Module 1

IKWEZI E-LEARNING

Ikwezi Community Development Centre

← Main Website

MODULE 1 OF 7

Introduction to Computers

Basic Computer Literacy • Beginner Level

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

✓ Explain what a computer is.

✓ Identify the main parts of a computer.

✓ Explain the difference between hardware and software.

✓ Understand common computer terms.

✓ Start and shut down a computer correctly.

📖 Lesson 1: What Is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that receives information, processes it, stores information and produces results.

Computers can be used for many activities, including writing documents, calculating numbers, communicating with people, searching the internet, studying, creating designs and storing information.

Remember: A computer works with instructions called software and physical equipment called hardware.

🖥️ Lesson 2: Main Parts of a Computer

Monitor

The monitor is the screen that displays text, pictures, videos and other information.

Keyboard

The keyboard is used to enter letters, numbers and commands.

Mouse

The mouse allows you to point, click, select, open and move items on the screen.

System Unit

On a desktop computer, the system unit contains important internal components that process and store information.

Speakers

Speakers produce sound from the computer.

Printer

A printer produces a physical paper copy of digital information.

⚙️ Lesson 3: Hardware and Software

Hardware

Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that you can see and touch.

Examples include:

• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Monitor
• Printer
• Speakers
• System unit

Software

Software consists of programs and instructions that tell the computer what to do.

Examples include:

• Windows
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Web browsers
• Media players

Easy way to remember:
Hardware = what you can touch.
Software = programs and instructions.

🔌 Lesson 4: Starting and Shutting Down

Before using a computer, make sure it is connected to power and the necessary equipment is connected correctly.

Starting the computer

1. Turn on the power.
2. Press the computer's power button.
3. Wait for the operating system to load.
4. Sign in if required.

Shutting down

1. Save your work.
2. Close your programs.
3. Open the Start menu.
4. Select the Shut Down option.
5. Wait for the computer to switch off.

Important: Do not normally switch off a computer by simply pulling out the power cable while it is running.

💻 Practical Activity

Task: If you have access to a computer, complete these activities:

1. Identify the monitor.
2. Identify the keyboard.
3. Identify the mouse.
4. Identify the system unit or computer body.
5. Find the power button.
6. Start the computer.
7. Identify one example of hardware.
8. Identify one example of software.
9. Save any practice work.
10. Shut down the computer correctly.

📝 Module 1 Quiz

Answer all five questions and select Submit Quiz.

1. What is a computer? A. An electronic device that processes information B. Only a television C. A type of furniture D. A printer only

2. Which part displays information visually? A. Keyboard B. Monitor C. Mouse D. Speaker

3. Which of the following is hardware? A. Windows B. Microsoft Word C. Keyboard D. Web browser

4. What is software? A. Physical computer equipment B. Programs and instructions used by a computer C. A power cable D. A desk

5. What is the correct way to finish using a computer? A. Pull out the power cable B. Shut it down using the operating system C. Turn off the monitor only D. Close your eyes

✅ Complete Module 1

After studying the lesson and completing the quiz, mark this module as complete.

← Previous Next Module →

IKWEZI E-LEARNING

Ikwezi Community Development Centre

Basic Computer Literacy Course

ikwezicdc.co.za