Unit 1 - Introduction To Computers
Unit 1 - Introduction To Computers
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
Welcome to this introductory unit on computers
Basic computer literacy is a crucial skill in life and in the workplace. The term computer
literacy refers to the knowledge and ability to use computers and related technologies
efficiently. We hope you enjoy this unit!
▶ Specific outcomes
▶ Glossary
C OUR S E C ONTENT
▶ 1.1 Introduction
C OMPUTOR C OMPONENTS
▶▶ 1.2.1 Input components
PR OC EDUR ES
DIS C US S ION
▶ Discussion forum
▶ Progress check
Lesson 1 of 16
► Specific outcomes
00:20
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
► Glossary
CO N T IN U E
Lesson 3 of 16
► 1.1 Introduction
00:36
Introduction to computers
The term computer literacy refers to the knowledge and ability to use computers and related
technologies efficiently.
Computer skills refer to the ability to use computer hardware and software.
This study unit explains the role of computers and the basic concepts about the parts of a computer. It
also explains how to use a computer in different aspects of life.
CO N T IN U E
Lesson 4 of 16
01:11
Computers have many roles and functions in our modern world, including:
1 Processing information
Computers can process large amounts of data quickly and accurately, making them useful
in fields such as scientific research, finance, and business.
2 Communication
Computers facilitate communication through various means such as email, social media,
and video conferencing.
3 Entertainment
Computers provide a variety of entertainment options, including gaming, streaming
movies and TV shows, and listening to music.
4 Education
Computers are used in education to enhance learning through online courses, interactive
software, and educational games.
5 Automation
Computers automate repetitive tasks, increasing efficiency and productivity in industries
such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
6 Creativity
Computers are used in creative industries such as graphic design, music production, and
film editing.
Overall, computers play a vital role in many aspects of modern life, and their significance will only
continue to grow as technology advances.
CO N T IN U E
Lesson 5 of 16
00:22
A computer has a multitude of components. This section explores the different categories,
components, and their relevant functions.
MOUSE TO U C H S C R EEN S TY LU S
A device that you use to interact with items displayed on the computer screen. A standard mouse has
a left and a right button.
You use the left button to select items and provide instructions by clicking an active area on the
screen.
You use the right button to display commonly used menu items on the screen. This could either be
wired or wireless. These commonly connect with a USB interface.
MOUSE TO U C H S C R EEN S TY LU S
A device that serves as a computer display monitor as well as an input device. The screen is sensitive
to pressure and/or heat and the user interacts with the computer by touching areas, such as pictures or
words on the screen.
Touch screen monitors look identical to conventional monitors. These commonly connect with a VGA,
DVI, Display Port, HDMI, or USB-C interface. This could either be wired or wireless.
MOUSE TO U C H S C R EEN S TY LU S
A pointing device, similar to a pen, used to make selections and enter information by tapping on a touch
and/or heat-sensitive surface. Some styluses connect wirelessly to the device in order to only transfer
touches emanating from the stylus tip, and no other inputs such as from the palm of a hand. This could
either be wired or wireless.
K EY B O A R D MIC ROP HON E S C A N N ER
A set of keys that resembles a keyboard on a typewriter. You use the keyboard to type text such as
letters or numbers into the computer. When certain keys are selected in a specific order, it will act as a
shortcut to various commands. The most common western keyboards are of the QWERTY type. This
could either be wired or wireless.
K EY B O A R D MIC ROP HON E S C A N N ER
A device that you can use to talk into to record voice or sound. You can also record your speech and let
the computer convert it into text, with the relevant software. These commonly connect with a USB
interface. This could either be wired or wireless.
K EY B O A R D MIC ROP HON E S C A N N ER
You can use this device to transfer an exact copy of a photograph or document into a computer in a
digital format.
A scanner reads a page and translates it into a digital format that a computer can read.
For example, you can scan photographs of your family using a scanner. Common formats for scanning
include PDF (documents) and JPEG (pictures). This could either be wired or wireless. Scanners are
often integrated into multifunction printer devices. These commonly connect with a USB interface.
B A R C O D E R EA D ER O P TI C A L M A R K R EA D ER (O C R ) M I S C ELLA N EO U S
A device for reading bar codes (data in the form of light and dark lines, representing data). Bar Code
data is used in labelling goods, books, and other items. It could be a hand or a stationary scanner, either
wired or wireless. These commonly connect with a USB interface.
B A R C O D E R EA D ER O P TI C A L M A R K R EA D ER (O C R ) M I S C ELLA N EO U S
It scans the text optically, character by character, converts them into a machine-readable code and
stores the text on the system memory. These commonly connect with a USB interface. This could
either be wired or wireless.
B A R C O D E R EA D ER O P TI C A L M A R K R EA D ER (O C R ) M I S C ELLA N EO U S
Various other devices exist which interfaces with a computer, such as joysticks, which usually has a
specific task (like controlling CCTV cameras, gaming devices and others). These commonly connect
with a USB interface. This could either be wired or wireless.
CO N T IN U E
Lesson 6 of 16
00:15
You use output devices to get feedback from a computer after it performs a task. Some examples of
output devices are described below:
M O N I TO R P R I N TER 3 D P R I N TER
A device that is similar to a television. It is used to display information in visual form, using text and
graphics. Older technology includes CRT screens, whilst most modern monitors are LCD.
The main characteristics of a monitor include the resolution (such as full high definition - FHD) and the
refresh rate (measured in Hertz). Visual output from a computer is produced through the graphics
processing unit (GPU), which could either be incorporated within the motherboard, or be external to the
motherboard.
These commonly connect with a VGA, DVI, Display Port, HDMI, or USB-C interface. This could either be
wired or wireless. Touch screen monitors look identical to conventional monitors.
M O N I TO R P R I N TER 3 D P R I N TER
A device that you use to transfer text and images from a computer to paper or to another medium,
such as photo paper. You can use a printer to create a paper copy of whatever you see on your monitor.
The most common types of printer technology include inkjet and laser. These commonly connect with a
USB interface.
These are devices which take an electronic three-dimensional rendering (files formed through
computer-aided design – CAD) and prints it in three dimensions, either with filament (a type of plastic),
or even concrete in some construction applications. These commonly connect with a USB interface.
S P EA K ER /H EA D P H O N E P R O JEC TO R
A device that plays sound emanating from sound files (or through the internet-browser on the
computer).
Speakers may either be external or built into the computer, or one can listen through headphones which
can be wired or wireless, or wireless ear pods.
Audio output from a computer is produced through the audio card, which could either be incorporated
within the motherboard, or be external to the motherboard. These commonly connect with a USB
interface, or wirelessly via Bluetooth technology.
S P EA K ER /H EA D P H O N E P R O JEC TO R
These are optical devices which project an image onto a screen. Older projectors created images by
shining a light through a small transparent lens, but newer projectors can project the image directly by
using lasers, using LED technology.
Visual output from a computer is produced through the graphics processing unit (GPU), which could
either be incorporated within the motherboard, or external to the motherboard. These commonly
connect with a VGA, DVI, Display Port, HDMI, or USB-C interface. This could either be wired or wireless,
with some models including a battery for being portable.
Can you sort the different hardware components to the correct category?
Input device
Keyboard Mouse
Touchpad Scanner
Microphone
Output device
Monitor Printer
Speakers Headphones
Input or output device
Touchscreen Webcam
Sound card
00:26
The central processing unit (CPU) is the primary part of any digital computer system. It acts as the
physical ‘heart’ of the global computer system.
Linked to the CPU are various peripheral equipment, including input/output devices and auxiliary
storage units. In most modern computers, the CPU is on an integrated circuit chip called a
microprocessor. The CPU is linked directly to the Motherboard.
Can you answer the following question?
SUBMIT
RAM
This is computer memory which is available to the user to create, load, or run programmes (software) and for
the temporary storage/manipulation of data. RAM is volatile as a medium of storage, so its contents are lost
when the power fails, or the device is turned off.
Some RAM modules are soldered onto the motherboard, whilst other motherboards allow for the expansion of
modules. Current modern formats include DDR4 and DDR5.
ROM
ROM is non-volatile or permanent memory that is commonly used to store commands, such as the commands
that check whether everything is working properly. ROM is a storage medium that permanently stores data on
computers and other electronic devices. It contains the programming required for the start-up of a PC, which is
required for boot-up. It holds programme (software) instructions and performs crucial input/output tasks. This
memory type is frequently referred to as ‘firmware’.
What is the difference between RAM and ROM? Match the correct des
CO N T IN U E
Lesson 8 of 16
00:30
What is a motherboard?
A motherboard is the central printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer and holds many crucial
components of the system, while providing connectors for other peripherals.
The motherboard connects input, output, and processing devices together and tells the CPU how to
run. Other components on the motherboard include the GPU (video card), the sound card, and the
circuits that allow a computer to communicate with devices like a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and
CO N T IN U E
Lesson 9 of 16
00:41
You use storage devices to store computer information. Storage devices come in many forms. Some
examples are hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), USB flash drives, memory cards,
CD/DVD-ROMs, and cloud storage.
Solid state drives (SSD) consist of non-volatile flash memory. This is quickly replacing the use of HDDs
in PCs, as it operates at much greater speeds, yielding much better computer performance.
H A R D D I S K D R I VES S O LI D S TA TE D R I VES C D ROM D VD - R O M
A portable storage medium that allows you to store 400 times more data than on a floppy disk (these
are now obsolete). It is less prone to damage than a floppy disk but is still fallible as they scratch easily.
Often referred to as an optical drive but is becoming obsolete with many modern computers not
including this interface.
H A R D D I S K D R I VES S O LI D S TA TE D R I VES C D ROM D VD - R O M
A portable storage medium that is similar to a CD-ROM; however, it can store larger amounts of data
than a floppy disk or a CD-ROM, with even more storage provided by Blu-ray Discs. A DVD-ROM was
commonly used to store movies and videos, but this is quickly being replaced by SSDs and cloud
storage. Often referred to as an optical drive but is becoming obsolete with many modern computers
not including this interface.
M EM O R Y C A R D S FLA S H D R I VES C LO U D S TO R A G E
A memory card is known to be a small storage medium which is used to store information. The most
common type of data that’s being stored on a memory card include videos, pictures, audio, and other
types of file formats. Memory cards usually interface with cameras and audio/video recorders.
M EM O R Y C A R D S FLA S H D R I VES C LO U D S TO R A G E
This storage involves saving data on hardware which interfaces through a USB connection.
M EM O R Y C A R D S FLA S H D R I VES C LO U D S TO R A G E
This storage involves saving data on hardware in a remote physical location, which can be accessed
from any device via the Internet.
CO N T IN U E
Lesson 10 of 16
00:25
A port is a channel through which data is transferred between input/output devices and the processor.
There are several types of ports that you can use to connect a computer to external devices and
networks.
Display adapter
–
Display Port – DP
HDMI
USB-C/Thunderbolt
You connect a monitor to a display adapter on your computer. The display adapter generates the video
signal received from a computer and sends it to a monitor or projector through a cable. The display
adapter may be on the motherboard or an expansion card. Many modern monitors and projectors can
also display video wirelessly.
Power
–
A motherboard and other components inside a computer use direct current (DC). A power supply
takes alternating current (AC) from a wall outlet and converts it into DC power with a sufficient (lower)
voltage.
Can you answer the following question?
True
False
SUBMIT
00:10
Computer specification is also referred to as computer configuration. Defined as the specific hardware
and software details in terms of devices attached, capacity, or capability.
Inspiron desktop
Extensive storage meets upgraded speed and power in an innovative design that saves space
without sacrificing performance.
WEBSITE
DELL
15.6-inch laptop featuring responsive performance in a sleek design with 2-sided narrow borders,
optional PCIe SSDs, Express Charge and a choice of Intel® Celeron® or Intel® Pentium®
processors.
WEBSITE
Can you answer the following question?
RAM 16 GB
SUBMIT
Complete the content above before moving on.
Lesson 12 of 16
00:09
The proper start-up procedure for a personal computer includes the following steps.
Turning on a computer for the first time can be different from one computer to the next.
Your experience could be different from this lesson. It's OK to ask someone for help.
Step 1
00:33
To turn on a computer, press the power button on the system unit. When you turn on the
computer, lights on the keyboard may blink briefly and you may also hear a beep. This is an
indication that the power-on self-test (POST) has started.
The computer performs a sequence of quick tests to check whether the motherboard,
memory, HDD or SSD, and other components are working.
If you hear a series of beeps, the monitor may display a message indicating that a
component is not functioning. For example, if the keyboard cable is not attached, an error
message may report that there is no keyboard detected.
Step 2
00:12
After POST, the computer starts the operating system (OS). The operating system controls
the computer’s hardware and manages the different operations of the computer, such as
logging on, logging off, and shutting down.
Step 3
00:22
When the computer starts the operating system, the Welcome Screen appears. This screen
displays the links to existing user accounts.
To log on to Microsoft Windows 10, click the link to your user account, type your password in
the box, and click the button next to the box. For more modern laptop computers, a
fingerprint sensor or camera may be employed to use biographical information for log-on.
Step 4
Log-in
00:09
After you log-on to your computer, the operating system prepares the desktop in a few
seconds. If you are using Windows, the desktop appears, and the Welcome Centre opens.
Step 5
Log-o
00:21
After you log-on, you can perform various tasks, such as creating a new file or modifying an
existing file. Before you close the file, you need to save the changes you made to the file. You
can then log-off from the operating system. Logging-off is useful if you share your
computer with other people. You can end your session without affecting the sessions of
other users if they did not log-off from their sessions.
Step 6
Shut down
00:21
You can also end your computer session by using the Shut Down command. If you shut
down a computer when other users are logged on, they can lose unsaved data.
If you encounter problems while using the computer, you can use the Restart option to
restart the computer. On most computers, you should never use the actual power button on
the front of the system unit to turn-off the computer unless it stops responding.
Summary
00:22
The proper start-up procedure for a personal computer includes the following steps:
1. Make sure the power cord is plugged in and the outlet is switched on.
SUBMIT
power button?
SUBMIT
01:43
Keyboards are set up for specific geographical locations and languages. Keyboards can either be wired
or wireless, with built-in versions available on laptops.
Function keys
The keys labelled with ‘F’ including F1, F2 and so forth are called Function Keys. You use them to
perform specific functions. Their functions differ from programme to programme. The function of the F1
key in most programmes is to access the help file associated with a programme.
Numeric keypad
The numeric keypad is a series of alphanumeric keys (from 0 to 9) with a similar layout to that of a
calculator and is typically used for mathematical calculations. For laptops, 14 inch and smaller does not
include a numpad, whereas 15.6 inch and above generally does.
Enter and editing (command) keys
Keys such as INSERT (INS), DELETE (DEL), and BACKSPACE are command keys.
When the INSERT key is turned ON, it helps you overwrite characters to the right of the cursor.
When the INSERT key is OFF, it helps you enter text or characters to the right of the cursor, without
overwriting this text or characters.
The DELETE key and the BACKSPACE key are used to remove typed text, characters, and other objects
on the right and left side of the cursor respectively.
Navigation keys
Also referred to as direction keys. These keys are used for moving around in documents or web pages
and editing text.
They include the ARROW KEYS, HOME, END, PAGE UP and DOWN, DELETE, and INSERT.
Here are some useful links with additional information on the QWERTY Keyboard:
WEBSITE
SUBMIT
CO N T IN U E
Lesson 14 of 16
02:04
A mouse is a small device that you can use to move, select, and open items on your computer screen. A
mouse can either be wired or wireless. For a laptop, you have a trackpad that functions in a similar way.
The mouse is usually kept on the desk next to the keyboard. Most mouse devices have at least two
buttons, left and right. Most of the actions are performed by clicking the left button. The right button is
used for specific functions. Some advanced types of mouse devices provide additional buttons to
speed up common tasks, such as scrolling text. As you move the mouse on your desk, a cursor moves
correspondingly on your screen. The mouse allows you to select an item on the screen. As you move
the cursor over different areas of the screen, the items, or the cursor change. These changes indicate
that you can click an item to open it or see more of its options.
You can open an item by moving the pointer to it and clicking the left mouse button twice. In a
document, you can use the mouse to select a position to start typing. You need to position the cursor in
the document, click where you want to insert text, and then use your keyboard to begin typing.
Exercise your mouse skills by clicking on the mouse tutorial!
To move an item, you need to left-click it, and then holding the mouse button down, move the item to a
different location. After you move the item to the new location, you release the mouse button.
The right button on the mouse is used to display a menu. The options on this menu include the most
common tasks, such as copying text from one location and pasting it to another location. These are
called context-sensitive menus. These menus help you complete tasks quickly. The new Windows 11
operating system indicates graphics for most of these common functions, omitting the words.
Right-click menu
Most mouse devices also have a wheel that helps you to scroll through documents or pages. To scroll,
place your finger on the wheel and roll it back and forth. This moves the document up and down. There
are different types of mouse devices available in the market. Older mouse devices have a rubber or a
metal ball on the underside but are now obsolete. New mouse devices make use of laser technology.
Within the operating system settings, you can change the speed at which the cursor moves and the
speed at which the wheel scrolls.
Explore the topic further by watching the following video for a comprehensive explanation.
CO N T IN U E
Lesson 15 of 16
► Discussion forum
Discussion forum
DISCUSSION
CO N T IN U E
Lesson 16 of 16
► Progress check
Progress check
Do you understand the following? You must check the checkboxes before you can continue.
I can identify the steps for starting a computer as well as the proper shutdown
procedure.
What do you want to do? You can download the PDF document, Start again or Exit this module.
Unit 1 - Introduction to business logistics.pdf
8.6 MB
Start again
START AGAIN
EXIT