INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
Overview
• Introductory definitions
• Components of a computer
• Parts of a computer
• Exploring the desktop
• Files and Folders
• Using the mouse
• Using the keyboard
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Computer
• An electronic device that processes data according to a
set of stored instructions.
• An electronic device that follow instructions to accept
input (data), process the input and then produce output
(information).
• Work through an interaction of hardware and software
• Hardware - the physical parts of a computer that you can see
and touch.
• Software refers to programs that governs the operations of the
computer.
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Parts of a computer
• Hardware
• Physical parts of a computer that you can see and touch
• E.g. Monitor (screen), keyboard, mouse etc.
• Internal hardware is found inside the main box of the computer
• External hardware is found outside the system unit and plug into ports located
on the exterior of the system unit.
• Software
• Programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its
devices.
• Instructions or programs that perform actions on a hardware
• Software is needed to control hardware and to turn it into a useful machine.
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Software
• Two types:
1. Systems software
• Programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. Sub-
divided into two:
• Operating Systems (OS): is a set of programs that coordinates all activities among
computer hardware devices and allows users to run application software e.g..
• OS provides an interface that helps the user to interact with the computer.
• OS boots the computer and launches programs at the user`s direction.
• Examples of OS are Windows XP,7,8, 10,11, Linux, Macintosh, Android etc.
• Utility programs: Programs that performs a very specific task related to managing
system resources.
• Allow the user to perform maintenance-type tasks related to managing a computer, its devices or
its programs
• Help to perform maintenance or correct problems with a computer system.
• Examples: Virus scanner, backup software, data compression, system monitors, disk
defragmenters etc.
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Software cont…
2. Applications software
• Programs that perform specific tasks for users. Enable users to solve
problems, perform work or entertain themselves.
Examples:
• Word processor e.g. Microsoft Word
• Spreadsheet e.g. Microsoft Excel
• Presentation e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint
• Viewing Web pages e.g. Mozilla Firefox, Chrome, Edge etc
• Sending and receiving e-mail
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Components of a computer
• An input (device) is a hardware used to enter data into the
computer
• An output (device) is a hardware that conveys information to the
user
• A Central Processing Unit (CPU) or processor changes data into
information
• Memory - Holds the programs and data that users are working
on.
• A storage stores data or information
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Input devices
• Any device that enables users to enter data and instructions into
the computer
• Keyboard
• Used to type information into your computer
• Mouse
• Allows data input by clicking to select options
• Scanners
• Barcode readers
• Digital camera
• Microphone
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Input Devices
Hardware used to enter
data and instructions
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Output devices
• Any device that help users get information out of the computer
in a meaningful way.
• Monitor, screen or Visual Display Unit (VDU)
• Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
• A vacuum tube used as a display screen in a computer or video display terminal.
• Found in older desktop computers but also in older television sets.
• Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
• A flat panel technology
• Printers
• Speakers
• To deliver an audio output such as music, that is connected to the computer.
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Output devices
Hardware that conveys
information to a user
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Storage devices
• Holds data, instructions, and information
for future use
• Examples of storage devices are:
• Hard disk drive
• Compact disks
• Memory card
• Flash disks
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Storage devices
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Memory
• Temporary holding place for data and instructions when the
processor (CPU) is using them.
• Where programs and data are kept when the processor is actively
using them.
• A special chip that hold data and instructions ready for use by the
CPU.
• Types of Memory
• RAM (Random Access Memory)
• ROM (Read Only Memory)
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Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Also referred to as Main memory
• Holds the programs and data that users are working on.
• Temporarily hold (1) software instructions and (2) data before
and after it is processed by the CPU.
• RAM is volatile – when the computer is switched off anything
in RAM is lost.
• Data stored on disk is transferred into RAM when you open a
file to work on it.
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Read Only Memory (ROM)
• Memory that stores instructions and data that can be only be read, but it
cannot be updated or modified.
• Important program instructions needed to start a computer and load OS
are stored in ROM.
• ROM is non-volatile storage, which means that the information is
maintained even if the component loses power.
• ROM plays a critical part in starting up the computer.
• This is also referred to as booting up the computer.
• Modifying it is either impossible or very difficult.
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Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Also called the processor or microprocessor.
• A part of a computer that controls all other parts.
• CPU interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate
a computer.
• Directs and coordinates most of the operations in a computer
• Carries out instructions that tell the computer what to do.
• Considered to be the brain of the computer.
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Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Also called the processor or microprocessor.
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Types of computers
Desktop computers (personal Computer
• Designed for use at a desk or table
• Designed so that all of the components fit on or under a desk or
table
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Types of computers
Laptops and notebooks
• Lightweight mobile computers with a thin screen.
• Can operate on batteries, so you can take them anywhere.
• Unlike desktops, laptops combine CPU, screen, and keyboard in a single case
• Notebooks are small, affordable laptops that are designed to perform a
limited number of tasks such as to browse the web and check e-mail.
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Types of computers
Handheld computers (Palmtops)
• Also called personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• Are battery-powered computers small enough to carry almost anywhere.
• Useful for scheduling appointments, storing addresses and phone
numbers, and playing games.
• Some have more advanced capabilities, such as making telephone calls
or accessing the Internet.
• Have touch screens that you use with your finger or a stylus (a pen-
shaped pointing tool).
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Types of computers
Tablet PCs
• Mobile computers that combine features of laptops and
handheld computers.
• Users write notes or draw pictures on the screen with a tablet
pen instead of a stylus.
• Can also convert handwriting into typed text.
• Some Tablet PCs are “convertibles” with a screen that swivels
and unfolds to reveal a keyboard underneath.
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Types of computers
Smartphones
• Are mobile phones that have some of the same capabilities as
a computer.
• Used to make telephone calls, access the Internet, organize
contact information, send e-mail and text messages, play
games and take pictures.
• Usually have a keyboard and a large screen.
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Types of computers
Server
• A computer that has been optimized to provide services to
other computers over a network.
• Servers have powerful processors, lots of memory and large
hard drives.
• Other types of computers can fill an entire room.
• These are: Mainframes and Supercomputers
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Servers
Midrange server Powerful, large computer
that supports up to a few thousand computers
Mainframe Very powerful, expensive
computer that supports thousands of
computers. Used by large organizations
Supercomputer The fastest, most powerful, most
expensive computer. Used for applications requiring
complex mathematical calculations. Used in weather
forecasting, climate research, oil and gas exploration,
physical simulations etc.
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What can you do with computers?
• At workplace, people use computers to keep records, analyze
data, do research, manage projects etc.
• At home, people use computers to find information, store
pictures and music, track finances, play games and communicate
with others.
• Send and receive messages by electronic mail (email
• Education – Online lessons
• Trade – Buying and selling of products and services.
• Connect to the Internet, send and receive emails etc.
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Exploring the desktop in windows 10
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The desktop
• The main screen area that you see after you turn on your computer
and log on to Windows.
• It serves as a surface for your work.
• When you open programs or folders, they appear on the desktop.
• You can put things on the desktop, such as files and folders and
arrange them the way you want.
• The taskbar sits at the bottom of your screen.
• It shows you which programs are running and allows you to switch between
them.
• It also contains the Start button , which you can use to access programs,
folders and computer settings.
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The Taskbar
• Taskbar is the long horizontal bar at the bottom of your screen.
• Unlike the desktop, which can be covered by open windows,
• The taskbar is almost always visible. It has three main sections:
• The Start button, which opens the Start menu.
• The middle section, which shows you which programs and files you
have open and allows you to quickly switch between them.
• The Notification area, which includes a clock and icon (small pictures)
that communicate the status of certain programs and computer
settings.
• You're likely to use the middle section of the taskbar the most.
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The Taskbar
• To switch to another window, click its Taskbar button.
• Clicking Taskbar buttons is one of several ways to switch
between windows.
• When a window is active (its Taskbar button is highlighted),
• When you move mouse pointer to a Taskbar button, a
small picture appears that shows a small or tiny version of
the corresponding window.
• This preview, also called a thumbnail, is useful and if one
of the windows has video or animation playing, you'll see it
playing in the preview.
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The Notification Area
• Notification area, on the far right side of the taskbar,
includes a clock and a group of icons. It looks like this.
• These icons communicate the status of something
on the computer or provide access to certain
settings.
• The set of icons you see depends on which programs
or services you have installed and how your
computer manufacturer set up your computer.
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Using the mouse
• An input device used to enter data and instructions into the computer
• You can use the mouse to interact with items on the computer
screen.
• You can move objects, open them, change them, throw them away,
and perform other actions, all by pointing and clicking with the
mouse.
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Using the mouse
Basic parts
• A mouse has two buttons:
• A primary button (usually the left button) and
• A secondary button (usually the right button).
• Primary button is mostly used.
• Most mice also include a scroll wheel between the buttons to help users scroll through
documents and webpages more easily.
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Holding and moving the mouse
• Place your mouse beside your keyboard on a clean, smooth surface,
such as a mouse pad.
• Hold the mouse gently, with your index finger resting on the primary
button and your thumb resting on the side.
• To move the mouse, slide it slowly in any direction.
• Don't twist it—keep the front of the mouse aimed away from you.
• As you move the mouse, a pointer (see picture) on your screen moves
in the same direction.
• If you run out of room to move your mouse on your desk or mouse
pad, just pick up the mouse and bring it back closer to you.
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Pointing, clicking, and dragging
• Pointing to an item on the screen means moving your mouse so the
pointer appears to be touching the item.
• When you point to something, a small box often appears that
describes the item.
• For example, when you point to the Recycle Bin on the desktop, a box
appears with this information: "Contains the files and folders that you have
deleted."
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Holding and moving the mouse
• Mouse pointer can change depending on what you're pointing to. E.g.,
when you point to a link in web browser, the pointer changes from an
arrow to a hand with a pointing finger .
• Most mouse actions combine pointing with pressing one of the mouse
buttons.
• There are four basic ways to use your mouse buttons: clicking, double-
clicking, right-clicking, and dragging.
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Clicking and Double-clicking
Clicking (single-clicking)
• To click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and
release the primary button (usually the left button).
• Clicking is most often used to select (mark) an item or open a menu. This is
sometimes called single-clicking or left-clicking.
Double-clicking
• To double-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then click
twice quickly. If the two clicks are spaced too far apart, they might be
interpreted as two individual clicks rather than as one double-click.
• Double-clicking is most often used to open items on your desktop. For
example, you can start a program or open a folder by double-clicking its
icon on the desktop.
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Right-clicking
• To right-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press
and release the secondary button (usually the right button).
• Right-clicking an item usually displays a list of things you can do with
the item.
• For example, when you right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop, Windows
displays a menu allowing you to open it, empty it, delete it, or see its
properties. If you're ever unsure of what to do with something, right-click it.
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Dragging
• You can move items around your screen by dragging them.
• To drag an object, point to the object on the screen, press and hold
the primary button, move the object to a new location, and then
release the primary button.
• Dragging (sometimes called dragging and dropping) is most often
used to move files and folders to a different location and to move
windows and icons around on your screen.
Using the scroll wheel
• If your mouse has a scroll wheel, you can use it to scroll through
documents and webpages. To scroll down, roll the wheel backward
(toward you). To scroll up, roll the wheel forward (away from you).
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Tips for using your mouse safely
• Holding and moving your mouse properly can help you avoid soreness
or injury to your wrists, hands, and arms, particularly if you use your
computer for long periods of time. Here are some tips to help you
avoid problems:
• Place your mouse at elbow level. Your upper arms should fall relaxed at your
sides.
• Don't squeeze or grip your mouse tightly. Hold it lightly.
• Move the mouse by pivoting your arm at your elbow. Avoid bending your wrist
up, down, or to the sides.
• Use a light touch when clicking a mouse button.
• Keep your fingers relaxed. Don't allow them to hover above the buttons.
• When you don't need to use the mouse, don't hold it.
• Take short breaks from computer use every 15 to 20 minutes.
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The Keyboard
• Keyboard is the main way to enter information into the computer.
• You can also use the keyboard to control the computer.
• Learning just a few simple keyboard commands (instructions to the
computer) can help you work more efficiently.
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Keyboard
• Keyboard is the main way to enter information into the computer.
• You can also use the keyboard to control the computer.
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Keyboard keys
• The following illustration shows how these keys are arranged on a
typical keyboard. Some keyboard layout might be different.
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Keyboard keys
• The keys on the keyboard can be divided into several groups based on function:
• Typing (alphanumeric) keys. These keys include the same letter, number,
punctuation, and symbol keys.
• Control keys - These keys are used alone or in combination with other keys to
perform certain actions. The most frequently used control keys are Ctrl, Alt, the
Windows logo key and Esc.
• Function keys. The function keys are used to perform specific tasks. They are
labeled as F1, F2, F3 and so on, up to F12. The functionality of these keys differs
from program to program.
• Navigation keys - These keys are used for moving around in documents or
webpages and editing text. They include the arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up,
Page Down, Delete, and Insert.
• Numeric keypad - The numeric keypad is handy for entering numbers quickly. The
keys are grouped together in a block like a conventional calculator or adding
machine.
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Press this To do this
Move the cursor or selection one space or line in the direction of the arrow,
Left Arrow, Right Arrow, Up Arrow, or Down Arrow
or scroll a webpage in the direction of the arrow
Home Move the cursor to the beginning of a line or move to the top of a webpage
End Move the cursor to the end of a line or move to the bottom of a webpage
Ctrl+Home Move to the top of a document
Ctrl+End Move to the bottom of a document
Page Up Move the cursor or page up one screen
Page Down Move the cursor or page down one screen
Delete the character after the cursor, or the selected text; in Windows, delete
Delete
the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin
Turn Insert mode off or on. When Insert mode is on, text that you type is
Insert inserted at the cursor. When Insert mode is off, text that you type replaces
existing characters.
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Key name How to use it
Press Shift in combination with a letter to type an uppercase letter. Press Shift in combination with another key to
Shift
type the symbol shown on the upper part of that key.
Press Caps Lock once to type all letters as uppercase. Press Caps Lock again to turn this function off. Your
Caps Lock
keyboard might have a light indicating whether Caps Lock is on.
Press Tab to move the cursor several spaces forward. You can also press Tab to move to the next text box on a
Tab
form.
Press Enter to move the cursor to the beginning of the next line. In a dialog box, press Enter to select the
Enter
highlighted button.
Spacebar Press the Spacebar to move the cursor one space forward.
Backspace Press Backspace to delete the character before the cursor, or the selected text.
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Using the numeric keypad
• The numeric keypad arranges the numerals 0 though 9, the arithmetic
operators + (addition), - (subtraction), * (multiplication), and / (division), and
the decimal point as they would appear on a calculator or adding machine.
• These characters are duplicated elsewhere on the keyboard, but the keypad
arrangement allows you to quickly enter numerical data or mathematical
operations with one hand.
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Using the numeric keypad
• To use the numeric keypad to enter numbers, press Num Lock.
• Most keyboards have a light that indicates whether Num Lock is on or off.
• When Num Lock is off, the numeric keypad functions as a second set of
navigation keys (these functions are printed on the keys next to the
numerals or symbols).
• You can use numeric keypad to perform simple calculations with Calculator.
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Using keyboard shortcuts
• Keyboard shortcuts are ways to perform actions by using your
keyboard.
• They're called shortcuts because they help you work faster.
• Almost any action or command performed with a mouse can be
performed faster using one or more keys on the keyboard.
• A plus sign (+) between two or more keys indicates that those
keys should be pressed in combination.
• E.g. Ctrl+A means to press and hold Ctrl and then press A. Ctrl+Shift+A
means to press and hold Ctrl and Shift and then press A.
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Find program shortcuts
• You can do things in most programs by using the keyboard. To see
which commands have keyboard shortcuts, open a menu. The
shortcuts (if available) are shown next to the menu items.
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Tips for using your keyboard safely
• Using your keyboard properly can help avoid soreness or injury to your wrists,
hands, and arms, particularly if you use your computer for long periods of time.
• Here are some tips to help you avoid problems:
• Place your keyboard at elbow level. Your upper arms should be relaxed at your
sides.
• Center your keyboard in front of you. If your keyboard has a numeric keypad,
you can use the spacebar as the centering point.
• Type with your hands and wrists floating above the keyboard, so that you can
use your whole arm to reach for distant keys instead of stretching your fingers.
• Avoid resting your palms or wrists on any type of surface while typing. If your
keyboard has a palm rest, use it only during breaks from typing.
• While typing, use a light touch and keep your wrists straight.
• When you're not typing, relax your arms and hands.
• Take short breaks from computer use every 15 to 20 minutes.
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Typing text
• Whenever you need to type something in a program, e-mail
message or text box, you'll see a blinking vertical line (I).
• That's the cursor also called the insertion point.
• It shows where the text that you type will begin.
• You can move the cursor by clicking in the desired location with the
mouse, or by using the navigation keys.
• In addition to letters, numerals, punctuation marks, and symbols,
Typing keys also include Shift, Caps Lock, Tab, Enter, the Spacebar
and Backspace.
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Working with windows
• When you open a program, file or folder, it appears on the screen
in a box or frame called a window
• (that's where the Windows operating system gets its name).
• A window is a rectangle on your screen that organizes how you
view and work in specific programs or files on your computer.
• See the picture in the next slide.
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Working with windows
• All windows share some
things in common.
• Windows always appear
on the desktop—the main
work area of your screen.
• Most windows have the
same basic parts.
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Working with windows
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Parts of a window
• Title bar - Displays the name of the document and program (or the folder
name if you're working in a folder).
• Minimize, Maximize, and Close buttons. These buttons hide the window,
enlarge it to fill the whole screen, and close it, respectively
• Menu bar - Contains items that the can click to make choices in a program.
• Scroll bar – Help users to scroll the contents of the window to see
information that is currently out of view.
• Borders and corners - You can drag these with your mouse pointer to
change the size of the window.
• Other windows may have additional buttons, boxes, or bars. But they'll
usually have the basic parts, too.
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Dialog Boxes
• A special type of window that ask users a question,
• Allows users to select options to perform a task, or provides users with
information.
• You'll see dialog boxes when a program or Windows needs a response from the
user before it can continue.
• Most dialog boxes can't be maximized, minimized, or resized. They can, however,
be moved.
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Using Text Boxes
• A text box allow users to type information, such as a search term or password.
• The following picture shows a dialog box containing a text box. We've entered "bear" into the text
box.
• A blinking vertical line called the cursor indicates where text that you type will appear. In the
example, you can see the cursor after the "r" in "bear." You can easily move the cursor by clicking
the new position. For example, to add a word before "bear," you would first move the cursor by
clicking before the "b."
• If you don't see a cursor in the text box, it means the text box isn't ready for your input. Click the
box first, and then start typing.
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Using Command Buttons
• A command button performs a command (makes something happen)
when you click it.
• You'll see them in dialog boxes, which are small windows that contain
options for completing a task.
• E.g. if you close a Paint picture without saving it first, you might see a
dialog box like this.
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Working with files and folders
• A file is a document or collection of data that has a name and is stored in a
computer
• E.g. music, text, image, and video files
• A folder is a directory used to store/organize your files
• Files and folders help to keep your computer organized
• Computer documents are saved as files
• Folders are used to store/organize your files
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Working with files and folders
• A file is an item that contains information—for example, text, images
or music.
• On computers, files are represented with icons; this makes it easy to
recognize a type of file by looking at its icon.
• The common way to create new files is by using a program.
• E.g. you can create a text document in a word-processing program
• Here are some common file icons:
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Files
• Computer documents are saved as files (text, image, audio, video)
• Examples of some files are:
• A picture you saved/downloaded, a letter, a song or video you
downloaded
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Folders
• A folder is a container you can use to store files in.
• Folders can also store other folders.
• A folder within a folder is usually called a subfolder.
• You can create any number of subfolders, and each can hold any
number of files and additional subfolders.
• Here are some typical folder icons:
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Folders
• Folders are used to store your files. They are like File Cabinets,
containing drawers, which contain file folders that can contain many
documents.
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Libraries
• Windows Operating System has some folders already set up for
you in your PC:
• Documents
• Music
• Pictures
• Videos
• You can organize your own documents into these folders
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Using libraries to access your files and folders
• You can use libraries to access your files and folders, and arrange them in
different ways.
• Four default libraries and what they're used for:
• Documents library.
• Use to organize and arrange word-processing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and
other text-related files.
• Pictures library.
• Use to organize and arrange your digital pictures, whether you get them from your camera,
scanner, or in e-mail from other people..
• Music library.
• Use to organize and arrange your digital music, such as songs that you rip from an audio
CD or that you download from the Internet.
• Videos library.
• Use to organize and arrange your videos, such as clips from your digital camera or video
files that you download from the Internet.
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