Common computing devices
You have many choices when choosing a computer. The PC is popular for many businesses and individuals, because it performs all the basic functions required for most workplaces and the home. The PC is great for creating documents, organizing records, and researching on the Internet. It also offers entertainment choices by providing a format to play video games, talk to friends, listen to music, or watch movies.
Desktop PCs are not your only choice. Many smaller computing devices offer popular alternatives. Depending on your needs, you might consider a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Desktop computers
Desktop computers offer a lot of computing power and options such as large memory capabilities, large screen sizes, and faster processing speeds. Although they are called desktop computers, most desktop computers take the form of box-like CPUs that sit on the floor and connect to peripheral devices such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse that are located on the desk. The components are separate, so you can choose or upgrade the CPU and peripheral devices.
Desktop computers run off a continuous power source (such as an electrical outlet), which enables uninterrupted use. Desktop computer systems take up more space than other options, and are intended to be set up permanently in a specific place.
Laptops
Laptops offer a lighter, more portable option to the desktop. They are designed to travel with you while still offering impressive computing ability. With a laptop you get your computer, keyboard, mouse and monitor all on one device.
Laptops can run on battery power or plug into electrical outlets for longer use. Many boast nearly the same capabilities as a desktop but are generally more expensive. If you are looking for something that offers full PC power on the go, the laptop is a great choice.
All-in-one computers
All-in-one computers combine a CPU and monitor into one hardware device that sits on the desk and connects to a keyboard and mouse, usually without wires. All-in-one computers run off a continuous power source but take up less space than desktop computer systems.
Although they are more portable than desktop computers, all-in-one computers and are intended to be set up permanently in a specific place.
Tablets
Tablets are an extremely popular choice these days. They are handheld devices (smaller than laptops) that incorporate touchscreen capabilities. Many use a stylus, which is a pen-like device you can use to write, draw pictures, or click options.
Some tablets, such as the Surface tablet from Microsoft, come with a flat, detachable keyboard that can also be used as a screen protector. Some tablets support the same full-featured programs that you can run on a desktop computer or laptop. Other tablets run apps, which require less computing power than full-featured programs.
Smartphones
Smartphones are tiny computers you can hold in one hand. Smartphones can run apps and connect to the Internet for email, text messaging, and web searches. Smartphones are also functional telephones.
You can use smartphones to perform many tablet-like functions, including sending email messages, working with documents, and playing music and videos. A cellular data connection is required to access many of the functions of a smartphone.
Common computer terminology
An automobile, such as a car or a van, is available in different models and colors, but its essential components remain the same. All automobiles have an engine, a body, and wheels. Similarly, computers are available in various sizes and shapes, but they all have common components that work in the same manner. The essential components of a computer are the hardware, the operating system, and the software. In addition, computers connect to networks and to the Internet to access resources and information.
In this lesson, you will learn about hardware and software. After completing this lesson, you should be able to:
• Identify the primary hardware components of a computer.
• Describe what an operating system does.
• Explain what programs do.
• Describe the difference between the Internet and an intranet.
Introduction to hardware
Every time you press a key on a computer’s keyboard or click a mouse button, a signal is sent to the CPU, or processor. The CPU then decides what the best course of action is for the signal. The CPU handles millions of instructions per second, which is why you can watch videos, listen to music, and chat with friends all at the same time. Let’s look at a simple example of how signals are processed.
Introduction to operating systems
The operating system is the software that controls computer resources such as memory, the CPU, and connected devices. It also controls the programs running on the computer, and helps you install new devices. Most operating systems have a graphical user interface (GUI), which is a display form that uses graphics instead of complicated commands to represent actions. GUIs provide a broad range of options so that people of all abilities can use computers. Let’s look at how an operating system works.
Overview of programs and data
A program is a set of instructions that a computer uses to perform tasks.
Programs help you do a variety of things on the computer, such as write a letter, create a spreadsheet, or develop a presentation. You also use programs for entertainment such as playing games, watching movies, and communicating with other people.
The information that is either input, calculated, displayed, or used by programs is data. Data can be text, numbers, images, or other media like audio and video information.
Introduction to Networks.
In a business, many employees need to print or share documents to complete their assigned tasks. Buying a printer and storage drive for every employee, however, would be very expensive, so businesses typically share these resources on a network. A network consists of two or more computers that are linked so that they can share resources, exchange files, or communicate electronically. By using networks, people can transfer files between computers, print documents on shared printers, and more.
Most networks, if not all, have the following components:
• A server
• A workstation
• Communication Channel
The size of the workplace matters because it will indicate whether you use a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN).
• LAN
• WAN
A Server
The main computer or drive that provides the services to all the other computers. The server is in charge of allowing devices or computers to access certain items.
Communication Channel
The path or link that actually connects computers or devices to transfer the information.
LAN
Local area network. A small network that is confined to a small and limited area that is usually the size of a home or a small group of offices.
WAN
Wide area network. A very large network that can be connected throughout the whole world; via long wires, optical cables, or satellites. A great example of a WAN is the Internet.
Using the Internet
The Internet is a worldwide collection of public networks that are linked to one another for the purpose of exchanging information. The Internet started as a network to facilitate communication between government and educational institutions. Other networks were connected to this network, and it eventually became a vast medium for exchanging information and ideas.
Today, the Internet connects many commercial, government, and educational networks, and also individual computers.
The Internet offers a range of services to users. The World Wide Web (commonly referred to as “the web”) is one service that the Internet provides. The web consists of formatted documents that are interlinked and stored on servers around the world.
You can use the Internet and its services to send messages to other Internet users, search and apply for jobs, watch movies, and buy and sell products.
Many organizations use a special type of network to communicate and share information only within the organization, called an intranet. An intranet is similar to the web, but it is accessible only to authorized users of the organization. An intranet is much smaller than the Internet and can provide services such as document distribution, software distribution, access to databases, and training.
Productivity programs
Software programs exist for just about every task or project you do that requires the creation, organization, or storage of information in the form of text and images.
These programs include the following:
Word-processing programs
You use word processing programs to create and edit text documents. They come with built-in features that you can use to check spelling and format your text any way you choose. Some are very specialized, such as software that aids with screen writing. Others assist in combining text and graphics to produce professional-looking documents such as brochures or magazines.
Note taking programs
Note taking programs offer an easy way to write, collect, and organize notes. You can use programs like Microsoft OneNote to organize recordings and other data. You can then store that information for quick reference in one convenient location.
Presentation programs
With a presentation program, you can create slide shows and business proposals that are professional-looking and easily edited or modified. You can even add audio and visual elements to enhance your presentations.
Spreadsheet programs
You use a spreadsheet program to manage financial data and create charts and graphs that represents relationships among that data. You can organize budgets, compute complex calculations easily, and manage data tables. Spreadsheets use cells to store data.
Database programs
You use a database to organize and store data in a format that is searchable and easily managed. You can create reports that can track data such as sa
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