1. Chapter 1 Getting Started

2. Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1
Getting Started
In this Chapter, you will learn:
How to power up the computer
About the boot process
What to do if prompted for a password
How to use the mouse and keyboard
How to turn the computer off
About different types of hardware
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

3. 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
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

4. 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 one million characters of data, and a gigabyte is about one billion characters of data
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

5. Where’s the power switch?
Computers also work with input and output devices
Input devices such as keyboards and mice are used to input data into the computer
Output devices such as printers and display screens show the results of processing
The microprocessor, memory and storage devices are typically housed in a system unit that contains the power switch
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

6. Where’s the power switch?
The power switch is located on the system unit
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

7. 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
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, or draw pictures
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

8. 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 drive
Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

9. What is the boot process?
If Windows fails to start:
Check your cables, plugs, batteries, and the brightness setting on the monitor
Start the computer in safe mode
Safe mode is a limited version of Windows
Allows you to reboot
To access, press F8 key at start of boot process
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

10. What is the boot process?
Welcome Screen
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

11. What if my computer asks me for a password?
The Welcome screen allows you to log into 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
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

12. 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
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

13. Why do I need a mouse and keyboard?
The keyboard and mouse are input devices
Keyboards are typically used to input text
The mouse is used to select tasks
The keyboard can also be used to select tasks to cut down on hand motion
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

14. Why do I need a mouse and keyboard?
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

15. Why do I need a mouse and keyboard?
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

16. How do I turn off my computer?
To turn off your computer use the Start menu to choose one of three options:
Shut down: Windows closes all open programs, deletes temporary files, shuts down, and turns off power
Sleep mode: Power-saving feature to resume your work without going through boot process
Hybrid sleep mode: Combines hibernate and sleep mode
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

17. How do I turn off my computer?
If your computer freezes try holding down the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys to access Windows Task Manager
If you are sharing a computer, log off before you leave
The way you shut down or “wake up” your computer can vary depending on your system software and computer model
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

18. Desktops, notebooks and ultra-mobile computers
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 USB ports
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

19. Desktops, notebooks and ultra-mobile computers
Desktop Computer
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

20. Desktops, notebooks and ultra-mobile computers
Computer types continued:
Notebook computers
Laptop designed for people on the move
Includes the keyboard, screen, pointing device, USB ports, and CD or DVD drives
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
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

21. Desktops, notebooks and ultra-mobile computers
Computer types continued:
Ultra-mobile PC (UMPC)
Very small tablet computer
Runs same operating system and application software as full size computers
Screen is about 7 inches diagonally
Display quality good for office tasks and gaming
Keyboard and earphones can be attached
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

22. Desktops, notebooks and ultra-mobile computers
Ultra-mobile PC
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

23. Computer “haves” and “have-nots”
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?
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

24. Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1
Chapter Summary
You should now be able to:
Unpack and set up your PC
Find the various hardware components
Boot up your PC system
Identify the different types of systems
Use a user ID and password
Use a mouse and a keyboard
Shut down your PC
Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1