Computer Notes
Computer Notes
Everyday Use: Computers are everywhere! We use them for school, work, and fun. Learning about
computers helps us do things better.
Job Opportunities: Many jobs need computer skills. Knowing how to use computers can help us get good
jobs in the future.
Communication: We use computers to talk to friends and family through emails and social media.
Information Access: We can find information quickly on the Internet for homework or personal interests.
In Business: Computers help with writing reports, managing money, and communicating with customers.
In Personal Life: We use computers for online shopping, watching movies, and playing games.
What is a Computer?: A computer is a machine that can process information and perform tasks.
Primary Operations:
Output: Showing the results (like printing a document or displaying it on the screen).
Storage: Saving information for later use (like saving a file on a hard drive).
1940s: The first electronic computers were created, like the ENIAC.
1950s: The first computers used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, making them smaller and faster.
1970s: The first personal computers (PCs) were made, like the Apple I.
1980s: Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) were developed, making computers easier to use.
2000s: Laptops and mobile devices became common, allowing us to use computers anywhere.
Input Hardware: Devices that let us enter information (e.g., keyboard, mouse).
Processing Hardware: The central processing unit (CPU) that does the calculations and processing.
Output Hardware: Devices that show us the results (e.g., monitor, printer).
Storage Hardware: Where we save information (e.g., hard drive, USB flash drive).
Communications Hardware: Devices that help computers connect to the Internet (e.g., modem, network
card).
How It Works: Software helps us perform tasks like writing documents, playing games, or browsing the
Internet. Without software, the computer would not know how to do anything.
1. Personal Computer (PC): Example: Dell Desktop. Used for everyday tasks like browsing the Internet and
writing documents.
2. Laptop: Example: MacBook. Used for work and school on the go.
3. Tablet: Example: iPad. Used for reading, games, and watching videos.
4. Smartphone: Example: Samsung Galaxy. Used for communication, apps, and Internet access.
5. Server: Example: Web Server. Used to store and manage data for websites.
6. Supercomputer: Example: IBM Summit. Used for complex calculations and research, like weather
forecasting.
7. What are a Network, the Internet, and the World Wide Web?
World Wide Web (WWW): A part of the Internet that contains web pages and websites.
Identification: Computers and people on the Internet have unique addresses called IP addresses. Web
pages have URLs (web addresses) that help us find them.
Type the web address (URL) in the address bar and press Enter.
Navigating a Website:
Benefits:
For example, we use word processors to write letters, spreadsheets to do math, and presentation software
to make slideshows.
Word Processing Software: This helps us write and edit documents. Examples are Microsoft
Word and Google Docs.
Spreadsheet Software: This helps us work with numbers and data. Examples are Microsoft Excel
and Google Sheets.
Database Software: This helps us store and organize lots of information. An example is Microsoft
Access.
Graphics Software: This helps us create and edit pictures. Examples are Adobe Photoshop and
Canva.
Installed Software: This is software that we need to download and install on our computer. We can use it
anytime, even without the Internet.
Cloud Software: This is software that we use over the Internet. We can access it from any computer with
Internet. Examples are Google Docs and Dropbox.
Commercial Software: This is software we buy. We have to follow the rules that come with it.
Shareware: This is software we can try for free for a short time. After that, we should pay for it if
we want to keep using it.
Freeware: This is software that is free to use. The creator lets us use it without paying.
Open Source Software: This is software that anyone can use and change. The code is available for
everyone.
Keyboard Shortcuts: These are special keys we can press to do things faster, like Ctrl + C to copy.
Common word processing programs are Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Spreadsheet software helps us organize numbers and data in rows and columns.
We can create tables to keep track of data, like names and addresses.
Conclusion
Computers and software help us do many things in our daily lives. They make learning, working, and having fun
easier. It’s important to know how to use them safely and wisely!