PPT: Computer Basics

Table of Contents
1. What is a computer?
2. Main parts of a computer
3. Simple meanings of important words
4. How a computer works (simple steps)
5. Input and output devices - quick examples
6. Uses of computers
7. Basic rules for safe and good use
8. Taking care of files
9. Fun activity ideas
10. Short questions for practice
11. Summary
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Computers are machines that help us do many tasks quickly. They can show pictures, play sounds, save our work, and help us learn. This chapter explains the very basic ideas about computers in simple words so a young student can understand how a computer works, the main parts of a computer, and how to use and take care of one.

What is a computer?

A computer is an electronic machine that takes information, follows instructions, and gives back useful results. A computer can do simple jobs like adding two numbers and complex jobs like drawing pictures or helping us learn new things.

Main parts of a computer

Every computer has parts you can touch and parts you cannot touch. We give names to these parts so we can learn how they help the computer work.

Hardware (parts you can touch)

• Monitor - the screen that shows pictures and words.
• Keyboard - the set of keys you press to type letters, numbers and symbols.
• Mouse - a small device you move with your hand to point and click on the screen.
• CPU (Central Processing Unit) - the box or the small chip inside the computer that does the thinking and follows instructions.
• Printer - prints pictures or words on paper.
• Speaker - plays sounds and music.
• Scanner - makes a picture of a paper page and puts it into the computer.
• Storage devices - places that keep your work safe. Examples are hard disk, USB flash drive and memory card.

Software (parts you cannot touch)

• Software is a set of instructions or programmes that tell the computer what to do.
• Operating system is a special software that helps the computer run and lets other programmes work. Examples are names like Windows, Android, or other systems for tablets.
• Applications are programmes used to do tasks like drawing, writing, learning games or watching videos.

Simple meanings of important words

• Program / Programme - a set of steps written for the computer to follow.
• File - a saved work such as a picture, story or a drawing.
• Folder - a place where many files are kept together, like a school folder.
• Save - to keep your work in the computer so you can open it later.
• Open - to start a file so you can see or change it.

How a computer works (simple steps)

1. You give information to the computer using an input device (for example, keyboard or mouse).
2. The CPU does the thinking and follows the instructions in programmes.
3. The computer shows the result on the monitor or makes a sound through the speaker, or prints it on paper with the printer.
4. If you want to keep the result, you save it to a storage device so it can be used later.

Input and output devices - quick examples

• Input devices: keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone (for voice).
• Output devices: monitor, printer, speaker.

Uses of computers

• Learning new things and doing homework.
• Drawing pictures and making colourful cards.
• Writing stories and printing them out.
• Playing educational games that help with reading, maths and thinking.
• Listening to music and watching safe videos for children.

Basic rules for safe and good use

• Always wash your hands before using a computer if your hands are dirty, so the keyboard and mouse stay clean.
• Do not eat or drink near a computer to avoid spills that can break it.
• Use the mouse and keyboard gently. Press keys softly and move the mouse carefully.
• Switch the computer off properly using the correct command from the screen or the power button if your teacher tells you to.
• Ask an adult or teacher before opening any new file or programme.

Taking care of files

• Give your files simple names so you can find them later, for example, My Drawing or Holiday Story.
• Save your work after you finish so it is not lost.
• Keep your USB flash drive or memory card in a safe place when not in use.

Fun activity ideas

• Draw a picture using a simple paint programme and save it with your name.
• Type a short sentence about your favourite animal and print it out.
• Play a learning game that teaches counting or letters for 10-15 minutes with a teacher's help.

Short questions for practice

1. What is a computer?

Ans. A computer is an electronic machine that takes information, follows instructions and gives results.

2. Name two input devices and two output devices.

Ans. Two input devices are keyboard and mouse. Two output devices are monitor and printer.

3. Why should we save our work?

Ans. We save our work so that we do not lose it and can open it later to see or change it.

Summary

Computers are helpful machines used for learning, playing, drawing, and saving work. They have hardware (things you can touch) and software (programmes that tell the computer what to do). By learning about the main parts and following simple safety rules, you can use a computer well and keep your work safe.