BASIC COMPUTER COURSE
Simple Notes for Beginners
Samyak Computer Classes
Prepared for young learners
What Is Inside This Book
• Chapter 1: What Is a Computer?
• Chapter 2: Parts of a Computer
• Chapter 3: Input Devices
• Chapter 4: Output Devices
• Chapter 5: What Is Software?
• Chapter 6: Learning the Keyboard
• Chapter 7: Learning the Mouse
• Chapter 8: Turning the Computer On and Off
• Chapter 9: The Desktop, Icons and Folders
• Chapter 10: How Computers Help Us Every Day
Chapter 1: What Is a Computer?
A computer is a machine. It can take information, work on it, and show us a result. We call this:
Input, Process, Output.
The Three Steps
• Input: This is what we give to the computer, like typing a word or clicking a picture.
• Process: This is what the computer does inside, like thinking about the answer.
• Output: This is what the computer shows us, like a picture, a sound, or a printed page.
Easy Example
When you type your name and press Enter, that is Input. The computer checks it, that is Process. The
name appears on the screen, that is Output.
Try It / Questions for You
• Name one machine at home that also takes an input and gives an output. (Hint: a mobile
phone, a calculator, a TV remote)
• Can you think of a computer you have already used?
Chapter 2: Parts of a Computer
A computer has many parts. Some parts are called Hardware. Hardware means the parts we can
see and touch.
Main Parts
• Monitor: The screen where we see pictures, videos and words.
• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the computer. It is kept inside a box called
the CPU cabinet.
• Keyboard: A board with keys that we press to type letters and numbers.
• Mouse: A small device that we move with our hand to point and click on the screen.
• Speakers: They let us hear sound from the computer.
• Printer: A machine joined to the computer that prints our work on paper.
Remember
Hardware = parts we can touch. Software = programs we cannot touch, only use.
Try It / Questions for You
• Draw a computer and label the Monitor, CPU, Keyboard and Mouse.
• Touch and name three hardware parts in your classroom.
Chapter 3: Input Devices
An input device is anything we use to give information to the computer.
Common Input Devices
• Keyboard: Used to type letters, numbers and symbols.
• Mouse: Used to point, click and select things on the screen.
• Scanner: Used to copy a paper picture or document into the computer.
• Microphone: Used to put our voice into the computer.
• Webcam: Used to put pictures and videos of us into the computer.
Try It / Questions for You
• Which input device would you use to talk to a friend on a video call?
• Which input device would you use to type a letter?
Chapter 4: Output Devices
An output device is anything that shows us what the computer has done.
Common Output Devices
• Monitor: Shows pictures, videos and words.
• Printer: Prints our work on paper.
• Speakers: Play sound and music for us.
• Projector: Shows the computer screen on a big wall or screen.
Quick Tip
Input goes IN to the computer. Output comes OUT of the computer. The letter 'I' in Input is like an
arrow pointing in!
Try It / Questions for You
• Which output device would you use to hear a song?
• Which output device would you use to get a paper copy of your drawing?
Chapter 5: What Is Software?
Software is a set of programs that tell the computer what to do. We cannot touch software, but
we can use it and see it working on the screen.
Two Kinds of Software
• System Software: This helps the computer to start and work properly. Example:
Windows.
• Application Software: This helps us do a task, like writing, drawing or playing a game.
Example: MS Word, Paint, a calculator app.
Try It / Questions for You
• Name one software you have used to draw or write something.
• Is a game on a tablet hardware or software? Why?
Chapter 6: Learning the Keyboard
The keyboard has many keys. Let us learn the important ones.
Important Keys
• Alphabet Keys: A to Z, used to type letters.
• Number Keys: 0 to 9, used to type numbers.
• Spacebar: The longest key. It makes a space between words.
• Enter Key: Moves to a new line, or confirms our input.
• Backspace Key: Removes the letter before the cursor.
• Shift Key: Used with another key to type a capital letter or a symbol.
• Arrow Keys: Move the cursor up, down, left or right.
Try It / Questions for You
• Practice typing your name using the alphabet keys.
• Which key will you press to make a mistake disappear?
Chapter 7: Learning the Mouse
The mouse helps us point at things on the screen and choose them.
Mouse Actions
• Click (Left Button): Press once to select something, like an icon or a button.
• Double Click: Press the left button twice, quickly, to open a file or program.
• Right Click: Press the right button to see more choices in a small menu.
• Scroll: Turn the small wheel in the middle to move the page up or down.
• Drag and Drop: Hold the left button, move the mouse, then let go, to move something.
Try It / Questions for You
• Practice a single click and a double click on the desktop.
• What will you do if you want to open a folder quickly?
Chapter 8: Turning the Computer On and Off
Starting the Computer
This is called Booting. Press the Power button on the CPU. Wait for the screen to show the
Desktop.
Closing the Computer
This is called Shut Down. Save your work first. Then click on the Start button, and choose Shut
Down.
Important
Never turn off the computer by only pressing the power button. Always Shut Down properly, or you
may lose your work.
Try It / Questions for You
• What should you do before you shut down the computer?
• Practice starting and shutting down the computer with your teacher.
Chapter 9: The Desktop, Icons and Folders
When the computer starts, we see the Desktop. It is like the top of a table where we keep our
things.
Desktop Basics
• Icon: A small picture that opens a program or file when we double click it.
• Folder: A place to keep many files together, like a box for our copies.
• File: One piece of work, like a picture, a story, or a song.
• Taskbar: The long bar at the bottom of the screen that shows open programs.
Try It / Questions for You
• Find three icons on the desktop and say what they are for.
• Make a new folder and give it your name.
Chapter 10: How Computers Help Us Every Day
Computers help us in many parts of our life.
Uses of Computers
• At School: To learn, to type projects, and to watch educational videos.
• At Home: To talk to family, to watch movies, and to play games.
• In Hospitals: To keep patient records and to help doctors.
• In Banks: To keep money records safe and to help with transactions.
• In Shops: To bill customers and to keep track of items.
Think About It
Computers are all around us, even inside a mobile phone, a smart TV, and an ATM machine.
Try It / Questions for You
• Name three places where you have seen a computer being used.
• How do you think computers help your teacher?
Well Done!
You have finished the Basic Computer Course notes. Keep practicing on a real computer
whenever you get the chance. The more you practice, the more confident you will become!