Information Technology Tips

Introduction of Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer

2014-03-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. Each part plays an important role whenever you use a computer.

Computer Case

The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer. It houses the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), the power supply, and more.

Computer cases come in different shapes and sizes. A desktop case lies flat on a desk, and the monitor usually sits on top of it. A tower case is tall and sits next to the monitor or on the floor. The front of the case usually has an on/off switch and one or more optical drives.

Most of the personal computers you can purchase today include tower cases rather than desktop cases; however, some computers are being made with all of the internal components built into the monitor, which completely eliminates the tower.

An all-in-one iMac

Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer

2014-03-25T09:12:00.001-07:00

Introduction

The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. read more....

Monitor

monitor works with a video card, located inside the computer case, to display images and text on the screen. Newer monitors usually have LCD (liquid crystal display) or LED (light-emitting diode) displays. read more....

Keyboard

The keyboard is one of the primary ways we communicate with the computer and enter data. There are many different types of computer keyboards, such as wired, wireless, ergonomic, and multimedia. read more....

Mouse

The mouse is a peripheral that is known as a pointing device. It lets you point to objects on the screen, click on them, and move them. read more....

Web Apps and the Cloud

2014-03-16T02:05:00.001-07:00

What is the Cloud?

You may have heard people using terms like the cloud, cloud computing, or cloud storage. But what exactly is the cloud? Basically, the cloud is the internet—more specifically, it's all of the things that you can access remotely over the internet. When something is in the cloud, that means it is stored on servers on the internet, instead of on your computer. Read more....

Why Use the Cloud?

Whatis a Web App?

Previously, we talked about how desktop applications allow you to perform tasks on your computer. However, there are also web applications (or web apps), which run in the cloud and do not need to be installed on your computer. These are sometimes called cloud apps. Read more....

How Do Web Apps Work?

Understanding Applications

2014-03-16T02:01:00.000-07:00

What is an application?

You may have heard people talking about using an application or an app. But what exactly does that mean? An app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications, and those for mobile devices are called mobile apps. Read more....

Installing Desktop Applications

In order to work, an application usually has to be installed on your computer. Typically, installation is as simple as inserting the installation disc and following the instructions on the screen. For software that is downloaded from the internet, you can usually double-click it after it is finished downloading and then follow the instructions on the screen. Read more....

MobileApps

Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run apps. You can also download apps for mobile devices like smart phones and tablet computers, which opens up a lot of new possibilities. Here are a few examples of mobile apps. Read more....

Understanding Operating Systems

2014-03-16T01:59:00.000-07:00

Whatis an Operating System?

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's memory, processes, and all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's "language." Without an operating system, a computer is useless. Read more....

Types of Operating Systems

Operating systems usually come preloaded on any computer that you buy. Most people use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it is possible to upgrade or even change operating systems.

The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X, and Linux. Read more....

MicrosoftWindows

Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. Over the years, there have been many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 8 (released in 2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes preloaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world. Read more....

Apple Mac OS X

Mac OS is a line of operating systems created by Apple Inc. It comes preloaded on all new Macintosh computers, or Macs. All of the recent versions are known as Mac OS X (pronounced Mac O-S Ten), and the specific versions include Mavericks (released in 2013), Mountain Lion (2012), Lion (2011), and Snow Leopard (2009). Apple also offers a version called Mac OS X Server, which is designed to be run on servers. Read more....

Linux

OperatingSystems for Mobile Devices

The operating systems that we've been talking about were designed to run on desktop or laptop computers. Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and mp3 players are very different from desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating systems that are designed specifically for mobile devices. Read more....

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Getting to Know Computers

2014-03-16T01:50:00.001-07:00

What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or "data." It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You can use a computer to type documents, send email, and browse the internet. You can also use it to handle spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and more. Read more....

What are the Different Types of Computers Computers?

When most people hear the word "computer," they think of a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer. However, computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform many different functions in our daily lives. When you withdraw cash from an ATM, scan groceries at the store, or use a calculator, you're using a type of computer. Read more....

PCsand Macs

Personal computers come in two main "styles:" PC and Mac. Both styles are fully functional, but they do have a different look and feel, and many people prefer one or the other. Read more....

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Computer Basics

2014-03-16T01:42:00.001-07:00

Are you new to using computers? Do you wonder what people mean when they say the Cloud, Windows, Blackberry, Lion, etc.? Perhaps you would just like to know more about how computers work? When it comes to learning today's technology, Computer Basics has all the basic concepts covered.

Introduction

All about the Desktop Computer

Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer
Buttons, Sockets and Slots on a Desktop Computer
Inside a Desktop Computer

How Do Web Apps Work?

2014-03-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

When you use a web app, you are working from your computer or mobile device, but much of the actual processing is done by a network of servers. These servers can pool all of their processing power in order to handle requests from all over the world. They also use specialized servers to store the data that you're working with, as well as the data from all of the other users. All of this happens very seamlessly, so it looks almost like the application is running on your computer.

For example, if you open a document with Google Docs, your web browser will communicate with the network of servers to display your document. As you edit the document, your browser will work closely with the servers to make sure everything is kept up-to-date.

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What is a Web App?

2014-03-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

Google Drive

Examples of Web Apps

Here are a few examples of web apps: Facebook

Online Email Services: Services like Gmail andYahoo! Mail run within your browser and can do many of the same things that email programs like Microsoft Outlook can do. After you sign up for an online email service, you can begin using it immediately—no installation is required. Instead of being stored on your computer, your emails are stored in the cloud.

Google Docs: Google Docs is an office suite that runs within your browser. Much like Microsoft Office, you can use it to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. Your documents are stored in the cloud, which makes it easy to share your documents with other people.

Facebook: Facebook lets you create an online profile and interact with your friends. Profiles and conversations are constantly evolving, so Facebook uses web app technologies throughout the site to keep the information up-to-date. There are also games and other web apps that you can add to your Facebook profile.

Web apps are becoming more and more integrated with websites, and it may be hard to distinguish between a web application and a "regular" website. In many cases, you may be using a web application without even knowing it!

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Why Use the Cloud?

2014-03-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

Using Mozy to back up files

There are many reasons to use the cloud, but the main reasons are convenience and reliability. In the past, if you wanted to bring a file with you, you would have to save it to a USB flash drive, external hard drive, or CD-R disc. Saving a file to the cloud ensures that you'll be able to access it with any computer that has an internet connection, so you don't have any physical media to keep track of. The cloud also makes it much easier to share a file with coworkers or friends, making it possible to collaborate over the internet.

With the cloud, you're much less likely to lose your data, since it is stored on servers. However, just like anything online, there is always a risk that someone may try to gain access to your personal data, so it's important to choose a strong password and pay attention to any privacy settings for the service you're using.

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What is the Cloud?

2014-03-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

What is the Cloud?

You may have heard people using terms like the cloud, cloud computing, or cloud storage. But what exactly is the cloud? Basically, the cloud is the internet more specifically, it's all of the things that you can access remotely over the internet. When something is in the cloud, that means it is stored on servers on the internet, instead of on your computer. It lets you access your calendar,email, files, and more from any computer that has an internet connection.

Watch the video to learn about the cloud.

If you've ever used web-based email, then you've used the cloud—all of the emails in your inbox are stored on servers. However, there are many other services that use the cloud in different ways. Here are just a few examples:

Dropbox is a cloud storage service that lets you easily store and share files with other people, and it lets you access your files from a mobile device as well.

Evernote lets you type notes, clip webpages, take photos, and organize all of them from your computer or mobile device.

Mozy and Carbonite can automatically back up your data in case your computer is lost, stolen, or damaged.

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Mobile Apps

2014-03-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

An iPhone running a mobile app

Red Laser: You can use Red Laser to compare prices while shopping. You simply scan an item's bar code using your phone's built-in camera, and the app searches the Web for the best price.

Word Lens: Word Lens is a language translator app. Like Red Laser, it uses your phone's camera to take a picture of a sign, menu, or other text that you want to translate, and then it displays the translation for you.

Foursquare: If you're going out to a restaurant, bar, or mall, you can "check in" with Foursquare to find nearby friends and also let your friends know where you are. Foursquare can also show you a list of nearby businesses (using your phone's built-in GPS), which can help you discover places that you've never been to before.

Compared to traditional applications, mobile apps are relatively cheap. Many of them cost as little as 99 cents, and others are free. If your mobile device has an internet connection, you can download apps directly onto the mobile device. Otherwise, you can download them to your computer and then transfer them over.

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Installing Desktop Applications

2014-03-08T13:16:00.000-08:00

screen. For software that is downloaded from the internet, you can usually double-click it after it is finished downloading and then follow the instructions on the screen. Many applications include a readme file (for example, readme.txt), which includes installation instructions and other information.

Use caution when downloading software, as it can contain viruses or other malware. If you have an antivirus program, you should scan the downloaded software before installing it. For more information, check out Protecting in our Internet Safety tutorial.

Opening Files with Applications

Many applications are designed to open one or more types of files (or file formats). For example, Microsoft Word can create and edit Word documents. If you don't have the right kind of application, you won't be able to open a file. For example, if you are taking our Access 2010 tutorial, you will need to have Microsoft Access in order to open the sample database.

There are two main ways to open a file:

Find the file on your computer, and double-click it. This will open the file using the default program.

Double-clicking a file to open it

Open the application, then use the application to open the file. Once the application is open, you can go to the File menu at the top of the screen and select Open. This is useful because some files can be opened by several different applications, and this method allows you to choose which application to use.

Opening a file within Microsoft Word

If you're not sure what a file's format is, you can look at the extension at the end of the file name (for example.docx, .txt, or .jpg). On some computers, the extension may be hidden, and you may need to look at the icon to determine the file format.

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What is an application?

2014-03-08T02:27:00.000-08:00

You may have heard people talking about using an application or an app. But what exactly does that mean? An app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications, and those for mobile devices are called mobile apps. When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until you close it. Much of the time, you will have more than one application open at the same time, and this is known as multitasking.

App is a very common term for an application, especially for simple applications that can be downloaded cheaply or even for free. Many apps are also available for mobile devices and even some TVs.

Types of Desktop Applications

There are countless desktop applications out there, and they fall into many different categories. Some are more full-featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two things (like gadgets). Below are just a few types of applications that you might use:

Microsoft Word

Word Processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and create many other kinds of documents. The most well-known word processor is Microsoft Word.

Personal Finance: Personal finance software, such as Quicken, allows you to keep track of your income and expenses, create a budget, and more. Most personal finance programs can automatically download information from your bank, so you don't have to manually type in all of your transactions.

Web Browsers: A web browser is the tool that you use to access the World Wide Web. Most computers come with a web browser pre-installed, but you can also download a different one if you prefer. Examples of browsers include Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.

Games: There are many different games that you can play on your computer. They range from card games such as Solitaire to action games like Halo 2. Many action games require a lot of computing power, so they may not work unless you have a newer computer

Watching a movie in Windows Media Player

Media Players: If you want to listen to mp3s or watch movies that you've downloaded, you'll need to use a media player. Windows Media Player and iTunes are popular media players

Gadgets: Sometimes called widgets, these are simple applications that you can place on your desktop (or on the Dash board if you're using a Mac). There are many different types of gadgets, and they include calendars, calculators, maps, news headlines, and more.

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Operating Systems for Mobile Devices

2014-03-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

The operating systems that we've been talking about were designed to run on desktop or laptop computers. Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and mp3 players are very different from desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating systems that are designed specifically for mobile devices. Examples of mobile operating systems include Apple iOS, Windows Phone, and Google Android.

Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren't as fully featured as those made for desktop or laptop computers, and they aren't able to run all of the same software. However, you can still do a lot of things with them, such as watching movies, browsing the internet, managing your calendar, playing games, and more.

Apple iOS running on an iPad

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Linux

2014-03-05T15:51:00.000-08:00

Linux (pronounce LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems, which means that they can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world. This is very different from proprietary software like Windows, which can only be modified by the company that owns it (Microsoft). The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and there are many different distributions (or versions) that you can choose from. Each distribution has a different look and feel, and the most popular ones include Ubuntu, Mint, and Fedora.

Linux is named after Linus Torvalds, who created the Linux kernel in 1991. The kernel is the computer code that is the central part of an operating system.

According to Stat Counter Global Stats, Linux users account for less than 1% of the operating systems market as of January 2013. However, most servers run Linux because it's relatively easy to customize.

Ubuntu Linux

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Apple Mac OS X

2014-03-05T15:48:00.000-08:00

According to Stat Counter Global Stats, Mac OS X users account for 7.5% of the operating systems market as of January 2013—much lower than the percentage of Windows users (more than 90%). One reason for this is that Apple computers tend to be more expensive. However, many people prefer the look and feel of Mac OS X.

Mac OS X Lion

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Microsoft Windows

2014-03-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. Over the years, there have been many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 8 (released in 2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes freloaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world.

If you're buying a new computer or upgrading to a newer version of Windows, you can choose from several different editions of Windows, such as Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate. You may need to do some research to decide which edition is right for you.

Windows 7

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Types of Operating Systems

2014-03-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X, and Linux.

The Windows, OS X, and Linux logos

Modern operating systems use a Graphical User Interface, or GUI (pronounced "gooey"). A GUI lets you use your mouse to click on icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination of graphics and text.

Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a different operating system it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems are designed to be easy to use, and most of the basic principles are the same.

The Windows GUI

The OS X GUI

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What is an Operating System?

2014-03-05T15:33:00.001-08:00

The Operating System's Job

You've probably heard the phrase boot your computer, but do you know what that means? Booting is the process that occurs when you press the power button to turn your computer on. During this process (which may take a minute or two), the computer does several things:

It runs tests to make sure everything is working correctly.
It checks for new hardware.
It then starts up the operating system.

Windows 7 start up screen

Once the operating system has started up, it manages all of the software and hardware on the computer. Most of the time, there are many different programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The operating system coordinates all of this to make sure that each program gets what it needs. Without the operating system, the software wouldn't even be able to talk to the hardware, and the computer would be useless.

Windows 7, after starting up

PCs and Macs

2014-03-05T15:24:00.000-08:00

Personal computers come in two main "styles:" PC and Mac. Both styles are fully functional, but they do have a different look and feel, and many people prefer one or the other.

A PC

A Mac

PC: This type of computer began with the original IBM PC that was introduced in 1981. Other companies began to create similar computers, which were called IBM PC Compatible (often shortened to PC). Today, this is the most common type of personal computer, and it typically includes the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Mac: The Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984, and it was the first widely sold personal computer with a Graphical User Interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). All Macs are made by one company, Apple Inc., and they almost always use the Mac OS X operating system.

Although PC can refer to an IBM PC Compatible, the term can also be used to refer to any personal computer, including Macs.

What are the Different Types of Computers?

2014-03-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

What are the Different Types of Computers?

When most people hear the word "computer," they think of a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer. However, computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform many different functions in our daily lives. When you withdraw cash from an ATM, scan groceries at the store, or use a calculator, you're using a type of computer.

Desktop Computers

A desktop computer

Many people use desktop computers at work, home, school, or the library. They can be small, medium, or large in style, and usually sit on a desk. Once you add a monitor, mouse, and a keyboard, you have what is typically known as a desktop computer.

Most desktop computers are easy to upgrade and expand, or add new parts. Another benefit of desktop computers is the cost. If you compare a desktop and a laptop with the same features, you will most likely find that the desktop computer is priced lower.
Some desktop computers have a built-in monitor to save space. These are often called all-in-one desktop computers.

Laptop Computers

A laptop computer

The second type of computer that you may be familiar with is a laptop computer, or a laptop. Laptops are battery- or AC-powered personal computers that are more portable than desktop computers, allowing you to use them almost anywhere.

Since a laptop is smaller than a desktop, it's more difficult to access the internal components. That means you may not be able to upgrade them as much as a desktop. However, it's usually possible to add more RAM or a bigger hard drive.

A laptop computer is sometimes called a notebook computer because of its size.

Servers

A server room

A server is a computer that "serves up" information to other computers on a network. Many businesses have file servers that employees can use to store and share files. A server can look like a regular desktop computer, or it can be much larger.

Servers also play an important role in making the internet work: They are where WebPages are stored. When you use your browser to click a link, a web server delivers the page you requested.

Other Types of Computers

Today, there lots of everyday devices those are basically specialized computers, even though we don't always think of them as computers. Here are a few common examples:

The iPad, a type of tablet computer

• Tablet Computers: These use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. Since they don't require a keyboard or mouse, tablet computers are even more portable than laptops. The iPad is an example of a tablet computer.

• Mobile Phones: Many mobile phones can do a lot of things a computer can do, such as browsing the internet or playing games. These phones are often called smart phones.

• Game Consoles: A game console is a specialized kind of computer that is used for playing video games. Although they are not as fully featured as a desktop computer, many newer consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii, allow you to do non-gaming tasks like browsing the internet.

• TVs: Many TVs now include applications (or apps) that let you access various types of online content. For example, you can view your Facebook news feed or watch streaming movies on Netflix.

What is a Computer?

2014-03-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

Computers Simplified

For beginning computer users, the computer aisles at an electronics store can be quite a mystery, not to mention overwhelming. However, computers really aren't that mysterious. All types of computers consist of two basic parts:

Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the computer monitor or keyboard.

Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. It is what guides the hardware and tells it how to accomplish each task. Some examples of software are web browsers, games, and word processors such as Microsoft Word.

The first electronic computer, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), was developed in 1946. It took up 1,800 square feet and weighed 30 tons.

Anything you buy for your computer can be classified as either hardware or software. Once you learn more about these items, computers are actually very straightforward.

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