ThreE--3E(Ehsaas: Empowerment through Education)
What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic machine that processes input (data), follows instructions (program), stores
information, and gives output (results).
Characteristics of Computers:
Speed: Can do millions of calculations per second.
Accuracy: Almost no error unless caused by human input.
Automation: Works on its own once instructions are given.
Storage: Can store large data in small space (GBs/TBs).
Versatility: Used in banks, hospitals, schools, etc.
Diligence: Never gets tired or bored, unlike humans.
Generations of Computers:
GenerationTechnology Used Key Device
1st Vacuum Tubes ENIAC, UNIVAC
2nd Transistors IBM 1401
Integrated
IBM 360
3rd Circuits
(ICs)
Personal Computers
4th Microprocessors
5th AI & Robotics Self-learning systems
What is Hardware?
Hardware is the physical part of a computer that you can touch — like a keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc.
Input Devices – Used to enter data into the computer:
Keyboard: Enters text and numbers.
Mouse: Moves pointer, clicks, selects items.
Scanner: Converts paper documents to digital.
Joystick: Used for gaming and controls.
MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition): Used in banks to read cheque numbers.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition): Converts printed text to editable text.
Output Devices – Used to show results:
Monitor: Displays images or output.
Printer: Prints output on paper.
Inkjet: For high-quality colored printing.
Laser: Fast black-and-white prints.
Speaker: Plays sound.
Projector: Displays screen on wall for audience.
Storage Devices – Used to store data:
Primary Memory (Main memory, inside CPU):
RAM (Random Access Memory):
Temporary & volatile (data lost when power off).
Used to run programs.
ROM (Read Only Memory):
Permanent & non-volatile.
Stores startup instructions (like BIOS).
Types: PROM, EPROM, EEPROM.
Secondary Memory (External/permanent):
HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Large capacity, slower.
SSD (Solid State Drive): Faster, costlier.
CD/DVD: Optical disk for storing songs, movies, files.
Pen Drive: Portable storage device via USB.
Memory Card: Used in mobiles, cameras.
CPU (Central Processing Unit) – The brain of the computer:
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs calculations & logic (>, <, =).
CU (Control Unit): Directs all operations of the processor.
Registers: Fast small memory inside CPU for temporary storage.
What is Software?
Software is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do. Unlike hardware, it can’t be touched.
Types of Software:
1. System Software: Helps run the hardware and OS.
Operating System (OS): Interface between user and hardware (e.g., Windows, Linux).
Device Drivers: Help devices (printers, keyboard) communicate with OS.
Utility Software: Tools like antivirus, disk cleanup.
2. Application Software: Used for specific tasks.
Example: MS Word (for typing), Excel (calculations), VLC Player (videos).
3. Programming Software:
Used by coders to make software.
Example: Compiler (converts code to machine language), Debugger (removes errors).
What is the Internet?
The Internet is a global network that connects computers worldwide to share information.
Key Terms:
WWW (World Wide Web): Collection of web pages and websites.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator): Web address (e.g., [Link]
Browser: Software to access internet (Chrome, Firefox).
Search Engine: Helps find info (Google, Bing).
Email (Electronic Mail): Method of sending messages online.
Cyber Security:
Virus: A harmful program that damages files.
Trojan Horse: Looks harmless but steals data.
Phishing: Fake messages to steal passwords.
Firewall: Software that blocks unauthorized access.
Antivirus: Detects and removes viruses.
Computer Security
Authentication: Process to confirm user identity (via Password, OTP, Face ID).
Encryption: Converts data into unreadable format to prevent misuse.
Backup: Saving data in a second location to restore in case of loss.
Firewall: Software that filters unwanted internet traffic.
Keyboard Shortcut
Shortcut Function
Ctrl + C Copy
Ctrl + V Paste
Ctrl + S Save
Ctrl + Z Undo
Alt + F4 Close Window
Important Abbreviations:
CPU: Central Processing Unit
RAM: Random Access Memory
ROM: Read Only Memory
USB: Universal Serial Bus
HTTP: HyperText Transfer Protocol
IP: Internet Protocol
HTML: HyperText Markup Language
Bit & Byte:
Bit: Smallest unit of data (0 or 1)
Byte: 8 bits = 1 byte
Mobile & Wireless Technologies
2G: Basic mobile calling & SMS
3G: Mobile internet and video calling
4G: Fast internet (YouTube, online apps)
5G: Ultra-fast speed + IoT (smart homes)
GPS: Global Positioning System (for location)
SIM: Subscriber Identity Module (mobile chip)
IMEI: Unique ID of a mobile phone
Network: A system where computers are connected to share resources
like files, printers, internet.
Types:
LAN (Local Area Network): Small area like office.
MAN (Metropolitan): City-wide.
WAN (Wide Area): Country or worldwide (Internet).
Network Devices:
Modem: Connects home internet.
Router: Directs internet traffic.
Hub/Switch: Connects multiple devices.
Protocols:
HTTP: Used to load websites.
TCP/IP: Basic communication rule of internet.
FTP: File Transfer Protocol.
Cloud Computing & AI
Cloud Computing: Using online servers to store/access data (e.g., Google Drive).
SaaS: Software as a Service (e.g., Gmail).
AI (Artificial Intelligence): Computers learning like humans (e.g., Alexa, ChatGPT).
Machine Learning: A branch of AI where computers learn from data.