1. Unit 1: Getting Started

2. What is a network?? A group of two or more computers that are linked together. Network Interface Card (NIC), basic network software and a path of communication Eg) The Internet Networks: Your connection to the world

3. Network Advantages communicate with other computers on the network (by sending email or videoconferencing) share or store information on other computers share hardware, e.g., print a document at another computer or in another room

4. Network Disadvantages networks have additional costs to setup, and need extra parts – ie, NIC, cables Information Technology staff are needed to administer, manage, and maintain larger networks networked computers are less secure and less private than standalone computers – e.g., viruses can spread aggressively across a network

5. Hardware Hardware is any part of your computer that you can physically touch. Four Categories of a hardware: Input Devices System Unit Storage Unit Output Devices

6. Software Software is any program that tells your computer how to perform a task. For example: Word processing (Star Office Writer, Word, WordPerfect) Image and photo processing (Paint, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Print Shop Pro) Other utilities such as your Internet browser, calculator, clock, etc.

7. Operating System (OS) It manages the hardware and allows you to run other programs. Brain The primary piece of software you need to know in order to be a productive student or employee.

8. Graphics User Interface (GUI)

9. Icon My Documents icon a large folder where programs will often store their saved data. You will usually find many of your documents, music, pictures, and video here. My Computer icon gives you access to storage and drives, printers, and the Control Panel. The Control Panel lets you adjust settings for your hardware. Recycle Bin icon a storage area for deleted files. Files in the Recycle Bin can be restored to their original location or permanently deleted by Emptying the Recycle Bin.

10. Taskbar Start Menu gives you access to: Programs - accesses installed programs Documents - accesses the most recently opened documents Find - searches for specific files or folders Help - offers helpful topics for computer use Run - user can input commands to run specific programs Log Off - allows a password-protected user to log off and another to log on Shut Down - shuts down or restarts the computer

11. Quick Launch icons give you access to commonly used programs. Open program icons represent the programs or applications that are currently running. This makes it easy for the user to switch between programs. System Tray displays icons for programs that are always running such as the clock and an anti-virus program.