Computer Fundamentals

• Information & Communication Technology reading book for Grade 6 is provided by the Educational Publications Department.
• The textbook can be obtained in electronic form through www.edupub.gov.lk.

Publication Information

• First print occurred in 2018.
• Second print occurred in 2019.
• The ISBN is 978-955-25-0088-6

Importance of Computers

• Computers are electronic devices that people use every day at home, school, work, etc.
• The basic functions include entering data, processing it, and producing processed data, which is information.

Significant features of computers

• Speed and Efficiency: Computers complete tasks quickly.
• Accuracy: Output is accurate, given correct instructions and data.
• Reliability: You can rely on the computer.
• Consistency: Given the same input, output will be consistent.
• Storage Capacity: Large amounts of data van be stored.
• Cost: Initial cost may be high, with low maintenance costs.
• Intelligence: The computer only acts according to the given instructions, and can’t make decisions on its own.

Embedded Computer Systems

• Equipment operated by computer programs.
• Examples include washing machines, mobile phones, modern vehicles and televisions

Main Components of a Computer

• Input Devices
  • Devices used to enter data and instructions
  • Examples include a mouse, keyboard and microphone
• Output Devices
  • Used to retrieve the data and information
  • Examples include a monitor, printer and speaker
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  • Controls the computer and processes data based on instructions
  • CPU is located inside the system unit
• Main Memory
  • Stores data, information, and instructions temporarily
  • Also called primary memory or Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Storage Devices
  • Used to store data, information and instructions
  • Storage can be internal or external
  • Examples include hard disks, CDs, DVDs, Blue Ray disks, and pen drives
• Communication Devices
  • Used to exchange the processed data and information
  • Examples include a network interface card (NIC), modem and router

Software

• Set of programs designed to execute tasks by using a computer

Software vs. Hardware

• Everything one can touch in the computer is called hardware.
• Things that cannot be touched such as programmes with data and instructions are called software.
• A user can do different tasks using software, fulfilling the needs of the user.

Software Examples:

• MS Word is used to prepare documents.
• Computer Games
• Video editing software
• Painting software
• Media Players

Application of Computers in Various Sectors

• Activities in all sectors have become easy by the use of computers.
• Schools: Simplify work and bring effectiveness to office, and learning process in classrooms.
• Banking: Used for ATMs, and online/mobile banking is readily available.
• Hospitals: Used for embedded computer systems such as thermometers, and computer embedded devices in the ICU.
• Factories: Computer devices replace human labor, increasing production.
• Agriculture: Embedded computer devices are used in activities, increasing productivity by minimizing expenditure.

Computer Laboratory Safety

• It’s your responsibility to use the devices properly and keep them safe to reduce costs of maintenance or replacement.

Proper etiquette for computer labs

• Do: Remove footwear before entering, be careful when touching electronics, and be aware of the exit doors
• Don't: Run or play, supply power to devices without instructions, bring food or water, forget to switch off equipment or scan external storage devices for viruses.

Computer Operations Guide

First, supply electricity, if a UPS is connected, turn it on. Second, the system must be switched on. Finally, the monitor must be turned on.

Turning Off

• First, close apps, then select "Shutdown", switch off the monitor once the screen is dark, switch off the UPS and the wall switch.

Computer Ethics

• A code of ethics that can be considered guidelines that help use the computer correctly.
• Use computers without disturbing others.
• Avoid hacking computer activities of others.
• Software to be paid for should not be copied.
• Do not access the internet without supervision, repair devices without instructions.

Postures to be followed for use

• Always keep the computer screen level with or little below your eyes.
• The distance between your eyes and the computer screen should be between 18 and 28 inches.
• Sit upright by leaning on the chair's back
• Place yer feet on the ground and keep your legs vertically.
• Keep the keyboard and mouse at elbow level.

When Correct Postures are not Maintained

• You may experience eye pain, impaired vision, and tearing of the eyes.
• Pain will occur in your backbone
• Feet will sustain injury
• Experiencing discomfort, swelling, and aches in finger joints and elbows.

Disposing of Electronic Waste

• All computer hardware is considered electronic waste when they become out of use or when the user discards them
• Hazards can cause damages for generations, they must be disposed of properly and the 3R system can be used.

The 3 R's :

• Reduce: Don't upgrade equipment periodically, maintain the existing ones if possible.
• Reuse: Donate or sell equipment if they are in working condition, without discarding them.
• Recycle: Hand them over to an electronics recycling company.

Creating Passwords

• Computers should be safeguarded physically as well as logically.
• To protect the information stored from outsiders, a secret password can be set.

Guidelines for Effective Password Creation are as follows :

• It should be collection of letters (A-Z), numbers (0 - 9), and symbols (@, #, $).
• Minimum of 8 characters.
• Does not include simple information like your name or birthday.
• Password hints should be meaningful to only the user.
• By giving an e-mail address, the password can be stored.

File Management

• File management can be done through an operating system.
• You can do these with Files: Save, Open, Edit, and Close
• You can maximize, minimize, and resize a window

Operating Systems

• An operating system is computer software/program that establishes a relationship between the user and the hardware and helps to manage other software in a computer.
• Examples include Windows, Linux, Ubuntu, Mac OS, and Red Hat

What is a file?

• To name a file, edit documents, store those in a preferred place
• A file can contain any data, instructions and commands
• Files which are stored contain list of term test lists, videos, agendas, the national anthem, and images.
• Files are shown with unique symbols.
• Opening a file or a programme in an interface displays on the user interface.

File Properties

• File name: the label used to find the file
• File Extension: used to find which app creates the file in the first place.
• Contains two parts.

Working With Windows

• A working window is the active window being worked in on an application.
• Windows can be maximized, minimized and resized.
• Double Clicking Opens a File

Folder Properties

• Used to keep files in order
• Folders in working window include Title Bar, Menu Bar, and Tool bar.
• Use these steps to create a file, save a file, edit a file or copy a file.

Importance of Software

• Software is essential to do different tasks of the user.
• The operating system is a bridge that connects the user and computer.
• File manipulation is a major function of the system
• Creating, editing and closing a file can be done through an operating system.
• A file is a collection of data and information, while a folder is a collection of files.

Application Software: Use of Mouse and Keyboard

• To listen to a song, type a letter or draw a picture, what else do you need?
• There are separate tools for that.
• We should know about the keyboard and the mouse to do those things.

Application Examples:

• Preparing budget reports, watching a video
• Preparing documents, Editing Pictures and computer games
• Examples of General apps:
  • Word processing for preparing letters/documents

Special Purpose example:

• Computer games
• School/Library/Banking Management Systems.

Essential Tools

• App is a type of Application Software
• Using application software: use the keyboard and mouse.
• Properly train yourself to use them.

Mouse Properties

• Controlling and moving the pointer on the screen can be done by moving the mouse.
• Opening a file, folder, menu and selecting commands can be done by clicking the buttons on the mouse.
• The arrow shown on the screen, mouse pointer also called cursor.
• Normal parts of a mouse has a left and right button and a small wheel in the middle.

Using the Mouse Properly

• When we use the mouse, hold it properly, while the improper use can cause pain.
• Many tasks can be performed with a mouse.
• These can be divided into selecting, opening and moving items
• Scroll is used to move with a wheel.

Important Keyboard Notes:

• There are wired, wireless and touch Keyboards
• There are letter, number and symbol keys on a keyboard.
• They are located with Numeric keys at the top.
• Select the way of typing using Caps Lock and Shift.
• ' QWERTY ' is known as the layout for the alphabet letters.

Keyboard tips

• The cursor shows the location being typed
• Use the space-bar and Shift key for the correct spacing
• There are also keys for control, tab and delete, as well as the arrow keys.

Software types

• Word processors to create stores, Graphic software to draw pictures and produce graphics, Audio and video and editing software exist to edit and create digital forms.
• Comply with the ethics in editing audio and video.

Algorithm and Flow Charts.

• To achieve any particular aim, people do different activities in day to day life to solve problems.
• A problem can be solved by finding, input, process and output.
• Things included are input, its guidelines are to be followed and be able to obtain the results.

Algorithms

• If you can prepare a cup of tea, tie the shoe lace correctly, or put on the school uniform correctly, then you know how to use an algorithm.
• Use steps sequentially in an algorithm and have a start and an end including initial and normal and end of problem
• Get the area of the rectangle by solving in 6 steps, including stating, finding the measurements and providing a definitive declaration.

Flow Chart Basics

• Standard symbols and their meanings must be used while showing each action
• You can show how different processes interact with flow charts and decision making.
• You can draw charts for making a fruit salad and rectangle measurements

Internet and Communication

• The Internet helps in finding information and communication.
• The internet is a large number of computers in computer networks
• People can perform activities like newspaper reading and bill paying online.

Access to the Internet

• Use a web browser to use the internet to find Information
• Websites/Web pages are open in a browser.

Web Browser Basics

• There are a lot of websites which are made up of web pages.
• They include information about things such as images/videos/audio and text.

Example Browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Internet Explorer
• Mozilla Firefox

Other Internet Tips:

• Usually there is a short cut to opening browsers
• It is usually at desktop
• Websites need to be entered in the address bar
• There are toolbars to be used for website changes.
• Return to the original link by clicking the back button

Researching Effectively

• Research Educational information can be done through a web browser and by using search engines from website information
• Remember, there's lots of different types of web browsers, so the internet, web browser, and search engines can give you the appropriate info

What do you do in such pages?

• Educational websites on the Internet need to know how to study.
• In order to enter a website, enter in the Address bar of the web browser
• A Search engine can search for recipes, news, history, science, and education.
• Efficiently scan thousands of websites by finding what is most productive.

Effective internet search phrases

• Use keywords instead of sentences, use various sentences and try new different words if required
• Take some assistance from others
• It will show hundreds of websites Be careful when wording Search accurately and appropriately

Remember these factors

• When using commas and the " sign, remove on necessary words and connect multiple words, remove on necessary facts and remove the key

The Internet Ethically

• Use strong passwords and usernames in order to protect your personal information.
• Internet usage must be properly managed as well to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Be aware of the directions and instructions.
• Follow this in order to get proper help and guidance wherever possible at different times.

This content explores the fundamental capabilities and applications of computers. It highlights the importance of computers in enhancing efficiency, data processing, and communication across various sectors. It also introduces basic computer components such as input and output devices.