Chapter 1: Design Factory

This chapter focuses on Graphic Designing, which is the creative work involved in making posters, banners, and boards.

Key Concepts and Tools:

• Software: Free software available for graphic editing includes GIMP, Krita, Inkscape, Scribus, and LibreOffice Draw.
• Vector vs. Raster Images:
  • Raster Images (e.g., JPEG, PNG) are made of pixels and may lose quality (become pixelated) when scaled.
  • Vector Images (e.g., SVG, EPS) are created using mathematical equations defining lines and shapes, can be resized without losing quality, and generally have small file sizes.
• Inkscape: A Free vector graphic designing software used for high-quality designs such as logos, illustrations, posters, brochures, and typography. Its default file format is Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), and it supports other formats like AI, PDF, and PNG.
• Poster Design Steps: Start by creating a canvas, adding text effectively, and arranging drawings, images, and shapes attractively.
• Canvas/Page Setup: In Inkscape, use File → Document Properties (shortcut: Shift + Ctrl + D) to adjust page size, units, and orientation.
• Drawing and Editing Tools (Inkscape):
  • Create Rectangle & Squares (R).
  • Select and Transform Objects (S) changes object size. Holding Ctrl while resizing keeps dimensions proportional.
  • Colours can be applied using Fill Color (fill) or by holding Shift while selecting a colour (stroke/border).
  • The Bezier Curve tool (B) is used to create regular lines and curved shapes. It helps draw complex shapes, logos, and fonts.
  • Edit path by nodes (N) is used to curve or adjust lines.
  • Path → Intersection is used to retain only the overlapping common part of two selected shapes.
  • Align and Distribute (Shift + Ctrl + A) is used for arranging design elements with accuracy.
  • Grouping objects is done using Ctrl+G.
  • Opacity controls colour transparency (0% transparency means the object cannot be seen).
  • The Gradient tool and Blur effect can be used to create shading and three-dimensional effects.
• Exporting: Inkscape files can be exported to PNG, JPG, and WEBP formats. For screen display, 96dpi is sufficient, while for print, 300dpi is preferred.

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Chapter 2: Let’s Prepare a Newspaper

This chapter focuses on designing pages for publication using Desktop Publishing (DTP) software.

Key Concepts and Tools:

• Desktop Publishing (DTP): A method of preparing and printing pages using designing software on a computer. It allows a single person or team to quickly complete stages previously handled by multiple professionals (typists, graphic designers, typesetters).
• DTP Software: Scribus is a popular open-source DTP software used for designing magazines, books, and newspaper pages. Other DTP software includes LaTeX, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher, and QuarkXPress.
• Page Design Elements: In newspapers, content is often divided into columns. Design relies on images, fonts, headings, colours, arrangement of letters, and blank spaces.
• Scribus Features:
  • Documents are started by selecting settings like Page Layout, size, orientation, and margin from the New Document window.
  • The Shape tool is used to draw shapes, and dimensions can be entered in the Properties window.
  • Node Editing allows changing the shape of figures by adjusting nodes.
  • Drop Shadow adds shadow to objects.
  • Text frames (T) are necessary to include and format text. Formatting options are available in the Text Properties window.
  • The Line tool can be used to add lines; holding the Ctrl key ensures the line is straight.
  • The Image Frame tool is used to include images. After inserting an image, it can be adjusted to the frame using Image → Adjust Image to Frame.
  • QR Codes can be generated using the Barcode icon, selecting Two dimensional symbols and QR Code.
  • Text can be arranged into columns using the Columns & Text Distance tab in the Text Properties window.
  • The Text Overflow Icon appears at the bottom right of a text frame if the content exceeds the frame's capacity.
  • To arrange images among text, adjustments must be made in the Contour Line of the image using Shape → Text flow around frame.
  • Background colour can be set by drawing a large rectangle shape and using Level → Lower to bottom to place it behind the text.
  • Documents are exported to PDF format using File → Export for printing.
• Career Opportunities: DTP professionals work as graphic designers, layout artists, desktop publishers, and print production specialists in various industries.

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Chapter 3: Computer Language

This chapter introduces how computers are instructed and the basics of Python programming.

Key Concepts of Computer Programming:

• Binary Language: Computers are electronic devices and only understand ON and OFF states, represented by the symbols 1 and 0 (binary language). These states are also known as High/Low or True/False.
• High-level Languages: Languages like Python, C, and Java that humans use to give instructions....
• Translator Programs: Convert high-level language instructions into binary language.
  • Compilers: Convert instructions completely into a separate binary file (executable file) before execution (e.g., C, C++).
  • Interpreters: Process and execute code line by line during execution, requiring the source code to be present (e.g., Python).
• Programming: The process of giving the necessary instructions to computers to perform a specific task.
• Algorithm: The steps for solving a problem written in a specific order.
• Python: An open-source programming language developed by Guido van Rossum in 1990, known for its simple syntax.
• Programming Basics (Python):
  • Programs are typically saved with the .py extension.
  • Run using the command python3 filename.py in the terminal.
  • Variables temporarily store data.
  • Datatype indicates the type of data (integers, strings, etc.).
  • The input() function collects data, which is provided in text format (string).
  • The int() function is used to convert data from string form to integer form so mathematical operations can be performed.
  • IDLE (Integrated Development Environment) is specialized software used for easily running and fixing errors in programs.

Control Flow and Operators:

• Conditional Statements (Branching): Control the flow of the program based on whether a condition is met.
  • The if...else statement checks a condition.
  • The if...elif...else format checks multiple conditions sequentially.
  • Syntax refers to the terminologies and rules for writing programs.
• Loop Statements (Iteration): Used to repeat instructions.
  • while loop: Repeats statements as long as a condition is true.
  • for loop: Often used with the range statement to arrange a set of numbers systematically (e.g., range(1, 101) gives numbers 1 through 100).
• Operators: Arithmetic (+, -, *, /, %), Assignment (=), Comparison (==, >, <, >=, <=, !=), and Logical (and, or, not) are used in Python....

Python Graphics:

• The turtle graphics module can generate graphical output.
• The command from turtle import * adds all functions from the module.
• forward is used to draw a line.
• right(90) or left(90) rotates the drawing 90 degrees.
• Lists store different data in a single string (e.g., colours) and can be easily iterated through using a for loop.

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Chapter 4: Cyberspace

This chapter explores the digital environment and online interactions.

The Digital Environment:

• Cyberspace: The virtual space where digital devices (computers, servers, phones, networks) and the information transferred between them are all linked.
• Internet: A global network of interconnected computers and physical infrastructure (servers, cables, routers). It is a component of the broader concept of cyberspace.
• Cyberworld: Specific virtual spaces within cyberspace, such as virtual reality platforms or online multiplayer games.
• Digital Footprint: The trace of information created while using the Internet (websites visited, posts shared, apps used).
• Cyber Identity: A person’s digital representation shaped by online information and activities.
• Cyber Infrastructure: Includes the Internet, hardware, network protocols, information, databases, web pages, and security systems.
• Internet of Things (IoT): A network of physical objects connected to the Internet, equipped with sensors and software to collect data and interact.

Digital Assets and Advanced Technology:

• Metaverse: An immersive platform/vast virtual world that integrates Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain to create an artificial world. Users are represented by Avatars.
• Digital Assets: Financial assets that exist only in digital form and hold value (e.g., digital currencies, digital wallets, domain names, software, points from online shopping).
  • NFT (Non-Fungible Token): Valuable, proprietary digital items such as digital art, music, or rare in-game items.
  • Cryptocurrency: A decentralized digital currency secured by cryptography and Blockchain technology (e.g., Bitcoin).
• Big Data: Very large and complex datasets generated rapidly in cyberspace (e.g., from social media, e-commerce, and IoT devices) that traditional data processing software cannot handle efficiently.
  • Explicit data collection is when a user knowingly provides information (e.g., filling forms).
  • Implicit data collection gathers information without the user explicitly providing it (e.g., browsing history, location).

Cyber Ethics and Safety:

• Plagiarism: The act of presenting someone else's ideas, expressions, or work as your own.
• References: Details of the original sources of information used, required to acknowledge intellectual contributions.
• Reliable Sources: When searching for information, rely on sources that are authentic, reliable, and up to date. Examples include reports from scientific conferences, journals, books, and recognized agencies. Websites like www.scholar.google.com and www.semanticscholar.org help find credible scientific publications.
• Dangers of Excessive Use: Can lead to issues like FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), Gaming Disorder, Cyberchondria, Nomophobia (No Mobile Phobia), and Tech Neck. Solutions include limiting screen time and Digital Detox.
• Netiquette (Cyber Etiquette): Rules for good behaviour online, emphasizing kindness, respect, avoiding harmful messages, and not sharing other people's personal information.

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Chapter 5: Make the Web Look Stylish

This chapter discusses Cascading Styles used to make webpages attractive and efficient.

Key Concepts of Cascading Styles:

• Structure: Style instructions consist of a property and its corresponding value, separated by a colon (:), and completed with a semicolon (;).
• Style Properties: color sets text colour; background-color sets background colour; text-align: center; centres text; and font-weight: adjusts font thickness.
• Measurements: CSS uses absolute measurements like pixels (px), centimetres (cm), and inches (in), and relative dimensions like em and %.
• Types of Cascading Styles:
  1. Inline Cascading Style: Style is added directly using the style attribute within the opening tag of an HTML element. This leads to code repetition and complex maintenance.
  2. Internal Cascading Style: Styles are defined once within the <style> tag in the <head> section of the same HTML file. This is more convenient than inline style as the tag needs to be styled only once.
  3. External Cascading Style Sheets (CSS): This method defines styles in a separate file (saved with the .css extension) and applies them to all required web pages. This avoids repetition across multiple pages (like Wikipedia).
     • The CSS file is linked to the HTML page inside the <head> tag using the code: <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="filename.css">.
• Cascading Style Order (Priority): If an element has multiple conflicting styles, the browser follows this priority order (highest to lowest): Inline Style > Internal Style > External Style.
• HTML Tags: The <div> tag (Division tag) is useful for dividing the code in a webpage into different sections.

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Chapter 6: The World of Robots

This chapter covers the components, functioning, and applications of Robotics.

Robotics Fundamentals:

• Robotics: The science that studies the design, construction, operation, and control of robots, integrating electronics, mechanical engineering, and computer science.
• Robot Functioning: Robots perceive their surroundings using sensors, analyze the information, make decisions based on instructions, and act.
• Basic Components:
  • Input Devices (Sensors): Gather information (e.g., Light Sensor, IR Sensor, Microphone, Camera).
  • Control Unit: Microcontrollers or Microprocessors process data and manage output (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32).
  • Output Devices: Display results or perform actions (e.g., LEDs, Buzzers, Motors).
  • Actuators: Components enabling automatic movement (e.g., servo motors, stepper motors).
• Arduino: An open-source hardware/software platform. The Arduino UNO board features the ATmega328P microcontroller chip. It includes DIGITAL I/O PINs (0-13) (some support PWM for controlling devices like servo motors) and Analog Input pins.
• Circuit Building: A breadboard allows building and reusing circuits without soldering.
• LED Circuits: An LED (Light Emitting Diode) must be connected with a resistor in series to prevent damage. To control the LED (e.g., blinking), it must be connected to a Digital Pin on the Arduino.
• PictoBlox Programming Modes:
  • Upload Mode: The program is fully uploaded to the Arduino's memory, allowing it to run independently without the computer.
  • Stage Mode: The Arduino runs based on continuous instructions received via the USB cable, requiring the computer connection.
• Signals: Instructions are given using HIGH (ON/1) and LOW (OFF/0) signals.
• Servo Motor: A motor designed to rotate only through specific angles (e.g., 0 to 180 degrees). Controlled using PWM.
• IR Sensor Module: Detects obstacles using infrared waves.
• AI and Robotics: Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables machines to imitate human intelligence. Combined with robotics, AI allows for precision tasks like manufacturing, surgery, and face recognition. The Face Detection extension in PictoBlox (used in Stage Mode) can be used for systems that recognize human faces.

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Chapter 7: Learning Science Through Computers

This chapter covers using software tools like Stellarium and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for educational purposes.

Stellarium (Desktop Planetarium):

• Stellarium: A free desktop planetarium software that simulates sky views and celestial phenomena.
• Setup: To observe a celestial body, one must set the Place of observation, observation time (date and time), and select the celestial body.
• Midnight Sun: To view the midnight sun, the observation location must be set to a city north of the Arctic Circle, such as Tromso, Norway.... The phenomenon, also known as White Nights, occurs during summer when the sun is visible all day without setting....
• Solstice: The Summer Solstice (June 21) is when the Sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer.
• Tools: The Location Window (F6) sets the place. The Date/Time Window (F5) sets the time. The Search Window (F3) finds celestial bodies. Time speed can be adjusted using Increase Time Speed (L).

Geographic Information System (GIS):

• Disaster Risk Area Map: A map highlighting vulnerabilities and potential hazards, essential for planning disaster prevention and rescue operations.
• GIS Software: Records features and spatial information of the Earth's surface in layers. Used to prepare resource maps.
• Examples of GIS Software: Quantum GIS (QGIS) and GRASS are free software; Arc GIS is proprietary software. School GIS is an online portal for school information.
• QGIS Operations: Data (e.g., CSV files containing landslide details) can be added as a new layer using Layer → Add Layer → Add Delimited Text Layer. The Identify Features tool is used to view information about a specific point on the map.
• Digital Elevation Model (DEM): A 3D graphical representation of elevation data, typically stored as a raster image file (e.g., .tif).
• Slope Analysis: DEM data is used to calculate the slope of an area using QGIS Processing Toolbox → GDAL → Raster analysis → Slope. Different colours are assigned based on slope degree using the Symbology properties (Render type: Singleband pseudocolor).
• Printing: Maps are printed using the New Print Layout feature.

Geometry of Equations (GeoGebra):

• GeoGebra: Interactive geometry software.
• Input Method: Geometric structures like points and lines can be created by typing commands in the Input Bar. For example, A(1,2) creates point A. Segment(A,D) draws a line segment.
• Drawing Equations: Typing equations like x=1 creates a line parallel to the Y-axis. Typing y=x^2 creates a parabolic shape. Typing x^2+y^2=2 creates a circle.
• View: The index numbers of marked points appear in the Algebraic View.

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Chapter 8: Let’s Give Life to Pictures

This chapter details the process and techniques of animation, particularly using OpenToonz.

Animation Core Concepts:

• Persistence of Vision: The unique feature of the human eye where an image remains on the retina for a short time (one sixteenth of a second), causing sequential images viewed rapidly to be perceived as continuous motion.
• Phenakistiscope: The first device used to simulate animation (early 19th century).
• Flipbook: A type of illustrated book using a series of gradually changing images to create the feeling of movement when pages are turned continuously.
• Animation Preparation: Requires a theme, story, scenes, and a storyboard (detailed preparation of each scene). Character Design focuses on shape variation, colour selection, and modifiability.
• Animation Types: 2D animation (based on 2D images, e.g., The Jungle Book) and 3D animation (based on 3D shapes, e.g., Shrek).
• Frame Rate (FPS): The number of still images (frames) displayed per second, which determines the naturalness of the movement. A 5-second animation at 12 FPS requires 60 frames.

OpenToonz Software:

• OpenToonz: Free animation software used for drawing, animation, and sound.
• Workspaces (Rooms): Animation (animating position/rotation/size), Drawing (drawing/colouring/editing), and Browser.
• Xsheets: Organize animation content in columns (tracks) and frames (cells), similar to timelines.
• Vector Level: Used to draw vector images within a column.
• Tweening: A technique where the software automatically creates the changes (position, size, etc.) of an object between designated Key Frames. Position Tweening is used for movement.
• Image Sequences: Pre-prepared sequences of images can be added to frames to enable subtle movements.
• Saving and Exporting: Project files are saved with the .tnz extension. Animation is exported as a video file (e.g., MP4) using Render → Fast Render to MP4.
• Combining Scenes: Prepared scenes can be combined using video editing software like Kdenlive.

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Chapter 9: To the Information Storehouse

This chapter focuses on Database Management Systems (DBMS) and Structured Query Language (SQL).

Database Concepts:

• Database: A systematic collection of tables containing interrelated information.
• DBMS: Software used to store, find, analyze, change, and eliminate information from interconnected tables.
• Table Components:
  • Fields: Columns in a table (e.g., Player_Name, Total_Runs).
  • Datatypes: The type of data collected in a field (e.g., Text, Number/Integer, Date, Image, Audio, Video).
  • Records: Rows in a table containing all the information collected about a single entry.
• Keys:
  • Primary Key (PK): A field used to uniquely identify each record in a table (e.g., Player_ID, Admission Number).
  • Foreign Key: A field in one table used to establish a relationship by referring to the primary key of another table.
• DBMS Software: Important DBMS software includes Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server, and sqlite. SQLite is a free software DBMS where the database is stored as a single file.

SQL Queries (Retrieving Information):

• Structured Query Language (SQL): A specialized computer language used by DBMSs to communicate, select information, create/modify tables, and insert/edit/delete information.
• Retrieving Data: Queries are run in the Execute SQL tab.
  • Example: select Total_Runs from Player where Player_Name='Sachin Tendulkar' retrieves the total runs scored by Sachin Tendulkar.
  • select * from Player retrieves all details from the Player table.
  • Queries can join data from multiple tables by relating Foreign Keys to Primary Keys.

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Chapter 10: Software and Freedom

This chapter discusses the history of software development, licenses, and the Free/Open Source movement.

Software Code and Principles:

• Source Code: Human-readable instructions written in a programming language; can be edited. Python programs are typically distributed as source code.
• Object Code (Executable Code): The converted machine-readable format; cannot be easily modified.
• Benefits of Open Source Code: Allows users to trust the program, learn from it, improve it, reduce bugs, lower costs, and disseminate knowledge.
• Software Publishing Platforms: GitLab, GNU Savannah, Gitea, GitHub, SourceForge are online services that help publish and manage software.

Software Licenses and Freedoms:

• Software License: Defines the rights granted to users regarding how the software may be used.
• GNU Public Licence (GPL): A license that ensures user freedom to use the software for any purpose, read/learn the source code, copy/edit it, and redistribute modified/unmodified versions.... GIMP is distributed under GPL.
• Free Software: Prioritizes user freedom and knowledge dissemination ("free as in liberty," not necessarily zero cost).
• Open-Source Software: Emphasizes universal accessibility, collaboration, and innovation. Examples include Apache License (used for Android OS) and BSD License.
• FLOSS: Free/Libre and Open Source Software (a middle-ground approach). Mozilla Firefox uses the Mozilla Public License (a FLOSS license).
• Proprietary Software (EULA): Software that typically provides only object code and has usage restrictions, sometimes requiring a new license for each system (e.g., Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS).
• Copyleft: A licensing method that uses copyright law to legally guarantee users the freedom to use, copy, modify, and redistribute a program.

History of Free Software:

• Richard Stallman: Founded the GNU Project in 1983 to create and make freely available software. He established the Free Software Foundation (FSF) in 1985 to support these efforts.
• GNU/Linux: The GNU Project aimed to rewrite the Unix operating system without using its code, hence the name GNU (GNU is not Unix). The GNU components were combined with the Linux kernel (created by Linus Torvalds) to form the GNU/Linux operating system. The kernel interacts directly with hardware; the shell (e.g., GNU Bash) interacts with the user.
• Development Models: Proprietary software follows the Cathedral Model; FOSS follows the Bazaar Model, relying on collaborative contribution.
• Version Control: Git (created by Linus Torvalds) is an online software used to store, manage, and track versions of software collaboratively.
• Open Hardware: A growing movement releasing hardware components under free manufacturing licenses (e.g., Arduino microcontrollers).