Class VI

Computer hardware is the physical parts or components of a computer, such as the monitor, keyboard, computer data storage, graphic card, sound card and motherboard


Internal Hardware -> is a term used to describe a device that is installed within the computer. For example, a video card is an internal device. The internal hardware parts of a computer are often referred to as components
Internal computer hardware devices
CPU
Drive (e.g., Blu-ray, CD-ROM, DVD, floppy drive, hard drive, and SSD)
Fan (heat sink)
Modem
Motherboard
Network card
RAM
Sound card
Video card


External Hardware describes a hardware device that is installed outside of the computer. For example, a printer (shown to the right) is an external device because it is connected to the back of the computer and is outside of the case. However, a video card is an internal device since it is found inside of the computer case.
External hardware examples
Flat-panel, Monitor, and LCD
Hard Drive
Headphones
Joystick
Keyboard
Mouse
Printer
Projector
Scanner
Speakers
USB thumb drive

Software is a collection of instructions that enable the user to interact with a computer, its hardware, or perform tasks. Without software, most computers would be useless. For example, without your Internet browser software, you could not surf the Internet or read this page.


Software can be categorized according to what it is designed to accomplish. There are two main types of software: systems software and application software.


Systems Software
Systems software includes the programs that are dedicated to managing the computer itself, such as the operating system, file management utilities, and disk operating system (or DOS). The operating system manages the computer hardware resources in addition to applications and data. Without systems software installed in our computers we would have to type the instructions for everything we wanted the computer to do!


Application software is specific to the task it is designed for and can be as simple as a calculator application or as complex as a word processing application. Application software, or simply applications, are often called productivity programs or end-user programs because they enable the user to complete tasks, such as creating documents, spreadsheets, databases and publications, doing online research, sending email, designing graphics, running businesses, and even playing games!

Operating System Almost all computers have an operating system, also called an OS, to act as a stage on which software applications are run. Common operating systems are Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux. An operating system has many jobs. It is responsible for making sure that all the programs can use the CPU, system memory, displays, input devices, and other hardware. It also lets the user have a fast, clean, and safe interface so they can do work on the computer. It also talks to other computers or devices on a network.

The function keys or F-keys on a computer keyboard, labeled F1 through F12, are keys that have a special function defined by the operating system, or by a currently running program. They may be combined with the Alt or Ctrl keys.

F1 Key
F1 key is universally linked to Help in almost every program, may it be Chrome or Microsoft Word.
Win Key+F1 opens the Microsoft Windows help and support center.
Shift + F1 reveals formatting in MS Word.
Ctrl+F1 opens Task Pane in MS Office.

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F2 Key
Hotkey to rename any of the highlighted icon, file or folders. Select a file/folder/icon and click F2 to rename it.
Ctrl+F2 opens the print preview in MS Word.
Fn+F2 mutes the volume of your PC.
Alt+Ctrl+F2 opens document library in MS Office.
When clicked during Boot Process, F2 key takes you to the BIOS setup of your PC.

F3 Key
F3 often activates search function in different applications including the leading browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.
Fn+F3 to decrease volume in some laptops.
Click Shift + F3 to change the text in Microsoft Word from upper to lower case
Shift +F3 opens the search in Google Chrome.

F4 Key
F4 is often used to close the applications. Alt+F4 closes the currently open program.
Alt+F4 opens the shutdown option when no program is open.
Ctrl+F4 closes a part of the running program such as a tab or a document.
Click Fn+F4 to increase the volume in some laptops.
F4 takes you to the address bar in Windows Explorer and Microsoft Edge.
F4 opens a fullscreen window in some applications like Space Cadet and 3D Pinball.

F5 Key
F5 Key is often used to refresh a web page.
Click F5 to open Find & Replace window in MS Word.
Starts a slideshow when clicked in PowerPoint.
Fn+F5 decreases brightness on your monitor on some laptops.

F6 Key
This key takes you to the address bar in some browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge and many other popular browsers.
Fn+F6 increases the brightness of your monitor on some laptops.

F7 Key

F7 opens spelling and grammar checker in MS Word.
Shift+F7 opens thesaurus in MS Word.
Fn+F7 opens second screen options in some laptops and opens display scheme in some laptops.

F8 Key
Commonly used to start your Windows PC in Safe Mode.
Takes you to Windows Recovery system at times.

F9 Key
If you are using MS Word, F9 key will update your document.
Click F9 to send or receive email in Microsoft Outlook

F10 Key
F10 Key opens Menu Bar in the open application.
Shift+F10 works as right click option.

F11 Key
Enters and exits Full-Screen Mode in almost every popular browser including Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.CTRL+F11 opens the hidden recovery options in some Windows laptops.

Alt+F11 opens the Visual Basic Editor.

F12 Key
If you are working on MS Word, click F12 to open Save As window.
Win+F12 saves your document in MS Word.
CTRL+F12 opens a document in MS Word.
Opens Inspect Element in popular web browsers.