Computer Literacy Basics Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Overview of theoretical and practical aspects of computer literacy.
• Examples of devices: laptop, tablet, smartphone, desktop computer.

What is a Computer?

• Types of Computers:
  • Laptop: Integrated keyboard, screen, and mouse pad.
  • Tablet: Touch screen, integrated keyboard.
  • Smartphone: Touch screen, built-in messaging and multimedia capabilities.
  • Desktop Computer: Separate monitor, keyboard, mouse, and system unit.

Multi-Purpose Devices

• Designed to perform multiple functions.
• Examples:
  • ATM: Single-purpose (withdraw money).
  • Washing Machine: Single-purpose (wash clothes).
  • Smartphone: Multi-purpose (videos, music, photos, etc.).
• **Portability: **
  • Portable devices: smartphone, tablet, laptop (battery-operated).
  • Non-portable: desktop computer (requires wall power).

Hardware vs Software

• Hardware: Physical parts of a computer (can be touched and seen).
  • Examples: system unit, keyboard, mouse, monitor.
• Software: Instructions for the computer to perform tasks.
  • Examples: operating systems (Windows 10), applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Reader).

Operating Systems and Software

• Operating Systems (OS): Platform that allows other software to run (e.g., Windows, Android).
• Applications: Programs that perform specific tasks (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook, games).
• Multi-Purpose Tools: Devices that can run various programs (e.g., smartphones).

Why Smartphones are Computers

• Functionality beyond calls: Apps enable tasks like photography, video recording, messaging.
• **Information Processing Cycle: **
  • Input: Giving instructions (typing, clicking).
  • Processing: Device checks and processes instructions.
  • Storage: Saving data to the device.
  • Output: Displaying results (viewing, printing).

Input, Processing, Storage, and Output Example

• Adding a Contact on Smartphone:
  • Input: Entering contact details.
  • Processing: Checking if contact already exists.
  • Storage: Saving contact details.
  • Output: Message indicating if contact exists.

Data and Information

• Data: Raw facts (e.g., a phone number).
• Information: Processed data (e.g., saved contact details).

Practical Examples

• Laptop vs Desktop Computer:
  • Laptop: Integrated screen, keyboard, and mouse pad, portable, battery-operated.
  • Desktop Computer: Separate system unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, non-portable, wall-powered.

Components of a Desktop Computer

• System Unit: Contains main hardware components.
  • Ports for connecting peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.).
• Monitor/Screen: Display device; external for desktops, built-in for laptops.
• Keyboard and Mouse: Input devices; built-in for laptops, external for desktops.
• Mouse Functions:
  • Left click: Select items.
  • Right click: Display options.
  • Scroll wheel: Navigate up and down.
• Keyboard Functions:
  • Full keyboard: Letters, numbers, function keys.
  • Numpad for quick number entry.

Conclusion

• Both laptops and desktops serve different needs based on portability and usage requirements.
• Understanding the basics helps in selecting the right device for specific tasks.