COMPUTER STUDIES

Module 1: Introduction to Computers

1. Definition and Importance of Computers

o What is a computer?

o History and evolution of computers

o Types of computers (Supercomputers, Mainframes, Personal Computers)

o Applications of computers in various fields (education, healthcare,

business, etc.)

o The role of computers in the modern world

2. Components of a Computer

o Hardware vs Software

o Input devices (keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, touchscreen)

o Output devices (monitor, printer, speakers, projectors)

o Storage devices (HDD, SSD, USB, optical drives)

o Memory types: RAM, ROM, cache memory, virtual memory

o Differences between volatile and non-volatile memory

o The function of the motherboard

Module 2: Computer Hardware

1. Hardware Basics

o Central Processing Unit (CPU): Types (single-core, dual-core, multi-core),

functions, clock speed

o Motherboard: Chipsets, buses, expansion slots (PCI, AGP), BIOS/UEFI

 o Power Supply Units (PSU): Wattage, voltage, connectors

o Peripherals (External hardware): Printers, scanners, webcams, external

storage devices

2. Building and Maintaining a Computer

o Assembling a computer: Step-by-step guide to building a PC

o Upgrading computer components: RAM, GPU, storage, cooling systems

o Preventive maintenance: Dusting, cleaning, cable management

o Troubleshooting common hardware issues (e.g., overheating, faulty

connections)

o Power management and surge protection

Module 3: Computer Software

1. Introduction to Software

o Definition and classification of software

o Differences between system software and application software

o Proprietary vs Open-source software

2. System Software

o Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux): Overview, uses, pros, and

cons

o Device drivers: Purpose, installation, and management

o Utility software: Disk management, antivirus software, backup utilities,

defragmentation

3. Application Software
 o Overview of productivity software (word processors, spreadsheets,
presentation software)

o Multimedia software (photo editing, video editing, audio editing)

o Web browsers: Features, settings, security considerations

o Cross-platform application software and cloud-based applications

Module 4: Operating Systems

1. Introduction to Operating Systems

o Definition and functions of operating systems

o Types of operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS)

o Command Line Interface (CLI) vs Graphical User Interface (GUI)

o Operating system tasks: Process management, memory management, I/O

device management

2. File Management

o File and folder organization: Creating, naming, moving, and deleting files
and folders

o File systems (NTFS, FAT32, EXT4): Differences, advantages, and uses

o File extensions and file types (e.g., .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .exe)

o Managing user accounts and permissions: Admin vs regular users

o Backup and restore techniques in operating systems

Module 5: Productivity Software (Word Processing & Spreadsheet)

Word Processing (MS Word)

 1. Introduction to Word Processing

o Definition and uses of word processing software

o Overview of popular word processors (MS Word, Google Docs)

2. Creating Documents

o Starting a new document: Layouts, templates, and orientation

o Text formatting: Bold, italic, underline, font styles, font sizes

o Paragraph formatting: Line spacing, indentation, bullets, numbering

3. Advanced Word Processing Techniques

o Inserting images, tables, charts, and shapes

o Page layout: Margins, headers, footers, page numbering, section breaks

o Working with styles: Creating and applying styles, using the style gallery

o Proofreading tools: Spell check, grammar check, thesaurus, track changes

4. Collaboration and Document Sharing

o Document protection: Password protection, restricting edits

o Cloud integration: Saving documents to OneDrive/Google Drive

o Sharing and collaborating in real time using Word Online

Spreadsheet (MS Excel)

1. Introduction to Spreadsheets

o Definition and uses of spreadsheet software

o Overview of popular spreadsheet applications (MS Excel, Google Sheets)

2. Navigating the Spreadsheet Interface

o Rows, columns, cells, and ranges

o Basic data entry: Entering and editing text and numbers

 o Formatting cells: Fonts, colors, borders, cell alignment

3. Basic Formulas and Functions

o Arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)

o Common functions: SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX, MIN

o Working with multiple sheets: Linking data across sheets

4. Data Analysis with Excel

o Sorting and filtering data

o Conditional formatting: Highlighting data based on specific conditions

o Data validation: Setting rules for data entry (e.g., drop-down lists)

5. Advanced Spreadsheet Functions

o Lookup functions: VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH

o Pivot tables: Creating and analyzing pivot tables

o Creating charts and graphs for data visualization

o Introduction to macros: Automating repetitive tasks

Module 6: Internet and Networking

1. Basics of Networking

o Types of networks: LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN, VPN

o Network topologies: Star, bus, ring, mesh, hybrid

o Network hardware: Routers, switches, modems, access points, cables

o IP Addressing: Static vs dynamic IP addresses, private vs public IP

addresses

o Subnetting: Understanding subnets and their use in network management

 o Domain Name System (DNS): How DNS works, the importance of DNS

2. Internet Usage

o Web browsers: Popular browsers, private browsing, clearing cookies and

cache

o Search engines: Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, advanced search

techniques

o Email clients: Features of desktop and web-based email clients (Outlook,

Thunderbird, Gmail)

o Cybersecurity threats: Viruses, malware, ransomware, phishing, trojans

o Safe internet practices: Avoiding harmful sites, downloading from trusted

sources

Module 7: Social Media & Digital Communication Tools

1. Introduction to Social Media Platforms

o Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn: Features, purposes, and uses

o Differences between personal profiles and business profiles

o Creating and customizing a social media profile (cover photos, bio,

settings)

2. Social Media for Networking and Communication

o Using social media for professional networking (LinkedIn, Twitter)

o Posting, sharing, liking, commenting, and engaging with content

o Social media advertising and promotional tools (Facebook Ads, Instagram

Ads)

3. Messaging Apps and Digital Etiquette

 o Popular messaging platforms: WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, Signal

o Features of messaging apps: Group chats, voice/video calls, file sharing

o Digital etiquette: Best practices for online communication, respecting

privacy, avoiding misinformation

Module 8: Online Security & Cybersecurity

1. Online Security & Digital Responsibility

o Cybersecurity threats: Viruses, malware, phishing, ransomware

o Safe browsing practices: SSL certificates, checking URLs, avoiding

suspicious websites

o Managing privacy settings: Social media, browsers, and mobile apps

o Password management tools: LastPass, Dashlane, Bitwarden

o Importance of using unique passwords for each account

2. Cybersecurity Practices

o Antivirus software: Free vs paid options, regular scanning

o Firewalls: Hardware vs software firewalls, their role in security

o Data encryption: How it works, encrypting emails and files

o Two-factor authentication (2FA): How to enable, why it's important

o Safe use of public Wi-Fi: Risks, VPNs, tips for staying secure

o Reporting cyber incidents: Recognizing scams, phishing attempts, and

identity theft

Module 9: Cloud Computing & Advanced Spreadsheet Functions

1. Cloud Computing

o Cloud computing models: SaaS, PaaS, IaaS

o Advantages of cloud computing: Cost savings, scalability, flexibility

o Cloud storage: Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud

o File synchronization: Keeping local and cloud files in sync

o Real-time collaboration tools: Google Docs, Sheets, Slides; Microsoft

Teams, Slack

o File security and backup strategies in the cloud

2. Advanced Spreadsheet Functions

o Conditional formatting: Custom rules for cell highlighting

o Data validation: Creating drop-down lists, restricting data entry

o Working with multiple sheets: Cross-referencing data, creating links

o Lookup functions: VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH

o Pivot tables: Creating and customizing pivot tables for data analysis

o Advanced charting: Creating complex graphs and charts for reports

o Using macros: Automating repetitive tasks in Excel/Google Sheets