Unit 1: Computer fundamentals & Windows operating system
Workshop on IT Tools for Business and E-Commerce notes · PTU syllabus (BCOMSEC 301-18)
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Unit summary
Every business runs on computers. This unit covers the meaning, features, advantages and limitations of computers, input and output units, the CPU, primary and secondary memory, the functions of an operating system, application vs system software, and directory and file manipulation in Windows.
After this unit you can
- Explain the meaning, features, advantages and limitations of computers
- Describe input/output units, the CPU and the block diagram of a computer
- Distinguish primary and secondary memory and system and application software
- Explain operating system functions and manage files and folders in Windows
PTU syllabus topics
- Meaning
- features
- advantages and limitations of computers
- input/output units
- CPU
- primary and secondary memory
- operating system functions
- application vs. system software
- directory and file manipulation in Windows
Examples
RAM, ROM, cache
Hard disk, SSD, pen drive
Speed
Very fast
Slower
Volatile
RAM is volatile
Non-volatile
Capacity
Smaller
Larger
Topic 1
Meaning, features, advantages and limitations
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data (input), processes it according to stored instructions (program), stores it and produces information (output).
- Data: raw facts ("85", "Ana"). Information: processed, meaningful data ("Ana scored 85%").
Speed
Millions of instructions per second
Accuracy
Errors come only from wrong data or programs (GIGO)
Storage
Huge volumes stored and retrieved quickly
Diligence and versatility
No fatigue; can do many different tasks
- Advantages for business: faster processing, accurate accounts (Tally), payroll, inventory control, banking and ATMs, online sales, customer data, communication (email, video calls), decision support.
- Limitations: no intelligence or judgement of its own, depends on correct instructions, no feelings, needs electricity and maintenance, risk of virus and data theft, unemployment fears.
Topic 2
Input/output units, CPU and memory
- 1Input unit
Keyboard, mouse, scanner, barcode reader, microphone, webcam
- 2Central processing unit
Control unit + ALU + registers
- 3Memory unit
Primary memory holds data and programs being used
- 4Output unit
Monitor, printer, speakers, projector
- 5Secondary storage
Hard disk, SSD, pen drive, cloud
- Control unit (CU): fetches, decodes and directs execution of instructions; coordinates all units.
- Arithmetic logic unit (ALU): performs calculations and comparisons.
- Registers: tiny, very fast storage inside the CPU.
Examples
RAM, ROM, cache
Hard disk, SSD, pen drive, DVD, cloud
Volatility
RAM volatile; ROM non-volatile
Non-volatile
Speed
Fast
Slower
Capacity and cost
Small, costly per GB
Large, cheap per GB
Access by CPU
Direct
Through primary memory
Storage units: 8 bits = 1 byte; 1 KB = 1,024 bytes; MB, GB and TB follow in steps of 1,024.
Topic 3
Operating system and software
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages hardware and provides an interface between the user and the computer. Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android.
Process management
Schedules and runs programs
Memory management
Allocates RAM to programs
File management
Creates, stores, organises and protects files
Device management
Controls printers, disks, keyboard through drivers
Security
Passwords, user accounts, permissions
User interface
GUI (icons, windows) or command line
Purpose
Runs and manages the computer
Performs specific user tasks
Examples
Windows, Linux, device drivers, utilities (antivirus)
MS Word, Excel, Tally, browsers
User interaction
Indirect
Direct
Dependence
Runs independently
Needs system software to run
Topic 4
Directory and file manipulation in Windows
- File: a named collection of data (report.docx). Folder (directory): a container for files and sub-folders; folders form a tree starting from a drive (C:\).
- File Explorer (Windows + E) shows drives, folders and files; views — icons, list, details.
| Task | How in Windows |
|---|---|
| Create a folder | Right-click → New → Folder, or Ctrl + Shift + N |
| Rename | Select and press F2 |
| Copy / cut / paste | Ctrl + C / Ctrl + X / Ctrl + V |
| Delete | Delete key (to Recycle Bin); Shift + Delete (permanent) |
| Restore deleted file | Open Recycle Bin → Restore |
| Search | Search box in File Explorer or Start menu |
| Select multiple files | Ctrl + click (individual) or Shift + click (range) |
| Compress | Right-click → Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder |
- File extensions identify types: .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .pdf, .jpg, .exe.
- Desktop, taskbar, Start menu, Control Panel/Settings are the main Windows interface elements.
Exam tip
Write keyboard shortcuts in practical-oriented answers — they show hands-on familiarity.
Key terms
- Computer
- An electronic device that inputs, processes, stores and outputs data
- CPU
- Control unit and ALU that execute instructions
- Operating system
- System software managing hardware and providing a user interface
- RAM
- Volatile read-write primary memory
- Directory
- A folder that holds files and sub-folders
Quick revision
- Features: speed, accuracy, storage, diligence, versatility; limitations: no IQ, GIGO.
- Block diagram: input → CPU (CU + ALU) ↔ memory → output.
- Primary (RAM, ROM) vs secondary (HDD, SSD).
- OS functions: process, memory, file, device, security, interface.
- Windows: File Explorer, shortcuts, Recycle Bin.
Important exam questions
Practice questions written to the PTU exam pattern for this unit's syllabus: short answers (Section A style) and long answers (Sections B and C style).
Short-answer questions
- Q1.Define a computer.
- Q2.State any four limitations of computers.
- Q3.What is the function of the ALU?
- Q4.Distinguish RAM and ROM.
- Q5.State four functions of an operating system.
- Q6.How do you rename and delete a file in Windows?
Long-answer questions
- Q1.Explain the features, advantages and limitations of computers.
- Q2.Draw and explain the block diagram of a computer.
- Q3.Explain the functions of an operating system and distinguish system and application software.
- Q4.Explain directory and file management in Windows.
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