Basic Computing - 1k

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
1.1 A computer 1
1.2 Parts of a computer 2
1.3 Hardware and software 4
1.4 Types of computer 6
1.5 Input, Output and Storage Devices 7
CHAPTER 2: SECURITY AND SAFETY RULES
2.1 Rules and procedures in computer lab 10
CHAPTER 3: OPERATING SYSTEM
3.1 Controlling hardware 13
3.2 Running Software 18
3.3 Playing educational games 18
3.4 Using Windows Explorer and Managing Files 19
3.5 Recycle Bin 22
EXERCISES 23
1. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
Contents
1.6 A computer
1.7 Parts of a computer
1.8 Hardware and software
1.9 Types of computer
1.10 Input, Output and Storage Devices
1.1 A computer
A computer is a device that you can use to store, manipulate, and display text,
numbers, images and sounds.
It is an electronic device that is designed to work with information.
The computer takes information in, processes that information, and then
displays the results as shown in the diagram below.
.
Basic Computing 1
ICT Unit Curriculum Development Jan 2008
1.2 Parts of computer
A computer is made of different parts. These parts perform different
functions.
Central Processing Unit
The casing of the system unit

Commonly called Central Processing Unit ( CPU )
Contains a processor
Basic Computing 2
The display unit (Monitor)
Displays information onto a screen

Main way computer communicates with users
The keyboard and mouse
Important tools because they are used to control the computer
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1.3 Hardware and Software
Computers need hardware and software to work.
The software tells the hardware what to do and the hardware does the
actual work.
Hardware is divided into input, output and storage devices. (Refer to
Chapter 1.5)
There are two types of software:
Some examples of system software are:
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Some examples of application software are:
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HARDWARE SOFTWARE
Definition computer equipment computer program
Example monitor, keyboard, mouse Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
Cost Cheap Expensive
See Yes Yes, once it is printed
Touch Yes No (Cannot touch)
1.4 Types of Computer

Computer can be divided into 2 main group:
i. Special-Purpose Computers
A computer designed to do specific job. E.g. petroleum station
ii. General-Purpose Computers

A computer designed to do many kinds of works. E.g. it is used to prepare
documents.
There are 3 types of general-purpose computer:
There are 3 types of computer
Microcomputer Mainframe computer
Minicomputer
Basic Computing 6
Microcomputer Minicomputer Mainframe computer
1. Introduction Referred to PC Mini for short Mainframe for short

2. Size Small-sized computer Medium-sized computer Large-sized computer
3. Cost Cheap Expensive Very Expensive
4. Use Easy to use Difficult to use Difficult to use
5. User Single-user (1) Multi-user (10-60) Multi-user (More than
100)
6. Used for Personal use Medium-sized business or Big business and
organizations, banks and government departments
etc
7. Power Low computing power High computing power Very High computing
power
8. Room Normal or air-conditioned Air-conditioned room Special air-conditioned
room room
9. Example PC Clones IBM 36, HP 9000 CRAY-2, VAX 9000
10. Applications Word Processing, Control ATM at the banks, Airline reservation,
Spreadsheet, E-mail, Inventory control for weather forecasting, Space
Games (Home supermarket, Hospital vehicle control, big
entertainment), Graphic registration and universitites, to detect oil
(designing clothes/shoes) and gas field in the sea
and (BSP) and .
1.5 Input, Output and Storage Devices
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All these are input devices
Input devices Functions

Scanner • Scans information on hard copy into
the computer
Microphone • Captures sound into the computer
All these are output devices
Output devices Functions

Monitor • Like a television screen
• Displays information from the data
inputted
Printers • Display information on paper
• Hard copy
• Some prints in colour; others print in
black only
Speakers • Produces sound and music generated
by the computer
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Below are some of the storage devices
Storage devices Functions

Hard disk • Stores data
• Displays information from the data
inputted
Floppy disk • Stores data
• Floppy disk drive, reads and writes
data on floppy disks
CD-ROM • Stores data
• CD-ROM drive, reads data from CD-
ROMs
Thumb drive • Also called as USB flash drive or Pen
drive
• Reads and writes data onto the drive s
memory chips
Basic Computing 9
2. SECURITY AND SAFETY RULES
Contents
2.2 Rules and procedures in computer lab
Take good care of your computer and it will serve you longer. In school,
students must be responsible when using the computer system.
1. Report any faulty computer and peripheral to your teacher immediately.
A likely scenario if a student does not report faulty equipment …
Monday
Class 1B was in a computer laboratory. Just as John

was finishing his work, the monitor screen went
blank. He thought the next user would report to a
teacher and the computer would be fixed by
Wednesday. So he did not report to his teacher.
Tuesday
Then Class 1C used the same computer

laboratory. May used the computer which John
had used earlier. She found that the computer
could not work and used her neighbour’s
computer since her neighbour was absent. Like
John, she didn’t report to her teacher.
Wednesday
Class 1B came back to the computer laboratory. John

found that the computer was not repaired. As a result,
he had no computer to work on.
Basic Computing 10
2. Do not bring food and drinks into the computer laboratory. Food spillage
onto the computer will damage the equipment.
3. Do not push or knock computers especially when they are running
4. Keep your computer clean. If your computer is dirty or dusty, wipe with a dry
cloth before turning it on. Do not use harsh chemical. Wash and dry your
hands before handling a computer.
5. Follow proper steps in switching on and off your computer.

Switching on peripherals first then the computer
Switching off computer first, then the peripherals
Basic Computing 11
6. Care of the computer mouse
Do not remove the ball.
Do not pull mouse away from the computer.
Do place mouse on a mouse pad.
7. Inform your teacher when the printer is

Not working
Jammed
Out of ink
To avoid false alarm, first make sure that the printer is not
Switched off
Out of paper
Disconnected from the computer
8. Do not remove a disk when the disk drive indicator is blinking.
9. Do not place strong magnets near the computer system

hard disk can be damaged
data will be lost
Basic Computing 12
3. OPERATING SYSTEM
Contents
3.6 Controlling hardware
3.7 Running Software
3.8 Playing educational games
3.9 Using Windows Explorer and Managing Files
3.10 Recycle Bin
3.1 Controlling hardware
Once you have connected your devices (peripherals) to your computer, you
ready are ready to start your computer for the first time.
TURN ON the computer for the first time.
1. Switch on the peripheral devices. E.g. printer, scanner
2. The system unit
3. The monitor
TURN OFF the computer
1. Switch off the monitor
2. The system unit

§ Click Start
§ Select and Click Turn off the Computer
§ Click Turn Off button
3. The peripheral devices. E.g. printer, scanner
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Checking the Drive Space
1. Open My Computer
§ Double-Click on the My Computer icon on the desktop.
§ The My Computer window will open.
2. Select the Hard Drive

§ Right-Click on the (C: ) icon and select Properties from the bottom of
the pop-up menu.
§ The Properties window will open.
3. View the Drive Space

§ Click on the General Tab if it is not already at the front, and a pie
chart will show you how much space on our hard disk has been used,
and how much is still available.
Basic Computing 14
Use a KEYBOARD
Keyboard is an important device for sending instructions and data to the

computer.
Function Keys Numeric Keypad
Keys Functions Arrow Keys
Functions keys The F1 through F12 keys are most often used as shortcut keys in
programs.
For example, in most programs, you can press F1 to access the
Help system
Escape Press Esc to stop the current task or when application does
something unexpected on your screen.
Caps Lock Press Caps Lock to turn the Caps Lock feature on and off. The
Caps Lock Status Light is illuminated when the Caps Lock feature
is on.
When Caps Lock is on, you can type all of your letters in
uppercase. For example A, the keyboard produces an uppercase
.
When Caps Lock is off, you type letters in lowercase. For
example, when you press A, the keyboard produces a lowercase
.
Shift Hold down Shift and press a letter to type the uppercase version
of that letter. For example, if you hold down Shift and press A, the
keyboard produces an uppercase .
Ctrl You use Ctrl (pronounced control) in combination with other
keys to run program features. For example, in most programs, if
you hold down Ctrl and press S (usually written as Ctrl+S), you
save you current document.
Windows Press the key to open the Windows operating system Start
menu.
Alt You use Alt in shortcut key combinations to run program features.
For example, in most programs, if you hold down Alt and press F4
(usually written as Alt+F4), you close open programs.
Spacebar Press Spacebar to insert a space.
Enter In a text document, you can press Enter to start a new paragraph.
In other contexts, you can press Enter to initiate or complete an
action.
Basic Computing 15
Backspace Press the Backspace key to remove the character to the left of the
cursor.
Delete Press the Delete key to remove the character to the right of the
cursor.
Status Lights When status light is on, it tells you that the associated key is
active. For example, if the Caps Lock light is on, the Caps Lock
feature is activated.
Navigations Keys Use the navigation keys t move through a document. Press Home
to move to the beginning of the current line, or End to move to the
end of the line. Press Page Up to move up one screen, or Page
Down to move down one screen.
Arrow Keys Use the arrow keys to move the cursor one character or one line at
a time.
Num Lock Press Num Lock to turn the numbers on the numeric keypad on or
off. The Num Lock Status Light is illuminated when the Num
Lock feature is on. When Num Lock is on, the keys on the numeric
keypad produce numbers. When Num Lock is off, the keys on the
numeric keypad become the keys indicated below the numbers.
Numeric Keypad The numeric keypad allows you to quickly enter numbers when
the Num Lock feature is on.
General keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard Shortcuts Functions

CTRL+C Copy
CTRL+X Cut
CTRL+V Paste
CTRL+Z Undo
DELETE Delete
SHIFT+DELETE Delete the selected item permanently without
placing the item in the Recycle Bin
CTRL while dragging an item Copy the selected item
CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an Create a shortcut to the selected item
item
F2 key Rename the selected item
CTRL+SHIFT with any of the Highlight a block of text
arrow keys
SHIFT with any of the arrow Highlight a block of text
keys
SHIFT with any of the arrow Select more than one item in a window or on
keys the desktop, or select text in a document
CTRL+A Select all
F3 key Search for a file or a folder
ALT+TAB Switch between the open items
Three tips of using keyboard

1. Press the keys gently and not with force
2. Remove your finger soon after pressing a key
3. Do not watch your finger but watch the text on the screen
Basic Computing 16
USE A MOUSE
Mouse has two buttons and a scroll wheel
Scroll wheel
Right button Left button
FOUR basic operations that you can do with a mouse
1. Click To select a file or folder
click
2. Double-Click Double clicking allows you to open a

folder or view/download a file.
click
click
3. Right-Click Right-clicking a file or folder will

present a context menu with options
like open, rename, delete, etc.
click
4. Drag and Drop You can drag-and-drop files and

folders to other folders to move them.
(More on this in the File Management
section below.)
Three tips of using mouse

1. Do not remove the ball.
2. Do not pull mouse away from the computer.
3. Do place mouse on a mouse pad.
Basic Computing 17
3.2 Running Software
1. Start a program
2. Click the button on the windows task bar
3. Point to
4. Select
5. From the submenu select Microsoft Office Publisher 2003
3.3 Playing educational games (Refer to Online games for children

booklet)
Basic Computing 18
3.4 Using Windows Explorer and Managing Files
Copy a File
1. Navigate to the folder that contains the file that you want to copy
2. Click the file
§ To copy multiple files, click the first file that you want to copy, press
and hold Ctrl and then click each additional file that you want to
copy.
3. Press Alt.
§ The menu bar appears.
4. Click Edit.
5. Click Copy To Folder.

§ The copy Items dialog box appears.
6. Click the location where you want to store the copy.

§ If the folder where you want to store the copy is inside one of the
displayed drives or folder, click to navigate to the folder, and then
click to select it.
7. Click Copy.
§ Windows places a copy of the file in the folder that you have selected.
Basic Computing 19
Move a File
1. Navigate to the folder that contains the file that you want to move.
2. Click the file
§ To move multiple files, click the first file that you want to move, press
and hold Ctrl and then click each additional file that you want to
move.
3. Press Alt.
§ The menu bar appears.
4. Click Edit.
5. Click Move To Folder.

§ The Move Items dialog box appears.
6. Click the location where you want to store the copy.

§ If the folder where you want to store the copy is inside one of the
displayed drives or folder, click to navigate to the folder, and then
click to select it.
7. Click Move.
Basic Computing 20
Rename a File
1. Navigate to the folder that contains the file that you want to rename.
2. Click the file
§ You can also rename any folders that you have created.
3. Click Organize.
4. Click Rename.
§ A text box appears around the filename.
§ You can also select the Rename command by pressing F2.
5. Type the new name that you want to use for the file.
§ If you decide that you do not want to rename the file after all, you can
press Esc to cancel the operation.
§ The name that you type can be up to 255 characters long, but it cannot
include the following characters : <>, ? : \ * .
6. Press Enter or click an empty section of the folder.

§ The new name appears under the file icon.
Basic Computing 21
3.5 Recycle Bin
This means emptying the files from the bin.
Delete a File
1. Navigate to the folder that contains the file that you want to delete.
2. Click the file.
§ To delete multiple files, click the first file that you want to delete,
press and hold Ctrl and click each additional file that you want to
delete.
3. Press Organize.
4. Click Delete.
§ You can also select the Delete command by pressing Delete key.
§ The Delete File Dialog box appears.
5. Click Yes.
§ The file disappears from the folder.
§ You can disappear from the folder.
§ You can also delete a file by clicking and dragging it to the desktop s
Recycle Bin icon.
§ If you delete a file accidentally, you can restore it. Double-click the
desktop s Recycle Bin icon to open the Recycle Bin window. Click the
file and then click Restore this item.
Basic Computing 22
EXERCISE 1
1.2 Parts of a Computer
1. Name the four main parts of a computer.
(i) ___________________________
(ii) ___________________________
(iii) __________________________
(iv) ______________________________
2. Write the devices in the order that you would use them to :
* computer *monitor * keyboard * mouse
* joystick * printer * scanner * microphone
(a) scan a picture _______________________________________________
(b) write a letter _______________________________________________
(c) record a sound _______________________________________________
3. Use the text to fill in the missing letters.
(a) c r __ __ t __ __ (b) __ e __ __ __ a __ d
(c) __ e s __ t __ p (d) g r __ __ h __ __ s
(e) m __ __ __ t __ r (f) __ __ t t __ __ y
4. Arrange these in order of size, from smallest to largest.
Mini-tower, laptop, PDA, tower, desktop
_______________________________________________________
Basic Computing 23
EXERCISE 2
1.3 Hardware and Software
In order to work with the data fed into it, a computer needs both hardware and software.
Hardware is the physical parts of a computer that can be seen and touched. The most
important part of the hardware is the CPU (Central Processing Unit).
1. Name five pieces of computer Hardware.
(i) ___________________________ (ii) ______________________________
(iii) __________________________ (iv) ______________________________
(v) __________________________
2. Name five pieces of computer software.
(i) ___________________________ (ii) ______________________________
(iii) __________________________ (iv) ______________________________
(v) __________________________
3. What computer software would you use to :
(a) draw a picture ? ___________________________
(b) create a database ? ___________________________
(c) type a story ? ___________________________
(d) surf the Net ? ___________________________
(e) send an email ? ___________________________
4. Write these abbreviations in full.
(a) CPU ___________________________
(b) OS ___________________________
(c) VCR ___________________________
(d) WWW ___________________________
Basic Computing 24
EXERCISE 3
1.5 Input and Output (Part 1)
What you put into a computer (input) controls what you get out of it (output). The equipment
which you use to put information (called data) into a computer is called input devices. The
equipment we use to get out of the computer is called output devices.
1. Here are some input devices. Write the missing letters.
(a) K __ __ __ __ __ __ d (b) j __ __ s __ __ __ __
(c) __ __ u __ e (d) s __ __ n n __ r
2. Here a re some input devices. Write the missing letters.
(a) las __ __ p __ __ n __ __ r (b) __ __ n __ t __ __
(c) sp__ __ k __ __ __ (d) ink __ __ t p __ __ __ t __ __
3. Name five pieces of data you could input into a computer.
(i) ___________________________ (ii) ______________________________
(iii) __________________________ (iv) ______________________________
(v) __________________________
4. Explain, in your own words, the difference between an input devices and an output
device.
5. Sort these devices into the correct column.
* scanner * printer *keyboard * mouse ** monitor * joystick * speakers
Input Device Output Device
Basic Computing 25
EXERCISE 4
1.5 Storage (Part 2)
1. True or false ?
(a) CD-ROMs can store the same information as 200 floppy disks. ( )
(b) Floppy disks are gradually replacing CD-ROMs. ( )
(c) Dust can damage a hard disk drive. ( )
(d) It s not possible to have an external hard disk drive. ( )
(e) A hard disk drive crash can destroy your data. ( )
2. Use your own words to explain the following terms.
(a) read-only _________________________________________________
(b) retrieve _________________________________________________
(a) read/write head ____________________________________________
(a) multimedia software __________________________________________
(a) crash _________________________________________________
3. Which storage device would be most suited to the following tasks ?
(a) Storing two pages of text for a friend to take home ______________
(b) Storing a video of your last school sports day ____________________
(c) Taking your homework to school to print out on the class computer __________
(d) Storing you your favourite computer game _______________
EXTRA: There are now other storage devices being developed.

See if you can find out about :
* FireWire drives * Zip drives * Jazz drives
Basic Computing 26
EXERCISE 5
Computer Terminology
1. Match the words to the correct definition.
PROGRAM The information put into a

Computer though input devices
DATA The brains of the computer
SOFTWARE A group of eight bits
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT Where all the important work is

done. It carries out all the
calculations to process the data.
MATHS UNIT Small graphic images or

pictures
Used to represent commands.
RAM The instructions given to a

computer to make it work.
BYTES The program a computer needs

To process the data it is given.
GIGABYTES The computer’s memory. Can be

compared to your desktop.
ICONS Approximately equal to 1000

Megabytes.
Basic Computing 27
EXERCISE 6
2. Safe and Healthy Computing
1. Setting up a computer properly can help eliminate problems such as tired eyes or
sore backs.
Use this checklist as a guide to safe and healthy computing.
Sit comfortably at your desk.
The chair should suit the height of the desk.
Lower back, feet and thighs should be supported.
Knees bent at right angles.
Clearance between desk and thighs.
Monitor positioned centrally on the desk.
Minimise glare and reflections of monitor.
Your eyes should be approximately 50 cm away from your monitor.
Good lighting to comfortably read instructions without reflections on the

screen.
Take regular breaks from looking at the monitor.
All electrical pads and plugs installed properly.
Keep fingers out of internal parts of the computer or peripherals.
Basic Computing 28
REFERENCES
1. Jonathan Chan, 2007, Computer Applications Secondary 1, Pearson Longman
2. Jonathan Chan, 2007, Computer Applications Secondary 2, Pearson Longman
3. Jonathan Chan, 2007, Computer Applications Upper Secondary, Pearson

Longman
4. Paul McFedries, 2007, Teach Yourself Visually Computers, Wiley Publishing

Inc.
Basic Computing 29

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

1.2 Parts of a computer 2

1.3 Hardware and software 4

1.4 Types of computer 6

1.5 Input, Output and Storage Devices 7

CHAPTER 2: SECURITY AND SAFETY RULES

2.1 Rules and procedures in computer lab 10

CHAPTER 3: OPERATING SYSTEM

3.1 Controlling hardware 13

3.2 Running Software 18

3.3 Playing educational games 18

3.4 Using Windows Explorer and Managing Files 19

3.5 Recycle Bin 22

Central Processing Unit

The casing of the system unit

Displays information onto a screen

The keyboard and mouse

Important tools because they are used to control the computer

Some examples of system software are:

1.4 Types of Computer

ii. General-Purpose Computers

There are 3 types of computer

Microcomputer Mainframe computer

1. Introduction Referred to PC Mini for short Mainframe for short

1.5 Input, Output and Storage Devices

Input devices Functions

All these are output devices

Output devices Functions

Storage devices Functions

1. Report any faulty computer and peripheral to your teacher immediately.

A likely scenario if a student does not report faulty equipment …

Class 1B was in a computer laboratory. Just as John

Then Class 1C used the same computer

Class 1B came back to the computer laboratory. John

3. Do not push or knock computers especially when they are running

5. Follow proper steps in switching on and off your computer.

7. Inform your teacher when the printer is

8. Do not remove a disk when the disk drive indicator is blinking.

9. Do not place strong magnets near the computer system

3.1 Controlling hardware

TURN ON the computer for the first time.

1. Switch on the peripheral devices. E.g. printer, scanner

2. The system unit

TURN OFF the computer

1. Switch off the monitor

2. The system unit

3. The peripheral devices. E.g. printer, scanner

2. Select the Hard Drive

3. View the Drive Space

Keyboard is an important device for sending instructions and data to the

Function Keys Numeric Keypad

Keys Functions Arrow Keys

General keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts Functions

Three tips of using keyboard

FOUR basic operations that you can do with a mouse

1. Click To select a file or folder

2. Double-Click Double clicking allows you to open a

3. Right-Click Right-clicking a file or folder will

4. Drag and Drop You can drag-and-drop files and

Three tips of using mouse

* computer monitor keyboard * mouse

(i) _ (ii) ____

(iii) (iv) ____

(i) _ (ii) ____

(iii) (iv) ____

(a) las p n r (b) n t __

(c) sp k (d) ink t p t

(i) _ (ii) ____

(iii) (iv) ____

* scanner * printer keyboard mouse ** monitor * joystick * speakers