Below is a comprehensive set of **Form 1 Computer Science Notes** based on the **Form 1

Content Matrix** from the syllabus. These notes are designed for **Mr M Mtenje** at **Mother
Touch International School**. The notes are written in **Markdown format**, which can be easily
converted into a Word document or used as-is. Diagrams and images are included where necessary.

```markdown

# COMPUTER SCIENCE NOTES - FORM 1

## By Mr M Mtenje

### Mother Touch International School

---

# 1. HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

## 1.1 Introduction to Computers

A **computer** is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it, and produces information. It
consists of **hardware** (physical components) and **software** (programs and applications).

### 1.1.1 Components of a Computer

- **Input Devices**: Devices used to enter data into the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner).

- **Output Devices**: Devices used to display or produce information (e.g., monitor, printer).

- **Processing Devices**: Devices that process data (e.g., CPU).

- **Storage Devices**: Devices used to store data (e.g., hard disk, USB flash drive).

![Computer Components](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/
Computer_system.svg/1200px-Computer_system.svg.png)

---

## 1.2 Input Devices

Input devices are used to enter data into the computer. Examples include:

- **Keyboard**: Used to type text and commands.

- **Scanner**: Used to convert physical documents into digital format.

- **Microphone**: Used to input sound.

### 1.2.1 Types of Keyboards

- **QWERTY Keyboard**: The standard keyboard layout.

- **Numeric Keypad**: Used for entering numbers quickly.

- **Concept Keyboard**: Uses icons or phrases instead of standard letters.

---

## 1.3 Output Devices

Output devices are used to display or produce information. Examples include:

- **Monitor**: Displays text, images, and videos.

- **Printer**: Produces hard copies of documents.

- **Speakers**: Produce sound output.

### 1.3.1 Types of Printers

- **Inkjet Printer**: Uses liquid ink to produce high-quality prints.

- **Laser Printer**: Uses toner powder and is faster than inkjet printers.

---

## 1.4 Storage Devices

Storage devices are used to store data for future use. Examples include:

- **Hard Disk**: Stores large amounts of data.

- **USB Flash Drive**: Portable storage device.

- **CD/DVD**: Optical storage media.

- **Primary Storage**: Temporary storage (e.g., RAM).

- **Secondary Storage**: Permanent storage (e.g., hard disk).

---

## 1.5 Software

Software refers to the programs and applications that run on a computer. There are two main types:

- **System Software**: Manages hardware and provides a platform for running applications (e.g.,
Windows, macOS).

- **Application Software**: Programs designed for specific tasks (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google
Chrome).

---

# 2. APPLICATION OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

## 2.1 Uses of Computers in Different Fields

Computers are used in various fields, including:

- **Agriculture**: For crop monitoring and farm management.

- **Banking**: For online transactions and ATM services.

- **Education**: For e-learning and research.

- **Social Networks**: For communication and sharing information.

### 2.1.1 Computers in Agriculture

- **Precision Farming**: Uses GPS and sensors to monitor crops.

- **Farm Management Software**: Helps farmers manage resources efficiently.

---
# 3. DATA REPRESENTATION

## 3.1 Binary Number System

Computers use the **binary number system** (base-2) to represent data. It consists of only two
digits: **0** and **1**.

### 3.1.1 Binary to Decimal Conversion

To convert a binary number to decimal, multiply each bit by its corresponding power of 2 and sum
the results.

**Example**: Convert `1011` to decimal.

```

1 * 2^3 = 8

0 * 2^2 = 0

1 * 2^1 = 2

1 * 2^0 = 1

Total = 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 11

```

---

# 4. COMMUNICATION NETWORKS AND INTERNET TECHNOLOGIES

## 4.1 Types of Networks

- **LAN (Local Area Network)**: Covers a small area like a school or office.

- **WAN (Wide Area Network)**: Covers a large geographical area (e.g., the internet).

### 4.1.1 Network Topologies

- **Star Topology**: All devices are connected to a central hub.

- **Bus Topology**: All devices are connected to a single communication line.

---

# 5. SECURITY AND ETHICS

## 5.1 Cyber Wellness

Cyber wellness refers to the positive well-being of internet users. It involves:

- **Respect for Self and Others**: Avoid sharing harmful content.

- **Safe and Responsible Use**: Protect personal information online.

### 5.1.1 Online Relationships

- **Internet Dating**: Meeting people online.

- **Social Networking**: Connecting with friends and family.

---

# 6. SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

## 6.1 System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

The SDLC consists of the following stages:

1. **Problem Identification**: Identify the issue to be solved.

2. **Feasibility Study**: Determine if the project is viable.

3. **Design**: Create a blueprint for the system.

4. **Implementation**: Build and deploy the system.

5. **Maintenance**: Update and improve the system.

---
# 7. ALGORITHM DESIGN AND PROBLEM-SOLVING

## 7.1 What is an Algorithm?

An **algorithm** is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem.

### 7.1.1 Sequence Construct

The sequence construct involves executing steps in a specific order.

**Example**: Algorithm to add two numbers.

```

Step 1: Start

Step 2: Input Number1

Step 3: Input Number2

Step 4: Sum = Number1 + Number2

Step 5: Print Sum

Step 6: Stop

```

---

# 8. PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS

## 8.1 Variables and Constants

- **Variable**: A storage location that can hold different values.

- **Constant**: A value that does not change.

### 8.1.1 Data Types

- **Integer**: Whole numbers (e.g., 5, -10).

- **String**: Text (e.g., "Hello").

- **Boolean**: True or False.

# 9. DATABASES

## 9.1 What is a Database?

A **database** is a collection of related data organized in tables.

### 9.1.1 Database Objects

- **Tables**: Store data in rows and columns.

- **Queries**: Retrieve data based on specific criteria.

- **Forms**: Provide a user interface for data entry.

---

# 10. WEB DESIGN

## 10.1 Introduction to HTML

**HTML (HyperText Markup Language)** is used to create web pages.

### 10.1.1 Basic HTML Structure

```html

<html>

<head>

<title>My First Web Page</title>

</head>

<body>

<h1>Welcome to My Website</h1>

<p>This is a paragraph.</p>

</body>

</html>

```
---

# 11. TECHNOPRENEURSHIP

## 11.1 Business Ethics

Business ethics involve honesty, integrity, and fairness in business practices.

### 11.1.1 Marketing Strategies

- **Product**: What you are selling.

- **Price**: How much you charge.

- **Promotion**: How you advertise your product.

---

# END OF CHAPTER QUESTIONS

## Chapter 1: Hardware and Software

1. Define the term "computer" and explain its main functions.

2. List five input devices and describe their uses.

3. Differentiate between RAM and ROM.

## Chapter 2: Application of Computer Science

1. How are computers used in agriculture?

2. Explain the role of computers in banking.

## Chapter 3: Data Representation

1. Convert the binary number `10101` to decimal.

2. Explain why computers use the binary system.

## Chapter 4: Communication Networks

2. Draw a diagram of a star topology and explain its advantages.

## Chapter 5: Security and Ethics

1. What is cyber wellness?

2. List three ways to protect your personal information online.

## Chapter 6: System Analysis and Design

1. Describe the five stages of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

2. What is the purpose of a feasibility study?

## Chapter 7: Algorithm Design

1. Write an algorithm to find the largest number in a list of numbers.

2. What is the difference between a flowchart and pseudocode?

## Chapter 8: Programming Concepts

1. What is a variable? Give an example.

2. List three data types used in programming.

## Chapter 9: Databases

1. What is the purpose of a query in a database?

2. List three types of data that can be stored in a database.

## Chapter 10: Web Design

1. Write the HTML code for a simple web page that displays your name and school.

2. What is the purpose of the `<head>` tag in HTML?

## Chapter 11: Technopreneurship

1. Define the term "business ethics" and explain its importance.

2. List three attributes of a good business strategy.

# END OF NOTES

```

### Notes:

- **Diagrams**: Diagrams are included for better understanding. You can replace the URLs with
actual images if needed.

- **Questions**: End-of-chapter questions are included to test understanding.

- **Markdown Format**: This document can be converted to a Word document using tools like
**Pandoc** or any Markdown editor.

This comprehensive set of notes should help students understand the Form 1 Computer Science
syllabus effectively.