MODULE 5

COMPUTER OPERATION

Introduction

An operating system is a program that manages the computer hardware.

It also provides a basis for application programs and acts as an intermediary
between the computer user and the computer hardware. An amazing aspect of
operating systems is how varied they are in accomplishing these tasks.
Mainframe operating systems are designed primarily to optimize utilization of
hardware. Personal computer (PC) operating systems support complex games,
business applications, and everything in between. Operating systems for
handheld computers are designed to provide an environment in which a user can
easily interface with the computer to execute programs. Thus, some operating
systems are designed to be convenient, others to be efficient, and others some
combination of the two.

SETTING UP A LAPTOP COMPUTER

If you have a laptop, setup should be

easy: Just open it and press the power
button. If the battery isn't charged, you'll
need to plug in the AC adapter. You can
continue using the laptop while it charges.

If your laptop has any peripherals,

like external speakers, you may want to read the instructions below. Laptops
and desktops generally use the same types of connections, so the same steps will
still apply.

SETTING UP A DESKTOP COMPUTER

Step 1

Unpack the monitor and computer case from

the box. Remove any plastic covering or
protective tape. Place the monitor and computer case on a desk or work area.

Be sure to place your computer case in an area that is well ventilated and
has good air flow. This will help to prevent the computer from overheating.

Step 2

Locate the monitor cable. There are several types

of monitor cables, so the one for your computer may not
look like the one in the image below.

If you're having trouble finding your monitor cable, refer to the instruction
manual for your computer. (If you have an all-in-one computer that's built into
the monitor, you can skip to Step 4).

Step 3

Connect one end of the cable to

the monitor port on the back of
the computer case and the other end to
the monitor. If you're using a VGA cable
like the one in the picture below, you'll want
to tighten the screws on the monitor cable
to secure it.

Many computer cables will only fit a specific way. If the cable doesn't fit,
don't force it or you might damage the connectors. Make sure the plug aligns
with the port, then connect it.

Step 4

Unpack the keyboard and determine

whether it uses a USB (rectangular) connector
or a PS/2 (round) connector. If it uses a USB
connector, plug it into any of the USB ports on
the back of the computer. If it uses a PS/2 connector, plug it into
the purple keyboard port on the back of the computer.

Step 5

Unpack the mouse and determine

whether it uses a USB or PS/2 connector. If it
uses a USB connector, plug it into any of the
USB ports on the back of the computer. If it
uses a PS/2 connector, plug it into
the green mouse port on the back of the
computer.

If your keyboard has a USB port, you

can connect your mouse to the keyboard
instead of connecting it directly to your computer.

If you have a wireless mouse or keyboard, you may need to connect a

Bluetooth dongle (USB adapter) to your computer. However, many computers
have built-in Bluetooth, so an adapter may not be necessary.

Step 6

If you have external

speakers or headphones, you can connect them to
your computer's audio port (either on the front or
back of the computer case). Many computers have
color-coded ports. Speakers or headphones connect
to the green port, and microphones connect to
the pink port. The blue port is the line in, which
can be used with other types of devices.

Some speakers, headphones, and microphones have USB

connectors instead of the usual audio plug. These can be connected to any USB
port. In addition, many computers have speakers or microphones built into the
monitor.

Step 7
Locate the two power supply cables that came
with your computer. Plug the first power supply
cable into the back of the computer case and then into a surge protector. Then,
using the other cable, connect the monitor to the surge protector.

You can also use an uninterruptable power

supply (UPS), which acts as a surge protector and
provides temporary power if there is a power
outage.
Step 8

Finally, plug the surge protector into a wall outlet. You may also need to
turn on the surge protector if it has a power switch.

If you don't have a surge protector, you can plug the computer directly into
the wall. However, this is not recommended because electrical surges can
damage your computer.

Step 9

If you have
a printer, scanner, webcam, or
other peripherals, you can connect
them at this point. Many peripherals
are plug and play, which means they
will be recognized by your computer as
soon as they are plugged in.

Other peripherals may include software that needs to be installed before

you can begin using them. Use the instructions included with the device to
install it if necessary.

Generally, peripherals are optional, and you can add new ones at any
time; you don't have to add all peripherals during the initial setup of your
computer.
Setup complete!
 That's it—you've finished setting up your computer, so it's time to start
using it! We'll talk more about how to use your computer over the next several
lessons.

GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR FIRST COMPUTER

A computer is more than just another household appliance. The vast

amount of information and possibilities can be overwhelming. But you can
accomplish a lot with a computer, and using one can be a good experience. Let's
walk through getting started with your first computer.

Turning on a computer for the first time can be different from one
computer to the next. Your experience could be different from this lesson. It's OK
to ask someone for help.

If you're using a desktop computer, you'll need to make sure that the
keyboard, mouse, and monitor are plugged into the computer case before you
continue. Review our lesson on Setting Up a Computer to learn how.

TURNING ON A COMPUTER

The very first step is to turn on the computer. To do this, locate

and press the power button. It's in a different place on every computer,
but it will have the universal power button symbol (shown below).

Once turned on, your computer takes time before it's ready to use. You
may see a few different displays flash on the screen. This process is
called booting up, and it can take anywhere from 15 seconds to several minutes.

Once the computer has booted up, it may

be ready to use, or it may require you to log in.
This means identifying yourself by typing your
user name or selecting your profile, then typing
your password. If you've never logged in to your
computer before, you may need to create an
account.
THE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE

You interact with a computer mainly by using the keyboard and mouse, or
a trackpad on laptops. Learning to use
these devices is essential to learning
to use a computer. Most people find it
comfortable to place the keyboard on
the desk directly in front of them and
the mouse to one side of the keyboard.

The mouse controls the pointer on the screen. Whenever you move the
mouse across the desk, the
pointer will move in a similar
manner. A mouse usually has two
buttons, which are referred to as
the left button and the right
button. You will often interact
with the computer by moving the
mouse pointer over something on
the computer screen, then
clicking one of the buttons.

On laptops, you can use the trackpad,

located below the keyboard, instead of a
mouse. Simply drag your finger across the
trackpad to move the pointer on the screen.
Some trackpads do not have buttons, so you'll
either press or tap the trackpad to click.

The keyboard allows you to type letters,

numbers, and words into the computer.
Whenever you see a flashing vertical line—
called the cursor—you can start typing.
 Note that the mouse pointer is also called a cursor, but it is shaped
differently. The keyboard cursor is also called the insertion point.

USING A COMPUTER

The main screen you'll start from is the desktop. This is sort of like a main
menu or a table of contents. From here, you can access the programs and
features you need to use your computer.

Icons are used to represent the

different files, applications, and
commands on your computer. An icon
is a small image that's intended to give
you an idea at a glance of what it
represents, like a logo. Double-clicking
an icon on the desktop will open that
application or file.

A button is a
command that performs a
specific function within an
application. The most
commonly used commands
in a program will be
represented by buttons.

Menus are organized collections of

commands and shortcuts. Click a menu to
open it and display the commands and
shortcuts within. Then click an item in
the menu to execute it.
 When you open an application or folder, it is displayed in its own window.
A window is a contained area—like a
picture within a picture—with its
own menus and buttons specific to
that program. You can rearrange
multiple windows on the desktop
and switch between them.

What's next?

OK, so these are just the basics of using a computer. In the next lesson,
we'll talk about how to use your computer's specific operating system.

GETTING TO KNOW THE OS

Now that you know the absolute basics of using a computer, it's time to
learn more about your computer's operating system. We'll be talking about the
two most common operating systems in this lesson: Microsoft
Windows and macOS.

Play this URL this video is for Windows OS

https://youtu.be/GDKIxBr6yhI

Play this URL this video is for MacOS

https://youtu.be/_RN89xApebs

GETTING TO KNOW THE INTERFACE

Both PCs and Macs use a graphical user interface (GUI), and they each
have their own look and feel. The interactive below will introduce you to the
Windows and Mac interfaces..
WINDOWS GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
WINDOWS GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI)
 ALL ABOUT YOUR COMPUTER’S FILE SYSTEM

No matter which operating system you use, your

computer uses folders to organize all of the different
files and applications it contains. Folder icons on your
computer are designed to look like file folders full of
documents or pictures.

Each operating system has its own file system, which helps you find your
folders and files. If you have a Windows PC, you'll use the File Explorer (also
known as Windows Explorer). If you have a Mac, you'll use Finder. Here, we'll
talk about the basic functions that are common to all computer file systems.
 OPENING YOUR COMPUTER’S FILE SYSTEM

Whether you're using a PC or a Mac, the file system icon will be in the
bottom-left part of the screen. On a PC, the File Explorer icon looks like a folder,
as in the image below.

On a Mac, the Finder icon looks like a face on the Dock, as in the image below.

In both operating systems, you can also open the file system by clicking a
folder from your desktop.
 BASIC NAVIGATING

Whether you're using Windows Explorer or Finder, basic navigation will

work the same way. If you see the file you want, you can double-click it with your
mouse. Otherwise, you can use the Navigation pane on the left side of the
window to select a different location.

DELETING FILES

macOS and Windows use a Trash can—or Recycle Bin—to prevent you
from accidentally deleting files. When you delete a file, it is moved to the Trash
can. If you change your mind, you can move the file back to its original location.
 If you want to permanently delete the file, you will need to empty the
Trash or Recycle Bin. To do this, right-click the icon and select Empty.

OPENING FILES AND APPLICATIONS

Each application on your computer has a group of file types—or formats—

it is able to open. When you double-click a file, your computer will automatically
use the correct application to open it. In our example, we're opening a Microsoft
Word document (Chicago Trip Details), which will open in Microsoft Word.
 However, there may be times you may want to open an application
directly, instead of just opening a file.

 To open an application in Windows, click the Start button, then

select the desired application. If you don't see the one you want,
you can click All Programs/All Apps to see a full list, or simply type
the name of the application on your keyboard to search for it. In the
example below, we're opening Internet Explorer.

 To open an application on a Mac, click the application's icon on

the Dock. If you don't see the one you want, click the Spotlight icon
in the top-right corner of the screen, then type the name of the
application on your keyboard to search for it. In the example below,
we're opening Safari.
 ADJUSTING YOUR COMPUTER’S SETTINGS

When you start using a new computer, you may want to begin by
adjusting the computer's settings. Adjusting your settings can range from simple
tasks such as changing your desktop background to more advanced tasks like
adjusting your security or keyboard settings.

 In Windows 10, click the Start button, then select Settings.

 In Windows 8.1 and earlier, click the Start button, then locate and
select the Control Panel. Check out the Adjusting Your
Settings lesson in our Windows Basics tutorial to learn more about
the Control Panel.
  On a Mac, click the Apple icon, then select System Preferences.
Check out our Adjusting Your Settings lesson in our macOS
Basics tutorial to learn more about System Preferences.


SHUTTING DOWN YOUR COMPUTER

When you're done using your computer, it's important to shut it down properly.

 To shut down Windows, click the Start button, then select Shut
down (in some versions, this may say Turn Off Computer or look
like the power symbol).
 To shut down a Mac, click the Apple icon, then select Shut Down.
 CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET

Once you've set up your computer, you may want to

purchase home Internet access so you can send and receive email, browse the
Web, stream videos, and more. You may even want to set up a home wireless
network, commonly known as Wi-Fi, so you can connect multiple devices to the
Internet at the same time.

Watch the video below to learn about connecting to the Internet.

https://youtube/93-3zmVvCGU

TYPES OF INTERNET SERVICE

The type of Internet service you choose will largely depend on which Internet
service providers (ISPs) serve your area, along with the types of service they
offer. Here are some common types of Internet service.

 Dial-up: This is generally the slowest type of Internet connection,

and you should probably avoid it unless it is the only service
available in your area. Dial-up Internet uses your phone line, so
unless you have multiple phone lines you will not be able to use
your landline and the Internet at the same time.
 DSL: DSL service uses a broadband connection, which makes it
much faster than dial-up. DSL connects to the Internet via a phone
line but does not require you to have a landline at home. And
unlike dial-up, you'll be able to use the Internet and your phone
line at the same time.
 Cable: Cable service connects to the Internet via cable TV, although
you do not necessarily need to have cable TV in order to get it. It
uses a broadband connection and can be faster than both dial-up
and DSL service; however, it is only available where cable TV is
available.
 Satellite: A satellite connection uses broadband but does not
require cable or phone lines; it connects to the Internet through
satellites orbiting the Earth. As a result, it can be used almost
anywhere in the world, but the connection may be affected by
weather patterns. Satellite connections are also usually slower
than DSL or cable.
  3G and 4G: 3G and 4G service is most commonly used with mobile
phones, and it connects wirelessly through your ISP's network.
However, these types of connections aren't always as fast as DSL or
cable. They will also limit the amount of data you can use each
month, which isn't the case with most broadband plans.

CHOOSING AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER

Now that you know about the different types of Internet service, you can
do some research to find out what ISPs are available in your area. If you're
having trouble getting started, we recommend talking to friends, family
members, and neighbors about the ISPs they use. This will usually give you a
good idea of the types of Internet service available in your area.

Most ISPs offer several tiers of service with different Internet speeds,
usually measured in Mbps (short for megabits per second). If you mainly want to
use the Internet for email and social networking, a slower connection (around 2
to 5 Mbps) might be all you need. However, if you want
to download music or stream videos, you'll want a faster connection (at least 5
Mbps or higher).

You'll also want to consider the cost of the service, including installation
charges and monthly fees. Generally speaking, the faster the connection, the
more expensive it will be per month.

Although dial-up has traditionally been the least expensive option, many
ISPs have raised dial-up prices to be the same as broadband. This is intended to
encourage people to switch to broadband. We do not recommend dial-up Internet
unless it's your only option.
 HARDWARE NEEDED

MODEM

Once you have your computer, you really don't need

much additional hardware to connect to the Internet. The
primary piece of hardware you need is a modem.

The type of Internet access you choose will determine

the type of modem you need. Dial-up access uses a telephone
modem, DSL service uses a DSL modem, cable access uses
a cable modem, and satellite service uses a satellite adapter.
Your ISP may give you a modem—often for a fee—when you
sign a contract, which helps ensure that you have the right type of modem.
However, if you would prefer to shop for a better or less expensive modem, you
can choose to buy one separately.

ROUTER

A router is a hardware device that allows

you to connect several computers and other
devices to a single Internet connection, which is
known as a home network. Many routers
are wireless, which allows you to create a home
wireless network, commonly known as a Wi-Fi
network.

You don't necessarily need to buy a router to connect to the Internet. It's
possible to connect your computer directly to your modem using an Ethernet
cable. Also, many modems include a built-in router, so you have the option of
creating a Wi-Fi network without buying extra hardware.
 SETTING UP YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION

Once you've chosen an ISP, most providers will send a technician to your
house to turn on the connection. If not, you should be able to use the instructions
provided by your ISP—or included with the modem—to set up your Internet
connection.

After you have everything set up, you can open your web browser and
begin using the Internet. If you have any problems with your Internet
connection, you can call your ISP's technical support number.

HOME NETWORKING

If you have multiple computers at home and want to use all of them to
access the Internet, you may want to create a home network, also known
as a Wi-Fi network. In a home network, all of your devices connect to
your router, which is connected to the modem. This means everyone in your
family can use the Internet at the same time.

Your ISP technician may be able to set up a home Wi-Fi network when
installing your Internet service. If not, you can review our lesson on How to Set
Up a Wi-Fi Network to learn more.

If you want to connect a computer that does not have built-in Wi-Fi
connectivity, you can purchase a Wi-Fi adapter that plugs into your computer's
USB port.

GETTING STARTED WITH THE INTERNET

The Internet is a global network of billions of computers and other

electronic devices. With the Internet, it's possible to access almost any
information, communicate with anyone else in the world, and much more. You
can do all of this on your computer.
 CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET

A device has to be connected to the Internet before you can access it. If you
plan to use the Internet at home,
you'll usually need to purchase an
Internet connection from
an Internet service provider, which
will likely be a phone company,
cable company, or the government.
Other devices usually connect
through Wi-Fi or cellular
Internet connections. Sometimes
libraries, cafes, and schools offer
free Wi-Fi for their patrons,
customers, and students.

If you're not sure how to connect your device, check out our lesson on how to
connect to the Internet, or ask someone for help.

BROWSING THE WEB

Most information on the Internet is on websites. Once you are connected

to the Internet, you can access websites using a kind of application called a web
browser.

A website is a collection of related text,

images, and other resources. Websites can
resemble other forms of media—like newspaper
articles or television programs—or they can be
interactive in a way that's unique to computers.
The purpose of a website can be almost
anything: a news platform, an advertisement,
an online library, a forum for sharing images, or
an educational site like us!

A web browser allows you to connect to and view websites. The web
browser itself is not the Internet, but it displays pages on the Internet. Each
website has a unique address. By typing this address into your web browser, you
can connect to that website and your web browser will display it.

NAVIGATING WEBSITES

Websites often have links to other sites, also called hyperlinks. These are
often parts of the text on the website. They are usually colored blue, and
sometimes they are underlined or bold. If you click the text, your browser will
load a different page. Web authors use hyperlinks to connect relevant pages.
This web of links is one of the most unique features of the Internet, lending to
the old name World Wide Web.

Each website has a unique address, called a URL. You'll notice that when
you click a link, the URL changes as your browser loads a new page. If you type
a URL in the address bar in your browser, your browser will load the page
associated with that URL. It's like a street address, telling your browser where
to go on the Internet.

When you're looking for specific information on the Internet, a search

engine can help. A search engine is a specialized website that's designed to help
you find other websites. If you type keywords or a phrase into a search engine, it
will display a list of websites relevant to your search terms.
 OTHER THINFS YOU CAN DO ON THE INTERNET

One of the best features of the Internet is the ability to communicate

almost instantly with anyone in the world. Email is one of the oldest and most
universal ways to communicate and share information on the Internet, and
billions of people use it. Social media allows people to connect in a variety of
ways and build communities online.

There are many other things you can do on the Internet too. There are
thousands of ways to keep up with news or shop for anything online. You can pay
your bills, manage your bank accounts, meet new people, watch TV, or learn new
skills. You can learn or do almost anything online.
ACTIVITY

1. What is software

a. Instructions that tell the hardware what to do

b. Flexible parts of a computer case
c. Clothing designed to be worn by computer users
d. Any part of the computer that has a physical structure

2. Which of the following are types of computer hardware? Select all that
apply.

a. Hard drive
b. Keyboard
c. Processor
d. RAM
e. Microsoft Windows
f. All of the above

3. The computer’s main circuit board is called a ________.

a. Bluetooth card
b. hard drive
c. motherboard
d. monitor

4. Which feature is being used in this image?

a. Wi-Fi
b. Webcam
c. USB port
d. Touchpad

5. RAM is like a computer’s

________, while a hard drive is
like a computer’s ________.
a. long-term memory/short-term memory
b. nervous system/brain
c. brain/nervous system
d. short-term memory/long-term memory

6. What is an Ethernet port used for?

b. Connecting smartphones and other peripherals

c. Providing power to the computer
d. Connecting to the Internet
e. Creating new user accounts

7. What is Wi-Fi?

b. A type of software that scans for viruses

c. A type of wireless network
d. An extra-wide computer case used by servers
e. A type of sound card

8. Windows, macOS, and Linux are examples of ________.

b. web browsers
c. mobile devices
d. operating systems
e. Internet service providers

9. What does "GUI" stand for?

b. Gateway using Intel

c. Graphical user interface
d. Global user index
e. Good used iPhone

10. True or False: You cannot get a computer virus if you install antivirus
software.

b. True
c. False
REFERENCES

https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/