ICT Studies

We wish you a Merry chrismass and a happy
new year 2020

Good morning.

Computers and computing devices are electronic equipments/gadgets and software used in information and communication technology to create,capture, process,edit and produce ,save and disseminate information for day to day use.

This technology has contributed to;
Speedy delivery of information
Cut travel costs
,......add

Computer Studies revision. Let's try.

Where Computer Stores Files and Folders

A basic knowledge of folders and files is essential to move around the computer. All data you drive every day: documents, programs, pictures ... are files that are stored somewhere, but where ?.

This chapter of the guide will explain basic computer where the documents are stored, what a hard drive, a partition, a folder, a file and a shortcut.

Where are the documents stored?

Everything that is on your computer is recorded somewhere, following a hierarchical structure.

At the very top of this pyramid are the devices. Any storage method is a device; the most common are hard drives, CD, DVD, memory cards and USB flash drives.

These devices have some space available, which can in turn be divided into different partitions, each appearing as a separate unit in the system. So that we understand, if a hard drive is a closet, each partition is a drawer where you can store things independently.

Finally, in these units are folders containing files inside, or more folders, which in turn can have more files ... and so on.

1. Devices

In this category all media where data can be recorded are included. Although they can be quite varied, the main are:

Hard Drive: Included inside your computer, here is stored practically everything: the operating system, your documents, etc.
Portable Hard Drive: are external and connected to the computer, usually via a USB cable. In this way you can move lots of files from one computer to another easily.
Pendrive (USB memoirs are also portable and connected by USB, but are much smaller than previous ones in physical size and in storage capacity.
Memory cards: These are small cards that can record a limited amount of data (similar to that of the pendrive). They are used mainly in mobile phones, digital cameras, MP3 players and electronic books, and to access content on your computer you need to have a card reader. They are of different types: SD, Memory Stick, CF, XD, can sometimes be converted from one format to another via adapters.
Floppy disk: Pretty obsolete today, its storage capacity is very limited, and their durability.
CD: On a CD, generally, you can not record as a hard disk, but read its contents. Recording data on a CD involves the use of a recorder program and have a blank CD.
DVD: In appearance is almost identical to a CD, but its capacity is much greater.
2. Partitions and units

To access data stored in previous devices, Windows uses units, commonly identified with letters. Thus, the hard drive C :, corresponds to the CD or DVD drive D :, and so on.

These letters are not fixed and vary from one computer to another, because Windows takes the letter that is free. Thus, for example, a computer with three hard disks, drive letters will be C :, D: and E :, and the CD will be up the :, F while a computer with only one hard drive would have the CD in the D:

The way to access these units is through the Windows file explorer (Windows 7 are in the Team section).

Do not you leave the accounts? Do you appear more hard disks that actually have? Then it is possible that the disk space is partitioned.

This topic does not interest us now, but the only thing you should know is that the partitions are units created from portions of the storage space of a disk. For example, the following chart is a representation of how the total disk space from three different partitions is distributed.

3. Folders

-formerly Known as directories- folders do not contain information itself, but things inside: files, folders or more.

Its function is basically organizational: Like you would not have all your papers drawn the table, ordered folders keep your virtual documents.

4. files

On your computer, files are everything: all data is recorded in the corresponding file. Therefore, it makes no mistake trying to differentiate between documents or files a document will turn a file, but not always a file is a document.

There are files that are photographs, videos, images, text files, songs, but there are others who, by themselves, do not tell us much. This is the case of the DLL libraries or other files that Windows needs to function, and they are like parts of your engine.

5. Shortcuts

In English, the word that designates shortcuts is shortcut, shortcut, an explanation that will help you understand the concept better. A shortcut does not content itself, but, when opened, it calls the real file, which is located in another folder.

They are distinguished by an arrow next to the icon, and are very common on the desktop. With them you can easily run applications without having to go every time to the folder where they are stored. To give you an idea, all the Start menu consists of shortcuts.

If you delete a shortcut, the original file is not deleted.

6. Windows 7 Libraries

The latest version of Windows adds an element that can create confusion libraries. A library does nothing more than bring together in one place the files in multiple folders.

For example, assuming you have music files in C: \ my music and D: \ MP3 my grandmother, you could show all the songs together in your music library.

The files do not really move from site will remain in the same folder, but remember that, unlike shortcuts, if you delete a file in a library, will be deleted from truth.

You might be endangering the life of that kid of yours by posting his/her pictures on social sites.

How safe are your kids' photos on social media? | Standard Digital News - Evewoman parents could face penalties as severe as a year in prison and a fine of Sh 6,500 000 if convicted of publicising intimate details of the private lives of others — including their children – without their consent,

.Getting started with your computer

After you purchase your new computer, you need to set up and connect the components. If you are not already familiar with using a computer system, then you should also learn how to use basic devices such as the keyboard, mouse, and CD drive.

Set Up Your Work Area

To ensure your work area is comfortable and you are productive, you should ensure that your desk and chair are adjusted properly. You should also ensure that the computer is located in a low-traffic area.
Sitting at the computer, typing, and using the mouse for long periods can cause injuries, including repetitive stress injuries (RSI) such as carpal tunnel syndrome. You can take steps to prevent these injuries.

Find a Good Place for Your Computer Desk Ensure that your computer desk is sturdy and stable. It should also have a large enough surface area to hold all of the computer’s desktop components, as
well as any books, papers, and other materials that you may use as you work.

Chair
An uncomfortable or poorly designed chair can affect your work performance. You need a chair that has a contoured seat and good lower-back support. It should also have mechanisms to adjust the seat
height as well as the angle of both the seat and the back support.

Location
Choose a location that is clean, dry, and cool. It should also be well lit, preferably from above or behind the monitor to prevent glare. Ensure that there is an electrical outlet nearby, as well as a telephone jack if you plan to use a modem. Avoid high-traffic areas where people may bump into the computer case and possibly damage the system.

Position Components
A tower-style computer case goes on the floor, either under or beside the desk. The monitor, keyboard, and mouse sit on the desk. However, if you have a desktop-style computer case, put the computer case on the desk and place the monitor on top of it.
Speakers should also go on the desk, although if you have a subwoofer, you should place it on the floor for the best sound.

Ergonomic Accessories
There are many accessories that you can buy to ensure good ergonomics. To help keep your wrists straight, you can use wrist rests on your keyboard and mouse. An adjustable keyboard tray helps to ensure that your keyboard is at the proper height. You can use a monitor stand to ensure that the monitor height is correct. To keep your feet flat, you can use a footrest.

Connect the Computer Components

You can assemble your system by connecting the devices to the
appropriate ports on the back of the computer case. If you are not
comfortable assembling the system by yourself, ask a friend
who is experienced with computers to help you. On most PCs, the ports on the back of the case are color-coded to match the
device plugs. In addition, most device plugs fit into only one type of port, so it is not possible to plug a device into the wrong port.

Unpack the Components
Place the computer boxes on the floor and open them, preferably without using a knife. Remove each component and double-check with the packing list to ensure that you received everything that you
ordered. If the computer arrived on a cold day, give the components a couple of hours to warm up to room temperature. At this stage, do not plug anything into an electrical outlet.

Connect the Monitor
Your monitor has two cables: a video cable and a power cord. The video cable has a D-shaped plug, which you can insert into the port with the same shape on the back of the PC. Leave the power cord
unplugged for now.

Connect the Keyboard and Mouse
Plug the keyboard connector into the keyboard port, which is usually purple with a keyboard icon. Plug the mouse connector into the mouse port, which is usually green with a mouse icon.

Connect the Printer
Most newer printers connect via a USB cable. Older printer cables have a large connector for the printer and a slightly smaller connector,
shaped like an elongated D, for the PC. LPT1LPT1LPT1LPT1
Connect the Modem Run a telephone cable from your phone to the modem jack labeled Phone; run a second telephone cable from the wall jack to the modem jack labeled Line or Telco. If you have an
external modem, connect the serial cable to the PC’s serial port.

Connect the Sound System
Connect one speaker to the PC’s Line Out jack, and connect the second speaker to the first speaker. Connect your headphones to the
Headphones jack. Connect your microphone to the Mic jack. Line InLine In Line OutLineOutLine OutLine Out MicMic LineLineLine
PhonePhonePhone Getting Started with Your Computer

Connect USB
Devices If you have any USB devices, including your keyboard,
mouse, or printer, connect them to your PC’s USB ports. Connect the Power Cord You can now plug the power cords for all of your devices into your surge protector or power strip.

Turn On the Computer for the First Time

Once you have connected your peripherals to your computer,
you are ready to start your computer for the first time.

Turn On Your Peripherals
First, turn on all of your computer’s peripheral devices. These include your surge protector or power strip, monitor, printer, and speakers.

Turn On Your Computer
Press your computer’s power button, or flip its on/off switch. If you are using a notebook computer or tablet PC, you may need to press and hold down the power button for several seconds until the computer starts.

Troubleshoot Power-Up Problems
If nothing happens when you turn on your system, check the computer’s power cord connections at both ends to ensure that you have properly plugged in the cord. Also, check that the surge protector or power strip is plugged in and turned on. Finally, ensure that you have turned on your monitor, and adjust the brightness
control to a comfortable level.

Follow Setup Instructions
On Windows PCs, each manufacturer has its own setup program that runs the first time that you start the computer. This setup usually takes just a few minutes. You are typically asked for the following information: l Your name.
l The username that you want to use when you log on
to Windows.
l A name for your computer.

Wait for the Operating System to Start
After the setup program ends, the operating system loads. The operating system will now load in this way each time that you turn on your computer. The startup is complete when you see the Windows or Macintosh desktop.

Use a Keyboard



The keyboard is your most important device for sending instructions and data to the computer, and so it is important to know how to use it.
Keep in mind that your keyboard layout may be different from the one
shown here.

Specialty/Programmable Keys
Most new keyboards have keys for special
tasks such as using the Internet or playing
media. In many cases, you can also
reprogram these keys to perform other
functions.
Function Keys
The through keys are most
often used as shortcut keys in programs.
For example, in most programs, you can
press to access the Help system.
Escape
Press to stop the current task or
when an application does something
unexpected on your screen.
Caps Lock
Press to turn the Caps Lock feature on and off. The Caps Lock Status Light is illuminated when the Caps Lock feature is on. When Caps Lock is on, you can type all of your letters in uppercase. For example, when you press , the keyboard produces an uppercase “A”. When Caps Lock is off, you type letters in lowercase. For example, when you press , the keyboard produces a lowercase “a”.

Shift
Hold down and press a letter key to type the uppercase version of that letter. For example, if you hold down and press , the keyboard produces an uppercase “A”. Ctrl You use (pronounced control) in
combination with other keys to run program features. For example, in most programs, if you hold down and press (written in this book as + ), you save your current document. Windows Press the key to open the Windows operating system Start menu. Alt You use in shortcut key combinations to run program features. For example, in most programs, if you hold down and press (written in this book as +
), you close open programs.
Spacebar
Press the to insert a space.

Application
In Windows, press the key to see the shortcut menu that is associated with the currently selected item on the screen. Enter In a text document, you can press to start a new paragraph. In other contexts,
you can press to initiate or complete an action. Backspace
Press the key to remove the character to the left of the cursor.
Delete Press the key to remove the character to the right of the cursor, or the character to the left of the cursor on a Mac keyboard. Status Lights When a status light is on, it tells you that the associated key is active. For example, if the Caps Lock light is on, the Caps Lock feature is activated.

Navigation Keys
Use the navigation keys to move through a document. Press to move to the beginning of the current line, or to move to the end of the line. Press to move up one screen, or to move down one screen.
Arrow Keys
Use the arrow keys to move the cursor one character or one line at a time.
Num Lock
Press to turn the numbers on the numeric keypad on or off. The
Num Lock Status Light is illuminated when the Num Lock feature is on. When Num Lock is on, the keys on the numeric keypad produce numbers. When Num Lock is off, the keys on the numeric keypad become the keys indicated below the numbers.
Numeric Keypad
The numeric keypad allows you to quickly enter numbers when the
Num Lock feature is on.

Keyboard Types

Ergonomic
Ergonomic keyboards split the alphanumeric characters into two groups and angle those groups to the left and right. This keyboard allows you to position your hands more naturally when typing, which reduces wrist strain.

Notebook
Notebook computers are small, and so their keyboards tend to be cramped. This makes it harder to press the right keys, and therefore puts more strain on your wrists. In addition, most notebook keyboards
have a key labeled Fn. This design key appears in a different color, and you see characters in that same color on other keys. To access one of these characters, hold down Fn and press the key.

On-Screen
Tablet PCs have on-screen keyboards that you can use when the computer is in the tablet position, which covers the physical keyboard. Use the digital pen to tap each character. Handheld computers that have no physical keyboard also use on-screen keyboards.

Add-On
If you do a lot of typing when using your handheld PC, the on-screen keyboard can be cumbersome. As an alternative, you can purchase an add-on keyboard that either attaches directly to the computer, or
transmits your keystrokes wirelessly.

Type Safely
Besides using an ergonomic keyboard, there are other techniques that you can use to avoid repetitive stress injuries caused by poor or extended typing. For example, you should position your hands properly on the keyboard by keeping your wrists flat while typing.
You should position the keyboard so that your forearms are parallel to the ground. You should also shake your wrists often and take frequent breaks.

Do Not Spill Liquids
Liquids and keyboards do not go together. If you spill any liquid on your keyboard, you may ruin it. This fact is particularly true of notebook keyboards, where spilling a liquid can damage the entire computer, usually beyond repair.

Learn to Type
If you have never typed before and plan to do a lot of typing, you can save a great deal of time by investing in a computer program that teaches you how to type.

Use a Mouse

Today’s computers are built with the mouse in mind, and so it
pays to learn the basic mouse techniques that you will use throughout your computing career. If you have never used a mouse before, then you should remember to keep all your mouse movements slow and deliberate while you are learning how to use it. You should also practice the techniques in this section as much as you can.



CLICK THE MOUSE
1 Position the mouse over the object with which you want to work.
2 Click the left mouse button.

l Depending on the object, the operating
system either selects the object or performs some operation in response to the mouse click, such as displaying the Windows Vista menu.
DOUBLE-CLICK THE MOUSE
1 Position the mouse over the object with which you want to work.
2 Click the left mouse button twice in quick succession.
l The operating system usually performs some operation in response to the double-click action, such as displaying the Windows Vista Recycle Bin window.
l Click the Close box ( ) to close
this window.

RIGHT-CLICK THE MOUSE
1 Position the mouse over the object with which you want to work.
2 Click the right mouse button. l The operating system displays a shortcut menu when you right-click an object. Note: The contents of the shortcut menu depend on the object that you right-clicked.

CLICK AND DRAG THE MOUSE
1 Position the mouse over the object with which you want to work.
2 Press and hold the left mouse button.

3 Move the mouse to drag the selected object. In most cases, the object moves along with the mouse .
4 Release the mouse button when the selected object is repositioned where you want it.



Explore Mouse Types

Two-Button Mouse The standard mouse has a simple design with
only two mouse buttons, although there are also three-button mice where you can program the middle button. The underside of the mouse contains a small ball that rotates when you move the mouse.
The newer style of optical mouse uses an optical sensor instead of a ball.

Wheel Mouse
A wheel mouse has a wheel between the two buttons. In many programs, when you rotate the wheel forward, the document scrolls up, and when you rotate the wheel backward, the document scrolls
down.

Trackball
A trackball mouse is one in which the ball sits on top of the mouse. Instead of actually moving the mouse, you use your fingers or palm to rotate the ball while keeping the mouse stationary.

Touch Pad
A touch pad is a flat, pressure-sensitive surface that is often used on notebooks or as a separate input device. You can move the mouse pointer by moving your finger along the surface of the pad. You click by tapping the surface with your finger, although most touch pads also include left and right buttons for clicking.

Pointing Stick
Resembling a pencil eraser, a pointing stick is a rubber cylinder that is used most often on notebook computers. You move the mouse pointer by nudging the pointing stick.

Digital Pen/Stylus
On a tablet PC, you can use the digital pen as a mouse. Hover the pen over the screen surface until you see the pointer, and then move the pen to move the pointer. Tap the screen surface to click. On a handheld PC, you can click by using the stylus to tap the screen.

Mouse Safety
Studies have shown that using the mouse excessively causes more repetitive stress injuries than excessive keyboarding. To prevent overuse injuries, keep your mouse at the same height as your keyboard, use a mouse wrist rest, and take frequent breaks. You can
also learn program shortcut keys to reduce your mouse use.

Mouse Cleaning
If your mouse has a ball underneath, you should clean the ball periodically to ensure smooth operation. Turn the ball cover clockwise to release it, then remove and clean both the ball and the inside of the mouse.

Use a CD–ROM or DVD–ROM Drive

You can use your computer’s
CD–ROM or DVD–ROM drive to insert a CD or DVD disc and
access the files on the disc. If you have a recordable drive, you can
burn your own files to a disc.
Most CD–ROM and DVD–ROM drives reside inside the computer case, but you can also add external drives to your computer



INSERT A CD OR DVD DISC
1 Press the button in the front of the drive.
The disc tray slides out.
2 Remove the disk from its case or sleeve.
Note: When you handle the disc, be sure to touch only its
edges.

3 Place the disc, writing side up, in the drive’s disc tray.
4 Press the drive button.
The disc tray closes.
Note: In many cases, inserting a disc causes the operating system to automatically either display the contents of the disc or start theprogram contained on the disc. Therefore, you may not need to run through the steps on the next page.

DISPLAY CD OR DVD CONTENTS
1 Insert the CD or DVD in the disc drive. If the AutoPlay window appears, click
2 Click Start( ).
3 Click Computer.
The Computer window appears.
4 Double-click the CD icon or the DVD icon.
l The DVD icon.
l The CD icon.
Note: The name that appears beside the CD or DVD icon usually depends on the name given to the disc in each drive. The contents of the disc appear.
5 When you are done with the CD or DVD,
click to close the window. The window closes.

Use a Memory Card Reader

You can use your computer’s memory card reader to insert and
read a memory card. When you have finished with a memory
card, you need to remove it correctly to avoid errors.

MEMORY CARD READER
Memory card readers usually come with several different slots, each of which accepts a different memory card format. Most memory cards can store between 128MB and 4GB of data.

DISPLAY MEMORY CARD CONTENTS
1 Insert the memory card in the memory
card reader.
l The AutoPlay window appears.
2 Click Open folder to view files
using Windows Explorer.

The contents of the memory card
appear.
l The drive letter associated with the memory card reader slot appears here. In this example, the drive letter is H. 3 When you are done with the floppy disk, click .

REMOVE A MEMORY CARD
1 Click .
2 Click Computer.

The Computer window appears.
3 Click the device icon that represents the
memory card.
4 Click Eject.
If the memory card contents are currently
open in a window, that window closes.
5 Remove the memory card from the
memory card reader.

Restart the Computer

You can restart your computer, so that it shuts down and starts
up again immediately. This is useful if your computer is
running slowly or behaving oddly. Sometimes a restart solves
the problem.

Installation complete: Installation complete:
Please restart your computer
Please restart your computer
Knowing how to restart your computer is useful when you install a program or device that requires a restart to function properly. If you
are busy, then you can always decide to restart your computer when it is more convenient.

1 Shut down all of your running
programs.
Note: Be sure to save your work as you close your
programs.
2 Click .
3 Click the Lock arrow ( ) beside the
Lock button.

A menu of options appears.
4 Click Restart.
Your computer shuts down and then restarts. To restart a Macintosh computer, click the Apple menu (Ú) in the upper left corner of the screen, then click Restart, and then click Restart again in the confirmation dialog.

When you complete your work for the day, you should shut down your computer. However, you cannot just shut off the power. You must follow the proper steps to avoid damaging files on your system.
Shutting off the computer’s power without properly exiting the operating system can cause two problems. First, if you have unsaved
changes in some open documents, you will lose those changes. Second, you could damage one or more operating system files, which could make your computer unstable.

\

1 Shut down all of your running
programs.
Note: Be sure to save your work as you close your
programs.
2 Click .
3 Click beside the Lock button.
A menu of options appears.
4 Click Shut Down.
Your computer shuts down.
To turn off a Macintosh computer, click
the Apple menu (Ú) in the upper-left
corner of the screen, then click Shut
Down, and then click Shut Down
again in the confirmation dialog.

Learn from others or a trap will befall you some day.

UNIVERSITY STUDENT ESCAPES DEATH AFTER DATING MAN SHE MET ON FACEBOOK!! - Breaking news Trending news Kenya

1.Getting Familiar with Computer Basics

Are you ready to start learning about computers? This chapter will help by introducing you to the computer and showing you its benefits and uses. You learn about the different types of computers, take a tour of a typical personal computer, and learn the difference between computer hardware and software


1.1Discover the Computer

A computer is a device that you can use to store, manipulate, and display text, numbers, images, and sounds.

Computer
A computer is an electronic device that is designed to work with information. The computer takes information in, processes that information, and then displays the results. In this way, a computer is similar to a calculator, except that even the smallest computer is much more versatile than the most powerful calculator. Computers operate at amazingly fast speeds, with a typical computer processing millions of calculations every second.

Personal Computer
A personal computer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer that is designed for use by one person at a time. It allows you to perform personal tasks such as creating documents, communicating with other people, and playing games. The abbreviation PC is most often used to refer to computers that run the Microsoft Windows operating system, as well as to differentiate them from Macintosh computers.

A computer is a powerful and useful tool because it gives you a number of benefits, including the ability to quickly produce high-quality work. It also
enables you to learn new skills that are an important part of today’s technological world.

Speed
Computers allow you to perform many everyday tasks more quickly. For example, if you mail a letter to a friend, he or she may receive it in a few days. However, if you send an e-mail, it will be received in a few minutes. Similarly, if you manually compose a newsletter, it may take you a week, whereas using a computer.

Most electronic devices — such as DVD players, camcorders, and personal stereos — only do one thing. However, because computers are versatile by design, they enable you to do many things. For example, you can use a computer to listen to music, watch movies, create flyers, research your family history, educate your children,
and play games.

Create Documents
You can use your computer to create letters, resumes, memos,reports, newsletters, brochures, business cards, menus, flyers, invitations, and certificates. Anything that you use to communicate on paper, you can create using your computer.

Monitor Your Finances
You can use your computer to perform basic financial management. For example, you can create a budget, record expenses, balance your checkbook, calculate your taxes, and monitor your mortgage. If you run a small business, you can allocate income and expenses, create financial reports, and calculate your profit and loss.

Perform Research
You can use your computer and the Internet to research almost any topic that you can think of. For example, you can learn more about a vacation destination, trace your family history, access back issues of newspapers and magazines, and compare products before you buy them.

Work with Numbers

You can use a spreadsheet program to work with numbers on your computer. For example, you can create a mortgage amortization schedule, calculate how much money you need to save for retirement,
monitor an investment portfolio, and create a business plan.

Store Data
You can use your computer, and the appropriate software, to store and work with large amounts of data. You can track personal items such as CDs, recipes, contact information for friends and relatives, and fitness activities. For business, you can track clients and potential clients, inventory, products, and orders.

Schedule Your Time
You can use your computer as an electronic day-timer to record upcoming activities, birthdays, anniversaries, events, meetings, and appointments. You can also set up some scheduling programs to remind you of approaching events so that you do not forget them

Teach Your Children
You can use your computer to help educate your children. There are many programs available that are designed to assist children with reading, drawing, learning math and science, solving problems, and enhancing creativity.

Learn New Life Skills
You can use your computer to learn new life skills. Programs are available that teach you how to speak a different language, play chess, cook, garden, design a home, play a musical instrument, and design and make clothes.

Make New Friends
You can use your computer and the Internet to enhance your social life. You can chat with other people by typing messages to them, join mailing lists, find support groups, find clubs and organizations in your area, and find a date.



Keep in Touch
You can use your computer to communicate with friends, family, colleagues, and clients that you do not often see face to face. You can send e-mail messages and instant messages, and you can even talk to another person using a microphone and your computer’s speakers.

Buy and Sell
You can use your computer and the Internet to buy and sell things. Many online stores enable you to purchase anything, from books to baby accessories, and have it delivered to your door. There are also auction sites, such as eBay, that enable you to sell items that you create or that you no longer need.

Create Items
You can use your computer to bring out your creative side. For example, you can create your own greeting cards or wedding invitations, draw pictures, manipulate digital photos, edit digital movies, record sounds, and compose music.

Play Media
You can use your computer to play digital media, including music CDs, audio files, video files, animations, DVDs, music, and movies that you have
downloaded from the Internet.

Play Games
You can use your computer to play many different types of games. You can solve a puzzle, fly a plane, race a car, go on an adventure, play football or baseball, battle aliens, plan a city, play backgammon or checkers, or deal poker.

When selecting a computer that is best for your needs, you should consider what purpose it will serve in your home or business, and whether it should be mobile for travel.



Desktop
A desktop is by far the most common type of computer. Most desktop systems come with a separate computer case, monitor, keyboard, and
mouse. On older desktops, the computer case lies flat on the desk with the monitor sitting on top. Almost all newer systems use a tower case that sits upright. You can place this case either on a desk or on the floor. Many newer desktops are Media Center PCs that enable you to play movies, view pictures, and listen to music through your TV and stereo.

Notebook
A notebook is a computer that combines the case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse in one unit. It is also called a laptop or a portable. Notebooks are light — usually only four to six pounds — and so you can take them out of your office or home. Most notebooks are just as powerful as a desktop system.

Tablet PC
A tablet PC is a computer that looks similar to a small notebook. However, the tablet PC screen pivots so that it lies on top of the keyboard, making it look like a writing tablet. You can use a digital pen to input your data, or select items on the screen.

Handheld PC
A handheld PC is a very small computer — usually weighing less than a pound — that you can hold comfortably in your hand or carry in a jacket pocket. A handheld PC is also called a personal digital assistant (PDA) or palmtop. Most people use a handheld PC to store their schedules and check their e-mail while out of the office. A newer type of handheld computer is the ultra mobile PC (UMPC), which comes with a relatively
large screen and can run a wider variety of programs than most handheld PCs.

Server
A server is a powerful computer that acts as a central resource for a number of other computers that are connected to it. These other computers can be desktops or stripped-down terminals that use the server to run programs and store data. Some servers are mainframes, which are giant computers that run large-scale operations, such as airline reservation systems.

Learning to use a personal computer is much easier if you know how a typical system is laid
out and what each major part does.

Computer Case
The computer case, also called the system unit or console, holds the electronic chips and devices that make the computer work. The outside of the case has an on/off switch, and the rear of the case is where you plug in the other computer components. For more information about the internal components of your computer, see Chapter 2.

Monitor-The monitor, also called the screen or display, is a TV-like device that the computer uses to display text, images, and other information.
Keyboard- The keyboard is a typewriter-like device that you use to type information and enter instructions for the computer to follow. To learn how to work the keyboard, see Chapter 4.
Mouse- The mouse is a hand-operated pointing device that you use to select or move items on the screen, as well as to provide instructions for the computer to follow. To learn how to operate the mouse, see Chapter 4.



Printer- A printer is a device that you use to print a document from a computer. Some printers are all-in-one devices that can also fax, copy, and can
documents.
Speakers- The speakers are devices that output the sound effects, music, narration, and other audio that your computer generates. You can also use
headphones so that only you can hear the computer's output. Uninterruptible Power Supply An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that
provides temporary power to your computer should the electricity fail. This device enables you to shut down your computer properly to avoid losing data.
Game Controller- The game controller is a device that you can use to control the action in a computer game. Surge Protector A surge protector is a device that protects your computer from damage by power fluctuations, which are most often caused by lightning.

Besides the keyboard and mouse, most personal computers also come with a number of accessories.

Modem- The modem is a device that connects your computer to the Internet, either through telephone lines or TV cable. Some modems, called internal modems, reside inside the
computer case.

Front of a Personal Computer Case

On a typical personal computer, the front of the case contains a number of buttons, indicator lights, ports, and slots. Tour the Personal Computer (continued) HP Pavilion m7750n SmartMedia/ xD SD/Mini MMC/RS/Plus/ Mobile MS/PRO/Duo/ PRO Duo
CompactFlash I/II/MD Power Switch When the computer is off, press the power switch to turn the computer on. When you have finished working with your computer and have shut down all of your programs, press the power switch again to turn off the computer.
Activity Light- The activity light flashes on and off when your computer is performing a task, such as accessing the main hard disk. Memory Card Readers The memory card readers are slots into which you can insert various types of memory cards, which are a form of portable storage. See
Chapter 2. Front Access Ports The front access ports are similar to many of the ports on the back of the computer (see the next page), but are often easier to reach.
CD or DVD Drive- A CD drive is a storage device that accepts data CDs (compact discs), which resemble musical CDs. Most new computers have a DVD drive, which accepts data DVDs. For more information, see Chapter 2.

Personal Computer Ports
On a typical personal computer, the rear of the case contains a number of holes and slots, called ports, into which you plug computer devices.
Getting Familiar with Computer Basics chapter1 R DTV Ant digital audio out ETHERNET side rear rear mic out in

Keyboard Port- You use the keyboard port to plug in the keyboard.
Mouse Port- You use the mouse port to plug in the mouse. Monitor Port You use the monitor port to plug in the monitor.
USB Ports- You use a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port to plug in a USB device. Many computer peripherals —
including keyboards, mice, and printers — come in USB versions.
FireWire Port- You use a FireWire port — also known as the IEEE 1394 port — to plug in a FireWire device. Devices such as digital video cameras often use FireWire connections. Network Port You use the network port to plug in a cable that connects to a network or to a high-speed Internet- modem. This is also called an Ethernet port. Sound Ports You use the sound ports to plug in sound devices, such as your speakers (the green port on most systems) and microphone (the pink port). Some systems have Line In and Line Out ports to connect the computer to external audio equipment.
TV Tuner Ports-
You use TV tuner ports to connect a Media Center PC to a TV. The TV tuner ports enable you to send signals to and receive signals from a TV.
FM Antenna Port You use an FM antenna port to connect an FM antenna, which enables a Media Center PC to receive FM radio signals.
Modem Port You use the modem port to connect your computer’s internal modem to your telephone system.



Computer hardware consists of the physical components of your computer: the parts, devices, buttons, and ports that you can touch and physically manipulate. Computer hardware comes in two basic varieties: external and internal.

External Hardware
External hardware, also known as peripherals, refers to hardware that connects to the outside of the computer case. The monitor, keyboard, and
mouse are the most common external hardware devices. The printer and speakers are also popular peripherals. You can connect external hardware to your computer through the computer ports described on the previous page.



Internal Hardware
Internal hardware refers to hardware that resides inside the computer case. This includes the central processing unit (CPU) — the brains of the computer — memory chips that are used for temporary data storage while you work, disk drives that are used for long-term storage, and circuit boards that supply many of the ports on the back of the computer case. You can learn more about internal hardware devices in Chapter 2.

Computer software provides the instructions that enable the computer hardware to perform its tasks. Without software, your monitor would not display anything, your speakers would remain silent, and typing on the keyboard keys would have no effect. Computer software comes in two basic categories: application and system.

Application Software
Application software refers to the programs that you interact with to perform specific computer tasks. For example, a word-processing program enables you to create documents such as memos and letters, a graphics program enables you to draw an image, and an e-mail program enables you to send and receive e-mail messages.

System Software
System software refers to programs that operate behind the scenes to ensure that your computer system functions properly. This software is most often referred to as the operating system. Some examples of system software include Windows Vista and Mac OS X. For more information about the operating system.