Chapter 1 Getting Started

2Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 Getting Started FAQs Where’s the power switch? What is the boot process? What is a user account? What if my computer asks me for a password? How do I turn off my computer? When should I use sleep and hibernate modes? What about Lock, Restart, Log Off, and Switch User options?

3Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 Where’s the power switch? Your PC (Personal Computer) is a collection of hardware and software components – Hardware includes: Your computer Any equipment connected to it – Software includes: The instructions the computer follows to perform a task

4Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 Where’s the power switch? Your PC (Personal Computer) is an electronic device containing: – A microprocessor to carry out the commands of the computer – RAM (random access memory) for temporary storage – Storage media and storage devices for more permanent storage Each byte stores one character of data. A megabyte is equivalent to approximately a million characters of data, a gigabyte stores a billion characters of data, and a terabyte stores a trillion characters

5Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 Where’s the power switch? Computers also work with input and output devices – Input devices, such as keyboards, mice, and trackpads, are used to input data into the computer – Output devices, such as printers and display screens, show the results of processing

6Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 Where’s the power switch?

7Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 What is the boot process? Booting up your PC – As soon as you switch on the power, your PC starts to “boot up” and perform diagnostic tests to make sure the hardware is functioning correctly – PC looks for the operating system which manages the computer’s internal operations – Application software can be used to help you produce documents, make calculations, draw pictures, or maintain your to-do list

8Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 What is the boot process? Operating system – Computers typically have the operating system preinstalled – The operating system is stored on the computer’s hard disk – Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system

9Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 What is the boot process? If Windows fails to start: – Check your cables, plugs, batteries, and the brightness setting on the screen – Start the computer in safe mode Safe mode is a limited version of Windows Allows you to reboot – When the boot process is complete, Windows displays the Welcome screen

10Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 What is the boot process?

11Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 What is a user account? The Welcome screen allows you to select a user account and log in to windows All user accounts are displayed: – Administrator account has advanced access – Standard account works best for regular computer activities – Guest account is used for temporary use of computer

What is a user account? 12Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

13Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 What if my computer asks me for a password? To log in you will use a user ID and password – User ID uniquely identifies you to the computer – Password is a series of letters and numbers that provide you with security clearance. Strong passwords use: Eight characters Uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols

What if my computer asks me for a password? 14Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

15Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 How do I turn off my computer? To turn off your computer use the shut down option on the Windows Start menu – Windows closes all open programs, deletes temporary files, shuts down, and turns off power – Best way to conserve power and prevent battery drain You can reboot or start the Windows Task manager – CTRL+ALT+DELETE

How do I turn off my computer? 16Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

17Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 When should I use sleep and hibernate modes? Sleep mode: Windows keeps all of your work in memory and puts your computer in a low-power, energy-saving state Good option if you use your computer intermittently throughout the day Hibernate mode: Windows saves all your work to your hard disk and turns off your computer Multiple ways to put your computer into sleep or hibernate mode

When should I use sleep and hibernate modes? 18Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

What about the Lock, Restart, Log Off, and Switch User options? Lock: locks down the computer while it remains on Restart: serves the same purpose as shutting down the computer and then rebooting it Log Off: Files are closed, computer stays on, and other users with valid accounts can log in Switch User: Allows someone else to log in without you first logging off 19Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

What about the Lock, Restart, Log Off, and Switch User options? 20Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

21Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 Desktops, notebooks, tablets, and netbooks Computer system refers to the computer and all the components that are connected to it. The computer types include: – Desktop computer Fairly permanent fixture on your desk Includes the system unit, mouse, keyboard, display device Tower case houses computer Provides expansion ports

22Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 Desktops, notebooks, tablets, and netbooks

23Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 Desktops, notebooks, tablets, and netbooks Computer types continued: – Notebook computers Laptop designed for people on the move Includes the keyboard, screen, pointing device, expansion ports, and storage devices Runs on batteries or from wall outlet – Tablet computer Similar to notebook but also provides touch-sensitive screen and stylus Most versions also accept voice input

24Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 Desktops, notebooks, tablets, and netbooks Computer types continued: – Netbook Offers more portability than a standard-size notebook or tablet Typically only seven or eight inches wide Weigh about two pounds Easy to fit in a purse, backpack, or briefcase Usually cost $300 or less

25Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 Desktops, notebooks, tablets, and netbooks

26Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1 Is the digital divide growing? What do you think? – Do you own a computer? – Do you believe that not having a computer at home is likely to limit a person’s chances to improve his or her economic status? – Do you favor spending tax dollars to make computers available in public libraries? – Would you favor allowing college students to spend their financial aid money on computers?