INTRO TO COMPUTERS

AN INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS : 

AN INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS THIS CLASS IS DESIGNED AS A BEGINNERS CLASS IN COMPUTING

OBJECTIVES : 

OBJECTIVES Learn Basic Computer Terminology Difference Between Hardware and Software Understanding Computer Components Basic Keyboard and Mouse Usage Proper Care For your PC

PREREQUISITES : 

PREREQUISITES There are no prerequisites.

DEFINITION : 

DEFINITION What is a Computer? com·put·er        Pronunciation key  (km-pytr)n. 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. One who computes. (American Heritage Dictionary, 4th ed. Pub. 2000)

THE LANGUAGE OF COMPUTERS : 

THE LANGUAGE OF COMPUTERS Binary Numbers

Binary Numbers 1 of 3 : 

Binary Numbers 1 of 3 Computers speak binary. Binary language consists of combinations of 1's and 0's that represent characters of other languages (in our case the English language). Don’t make the mistake of thinking that little 1's and 0's are running around inside of the computer. We humans prefer to think of 1's and 0's because it’s easier than visualizing positive and negative current flows or open and closed circuits which is what actually happens inside computers. A combination of eight bits represents one character in our language. One character in our language (eight bits) is referred to as a byte. (For example: 01000001 is a byte that represents an uppercase A; each 1 or 0 is a bit.)

Binary Numbers 2 of 3 : 

Binary Numbers 2 of 3 Kilobytes, Megabytes, and Gigabytes If you understand that a byte is one character in our language, you’ve got it made because: 1000 bytes = 1 kilobyte (1,000 characters = 1 kilobyte) 1,000,000 bytes = 1 megabyte (1,000,000 characters = 1 megabyte) 1,000,000,000 bytes = 1 gigabyte (1,000,000,000 characters = 1 gigabyte)

Binary Numbers 3 of 3 : 

Binary Numbers 3 of 3 Disk Capacity It’s important to know how large your files are because eventually you won’t have enough space on your disk to hold more files. Knowing the total capacity of your disk, how much space is left on your disk, and how large the file is, you can make accurate decisions as to whether to save the file to the current disk, or save the file to a different diskette with more disk capacity. Keep in mind that a low density floppy diskette holds 720 kilobytes of data, and a high density floppy diskette holds 1.44 megabytes of data. Put in easier to understand terms, a low density disk can hold approximately 300 typed pages and a high density can hold approximately 600 typed pages. Zip disks have 100 megabytes of disk capacity (about $10.00 each) or 250 megabytes of disk capacity (about $15.00 each). CD-ROMS have 650 megabytes of capacity (about $1.00 each) or 700 megabytes of capacity (about $1.50 each). Super Disks have 120 megabytes of disk capacity (about $12.00 each). Hard drives (disk drives inside of the computer) might hold anywhere from 30 megabytes (old computers) to 80 gigabytes (new computers) of data. Most computers today are sold with anywhere from a 5 gigabyte (portable/laptop computers) to a 120 gigabyte (desktop computers) disk capacity.

THIS IS A FEW OF THE : 

THIS IS A FEW OF THE

DEFINITION : 

DEFINITION Hardware Vs. Software If you can touch it, it’s hardware

Examples of Hardware : 

Examples of Hardware

The Programs that are on the disks are software : 

The Programs that are on the disks are software

Definition of User : 

Definition of User

Uses for a PC : 

Uses for a PC Word Processing Desktop Publishing Database Management Spreadsheets Communication Finance Education Entertainment News and Information Doorstop

Tips for Beginners : 

Tips for Beginners Explore Your Computer Mistakes won’t Kill You EDIT/ UNDO is your Friend Be persistent Apply what you Learn Don’t try to learn too fast Walk away if you get frustrated Have Fun

Why Learn This Stuff? : 

Why Learn This Stuff? Buying a PC Having Your PC Serviced Calling For Support Be able to talk to Friends & Grandchildren It’s Fun

Hardware Overview : 

Hardware Overview PC Versus MAC

Examples of PC computers : 

Examples of PC computers

Examples of MAC computers : 

Examples of MAC computers

SYSTEM COMPONENTS CPU/PROCESSOR : 

SYSTEM COMPONENTS CPU/PROCESSOR The CPU refers to the microprocessor chip. Sometimes the “Tower” is called the CPU. It’s speed is measured in Megahertz (MHZ) (Millions of cycles per second) or Gigahertz (GHZ) Billions of cycles per second. (A cycle is the time required for the CPU to execute an instruction step).

SYSTEM COMPONENTSRam – Random Access Memory : 

SYSTEM COMPONENTSRam – Random Access Memory Ram is the memory used by the computer to run programs. The amount of Ram available will determine how fast a program will run and how many windows can be open at one time. Ram memory is considered Volatile because it disappears when the power is turned off.

SYSTEM COMPONENTSHard Drive : 

SYSTEM COMPONENTSHard Drive The Hard Drive is the computers main, long term storage. It is referred to as non-volatile storage, because it does not disappear when the power is turned off. The size of the Hard Drive is measured in Gigabytes. (Billions of Bytes).

RAM VERSUS HARD DRIVE : 

RAM VERSUS HARD DRIVE If we use the analogy of a desk: Then the work we are doing on the desk top would be using the RAM and the work we store in the file drawers would be on the HARD DRIVE.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS : 

SYSTEM COMPONENTS Mother Board (This is where most of the electronics is located).

SYSTEM COMPONENTS : 

SYSTEM COMPONENTS Case (Tower,Chassis,Box)

SYSTEM COMPONENTS : 

SYSTEM COMPONENTS Modem (Modulator Demodulator). (Used for internet access with phone line).

SYSTEM COMPONENTS : 

SYSTEM COMPONENTS Power Supply 250 – 500 Watts DO NOT OPEN (This is the power source that makes everything go).

SYSTEM COMPONENTS : 

SYSTEM COMPONENTS Audio Card This is the voice of your system).

SYSTEM COMPONENTS : 

SYSTEM COMPONENTS Floppy Drive – 1.44 MB (This item is fast becoming obsolete).

SYSTEM COMPONENTS : 

SYSTEM COMPONENTS Network Card (Used to connect to high speed internet access e.g. Cable or DSL lines).

SYSTEM COMPONENTS : 

SYSTEM COMPONENTS Tape Drive Can store Gigabytes of data.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS : 

SYSTEM COMPONENTS Video Card (Provides visual images to the monitor. Also used in computer games, to provide additional memory for visual effects).

PERIPHERALS : 

PERIPHERALS Monitors CRT Vs LCD

PERIPHERALS : 

PERIPHERALS Printers (Might be Ink Jet, Bubble Jet, Laser or whatever the manufacturers invent tomorrow).

PERIPHERALS : 

PERIPHERALS Video Cameras (Also called webcams)

POWER PROTECTION : 

POWER PROTECTION Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) 280 VA – 400 VA (Essentially a battery back-up in case of a power failure)

KEYBOARD : 

KEYBOARD The Keyboard (This is the primary input device)

KEYBOARD : 

KEYBOARD Alphanumeric Keys

KEYBOARD : 

KEYBOARD Numeric Keypad

KEYBOARD : 

KEYBOARD Enter (Return) Key

KEYBOARD : 

KEYBOARD Spacebar

KEYBOARD : 

KEYBOARD “Modifier” keys: CTRL, ALT, SHIFT

KEYBOARD : 

KEYBOARD “State “ keys: Caps, Scroll, Numlock

KEYBOARD : 

KEYBOARD Windows keys

MOUSE : 

MOUSE Holding the mouse Grip between thumb and ring finger (Right handed grip shown, Lefties use other hand)

MOUSE : 

MOUSE Mouse Pointer

MOUSE : 

MOUSE Left Clicking

MOUSE : 

MOUSE Right clicking

MOUSE : 

MOUSE Double clicking (Use the left side, Click twice)

MOUSE : 

MOUSE Click and drag

MOUSE : 

MOUSE Scroll wheel and optional buttons

SOFTWARE : 

SOFTWARE Operating systems Applications Data

OPERATING SYSTEMS : 

OPERATING SYSTEMS MS-DOS Windows 95,98,Me Windows NT, 2000,XP Linux

APPLICATIONS : 

APPLICATIONS MS Word (Your basic Word Processor)

APPLICATIONS : 

APPLICATIONS MS Excel Your basic Spread Sheet)

APPLICATIONS : 

APPLICATIONS MS Power Point (For sales presentations)

APPLICATIONS : 

APPLICATIONS MS Outlook (Your desktop Personal Information Manager, (PIM))

APPLICATIONS : 

APPLICATIONS MS Internet Explorer (Your internet Browser)

APPLICATIONS : 

APPLICATIONS Windows Calculator (Your basic calculator, also available is a scientific calculator)

APPLICATIONS : 

APPLICATIONS WordPerfect Adobe Acrobat Lotus 1-2-3 Photoshop QuickBooks Notepad CorelDraw WinZip HyperCam Media Player Photo Paint StarCraft ETC. ETC.ETC. ETC. Ad Infinitum

DATA : 

DATA Letters written using a word processor like MS WORD. Spread sheets designed in EXCEL. Presentations created in Power Point Music on a CD. Photos from your digital camera

COMPUTER CAVEATS : 

COMPUTER CAVEATS Beverages in open containers are EVIL.

COMPUTER CAVEATS : 

COMPUTER CAVEATS Magnets (They destroy Data on floppy drives and hard drives)

COMPUTER CAVEATS : 

COMPUTER CAVEATS Laser Printers and Power. Keep PC off the floor. When in doubt Reboot.

COMPUTER CAVEATS : 

COMPUTER CAVEATS Save your work often.

COMPUTER CAVEATS : 

COMPUTER CAVEATS Power Strips Use the Power buttons on the PC and peripherals.

COMPUTER CAVEATS : 

COMPUTER CAVEATS Don’t eject a floppy when the light is on.

COMPUTER CAVEATS : 

COMPUTER CAVEATS Keep floppies out of sunlight.

COMPUTER CAVEATS : 

COMPUTER CAVEATS Proper handling of CDs OK to wash CDs in mild soapy water or get a CD cleaner (inexpensive)

COMPUTER CAVEATS : 

COMPUTER CAVEATS Don’t push the CD tray in – use the button.

COMPUTER CAVEATS : 

COMPUTER CAVEATS Dust Kills It’s a good idea to blow the dust out of your computer regularly.

COMPUTER CAVEATS : 

COMPUTER CAVEATS STATIC KILLS! Get yourself an anti static strip or mat.

TIME FOR A STRETCH BREAK : 

TIME FOR A STRETCH BREAK TIME TO GET UP AND STRETCH CLEAN YOUR GLASSES GO POTTY IF YOU HAVE THE URGE LET’S TAKE A TEN MINUTE BREAK

AN INTRODUCTION to WINDOWS XP : 

AN INTRODUCTION to WINDOWS XP This is the operating system most of us will be using

FILES AND FOLDERS : 

FILES AND FOLDERS

Shortcuts when selecting text : 

Shortcuts when selecting text

THE WIMP INTERFACE : 

THE WIMP INTERFACE WINDOWS ICONS MENUS POINTERS

WINDOWS : 

WINDOWS

ICONS : 

ICONS

MENUS : 

MENUS

POINTERS (CURSORS) : 

POINTERS (CURSORS) I-beam cursor (which follows the roll of the mouse) Insertion point cursor F letcher (Which flashes on and off, and is positioned using the I-beam cursor and a click of the mouse button)

BREAK POINT : 

BREAK POINT Let’s get some hands on experience Find the Windows key. Bottom row second key from the left side. Press once, (this is the same as left clicking on the start button). Bring the cursor arrow over the All Programs Arrow head. Notice how the program files are displayed.

FIND MICROSOFT WORD(LEFT CLICK) : 

FIND MICROSOFT WORD(LEFT CLICK)

Microsoft word : 

Microsoft word

FIND EXCELLEFT CLICK : 

FIND EXCELLEFT CLICK

MICROSOFT EXCEL : 

MICROSOFT EXCEL

FIND POWERPOINT : 

FIND POWERPOINT

POWERPOINT : 

POWERPOINT

THE END : 

THE END THE END THE END THE END