COMPUTER BASICS

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE Hardware is physical computer equipment. This is equipment that you can actually touch like the CPU, the keyboard, and the monitor. Software is computer instructions. These fall into two categories:  System Software  Application Software

SYSTEM SOFTWARE System software refers to the operating system, the utility programs, and drivers that manage the computer.  The Operating System controls the basic operations of your computer.  Your operating system is probably Windows 7 or 8.  Drivers are programs that control specific brands and models of devices, like specific printers.  Utilities are programs that help manage the system. Some examples are v irus scanning software, defrag, writing to a CD.

Windows is the most widely used operating system for personal computers. Windows provides a graphical user interface (GUI) and desktop environment in which applications are displayed in re-sizable, movable windows on screen. In GUI (pronounced goo-ey) environments, there are icons (pictures) and words that you click to perform the desired operation. In text-based environments, you type the commands on a black screen. Windows is not the only operating system. Others include DOS, Unix, Linux, and Apple OS. (Many people do not consider Windows the best operating system.)

APPLICATION SOFTWARE Application software helps the user perform a specific task—to do their work, pursue their hobbies, etc. Examples of Application Software  Word processor ◦ Word, WordPerfect  Spreadsheet ◦ Excel, Lotus  Presentation ◦ PowerPoint  Database Management ◦ Access  Desktop Publishing ◦ Publisher, InDesign  software ◦ Outlook, Gmail  Personal Finance Software ◦ Money, Quicken  Accounting Software ◦ Quickbooks  Games  Graphics Editing ◦ P hotoshop  Web Design Software ◦ FrontPage, DreamWeaver

HARDWARE - INPUT DEVICES-MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT Input Devices include: Keyboards Mouse Scanners Cameras Bar Code Readers Joysticks Game Controllers Mouse Keyboard Scanner Game Controller Camera Mouse: Input device used to move the cursor around a document or to select menu options.

HARDWARE - PROCESSOR The processor is called the CPU (Central Processing Unit). While people sometimes call the case the CPU, it is actually the system unit.  The system unit is the computer case that contains the CPU, power supply, memory, and storage. The CPU is actually a chip on the motherboard inside the case. The CPU chip is called the microprocessor. Motherboard Microprocessor

HARDWARE - MEMORY Memory refers to computer chips that store data and programs while the computer is running. The memory chips are located on the motherboard inside the system unit. RAM (random access memory) is another name for memory.  It is the memory that is used to store programs and data. Motherboard RAM – Memory Chips System Unit

HARDWARE - OUTPUT DEVICES Output devices include:  Monitors  Printers  Speakers  Projectors  Robotic controls  Speech synthesizers Monitor Projection System Robotic Control Printer Speakers Peripherals are devices that are attached to the computer that aren’t necessary for the computer to function, like the scanner, webcam, joystick.

HARDWARE – STORAGE DEVICES Storage devices include:  Disk drive  CD/DVD drive  Flash drive  Tape drive All of these devices can be external (often attached by USB or other cable). Some are frequently internal (inside the case). Disk drive CD/DVD drive Flash drive Tape drive

CARE OF STORAGE MEDIA Optical media (CDs and DVDs)  Handle by edges or center, not touching surface.  Clean with lint free closes with approved cleaning solution.  Store upright in jewel case.  Store at room temperature. USB flash drives and external hard drives  Wait until operations have stopped before trying to remove.  Use Safely Remove Hardware feature.  Avoid static electricity.  Store at room temperature.  Don’t force USB connector into computer—You may have it upside down.  Keep cap on when not in use. (Flash drive)  Don’t move or drop while drive is spinning. (External hard drive) USB External Disk drive Optical media (CDs & DVDs) Flash drive

NETWORKS A is a system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data between users. A network is a system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data between users.  The network includes the network operating system in the client and server machines, the cables connecting them and all supporting hardware in between such as bridges, routers and switches.  In wireless systems, wireless access points, antennas, and towers are also part of the network. A refers to a computer that is self-contained, one that does not require any other devices to function. It may be attached to the network but will continue to work when disconnected from the network. A stand-alone pc refers to a computer that is self-contained, one that does not require any other devices to function. It may be attached to the network but will continue to work when disconnected from the network.

LOGGING ON & PASSWORD Logging On enables you to gain entrance into the network. In order to log on you will need a user name and password. A password is a keyword used to access information; (such as: network, website, etc). On most systems, your first step will be to start up the system by powering up the computer to activate the operating system.

DEFAULT Default—a value or setting that a device or program automatically selects if you do not specify a substitute.  For example, word processors have default margins and default page lengths that you can override or reset. Default drive is the disk drive the computer accesses unless you specify a different disk drive. Default directory is the directory that the operating system searches unless you specify a different directory. In Word the default margins are 1 inch on the top and bottom and 1 inch on the left and right.

You can also use Access Keys to get from menu to menu Alt+F brings down the File Menu; Alt+E brings down the Edit Menu and so on. You can use Tab to go from option to option in the File Menu or from option to option in the Edit Menu and so on. Navigation Tools The cursor is the insertion point in a document in the form of a blinking vertical line on the screen.

You should always shut down your machine properly. Go to Start- Shut Down rather than just turning your computer off. The CPU will turn itself off when it is finished with the shut down procedure, but you will need to turn the monitor off. When you are on a network it is important to log off so that others cannot access your files. Don’t turn off the computer using the power on/off if it can be avoided.

Minimize— sends the window to the Taskbar Maximize—enlarges the size of the window to fill the entire screen —Or— Restore—shrinks back to original size if the Window is already maximized. Close—exits the program Sizing Buttons

You can resize a window by dragging in and out its borders. Resizing Windows