Hardware and Software
- Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer — things you can touch, like the monitor, keyboard, mouse, CPU, and printer.
- Software is a set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. It cannot be touched. It includes programs like Microsoft Word, Paint, and browsers like Chrome.
Example: When you use the mouse (hardware) to open Paint (software), you’re using both hardware and software together.
Important Hardware:
- CPU
- Monitor
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Printer
- Speakers
- Scanner
- Hard Disk (HDD)
- RAM
- Pen Drive / USB
Important Software :
- Software
- Operating System (OS)
- Application Software
- Web Browser
- Antivirus
- Paint
- Word Processor
- Spreadsheet
Input and Output Devices
- Input Devices are used to send data to the computer. Examples include a keyboard (for typing) and a mouse (for clicking).
- Output Devices show the result. Examples include a monitor (displays text/pictures) and a printer (prints paper).
Example: Typing a poem on a keyboard (input), seeing it on the monitor (output).
Input Devices
Devices used to send data into the computer.
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Microphone
- Scanner
- Webcam
- Joystick
Output Devices
Devices that show or give out the result of processed data.
- Monitor
- Printer
- Speakers
- Projector
Data and Information
- Data means raw facts or unorganized figures. For example, “Ali”, “25”, and “Red” are pieces of data.
- Information is data that has been processed and made meaningful. For example, “Ali is 25 years old and likes red color” is information.
Example: A student’s marks in subjects (data) are added and shown as a report card (information).
The Desktop and Its Environment:
The desktop is the main screen you see after the computer turns on. It shows icons( A graphical designing that show the file ), the taskbar, and start menu. You can open programs from here.
-Icons: An icon is a small picture or symbol on the computer screen that represents a file, folder, program, or shortcut.Icons make it easy to identify and open things on your computer quickly.
-Start menu or start button: Use for searching for something on the computer, and also we can log in & log out also do the setting of computer settings from here.
Example: The Paint icon on your desktop is a shortcut. Clicking it opens the Paint program.
File Explorer
File Explorer is a tool that lets you view, open, copy, move, and delete files and folders. Or the File Explorer window opens, allowing you to access and manage files and folders on your computer. You can open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or using the shortcut Windows + E.
Example: Use File Explorer to open your “Pictures” folder and see saved images.
You can later view the picture using File Explorer.
Create Folder, and Rename Folder
Create a Folder
Folders help you organize files neatly.
To create a folder:
- Right-click on the desktop or inside File Explorer.
- Select New → Folder.
- A new folder will appear with the name “New Folder”.
Rename a Folder
Renaming helps you identify folders easily.
To rename a folder:
- Right-click on the folder
- Select Rename.
- Type the new name (e.g., “Class 5 Pictures”) and press Enter.
Operating System (OS)
An Operating System (OS) is the main software that controls the computer or mobile device. It helps the device to work properly by managing files, apps, memory, and all hardware parts (keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc.).
Example: When you turn on your computer and see the desktop with icons – that’s the work of the operating system.
✅ Why is an Operating System Necessary?
- To start the computer or mobile.
- To run applications like MS Word, Chrome, WhatsApp, etc.
- To control input and output devices.
- To store and manage files.
- To secure and update the system.
Note: Without an OS, you cannot open Word documents or browse the internet.
Examples of OS in Daily Life
- Windows OS: Used in schools, offices, and homes for typing, making presentations, and internet browsing.
- Android OS: Used in budget phones for social media, gaming, and calls.
- iOS: Used in iPhones for photography, video editing, and security features.
- Linux OS: Used by programmers and in ATMs or servers for fast and secure operations.
Conclusion:
Computers are an important part of modern life. We need to understand both hardware (like the keyboard and monitor) and software (like MS Word and Paint) to use them properly. The operating system helps run all programs and controls the computer. By learning about input/output devices, desktop tools, and different types of OS, students become skilled and confident users. These skills are helpful in school, daily life, and future careers.