Basic Computer Understanding and Skills

Instructor: Doug Bloodworth

Email: digdug2@hotmail.com
 Basic Computer Understanding
Section 1: What is a computer?
Section 2: Different Types
Section 3: Different Operating Systems
Section 4: Different Brands
Section 5: Basic Components
Section 6: How to Buy a computer
Section 7: How a computer boots up
Section 8: Different States of a computer
Section 9: I bought a computer, now what?
Understanding - What is a computer?

Computers are machines that perform tasks or

calculations according to a set of instructions,
or programs. The first fully electronic
computers, introduced in the 1940s, were
huge machines that required teams of people
to operate. Compared to those early machines,
today's computers are amazing. Not only are
they thousands of times faster, they can fit on
your desk, on your lap, or even in your pocket
Understanding – What is a computer?
Computers work through an interaction of hardware and
software. Hardware refers to the parts of a computer
that you can see and touch, including the case and
everything inside it. The most important piece of
hardware is a tiny rectangular chip inside your computer
called the central processing unit (CPU), or
microprocessor. It's the "brain" of your computer—the
part that translates instructions and performs
calculations. Hardware items such as your monitor,
keyboard, mouse, printer, and other components are
often called hardware devices, or devices.
 Understanding – What is a computer?
• The computer processes input through input devices
like mouse and keyboard.
• The computer displays output through output devices
like color monitor and printer.
• Computers have become indispensable in today’s
world. Millions of people use computers all over the
world.
• There are several uses of computers:
 Understanding – What is a computer?
• Word Processing - Word Processing software automatically corrects spelling and grammar mistakes. If the content of a
document repeats you don’t have to type it each time. You can use the copy and paste features. You can printout
documents and make several copies. It is easier to read a word-processed document than a handwritten one. You can
add images to your document.
• Internet - It is a network of almost all the computers in the world. You can browse through much more information than
you could do in a library. That is because computers can store enormous amounts of information. You also have very
fast and convenient access to information. Through E-Mail you can communicate with a person sitting thousands of
miles away in seconds. There is chat software that enables one to chat with another person on a real-time basis. Video
conferencing tools are becoming readily available to the common man.
• Digital video or audio composition – Audio or video composition and editing have been made much easier by
computers. It no longer costs thousands of dollars of equipment to compose music or make a film. Graphics engineers
can use computers to generate short or full-length films or even to create three-dimensional models. Anybody owning a
computer can now enter the field of media production. Special effects in science fiction and action movies are created
using computers.
• Desktop publishing - With desktop publishing, you can create page layouts for entire books on your personal computer.
• Computers in Medicine - You can diagnose diseases. You can learn the cures. Software is used in magnetic resonance
imaging to examine the internal organs of the human body. Software is used for performing surgery. Computers are
used to store patient data.
• Mathematical Calculations - Thanks to computers, which have computing speeds of over a million calculations per
second we can perform the biggest of mathematical calculations.
• Banks - All financial transactions are done by computer software. They provide security, speed and convenience.
 Understanding – What is a computer?
• Travel - One can book air tickets or railway tickets and make hotel reservations online.
• Telecommunications - Software is widely used here. Also all mobile phones have software embedded in
them.
• Defense - There is software embedded in almost every weapon. Software is used for controlling the
flight and targeting in ballistic missiles. Software is used to control access to atomic bombs.
• E-Learning – Instead of a book it is easier to learn from an E-learning software.
• Gambling-You can gamble online instead of going to a casino.
• Examinations-You can give online exams and get instant results. You can check your examination results
online.
• Computers in Business - Shops and supermarkets use software, which calculate the bills. Taxes can be
calculated and paid online. Accounting is done using computers. One can predict future trends of
business using artificial intelligence software. Software is used in major stock markets. One can do
trading online. There are fully automated factories running on software.
• Certificates - Different types of certificates can be generated. It is very easy to create and change
layouts.
• ATM machines - The computer software authenticates the user and dispenses cash.
• Marriage - There are matrimonial sites through which one can search for a suitable groom or bride.
 Understanding – What is a computer?
• News-There are many websites through which you can read the latest or old news.
• Classmates-There are many alumni websites through which you can regain contact with your
classmates.
• Robotics - Robots are controlled by software.
• Washing Machines - They operate using software.
• Microwave Oven - They are operated by software.
• Planning and Scheduling - Software can be used to store contact information, generating
plans, scheduling appointments and deadlines.
• Greeting Cards - You can send and receive greetings pertaining to different occasions.
• Sports – Software is used for making umpiring decisions. There are simulation software using
which a sportsperson can practice his skills. Computers are also to identify flaws in technique.
• Aero-planes – Pilots train on software, which simulates flying.
• Weather analysis – Supercomputers are used to analyze and predict weather.
 Understanding - Different Types

• Different types of Computers

Based on the operational principle of computers, they are categorized as analog

computers and hybrid computers.

• Analog Computers: These are almost extinct today. These are different from a digital
computer because an analog computer can perform several mathematical operations
simultaneously. It uses continuous variables for mathematical operations and utilizes
mechanical or electrical energy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt6RVrmvh-o

• Hybrid Computers: These computers are a combination of both digital and analog
computers. In this type of computers, the digital segments perform process control
by conversion of analog signals to digital ones.
 Understanding - Different Types

Hybrid Computers Examples:

1. bomb site on a WW2 bomber. Instead of using ones
and zeros, it had a series of continuous gears into
which factors the airplane's speed and altitude that
could be used to factor the exact time to drop the
bombs.
2. the computer used in hospitals to measure the
heartbeat of the patient. Hybrid Machines are
generally used in scientific applications or in
controlling industrial processes
 Understanding - Different Types

Following are some of the other important types of computers.

• Mainframe Computers: Large organizations use mainframes for highly critical

applications such as bulk data processing and ERP. Most of the mainframe
computers have the capacities to host multiple operating systems and operate as
a number of virtual machines and can thus substitute for several small servers.

• Microcomputers: A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing

unit is known as a microcomputer. They do not occupy space as much as
mainframes. When supplemented with a keyboard and a mouse,
microcomputers can be called as personal computers. A monitor, a keyboard and
other similar input output devices, computer memory in the form of RAM and a
power supply unit come packaged in a microcomputer. These computers can fit
on desks or tables and serve as the best choices for single-user tasks.
 Understanding - Different Types

Personal computers come in a variety of forms such as desktops, laptops and

personal digital assistants. Let us look at each of these types of computers.

• Desktops: A desktop is intended to be used on a single location. The spare

parts of a desktop computer are readily available at relative lower costs.
Power consumption is not as critical as that in laptops. Desktops are widely
popular for daily use in workplaces and households.
• Laptops: Similar in operation to desktops, laptop computers are
miniaturized and optimized for mobile use. Laptops run on a single battery
or an external adapter that charges the computer batteries. They are
enabled with an inbuilt keyboard, touch pad acting as a mouse and a liquid
crystal display. Its portability and capacity to operate on battery power
have served as a boon for mobile users.
 Understanding - Different Types

• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs): It is a handheld computer and popularly

known as a palmtop. It has a touch screen and a memory card for storage
of data. PDAs can also be effectively used as portable audio players, web
browsers and smart phones. Most of them can access the Internet by
means of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication.

• Minicomputers: In terms of size and processing capacity, minicomputers lie

in between mainframes and microcomputers. Minicomputers are also
called mid-range systems or workstations. The term began to be popularly
used in the 1960s to refer to relatively smaller third generation computers.
They took up the space that would be needed for a refrigerator or two and
used transistor and core memory technologies. The 12-bit PDP-8
minicomputer of the Digital Equipment Corporation was the first successful
minicomputer.
 Understanding - Different Types

• Supercomputers: The highly calculation-intensive tasks can be effectively

performed by means of supercomputers. Quantum physics, mechanics, weather
forecasting, molecular theory are best studied by means of supercomputers.
Their ability of parallel processing and their well-designed memory hierarchy give
the supercomputers, large transaction processing powers.

• Wearable Computers: A record-setting step in the evolution of computers was

the creation of wearable computers. These computers can be worn on the body
and are often used in the study of behavior modeling and human health. Military
and health professionals have incorporated wearable computers into their daily
routine, as a part of such studies. When the users’ hands and sensory organs are
engaged in other activities, wearable computers are of great help in tracking
human actions. Wearable computers are consistently in operation as they do not
have to be turned on and off and are constantly interacting with the user.
What Computer type am I?
What Computer type am I?
What Computer type am I?
What Computer type am I?
What Computer type am I?
What Computer type am I?
What Computer type am I?
What Computer type am I?
What Computer type am I?
What Computer type am I?
What Computer type am I?
 Understanding - Different Operating Systems

• Operating System or OS -- is software, consisting of

programs and data, that runs on computers,
manages computer hardware resources, and
provides common services for execution of various
application software. The operating system is the
most important type of system software in a
computer system. Without an operating system, a
user cannot run an application program on their
computer, unless the application program is self
booting.
Understanding - Different Operating Systems

• An OS has brand Name

• Each Brand has different versions of OS
• Can anyone name a brand name of an OS?
Understanding - Different Operating Systems

• Common Brands. Windows or Mac

• Others: UNIX / Linux, Google Chrome OS, Novel
• Before Windows, Microsoft used Dos. Dos was
a non- GUI OS (Graphical User Interface)
• Window versions: Windows CE, Windows 3.x,
Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98 SE,
Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000,
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
Understanding - Different Operating Systems

• Mac versions: Apple DOS 3.1, Apple System 1-

7, Mac OS 8, Mac OS 9, Mac OS 10, Mac OS X
• Unix/Linux got its start in 1957-- Bell Labs
found they needed an operating system for
their computer center that at the time was
running various batch jobs. The BESYS
operating system was created at Bell Labs to
deal with these needs.
Understanding - Different Operating Systems

• Unix/Linux has many variations or brands that

have evolved since then
• Brands: BSD, FreeBSD, SCO/Caldera, Red Hat,
Solaris, Linux
• Linux was not started until 1991, but it is the
most noted UNIX OS
Understanding - Different Operating Systems

• Today’s computers are:

1. Multi-user - A multi-user operating system allows for multiple users to use

the same computer at the same time and different times.

2. Multiprocessing - An operating system capable of supporting and utilizing

more than one computer processor.

3. Multitasking - An operating system that is capable of allowing multiple

software processes to run at the same time.

4. Multithreading - Operating systems that allow different parts of a software

program to run concurrently.
Understanding - Different Operating Systems

• Operating System or OS -- is software, consisting of

programs and data, that runs on computers,
manages computer hardware resources, and
provides common services for execution of various
application software. The operating system is the
most important type of system software in a
computer system. Without an operating system, a
user cannot run an application program on their
computer, unless the application program is self
booting.
Understanding - Different Operating Systems

• Operating System or OS -- is software, consisting of

programs and data, that runs on computers,
manages computer hardware resources, and
provides common services for execution of various
application software. The operating system is the
most important type of system software in a
computer system. Without an operating system, a
user cannot run an application program on their
computer, unless the application program is self
booting.
Understanding - Different Operating Systems

• Operating System or OS -- is software, consisting of

programs and data, that runs on computers,
manages computer hardware resources, and
provides common services for execution of various
application software. The operating system is the
most important type of system software in a
computer system. Without an operating system, a
user cannot run an application program on their
computer, unless the application program is self
booting.
Understanding - Different Operating Systems

• Operating System or OS -- is software, consisting of

programs and data, that runs on computers,
manages computer hardware resources, and
provides common services for execution of various
application software. The operating system is the
most important type of system software in a
computer system. Without an operating system, a
user cannot run an application program on their
computer, unless the application program is self
booting.
Understanding - Basic Components

• http://videos.howstuffworks.com/howstuffwor
ks/23-computer-tour-video.htm
• Motherboard
• CPU – Central Processing Unit
• RAM – Random Access Memory
• Video Card -
• Power Supply
• Hard disk or drive
• Optical Drive
Understanding - Basic Components
Understanding - Basic Components
• http://www.videojug.com/film/what-compone
nts-are-inside-my-computer

• Hardware and Software -- All of these

components are usually found within the tower
of a desktop computer. They are referred to as
"hardware". Hardware can be thought of as the
actual physical components that go into the
computer. "Software" refers to the programs
and systems that operate within the hardware.
Understanding - Basic Components
Understanding - Basic Components
• The Motherboard -- The motherboard is the “heart” of the computer. It is the
largest and most fundamental component of a PC and every other component
is attached to it in some way. This is because all the different components use
the motherboard to communicate and work with each other.

The motherboard has a series of slots, sockets and connectors for attaching the
components of a PC.
In most cases, the memory, accessory cards, and CPU are installed directly
onto the motherboard. The drives and peripherals communicate with the
motherboard through wired connections.

There are a wide range of motherboards to choose from. They differ in

features, speed, capacity and the CPU supported. They also differ in size, shape
and layout, this is commonly referred to as the "form factor"
Understanding - Basic Components
• The CPU -- CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. This is
the brain of the computer and is often referred to as the
"processor" or the "chip". It is found under a heat sink
and fan and sits directly on the motherboard.

The CPU directs, coordinates and communicates with the

other components and performs all of the "thinking". It's
not really thinking, what a CPU actually does is perform
mathematical calculations. It is the software that people
write that translates those calculations into useful
functions for us.
Understanding - Basic Components
• RAM -- RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and
comes as modules in predefined amounts. It is also found
directly on the motherboard and usually in one, two or
four slots. The memory chips store information,
temporarily, for short term use by the CPU. RAM is used
to store information for files that are actually being used
by the CPU at any given time.

The computer's RAM memory is an entirely different thing

from the hard disk "memory". The hard disk stores
information "permanently" for long term use.
Understanding - Basic Components
• The Graphics Card -- The graphics card or video
card translates information into the graphics and
text that appear on the monitor screen.
Most motherboards now include a slot specifically
designed for the graphics adapter called the AGP
slot. This stands for Advanced Graphics Port.
Modern graphics adapters usually incorporate
some memory right on the card to improve their
performance.
Understanding - Basic Components
• The Power Supply -- This supplies power to
the other components, which is why it has so
many wires coming out of it.
It is usually positioned at the back top corner
of the computer case. The power supply has a
fan built into it to keep itself and the
computer cool.
Understanding - Basic Components
• The Hard Disk -- A hard disk - which is also called a "hard drive" - is
much like a filing cabinet. The programs and data are stored on the
hard disk and the computer accesses them as they are needed. When
the computer accesses the hard drive, it is reading and moving the
stored information into the RAM memory. That memory is the
temporary workspace. However, the original file is still on the hard
disk and is left undisturbed until the file is saved.

When the computer stores or "saves" information, it writes the data

to the hard disk. That process results in the old file being replaced or
modified with the new information. If you save data to a new file, or
install new software, the information is written to the disk in an
available, unused portion of the disk.
Understanding - Basic Components
• The Optical Drive -- The optical drive is often
called a DVD drive, or a CD drive. It sits at the
front of the computer for ease of access, and
uses a laser to read and write information to
CD's and DVD's
 Basic Computer Skills
Section 1: What is My Desktop?
Section 2: Basic Desktop Navigation
Section 3: Start button
Section 4: My Files
Section 5: Customizing Your Desktop
Section 5: Control Panel
Section 6: Administration Tools
Section 7: Working With Folders and Files
Section 8: Working With Programs
Section 9: Managing Windows
Section 10: Logging On and Off Windows
Section 11: Protecting Your computer
 Basic Computer Skills Cover
• Use a mouse to point, click and double-click
• Keyboard and typing tips
• Opening and closing software files
• Accessing a CD-ROM
• Locating a saved file
• How to copy and paste files or text