These details are about the computer basic as mentioned in the first
part of the syllabus.(just for a revision)
1. Computer Fundamentals
1.1 Computer Hardware
Physical components of a computer
Can be seen and touched
Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, CPU, Hard Disk
1.2 Computer Software
Set of programs that instruct hardware
Cannot be touched
Types: System Software, Application Software
1.3 Types of Software
System Software
Controls hardware operations
Example: Operating System,Compiler,Device Drivers.
Application Software
Performs specific user tasks
Example: MS Word,Ms-Excel,Corel Draw,Page Maker, Browser
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Brain of the computer
Executes instructions
2.1 Components of CPU
ALU – Performs arithmetic and logical operations
Control Unit – Directs operations of computer
Registers – Temporary high-speed storage
3. Memory and Storage
3.1 Computer Memory
Stores data and instructions
Faster than storage devices
3.2 Types of Memory
Primary Memory
RAM (volatile)
ROM (non-volatile)
Secondary Memory
Permanent storage
Examples: HDD, SSD, Pen Drive
3.3 Cache Memory
High-speed memory
Stores frequently used data
4. Input and Output Devices
4.1 Input Devices
Used to input data
Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner
4.2 Output Devices
Used to display results
Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speaker
5. System Operations
5.1 Operating System
Interface between user and hardware
Manages resources
5.2 Functions of OS
Process management
Memory management
File management
5.3 Booting
Starting the computer
Loads OS into memory
5.4 BIOS
Stored in ROM
Initializes hardware
6. Data Representation
Bit: smallest unit (0 or 1)
Byte: group of 8 bits
Data: raw facts
Information: processed data
7. Networking Basics
7.1 Computer Network
Interconnection of computers
Shares resources
7.2 Types of Networks
LAN – Small area
MAN – City level
WAN – Large area
7.3 Network Devices
Modem: Converts signals
Router: Connects networks
Switch: Connects LAN devices
Hub: Broadcast device
Gateway: Protocol converter
8. Network Topology
Physical/logical arrangement of network
Types of Topology
Bus
Star
Ring
Mesh
9. Internet and Web
9.1 Internet
Global network of networks
Provides email, WWW
9.2 ISP
Provides internet access
Example: Jio, Airtel
9.3 WWW
Collection of web pages
9.4 URL
Address of website
10. Internet Protocols
10.1 IP Address
Unique device identifier
IPv4 and IPv6
10.2 Subnet Mask
Divides network into sub-networks
10.3 Communication Protocols
Rules for data transfer
Examples: TCP/IP, FTP, HTTP
10.4 HTTP / HTTPS
HTTP: Not secure
HTTPS: Secure and encrypted
11. Internet Tools
11.1 Browser
Software to access websites
Examples: Chrome, Edge
11.2 Search Engine
Searches information
Examples: Google, Bing
11.3 Email
Electronic messaging service
12. Server and Cloud
12.1 Server
Provides services to clients
12.2 Types of Servers
Web Server
File Server
Mail Server
Database Server
12.3 Cloud Computing
Internet-based computing
Examples: Google Drive
13. Security Concepts
13.1 Firewall
Prevents unauthorized access
13.2 Antivirus
Detects and removes malware
13.3 Malware Types
Virus
Worm
Trojan
Spyware
13.4 Encryption & Decryption
Protects data using codes
Now the definitions of some of the most relevant topics.
(a revision)
One-Line Definitions: Computer & Internet Basics
Computer Hardware: Physical components of a computer that can be seen and
touched.
Computer Software: A set of programs that instruct the computer what to do.
System Software: Software that manages hardware and provides a platform for
applications.
Application Software: Software designed to perform specific user tasks.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the computer that processes
instructions.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Part of CPU that performs arithmetic and logical
operations.
Control Unit (CU): Part of CPU that controls and coordinates all operations.
Registers: Small, fast storage locations inside the CPU.
Computer Memory: Storage area for data and instructions used by the CPU.
Primary Memory: Main memory directly accessed by the CPU.
RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory used to store running programs
and data.
ROM (Read Only Memory): Non-volatile memory that stores permanent
instructions.
Secondary Memory: Permanent storage used to store data and programs.
Cache Memory: High-speed memory that stores frequently used data.
Input Device: A device used to enter data into a computer.
Output Device: A device used to display results from a computer.
Operating System (OS): System software that acts as an interface between user and
hardware.
Booting: The process of starting a computer and loading the operating system.
BIOS: Firmware stored in ROM that initializes hardware during startup.
Data: Raw facts and figures without meaning.
Information: Processed data that is meaningful and useful.
Bit: The smallest unit of data represented as 0 or 1.
Byte: A group of 8 bits.
Computer Network: A collection of interconnected computers.
LAN (Local Area Network): A network covering a small geographical area.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): A network covering a city or town.
WAN (Wide Area Network): A network covering a large geographical area.
Network Topology: The physical or logical arrangement of a network.
Bus Topology: A network where all devices share a single communication line.
Star Topology: A network where all devices connect to a central hub.
Ring Topology: A network where devices are connected in a circular path.
Mesh Topology: A network where devices are interconnected with multiple paths.
Modem: A device that converts digital signals to analog and vice versa.
Router: A device that connects multiple networks and routes data packets.
Switch: A device that connects devices within a LAN efficiently.
Hub: A basic networking device that broadcasts data to all connected devices.
Gateway: A device that connects different networks using different protocols.
Internet: A global network of interconnected computers.
ISP (Internet Service Provider): A company that provides internet access.
WWW (World Wide Web): A collection of interlinked web pages on the internet.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The address of a web resource.
IP Address: A unique numerical identifier of a device on a network.
Subnet Mask: A number used to divide a network into sub-networks.
Communication Protocol: A set of rules for data communication.
TCP/IP: The basic communication protocol of the internet.
HTTP: A protocol used to transfer web pages.
HTTPS: A secure version of HTTP using encryption.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol): A protocol used to transfer files over a network.
Browser: Software used to access and view websites.
Search Engine: A tool used to search information on the internet.
Email: An electronic service used to send and receive messages.
Server: A computer that provides services to other computers.
Web Server: A server that hosts websites.
File Server: A server that stores and shares files.
Mail Server: A server that manages email services.
Database Server: A server that stores and manages databases.
Cloud Computing: Internet-based computing that provides shared resources.
Cloud Storage: Online storage service for saving data.
Firewall: A security system that blocks unauthorized access.
Antivirus: Software that detects and removes computer viruses.
Malware: Malicious software designed to harm a system.
Virus: Malware that attaches to files and replicates itself.
Worm: Malware that spreads automatically through networks.
Trojan Horse: Malware disguised as legitimate software.
Spyware: Malware that secretly monitors user activities.
Encryption: The process of converting data into a secure coded form.
Decryption: The process of converting coded data back to original form.
Bandwidth: The data transfer capacity of a network.
Latency: The time delay in data transmission.
Backup: A copy of data stored for recovery purposes.
Virtualization: The creation of virtual versions of computing resources.
Intranet: A private network used within an organization.
Extranet: A controlled network that allows limited external access.
E-Commerce: Buying and selling of goods and services online.
E-Governance: Use of information technology in government services.
Digital Signature: An electronic method of verifying authenticity and integrity