is a computer device, which is used in police cars, taxi-cabs, military logistics, service trucks, commercial trucking fleets, courier vehicles, fishing fleets, etc.

Ultra-mobile Personal Computer (UMPC)

It is small form of tablet PC.

Extranet

---

An extranet is a sort of personalized service, which is controlled and regulated by private network.

This personalized and controlled technology provides access only to partners, vendors, and suppliers; sometimes, not essentially, but also to some specific customers.

An extranet is a private network organization, which is actually the part of respective company’s intranet and its services are extended to users outside the company. Sometimes, it is also considered as a specialized technique to practice business with other companies and selling products to the customers.

In order to do business with other business partners, extranet technology facilitates the intranet from one location to other and also provides security to data flow.

An extranet service requires firewall server management in order to provide security and privacy.

Features of Extranet Services

Following are the significant features of extranet services −

• Extranet is an extended Internet service to the private business network.

• The services extend outside the corporate firewall.

• Sometimes, it can be referred to an Intranet, as it can be (partially) accessible to some outsiders (with permission).

• The technique of extranet links two (or more) business organizations who share common business goals.

Application of Extranet

Extranet can be applied for the following services −

• It facilitates collaborative business between two (or more) companies

• By using this technology, a joint training program (with other company) is conducted

• By using electronic data interchange, large volumes of data are shared swiftly

• It is used to share product catalogs especially with wholesalers

• Extranet service is also used in providing customer support

• It is used to share business news with partner companies

Advantages of Extranet

The advantages of Extranet services are as follows −

• It makes business (services) swift and faster.
• It helps greatly in improving the business communication.
• It helps in reducing the cost (especially in terms of stationery stuff).
• It helps in improving the efficiency and confidence of the employees.
• It reduces some big physical barriers (especially the geographical distance).

Major Fields Using Extranet

Following are some of the major fields that are using Extranet service on a large scale −

• Corporate houses
• Government offices
• Education centers

Intranet is more localized, as only internal employees have the accessibility. In contrast, Extranet covers a wider area, as outsiders (such as partner, vendor, or even customer) have the authorized accessibility.

Algorithm Flowchart

---

A flowchart is a blueprint that pictorially represents the algorithm and its steps. The steps of a flowchart do not have a specific size and shape rather it is designed in different shapes and sizes (see the image given below).

As shown in the above image, the boxes in different shapes and interconnected with arrows, are logically making a flow chart. A flow-chart represents the general steps in a process.

Benefits of Flowchart

Let us now discuss the benefits of a flowchart.

Simplify the Logic

As it provides the pictorial representation of the steps; therefore, it simplifies the logic and subsequent steps.

Makes Communication Better

Because of having easily understandable pictorial logic and steps, it is a better and simple way of representation.

Effective Analysis

Once the flow-chart is prepared, it becomes very simple to analyze the problem in an effective way.

Useful in Coding

The flow-chart also helps in coding process efficiently, as it gives directions on what to do, when to do, and where to do. It makes the work easier.

Proper Testing

Further, flowchart also helps in finding the error (if any) in program

Applicable Documentation

Last but not the least, a flowchart also helps in preparing the proper document (once the codes are written).

Flow-Chart Symbols

The following table illustrates the symbols along with their names (used in a flow-chart) −

Name	Symbol	Name	Symbol
	Flow Line		Magnetic Disk
	Terminal		Communication Link
	Processing		Offline Storage
	Decision		Annotation
	Connector		Flow line
	Document		Off-Page Connector

Sample of Flow Chart

Software Programming

---

In order to make a computer functional, a set of instructions need to be programmed, as these programmed languages are carriers to the performance of a task.

Likewise, a computer accepts users’ instructions in the form of computer programming and then carries out the given task.

Features of Software Programming

A computer program, which actually is a set of instructions and helps computer to perform a specific task, has the following basic features −

• It ensures the given instructions are performed successfully.

• It ensures the given instructions are performed in sequential order.

• Explains the input (data) given is correct or insufficient and accordingly gives the result.

• It is written with high level language.

Steps to Development of Program

Development of programming language is entirely dependent on the kind of problem and requirement. However, development of a programming language normally (not essentially, but) includes the following steps −

Defining the Problem

This the first step, wherein the problem has to be defined.

Analysis of Task and Methods

Once the problem is defined, the developer analyzes and develops various solutions in order to solve the problem and finally, the best feasible solution is developed.

Development of Algorithm

Algorithm is a proper technique that illustrates the right solution in logical and feasible steps. Algorithm is normally done in the form of flowcharts and pseudo codes.

Verification of Algorithm

Once the algorithm is developed, it cannot be applied directly rather primarily it needs to be tested specially for the accuracy. If there is any error, it is rectified and solved in the beginning itself. The verification process saves time, money, and energy.

Coding

Once the basic processes and steps are completed successfully, then the actual coding of a program starts in the given programming language.

Testing of Program

Testing of the development of program code is another essential feature, as it is bound with errors; hence, testing makes it error free. The developer keeps testing and correcting the coding until he/she develops it finally.

Documentation

Once the coding and programming is done successfully, it is the job of the developer to document all these features and steps. The documented program instructs users on how to run and operate the respective program.

Implementation

Once the above steps are executed successfully, the developed codes (programming language) are installed in the computer system for the end users. The users are also manuals - explaining how to run the respective programs.

Electronic Commerce

---

The advancement of computer technology and internet, domestic as well as international businesses are being fascinated towards these technologies. Today, most of the small or big businesses and domestic or international businesses offer their products and services through Internet.

The business organizations these days have attractive and interactive website through which they promote and market their business.

The facility of computer based technology and Internet collectively integrates the fragmented markets by offering them a common arena. Technology has further helped organizations in cost cutting and has also helped reduce the cost of products and services.

Technology facilitates customers in buying products or services of their requirement by sitting at home or any place.

What is Electronic Commerce?

Electronic commerce or simply ecommerce is normally a process that involves facilitating the availability of products and services online. The users can search, choose, sell, buy from a wide range of options through Internet.

The major activities of ecommerce are as follows −

• Selling products and services online (through internet)
• Buying products and services online
• Paying and accepting payment online
• Transaction of businesses and other services online

Features of E-Commerce

Following are the important features of ecommerce −

• It efficiently increases the business capability.
• It substantially reduces the cost.
• It perceptively increases the delivery services.
• It unbreakable solution of quick business transactions and office automation.
• It potentially increases the intra-business functionality.
• It competently increases the business communication.

Types of E-Commerce

Following are the major types of e-commerce businesses −

Business-to-Business (B2B)

It is conducted between two business firms.

Business-to-Consumer (B2C)

It is conducted between the business firm and the consumer.

Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)

Consumer-to-consumer business deals happen between two consumers; there are certain websites that facilitate a common platform to both the consumers - one who wants to buy and one who wants to sell.

Benefits of E-Commerce

Let us now discuss the benefits of e-commerce −

• It facilitates free market.

• It is available 24×7.

• Its presence is global (there is no constrain of political boundary as such).

• Set up cost is substantially low.

• It provides user-friendly technology.

• It offers multiple opportunity parallel and simultaneously.

• It provides frugal facilities to promote and market businesses.

• It has features to offer market research facility.

• It makes customer relations management easier.

• It facilitates the provision of 24×7 customer care services.

• It provides fund transfer facility domestically as well as internationally with simple steps.

Computer Related Jobs

---

The fast computerization of every work and gradual dependency on computer based work has exponentially opened a new arena of Information technology for employment.

However, the IT field requires qualified and trained employees who can design and develop a new information system.

Information technology has also helped in research and development and has further developed new technologies. The IT employees emphasize on planning, designing, developing, managing the work, and providing technical support to various users.

Types of Computer Related Jobs

In recent times, a number of jobs have come up that are done with the assistance of computer. We will discuss the different job titles performing computer related jobs −

Programmer

A person who is qualified enough to write a creative code for the computer program is known as Programmer.

The codes written by programmer are the instructions given to the computer over what to do, how to do, when to do, etc.

There are dozens of languages, which are written by the different programmers. E.g. Java, C, C++, python, Ajax, etc.

System Analyst

The job of a system analyst is highly classified and also very crucial.

A system analyst fundamentally designs, develops, and implements new systems or adds some additional features in the existing system to give instructions to perform additional tasks.

System analyst also specializes in fields such as engineering, science & technology, finance, business, accounting, etc.

Database Administrator

A database administrator or simply DBA is a trained person who is accountable for the storage of and management of the database system.

Network Administrator

Computer networking is another specialized field where a qualified person is required.

A network administrator specializes in installing, configuring, and supporting computer network system. Likewise, he manages the local area network, wide area network, the Internet system or the segment of a network system in the respective organization.

The job of a network administrator is a very crucial one as almost every network in an organization requires at least one network administrator.

Web Designers

A web designer is an architect who designs an effective and communicative website.

He places the images, contents, and other such information on right places to make the website interactive and user friendly.

Information Security Analysts

This is one of the most significant jobs under which an Information Security Analyst designs, implements, and supports the security system of a computer or whole network.