1
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
Activity 1: IDENTIFY THE PARTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
1. Motherboard: The foundation of the computer, it connects all other components.
2. CPU (Central Processing Unit): The "brain" of the computer, responsible for processing
instructions.
3. RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for data actively being used by the
CPU.
162 - GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, JOIDA IT SKILLS LAB - 2025
2
4. Storage Devices (HDD/SSD): Permanent storage for the operating system, applications, and
user files.
5. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Handles graphical processing, especially important for
gaming and video editing.
6. Power Supply Unit (PSU): Provides the necessary power to all the computer's components.
162 - GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, JOIDA IT SKILLS LAB - 2025
3
7. Input Devices: Allow users to interact with the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse,
microphone).
8. Output Devices: Display or output information from the computer (e.g., monitor, speakers,
printer)
162 - GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, JOIDA IT SKILLS LAB - 2025
4
Activity 2: IDENTIFY THE OPERATING SYSTEM AND HARDWARE
SPECIFICATION OF A COMPUTER
For Windows:
✅ Operating System:
1. Press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter.
→ It shows your Windows version and build number.
Or, go to:
Settings → System → About
o You’ll see:
OS name (e.g., Windows 10/11)
Edition (Home, Pro, etc.)
Version and OS build
✅ Hardware Specifications:
1. Right-click on This PC → Properties
o Processor (CPU)
o Installed RAM
o System type (32-bit or 64-bit)
Or, use Task Manager:
o Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
o Go to the Performance tab:
CPU: Model, speed, cores
Memory (RAM)
Disk type (HDD/SSD)
GPU (Graphics card)
Or, use the System Information Tool:
o Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, press Enter
o Gives detailed info about:
Motherboard
BIOS version
RAM slots
System model
162 - GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, JOIDA IT SKILLS LAB - 2025
5
Activity 3: BASIC FOLDER/FILE OPERATIONS (GUI BASED)
1. Create a New Folder
➤ Windows:
Right-click on desktop or inside any folder.
Select New → Folder.
Type a name and press Enter.
➤ Linux (Ubuntu):
Right-click inside the file manager window.
Select New Folder.
Enter folder name and press Enter.
2. Create a New File
➤ Windows:
Right-click → New → [Choose file type] (e.g., Text Document).
Name the file and press Enter.
➤ Linux:
Usually done through applications (e.g., TextEdit or Gedit).
o Open the app → File → Save As → Choose location and filename.
3. Copy a File or Folder
Right-click on the file/folder → Select Copy.
Go to the destination folder.
Right-click in empty space → Select Paste.
4. Move a File or Folder
Right-click → Cut the item.
Navigate to the new location.
Right-click → Paste.
OR Drag and drop the file/folder to the desired location.
162 - GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, JOIDA IT SKILLS LAB - 2025
6
5. Rename a File or Folder
Right-click on the file/folder → Select Rename.
Type new name → Press Enter.
6. Delete a File or Folder
Right-click → Select Delete (Windows/Linux) or Move to Trash (macOS).
Item goes to Recycle Bin/Trash, from where you can restore or permanently delete.
7. Open a File
Double-click the file to open it with the default application.
Or Right-click → Open with → Choose application.
8. Navigate Between Folders
Use the sidebar or back/forward buttons in the file explorer window.
Double-click on a folder to open it.
162 - GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, JOIDA IT SKILLS LAB - 2025
7
Activity 4: WRITE SIMPLE STEPS TO INSTALLL APPLICATION SOFTWARE SUCH AS
WEB BROWSER/ MIT SCRATCH
For Windows
Steps to Install Google Chrome (example):
1. Open existing browser (e.g., Microsoft Edge).
2. In the address bar, type:
👉 https://www.google.com/chrome
3. Click on "Download Chrome" button.
4. A file named ChromeSetup.exe will download.
5. Double-click the downloaded file to run it.
6. Click Yes if prompted for permission.
7. Chrome will install automatically.
8. Once installed, it will open automatically. You can also find it in the Start menu.
For Ubuntu/Linux (GUI Method)
Steps to Install Chromium (open-source Chrome browser):
1. Open Ubuntu Software Center from the dock or menu.
2. Search for "Chromium" or "Firefox".
3. Click on the browser you want.
4. Click the "Install" button.
5. Enter your password if prompted.
6. Wait for installation to complete.
7. Click "Launch" or open from the Applications menu.
162 - GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, JOIDA IT SKILLS LAB - 2025
8
Activity 5: HARDWARE SCAVENGER HUNT
Objective:
Find, identify, and describe the following computer hardware components. You can find them
on your own/Lab computer.
Hunt List (with Checkboxes)
Component What to Do
☐ Monitor What size is it? Is it LED, LCD?
☐ Keyboard Is it wired or wireless? QWERTY or another layout?
☐ Mouse Is it optical or mechanical? Wired or wireless?
☐ CPU (Processor) What brand and model? Intel, AMD? Check via "System Info"
☐ RAM (Memory) How much RAM is installed? (Check "System Info")
☐ Hard Drive / SSD What kind of storage? HDD or SSD? What's the capacity?
☐ Motherboard Find the main circuit board. What brand/model?
☐ Graphics Card (GPU) Is it integrated or dedicated? What's the brand/model?
☐ Power Supply Unit What voltage? Look for a label on the PSU (desktop only)
☐ Speakers or Headphones Are they built-in or external? Wired or Bluetooth?
☐ Webcam Built-in or separate? Find resolution if possible
☐ Ports & Slots Find at least 3: USB, HDMI, SD card slot, etc.
☐ Network Adapter Is it Wi-Fi or Ethernet? Internal or external?
162 - GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, JOIDA IT SKILLS LAB - 2025
9
Activity 6: Creating Report: Important Factors to Consider While Buying a Computer
1. Define Your Purpose (Usage Requirements)
Purpose Typical Uses Recommended Specs (Minimum)
Basic Use Web browsing, documents, YouTube i3/Ryzen 3, 4–8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
Student Use MS Office, coding, research, video lectures i5/Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
High-end gaming, streaming, game i5/i7, 16GB RAM, dedicated GPU
Gaming
development (NVIDIA/AMD)
Graphic Design Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDRAW i7/Ryzen 7, 16GB+ RAM, high-end GPU, SSD
Video Editing Adobe Premiere, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve i7/Ryzen 7, 16–32GB RAM, GPU, SSD + HDD
Business/Office Excel, email, presentations, accounting tools i5, 8GB RAM, SSD, secure OS
Programming IDEs, compilers, virtual machines i5+, 8–16GB RAM, SSD, good cooling
2. Set a Budget Range
Budget Range What to Expect
Under ₹30,000 Entry-level; basic tasks only
₹30,000–₹50,000 Good for students and office work
₹50,000–₹80,000 Balanced system for multitasking, basic editing/gaming
₹80,000–₹1,20,000 Advanced features; gaming/editing capabilities
₹1.2 Lakh+ High-performance machines for professionals and creators
3. Key Components to Consider
Processor (CPU)
Choose Intel (i3/i5/i7) or AMD (Ryzen 3/5/7) based on workload.
Higher cores = better multitasking.
162 - GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, JOIDA IT SKILLS LAB - 2025
10
RAM (Memory)
8GB for most users, 16GB+ for heavy apps.
Prefer DDR4/DDR5 for better speed.
Storage
SSD > HDD in terms of speed.
Use SSD for OS and applications, HDD for files (if needed).
Graphics Card (GPU)
Integrated GPU is enough for basic tasks.
Dedicated GPU (like NVIDIA GTX/RTX) is needed for gaming or editing.
Display
Screen size: 14–15.6” is standard for laptops.
Resolution: Full HD (1080p) or higher is better.
Ports and Connectivity
USB 3.0, HDMI, Type-C, Wi-Fi 5/6, Bluetooth support.
Battery Life (for laptops)
At least 5–8 hours for students and travelers.
Cooling System
Important for gaming or high-performance laptops/desktops.
4. Operating System
Windows: Most compatible and versatile.
macOS: For creative professionals, great ecosystem.
Linux: For programmers, developers, free and customizable.
5. Other Factors
Brand reputation and service support.
Warranty & Support (prefer 1–2 years minimum).
Upgradability of RAM/Storage in the future.
Build quality – sturdy frame, good keyboard/touchpad.
User Reviews before purchase.
162 - GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, JOIDA IT SKILLS LAB - 2025
