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Introduction to
Computers
MELJUN CORTES,BSCS,ACS
2007 S.Estey
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Purpose
This class will show you the basic parts ofa computer and how to use it.
In order to get the most out of this class,you should already know how to use akeyboard and a mouse.
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Parts of a Computer
A computer has two main types ofcomponents hardware and software.
The parts of the computer that you canphysically touch and move are calledhardware.
The programs that tell the computer what todo are called software.
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Getting Started: Out of the Box
Create a place for the computer
Power and Phone outlets, connectivity
Specific area for Tower/CPU
Unpacking
Enough room to open all boxes
Check your cables
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Hardware
The most common types of hardware are
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
System Unit
Printer
Speakers/headphones
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Monitor The monitor displays the text and graphics
that are generated by the computers
software.
Monitors come in different sizes and types.
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Eye StrainP
revention Place your monitor at a right angle from the
window.
Use an anti-glare screen to cut down thereflections. Place papers you're working from on a paper
holder about the same distance from your eyesas the monitor.
Occasionally look away from the monitor andfocus on a distant object for a few seconds togive your eyes a rest.
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Keyboard & Mouse The keyboard allows you to put information into
the computer.
The keys are laid out like a typewriter, but thereare extra keys that have special functions.
The mouse is a pointing device that allows youto select and manipulate objects on the screen.
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Printer & Speakers
The printer prints the text and pictures thatare created using the computer.
The speakers allow the user to hear thesounds created by the computer.
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System Unit The system unit, or tower, is the case that
holds the brains of the computer.
The tower has several things inside:
CPU
Hard drive
Disk drives
Memory
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CP
U The CPU is the Central Processing Unit.
This is the chip that actually runs thecomputer. The CPU interprets thesoftware to tell the other hardware what todo.
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Hard Drive
The hard drive is not removable from thecomputer. It is the permanent storage
area for the computer.
The hard drive is the computer's electronicfiling cabinet. It holds the operating
system, files, programs, and documents.
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Memory There are two kinds of memory for a computer:
RAM
RAM is Random Access Memory. It is the working memoryof the computer. If the computer is turned off, this memory iserased. Files are saved from RAM to the hard drive.
ROM ROM is Read Only Memory. This is permanent memory that
stores essential software for the computer.
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Software The operating system is the most
important piece of software for the
computer.
There are many different types of softwareavailable for computers.
Software can also be called programs
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Operating System The operating system is the main control
program of the computer.
It schedules tasks, communicates withhardware and peripherals and presentsthe basic user interface.
All other software on the computer mustcommunicate with the operating system.
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Types of Software Word Processing
Presentation
Spreadsheet
Internet Browser
Drawing
Database creation
Photo Editing
Video Editing
Virus Checking
Specialty software
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Library Software The librarys computers have limited
software.
They have the following types:
Word processing (Word)
Spreadsheet (Excel)
Presentation (PowerPoint)
Web browsing (Internet Explorer)
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InterfacesAn interface is the way the user tells the
software what to do and how the computer
displays information and options to theuser.
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Interfaces Originally, all computers had text-based
interfaces.
A text-based interface means that the usermust type in all the commands. If you mis-type, you have to backspace to your error,
which erases what you already typed.
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Text interface This is an example of
a text interface. This
is a program calledTelnet. Every $ is aprompt for a textcommand.
The commands arecase sensitive.
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G
raphical User Interfaces Graphical User Interface uses pictures to make it
easier for the user. It is more user friendly.
The use of drop-down menus, windows, buttons,and icons was first successfully marketed by
Apple on the Macintosh computer.
Almost all Windows and Mac programs now usea GUI.
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Desktop The Windows desktop uses a graphical
user interface to make it easier to use.
The desktop is the beginning screen forthe computer.
You can access all of the programs on the
computer from this screen.
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ClockStartbutton
Desktop
Taskbar
Icon
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P
rogram Window Most program windows have very similar
features.
Some programs have different toolbarsand menus.
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InternetExplorerProgramWindow
Close
Maximize/Resize
Minimize
Title Bar
Menu Bar
Tool Bar
Task BarStatus Bar
Clock
StartButton
Scroll Bar
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P
ractice makes perfect! If you dont practice your computer skills,
you will forget them.
If you ever have any trouble while on acomputer at the library, please donthesitate to let us know!
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P
ractice time Now, follow the steps on your handout to
practice opening and closing programs
and resizing windows on the computer.
If you have any questions, please feel freeto ask them now.