Introduction to the Computer Monitor – JSS1 Computer Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

A computer monitor is a screen that shows pictures and words from your computer. It lets you see what you are doing on your computer. Without a monitor, you would not be able to use your computer because you could not see anything.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• name the four types of computer monitor and describe each one;
• identify the main parts of a monitor;
• explain how monitor size and screen resolution are measured;
• list the cables used to connect a monitor to a computer;
• state ways of taking care of a monitor and saving energy with it.

Types of computer monitors

There are different kinds of computer monitors:

• CRT monitors: These are old-style monitors that are big and heavy. They take up a lot of space on your desk. They are not made much anymore.
• LCD monitors: These are flat screens that are thin and light. Most people use these now. They use less power than CRT monitors.
• LED monitors: These are like LCD monitors but use little lights called LEDs to make the picture. They are even thinner and use less power.
• Touch screen monitors: These special monitors let you touch the screen to do things. You can use your fingers instead of a mouse.

Parts of a monitor

A monitor has several parts:

• The screen: where you see everything
• The case: the plastic or metal box that holds everything
• The buttons: to turn it on or off and change settings
• The stand: holds the monitor up on your desk
• The cables: connect the monitor to your computer

How does a monitor work?

Your computer sends signals to your monitor. These signals tell the monitor what to show on the screen. The monitor turns these signals into pictures, words and colours that you can see.

Monitor size and screen resolution

How is monitor size measured?

Monitors come in different sizes. We measure monitor size by looking at the distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner. This is called the diagonal size. Common sizes are:

What is screen resolution?

Resolution means how clear and sharp the picture is on your monitor. It is measured by counting the tiny dots (pixels) on the screen. More dots mean a clearer picture. Higher numbers mean better quality pictures.

Common resolutions are:

Connecting and adjusting a monitor

How do you connect a monitor?

To use a monitor, you need to connect it to your computer. There are different ways to connect:

• VGA cable (old blue connector)
• DVI cable (white connector with pins)
• HDMI cable (like the one for TVs)
• DisplayPort cable (newer type)

Most new monitors use HDMI or DisplayPort.

Monitor settings

You can change how your monitor looks:

• Brightness: how light or dark the screen is
• Contrast: the difference between light and dark parts
• Colour: how strong the colours look
• Position: where the picture sits on the screen

Looking after your monitor

How do you take care of a monitor?

To keep your monitor working well:

• Clean the screen with a soft cloth.
• Do not touch the screen with your fingers.
• Keep drinks away from your monitor.
• Do not put heavy things on top of your monitor.
• Turn off your monitor when you are not using it.

How can you save energy with your monitor?

Monitors use electricity. To save energy:

• Turn off your monitor when you are not using it.
• Use the power-saving settings.
• Lower the brightness if the room is not bright.
• Buy energy-saving monitors.

Why are monitors important, and what are they used for?

Why are monitors important?

Monitors are one of the most important parts of a computer system because:

• They let you see what you are doing.
• They show you pictures, videos and text.
• They help you play games and watch movies.
• They let you read and write emails.
• They help you do schoolwork and office work.

Different uses for monitors

People use monitors for many things:

• Watching videos and movies
• Playing computer games
• Doing schoolwork
• Working in an office
• Drawing pictures
• Making videos
• Reading news and books
• Talking to friends with video calls

Choosing a good monitor

When buying a monitor, think about:

• Size: How big do you need it to be?
• Resolution: How clear do you want the picture?
• Price: How much money can you spend?
• Purpose: What will you use it for?

Evaluation

1. What is a computer monitor?
2. Name the four types of computer monitor.
3. How is the size of a monitor measured?
4. What is a pixel, and what does a higher resolution give you?
5. List three cables used to connect a monitor to a computer.

Assignment

1. List the five parts of a monitor and say what each one does.
2. Write down four ways of taking care of a monitor.
3. Write down three ways of saving energy with a monitor.