ICT Class 1 - Starting And-Shutting-Down-The-Computer Notes

Starting and Shutting Down the Computer

Welcome to the chapter on Starting and Shutting Down the Computer for Class 1. In this chapter, you will learn what a computer is, why it is important to start and shut down a computer properly, and the steps to do so. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to start and shut down a computer safely and understand why these steps are important for the health of your computer.

Introduction

Computers are wonderful machines that help us in many ways. We use computers to learn, play games, draw pictures, and talk to our friends. But before we can use a computer, we need to know how to start it. And when we are done, we must shut it down properly. Just like we wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night, computers also need to be started and shut down in the right way.

Key Concepts

• What is Starting a Computer? – Turning on the computer so it is ready to use.
• What is Shutting Down a Computer? – Turning off the computer safely after use.
• Why Proper Steps Matter – Keeping the computer safe and healthy.
• Parts Involved – Monitor, CPU, keyboard, mouse, and power buttons.
• Safety Tips – How to handle the computer gently and safely.

1. What is Starting a Computer?

Starting a computer means turning it on so that we can use it. When we start the computer, it wakes up and gets ready to help us with our work and play. Just like we need to press the switch to turn on a light, we need to press the power button to start a computer.

• The computer is off when you see no lights or pictures on the monitor.
• To start the computer, we press the power button on the CPU or the laptop.
• After a few seconds, the monitor lights up and you see pictures or words on the screen.
• The computer is now ready for you to use!

2. Steps to Start a Computer

Let’s learn the steps to start a computer safely. Follow these steps every time you want to use the computer:

1. Step 1: Make sure the computer is plugged into the power socket and the switch is ON.
2. Step 2: Press the power button on the CPU (for desktop) or on the laptop. The power button usually has a symbol like ⏻.
3. Step 3: Wait for a few seconds. You will see lights on the CPU and the monitor will turn on.
4. Step 4: The computer will show some pictures and words as it gets ready. This is called booting.
5. Step 5: When you see the desktop screen (with icons and a background), your computer is ready to use!

Practice:

• Can you find the power button on your computer or laptop?
• What do you see on the screen when the computer starts?

3. What is Shutting Down a Computer?

Shutting down a computer means turning it off safely after you are done using it. Just like we do not pull the plug out of the wall to turn off the TV, we should not turn off the computer by pulling the plug. We must follow the correct steps to shut down the computer. This keeps the computer safe and healthy.

• Shutting down closes all the programs and saves your work.
• It turns off the computer in a safe way.
• Never turn off the computer by switching off the power directly.

4. Steps to Shut Down a Computer

Here are the steps to shut down a computer safely:

1. Step 1: Save your work and close all open programs.
2. Step 2: Click on the Start button (usually at the bottom left of the screen).
3. Step 3: Click on the Shut Down option in the menu.
4. Step 4: Wait for the computer to turn off completely. The monitor and CPU lights will go off.
5. Step 5: Now you can switch off the power from the socket if needed.

Practice:

• Can you find the Shut Down option on your computer?
• What happens if you do not shut down the computer properly?

5. Why Should We Shut Down Properly?

It is very important to shut down the computer properly. If you do not, the computer can get damaged or lose your work. Here’s why shutting down properly is important:

• It saves your work and closes all programs safely.
• It protects the computer from damage.
• It helps the computer work well for a long time.
• It keeps your files safe from getting lost or broken.

6. Parts of the Computer Used in Starting and Shutting Down

Let’s learn about the parts of the computer that we use when starting and shutting down:

• CPU: The main box of the computer. The power button is usually here.
• Monitor: The screen that shows what is happening.
• Keyboard and Mouse: We use these to click on the Start and Shut Down buttons.
• Power Cable and Switch: These give electricity to the computer.

7. Safety Tips for Using the Computer

Here are some important safety tips to remember when starting and shutting down the computer:

• Always use clean and dry hands to touch the computer.
• Do not press the power button too hard.
• Do not switch off the power suddenly.
• Ask an adult for help if you are not sure what to do.
• Keep food and drinks away from the computer.
• Sit properly in front of the computer when using it.

8. Fun Activity: Computer Song

Here’s a fun song to help you remember how to start and shut down the computer:

Press the button, wait and see,
The computer wakes up, just like me!
When you’re done, don’t just run,
Click Shut Down, and you’re done!

Summary

• Starting a computer means turning it on so we can use it.
• We must follow the correct steps to start and shut down the computer.
• Shutting down properly keeps the computer safe and healthy.
• Never switch off the power directly; always use the Shut Down option.
• Ask for help if you are not sure how to start or shut down the computer.

Practice Questions

Try these questions to test your understanding:

1. What is the first thing you should do before starting the computer?
2. Where is the power button usually found?
3. What do you see on the monitor when the computer is starting?
4. Why should you not switch off the power directly?
5. List the steps to shut down a computer safely.
6. What should you do if you are not sure how to shut down the computer?

Challenge Yourself

• Draw and label the power button on your computer or laptop.
• Make a poster showing the steps to start and shut down a computer.
• Teach a friend or family member how to shut down the computer properly.
• Write a short story about what happens if you do not shut down the computer properly.

Did You Know?

• The first computers took a long time to start!
• Modern computers can start in just a few seconds.
• Some computers can even go to “sleep” and wake up quickly.
• If you shut down the computer properly, it will last longer and work better.

Glossary

• Start: To turn on the computer.
• Shut Down: To turn off the computer safely.
• Power Button: The button used to turn the computer on or off.
• Monitor: The screen that shows pictures and words.
• CPU: The main box of the computer.
• Booting: The process of starting the computer.
• Desktop: The main screen you see after the computer starts.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. Make sure the computer is plugged in and the power switch is ON.
2. On the CPU for desktops or on the keyboard for laptops.
3. You see the computer starting up, showing pictures or words, and finally the desktop screen.
4. Switching off the power directly can damage the computer and cause loss of work.
5. Save your work, click Start, select Shut Down, wait for the computer to turn off, then switch off the power.
6. Ask an adult or teacher for help.

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Remember, starting and shutting down the computer properly is the first step to becoming a smart computer user!