ict skills

• A computer system consists of two main parts:

  • Hardware: The physical parts that we can see and touch, such as the keyboard, monitor, and CPU
  • Software: The part that cannot be seen but makes hardware work, examples include Windows and MS Office
• Operating System (OS) starts working as soon as we switch on a computer, displaying the desktop on the monitor. Commonly used OS for laptops and desktops are Ubuntu, Microsoft Windows, and Mac OS
• To start a computer, press the Power button on the CPU. This will start the operating system and display the desktop on the monitor
• Basic functions performed when a computer starts:

  • A basic program called BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) runs automatically
  • BIOS does a self-test and if the system is fine, it loads the Operating System
• When logging in to the computer with your login-ID and password, the computer recognizes you as an authorized person and allows you to work on applications
• To shut down a Windows computer, click the Start button at the bottom left corner and then click Shut Down. The Operating System will close all applications and turn off the computer
• A keyboard is an input device used to type text, numbers, and commands into the computer. It includes function keys, control keys, punctuation keys, navigation keys, command keys, and the Windows key
• A mouse is a small device used to move, select, and open items on the computer screen. Actions include roll over or hover, point and click, drag and drop, and double-click
• All information stored in a computer is kept in files with file names and extensions. Folders are locations where groups of files can be stored
• Basic shortcuts include:

  • CTRL+z: undo
  • CTRL+y: redo
  • CTRL+a: select all
  • CTRL+x: cut
  • CTRL+c: copy
  • CTRL+v: paste
  • CTRL+p: print
  • CTRL+s: save
• Importance of Care and Maintenance of Computers:

  • Taking care of electronic devices helps them work properly
  • Basic tips include cleaning the keyboard and screen, handling devices carefully, keeping the computer cool, not overcharging the battery, plugging in devices carefully, and not running too many programs at a time
• Prepare a Maintenance Schedule:

  • Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance tasks to keep the computer in good condition
• Backing up data means saving information on another device like CD/DVD drives to recover data in case of computer failure
• Scanning and Cleaning Viruses:

  • Install anti-virus software to prevent and clean viruses that may enter the system
• Protecting your Data:

  • Use strong passwords, install anti-virus and firewall, encrypt data, and provide details on secure sites only
• Threats to Computer Security:

  • Theft, viruses (Worms and Trojan Horse), online predators, internet scams