DEPARMENT OF

ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

COMPUTER PACKAGE

ICT 302

HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA

Course Title: Computer Packages

Code: ICT 302

Unit: 2 (Two)

Status: Core Elective

Semester: First Semester

Level: HND 1

Prerequisite: NIL

Goals: Understanding the Concept of Computer

Application/Packages

General Objective: Students should be able to work with Database

Package-Ms-Access and Graphc Package
Autocad
 MODULE
COMPUTER PACKAGE

Objective:
 Introduce students to the concept of computer application packages
 To enhance students skills in data base creation, storage and query
 To enhance students skill in the usage and application of Autocad
UNIT ONE (INTRODUCTION)

1.1

Software is a generic term for organized collections of computer data and instructions, often
broken into two major categories: system software that provides the basic non-task-specific
functions of the computer, and application software which is used by users to accomplish
specific tasks. Computer software contrasts with computer hardware, which is the physical
component of computers. Computer hardware and software require each other and neither
can be realistically used without the other. Using a musical analogy, hardware is like a
musical instrument and software is like the notes played on that instrument.

Generally, computer software can be divided into:

 System software, which is designed to directly operate the computer hardware,

coordinate the activities and functions of the hardware and various other programs,
provide basic functionality needed by users and other software, and to provide a
platform for running application software. System software includes:

 Operating systems, which are essential collections of software that manage

resources and provides common services for other software that runs "on
top" of them.Supervisory programs, boot loaders, shells and window
systems are core parts of operating systems. In practice, an operating system
comes bundled with additional software (including application software) so
that a user can potentially do some work with a computer that only has an
operating system. Examples are Windows, Linux, Unix, Ubuntu etc
 Device drivers, which operate or control a particular type of device that is
attached to a computer. Each device needs at least one corresponding device
driver; because a computer typically has at minimum at least one input
device and at least one output device, a computer typically needs more than
one device driver.
 Utilities, which are computer programs designed to assist users in
maintenance and care of their computers.

 Application software, which uses the computer system to perform special functions
beyond the basic operation of the computer itself. There are many different types of
application software, because the range of tasks that can be performed with a modern
computer is so large.

 Malicious software or malware, which are computer programs developed to harm

and disrupt computers. As such, malware is undesirable. Malware is closely associated
with computer-related crimes, though some malicious programs may have been
designed as practical jokes.
1.2 Computer Application Packages

Still in line with the definition earlier given, application software (and most often refers to
as computer packages) help users solve particular computing problems.

Computer packages are often called end-user programs because they enable the user to
complete tasks such as creating documents, spreadsheets, databases, and publications, doing
online research, sending email, designing graphics, running businesses, and even playing
games! Application software is specific to the task it is designed for and can be as simple as
a calculator application or as complex as a word processing application.
Popular Computer Packages with examples
Word Processor Ms Word, Wordpad, Notepad, Lotus Word, Worperfectetc
Spreadsheet Ms Excel, Lotus 123,Google Doc Spreadsheets, Quatro Pro
Graphics Ms Paints, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw etc
Database MS Access ,MySQL, Oracle, , MS-SQ
Presentation Microsoft PowerPoint. Other examples include Apple Keynote,
OpenOffice Impress, Corel Presentations, Adobe Persuasion,
Flowboard, Kingsoft Presentation etc
Email Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express,Thunderbirdetc
Web Browsers Internet Explorer, Chrome, Mozzilaetc

Module 1 Unit 1 Practice Question

1. What are the functions of the followingSystem Software, Operating System,

Drivers, Utilities in a Computer System
2. Write Short note on Application/ Computer Packages
3. Mention Five categories of Application Software and give two examples each
4. What are malicious Malicious Software and how can you mitigate against them

Tutor Marked Assisgnment (TMA) 1

Discuss exhaustively the concept of Computer Software

UNIT TWO –DATABASE OVERVIEW

2.1 Introduction

A database can be summarily described as a repository for data. In a broader term, database,
also called electronic database, is any collection of data, or information, that is specially
organized for rapid search and retrieval by a computer. Databases are structured to facilitate
the storage, retrieval, modification, and deletion of data in conjunction with various data-
processing operations.

The importance of record-keeping and filing systems cannot be too highly stressed. A well-
planned system contributes significantly to efficiency of operation as well as to an
organization image. Whether records are filed in a computer or in a steel cabinet, they have
to be readily accessible. Information Storage has been a challenge throughout human
history and existed long before modern computer systems.

2.2 Manual Filing vs Electronic Database

A manual filing system is filing documents using paper and cabinets. The documents are
filed within a folder and then stored, by some means of categorization or another, in a
cabinet for later retrieval.

This is the opposite of storing documents within folders on your computer's hard drive. In
the computer world the documents are stored in a digital filing system, as opposed to the
physical filing system in the manual way.

However electronic database has numerous advantages over manual filing systems,. Some
of the advantages are:

 Searching speed: electronic database with powerful server can be searched through a
query in couple seconds on many millions of records. Imagine how much time it
would take to go manually.

 Flexibility on the data level. Having structurized data you can build different
template for the same data. Template will show data in a different way (let say first
name + last name versus last name + first name). On a manual database you wouldnt
have that kind of flexibility.

 Consistency and forced harmony of data - in manual database you may put some
information that does not really match like you post some text in date only field
(then you cannot search).

 Archiving advantage. You can have 20 years old database with billions of records,
as long as it has been properly designed and maintained, it will still search rapid and
return result fast versus manual where each growing record slows down end point of
search drastically.

 Future grow advantage. With electronic database you can always build it up,
redesign etc, like add another column with let say 4-digit zip to 5-digit stored,
 without having a reason to rewrite everything like I assume would happen with
manual database.

 Various of sharepoints. I dont know about manual, but electronic database can be
accessed by many users the same time, in the same of different ways. Very flexible.

According to the definition above, a simple phone book, a record of household expenditure
and the sales data from a shop are in theory at least, all a form of a database. The common
factor amongst all of these examples, is that the data is arranged in the form of a table with
rows and columns, as you would find in an excel sheet.

2.3 Different Kinds of Database Models

In order to understand, what is database? We have to explained a number of the various

models which have been created. These have then evolved into various different types of
databases when used in the real world.

Please note that all databases may use any of these models for data arrangement and
management. The kind of model also determines the various operations that can be
performed on the data stored in a database model.

1. Flat Model-A flat model consists of a two-dimensional array of rows and columns where
the column data is of similar nature; be it date and time, integers, character data or floating
point number. The most widely known example of a flat model is an excel spreadsheet.

2. Hierarchical Model-A hierarchical model stores data into a reversed tree-like or parent-
child structure where each record has one single upward link. There is one table which acts
as a root for all other tables, which in turn may further act as branches from which some
more tables originate. This model was used in Information Management System (IMS) by
IBM.

3. Network Model-This is an improvement over the hierarchical model where a record can
have more than one upward linking. Instead of a regular parent-child model where a child
can have only one parent, the network model allows linking to more than one parent.

4. Relational Model-This model was designed to overcome the shortcomings of previous

versions. In this, the data is stored in various tables which are given specific names for the
purpose of identification. Also there are unique identity field called the primary key in each
table which is used to relate a table with others. These primary key fields are also used in
retrieving data from two or more different tables at the same time. The Relational model is
used in the latest database management systems such as Ms-Access, SQL server and Oracle.

5.0 Dimensional Model-The Dimensional model is used for representing data in data
warehouses. The database under this model consists of a large table that uses the
dimensions of a cube to represent key data entities. The data stored in this model has very
fast response time for drilling down or rolling up the table.
6.0 Objectional Model-The Objectional model is the object-oriented approach to database
technology. This model ensures that the database uses the same type-system as its
application program. This helps in avoiding any kind of mismatch during the process of
software development when the information in the database representation is being
converted into application representation. It has found its application in engineering
databases and molecular biology databases.

2.4 DBMS and RDBMS

There are several software-based products that help you build and maintain databases.
These software products are known as database management systems
(DBMS).A database management system (DBMS) is a set of related software
applications that provide end users and application programmers with a systematic way to
create and manage databases. Data in DBMS are store in files. It was introduced during
1960′s

It was also termed as Navigational Database Management System. When the database is
opened, the program will be handed back a link to the first record in the database, which
also contained pointers to other pieces of data. To find any particular record the
programmer had to step through these pointers one at a time until the required record was
returned.

During 1970′s Relational database management system RDBMS came into existence.
RDBMS avoided the navigation model as in old DBMS and introduced Relational model.
The relational model has relationship between tables using primary keys, foreign keys and
indexes. Thus the fetching and storing of data become faster than the old Navigational
model. So RDBMS is widely used by the enterprises and developers for storing complex
and large amount of data.

2.5 Key Difference between DBMS and RDBMS

The key difference is that RDBMS (relational database management system) applications
store data in a tabular form, while DBMS applications store data as files. Though there are
tables DBMS , but there will be no “relation” between the tables, like in a RDBMS. In
DBMS, data is generally stored in either a hierarchical form or a navigational form. This
means that a single data unit will have one parent node and zero, one or more children
nodes. It may even be stored in a graph form, which can be seen in the network model.

In a RDBMS, the tables will have an identifier called primary key. Data values will be
stored in the form of tables. The relationships between these data values will be stored in
the form of a table as well. Every value stored in the relational database is accessible. This
value can be updated by the system. The data in this system is also physically and logically
independent.

You can say that a RDBMS is an in an extension of a DBMS, even if there are many
differences between the two. Most software products in the market today are both DBMS
and RDBMS compliant. Essentially, they can maintain databases in a (relational) tabular
form as well as a file form, or both. This means that today a RDBMS application is a
DBMS application, and vice versa. However, there are still major differences between a
relational database system for storing data and a plain database system.

The basic processes that are supported by a DBMS and RDBMS are:

• Specification of data types, structures and constraints to be considered in an application.

• Storing the data itself into persistent storage.

• Manipulation of the database.

• Querying the database to retrieve desired data

• Updating the content of the database

2.6 Data, Information and DBMS/RDBMS

Data: a set of discrete objective facts about an event or a process which have little use by
themselves unless converted into information. Data for example are numerical quantities or
other attributes derived from observation, experiment, or calculation. Cost, speed, time and
capacity are quantitative data.

Information: data endowed with relevance and purpose. It has meaning and it is organized
for some purpose. Information for example, is a collection of data and associated
explanations, interpretations, and other textual material concerning a particular object,
event, or process.

Information and data are therefore different. Information is understood by a person. Data
are values stored on a passive medium like a computer disk while Information may be
defined as data represented in a meaningful form. Same data shown in different ways will
provide different information to different viewers.

The purpose of a database management system (DBMS) and Relational database

management system (RDBMS) is to bridge the gap between information and data - the data
stored in memory or on disk must be converted to usable information.
2.7 Tables, Rows, Columns

A table is a collection of related data held in a structured format within a database. It

consists of fields (columns), and rows.

In relational databases and flat file databases, a table is a set of data elements (values) using
a model of vertical columns (which are identified by their name) and horizontal rows, the
cell being the unit where a row and column intersect. A table has a specified number of
columns, but can have any number of rows.[2] Each row is identified by the values
appearing in a particular column subset which has been identified as a unique key index.

In the context of a relational database table, a column is a set of data values of a particular
simple type, one for each row of the table.[1] The columns provide the structure according
to which the rows are composed.

Still in the context of a relational database, a row—also called a record or tuple —represents
a single, implicitly structured data item in a table. Each row in a table represents a set of
related data, and every row in the table has the same structure.

2.8 Primary Key, UniqueKey and Foreign Key

A primary key is a special relational database table column (or combination of columns)
designated to uniquely identify all table records.

A primary key’s main features are:

 It must contain a unique value for each row of data.

 It cannot contain null values.

A primary key is either an existing table column or a column that is specifically generated
by the database according to a defined sequence.

In the context of relational databases, a foreign key is a field (or collection of fields) in one
table that uniquely identifies a row of another table. In simpler words, the foreign key is
defined in a second table, but it refers to the primary key in the first table. For example, a
table called Employee has a primary key called employee_id. Another table called
Employee Details has a foreign key which references employee_id in order to uniquely
identify the relationship between both the tables.

The table containing the foreign key is called the referencing or child table, and the table
containing the candidate key is called the referenced or parent table.

Module 1 Unit 2 Practice Questions

1. What are Data and Information in database Concept
 2. Mention five data types and explain their usage
3. Establish the relationship between Table, Column, Row, Field and Record as used in
database
4. List and describe five database models
5. Write short note on DBMS and RDBMS
6. Differentiate between Primary key and foreign key

Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA)

Discuss the meaning of database, its advantages over manual filing
UNIT THREE-MICROSOFT ACCESS

3.1 Introduction

A database is a collection of information that's related. Access allows you to manage your
information in one database file. Within Access there are four major areas: Tables, Queries, Forms
and Reports

• Tables store your data in your database

• Queries ask questions about information stored in your tables

• Forms allow you to view data stored in your tables

• Reports allow you to print data based on queries/tables that you have created

3.2 Creating a Database

1) Start Access
2) Select Blank Database
3) In the File Name field enter a name for the database
4) Click Create

Microsoft Access automatically creates a new table in the database called Table1. This is a
temporary name until the table is saved.
3.3 Understanding the Views

There are 2 basic views when you work in a table: Design View and Datasheet View. Design View is
used to set the data types, insert or delete fields, and set the Primary key. Datasheet View is used
to enter the data for the records. By default, Access places you in Datasheet View.

To Switch to Design view:

1) Click the View button on the Home

Ribbon
2) Type a name for the table
3) Click OK

3.4 Microsoft Access Data Types

Before proceeding, it is important to understand common Microsoft Access Data Types. (Explained
in the table below)
To Enter Fields in a Table:

1) Type a name for the first field in the table

2) Press Enter
3) Select a data type
4) Press Enter
5) Type a description for the field
6) Press Enter

Continue this until all necessary fields have been entered into the table.

Note: The order that you enter the field names is the order the fields will appear in the table and
on a form.

To View the Datasheet:

 Click the View button on the Ribbon

3.5 Setting a Primary Key

The Primary Key is the unique identifier for each record in a table. Access will not allow duplicate
entries in a Primary Key field. By default, Access sets the first field in the table as the Primary Key
field. An example of a Primary Key would be your BVN. This is something unique about you and
should not be duplicated.

To Set a Primary Key:

1) Switch to Design View

2) Position your cursor in the field you wish to set as the Primary Key
3) Click the Primary Key button on the Ribbon

To Switch Back to Datasheet View to Enter your Records:

 Click the View button on the Ribbon.

3.5 Entering Data in a Table

Once you have entered the fields and set the data types it is now time to enter the records in a
table.

To Enter Data in a Table:

1) Make sure you are in Datasheet View

2) Enter the data into the table by pressing the tab key to move from one cell to another
3) When you have completed the record (row), press Enter

When inputting data into the table, Access automatically saves the data after each new record.

3.6 Navigating Records

Use the arrows at the bottom of the table to navigate among records.

You are able to navigate from the first record, previous record, next record, last record, and create
a new record (as shown in the picture below).

Notice that the total number of records in the table is shown at the right end of the navigation
arrows.

3.7 Sorting Records in a Table

By sorting your records in a table, you are easily able to view/locate records in your table.

To Sort Records in a Table:

1) Position your cursor in the field that you wish to sort by, by clicking on any record
in that field.
 2) Click either the Sort Ascending or Sort Descending icon

Notice, the table above has been sorted by the Last Name field in ascending order

3.8 Queries

A query is a request for data results, and for action on data. You can use a query to answer a
simple question, to perform calculations, to combine data from different tables, or even to add,
change, or delete table data.

You use Queries to view, change, and analyze data in different ways. You can also use them as a
source of records for forms and reports.

To Create a Query:

1) Click the Create tab on the

Ribbon
2) Click Query Design icon
3) Double-click Create Query in
Design View
4) Select the table that you would
like to base your Query on
5) Click Add
6) Close the Show Table window.
(The table(s) will now be
displayed in the upper part of
the Query Design Screen by
boxes containing the tables’
fields.)
7) Double click on the field names
in the field list window which
you would like to include in the
Query
3.9 Defining Criteria in the Query

In order to control which records are displayed, you must define criteria in a Query. The most
common type of Query is the Select Records Query which will be discussed below.

To Define Criteria for your Query:

1) Position your cursor in the criteria row in the field for which you wish to define the
criteria for
2) Enter the criteria

The result of a query is called a recordset. A recordset can be sorted, printed or filtered in the same
manner as a table.

To Save the Query:

1) Click the Save Icon

2) Enter a name for the Query
3) Click OK

Note: When saving a select Query, you are saving the

question that you are asking, not the results that you see
when you run the Query.

3.10 Creating a Form Using the Forms Wizard

A form is a database object that is used to enter or display data in a database.

To Create a Form Using the Wizard:

1) Navigate to the table you want to base the form on

2) Click Create on the Ribbon
3) Click Forms

You are able to navigate using the navigation arrows at the bottom of the form.
Note: The form feeds the table. If you edit a record on the form, or create a new record, that data
will be passed to the table it is associated with.

To Enter a Record on the Form:

1) Click the View button on the Ribbon to switch from Layout View to Form View
2) Enter the data for each field in the record, pressing the Enter key to move to the next
field
3) Press Enter after you have entered data for the last field

This will send the record to the table.

3.11 Reports

Reports can be based on tables or queries and can be made with the Report Wizard.

To Create a Report Using the Report Wizard:

1) Click the Create tab on the Ribbon

2) Click the Report Wizard icon
3) Select the table or query upon which the report will be based
4) Select the fields that you want to include on the report by double clicking on them
5) Click Next
 6) If you would like to add grouping to your report, select the field you wish to group
by double clicking on it (Example: City)
7) Click Next
8) Select a style for the report
9) Click Next
10) Type a title for the report
11) Click Finish

To Print a Report

1) Open the report by double clicking on the object in the Navigation Pane
2) By default, the report opens in Print Preview.

To Adjust the Orientation:

 Click the portrait or landscape icon on the Print Preview Ribbon

To Adjust the Margins

1) Click them Margins icon on the Print Preview Ribbon

2) Select a margin size

To Print the Report

1) Click the Print Icon on the Print Preview Ribbon

2) Select the Printer
3) Click OK
Module 1 Unit 3 Practice Question

1. Explain the usage of Table and Design View in a Ms Access

2. Describe the four components of Ms Access
3. What are Relationship and list at least two type of relationship in Database
4. Define Indexing and state its importance in a good database

Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) 3

Using Ms Access Construct a database to store and retrieve Biodata records of your class
UNIT FOUR- COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN
4.1

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer systems to assist in the creation,
modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. CAD software is used to increase the
productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve communications through
documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing. CAD output is often in the form of
electronic files for print, machining, or other manufacturing operations.

Computer-aided design is used in many fields. Its use in designing electronic systems is known
as electronic design automation, or EDA. In mechanical design it is known as mechanical design
automation (MDA) or computer-aided drafting (CAD), which includes the process of creating a
technical drawing with the use of computer software such as AutoCAD

4.2 AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a computer-aided drafting (CAD) software application developed by Autodesk that

enables drafters, architects, engineers, and other professionals to create two-dimensional (2D)
and three-dimensional (3D) models of mesh and solid surfaces. Prior to computer-aided drafting,
manual hand drafting tools such as drafting boards and pencils, inking pens, parallel rules,
compasses, and triangles only offered a subset of what can now be done with programs such as
AutoCAD. Since its original release in 1982, AutoCAD quickly became the most widely used
CAD program in the world because of its robust set of automated drafting tools and features.
AutoCAD allows you to visually design and explore your conceptual design ideas, modify your
designs using 3D free-form design tools, generate intelligent model documentation, transform
your designs into 3D renderings, and turn them into cinematic-quality animated presentations.
Autodesk has also developed a few other variants of AutoCAD that address discipline-specific
needs. These programs include AutoCAD Architecture, Civil 3D, Electrical, Map 3D,
Mechanical, Plant 3D, MEP, P&ID, and AutoCAD LT.A common mistake is to believe that
computer-aided design (CAD) refers only to drawings of a product when in reality CAD refers to
any use of computer software that supports the design process.

4.2.1 Merits of AUTOCAD

Ability to Draw to Scale: The advantages of CAD include: the ability to producing very
accurate designs; drawings can be created in 2D or 3D and rotated; other computer programmes
can be linked to the design software. With manual drafting, you must determine the scale of a
view before you start drawing. This scale compares the size of the actual object to the size of the
model drawn on paper. With CAD, you first decide what units of measurement you will use, and
then draw your model at 1:1 scale.

Computer Packages ICT 302 Page 22

Ability to Lay Out The Drawing: When you draft manually, you first select a sheet, which
usually includes a pre-printed border and title block. Then you determine the location for views'
plans, elevations, sections, and details. Finally, you start to draw. With CAD, you first draw your
design, or model, in a working environment called model space. You can then create a layout for
that model in an environment called paper space. A layout represents a drawing sheet. It
typically contains a border, title block, dimensions, general notes, and one or more views of the
model displayed in layout viewports. Layout viewports are areas, similar to picture frames or
windows, through which you can see your model. You scale the views in viewports by zooming
in or out.

Ability to Organize Drawing Information: With manual drafting, you can separate information
onto individual transparent overlays. For example, a building plan might contain separate
overlays for its structural, electrical, and plumbing components. With CAD, layers are equivalent
to transparent overlays. As with overlays, you can display, edit, and print layers separately or in
combination. You can name layers to help track content, and lock layers so they can't be altered.
Assigning settings such as color, linetype, or lineweight to layers helps you comply with industry
standards. You can also use layers to organize drawing objects for plotting. Assigning a plot
style to a layer makes all the objects drawn on that layer plot in a similar manner.

Ability to Establish Drafting Standards: Manual drafting requires meticulous accuracy in

drawing linetypes, lineweights, text, dimensions, and more. Standards must be established in the
beginning and applied consistently. With CAD, you can ensure conformity to industry or
company standards by creating styles that you can apply consistently. You can create styles for
text, dimensions, and linetypes. A text style, for example, establishes font and format
characteristics such as height, width, and slant. You can save styles, layers, layouts, title block
and border information, and some command settings in drawing template files. Using drawing
templates helps you quickly start new drawings that conform to standards.

Ability to Draw Efficiently: With manual drafting, you use drawing tools that include pencils,
scales, compasses, parallel rules, templates, and erasers. Repetitive drawing and editing tasks
must be done manually. In CAD, you can choose from a variety of drawing tools that create
lines, circles, spline curves, and more. You can easily move, copy, offset, rotate, and mirror
objects. You can also copy objects between open drawings.

Ability to Draw Accurately: With manual drafting, you must draw objects carefully to ensure
correct size and alignment. Objects drawn to scale must be manually verified and dimensioned.
With CAD, you can use several methods to obtain exact dimensions. The simplest method is to
locate points by snapping to an interval on a rectangular grid. Another method is to specify exact
coordinates. Coordinates specify a drawing location by indicating a point along an X and Y axis
or a distance and angle from another point. With object snaps, you can snap to locations on
existing objects, such as an endpoint of an arc, the midpoint of a line, or the center point of a

Computer Packages ICT 302 Page 23

circle. With polar tracking, you can snap to previously set angles and specify distances along
those angles.

Ability to View Your Drawing: With manual drafting, the size and resolution of your drawing
is fixed. With CAD, the size and resolution of your drawing can be changed as needed. To do
detailed work, you can increase display size by zooming in. You can zoom out to display more
of the drawing. To move to another section of a drawing, you pan the drawing without changing
magnification. You can zoom and pan to create the best working conditions. This can be
invaluable when working on large and detailed drawings, such as this health spa plan.

Create Dimensions and Text: With manual drafting, if you resize any part of the drawing, you
must erase and then redraw the dimensions. Changing text can often involve relettering the
whole drawing. With CAD, you create associative dimensions and text on the layout in paper
space. Associative dimensions are tied to the underlying model. Changes to the model
automatically update the dimension values. Standard types of dimensions include linear, radial,
ordinate, angular, baseline, and more. You can easily revise the content, font, size, spacing, and
rotation of text in dimensions and notes.

Ability to Modify Your Drawing: Revisions are a part of any drawing project. Whether you
work on paper or with CAD, you will need to modify your drawing in some way. On paper, you
must erase and redraw to make revisions to your drawing manually. CAD eliminates tedious
manual editing by providing a variety of editing tools. If you need to copy all or part of an
object, you don’t have to redraw it. If you need to remove an object, you can erase it with a few
clicks of the mouse. And if you make an error, you can quickly undo your actions. Once you
draw an object, you never need to redraw it. You can modify existing objects by mirroring,
rotating, scaling, stretching, trimming, and more. You can also change object properties, such as
linetype, lineweight, color, and layer, at any time

4.3 The AutoCAD Interface

Let’s start your AutoCAD and get familiar with the AutoCAD interface elements, what they do,
and where you can access them.

AutoCAD Interface Elements

4.3.1 AutoCAD drawing area. This is where you will be drawing

your AutoCAD objects.

Computer Packages ICT 302 Page 24

4.3.2 AutoCAD Ribbon. This is where you can access
AutoCAD tools and settings.

AutoCAD Ribbon has several tabs. Each tab holds AutoCAD

tools based on your drawing task. For example, we can use
drawing tools and modify tools in home tab. But when we need
to add text and dimensions, we need to open the Annotate tab.
When we need to insert blocks, we need to move to insert tab.

In each tab have several panels. This panels have similar

AutoCAD tools inside them.

4.3.2 Command Line. We can activate tools and change the tool
settings by typing in command line. Command line is also
providing information what you should do next.

4.3.4 Drafting Settings. While we draw, we need to change some

drafting settings. This is where you can change it.

Computer Packages ICT 302 Page 25

4.4The Basic Of Using Autocad Drawing Tools
The objective here is to knowto learn AutoCAD Using AutoCAD Drawing tools

Click the tool you want to use on the ribbon. AutoCAD drawing tools is on home tab.

Let’s start with line.

1. You will see the dynamic input near your pointer. It will tell you what you need to do
next. Most of drawing tools will ask you a point location. We will learn how to input the
coordinate precisely later. Just click anywhere on your drawing area.

2. Again, dynamic input will tell you what to do. Another point location. Click anywhere
again. Pay attention that information in dynamic input is also shown in command line.

Computer Packages ICT 302 Page 26

 3. AutoCAD will continue to ask for point location. Click again.

4. When you finish drawing line segments, press [enter] to finish it. Many veteran
AutoCAD users like to use [space] as an alternative.

Computer Packages ICT 302 Page 27

 5. Now let’s try to draw a rectangle.

Computer Packages ICT 302 Page 28

 6. Just like drawing lines, it will ask you for a point location. Click anywhere.

7. And just like line tool, it will ask next point. But don’t click your mouse yet. Press down
arrow on your keyboard, or click the small arrow next to ‘specify other corner point or’

Computer Packages ICT 302 Page 29

 8. This is how you can see options for creating rectangle. The most common way is defining
2 points, but you can also define it by using other methods. If you see in the command
line, you can see the options too. You can use the option by typing the capital letters in
available options.

In a Nut Shel

Summary

Most AutoCAD drawing tools can be used the same way.

 Click the tool to activate it.

 Follow the instructions.

 Change the options if necessary.

 Some tools will end after you define points, like rectangle and circle. Some other
tools require you to end it manually, press [Enter] to do it.

5.2 Using AutoCAD Navigation Tools

The next thing you should get familiar with is using navigation tools. You will want to see your
drawing closer, move it to see another part of your drawing, see your model from different angle
(for 3D), etc.

Computer Packages ICT 302 Page 30

There are several methods to do it in AutoCAD:

Using Mouse

This is probably the most common way in many applications. You can zoom
in/zoom out your drawing by scrolling your scroll button. The drawing will be
zoomed in/out about your pointer position. You can pan by click the mid button,
hold it, and move your mouse.

Using Navigation Tools in Ribbon Bar

You can find the navigation tools in view tab, navigate panel. There are pan
button, orbit (we will not discuss this until 3D tutorial), and zoom. There are
several zoom tools you can use. The tool name should self explain what it’s for.
But you might want to try them by yourself. Click the tool you want to use, then
use it by hold your left mouse button. [Enter] to end the tool.

Using Steering Wheel

Steering wheel is the navigation tool that stick to your mouse. You
can find the navigation tools here, like: zoom, pan, and rewind. If
you want to try the navigation tools other than those three, try in 3D
model. You can show/hide the steering wheel by pressing [shift]+W.
Or click the steering wheel button on the try, right side of your status
bar. (see animation below)

Module 1 Unit 4 Practice Question

 Highlights and discuss the merits of using AutoCAD
 Outlines steps to draw a house using lines, Triangles and Rectangles only
 Mention five items on an Autocad User Interface
 What are the functions of navigation toolsinAutocad and list at least five of such tools.

Computer Packages ICT 302 Page 31

Tutor Marked Assisgnment (TMA) 4
Discuss concept Computer-Aided Design and relate it to Engineering drawing

Suggested Readings/References:
Akinyokun, O.C, (1999). Principles and Practice of Computing Technology.International
Publishers Limited, Ibadan.

Balogun, V.F., Daramola, O.A., Obe, O.O., Ojokoh, B.A., and Oluwadare S.A., (2006).Introduction
to Computing: A Practical Approach. Tom-Ray Publications, Akure.

Richard H. Austing and Lillian Cassel (1986).Computers in Focus. Books/Cole Publication

Company. Monterey, California

Tunji and Dokun (1993).Data Processing, Principles and Concepts.Informatics Books, Lagos.

Computer Packages ICT 302 Page 32

French, C. S. (1998). Data Processing and Information Technology.Gosport, Hants: Ashford
Colour Press

French, C. S. (2000). Computer Science (5 ed.). Gosport, Hants:

Ayo, C. K. (2001). Information Technology: Trends and Applications in Science and Business.
Concept Publications.

Computer Packages ICT 302 Page 33