Computer Basics I Course Outline 1: What is a computer? 2: What is an operating system? Using a Desktop Computer 3: What are the basic parts of a desktop computer? 4: What are all the buttons, sockets, and slots used for? 5: What is inside a desktop computer? 6: How do I connect to the Internet? Using a Laptop Computer 7: What are the basic parts of a laptop computer? 8: What are all the buttons, sockets, and slots used for? 9: What is inside a laptop computer? 10: How do I connect to the Internet? Doing More with Your Computer 11: How do I set up a computer? 12: How do I keep my computer healthy? 13: What are some troubleshooting techniques? 14: What is a network?

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 , and surf the Internet. You can also use it to handle spreadsheets, accounting, database management, presentations, games, and more.

Computers Simplified Inside a Computer -- Part of the Computer Motherboard All types of computers consist of two basic parts – hardware and software. Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.

What are the Different Types of Computers? There are many types of computers, but personal computers such as desktop and laptop computers are probably the two type of computers that you think of first.

What is an Operating System? An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. Software is any set of instructions that performs some task on a computer. The operating system performs many essential tasks for your computer.

The Operating System's Job Booting is the process that occurs when you press the power button to turn your computer on. At the end of at process, the operating system loads. The operating system is responsible for managing the computer's hardware and software resources.

Desktop

What are the Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer? All of the basic parts of a desktop computer are considered hardware. The computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord are considered the basic parts. Computer Case –Desktop Case –Tower Case –on/off switch –two or more drives.

Parts of the Computer monitor works with a video card The two main types: –cathode ray tube (CRT) –liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors. Power Cord Keyboard Mouse

What are All the Buttons, Sockets, and Slots Used For? Front - Power Button CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory) Drive USB Port Back - connection ports that are made to fit specific devices. PS/2 Port Ethernet Port Audio In/Audio Out VGA Port USB Port

Peripherals You Can Use in Various Ports Printer Scanner Headphones Web Camera Personal Digital Assistants – PDA’s –iPods, MP3 Player

A Look Inside a Desktop Computer Central Processing Unit (CPU) CPU/Processor RAM (Random Access Memory) Motherboard The hard disk drive is the data center Expansion Slots Expansion Card

Still inside! Network Card Power Supply

How Do I Connect to the Internet? Types of Internet Access –Dial-up Access –DSL Access –Cable Access –Satellite Access

Choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP) Some things to consider as you research ISPs: –Speed –Price –Billing –Installation Software –Physical Service –Service Record –Extras such as accounts and web space –Technical Support –Remote Access –Contract Terms

Hardware Needed Network Card Modem Network Card Router Internet Browser

How Do I Keep My Computer Healthy? Keep Your Computer Physically Clean Clean the Keyboard Clean the Mouse Cleaning the Monitor Keep it Cool Don't restrict the airflow

Keep Your Computer Safe Preventive Maintenance Viruses,Trojan Horses, and Worms Use Anti-virus Software Avoid Downloading Programs from Unknown Sources Be Cautious of Attachments Check the Internet Security Options in Your Browser Deleting Files