💻 What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic machine that can:

✅ Take input (from keyboard, mouse, etc.)

✅ Process data (using its brain — the CPU)
✅ Store information (in memory or hard disk)
✅ Give output (on screen, printer, etc.)

Use Example
Typing Letters, resumes, reports
Watching Videos, movies, YouTube
Learning Online classes, tutorials
Playing Games
Communication Email, WhatsApp Web, Zoom
Accounting Excel, Tally
Designing Photoshop, Canva
Printing Certificates, forms, ID cards
Searching Google search, Wikipedia, news
Reading E-books, PDFs, documents
Coding 🖥 Writing programs and design software using Python, C, PHP etc.,
Web Designing 🌐 Creating websites using HTML, CSS, JS, WordPress, PHP etc.,
Video Editing 🎞 Editing videos (Filmora, Premiere Pro)
Data Entry you can digitalize and save, share, print, and store data safely
Presenting Making slides in PowerPoint
File Management Creating, saving, renaming folders/files
Online Shopping 🛒 Buying items from Amazon, Flipkart, etc.
Banking 💰 Checking balance, UPI, fund transfer
Job Applications Applying jobs on Naukri, Indeed, etc.
Social Media Using Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Creating Content 🎤 Making blog posts, writing eBooks, voiceovers
Freelancing 💼 Earning by working online (Fiverr, Upwork)
 1. Basic parts of a computer
Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone, Scanner, Webcam, Monitor, Printer, Speakers, Projector,
Headphones etc.,

✅ What are Input and Output Devices?

A computer needs devices to take data in (input) and give results out (output). These devices help us
communicate with the computer.

🖱 Input Devices

Definition:
Devices that are used to enter data or commands into a computer.

Examples:

Device What It Does

Keyboard Used to type le ers, numbers, and commands

Mouse Used to point, click, and select items

Microphone Used to give voice input

Scanner Used to scan documents or pictures

Webcam Captures live video input

🖥 Output Devices

Definition:
Devices that show the result of the computer's work.

Examples:

Device What It Does

Monitor Displays text, images, and videos

Printer Prints documents or images on paper

Speakers Play sound or music

Projector Shows computer screen on a big wall or board

Headphones Play sound privately

🎯 Simple Way to Remember:

 Input = Data goes into the computer

 Output = Result comes out from the computer

🧠 Example:

1. You type a letter using the keyboard → input

2. Computer processes it
3. You see it on the monitor or print it → output
 2. Hardware and Software
Hardware – What You Can Touch

 Definition: Hardware is the physical part of the computer.

 You can see and touch it.

✅ Examples of Hardware:

 Monitor (screen)
 Keyboard
 Mouse
 CPU
 Printer
 Hard Disk

Software – What You Can Use, But Not Touch

 Definition: Software is a set of programs or instructions that tells the hardware what to do.
 You cannot touch software, but you can see it working on the screen.

✅ Examples of Software:

 MS Word
 Google Chrome
 Windows 10 (Operating System)
 Photoshop
 VLC Media Player

Hardware is like your body, and software is like your brain.

The body does the work, but the brain gives the instructions.

💾 How is Software Made?

Software is designed using programming languages.

 Just like we use English, Hindi, or Telugu to talk,

programmers use programming languages to talk to the computer.
 These languages give instructions to the computer's hardware to create software.

Language Used to Create

C System software, embedded systems
C++ Games, applications
Java Android apps, websites
Python Data science, web apps, automation
JavaScript Websites and web applications
PHP Web development (like WordPress)
🔧 Simple Example:

MS Word is a software,
it was created using languages like C++ and Assembly.

 Software = Created by coding

 Coding = Using programming languages

Programming languages → create so ware

Software → gives instruc ons to hardware
Hardware → performs the task
 3. Introduction to OS
What is an Operating System?

An Operating System (OS) is the main software that runs the computer.
An operating system is like a language that helps software and hardware communicate — just like we use
a language to understand each other.

The Operating System (OS) depends on the type of device you are using.

Device Operating System (OS) Used

Computer / Laptop Windows, Linux, macOS
Mobile Phones Android (Samsung, Vivo), iOS (iPhone)
Tablets Android, iPadOS
Smart TVs Android TV, Tizen, webOS
Servers Linux (Ubuntu Server), Windows Server, Unix
Smartwatches watchOS (Apple), Wear OS (Google)
Gaming Consoles Xbox OS, PlayStation OS

Examples of Opera ng Systems

✅ 1. Microso Windows

Most popular OS for computers

Examples:

 Windows 7

 Windows 10

 Windows 11

✅ 2. Linux (Open-source)

 Free and used by developers, companies, and servers

 Less user-friendly than Windows but very powerful

Examples:

 Ubuntu

 Fedora

 Debian

 Red Hat

✅ 3. macOS (by Apple)

 Used in Apple Mac computers

 Very smooth and secure, but only works on Apple devices

Examples:

 macOS Ventura

 macOS Monterey

 macOS Big Sur

✅ 4. Mobile Opera ng Systems

Used in smartphones and tablets

Examples:

 Android – used in Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, etc.

 iOS – used in iPhones and iPads

✅ 5. Other Examples (less common)

 DOS – old text-based system

 Unix – used in servers and mainframes

 Chrome OS – used in Chromebooks

 4. Using the Mouse and Keyboard
🖱 Using the Mouse

A mouse is a pointing device used to control the movement of the

pointer on the screen.

Mouse Actions:

 Single Click: Select an item (left click once)

 Double Click: Open a file or folder
 Right Click: Open options menu
 Scroll: Move up or down in long pages or documents

⌨ Using the Keyboard

A keyboard is used to type text, numbers, and give commands to the computer.

✅ Typing Basics:

 If a key has only one character (like a, 1, #), just press it normally.
 If a key has two characters (like 1 and !), hold Shift and press the key to type the upper symbol.
o Example: Press Shift + 1 → !
 Key Purpose
A–Z Type alphabets
0–9 Type numbers
Shift Type capital letters or upper symbols
Caps Lock Turns on/off capital letter typing
Num Lock Enables number keys on right-side number pad
Scroll Lock OFF: Arrow keys move the cell cursor (selection).
(Word ignores It.
Try it in Excel) ON: Arrow keys scroll the worksheet

Enter Start a new line / Confirm command

Backspace Delete text to the left
Delete Delete text to the right
Spacebar Add a space
Tab Move to next field or indent
Ctrl (Control) Used with other keys for shortcuts (like Ctrl + C for copy)
Alt (Alternate) Accessing Menus and Ribbons, Switching between windows (alt + tab)
Esc (Escape) Close a popup or cancel an action. Ex: Click on File tab  press Escape
Arrow Keys Move cursor up, down, left, right
 It has no effect in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Chrome, etc.
 Open Command Prompt (cmd), type dir/s ↵ ((This lists all iles — fast scrolling
Pause/Break output)
 Now press Pause 👉 Output will pause
 Now press Break 👉 Output will con nue
PrtSc  Print Screen
SysRq  System Request
PrtSc / SysRq
❌ Not used in Windows
🐧 In Linux it is used to Restart the system, Recover from a freeze etc.,
How to Enable and Prac ce Insert Key in MS Word
1. Open MS Word.
2. Click on File → Op ons.
3. In the Word Options window, go to Advanced.
4. Under Editing options, check:
o ✅ “Use the Insert key to control overtype mode”
o ✅ “Use overtype mode” (optional)
5. Click OK. Now the Insert key will start working in Word!
Insert
The Insert key toggles between two typing modes:

Insert Mode (normal)  text adds at the cursor

Overwrite Mode  The text to the right of the cursor gets replaced (overwritten)
as you type new characters.
 5. Understanding Files and Folders
📁 What is a Folder?

 A folder is like a container or box used to organize files.

 It helps keep your computer neat and easy to search.

Think of a folder like a real-life file folder in an office drawer — it can hold many papers (files).

📄 What is a File?

 A file is a single document or item saved on the computer.

 Files can be text, pictures, videos, presentations, spreadsheets, etc.

Think of a file as a paper or document inside a folder.

Common File Types:

File Type Example File Name Created With

Word Document Le [Link] MS Word

Excel Sheet [Link] MS Excel

PowerPoint Slide [Link] MS PowerPoint

Picture [Link] Paint, Camera

PDF File [Link] Any app + PDF maker

✅ Create a Folder

1. Right-click on desktop or inside Documents folder

2. Click on New → Folder
3. Name the folder: MS Office Practice

✅Create Files Inside the Folder

🔸 1st Method: Right-click and Create a New File

Inside your folder (e.g., Practice Files):

1. Right-click inside the folder

2. Hover on New
3. You’ll see options like:
o Microsoft Word Document → creates a .docx file
o Microsoft Excel Worksheet → creates a .xlsx file
o Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation → creates a .pptx file
o Text Document → creates a .txt file (basic Notepad file)
4. Click on the one you want (example: Microsoft Word Document)
 5. Give it a name (example: [Link]) and press Enter

Now you have created a new blank file ready to use!

🔸 2nd Method

1. Open MS Word → Type a paragraph → Save as [Link] inside MS Office Practice

2. Open MS Excel → Enter a small table → Save as [Link] inside the same folder
3. Open MS PowerPoint → Create a 2-slide presentation → Save as [Link]

🔍 Try Copy, Paste, Rename, or Delete.

6. Must-Know Computer Basics

1. 🎨 Changing Desktop Background (Wallpaper)

Steps:

1. Right-click on the Desktop

2. Click Personalize
3. Under Background, choose:
o Picture (select from your PC)
o Solid Color
o Slideshow (multiple images)
4. Click on the image you like → it will apply as wallpaper

Now your desktop has a new background!

2. ❌ Uninstalling Unwanted So ware

Using Control Panel (For older version of Windows)

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R → type control panel → press Enter or Click on Control Panel icon on desktop (if
available) (This opens Control Panel)
2. Click on "Programs" or "Programs and Features"
3. You will see a list of installed programs on your computer.
4. Click on the software you want to remove (e.g., Adobe Reader)
5. Click the Uninstall button at the top
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish uninstalling

From Windows settings (windows + i)

Steps:
 1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to Apps → Installed Apps (or Apps & Features)
3. Scroll down to find the software you want to remove
4. Click Uninstall
5. Confirm the action

The software is removed from your computer.

3. 🖥 Checking PC Proper es (RAM, Speed, System Info)

Steps:

1. Right-click on This PC (or My Computer)

2. Click Properties

Or

1. Open windows se ngs (Windows + i)

2. System  About

You will see:

 Processor speed (e.g., Intel i5, 2.50 GHz)

 Installed RAM (e.g., 8 GB)
 System Type (e.g., 64-bit)
 Computer Name
 Windows version

This helps check if your PC is fast enough for tasks like video editing, coding, etc.

4. 🔊 Adjus ng Volume / Sound Se ngs

Steps:

1. Click the speaker icon in the bottom-right (Taskbar)

2. Move the slider to increase/decrease volume
3. Right-click speaker → Click Sound Settings to change mic, speaker, or troubleshoot issues

Useful for fixing audio issues during Zoom classes, videos, or meetings.

5. 🌐 Connect to Wi-Fi

Steps:

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon on the Taskbar

2. Select your network from the list
 3. Enter the Wi-Fi password
4. Click Connect

You're now connected to the internet.

6. 📂 Create a Shortcut on Desktop

💡 What is a Shortcut?

 A shortcut is a link to the original file or folder.

 It helps you quickly open the file without searching for it.

You’ll know it’s a shortcut because it shows a small arrow on the icon.

Steps:

1. Right-click on Desktop → New → Shortcut

2. Browse and select the file/folder/app you want
3. Click Next, then Finish

Or directly right click on original file and select create shortcut  copy/cut shortcut  place on desktop

This saves time — just double-click the shortcut to open.

Not a Copy A shortcut is not a separate file — it just points to the real one.
Safe to Delete You can delete the shortcut — the original file stays safe.
Two-way Access If you update the file from the shortcut or the original, changes apply to both.
Size Shortcut takes very little space (only a few KB)
Target Path You can right-click → Properties → see the location of the original file

7. 🗑 Using Recycle Bin (Restore or Delete Files)

Steps:

 When you delete a file, it goes to Recycle Bin

 Open Recycle Bin:
o Right-click → Restore → It goes back to original loca on
o Or click Empty Recycle Bin to delete forever

Always check before deleting!

8. Disk Cleanup (Free up Space)

Steps:

1. Search for Disk Cleanup in the Start Menu

 2. Select the drive (e.g., C:)
3. Check items like Temporary Files, Thumbnails, Recycle Bin
4. Click OK → Delete Files

Helps your PC run faster.

What Is Disk Cleanup?

Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows tool that helps you:

 Remove unnecessary files

 Free up space on your hard drive
 Improve computer performance

What It Deletes (Safe to Remove):

File Type What it means Is it safe?

Temporary Files Created by programs for short-term use ✅ Safe

Recycle Bin Files you already deleted (s ll in bin) ✅ Safe (if not needed)

Thumbnails Small preview images Windows saves ✅ Safe

System Logs Old error reports or event history ✅ Safe

Temporary Internet Files Cached web files to load websites faster ✅ Safe

Old Windows Updates Files le a er Windows Update ✅ Safe (if your system is working fine)

⚠ What It Does NOT Delete:

 Your personal files (like Word, Excel, photos, videos)

 Your software or apps
 Your saved documents or folders

So it does NOT delete your important data. It is safe.

9. 🖥 How to Turn On and Off a Computer (Properly)

✅ How to Turn ON a Computer

1. Make sure power supply is ON (from the plug or UPS)

2. Press the Power Button on the CPU or laptop
3. Wait for the computer to boot (load Windows)
4. Login if required (enter password or click user)

Now your desktop appears, and you're ready to work!

✅ How to Turn OFF a Computer

There are 3 correct ways to shut down a Windows computer:

🔸 1. Using ALT + F4 Shortcut

Steps:

1. First close all open programs (save your files)

2. Press ALT + F4 on your keyboard
(make sure you're on the desktop, not inside a program)
3. A small window appears with options:

Op on What It Does

*Shut down Turns off your computer completely

*Restart Turns off and then turns on again (used a er installing so ware/updates)

*Sleep Saves your session and turns off screen (quick to resume)

Lock Locks the computer (useful if stepping away temporarily)

Sign Out Logs off your account, but computer stays on

Switch User Lets another user login without signing you out

4. Choose your option using the arrow keys or mouse

5. Click OK or press Enter

🔸 2. Using Start Menu

1. Click the Start Menu (bottom-left corner)

2. Click the Power icon
3. Choose:
o Shut down
o Restart
o Sleep

🔸 3. Using CTRL + ALT + DEL

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del

2. Click the Power icon in the bottom-right corner
3. Choose Shut down, Restart, or Sleep
⚠ Precau ons Before Shu ng Down:
Ac on Why It’s Important

✅ Save your work Prevents data loss (files not saved will be lost)

✅ Close all programs Helps smooth shutdown and prevents errors

❌ Do NOT press CPU power bu on directly It can cause system damage or data loss

❌ Do NOT switch off power without shutdown Can corrupt system files or hard disk

10. 🕒 How to Set Date and Time on a Computer (Windows)

✅ Why is Date & Time Important?

 It helps you save files with correct timestamps

 Useful for emails, Zoom classes, scheduled tasks
 Wrong time can cause errors in apps, internet, or antivirus

Steps to Set Date and Time (Manually)

📍 Method 1: Through Taskbar

1. Look at the bottom-right corner of the screen

2. Right-click on the Date and Time
3. Click on “Adjust date and time”

📍 Method 2: Through Se ngs

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings

2. Go to Time & Language
3. Click Date & time

⚙ To Set Time Manually:

1. Turn OFF the toggle next to "Set time automatically"

2. Click on “Change” under “Set the date and time manually”
3. Choose the correct Date and Time
4. Click Change

Your computer clock will update.

🌍 To Set Time Zone:

1. Scroll down in the same Date & Time window

2. Under Time zone, select your zone:
o For India → select (UTC+05:30) Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi
To Sync with Internet (Automatic Time):

 Turn ON "Set time automatically"

 It will update the time using internet servers (requires Wi-Fi or LAN)

You can also set Date and Time from Control Panel (for older windows version)

Control Panel  Clock and Region  Date and Time  Change date and time

11.💡 Bonus: Other Useful Tips

Task Shortcut / Where to Find

Take Screenshot Press PrtSc or Windows + Shi + S

Open Task Manager Press Ctrl + Shi + Esc

Rename a file/folder Select → Press F2

Refresh the desktop Right-click desktop → Click Refresh

 What is MS Office?
Microso Office (MS Office) is a collec on of so ware programs made by Microso .
These programs help us with typing, making presenta ons, doing calcula ons. The
most commonly used tools are:

Microsoft
Word
Type: Word processor so ware
Purpose: Word processor means it is used to create, edit, format, and print text
documents. It allows users to type text, add images, tables, and other elements, and apply
forma ng like fonts, colors, margins, and spacing.
Main Features:

 Create and format documents with text, images, tables, and charts
 Apply styles like bold, italics, font size, and color
 Insert headers, footers, page numbers, and page breaks
 Spell check and grammar check
 Save as .docx
📌 Example Use: Wri ng le ers, resumes, reports, applica ons, project documenta on
etc.,
 Microsoft
PowerPoint
Type: Presenta on so ware
Purpose: Used to create slideshows for presenta ons.
Main Features:

 Create slides with text, images, charts, and videos

 Apply transi ons and anima ons
 Useful for business, teaching, and public speaking
 Save as .pptx

📌 Example Use: A teacher making lecture slides or a company giving a business proposal.

Microsoft
Excel
Type: Spreadsheet software
Purpose: Used to organize, calculate, and analyze data in table format.
Main Features:

 Works with rows and columns (cells)

 Can perform calculations using formulas
 Create charts, graphs, and data analysis tools
 Save as .xlsx

📌 Example Use: Excel is widely used for data entry (converting physical or handwritten
information into digital format), student marks calculation, monthly budgeting, tracking
income and expenses, creating sales reports with charts, and much more.