1.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATION AND
COMPUTERS
A. What is Computation?
Computation is the process of performing calculations or solving problems using a well-defined
set of rules or algorithms. It can be done manually (using paper and pen) or electronically (using
computers).
B. What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that processes data to produce meaningful information. It
follows input → processing → output steps, often referred to as the IPO Cycle.
C. Characteristics of Computers:
1. Speed – Performs billions of instructions per second
2. Accuracy – Very accurate, errors happen due to human input
3. Automation – Operates automatically once programmed
4. Storage – Can store large amounts of data
5. Versatility – Can perform multiple types of tasks
6. Diligence – Does not get tired or bored
D. Basic Components of a Computer System:
1. Hardware
Physical parts of a computer:
Input Devices – Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner
Output Devices – Monitor, Printer, Speakers
Processing Unit – CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Storage Devices – Hard Drive, SSD, Pen Drive
2. Software
Programs and operating systems used to operate the hardware:
System Software – Windows, Linux, MacOS
Application Software – MS Word, Excel, Photoshop
Utility Software – Antivirus, Disk Cleanup
3. Peopleware
The users and professionals who operate and interact with the system
E. Types of Computers:
Supercomputers – Very fast, used in scientific research
Mainframe Computers – Used by large organizations for bulk data processing
Personal Computers (PCs) – Laptops, Desktops for individual use
Embedded Systems – Computers embedded in other machines (e.g., cars, washing
machines)
F. Data vs. Information:
Data – Raw, unprocessed facts (e.g., numbers, text)
Information – Processed data that is meaningful and useful
2. INTRODUCTION TO WORD PROCESSING
A. What is Word Processing?
Word processing is the use of computer software to create, edit, format, store, and print text-
based documents like letters, reports, resumes, etc.
B. Common Word Processing Software:
Microsoft Word
Google Docs
LibreOffice Writer
WPS Office Writer
C. Features of Word Processing Software:
1. Document Creation – Create professional documents with ease
2. Editing Tools – Cut, copy, paste, undo, redo
3. Formatting – Font size, font style, alignment, color
4. Spell Check & Grammar – Correct language errors automatically
5. Templates – Pre-designed formats for resumes, letters, reports
6. Tables & Charts – Add tables and visual elements
7. Mail Merge – Automatically customize bulk letters/emails
8. Inserting Images & Objects – Add visuals, hyperlinks, shapes
9. Page Setup – Margins, orientation, headers & footers
10. Printing – Preview and print documents with custom settings
D. Common File Formats:
.doc / .docx – Microsoft Word format
.pdf – Portable Document Format
.odt – Open Document Text (LibreOffice)
E. Basic Operations in MS Word (Example):
Task How to Do
Bold Text Ctrl + B
Italic Text Ctrl + I
Underline Ctrl + U
Save File Ctrl + S
Open File Ctrl + O
Print Document Ctrl + P
F. Real-Life Applications:
Creating CVs and job applications
Drafting letters and proposals
Writing reports, articles, books
Preparing meeting minutes and agendas
Lesson 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATION AND
COMPUTERS
1. Define computation.
Answer:
Computation is the process of performing mathematical calculations or logical operations using a
set of rules (algorithms), either manually or using a computing device like a computer.
2. What is a computer?
Answer:
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it according to
instructions, and produces meaningful information as output.
3. Name the basic components of a computer system.
Answer:
Hardware
Software
Peopleware (Users)
Data
4. What is the difference between data and information?
Answer:
Data is raw, unorganized facts (e.g., numbers, text).
Information is processed, organized, and meaningful data.
5. Mention any two input and output devices.
Answer:
Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse
Output Devices: Monitor, Printer
6. Write any four characteristics of a computer.
Answer:
Speed
Accuracy
Automation
Storage capacity
7. List any three types of computers.
Answer:
Supercomputers
Mainframe Computers
Personal Computers (PCs)
8. What is software? Name its types.
Answer:
Software is a set of instructions that tell the computer what to do.
Types:
System Software
Application Software
Utility Software
Lesson 2: INTRODUCTION TO WORD PROCESSING
1. What is word processing?
Answer:
Word processing is the use of computer software to create, edit, format, and print text-based
documents like letters, resumes, and reports.
2. Name any two word processing software.
Answer:
Microsoft Word
Google Docs
3. Mention any four features of word processing software.
Answer:
Text formatting (font size, style, color)
Spell check and grammar correction
Inserting images, tables, and charts
Page layout and printing options
4. What is Mail Merge?
Answer:
Mail Merge is a feature that allows users to send customized letters or emails to many recipients
by combining a template document with a data source.
5. Differentiate between 'Save' and 'Save As'.
Answer:
Save updates the current document with the latest changes.
Save As creates a new copy of the document with a different name or location.
6. What is a template in word processing?
Answer:
A template is a pre-designed document layout that helps users quickly create formatted
documents like resumes, invoices, or letters.
7. Name three file formats used in word processing.
Answer:
.doc / .docx
.pdf
.odt
8. Write the keyboard shortcuts for the following:
Action Shortcut
Bold Text Ctrl + B
Save Document Ctrl + S
Print Document Ctrl + P
Lesson 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATION AND
COMPUTERS
Q1. Explain the basic components of a computer system.
Answer:
A computer system consists of the following key components:
1. Hardware:
The physical parts of a computer that you can touch and see. Examples include:
o Input Devices: Keyboard, mouse, scanner
o Output Devices: Monitor, printer
o Storage Devices: Hard disk, SSD, USB drives
o Processing Unit: CPU (the "brain" of the computer)
2. Software:
A set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. It is divided into:
o System Software: Operating systems like Windows, Linux
o Application Software: MS Word, Excel, Photoshop
o Utility Software: Antivirus, file manager
3. Peopleware (Users):
The people who operate or interact with the computer. This includes programmers, IT
staff, and end-users.
4. Data:
Raw facts and figures (like numbers, text) that are processed by the computer to produce
useful information.
Q2. Describe the characteristics of a computer in detail.
Answer:
The main characteristics of a computer are:
1. Speed:
A computer can perform millions of instructions per second, much faster than humans.
2. Accuracy:
Computers are highly accurate and produce error-free results if the input is correct.
3. Automation:
Once given a set of instructions (program), a computer can carry out tasks automatically
without user intervention.
4. Storage:
Computers can store large volumes of data and retrieve it quickly when needed.
5. Versatility:
A computer can perform different kinds of tasks (e.g., calculations, typing, video editing).
6. Diligence:
Unlike humans, computers do not get tired or bored. They can work continuously without
losing efficiency.
7. Multitasking:
Modern computers can run multiple applications at the same time.
Lesson 2: INTRODUCTION TO WORD PROCESSING
Q1. What is word processing? Explain its features and uses.
Answer:
Word processing is the use of computer software to create, edit, format, and print documents
such as letters, reports, and resumes.
Features of Word Processing Software:
1. Text Editing: Add, delete, or change text easily.
2. Formatting Options: Change font style, size, color, and alignment.
3. Spell Check and Grammar Tools: Helps correct language errors.
4. Insert Objects: Allows adding images, tables, charts, and hyperlinks.
5. Templates: Ready-made formats for letters, resumes, etc.
6. Mail Merge: Used for creating personalized letters for many recipients.
7. Page Layout: Set margins, orientation, headers/footers.
8. Print Options: Print single or multiple pages with preview.
Uses of Word Processing:
Preparing official letters and business reports
Drafting resumes and cover letters
Writing essays and assignments
Creating certificates and invitations
Q2. Describe the steps to create and format a document in Microsoft Word.
Answer:
Here are the basic steps to create and format a document in MS Word:
1. Open MS Word:
Go to Start Menu → Microsoft Word.
2. Create a New Document:
Click on "File" → "New" → Blank Document or choose a template.
3. Type the Content:
Use the keyboard to enter your text.
4. Edit the Text:
Use Backspace/Delete to correct mistakes. Use cut, copy, and paste as needed.
5. Format the Text:
o Select the text you want to format.
o Use the toolbar to change:
Font size and style
Text color
Bold (Ctrl + B), Italic (Ctrl + I), Underline (Ctrl + U)
Paragraph alignment (left, center, right, justify)
6. Insert Objects:
o Use "Insert" tab to add pictures, tables, charts, or page numbers.
7. Save the Document:
o Click "File" → "Save As" to name and save your file.
o Use "Ctrl + S" to save changes.
8. Print the Document:
o Click "File" → "Print" or press "Ctrl + P"
