BASIC COMPUTER – COMPLETE NOTES

1 September to 30 September | Beginner / 8th Standard Level

Course Goal: To help students understand computers and confidently perform basic operations using
Windows, MS Word, Internet, Email and PowerPoint.

1. Introduction to Computer
Notes
• A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it, stores it and produces useful
information.

• Basic working cycle: Input → Processing → Output → Storage.

• Common uses: education, banking, hospitals, offices, communication, shopping, entertainment and design.

• Advantages: speed, accuracy, storage capacity, automation and ability to perform repetitive tasks.

• Limitations: a computer follows instructions; it does not have human judgement or emotions.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Ask students to name five places where computers are used.

• Identify computers and computer-based devices in the classroom.

2. Parts of a Computer
Notes
• Monitor: displays text, pictures and video.

• CPU (Central Processing Unit): processes instructions and controls operations.

• Keyboard: used to enter text, numbers and commands.

• Mouse: used to point, select, open and move objects.

• Printer: produces a paper copy of digital information.

• Speakers/headphones: provide audio output.

• Webcam: captures images and video.

• UPS: provides backup power and protection during power interruptions.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Identify each device and explain whether it is mainly an input or output device.

3. Hardware and Software

Notes
• Hardware means the physical parts of a computer that can be touched.

• Examples: keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU cabinet, RAM, hard disk and printer.

• Software means programs/instructions that tell hardware what to do.

• System software includes operating systems such as Windows.

• Application software includes MS Word, PowerPoint, web browsers and media players.

• Hardware needs software to perform useful tasks, and software needs hardware to run.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Classify: keyboard, Windows, MS Word, monitor, mouse, Chrome, printer.

4. Input and Output Devices

Notes
• Input devices send data or commands to a computer: keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam
and touchscreen.

• Output devices present results: monitor, printer, speakers and projector.

• Some devices can perform both input and output functions, such as a touchscreen.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Make two columns in a notebook: Input Devices and Output Devices. Add at least five examples.

5. CPU and Memory

Notes
• CPU is often called the brain of the computer because it executes instructions.

• The Control Unit (CU) controls and coordinates operations.

• The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic and logical operations.

• RAM is temporary, working memory; its contents normally disappear when power is removed.

• ROM stores permanent or firmware-related instructions and is generally non-volatile.

• Storage devices such as HDDs, SSDs, pen drives and memory cards keep data for longer periods.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Compare RAM and storage using the ideas: temporary, permanent, speed and purpose.

6. Operating System and Windows

Notes
• An operating system (OS) manages computer hardware and provides an environment for applications.

• Examples include Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and iOS.

• Desktop: main working screen after sign-in.

• Icons: small graphical representations of apps, files or folders.

• Taskbar: provides access to running/pinned applications and system controls.

• Start menu: provides access to applications, settings and power options.

• Basic power options: Sleep, Restart and Shut down.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Practice starting the computer, opening an application, switching between windows and shutting down
correctly.

7. Mouse Skills
Notes
• Single click selects an item.

• Double-click usually opens a file, folder or application.

• Right-click opens a context menu.

• Drag and drop moves or places an item.

• Scroll wheel moves through a page or document.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Create a folder, rename it, move it and open it using the mouse.

8. Keyboard Skills
Notes
• Alphabet keys enter letters; number keys enter digits.

• Spacebar inserts a space.

• Enter starts a new line or confirms an action.

• Backspace deletes the character to the left of the cursor.

• Delete removes the selected item or character to the right of the cursor.

• Shift is used for capital letters and upper symbols.

• Caps Lock toggles continuous uppercase typing.

• Arrow keys move the cursor.

• Esc often cancels or exits an operation.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Type your name, school name and five sentences using correct capitalization and spacing.

9. Important Keyboard Shortcuts

Notes
• 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/search within a document or page.

• Alt + Tab – Switch between open applications.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Create a short document and practise copy, cut, paste, undo and save.

10. Files and Folders

Notes
• A file stores information such as a document, image, video or presentation.

• A folder is used to organize files and other folders.

• Common operations: create, open, rename, copy, cut, paste and delete.

• Use meaningful names so files can be found easily.

• Recycle Bin temporarily holds many deleted files before permanent deletion.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Create a folder named 'Basic Computer'. Inside it create folders named 'Word', 'PowerPoint' and 'Practice'.

11. MS Word – Introduction

Notes
• MS Word is a word-processing application used to create and edit documents.

• Common uses: letters, notices, assignments, reports, tables and resumes.

• Basic interface: title bar, ribbon, document area, ruler, status bar and scroll bar.

• To create a document: open Word → choose a blank document → type content → save.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Open Word and type a one-page introduction about yourself.

12. MS Word – Text Formatting

Notes
• Font changes the appearance of text.

• Font size controls text size.

• Bold makes text darker, Italic slants text, and Underline adds a line below text.

• Font color can change text appearance.

• Alignment options: Left, Center, Right and Justify.

• Bullets and numbering help organize lists.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Type a paragraph and apply a heading, bold words, italic words, underline, alignment and bullets.
13. MS Word – Tables, Pictures and Saving
Notes
• Insert → Table creates rows and columns.

• Pictures can be inserted to make a document more informative.

• Save stores the current document; Save As creates a new name/location or format.

• Use Ctrl+S regularly to reduce the chance of losing work.

• Print Preview helps check a document before printing.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Create a 3-column, 5-row table showing student name, subject and marks.

14. Internet Basics

Notes
• 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 search engine helps find information on the web.

• Use clear keywords and check more than one reliable source when researching.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Open a browser and search for 'uses of computers in education'. Identify two useful results.

15. Email Basics

Notes
• Email is electronic mail used to send messages and files over the Internet.

• Common fields: To, Cc, Bcc and Subject.

• Attachment allows files such as documents or pictures to be sent with an email.

• Reply responds to a received message; Forward sends it to another recipient.

• Use a clear subject and polite language.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Practise writing a sample email to a teacher with a subject and short message. Do not send it unless
instructed.

16. Internet and Computer Safety

Notes
• Use strong, unique passwords and do not share them.

• Do not click suspicious links or download unknown files.

• Phishing attempts may try to steal passwords or personal information.

• Check the sender, spelling, website address and request before acting.

• Keep the operating system and security software updated.

• Avoid sharing personal information publicly.

• Log out on shared computers.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Show students examples of safe and unsafe online behaviour and ask them to explain why.

17. MS PowerPoint
Notes
• PowerPoint is presentation software used to create slide-based presentations.

• A presentation contains slides; each slide can include text, images, shapes, tables and charts.

• Choose a simple layout and keep text short.

• Use consistent fonts and formatting.

• Transitions control how slides change; animations control how objects appear or move.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Create three slides: Title, About Computer, Uses of Computer. Add one image if available.

18. Computer Security and Maintenance

Notes
• Use antivirus/security tools and keep them updated.

• Back up important files to a safe location.

• Keep liquids away from computers.

• Handle keyboards, cables and storage devices carefully.

• Shut down properly instead of switching off power abruptly.

• Keep files organized and remove unnecessary files when appropriate.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Make a classroom poster with five rules for safe computer use.

19. Revision and Practical Assessment

Notes
• Revise hardware/software, input/output, CPU/memory, Windows, mouse, keyboard, files/folders, Word,
Internet, email, safety and PowerPoint.

• Practical tasks can include creating a folder, typing and formatting a document, saving it, searching the
Internet safely and creating three presentation slides.

Practical / Classroom Activity

• Conduct a short theory quiz followed by individual practical tasks.
September Lesson Schedule
Date Main Topic

1 Sep Introduction to Computer

2 Sep Parts of Computer

3 Sep Hardware & Software

4 Sep Input & Output Devices

5 Sep CPU & Memory

6 Sep Revision

7 Sep Operating System

8 Sep Desktop

9 Sep Mouse

10 Sep Keyboard

11 Sep Keyboard Shortcuts

12 Sep Files & Folders

13 Sep Revision

14 Sep MS Word Introduction

15 Sep Typing

16 Sep Text Formatting

17 Sep Paragraph Formatting

18 Sep Pictures, Shapes & Tables

19 Sep Save & Print

20 Sep Revision

21 Sep Internet Basics

22 Sep Search Engine

23 Sep Email

24 Sep Internet Safety

25 Sep PowerPoint Introduction

26 Sep PowerPoint Practical

27 Sep Revision

28 Sep Computer Security

29 Sep Full Revision

30 Sep Monthly Test

Monthly Learning Outcomes

• Explain what a computer is and identify common computer parts.

• Differentiate hardware and software and classify input/output devices.

• Use the mouse, keyboard, Windows desktop, files and folders.

• Create, format, save and print a basic MS Word document.

• Use a web browser and search engine safely.

• Understand basic email functions and online safety.

• Create a simple PowerPoint presentation.

• Follow basic computer security and maintenance practices.