BASICS OF COMPUTERS & MS OFFICE

Ὅ Day 1: Introduction to Computers

ᾞ Theory

What is a Computer?A computer is an electronic device that takes input, processes it, stores
it, and gives output.

Computer Operation Process

Input
Processing
Storage
Output
The computer
receives data The computer
or instructions. processes the The computer
input data. stores the The computer
processed provides the
data. processed data
as output.

Main Components of a Computer:

• Hardware: Physical parts like keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU.
• Software: Programs and applications that run on a computer.

Computer System Components

Hardware
Physical elements of a
Computer System computer

The integrated whole of

hardware and software Software
Programs and applications
running on hardware

Types of Devices:
• Input Devices: Used to send data (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner).
• Output Devices: Show results (e.g., monitor, printer, speakers).
• Storage Devices: Store data (e.g., hard disk, pen drive, SSD).
 Understanding Computer Device Types and Examples

Input Devices Output Devices

Keyboard Monitor
Types of
Mouse Printer
Devices
Scanner Speakers

Storage Devices

Hard Disk
Pen Drive
SSD

Basic Functions of a Computer:

1. Input – Entering data
2. Processing – Working on data
3. Storage – Saving data
4. Output – Showing results

Basic Functions of a Computer

Input Processing Storage Output

Practical

Activity 1: Identify and List

• Look at a real desktop or laptop.
• List all hardware components you can see.
• Classify them as input, output, or storage devices.

Activity 2: Start and Shutdown

• Turn on a computer properly.
• Explore the desktop and icons.
• Learn how to shut it down safely.

Activity 3: Mouse and Keyboard Practice

• Practice using the mouse: left-click, right-click, double-click, drag-and-drop.
 • Open Notepad and type your name, school, and favorite color.
• Practice using Caps Lock, Shift, and Backspace.

Mini Task:Create a short list on Notepad using your keyboard:

My Favorite Things:
1. Book
2. Game
3. Food

Ὅ Day 2: Types of Computers & Operating Systems

ᾞ Theory

Types of Computers:
• Desktop: Common in offices and homes.
• Laptop: Portable and compact.
• Tablet: Touch-based computer.
• Smartphone: Small computer used for calls, and apps.

Which type of computer

should I choose?

Desktop Laptop
Ideal for stationary Best for portability
use in offices or and compactness
homes with without sacrificing
extensive tasks. power.

Tablet Smartphone
Suitable for touch- Perfect for
based interaction communication and
and casual use. app usage on the go.

Operating System (OS):

• Software that helps you interact with the computer.
• Manages all hardware and software.
 The Central Role of Operating Systems

User Interaction

User Interaction
Hardware
and Resource
Management
Management

Software
Management

Popular Operating Systems:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Android (for phones/tablets)

Overview of Popular Operating Systems

Android Windows
A mobile OS for A widely used OS for
phones and tablets personal computers

macOS
Linux
Apple's OS for Mac
An open-source OS computers
used in various
environments

Practical

• Activity 1: Identify Devices

• Observe images of desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Write 2 differences between each.
 • Activity 2: Explore OS
• Turn on a Windows computer.
• Identify the start menu, taskbar, and icons.

• Mini Task:
• Open Notepad and write:

Types of Computers:
1. Desktop
2. Laptop
3. Tablet
4. Smartphone

My OS: Windows

Ὅ Day 3: Files, Folders, Drives

ᾞ Theory
• File: A file is a digital container that holds information such as text documents,
images, videos, or audio. Examples include a Word document (.docx), an Excel
spreadsheet (.xlsx), or an image (.jpg).

The Essence of Digital Files

Audio
Stores sound
recordings in digital
format.

Images
Stores visual Videos
information in digital
format. Holds moving visual
content with audio.

Text Documents
Spreadsheets
Contains written
Stores data in tabular
information in digital
form for analysis.
format.
 • Folder: A folder is like a digital cabinet used to organize and group related files.
It helps keep your computer neat and makes it easier to find things. For
example, a folder named "Projects" may contain files like "Project1.docx" and
"Budget.xlsx."

Understanding Digital Folders and Their

Organization

Purpose Examples

Neatness Projects Folder

Folder
Accessibility File Examples

• Drives: Drives are storage areas in a computer where files and folders are saved.
Common drives include:
• C: Drive – The primary drive where your operating system is usually
installed
• D: Drive – Often used for storing personal files or backups
• USB Drive – A portable drive you can plug in and carry around

C: Drive
Ideal for operating system and
essential software installation

D: Drive
Which drive should be
used for storage? Suitable for personal files and
backups

USB Drive
Best for portable and temporary
storage needs

• Why organize files?

• Makes files easier and quicker to find
• Keeps the computer workspace tidy
• Prevents accidental loss or deletion of important files
 Benefits of Organizing Files

Easier Access Tidy Prevents Loss

Workspace Proper organization
Organizing files
helps in quickly A neat arrangement reduces the risk of
locating them. keeps the computer losing important
workspace files.
organized.

Practical
• Activity 1: Create and Organize
• Create a new folder on the desktop named "My Work."
• Inside, create 3 folders: "Word," "Excel," and "PowerPoint."
• Activity 2: Create Files
• Open Notepad and type a few lines. Save it in the "Word" folder.
• Explore file extensions: .txt, .docx, .xlsx
• Mini Task:
• Create a folder structure and explain what you will store in each.

Ὅ Day 4: Introduction to the Internet

ᾞ Theory

• Internet: The Internet is a vast global network that connects millions of

computers around the world, allowing users to share information, communicate,
and access resources anytime, anywhere. It works using interconnected
networks, servers, and devices.
 Internet Connectivity Structure

Devices
End-user access points Interconnected
Networks
Sub-networks forming the
Internet Internet

Global network enabling

connectivity Servers
Centralized resources and
data hubs

• Web Browser: A web browser is a software application used to access and

explore websites on the Internet. Examples include Google Chrome, Microsoft
Edge, and Mozilla Firefox. It displays webpages using a URL (web address).

Understanding Web Browsers

What is a web browser?

A web browser is a software

application used to access
and explore websites on the
Internet.

Can you give examples of

web browsers?

Examples include Google

Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and
Mozilla Firefox.

How does a web browser

display webpages?

It displays webpages using a

URL (web address).

• Search Engine: A search engine is a tool that helps users find specific
information on the Internet by typing keywords. Popular search engines include
Google, Bing, and Yahoo.
 Anatomy of a Search Engine

Functionality Examples
Popularity
The process of Specific instances
The widespread
retrieving like Google, Bing,
use and
information based and Yahoo
recognition of
on keywords
certain search
engines

• Common Uses of the Internet:

• Searching for information for school, work, or personal interest
• Watching videos and movies on platforms like YouTube
• Communicating on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram,
or WhatsApp
• Sending and receiving emails through services like Gmail and Outlook

Common Internet Uses

Uses Description

Searching for
Information Search information

Watching videos on
Video Streaming platforms

Communicating on
Social Communication social media

Sending and
Email Services receiving emails
Practical
• Activity 1: Open a Web Browser and Navigate to a Website
• Locate the Google Chrome icon on the desktop or taskbar and
double-click to open it.
• In the address bar at the top, type in: www.google.com and press Enter.
• Observe the homepage and discuss what elements are visible: search
bar, logo, sign-in button, etc.
• Activity 2: Practice Searching Online
• In the search bar, type and explore the following topics:
• "How to make tea" – Look at the steps listed and the websites that
show recipes.
• "India map" – Switch to the Images tab to view various maps of
India.
• "Microsoft Office uses" – Read the first 2 results and identify where
MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are used.
• Mini Task:
• Open Notepad or write on paper:
• List 3 useful or interesting things you discovered from the Google
search.
• Mention which website you found most helpful and why.

Ὅ Day 5: Email Skills

ᾞ Theory
• Email: Email (Electronic Mail) is a method of exchanging digital messages using the
Internet. It allows users to send and receive text, files, and images quickly across the
globe.

Anatomy of Email Communication

Text Messages File Transfers Image Sharing Global Reach

The primary form of Allows sending and Enables the Facilitates
communication in receiving of exchange of visual worldwide
emails documents content connectivity

• Popular Email Services: These are platforms that provide users with email accounts:
• Gmail: Offered by Google; very popular and user-friendly.
• Outlook: Provided by Microsoft; often used in offices.
• Yahoo: One of the oldest email services.
 Overview of Popular Email Services

Gmail Yahoo
Outlook
Known for its One of the oldest
Preferred in
user-friendly email services,
professional
interface and notable for its
settings for its
integration with historical
office integration
Google services significance

• Email Parts:
• To: The recipient’s email address (who you are sending the email to).
• Subject: A short line that describes the purpose of the email.
• Message Body: The main content or message of the email.
• Attachments: Files (documents, images, etc.) that you can add to the email.
• Signature: Your name or contact details automatically added at the end of an
email.

Email Components

To Subject Message Body Attachments Signature

The recipient’s email A short line The main content or Files that can be Your name or
address for the describing the message of the added to the email. contact details at
email. email's purpose. email. the email's end.

Practical
• Activity 1: Login & Explore Gmail
 • Open a web browser like Google Chrome.
• Go to www.gmail.com.
• If you have a Gmail account, enter your email ID and password to log in.
If not, observe the trainer logging into their account.
• Once logged in, take time to explore:
• Inbox: Where you receive new emails.
• Sent: Shows the emails you've already sent.
• Compose: Click this button to start writing a new email.
• Activity 2: Compose and Send a Mail
• Click on the Compose button.
• In the To field, type your trainer’s email address or your own if you want
to send it to yourself.
• In the Subject line, write: My First Email
• In the Message Body, type: Hello! This is my first email practice.
• Finally, click the Send button.
• Mini Task:
• Write down each step you followed to send an email, starting from
opening the browser to clicking the send button. This will help reinforce
the process and make it easier to remember.

Practical Assignment - 01
• Task 1: Organize Your Computer
• Create a folder named “Assignment 1” on the desktop.
• Inside, create subfolders: “Theory Notes”, “Screenshots”, and “Practice Files.”
• Task 2: File Practice
• Open Notepad and write a short paragraph about what you learned in the first 5
days. Save it in “Theory Notes.”
• Task 3: Internet Practice
• Open Google Chrome and search “Uses of Computers in Daily Life.”
• Note down 3 uses and save them in a Notepad file named “Internet Use.txt”
under “Practice Files.”
• Task 4: Email Practice
• Compose an email to the trainer with the subject: “Week 1 Assignment
Submission.”
• Attach your Notepad files and briefly mention what you’ve learned so far in the
message body.
• Task 5: Screenshots
• Take screenshots of:
• Your folder structure
• One of your Notepad files
• Gmail after sending the email
• Save these in the “Screenshots” folder.
• Submission:
• Zip the “Assignment 1” folder and submit it to the trainer via email or pen drive.