Week 5 · Lesson 4 Installing and Removing Software and Digital Peripherals (1) · 3 lessons
1
Where programs come from: disc, download, zip
ICT Prep 1 Term 1, Lesson 4: pp. 27–29
GoalName the three ways a program can arrive and the first step for each.
New words
install · to put a program on a device so that it is ready to usesetup file · the file that starts the installation of a programcompressed file · a file squeezed to be smaller; it must be unzipped before usedownload · to copy a file from the internet to your device
Explanation
Before you start a project, check that the programs you need are on your device. If a program is missing, you can get it from a storage unit, such as a disc, or download it from the internet. Then you install it. How the installation starts depends on the form in which the program comes. A program that was bought often comes on a CD or DVD, and you use the disc to install it. A program that was downloaded comes as a file, and you use that file. Sometimes the downloaded file is compressed, like clothes squeezed into a vacuum bag, so you must unzip it before you can use what is inside. Always download only with a grown-up and only from a source you trust, because a program from an unknown source can carry harmful software. Remember this safe habit in Week 8 as well.
Route
You start with
First step
Disc
a CD or DVD
put the disc into the drive
Downloaded file
a file from the internet
find the file on the device
Compressed file
a zipped file
unzip it
Worked examples
Hana’s teacher bought a drawing program on a disc. She puts the disc into the drive of the class computer. A small box appears by itself and offers to start the setup. That is the first step of the disc route.
download with a grown-up→find the file→open the setup file
Omar’s father downloaded a program. It sits in the device as a file. To install it, he must first find that file and then open the setup file. The file is the starting point.
zipped file→unzip→setup file is ready
Salma has a file with a zip icon. She tries to find the setup file inside, but the file is squeezed. She cannot use it until she unzips it, like unpacking a bag before wearing the clothes.
Class activity
Make three route cards: “disc”, “downloaded file” and “compressed file”. On the back of each card write the first step. Shuffle them. A partner pulls a card, reads the front and says the first step. Then think: why must a grown-up be there for a download?
Practice
1
Name the three forms in which a program can arrive.
On a disc, as a downloaded file, and as a compressed file.
2
What must you do first with a compressed file?
Unzip it.
3
Why should you download only with a grown-up and from a trusted source?
A program from an unknown source can carry harmful software.
4
Which picture shows a storage unit that can hold a program? Say the letter.
