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1 Meaning and Importance of Digital Literacy

Digital Literacy refers to the ability to effectively and critically navigate, evaluate, and create
information using a range of digital technologies. It encompasses not only technical proficiency
but also the capacity to use digital tools safely, ethically, and efficiently.

Importance:

 Enhances employability in the digital economy.

 Enables participation in digital learning platforms.
 Facilitates communication and collaboration.
 Supports access to information and online services.
 Fosters safe internet usage and awareness of cyber threats.

1.2 Functions and Uses of Computers

Functions:

 Input: Accepting data through input devices.

 Processing: Handling data using the CPU.
 Storage: Saving data for future use.
 Output: Displaying the result through output devices.
 Control: Directing the manner and sequence in which all operations are carried out.

Uses:

 Business (accounting, data analysis)

 Education (e-learning, research)
 Healthcare (patient records, diagnostics)
 Communication (email, video conferencing)
 Entertainment (games, media streaming)

1.3 Classification of Computers

Computers are classified based on size, function, and usage.

 By Size:

o Supercomputers
o Mainframe computers
o Minicomputers
o Microcomputers (Desktops, Laptops)
  By Purpose:

o General-purpose
o Special-purpose

1.4 Components of a Computer System

A computer system includes hardware, software, data, procedures, and users.

Main Categories:

 Hardware: The physical components.

 Software: Programs and operating systems.
 Users: People interacting with the system.
 Data: Raw facts to be processed.
 Procedures: Instructions and rules.

1.5 Computer Hardware

a. System Unit

 Motherboard: Main circuit board.

 CPU (Central Processing Unit): Brain of the computer.
 Power Supply Unit: Distributes power to components.
 RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage.
 Hard Drive/SSD: Permanent storage.

b. Input Devices

 Pointing devices: Mouse, touchpad.

 Keying devices: Keyboard.
 Scanning devices: Barcode scanners, flatbed scanners.
 Voice/Speech recognition: Microphones, smart assistants.
 Direct data capture devices: Cameras, biometric scanners.

c. Output Devices

 Hardcopy: Printers, plotters.

 Softcopy: Monitors, projectors, speakers.

d. Storage Devices

 Main memory: RAM, ROM.

  Secondary storage: HDDs, SSDs, CDs, DVDs, flash drives, memory cards.

e. Computer Ports

 HDMI, DVI, VGA

 USB (Type A, Type C)
 Ethernet
 Audio ports

1. Classification of Computer Software

Computer software is categorized into two main types:

A. System Software

 Manages and controls computer hardware so that application software can function.

 Examples:

o Operating Systems (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS)

o Utility Programs (e.g., antivirus, disk cleanup tools)
o Device Drivers (e.g., printer or sound drivers)

B. Application Software

 Performs specific tasks for users.

 Categories:

o Productivity software (MS Word, Excel)

o Multimedia software (VLC, Adobe Photoshop)
o Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox)
o Communication software (Zoom, Skype)

C. Programming Software

 Tools used to write, test, and maintain code.

 Examples: Text editors (VS Code), Compilers (GCC), Debuggers

2. Operating System Functions

The OS acts as an intermediary between the user and hardware:

1. Process Management – Manages running applications/processes.

2. Memory Management – Allocates and tracks RAM usage.
3. File System Management – Manages how files are stored/retrieved.
4. Device Management – Coordinates peripherals through drivers.
 5. User Interface (UI) – Provides GUI/CLI for user interaction.
6. Security – Controls access and protects data (e.g., login credentials).
7. Networking – Manages data transfer between devices.

3. Procedure for Turning On/Off a Computer

To Turn On:

1. Ensure power supply is connected.

2. Press the power button on the CPU/laptop.
3. Wait for the OS to load (booting process).

To Turn Off:

1. Close all running applications.

2. Click "Start" → “Shut Down” (Windows) or use OS-specific procedure.
3. Wait until the screen and CPU power off.
4. Turn off power source if necessary.

Note: Avoid turning off the computer directly using the power button unless it is unresponsive.

4. Mouse Use Techniques

 Single Click: Selects an item.
 Double Click: Opens folders or applications.
 Right Click: Opens a context menu with options.
 Click and Drag: Moves files or selects multiple items.
 Scroll Wheel: Scrolls pages up/down.

5. Keyboard Parts and Use Techniques

Keyboard Parts:

 Alphanumeric Keys – Letters and numbers.

 Function Keys (F1–F12) – Perform specific OS/application functions.
 Control Keys – Ctrl, Alt, Shift – used in combinations.
 Navigation Keys – Arrows, Home, End, Page Up/Down.
 Numeric Keypad – On the right side for fast data entry.
 Special Keys – Enter, Spacebar, Backspace, Escape.

Use Techniques:
  Proper finger placement (Touch Typing).
 Shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl + C to copy, Ctrl + V to paste).
 Typing without looking increases speed and accuracy.

6. Suggested Assessment Methods

 Practical Exercises: Demonstrate turning on/off, file creation, and OS use.
 Quizzes: Short MCQs or True/False on OS functions and hardware.
 Demonstrations: Ask learners to customize desktops or connect to networks.
 Observations: Monitor how learners handle peripherals.

7. Device Controls (Volume Controls and Display Properties)

 Volume Controls:

o Adjust through OS volume mixer.

o Keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Fn + Volume key).
o System tray (sound icon).
 Display Properties:

o Right-click desktop → Display settings.

o Adjust screen resolution, orientation, brightness.
o Multiple display configuration (duplicate/extend screen).

8. Desktop Customization
 Change Wallpaper – Right-click → Personalize.
 Adjust Themes – Choose light/dark mode, icons, sounds.
 Taskbar Settings – Pin/unpin apps, hide taskbar.
 Desktop Icons – Add/remove My Computer, Recycle Bin.
 Screensaver Settings – Configure from display settings.

9. Folder and File Management Using an OS

 Create Folders: Organize files into directories.
 Copy/Paste/Move Files: Drag-drop or use keyboard shortcuts.
 Rename/Delete: Right-click → Rename or Delete.
 Search Files: Use OS search bar.
 File Extensions: Know types (e.g., .docx, .jpg, .exe).
 Recycle Bin: Temporarily stores deleted items.
10. Computer Internet Connection Options
A. Mobile Networks/Data Plans

 Access via SIM cards (3G, 4G, 5G).

 Tether via USB/hotspot.
 Prepaid or postpaid options.

B. Wireless Hotspots

 Public or private Wi-Fi zones.

 Need password or are open.
 Range-limited, good for portability.

C. Cabled (Ethernet/Fiber)

 Fast and reliable.

 Ethernet via LAN cables.
 Fiber-optic offers higher speeds and stability.

D. Dial-Up

 Outdated, uses phone lines.

 Very slow, used in remote or legacy setups.

E. Satellite

 Ideal for rural/remote areas.

 High latency, affected by weather.
 Requires dish and modem.

11. Computer External Devices Management

Common External Devices:

 Printers, Scanners
 Flash Drives
 External Hard Drives
 Webcams
 Game Controllers

Device Management Techniques:

 Connect Device: Plug via USB or wireless (Bluetooth).

 Install Drivers: OS may auto-install or require manual setup.
 Manage via Device Manager: Check status, update/remove drivers.
 Safely Remove Hardware: Use system tray icon to avoid corruption.