Session 1: Fundamentals of Computer
Introduction to Fundamentals of Computer and its use
In today’s world we can see that almost all our work is being done with the help of computers. Applications of computers can be seen in every electrical device nowadays whether it is television, washing machine, watches, mobile phones etc. With the advancement in use and technology, use of electronic devices has increased manifold. All this is possible because of the ease and accuracy we get with these devices.
Evolution of Computers
Computer is a term derived from the term ‘compute’ which means to calculate. Attempts were made to develop faster calculating devices. Computer is a device that works on a set of instructions. Computer takes input from the user, processes it and displays output.
Computer is an electronic device and works on electronic signals. The on and off signals denote 1
and 0 respectively. The binary language, also called machine language, works on two digits 0 and 1. Earlier computer experts used to work and give instruction in binary language only. Over the years, many user friendly high level languages (C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python etc) similar to simple english language have developed. Commands given in high level languages need to be converted into binary language with the help of translators.
All this is achieved by an effective coordination of the components of the computer; broadly categorized as hardware and the software.
Characteristics of computer
- Speed: Computers can work extremely fast, performing thousands or even millions of tasks in just a few seconds.
- Versatility: Computers can do many different things. They can help with writing, calculations, playing games, creating designs, and much more.
- Accuracy: Computers are very precise. When given the right instructions, they can perform tasks without making mistakes.
- Diligence: Unlike humans, computers never get tired. They can work continuously for hours or days without getting bored or making errors due to fatigue.
- Memory: Computers can remember information for both short-term use and long-term storage. They can retrieve this information whenever needed.
- Storage: Computers have the ability to store large amounts of data, such as documents, photos, videos, and programs, which can be accessed anytime.
- Intelligence: While computers don’t think like humans, they can follow instructions and make decisions based on those instructions, which makes them appear smart in some tasks.
Session 2: Components of Computer
The computer is the combination of hardware and software. Both hardware and software together make the
computer system function. Hardware are the physical components of a computer like motherboard, memory devices, monitor, keyboard etc. while software is the set of programs or instructions like OS, Microsoft Excel etc. Every task given to a computer follows an Input- Process- Output Cycle (IPO cycle). It needs certain
input, processes that input and produces the desired output.
Block Diagram of Computer
Data → Input Units (Keyboard/Mouse etc.) → Processing / Central Processing Unit (CPU) → Output Unit (Monitor, Speaker, Printer)
Processes of task execution
steps of process execution
function of various components of computer and CPU
identify various components of computer
appreciate function and use of I/O devices
learn about various storage devices used in computer
various memory units ofstorage
introduction to Operating System and its need
functions of operating system
types of operating system
difference between various operating systems
introduction to common troubleshooting/ problems
common troubleshooting steps
troubleshooting hardware problems like display, keyboard, mouse etc.
troubleshooting printer problems
understanding printer IP address
understanding various printer settings like fast/ slow printing
sound troubleshooting
understanding speaker settingslike volume etc.
troubleshooting software problems
troubleshooting networking problems
learn about problems in network fly lead, network card
Disk Space management
Disk Cleanup
Managing Recycle Bin
learning about disk defragmentation
learn to remove unused programs
learn to disable unused program services
restart the system
learn to use command prompt to search for a file.