Post on 24-Jun-2015
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Intro to Computers
University City Public Library
Welcome!
Some Things to Keep in Mind:
1. You are smarter than the computer. 2. There's too much information out there for you to learn everything on your first try. (So keep trying!)
3. Nobody is born knowing how to work a computer. 4. Don't be afraid to ask questions!
What is a Computer?
com·put·er (km-pytr) NOUN: 1. A device that computes, especially a programmable
electronic machine that performs high-speed mathematical or logical operations or that assembles, stores, correlates, or otherwise processes information.
2. One who computes. Source: American Heritage Dictionary
Wait a minute!Does that mean our brains are computers?
(Yes, it does!)
Hardware: What Computers Are Made Of
Image sources: Wikimedia Commons (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page)
Tower This is a box that includes: -disk drive-CD drive-hard drive-memory-modem and/or wireless card
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Peripherals: Fun Things You Can Connect to Your Computer
Examples: • digital camera
• MP3 player
• scanner
• printer
• storage
-USB drive -floppy disk -CD ROM
Image Source: Free Images (www.freeimages.co.uk)
Software: The Cool Stuff a Computer Can Do
Examples of software:• Word processors (Microsoft Word, WordPerfect,
AppleWorks)• Spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel, Base, Claris)• Presentations (Microsoft PowerPoint)• Web browsers (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera)• Games (Solitare, FreeCell, World of Warcraft)
Software is... A program of instructions that directs the operation of a
computer. Source: Science Lobby's Dictionary of Electronics. (
http://www.sciencelobby.com/dictionary/s.html)
Operating Systems
Operating Systems (OS) are special kinds of software that help your computer to run more efficiently and help you work with your computer.
Examples of Operating Systems• Windows• Mac OS X• Linux• UNIX
Which operating system is the best?It's really a matter of personal preference. Practically all operating systems allow their users to do the same things.
Windows is by far the most popular operating system.
3 Things a Computer Cannot Function Without
Processor (also called chip or CPU) The master chip (circuit) in a computer that controls the execution
of program instructions, arithmetic functions, and access to memory and peripherals.
Hard Drive Like a floppy disk, flash drive, or CD drive, only much bigger and
usually part of your computer tower. Memory (also called Random Access Memory, or RAM) Operating memory of a computer-- temporarily stores programs
that are currently being used.
Source: Computer Hardware and Micro-Scope Glossary, (http://www.micro2000uk.co.uk/hardware_glossary.htm)
Mouserobics!
Working on this website can help you learn to use a mouse more easily. So, go here:http://www.wauclib.org/mouserobics.htm Or here:http://www.ckls.org/~crippel/computerlab/tutorials/mouse/page1.html Don't worry, they go to the same place.