Basic Computer Knowledge Notes
1. Fundamentals of Computers
What is a Computer?
- A computer is an electronic device that stores, retrieves, and processes data.
- It works with hardware (physical parts) and software (programs).
Basic Components:
- Input Devices - Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner.
- Output Devices - Monitor, Printer, Speakers.
- CPU (Central Processing Unit) - Brain of the computer.
- Memory - RAM (Temporary), Hard Disk (Permanent).
Types of Computers:
- Desktop, Laptop, Tablet, Smartphone, Mainframe.
Functions of a Computer:
1. Input
2. Processing
3. Storage
4. Output
2. Microsoft Word (MS Word)
Use:
- Used for creating, editing, formatting text documents like letters, resumes, reports.
Important Features:
- Font, Size, Bold/Italic/Underline
- Paragraph Alignment
Basic Computer Knowledge Notes
- Bullets and Numbering
- Insert Table, Picture, Shapes
- Page Layout - Margins, Orientation
- Mail Merge
- Save/Print Documents
3. Microsoft Excel (MS Excel)
Use:
- Used for managing data, calculations, charts, and analysis.
Key Concepts:
- Cell: Intersection of a row and column
- Formulas: E.g. =SUM(A1:A5), =AVERAGE(B1:B10)
- Functions: SUM, AVERAGE, IF, VLOOKUP
- Charts: Column, Pie, Line charts
- Formatting: Merge Cells, Cell Color, Borders
- Sorting and Filtering
- Pivot Tables
4. Basic Computer Q&A
Q1: What is an operating system?
A: It is system software that manages hardware and software. Example: Windows, Linux.
Q2: Shortcut to copy and paste?
A: Ctrl + C (Copy), Ctrl + V (Paste)
Q3: What is a spreadsheet?
Basic Computer Knowledge Notes
A: A spreadsheet is a grid-based file used to manage and analyze data.
Q4: What is the use of Mail Merge in MS Word?
A: It is used to send personalized letters/emails to multiple people.
Q5: Difference between Save and Save As?
A: "Save" updates the file, "Save As" creates a new copy with a different name or location.