BASIC COMPUTER
Detailed 2-Month Notes • September & October
Level: Beginner / 8th Standard Duration: 1 September – 31 October
Course Aim: Build practical computer skills from the fundamentals through Windows, MS Word, Internet,
Email and MS PowerPoint.
UNIT 1 – COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS
What is a Computer?
• A computer is an electronic device that receives data as input, processes it according to instructions,
stores it when required, and produces information as output.
• The basic working cycle is Input → Processing → Output → Storage.
• Computers are used in schools, offices, banks, hospitals, shops, transport, communication, entertainment
and scientific work.
Practical Activity: Input: keyboard, mouse, scanner. Processing: CPU. Output: monitor, printer. Storage: SSD,
HDD, pen drive.
Characteristics of a Computer
• Speed: performs many operations quickly.
• Accuracy: gives accurate results when the instructions and data are correct.
• Storage: can store large amounts of information.
• Diligence: does not get tired while repeating a task.
• Automation: can perform tasks automatically after instructions are provided.
• Versatility: can perform different kinds of work.
Practical Activity: Ask students to give one real-life example for each characteristic.
Hardware and Software
• Hardware means the physical components that can be touched, such as keyboard, monitor, mouse, CPU
cabinet, RAM and printer.
• Software means programs or instructions that tell hardware what to do.
• System software manages the computer, for example Windows or Linux.
• Application software helps users perform tasks, for example Word, PowerPoint and web browsers.
Practical Activity: Classify: keyboard, Windows, Word, printer, Chrome, mouse, PowerPoint.
Input Devices
• Keyboard enters text, numbers and commands.
• Mouse points, selects, opens and moves objects.
• Scanner converts paper documents or images into digital form.
• Microphone captures sound.
• Webcam captures photographs and video.
• Touchscreen can act as an input device.
Practical Activity: Identify five input devices in class or from pictures.
Output Devices
• Monitor displays text, images and video.
• Printer produces a hard copy.
• Speakers and headphones produce sound.
• Projector displays computer content on a large screen.
Practical Activity: Demonstrate the difference between soft copy and hard copy.
CPU and Memory
• CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes instructions and controls operations.
• Control Unit (CU) coordinates and controls the activities of the computer.
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic and logical operations.
• RAM is temporary working memory. Its contents normally disappear when power is removed.
• ROM is non-volatile memory used for permanent or firmware-related instructions.
• Storage devices such as SSDs, HDDs, pen drives and memory cards keep data for longer periods.
Practical Activity: Compare RAM and storage using temporary/permanent, working/storage and typical use.
Storage Devices
• HDD stores data on magnetic disks.
• SSD uses flash memory and is generally faster and quieter than an HDD.
• Pen drive is a portable USB storage device.
• Memory card is commonly used in phones, cameras and other devices.
• Cloud storage stores files on remote servers accessed through the Internet.
Practical Activity: Ask students to name which storage devices they have used.
UNIT 2 – WINDOWS, MOUSE, KEYBOARD & FILES
Operating System
• An operating system manages hardware, files, applications and user interaction.
• Examples include Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and iOS.
• Windows provides a graphical user interface with a desktop, icons, taskbar, Start menu and windows.
Practical Activity: Start the computer, open an application, switch windows, and shut down correctly.
Windows Desktop
• Desktop is the main screen after signing in.
• Icons represent applications, files, folders or shortcuts.
• Taskbar provides access to running or pinned applications and system controls.
• Start menu provides access to applications, settings and power options.
• Recycle Bin temporarily stores many deleted files.
Practical Activity: Identify the desktop, Start menu, taskbar and Recycle Bin.
Mouse Skills
• Single click selects an item.
• Double-click usually opens a file, folder or application.
• Right-click displays a context menu.
• Drag and drop moves or places an object.
• Scroll moves through a document or webpage.
Practical Activity: Create a folder, rename it and move it using the mouse.
Keyboard Keys
• Alphabet and number keys enter characters.
• Spacebar inserts spaces.
• Enter creates a new line or confirms an action.
• Backspace deletes the character to the left of the cursor.
• Delete removes selected items or characters to the right.
• Shift is used for capital letters and upper symbols.
• Caps Lock toggles uppercase typing.
• Arrow keys move the cursor.
• Esc commonly cancels or exits an operation.
Practical Activity: Type a paragraph using correct capitalization, spacing and punctuation.
Keyboard Shortcuts
• Ctrl+A – Select All.
• Ctrl+C – Copy.
• Ctrl+X – Cut.
• Ctrl+V – Paste.
• Ctrl+Z – Undo.
• Ctrl+Y – Redo.
• Ctrl+S – Save.
• Ctrl+P – Print.
• Ctrl+F – Find.
• Alt+Tab – Switch between open applications.
Practical Activity: Create a document and practise copy, cut, paste, undo and save.
Files and Folders
• A file stores information such as a document, image, video or presentation.
• A folder organizes files and other folders.
• Common operations are create, open, rename, copy, cut, paste and delete.
• Use meaningful file names and organize files into appropriate folders.
• Recycle Bin allows many deleted items to be restored before permanent deletion.
Practical Activity: Create Basic Computer → September → Word and PowerPoint folders.
UNIT 3 – MS WORD
Introduction to MS Word
• MS Word is a word-processing application used to create, edit, format, save and print documents.
• Common uses include assignments, letters, notices, reports, tables and resumes.
• Important interface areas include title bar, ribbon, document area, ruler, status bar and scroll bar.
Practical Activity: Open Word and create a one-page introduction about yourself.
Typing and Editing
• Use the keyboard to enter text.
• Use Backspace/Delete to remove mistakes.
• Use arrow keys or the mouse to move the cursor.
• Select text before applying formatting.
• Undo can reverse a recent action.
Practical Activity: Type five sentences and correct three intentional mistakes.
Text Formatting
• Font changes the appearance of text.
• Font size controls the size of text.
• Bold emphasizes text; Italic slants text; Underline adds a line.
• Font colour changes text colour.
• Alignment options are Left, Center, Right and Justify.
Practical Activity: Create a title and paragraph and apply at least five formatting features.
Paragraph Formatting
• Alignment controls the position of text.
• Line spacing controls the distance between lines.
• Bullets create unordered lists.
• Numbering creates ordered lists.
• Indentation changes the distance of a paragraph from the margin.
Practical Activity: Create a numbered list of computer rules and a bulleted list of computer parts.
Tables, Pictures and Shapes
• Tables arrange information into rows and columns.
• Pictures can be inserted from available files.
• Shapes can be used to make diagrams, arrows and simple designs.
• Use captions or short labels when appropriate.
Practical Activity: Create a 3-column, 5-row student marks table and insert a computer-related picture.
Page Setup, Header, Footer and Printing
• Page size controls paper dimensions; margins control empty space around content.
• Portrait is vertical orientation; Landscape is horizontal.
• Header appears at the top of pages; footer appears at the bottom.
• Print Preview helps check layout before printing.
• Save regularly with Ctrl+S.
Practical Activity: Create a one-page notice with a heading, border, footer and page number.
UNIT 4 – INTERNET & EMAIL
Internet and Web Browser
• The Internet is a global network connecting computers and devices.
• A web browser is software used to access websites, such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari.
• A website is a collection of related web pages.
• A URL is the web address used to locate a resource.
Practical Activity: Open a browser, create a tab, visit a known website and close the tab.
Search Engine
• A search engine helps locate information on the web.
• Use specific keywords instead of very long questions.
• Check the source, date, author and supporting evidence when information matters.
• Do not assume the first search result is automatically correct.
Practical Activity: Search for 'uses of computers in education' and compare two results.
Email
• Email means electronic mail.
• To contains the main recipient; Cc sends a visible copy to additional recipients; Bcc hides recipients from
other recipients.
• Subject briefly describes the message.
• Attachment sends a file with the email.
• Reply answers the sender; Forward sends the message to another person.
Practical Activity: Write a sample email to a teacher with a clear subject and attachment name.
Internet Safety and Phishing
• Use strong, unique passwords and do not share them.
• Phishing is an attempt to trick users into revealing information or taking an unsafe action.
• Check sender addresses, website addresses, spelling, unusual requests and suspicious links.
• Do not download unknown attachments or install unknown software.
• Use updated operating systems and security software.
• Log out from shared computers and avoid sharing unnecessary personal information.
Practical Activity: Show safe/unsafe examples and ask students to identify warning signs.
UNIT 5 – MS POWERPOINT
PowerPoint Basics
• PowerPoint is presentation software used to communicate information through slides.
• A presentation may contain text, images, shapes, tables, charts and other media.
• Each slide should have a clear purpose and limited text.
Practical Activity: Create a three-slide presentation: Title, Computer Parts, Uses of Computer.
Slides, Layouts and Themes
• New Slide adds another slide.
• Layout controls where titles and content are placed.
• Theme provides a coordinated design.
• Keep fonts readable and use consistent formatting.
Practical Activity: Create five slides using a consistent theme and appropriate layouts.
Pictures, Shapes and SmartArt
• Pictures can make explanations more visual.
• Shapes can represent arrows, boxes and simple diagrams.
• SmartArt can organize lists and relationships visually.
• Use visuals that support the topic rather than overcrowding slides.
Practical Activity: Create a simple flow diagram: Input → Processing → Output.
Transitions and Animations
• Transition controls how one slide changes to the next.
• Animation controls how an object appears, moves or disappears on a slide.
• Use simple effects consistently; too many effects can distract the audience.
• Set animation order and timing so the presentation is easy to follow.
Practical Activity: Apply one transition to all slides and simple entrance animations to selected text.
Presentation Skills
• Use short points rather than full paragraphs.
• Speak clearly and face the audience.
• Do not read every word from the slide.
• Practise before presenting.
• Check spelling, images, slide order and timing.
Practical Activity: Each student presents a 5-slide computer topic for 2–3 minutes.
UNIT 6 – SECURITY, MAINTENANCE & ASSESSMENT
Computer Security
• Security protects devices, files and accounts from loss or unauthorized access.
• Use passwords/PINs and lock the computer when away.
• Install updates from trusted sources.
• Use security software where appropriate.
• Keep backups of important work.
Practical Activity: Create a classroom list of five security rules.
Computer Maintenance
• Keep the computer and work area clean and dry.
• Do not pull cables roughly.
• Use proper shutdown procedures.
• Keep important files organized and backed up.
• Do not install unknown software.
Practical Activity: Demonstrate safe handling of a keyboard, mouse, USB drive and cables.
Two-Month Revision
• Revise computer fundamentals, hardware/software, input/output, CPU, memory and storage.
• Practise Windows, mouse, keyboard shortcuts and file management.
• Create a formatted Word document.
• Search the Internet safely and write an email.
• Create and present a five-slide PowerPoint.
Practical Activity: Conduct theory quiz followed by individual practical assessment.
Final Practical Assessment
• Task 1: Create a folder structure.
• Task 2: Create and format a one-page Word document.
• Task 3: Save and organize the document.
• Task 4: Perform a safe Internet search.
• Task 5: Create a five-slide PowerPoint and present it.
Practical Activity: Suggested marking: Basic operations 20%, Word 30%, Internet/Email 20%, PowerPoint 30%.
2-Month Day-wise Plan
September Main focus
1–10 Computer fundamentals, parts, hardware/software, input/output, CPU, memory and storage
11–20 Windows desktop, mouse, keyboard, shortcuts, files/folders and safety
21–30 MS Word: typing, formatting, paragraphs, tables, pictures, page setup and assessment
October Main focus
1–6 MS Word revision, WordArt, page setup, headers/footers, find/replace
7–13 Internet, browsers, search engines and Internet safety
14–20 Email, attachments, reply/forward, phishing and email safety
21–28 PowerPoint, slides, themes, pictures, shapes, transitions and animations
29–31 Full revision, practical test and final assessment
Expected Learning Outcomes
• Identify common computer components and explain their functions.
• Differentiate hardware, software, input, output, memory and storage.
• Operate a Windows computer using mouse and keyboard.
• Create, organize, copy, move, rename and delete files and folders.
• Create and format a professional basic document in MS Word.
• Use a browser and search engine responsibly.
• Compose email and understand attachments, Cc, Bcc, reply and forward.
• Recognize common Internet safety and phishing warning signs.
• Create, animate and present a basic PowerPoint presentation.
• Demonstrate safe computer use and basic maintenance.