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2012-10-18T13:56:00.001-07:00

Computer Basics

2012-10-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

BASIC SKILLS
On any given day, you will encounter computer systems in much of what you do, even if you don’t realize it. The television channels you watch, the radio stations that you listen to, the car that you drive in, and even the cash register at the local grocery store are all controlled in some way by computer systems! They help us perform tasks, keep track of information, and even control the airplanes that fly above us. During the course of this class, you will learn about how computers work, how to perform simple tasks, and more.
Anatomy of a Computer
As with most products, computers are designed in a variety of ways. There are, however, major similarities regardless of the brand (e.g., Dell, Apple, Acer, HP, Lenovo) of the computer. There are two main types of computers, desktops and laptops. However, all computers have the following components:

THE MONITOR

The monitor looks like a television screen and is where you see what is happening on your computer. By using shadows and graphics with over a million different colors, much of what you see will appear 3-dimensional. Think of this as the ‘face’ of the computer.
THE CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU houses the machinery that allows your computer to work. Think of this as the ‘brains’ of the computer. This component looks very different in desktops and laptops, but it works the same.
THE KEYBOARD
The keyboard is one of two ways to interact with your computer. The keys should mostly mimic a traditional typewriter.
THE MOUSE
This is the other way to interact with your computer. Most mice have two buttons—a right and a left button—and a scrolling wheel.

How Computers Work

Hardware / Software
Computers use both hardware and software to perform their work. Think of hardware as the physical pieces of a computer—the monitor, the CPU, all the pieces and parts inside the CPU, the mouse, the keyboard, etc. Software, on the other hand, consists of programs that we use to interact with the computer. You can’t physically touch software like you can the keyboard, but you can still interact with it. A word processing program like Microsoft Word is a piece of software that you could use to type a grocery list. Games that you play on your computer are also considered software—it doesn’t have to be work-related!
Information / Data
Computers are designed to work with a type of information commonly referred to as “data.” Data comes in many forms, whether it is written data (such as a letter to a friend), audio data (like a song), video data (like a popular movie or DVD), and more. Certain types of software programs work with different types of data. For example, the iPod works primarily with audio data, while Microsoft Word, a word processing program, works primarily with written data.
The keyboard is just one of the ways in which you can create, interact with, and modify data. There are many ways to get data off of the computer, such as printing it out on paper, copying it to a CD or flash drive, or publishing it to the Internet.
“My Computer is Possessed!”
It is a common misconception that computers have “a mind of their own.” Although computers can perform certain tasks much more easily and faster than humans (like counting, performing mathematical calculations, etc.), they are, in the end, machines and can’t think for themselves. It is safe to say that the computer cannot do anything that you do not tell it to do. Remember that you are in control of the computer, in the same way that you are in control of your car. Your car won’t move until you press your foot on the accelerator, and it won’t stop until you press the brake. Computers work in the same way.
Keeping Your Computer Healthy
In the end, computers are machines just like any other. Sometimes, although not often, they may malfunction, become stuck (or “frozen”), or may have a part that breaks and need to be replaced. Just like your car or lawnmower, computers need to be maintained. Keeping your virus software up-to-date, installing updates for your operating system (Windows updates), and refraining from installing unnecessary programs will keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently for a longer period of time. Consider it like an oil change.

Key Facts About Computers
A computer does not need to access the internet in order to run properly.
The internet is a way of connecting to other computer users. You can connect to the internet using a phone line, a cable connection, or by using a wireless connecting device (wi-fi). For most home computer users, this is a paid service, though you can use the Internet for free in some public locations, like the library or a coffee shop.
A computer will be able to perform most common functions (play music, type documents, edit pictures) and run programs without an internet connection. However, to view a web page or send an email, you will need an internet connection.
A computer needs an Operating System in order to work, though any new computer that you purchase will come with an operating system already installed. The most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows and Macintosh OS X.
Turning On the Computer and Logging On:
Turning the Computer On
Let's get started! As you sit down at your desk, you can assume that your computer system is one of three states:
OFF: This is exactly what it sounds like: The computer is off, and no parts are running or working. The monitor is black (no images), there is no “whirring” sound from the CPU, and the computer is unresponsive to mouse movements or pressing keys on the keyboard. The power button (if it lights up) should not be lit up.

ON: When a computer is on, you should see images on the monitor, possibly hear a “whirring” noise coming from the CPU (hopefully not too loud!), and the pointer on the screen (the small white arrow) should respond when you move the mouse.
SLEEP MODE: Most computers have a mode called “Sleep,” in which the computer is on, but has assumed an energy-efficient, minimal power mode. To “wake” the computer, simply move the mouse around or press the space bar on the keyboard, and it will “wake up” and return to the exact same place that it was when it went to sleep. In other words, if you were using a word processing program and the computer went to sleep, it would return to exactly what you were working when it wakes up.
To turn a computer on, simply press the power button once (no need to hold the button—just press and release).

Logging On
Once you turn the computer on, the computer will go through a series of automated tasks before it is ready for you to interact with it; this process is called “startup.” This process will last between one and two minutes. If the computer is not working correctly, you may see an error message during startup. If the computer is performing as it should, however, you will probably see one of the following screen:

This is called a “Log On” window, and it means that the computer is password protected. If you do not see this window upon starting the computer, you can assume that your computer is NOT password-protected and may be used by anyone. To log on, you simply enter your user name and password. If you are using a public library computer, this could be your library card number.

After you log on, the computer will display what is known as your desktop within a few seconds to a few minutes (if your computer is newer, this will probably go faster). Here you will see a digital representation of something similar to a real-life office space, complete with a workspace, files and file folders, and even a recycling bin!
One of the neatest features about Microsoft Windows is that your desktop may not look anything like the one above! While this may sound confusing, it means that you are able to personalize, alter, and change almost everything about your desktop environment. If you do not like the color blue as your background, where the icons are, or even what language it is in, you can change it!

THE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE
Keyboard Commands
In order to use your computer effectively, you must interact with it using both the mouse and the keyboard. The above image of a keyboard may closely resemble (if it is not identical to) the keyboard in front of you; learning the function of just a few keys will help you to interact better with your computer and individual programs. The following is a list of commonly used keys that have special functions (keep in mind that key functions can change depending on which program you are using):
1. Backspace: This key deletes letters backward.
2. Delete: This key deletes letters forward.
3. Shift: This key, when pressed WITH another key, will perform a secondary function.
4. Spacebar: This key enters a space between words or letters.
5. Tab: This key will indent what you type, or move the text to the right. The default indent distance is usually ½ inch.
6. Caps Lock: Pressing this key will make every letter you type capitalized.
7. Control (Ctrl): This key, when pressed WITH another key, performs a shortcut.
8. Enter: This key either gives you a new line, or executes a command (pressed in a word processing program, it begins a new line).
9. Number Keypad: These are exactly the same as the numbers at the top of the keyboard; some people just find them easier to use in this position.
10. Arrow Keys: Like the mouse, these keys are used to navigate through a document or page.

The Mouse
While the keyboard is primarily used to insert/input and manipulate text and numbers on a computer, the mouse is used mostly for navigating around the screen. Mice come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the strangest-looking mice often look that way because they are designed to be more ergonomic than traditional mice.

The type of mouse that you choose to use is totally based on your preference—If you want a fancy mouse, that’s fine; if you prefer a simple mouse, that’s OK too. Each mouse, however different it may be, has similar functions. As you can see on the “traditional” model above, a traditional mouse has two buttons with a wheel between them (gray) that spins, called a “scroll wheel.” Both buttons can perform separate functions, and are referred to by which side of the mouse they are located on.
Pressing the LEFT mouse button is called “left-clicking,” while pressing the RIGHT mouse button is called "right-clicking."
Left-clicking is used far more often than right clicking. For now, know that left-clicking is used to select or click on something, while right-clicking presents additional menu options.

Common Computer Terms

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What is the Internet?

· A network of computers around the world that uses the same Protocol.

Who owns/controls the Internet?

· No-one and every-one.

Is it possible to stop the Internet?

· Not Possible.

Which year did the Internet start?

· 1957 – Russia launched Sputnik.

· 1958 – USA developed ARTHUR.

Are the Internet and the World Wide Web (www) the same thing?

· No the WWW use is based on HTTP, Hyper Text Transfer Protocol, developed by Tim Burners Lee.

Which year was the WWW started?

· 1992

Which company was the first to develop computers that were not a Mainframe computer and develop a PC (Personal Computer)?

· Apple in the 1970’s – Steve Jobe and Steve Wasneak.

URL what is it and what does it stand for?

· URL is an address to a specific web page and stands for Universal Resource Locator.

What does Protocol stand for and what is the protocol for the Internet called?

· Protocol stands for the rules of correct or appropriate behaviour, and;

· The Internet Protocol is called TCP – IP, Transport Control Protocol – Internet Protocol

What is a Domain?

A unique IP address – the name of a computer.

What is a file extension?

A file extension is the suffix that tells the OS (Operating System i.e. XP, Vista and Win7) what program is associated with a particular file and should be used to open the file if no other instructions are given.

FILE EXTENSIONS:

.jpg	compressed image
.gif	image still & animation
.psd	Photoshop image document
.txt	text document
.exe	program executable
.rtf	rich text file document
.png	portable network graphic, e.g. Fireworks image file
.qt	QuickTime
.doc	document (Word)
.avi	audio video file
.bmp	bitmap image
.wmf	windows meta file , image
Most common on the internet: .jpg , .exe , .gif , .png , .qt , all compressed.

EXAMPLES OF COMPUTER JARGON

URL	Universal Resources Locator	Address of an internet resource ( usually a webpage)
TCP/IP	Transport/Transmission Control Protocol – Internet Protocol	Backbone of the internet uses packet switching for sending info around a network
ADSL Note: Asymmetric means the data does not flow in equal amount both ways.	Asymmetric Digital Subscribers Line	Broadband connection to the internet using existing telephone lines. Allows the use of phone and internet concurrently. Asymmetric because upload bandwidth is narrower than download.
ISP	Internet Service Provider	Point of Presence on the internet who can sell access to users.
POP mail	Post Office Protocol/Point Of Presences	Mail services provided by ISP
HTML	Hyper Text Mark-up Language	The code used to create web pages
HTTP	Hyper Text Transport Protocol	Used to request and receive HTML pages
WWW	World Wide Web	All the resources and users interlinked on the Internet using HTTP
DNS	Domain Name System	The way that Internet Domain Names are located and transferred in to IP Address
SPAM	“Spiced Ham”	Unsolicited email
IP address	Internet Protocol Address	Numerical code for an internet address
FTP	File Transfer Protocol	A standard Internet protocol that is the simplest way to transmit multiple files (in folders) between computers on the Internet.
Virus	A usually malicious self replicating program or code which is distributed and has a payload
.com	Business domain
.edu	Education domain
.org	Non profit domain
Internet	World wide network of computers using TCP/IP to share information
Search engine	Software or website which uses key words to locate information
Browser	Software which displays HTML (webpages)
Protocol	Prescribed way of doing something
eCommerce	Ecommerce is the buying and selling of goods electronically by the use of computers and telecommunications, but it also includes an intellectual exchange or social interaction.
Bandwidth	Amount of data receivable per second
Packet-switching	Breaking up info into packages, sending them through perhaps different routes and reassembling at destination
Cookie	Small text file planted on a client machine (you) by server (website)
Firewall	Software or hardware which stops unauthorized access to or from a computer or network
DOT Address	(150.229.98.44 – highest no 255) URL, Domain Address. Network computer, alternative to words.
Blog	Web log - like an online diary.