Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 1
COMPONENTS OF COMPUTERS AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS
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COMPONENTS OF COMPUTERS AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS
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Subject: Computing
Class: JHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 4
Grade code: B7.1.1.2.1
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: B7.1.1.2
Indicator code: B7.1.1.2.1
Theme: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING
Subtheme: COMPONENTS OF COMPUTERS AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS
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Welcome, learners! Today, we are going to explore the very first thing you see when you turn on a computer: the Windows Desktop. Think of the operating system as the "manager" or "headteacher" of the computer—it controls everything. The desktop is its main office. Understanding how to navigate the desktop, taskbar, and start menu is like knowing your way around your school compound. It is a fundamental skill for using a computer for schoolwork, playing games, or preparing for future jobs, whether you work in an office in Accra, a bank in Kumasi, or run your own business from home.
This lesson focuses on the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the Windows Operating System, which is the software component that allows us to interact with the computer using pictures and icons instead of just text. a. The Desktop The Desktop is the main screen area that you see after you turn on your computer and log in to Windows. It is your primary workspace. Analogy: Think of a physical desk in a classroom or an office. You place your books, pens, and calculator on your desk to work. The computer desktop is similar; it holds your files, folders, and program shortcuts. Desktop Background (Wallpaper): This is the image or colour that covers your desktop, just like you might cover a real desk with a cloth or a picture. b. Icons Icons are small pictures on the desktop that represent a file, folder, program (application), or shortcut. Examples: Recycle Bin: Looks like a small waste bin. This is where deleted files go temporarily. Folder Icon: Looks like a manila office folder. It is used to store and organise other files. Program Icon: The logo of a program, like the icon for Microsoft Word or Google Chrome. Double-clicking it opens the program. c. The Taskbar The Taskbar is the long horizontal bar located at the bottom of the screen by default. It is one of the most important tools for managing your work on the computer.
It is divided into four main sections: The Start Button/Menu: Location: Usually at the far left, represented by the Windows logo (a four-pane window). Function: Clicking this button opens the Start Menu. This is the main gateway to all your programs, settings, and files on the computer. It contains a list of all installed applications and colourful boxes called Tiles. Tiles: These are rectangular shortcuts in the Start Menu. Some are "live tiles," meaning they can show updated information, like the weather forecast or latest news headlines. The Search Bar: Location: Next to the Start Button. Function: This is like a search engine for your computer. You can type the name of a file, folder, or application here, and the computer will find it for you. This is much faster than looking through many folders. Pinned and Open Applications Area: Function: This is the middle and largest part of the taskbar. Pinned Apps: These are shortcuts to your favourite or most-used programs. They stay on the taskbar even when they are not open, so you can launch them with a single click. Open Apps: When you run a program, its icon appears in this area, often with a line or bar underneath it to show it is active. This allows you to see everything you are currently working on. The Notification Area (or System Tray): Location: At the far right end of the taskbar. Function: This area displays important system information. Common Icons: Clock and Date: Shows the current time and date. Network Status: Shows if you are connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or cable). Volume Control: Allows you to adjust the computer's sound level. Battery Status: On a laptop, this shows how much battery power is left. d. Window Previews (Thumbnails) This is a very useful feature of the taskbar that helps you see what's in a window without actually clicking on it and switching to it. How it works: Open two or more different programs (e.g., Microsoft Word and File Explorer). Move your mouse pointer and let it hover (rest without clicking) over the icon of one of the open programs on the taskbar. A small rectangular preview window, called a thumbnail, will pop up above the taskbar, showing you a live mini-view of what is inside that program's window. Why it is useful: It helps you quickly peek at another window to find information without losing your place in your current window. This is excellent for multitasking.
Guided Practice (With Solutions)
(Teacher demonstrates on projector/main computer while learners follow on their machines if available. If not, learners can guide the teacher.)