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10.09.21 Computer Basics

Computers run programs based on user input, which are converted into electrical signals. The computer hardware includes essential components like the monitor, CPU, keyboard, and mouse. Peripheral devices like printers, scanners, and speakers can also be connected. Software programs include operating systems, word processors, spreadsheets, browsers, and presentations. Common operating systems are Windows and Mac OS. Files are created and saved using programs, and are organized into folders that can be accessed using Windows Explorer. It is important to save files in the correct folder and location.

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7 views

10.09.21 Computer Basics

Computers run programs based on user input, which are converted into electrical signals. The computer hardware includes essential components like the monitor, CPU, keyboard, and mouse. Peripheral devices like printers, scanners, and speakers can also be connected. Software programs include operating systems, word processors, spreadsheets, browsers, and presentations. Common operating systems are Windows and Mac OS. Files are created and saved using programs, and are organized into folders that can be accessed using Windows Explorer. It is important to save files in the correct folder and location.

Uploaded by

etuckeratsashabruce
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Basics -

Computers are not magic, though they certainly can accomplish a


lot. They run a series of commands based on user input, which are
converted into a series of electrical signals. Though some
operations are performed autonomously, for the most part, the
computer will only do what you tell it to do.

Hardware - The mechanical parts of a computer:


Essentials: needed to run computer operations
● the Monitor -- looks like and basically is a TV screen
● the Brain -- contains the CPU microchip and all the really important components
● the Keyboard -- like a typewriter but with many useful extra keys
● the Mouse -- a palm-size gadget that rolls on a ball and has buttons on it
Peripheral Devices: extra devices that can be plugged into the computer
● a Printer -- inkjet or laser-xerox printing machine
● a Scanner -- converts images to files
● a pair of Stereo Speakers -- for multimedia systems
● a Webcam and Microphone

Software - Programs and other operating information used by the computer


● Operating System -- The software that supports a computer’s basic functions, such as
scheduling tasks, executing applications and controlling peripherals: Default screen is
the Desktop, which is a place for shortcuts

○ Examples: Microsoft’s Windows versus Apple’s Mac OS


● Word Processor -- creates, reads, edits text files; sometimes can add pictures or tables

○ Example: Microsoft Word


● Spreadsheet -- does simple math calculations, especially for businesses
○ Example: Microsoft Excel
● Browser -- connects to the Internet to show web pages

○ Example: Internet Explorer , Mozilla Firefox , Google Chrome


● Presentation – Displays information graphically, usually as a supplement to a report

○ Example: Microsoft Powerpoint , Open Office Impress

How to Find Programs (Windows)


● Desktop – The default screen displayed on your monitor. Has a taskbar at the bottom,
and displays shortcuts for programs and files. May have picture in the background.
● Start Menu – In lower left corner of screen on Taskbar. Left-click once to open.

● Quick Launch – Small icons of commonly used programs to right of start button.
● Buttons – Displays which programs/files are currently open
Understanding Files
● While using programs such as word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation
software, you will be creating and saving files.
● When using Microsoft Windows, you can find all of your files by going to Windows
Explorer.
○ Files are arranged into folders on the computer
○ It is very important that you remember what folder you save your file in, and on
which computer!
○ If you are not using your own computer, it is a good idea to save your file, and
email it to yourself.

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