1.1 What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic machine that takes data (input), processes it, and gives meaningful information
(output).
Types of Computers
Computers come in many shapes and sizes. Based on their size, power, and use, computers can be
grouped into different types.
1. Desktop Computer
What is it?
A desktop computer is a personal computer made to sit on a desk. It has a separate monitor,
CPU, keyboard, and mouse.
Use:
In homes, schools, and offices
For studying, gaming, or doing office work
2. Laptop Computer
What is it?
A laptop is a portable computer. It combines the monitor, keyboard, mouse (touchpad), and CPU
in one body.
Use:
Carried to school, college, or work
Used for online classes, video calls, and office task.
3. Supercomputer
What is it?
A supercomputer is the fastest and most powerful computer. It can solve complex problems
quickly.
Use:
Weather forecasting
Scientific research
Space exploration
4. Mainframe Computer
What is it?
A mainframe computer is a very large and powerful system used by big companies. It can handle
many users at once.
Use:
Banks, airlines, and government offices
Storing huge amounts of data
5. Tablet & Smartphone
What is it?
These are handheld computers. A tablet is larger than a smartphone but smaller than a laptop.
Use:
Watching videos, reading books, playing games
Browsing the internet, video calls, and chatting
6. Embedded Computers
What is it?
These are small computers inside machines that help them work. They are not seen directly.
Use:
In washing machines, smart TVs, microwaves, ATMs
Summary Table
Type of Computer Use Case Size
Desktop Home/Office work Medium
Laptop Travel & work Small & Portable
Supercomputer Research & weather Very Large
Mainframe Business & data storage Very Large
Tablet/Smartphone Entertainment & communication Handheld
Embedded Inside machines Very Small
Hardware and Software
Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that you can see and touch, like the keyboard,
mouse, monitor, and CPU.
What is Hardware?
Definition:
Hardware is the physical parts of a computer that you can see and touch.
Examples:
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
CPU
Printer
Speaker
Types of Hardware:
1. Input Devices
These are used to enter data into the computer.
Examples:
Keyboard
Mouse
Microphone
Scanner
Webcam
2. Output Devices
These are used to show the result from the computer.
Examples:
Monitor
Printer
Speaker
Projector
3. Processing Device
This device processes data and performs calculations.
Example:
CPU (Central Processing Unit) – known as the "brain" of the computer
4. Storage Devices
These devices are used to store data.
Examples:
Hard Drive (HDD)
Solid State Drive (SSD)
Pen Drive
CD/DVD
Memory Card
Software is the set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do. You cannot touch
software. Examples include MS Word, Paint, and web browsers.
What is Software?
Definition:
Software is a set of instructions or programs that tells the computer what to do. It cannot be
touched – it's like the "brainpower" behind the machine.
Types of Software:
1. System Software
Helps the computer run and controls hardware parts.
Examples:
Operating System (OS) – Windows, Linux, macOS
Device Drivers
Utility Software (like antivirus)
2. Application Software
These are programs used to do specific tasks.
Examples:
MS Word (for writing)
MS Paint (for drawing)
Google Chrome (for browsing)
Games
3. Programming Software
Used by developers to create software and apps.
Examples:
Python
Java
C++
Visual Studio Code
Key Differences Between Hardware and Software
Feature Hardware Software
Nature Physical – can be touched Digital – cannot be touched
Function Performs operations Tells hardware what to do
Examples Mouse, CPU, Monitor MS Word, Windows, Games
Lifespan Can wear out over time Does not wear out but can crash
Quick Quiz
1. Which of the following is an input device?
a) Printer
b) Scanner
c) Monitor
2. What type of software is MS Word?
a) System Software
b) Programming Software
c) Application Software
3. Can you touch software?
a) Yes
b) No
4. Which one is a storage device?
a) Mouse
b) CPU
c) Pen Drive
Example: When you type in MS Word using the keyboard (hardware), the software helps you write and save
your work.
1.2 Parts of a Computer
Here are some important parts of a computer:
1. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
It is the brain of the computer.
It processes all the information and controls all the activities of the computer.
2. Monitor
It looks like a TV screen.
It displays the text, images, and videos. It is also called a Visual Display Unit (VDU).
3. Keyboard
It is used to type letters, numbers, and symbols into the computer.
It contains special keys like Enter, Spacebar, Shift, and Arrow keys.
4. Mouse
A pointing device that helps you select and move items on the screen.
It usually has two buttons and a scroll wheel.
1.3 How to Use a Mouse
Here are some basic mouse actions:
Click: Press the left mouse button once to select an item.
Double-click: Press the left button twice quickly to open a file or folder.
Right-click: Press the right mouse button to see more options.
Drag and Drop: Hold down the left button and move the mouse to drag an item from one place to
another.
Tip: Practice clicking and dragging using games or simple drawing tools like MS Paint.
1.4 Keyboard Typing
The keyboard has many keys, but it is important to learn the home row keys first for typing.
Home row keys: A, S, D, F (left hand) and J, K, L, ; (right hand). Your fingers should rest on these
keys when typing.
Use all your fingers to type without looking at the keyboard. This is called touch typing.
Start with simple typing practice: type your name, short words, and simple sentences.
Example: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
