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Table of Contents Table of Contents
What is a What is a Computer Computer
Computer Hardware Computer Hardware Computer Hardware Computer Hardware
Examples of Computer Hardware Examples of Computer Hardware
Computer Software Computer Software pp
Computer Input Devices Computer Input Devices
Computer Output Devices Computer Output Devices p p p p
General Understanding of how your computer General Understanding of how your computer
works works
Basic Computer Quiz Basic Computer Quiz
Answers to Basic Computer Quiz Answers to Basic Computer Quiz
B i C t T d D fi iti B i C t T d D fi iti Basic Computer Terms and Definitions Basic Computer Terms and Definitions
Definition of Computer Definition of Computer pp
A device that computes, A device that computes, A device that computes, A device that computes,
especially a programmable especially a programmable
electronic machine that electronic machine that
performs high performs high- -speed speed
mathematical or logical mathematical or logical
ti th t bl ti th t bl operations or that assembles, operations or that assembles,
stores, correlates, or stores, correlates, or
otherwise processes otherwise processes otherwise processes otherwise processes
information. information.
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C t H T M i P t C t H T M i P t Computers Have Two Main Parts Computers Have Two Main Parts
1. 1. Computer Hardware Computer Hardware
2. 2. Computer Software Computer Software
What is Computer Hardware? What is Computer Hardware? What is Computer Hardware? What is Computer Hardware?
Computer Hardware is the Computer Hardware is the Computer Hardware is the Computer Hardware is the
physical part of the computer physical part of the computer
system the machinery and system the machinery and system, the machinery and system, the machinery and
equipment. equipment.
Parts of the computer you can Parts of the computer you can Parts of the computer you can Parts of the computer you can
see see
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Examples of Computer Hardware Examples of Computer Hardware p p p p
Monitor: T.V. like screen used to show pictures and
words
CPU: Central Processing Unit this is where most of
the computers calculations take place. In terms of
computing power, the CPU is the most important
element of a computing system element of a computing system.
Keyboard: This device is used to type
information into the computer and contains the
numbers 0-9.
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Mo e Comp te Ha d a e Mo e Comp te Ha d a e More Computer Hardware More Computer Hardware
Mouse: a small device, which you move across the top of
the desk to move the pointer or cursor on the screen.
Printer: used to make a paper copy of the information
into the computer. into the computer.
Image Scanner: an electronic device that generates a
digital representation of an image for data input to a
computer
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What is Comp te Soft a e? What is Comp te Soft a e? What is Computer Software? What is Computer Software?
Computer Software are programs that tell the Computer Software are programs that tell the
computer what to do. computer what to do.
Examples Examples
Microsoft Word Microsoft Word--word processing program word processing program
Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft PowerPoint--presentation program presentation program
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Excel--work book program used to work book program used to
track, calculate, and analyze numeric data track, calculate, and analyze numeric data
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Comp te Inp t De ices Comp te Inp t De ices Computer Input Devices Computer Input Devices
Computer Devices that input information in the Computer Devices that input information in the Computer Devices that input information in the Computer Devices that input information in the
computer computer
Examples Examples
Key Board Key Board Key Board Key Board
Mouse Mouse
Scanner Scanner Scanner Scanner
Digital Camera Digital Camera
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Comp te O tp t De ices Comp te O tp t De ices Computer Output Devices Computer Output Devices
Computer Devices that output information Computer Devices that output information
from the computer. from the computer.
Examples Examples Examples Examples
Monitor Monitor
P i P i Printer Printer
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GeneralUnderstandingofhow GeneralUnderstandingofhow gg
yourcomputerworks! yourcomputerworks!
Overview Overview
To understand anything it helps to break it down into it's basic To understand anything it helps to break it down into it's basic
components. Then you need to know how each component components. Then you need to know how each component
works. Finally you look at howall the components work together works. Finally you look at howall the components work together works. Finally you look at how all the components work together works. Finally you look at how all the components work together
to achieve the desired end product or result. to achieve the desired end product or result.
Motherboard Motherboard
It is the main It is the main circuit board circuit boardinside the CPUcase. It holds the inside the CPUcase. It holds the It is the main It is the main circuit board circuit boardinside the CPU case. It holds the inside the CPU case. It holds the
microprocessor, memory and other crucial circuits and microprocessor, memory and other crucial circuits and
components that control the operation of the Personal Computer. components that control the operation of the Personal Computer.
Every device inside or connected to a Personal Computer finds Every device inside or connected to a Personal Computer finds
it's way to this board. it's way to this board. it s way to this board. it s way to this board.
Memory Memory Memory Memory
The mother board takes the input you give it like The mother board takes the input you give it like mouse mouse
clicks clicks, and produces output for you like displaying or , and produces output for you like displaying or
printing a file. It can't do this without memory. The PC printing a file. It can't do this without memory. The PC
operatingsystem operatingsystemusedby the PC is copiedfromstorage to usedby the PC is copiedfromstorage to operating system operating systemused by the PC is copied from storage to used by the PC is copied from storage to
memory at power up. The OS copy in memory then runs the memory at power up. The OS copy in memory then runs the
PC. Memory is volatile which means that when your PC is PC. Memory is volatile which means that when your PC is
turned off the contents of memory are lost. It is completely turned off the contents of memory are lost. It is completely
blank andmust reloadedeach time the PC is poweredup. blank andmust reloadedeach time the PC is poweredup. blank and must reloaded each time the PC is powered up. blank and must reloaded each time the PC is powered up.

Storage Storage
Storage is non Storage is non- -volatile which means it retains information volatile which means it retains information
even when it is poweredoff It stores programs whichrun even when it is poweredoff It stores programs whichrun even when it is powered off. It stores programs which run even when it is powered off. It stores programs which run
the PC as well as data, which is a digital form of everything the PC as well as data, which is a digital form of everything
you use like documents, music, pictures, etc you use like documents, music, pictures, etc
ii Input Devices Input Devices
The keyboard and mouse are the main input devices you The keyboard and mouse are the main input devices you
use to control your PC. use to control your PC.
Output Devices Output Devices
When you send inputs into the PC, it processes them and When you send inputs into the PC, it processes them and
produces useful output for you. The primary output devices produces useful output for you. The primary output devices
h id di l h id di l ii d k d k are the video display, are the video display, printer printer and speakers. and speakers.
Software Software
Some people want to use the power of their Some people want to use the power of their computer computer to to
k f h k f h ii ll create works of art, others want to create works of art, others want to create music create music, or play , or play
games, surf the web, or play the stock market. Whatever you games, surf the web, or play the stock market. Whatever you
want to do with your computer, software is the key to doing it. want to do with your computer, software is the key to doing it.
Wh t h h PC i d ? Wh t h h PC i d ? What happens when your PC is powered on? What happens when your PC is powered on?
With a simple push of a button, your computer comes to life. With a simple push of a button, your computer comes to life.
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Basic Computer Terms and Definitions Basic Computer Terms and Definitions
CPU: CPU: This computer component has several names: Central Processing Unit, This computer component has several names: Central Processing Unit,
microprocessor or processor. This unit is the brain of the computer processes and microprocessor or processor. This unit is the brain of the computer processes and
executes instructions in a software program. The CPUs primary functions include executes instructions in a software program. The CPUs primary functions include
retrieving instructions from the computers memory, including random access retrieving instructions from the computers memory, including random access
memo omp ehending nd e e ting in t tion nd di e ting the inp t nd memo omp ehending nd e e ting in t tion nd di e ting the inp t nd memory, comprehending and executing instructions, and directing the input and memory, comprehending and executing instructions, and directing the input and
output activity of the computer. output activity of the computer.
Desktop: Desktop: The first screen that you see when any Windows operating system screen is The first screen that you see when any Windows operating system screen is
d i O f th i f th D kt i t k it i t d i O f th i f th D kt i t k it i t up and running. One of the main purposes of the Desktop is to make it easier to up and running. One of the main purposes of the Desktop is to make it easier to
access different application programs, files and documents. access different application programs, files and documents.
File: File: Unit for storing information that may include a word Unit for storing information that may include a word- -processing document, a processing document, a
d h t i t hi i l i t f li ti d h t i t hi i l i t f li ti spreadsheet, a picture, a graphic, musical piece, or even part of an application spreadsheet, a picture, a graphic, musical piece, or even part of an application
program. Examples of "files" include text files which could be a letter or report and program. Examples of "files" include text files which could be a letter or report and
graphic files which could be a picture. Each file has a name because the data or graphic files which could be a picture. Each file has a name because the data or
information created in a software program is saved with a file name. information created in a software program is saved with a file name.
Folder: Folder: Method for organizing files that is related by topic, by purpose, by type, by Method for organizing files that is related by topic, by purpose, by type, by
program, or even by a project that you are working on. NOTE: When an application program, or even by a project that you are working on. NOTE: When an application
program is loaded onto your computer, it will group similar applications in a folder. program is loaded onto your computer, it will group similar applications in a folder.
As you add or create files you can organize themhowever you want As you add or create files you can organize themhowever you want As you add or create files, you can organize them however you want. As you add or create files, you can organize them however you want.
Hyperlink: Hyperlink: Allows you to move from one web page document to another. Allows you to move from one web page document to another. It It
can be text which is usually underlined can be text which is usually underlinedor a graphic. or a graphic. When you move your When you move your
mouse over a hyperlink, the mouse cursor usually becomes a hand which mouse over a hyperlink, the mouse cursor usually becomes a hand which
i di h li k i i di h li k i li k h li k h li k li k indicates a hyperlink is present. indicates a hyperlink is present. Once you click on the Once you click on the link, you move to link, you move to
another web page document or to another place on the same web page. another web page document or to another place on the same web page.
Icon: Icon: A small picture that represents processing options such as programs, A small picture that represents processing options such as programs, p p p g p p g , p p p g p p g ,
documents, and shortcuts. documents, and shortcuts. When you click on the icon, the file or program When you click on the icon, the file or program
will open. will open. The most easily recognized icon is the Recycle Bin which is the The most easily recognized icon is the Recycle Bin which is the
graphic below. graphic below.
Input: Input: Commonly known as data and refers to numbers, letters, words, Commonly known as data and refers to numbers, letters, words,
images, video, music and even sounds. Other computer input includes images, video, music and even sounds. Other computer input includes
commands and user response. A command directs the computer to commands and user response. A command directs the computer to
execute tasks or perform certain activities. One example of a command is execute tasks or perform certain activities. One example of a command is
a commandbuttons OK Cancel andHelpseen on the Shut Down Windows a commandbuttons OK Cancel andHelpseen on the Shut Down Windows a command buttons OK, Cancel and Help seen on the Shut Down Windows a command buttons OK, Cancel and Help seen on the Shut Down Windows
dialog box. dialog box.
Internet: Internet: A world wide network A world wide network that connects millions of computers to share that connects millions of computers to share
andexchange data news opinions andresearch results andexchange data news opinions andresearch results The Internet is The Internet is and exchange data, news, opinions, and research results. and exchange data, news, opinions, and research results. The Internet is The Internet is
not the same as the World Wide Web not the same as the World Wide Web (WWW). (WWW). The World Wide Web The World Wide Webis a is a
service that is provided on the Internet. service that is provided on the Internet.
Keyboard: Keyboard: The keyboardis an input device that allows you to enter letters The keyboardis an input device that allows you to enter letters Keyboard: Keyboard: The keyboard is an input device that allows you to enter letters, The keyboard is an input device that allows you to enter letters,
numbers and symbols into your computer. The keyboard keys include the numbers and symbols into your computer. The keyboard keys include the
alphanumeric keys (letters and numbers), numeric keypad, special alphanumeric keys (letters and numbers), numeric keypad, special
function keys, mouse cursor moving keys, and status lights. function keys, mouse cursor moving keys, and status lights.
Files andFolders Files andFolders:: Think of a computer folder as being similar to a filing cabinet folder Think of a computer folder as being similar to a filing cabinet folder Files and Folders Files and Folders: : Think of a computer folder as being similar to a filing cabinet folder, Think of a computer folder as being similar to a filing cabinet folder,
whereas a computer file is similar to the pieces of paper that are placed in the whereas a computer file is similar to the pieces of paper that are placed in the
folders. folders.
Graphic User Interface (GUI Graphic User Interface (GUI): ): Combines text and graphics to make software easier Combines text and graphics to make software easier Graphic User Interface (GUI Graphic User Interface (GUI): ): Combines text and graphics to make software easier Combines text and graphics to make software easier
to use. Graphical User Interface features include icons, windows, menus, and to use. Graphical User Interface features include icons, windows, menus, and
buttons. buttons.
HardCopy HardCopy:: Usually refers to a printout on paper Usually refers to a printout on paper Hard Copy Hard Copy:: Usually refers to a printout on paper. Usually refers to a printout on paper.
Hard Drive: Hard Drive: The purpose of the hard drive is to store information. The purpose of the hard drive is to store information. This device that This device that
allows the computer to permanently retain and store allows the computer to permanently retain and store data like the operating system, data like the operating system,
programs and information data programs and information data The hard drive The hard drive holds more data than a holds more data than a diskette and diskette and programs and information data. programs and information data. The hard drive The hard drive holds more data than a holds more data than a diskette and diskette and
accesses information faster than on diskettes. accesses information faster than on diskettes. Storage refers to the capability of Storage refers to the capability of
storing things, and as for the computer, it is information. storing things, and as for the computer, it is information.
Hardware: Hardware: Refers to any component of the computer systemthat you can like the Refers to any component of the computer systemthat you can like the Hardware: Hardware: Refers to any component of the computer system that you can like the Refers to any component of the computer system that you can like the
monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, computer unit, scanner, speakers monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, computer unit, scanner, speakers and even the and even the
components inside of the computer unit if you opened the box up. components inside of the computer unit if you opened the box up.
Menu: Menu: List of options that may be commands or other options from which you can List of options that may be commands or other options from which you can
choose from. The following illustration is the File Menu Bar command menu list. choose from. The following illustration is the File Menu Bar command menu list. choose from. The following illustration is the File Menu Bar command menu list. choose from. The following illustration is the File Menu Bar command menu list.
Mouse: Mouse: Besides a keyboard, a Besides a keyboard, a mouse is the most common input device for a mouse is the most common input device for a
computer. computer. The mouse The mouse is a small, palm is a small, palm- -sized input device that you move across a sized input device that you move across a
flat surface, such as a desktop, to control the movement of the pointer on the flat surface, such as a desktop, to control the movement of the pointer on the flat surface, such as a desktop, to control the movement of the pointer on the flat surface, such as a desktop, to control the movement of the pointer on the
screen. Technically, there are many operations that are much easier to perform with screen. Technically, there are many operations that are much easier to perform with
a mouse than a keyboard because you can just point and click to select an item on a a mouse than a keyboard because you can just point and click to select an item on a
screen or choose an item from a list of options. screen or choose an item from a list of options.
Mouse Commands: Mouse Commands: Before examining the various commands, you must understand how Before examining the various commands, you must understand how
to execute each mouse command. The to execute each mouse command. The mouse commands include move, point, click, mouse commands include move, point, click,
deselect, double deselect, double- -click, drag, and right click, drag, and right- -click. click.
My Computer: My Computer: An icon that opens into a folder of icons for all of the resources on the An icon that opens into a folder of icons for all of the resources on the
computer like the computer like the hard drive and printer. hard drive and printer.
Operating System: Operating System: Software that acts as an interface between you the application Software that acts as an interface between you the application Operating System: Operating System: Software that acts as an interface between you, the application Software that acts as an interface between you, the application
software (like word processing or accessing the Internet), and the computer software (like word processing or accessing the Internet), and the computer
components. This includes interpreting and carrying out basic instructions that components. This includes interpreting and carrying out basic instructions that
operate a computer like recognizing information from the keyboard and mouse, operate a computer like recognizing information from the keyboard and mouse,
sending information to the monitor, printer, or speakers and scanners, storing sending information to the monitor, printer, or speakers and scanners, storing
i f ti t th h d d i d bl d i C ti t i f ti t th h d d i d bl d i C ti t information to the hard drive and removable drives. Common operating systems information to the hard drive and removable drives. Common operating systems
include Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, and MAC OS. include Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, and MAC OS.
RAM: RAM: This is an acronymfor RandomAccess Memory This is an acronymfor RandomAccess Memory This memory is a work This memory is a work RAM: RAM: This is an acronym for Random Access Memory. This is an acronym for Random Access Memory. This memory is a work This memory is a work
area or a temporary storage space where the computer places program area or a temporary storage space where the computer places program
information so that it can execute the program instructions and information so that it can execute the program instructions and
information. information. When the program or file is closed, the data or programs are When the program or file is closed, the data or programs are
removed from removed fromRAM. RAM. The amount of RAM you have on your computer The amount of RAM you have on your computer is is y y p y y p
crucial in determining how many programs can be opened (running) and crucial in determining how many programs can be opened (running) and
how much data is available for each program. how much data is available for each program. RAM is available in MB or RAM is available in MB or
megabytes. megabytes. An example is 256MB of RAM. An example is 256MB of RAM.
Select: Select: A single left mouse click to select a file or folder icon. A single left mouse click to select a file or folder icon.
Software: Software: Instructions that provide the computer with step Instructions that provide the computer with step- -by by- -step actions step actions
that need to be executed to complete a specific task. that need to be executed to complete a specific task. A computer will not A computer will not p p p p pp
function with software. function with software.
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Thank Yo Thank Yo Thank You Thank You
Presented by: Presented by:
Sanjeev Kumar Sanjeev Kumar Sanjeev Kumar Sanjeev Kumar
Programmer,Computer Programmer,Computer Facility,AIIMS Facility,AIIMS