Importance of Computers PDF

1 Importance of Computers 1.1 Let's get to know the Computer My name is Computer. Dear kids, would you like to get to I am your friend who is know abo...

1 Importance of Computers 1.1 Let's get to know the Computer My name is Computer. Dear kids, would you like to get to I am your friend who is know about me? coming closer to your day to day life. You can see me in your home, offices, schools etc. I am a fast electronic device made to fulfil your needs. You can do complex tasks efficiently and accurately with my help. At the same time I don't get tired as you. I can perform tasks for a long time with the same speed. 1.1.1 Functions of a Computer The basic functions of a computer are entering data, processing them and producing processed data (information). Input Process Output Figure 1.1 - Basic Functions of a Computer For free distribution 1  Input Output Data & Information Instructions Process Data Activity 1 - See 1.1 in the Workbook. 1.1.2 Significant Features of a Computer Speed and Efficiency  It can finish any given task within a very short time. (It can perform billions of tasks in a second.) Accuracy  It can provide correct information when correct instructions and data are given. Reliability Consistency  You can rely on the  It produces consistent output when process and the output. the same input is given. 2 For free distribution  Storage Capacity Cost  It can store a large amount of  Though the initial cost is high, data. It can obtain them at any the maintenance cost is not so. given time for any process. Intelligence  It can act according to the given instructions. But it cannot take decisions on its own like a human being. 1.1.3 Devices with Embedded Computers Grandpa, do you know? There is a washing machine at Amal's house. When we put clothes into it, it automatically washes and dries them. How is that, son? It works with the help of a computer programme. For free distribution 3 Equipment like washing machines, mobile phones, modern motor vehicles and modern televisions are operated by computer programmes. Computer programmes included in such equipment are known as Embedded Computer Systems. Smart Phones Washing Machines Modern Cars Smart Televisions Figure 1.2 - Some Devices with Embedded Computers 1.2 Let's identify the Components of a Computer Display System Unit Speaker Keyboard Internet Router Mouse Figure 1.3 - Components of a Computer 4 For free distribution A computer is a unit which consists of many parts. We can categorise those parts into components according to the nature of the functions they do. ² Input Devices ² Output Devices ² Central Processing Unit ² Main Memory ² Storage Devices ² Communication Devices ² Input Devices The devices which are used to enter data and instructions to computers are called input devices. Mouse Keyboard Microphone Web Camera Scanner Barcode Reader Figure 1.4 - Some Input Devices ² Output Devices The devices which are used to retrieve the data and information are called output devices. Computer Monitor Printer Speaker Multimedia Projector Figure 1.5 - Some Output Devices For free distribution 5 ² Central Processing Unit (CPU) Controlling the computer and processing data according to the given instructions are done by the Central Processing Unit. The Central Processing Unit is located inside the system unit. It cannot be seen from outside. System Unit Mother Board Central Processing Unit Figure 1.6 - Location of the Central Processing Unit ² Main Memory The device which is used to store data, information and instructions temporarily is identified as the main memory or the primary memory. It is also called the Random Access Memory (RAM). Figure 1.7 - Random Access Memory -RAM 6 For free distribution ² Storage Devices The devices which are used to store data, information and instructions are called storage devices. Storage Internal Storage External Storage Internal Hard Disk CD DVD Blue Ray Pen Drive External Hard disk Figure 1.8 - Some Storage Devices ² Communication Devices The devices which are used to exchange the processed data and information are called communication devices. Network Interface Card Modem Router (NIC) Figure 1.9 - Wired/Wireless Communication Devices For free distribution 7  1.3 Importance of Software A software is a set of programmes designed to execute certain tasks by using a computer. Activity 2 - See 1.2 in the Workbook. Hey, what do you All the things that you mean by Software and can touch in me are called Hardware? hardware. Things that cannot be touched such as programmes with data and instructions are called software. Then who is a user? The person who operates me is called a 'user'. A user can do different tasks by using software.There are various types of software to fulfil the needs of the user. 8 For free distribution  MS Word Video editing Word Processing Computer software software to prepare Games documents Media Player Painting to listen to software to draw songs and pictures watch videos Figure 1.10 - Some Examples for Software You can study more about software in the forthcoming chapters. 1.4 Application of Computers in Various Sectors Activities in all sectors have become easy by the use of computers. Several examples for such sectors are given below. Banks Agriculture Schools Hospitals Factories Figure 1.11 - Various Sectors that use Computers For free distribution 9 1.4.1 Schools Today, we learnt the History lesson in a new way. All the children in the class learned attentively. How was that? Today we learnt using computers. Buddy, you know, a lot of work can be done using computers in school. Computers simplify work and bring effectiveness to office work in the school system. Figure 1.12 - Working in the school office using computers Computers are used instead of blackboard and books in the learning process. Figure 1.13 - Computer enabled Learning Situation 10 For free distribution  Obtain additional knowledge related to subjects by accessing the internet. Figure 1.14 - Getting knowledge from the internet 1.4.2 Banking Computer has become an essential tool in the banking activities. Use of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) to deposit and withdraw money. Figure 1.15 - An ATM machine Using electronic cards to settle bills when purchasing goods. Figure 1.16 - Paying bills by electronic cards Internet banking and mobile banking are latest trends in the banking system. Figure 1.17 - Internet Banking For free distribution 11  1.4.3 Hospitals There are many examples of using computer systems in hospitals. Digital thermometer is an embedded computer device which can be used at home. Figure 1.18 - Thermometer Use of computer and embedded computer devices in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Figure 1.19 - Use of computers and computer embedded devices in ICU Use of computers and computer embedded devices in an operation theatre. Figure 1.20 - Use of computers and computer embedded devices in an operation theatre 1.4.4 Factories ² Human labour is replaced by computer devices. As a result, production can be increased. ² The use of robotic technology is a latest improvement in industrial work. Activities in industrial sector have become easier by that. Figure 1.21 - Use of Robotic Technology 12 For free distribution  1.4.5 Agriculture Embedded computer devices are used in various activities such as harvesting, weeding and water supplying. Thus, the productivity can be increased by minimising expenditure. Figure 1.22 - Supplying Water and Fertilizer using Modern Technology in Agriculture Activity 3 - See 1.3 in the Workbook. Summary ³ The main tasks of the computer are input, processing and output. ³ Input devices, memory, CPU, output device, communication devices are identified as the main parts of a computer. ³ Software is essential to do different tasks of the user. ³ Computer is used for various activities of day to day life. ³ Smart phones, modern televisions and washing machines can be identified as equipment with embedded computer systems. For free distribution 13  2 Use the Computer Laboratory Safely 2.1 Let's Identify the Computer Laboratory Computer Laboratory Remove footwear before entering Keep your bags and other instruments outside. Do not bring in CD or pendrives without permission. Alright, let's go in. Wait... Let's read those notices and go inside. Hello, children. I welcome all of you to the computer lab. This computer lab is a valuable resource in our school. Since you all are new to this place, you need to know about this computer lab and how to use it well. 14 For free distribution Computers and other accessories have been installed in the computer laboratory. Printers" scanners" multi-media projectors are some of them. Computers and other accessories in a lab are expensive and valuable. A large amount of money have to be spent to repair a device, if it is damaged or to replace a new one. Therefore, it is your responsibility to use them properly and keep them safe. Figer 2.1 - A Computer laboratory 2.1.1 Let's use the Computer Laboratory Correctly Using the computer laboratory correctly and safely Guidelines for your safety Guidelines for the safety of the devices For free distribution 15 For your safety Be careful when you touch devices such as wires and sockets Should be aware of that are connected to the exit doors of the electricity. laboratory. Should be aware of fire Avoid running and extinguishers if any. playing inside the computer laboratory. For the safety of the devices The laboratory and Do not supply power all the equipment to devices without should be kept clean correct instructions. and dust-free. Footwear should be All the equipment The used removed and placed must be switched off equipment should outside the laboratory. properly after use. be placed in the proper place. Avoid taking food, water or other Virus scanning should be done liquid into the laboratory because when connecting external they may damage the storage devices such as flash equipment. drives to the computer. 16 For free distribution  Activity 1 - See 2.1 in the Workbook. 2.2.1 Let's operate the Computer We must practise to operate the computer correctly from our childhood. For that follow the guidelines given below. First, supply electricity to 1 the computer by turning on the switch connected to the computer. If the computer is connected to 2 an uninterrupted power supply (UPS), turn it on. Next, the system unit should be 3 switched on. Finally, the monitor should 4 be turned on. Anyhow, the above steps may differ in modern computers (like laptop computers) which come with a single power button. Please follow your teacher's instructions at all times since the above steps might be different in your laboratory. For free distribution 17  Selva, how to turn off this computer now? Don't know. Let's check by pressing all the buttons. No, no, don't do harmful things to computer. Let's ask the teacher. How to shut down the computer? The functioning computers should be shut down in a proper way. Otherwise, the life span of the computer may be shortened. First, we should close any programmes that we have opened. Then, select the command ''Shutdown'' and click on it. Switch off the power on/off button of the monitor when it's screen becomes dark. Then, switch off the UPS and the wall switch respectively. 2.2.2 Let's learn Computer Ethics zzuy;a fi;a jvjk zzMahath seth wadawana isß;a u,aoï n,ñk Sirith maldam balamina isß;a fyd| oekf.k Sirith honda denagena uy;a hiisß ,nkq fof,dúkZZ Mahath yasasiri labanu delowinaZZ - isß;a u,aou - Sirith Maldama Meaning : Read Sirith maldama. It brings you peace. Learn and practise good values from it and it will bring you good fortune in this life and lives to come. Dear children, you always get advices to be a good child at home and at school. These advices are called ethics, values, or good customs. 18 For free distribution Good practices help to lead a good life. Similarly, there is a set of ethics that should be followed to use the computer properly. They are identified as 'computer ethics'. Activity 2 - See 2.2 in the Workbook. This code of ethics can be considered as a set of guidelines that help you to use the computer properly. we must use computers without disturbing others. we must avoid hacking When we use the computer laboratory... computer activities of others. Software which should we must refrain from accessing computer be used by paying files and articles money should not be of others without fakely used or copied. permission. we must not repair any computer devices without proper we must not we should not uninstall/ instructions. access the change/ delete any internet programmes without without the the permission of the supervision of teacher. teachers. For free distribution 19 In additon, there can be some other rules and regulations related to your laboratory. The above regulations are for grade 6 students like you. You will learn more on computer ethics in the forthcoming grades. Activity 3 - See 2.3 in the Workbook. 2.2.3 Let's use Correct Postures when using Computers Nizam, why are you looking at the monitor so closely? Why are you bending towards the monitor? Piyal, keep that chair properly and sit facing the front. Children stop your work and listen to me carefully. It is common for various health problems to occur when using computers constantly. Most of the illnesses occur due to the lack of maintaining a correct posture. So we need to practise maintaining a correct posture from our childhood. 20 For free distribution  B A C E D Figure 2.2 - Maintaining a Correct Posture when using a Computer Correct postures to be followed When correct postures are not maintained A. Always keep the computer screen at the level of your eyes or little Pain in the eye, problems below. in eyesight and tearful eyes B. The distance between your eyes can occur. and the computer screen should be between 18 and 28 inches. C. Sit straight by leaning on to the Pain in backbone. back of the chair. D. Keep your legs vertically and place Strain in feet. your feet on the ground. E. Keep the keyboard and the mouse Pain in fingers and elbows. at the level of your elbow. For free distribution 21 In addition, adjust the brightness and the contrast of the computer screen to suit your eye. Often give a rest to your eye if you are working on your computer for a long period of time. Although an incorrect posture can cause health issues, the computer is not a device that can be discarded. Therefore, we must use the computer properly to avoid such problems. Activity 4 - See 2.4 in Workbook. 2.2.4 Let's dispose Electronic Waste Safely All computer hardware is When these harmful substances enter considered as electronic waste the human body. They can cause when they become out of use or various diseases. They can cause when the user discards them. various day-to-day inconveniences and gradually lead tod evelop various long-term non-curable diseases such as cancers and kidney diseases. Lead When we dispose these tools Damage the brain, kidneys and improperly to the environment disorders in blood circulation it can cause great damage to the Barium environment as well as to human Brain swelling, muscle beings, since they have been weakness, damage to heart manufactured from various harmful metals such as Copper, Aluminum Mercury Damage to kidneys and and Lead as well as from plastic. nervous system Beryllium Lung Cancer Figure 2.3 - Illnesses that can be caused due to electronic waste 22 For free distribution  Since, these hazards can cause damages for generations, they must be disposed properly. For that, the 3R system can be used. Figure 2.4 - 3R Method 1' Reduce It is not necessary to upgrade to new equipment periodically if we maintain existing equipment properly as to use them for a long time. This reduces the amount of waste that is released to the environment. One day, there was a problem in our computer. My sister told father to buy a new one. But he brought necessary parts and repaired the computer. Activity 5 - See 2.5 in the Workbook. 2' Reuse When purchasing new equipment, consider donating or selling the old equipment if they are in working condition, without discarding them. For free distribution 23  If it is not in working condition, then it can be utilized for other purposes. For instance, as shown in the picture, an empty monitor can be used as a flower pot and a casing of the system unit can be used as a garbage bin. Figure 2.5 - Uses of Discarded Computers The amount of waste that is released to the environment is therefore minimal. 3' Recycle Equipment which are not repairable or reusable, should be recycled without discarding them. It should be handed over to a electronic waste recycling company. Recycling is a process of transforming the waste to a new product. Waste is separated into small parts and new material is produced through machinery. Activity 6 - See 2.6 in the Workbook. 2.2.5 Let's use Passwords to protect Computers Computers should be safeguarded physically as well as logically. 24 For free distribution  You must have read in fairy tales that a door is opened with a secret word. Also, there is a key to open main door of your house. Can you open the door without a key? To protect the information stored in the computer from outsiders, a secret word can be set in the computer. That is known as a password. Then you must enter the password before entering the computer. If the password is incorrect, the computer does not allow you to enter. Follow the guidelines given below when setting a password  The password must be a collection of letters (A-Z), numbers (0 - 9), and symbols (@, #, $). It should have a minimum of 8 characters including at least one of the above types.  The password must not include some simple information like your name, birthday, etc. which can be easily guessed.  You can give a password hint. In case you forget the password, you can give a word or a statement as a hint that will help you to recall it again.  By giving an e-mail address, the password can be restored. Activity 7 - See 2.7 in the Workbook. For free distribution 25  Summary ³ Turn on the computer Turn off the computer Electric Supply Opened programmes X Start Operating System UPS Start Monitor System Unit UPS Monitor Electric supply ³ It's our responsibility to avoid damaging any equipment in the laboratory. ³ Passwords can be used to protect the computers. ³ Electronic waste should be disposed properly without harming the environment. ³ When using the computer, maintain a correct posture to prevent from physical difficulties that occur on a daily basis and from long term health issues. 26 For free distribution