GEN 008

REVIEWER

LIVING IN THE IT ERA

Module 2

Parts of a Computer (Hardware):

 Monitor – a device that displays the Images and texts.

 Mouse – communicates to the computer as a pointing device to icons.
 Printer – a device that prints your output, usually documents, to paper.
 Speaker – a device that produces the sound output from the computer.
 Power Supply – regulates the power coming into the devices of the computer system.
 GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) – also called graphics card, it is an electronic circuit that
accelerates the creation of images for output to the screen.
 Hard Disk – a device that stores files to your computer.
 RAM (Random Access Memory) - a device that stores the data and machine codes for fast
retrieval of the processor.
 Motherboard – it is where all the computer’s devices are connected.
 Processor – also called the CPU (Central Processing Unit), is a digital circuit that performs
the computations for the computer.
 Computer Case – it houses the motherboard, processor, hard disk, RAM, GPU, and power
supply safety.
 Keyboard – an input device used to type in the commands to the computer.

Common devices for storing and transferring data:

Hard disk
USB flash drive
Diskettes and ZIP disks
CD and DVD discs
Memory cards
Network drives
Online/Cloud storage

1. Operating System (OS) - the basic program on your computer that is automatically loaded
when computer is started up. Examples are Windows, Mac OS and Linux.
2. Application Software - some types of software that can be used on an installed operating
system that is used to accomplish tasks. Examples are word processors, spreadsheets,
games, calculators, virus removal, internet browsers, etc.
3. Software - A computer program which, as opposed to hardware, is an intangible part of
the computer, written to perform a single or multiple tasks on computer using the built-in
hardware.

Module 3

The 10 types of computers are the following:

The Personal Computer (PC)
Desktop
Laptop
Netbooks and Tablets
Handheld Computers
Workstation
Server
Mainframe
Supercomputer
Wearable

Personal Computer: The personal computer (PC) defines a computer designed for general use
by a single person. PCs were first known as microcomputers because they were complete
computers but built on a smaller scale than the huge systems in use by most businesses.

Desktop: Until the middle of the 1980s, consumers had one choice for a PC and it was the
desktop format. The expectation with desktop systems were that you would set the computer
up in a permanent location.

Laptop: These are portable computers that integrate the display, keyboard, a pointing device
or trackball, processor, memory and hard drive all in a battery-operated package slightly
larger than an average hardcover book.

Netbooks and Tablets: Netbooks are ultra-portable computers that are even smaller than
traditional laptops. The extreme cost-effectiveness means they’re cheaper than almost any
brand-new laptop you'll find at retail outlets.

Handheld Computers: Early computers of the 20th century famously required entire rooms.
These days, you can carry much more processing power right in your pants pocket. Handheld
computers like smartphones and PDAs are one of our era's iconic devices.
Workstation: A workstation is simply a desktop computer that has a more powerful processor,
additional memory, high-end graphics adapters, and enhanced capabilities for performing a
special group of tasks, such as 3D graphics or game development.

Server: A server is a computer that has been optimized to provide services to other
computers over a network. Servers usually have powerful processors, lots of memory, and
large hard drives. They don't typically have dedicated displays, though. Instead, IT workers
use a single monitor to configure and control multiple servers, combining their computing
power for ever greater speed.

Mainframe: Mainframes traditionally meant a centralized computer linked to less powerful

devices like workstations, this definition is blurring as smaller machines gain more power and
mainframes get more flexible. The term mainframe has fallen out of use in favor of enterprise
servers. You'll still hear the term mentioned, though, particularly in large companies to
describe the huge machines processing millions of transactions every day

Supercomputer: Supercomputers are different from mainframes. Both types of computers

wield
incredible computing power for Earth's most intense industrial and scientific calculations.
Mainframes are generally tweaked to provide the ultimate in data reliability. Supercomputers,
on the other hand, are the Formula 1 race cars of the computer world, built for breakneck
processing speed, so that companies can hurtle through calculations that might take other
systems days, weeks, or even months to complete.

Wearable: The latest trend in computing is wearable computers. Essentially, common

computer applications (e-mail, database, multimedia, calendar/scheduler) are integrated into
watches, cellphones, visors, and even clothing. Many other wearables target outdoors
enthusiasts and fitness freaks, allowing them to track their location, calories burned, steps,
speed, and more.

Module 4

Types of Computer Networks:

1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
4. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
5. Campus Area Network (CAN)
6. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
7. Storage Area Network (SAN)
8. System-Area Network (SAN)
9. Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN)
10. Enterprise Private Network (EPN)
11. Virtual Private Network

1. Personal Area Network (PAN)

PAN is the most basic type of computer network. This network is restrained to a single person,
that is, communication between the computer devices is centered only on an individual's
workspace. PAN offers a network range of 10 meters from a person to the device providing
communication.
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
LAN is the most frequently used network. A LAN is a computer network that connects
computers together through a common communication path, contained within a limited area,
that is, locally. A LAN encompasses two or more computers connected over a server. The two
important technologies involved in this network are Ethernet and Wi-fi.
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
WAN is a type of computer network that connects computers over a large geographical
distance through a shared communication path. It is not restrained to a single location but
extends over many locations. WAN can also be defined as a group of local area networks that
communicate with each other. The most common example of WAN is the Internet.
4. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
WLAN is a type of computer network that acts as a local area network but makes use of
wireless network technology like Wi-Fi. This network doesn't allow devices communicating
over physical cables like in LAN, but allows devices to communicate wirelessly. The most
common example of WLAN is Wi-Fi.
5. Campus Area Network (CAN)
CAN is bigger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN. This is a type of computer network which is
usually used in places like a school or college. This network covers a limited geographical area
that is, it spreads across several buildings within the campus.
6. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A MAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. This is the type of computer network that
connects computers over a geographical distance through a shared communication path over
a city, town or metropolitan area.
7. Storage Area Network (StAN)
StAN is a type of computer network that is high speed and connects groups of storage
devices to several servers. This network does not depend on LAN or WAN. Instead, a StAN
moves the storage resources from the network to its own high-powered network. A StAN
provides access to block-level data storage.

8. System Area Network (SysAN)

A SysAN is a type of computer network that connects a cluster of high performance
computers. It is a connection-oriented and high bandwidth network. A SysAN is a type of LAN
that handles high amounts of information in large requests. This network is useful for
processing applications that require high network performance. Microsoft SQL Server 2005
uses SysAN through virtual interface adapter.
9. Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN)
A POLAN is a type of computer network which is an alternative to a LAN. POLAN uses optical
splitters to split an optical signal from a single strand of single mode optical fibre to multiple
signals to distribute users and devices. In short, POLAN is a point to multipoint LAN
architecture.
10. Enterprise Private Network (EPN)
EPN is a type of computer network mostly used by businesses that want a secure connection
over various locations to share computer resources.
11. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN is a type of computer network that extends a private network across the internet and
lets the user send and receive data as if they were connected to a private network even
though they are not. Through a virtual point to point connection users can access a private
network remotely. VPN protects you from malicious sources by operating as a medium that
gives you protected network connection.

Module 5

Client/server- networks have centralized servers for storage, which are accessed by client
computers and devices. Peer-to-peer networks tend to have devices that support the same
functions. They are more common in homes, while client/server networks are more likely to be
used by businesses.

Types of Network Connections

There are also different types of network connections that concern how elements in a
network are connected to each other. Topologies are used to connect computers, with a
collapsed ring being the most common type due to the Ethernet supporting the internet,
local area networks and wide area networks.
Star Topology
a central node connects a cable to each computer in the network star topology. Each
computer in the network has an independent connection to the center of the network, and
one connection breaking won't affect the rest of the network. However, one downside is that
many cables are required to form this kind of network.

Bus Topology
In a bus topology network connection, one cable connects the computer. The information for
the last node on the network has to run through each connected computer. There is less
cabling required, but if the cable breaks it means that none of the computers can reach the
network.

Ring Topology
A ring topology is similar to a bus topology. It uses a single cable with the end nodes
connected to each other so the signal can circle through the network to find its recipient. The
signal will try several times to find its destination even when the network node is not working
properly. A collapsed ring has a central node which is a hub, router or switch. The device has
an internal ring topology and has places for cable to plug in. Every computer in the network
has its own cable to plug into the device.

Key Networking Terms:

Open system: an open system is connected to the network and prepared for communication.
Closed system: a closed system is not connected to the network and so can't be
communicated with.
IP (internet protocol) address: the network address of the system across the network, which
is also known as the Logical Address).
MAC address: the MAC address or physical address uniquely identifies each host. It is
associated with the Network Interface Card (NIC).
Port: a port is a channel through which data is sent and received.
Nodes: nodes is a term used to refer to any computing devices such as computers that send
and receive network packets across the network.
Network packets: the data that is sent to and from the nodes in a network.
Routers: routers are pieces of hardware that manage router packets. They determine which
node the information came from and where to send it to. A router has a routing protocol
which defines how it communicates with other routers.
Network address translation (NAT): a technique that routers use to provide internet
service to more devices using fewer public IPs. A router has a public IP address but devices
connected to it are assigned private IPs that others outside of the network can't see.
Dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP): assigns dynamic IP addresses to hosts and is
maintained by the internet service provider.
Internet service providers (ISP): companies that provide everyone with their internet
connection, both to individuals and to businesses and other organizations.

Module 6

Internet browser: An internet browser is a must-have application to modern PCs. It allows you
to browse the internet and keep up with your social media accounts, check your emails, and
research for information.
There are fantastic browsers to choose from aside from the staple, Internet Explorer (now
Microsoft Edge), like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Opera.

Cloud Storage: The main advantage of cloud storage is that you can access it anywhere you
go, regardless of device, as long you have an Internet connection. Cloud storage acts like your
own removable storage, except it is less volatile and safer (due to its embedded antivirus
software). Google Drive is the top choice for Cloud Storage. Dropbox and Amazon AWS are
also great alternatives.

Office Suite: You will need a tool that will allow you to work with documents, spreadsheets,
and presentations. Microsoft Office is the usual software suite used for this, but paying for
the license can be a bummer.
LibreOffice is a great alternative to Microsoft Office. It is completely free. You will get a few
aesthetic differences, though, but adjusting to using it if you are used to Microsoft's own
office suite is very easy.

Image Editor: The skill to manipulate images comes very handy for millennials, especially if
you have your Instagram and Twitter accounts. A good image editor must be able to at least
have a way to blur sensitive info in screenshots, or retouch old photos.

Security: Chances are your computer already comes with an antivirus installed. Linux
computers doesn't usually have virus concerns, but if you're using Windows, it is wise to have
a secondary security program installed.
There are free versions available on the market, and you can try them. Malwarebytes is a great
tool since it also protects your computer from viruses, Trojans and malware.
Media Player: You can't be watching Youtube all the time, so you need an offline solution to
watching media files. A media player must have solid codec support so you will be able to play
different media formats.
For this, VLC Media Player is capable of playing nearly every video and audio format
imaginable.

Screenshots: Taking a screenshot on Windows is useful for everything from capturing funny
moments to having a record of important information. The basic Snipping Tool and Snip &
Sketch apps only provide a barebones feature set, so you need something better in your pack
of essential Windows apps.

File Compression and Extraction: Windows includes native support for simple zipped files,
but
anything beyond the basics requires a more powerful tool. While this isn't the most exciting
software category, a file extractor is still a must-have PC app so you can work with any kind of
archived files you might encounter.

Clipboard Manager: A clipboard manager is an important Windows app because it saves you a
lot of time. Instead of only being able to keep one item on your PC's clipboard at once,
clipboard managers let you keep track of the last several dozen entries you've copied.

Storage Management: Everyone knows the hassle of running low on storage space. That's why
one of the other apps you should install on every Windows system is a disk analyzer.

Module 7

Internet browser: Many documents found online are in PDF (Portable Document Format) due
to its small file size and ease to access. Even a simple browser like Google Chrome can open
PDF files! However, you shouldn't rely on your embedded Android browser to open PDF files
since it uses more memory.

Image Editor: Like in desktops, an image editor is a staple app that should be in your phone.
With the advent of social media, image editing is on the rise.

PAN Connectivity: As stated in the previous modules, PAN (Personal Area Network) is the
ability to connect to your personal devices, which can be your phone and your laptop. While
it is easy to connect your phone via cable, there are apps out there that can step the
connectivity experience up a notch.

Scanner: For students, a document scanner is an app that you should have. Not only will it
make high-density images of the modules that you send, it also sends them in a small multi-
page PDF file instead, as opposed to large-sized image files.

Personal Assistant: Back in the early days of smartphones, Siri (of the iPhone fame) is the only
PA or Personal Assistant in the market. Android users didn't have long released the Google
Assistant.

Cloud Storage: Productivity apps on Android are on the rise. Cloud storage apps allows you to
store and access your files anywhere, and if you have an installed office suite, allows you to
open them as well on your phone.

Password Manager: There are many of these in Google Play and most of them work fairly well.
The app generates passwords, saves your passwords to various sites, and helps you log in
quickly when you need to.

Office Suite: Of course, there are times when a laptop or a netbook isn't handy, or the next
computer station is miles away, but you need to open a file right now. It is not in PDF, though.
It is in its raw file type which can be docx, .xlsx, or even .pptx.

Task Reminder: A task reminder allows you to create to-do lists and reminds you to do them.
Tick Tick is among the best to-do list apps and also one of the most useful apps. In addition,
you can set it up for things like grocery lists and other stuff.

Media Player: YouTube is a great place to look for videos, but sometimes you want to play
videos offline as well. You will need a great media player with lots of codecs so that you can
play virtually anything.