Computing

Fundamentals
Course Resources:
• 2015 Computer Literacy BASICS: A Comprehensive Guide to IC3 Connie
Morrison, Dolores Wells, Lisa Ruffolo Cengage Learning. ISBN:
128576658X

• IC3 GS5 Certification Guide Using Windows 10 & Office 2016, Print ISBN:
978-1-55332-463-8
• Lesson 1: Operating Systems
• Lesson 2: Hardware
• Lesson 3: Networks and Mobile Devices
• Lesson 4: File Management
• Lesson 5: Software
• Lesson 6: Cloud Computing
• Lesson 7: Security and Maintenance
• Lesson 8: Apps and Applications
• Lesson 9: Using Microsoft Word
• Lesson 10: Using Microsoft Excel
• Lesson 11: Database Concepts
• Lesson 12: Using Microsoft PowerPoint
• Lesson 13: Looking at the Internet
• Lesson 14: Managing Media Literacy
• Lesson 15: Digital Communication
• Lesson 16: Understanding Email, Contacts, and Calendaring
• Lesson 17: Your Life Online
Lesson 1: Operating Systems
• A computer is essentially a collection of electrical and mechanical parts
referred to as hardware. Each hardware part performs its own function,
and in order for all the parts to work together, they must be able to
communicate. Instead of communicating directly with one another, the
various components communicate via an operating system.
• The operating system (or OS) is a computer program.
• A program is a sequence of instructions that guides the computer
through the performance of a specific task or sequence of tasks.
• The individual lines of instruction are referred to as code.
• The term software refers to any program that makes a computer run
including operating systems and application programs.
• Note: Software developers write source code for their programs in a
human-readable format. In order to prepare a program to be installed
and used on a computer, the source code is converted into an
executable format through a process called compiling. Compiling
changes source code into machine code.
• Every computer requires an operating system in order to function. Think
of an operating system as the central manager of communication,
coordination, and control. Application programs, on the other hand,
allow you to be productive – to create documents or complete specific
tasks such as creating a budget, removing red-eye from a photograph,
searching the Internet or scheduling a meeting
• Application programs use the operating system to control the
hardware functions of the computer, and you, as a computer user,
interact with the operating system whenever you log on to the
computer, or type on the keyboard, tap on a touchscreen, or use an
application program such as an email program or a word processor. It
works like this
As you work in an application program, the program interacts with the
operating system behind the scenes.
The operating system:
• Manages hardware devices.
• Controls communication among hardware devices.
•Controls communication between application programs and hardware
devices.
• Manages files stored on the computer.
Proprietary and Open-Source
Operating Systems
• Software is sold and/or distributed with a particular type of software
license.
• When you purchase a program, you are purchasing the right to use it.
The ways in which you can legally use it are defined by the license
that comes with it.
 Proprietary Software
• Most commercial software programs are proprietary. That is, they are owned
by an individual or a company, usually the person or company that created it.
• The owner sells an executable copy of the software to users for use on their
own systems, and includes a license with the program.
• The owner also controls how the software can be used, if and how the source
code can be inspected and/or modified, and under which conditions (if any) it
can be redistributed.
• Additionally, most commercial software is closed-source. The software is
released only in a compiled form and the source code is not released or made
available. (However, sometimes vendors will release sections of the source
code to third-party developers who create enhancement routines or add-
ons.)
Proprietary Software
• When you install software you must agree to the terms of the end
user license agreement (EULA).
• In most cases the license agreement is quite restrictive. For example,
the license determines the number of systems on which you can
install the software, and it usually prohibits you from copying and
distributing the software to other users.
• You are also restricted from attempting to de-compile or reverse-
engineer the code back into a human-readable format. You are
restricted from making changes of any kind to the software. All
versions (including mobile versions) and editions of Windows, Mac OS
X and UNIX are proprietary.
Open-Source Software
• In contrast to the restrictive licensing terms of proprietary programs, an
open-source software license makes the source code of the software
freely available.
• Users are permitted to study, change, and distribute the software to
anyone for any purpose.
• Most open-source software is distributed freely without charge,
although open-source software does not necessarily need to be free. It
is considered open-source because the source code is freely available.
• Linux, FreeBSD, Open BSD, and ReactOS are examples of open-source
operating systems. Mobile operating systems based on Linux (for
example, various versions of Android) are open-source, but are often
bundled with a substantial amount of proprietary software as well.
Desktop Operating Systems
• There are many types of operating systems in wide use today because
there are many types of devices. In this course, you will focus on
desktop operating systems and mobile operating systems.
• desktop operating system is one that is used on desktop and laptop
computers.
• A desktop operating system is a large and robust program. It offers
many features, and provides a great deal of power and control over
how the computer runs.
Operating System Versions and
Editions
• Operating systems are released in various versions and editions.
• An operating system version refers to the specific code base that was
used to develop the operating system. For example, Windows 7 and
Windows 8 are different versions of the Windows operating system.
• An operating system edition determines which features are available.
For example, various versions of the Windows operating system are
released in varying editions such as Home, Professional, or Enterprise.
Popular Desktop Operating
Systems
• Today, you can choose from several operating systems. You might like
Windows, while your friend prefers Mac OS X, and your teacher or colleague
likes Linux. Almost all operating systems include a Desktop which is the screen
that opens once you log on and are ready to begin working.
• Operating system Desktops usually include colorful backgrounds, icons or
buttons for accessing commands, and a status bar to show which programs
are open and running. The Desktop is the central place from which a user
interacts with the computer. Some of the most popular operating systems
include: Windows , Mac OS X, Linux , UNIX
Windows
Windows operating systems are designed by Microsoft. Recent versions are:
• Microsoft Windows 10.
• Microsoft Windows 8.
• Microsoft Windows 7.
The Windows 8 and Windows 7 Desktops are shown here:
Mac OS X
Mac OS X is designed by Apple for Macintosh computers. Recent versions
are:
• Version 10.9 – Maverick.
• Version 10.10 – Yosemite.
• Version 10.11 – El Capitan.
The Mac OS X Yosemite and Maverick Desktops are shown here:
Linux
Linux is a free and open-source operating system. You can find Linux
installed on supercomputers – such as those used by Google and NASA. But
it is also installed on millions of home and business computers. Because
anyone who uses Linux can modify it, it is very popular with programmers.
Versions of Linux are called distributions . Some popular are:
• Knoppix.
• Ubuntu.
• Gentoo. The Knoppix and Ubuntu Desktops are shown here:
UNIX
• UNIX was one of the earliest operating systems and was first designed
for use on large mainframe computers and servers.
• Modern versions are available for desktop systems, and include a GUI;
however, the GUI is separate from the operating system.
Common Operating System
Features User Accounts
• In addition to managing communication, devices, and file storage, an
operating system keeps track of who is using the computer. This is
accomplished through user accounts.
• You can think of an account as a special area on the computer where
you can work and keep your files, separate from other users.
• For example, an entire family can share a Windows PC, and each family
member would have a distinct account with his or her own user name,
password, and account settings. An account name (and usually a password)
is associated with each account. Before you can run programs, open files or
use the computer to accomplish any type of work, you must log on using a
valid user account. When you first power on a Windows computer, one of
two things can happen:
• If you are the only user on the computer and your user account does not
require a password, then you will be automatically logged on to your
account and the Desktop appears.
• If you are using a computer on which multiple user accounts have been set
up, or if your user account requires a password, then Windows displays an
icon and account name for each user account and you must log on to your
account by clicking your account icon and entering your password.
Account Types
• Operating systems allow for the creation of different types of user
accounts. In Windows, there are two readily-available account
types: standard user accounts and administrator accounts.

• Administrator account: Enables you to make changes to the system

that will affect other users. Administrators can change security
settings, install and uninstall software and hardware, and create or
make changes to other user accounts on the system.
• Standard user account: Enables you to use most of the capabilities of
the computer. You can use most programs that are installed on the
computer and change settings that affect your user account. However,
you can't install or uninstall some software and hardware, you can't
delete files that are required for the computer to work, you can’t
access other users' files stored on the computer, and you can't change
settings that affect other users or the security of the computer.
• Each type of account has a specific level of permission associated with
it.
• Permissions are rules associated with objects on a computer, such as files,
folders and settings.
• Permissions determine whether you can access an object and what you can
do with it. Everyone has permission to read/write (create, edit, view or
print) files for their own account; however, only someone with an
Administrator account can see files created by other users on the system.
• An administrator account is created automatically when Windows is
installed on a computer. If you are using your own computer, the account
you create the first time you start up your computer is an administrator
account. You can then create additional administrator and standard user
accounts. If you use a computer at your school or office, the system
administrator will likely have already created an account for you. Your
account may be an administrator account or a standard user account.
• Note: Computers you use in a school, library, or workplace are usually
part of a computer domain.
• A domain is a network of computer systems that are controlled by a
network administrator. Your ability to perform certain tasks (such as
installing software, changing your password, or installing updates) on
a domain system can be tightly controlled by the administrator,
regardless of your account type.
Account Options
• It is considered best practice to protect your computer and
documents if you are going to be away from the system for any
length of time.
• Two recommended practices are signing out of your account, or
locking your computer whenever you are away so that other people
passing by cannot see or access any of your files.
• You can perform either of these tasks by clicking your user icon in the
Start menu, and then selecting the desired option. If you select Lock,
Windows displays an image on the monitor and you must enter the
logon password before you can resume working. Locking the system is
different than logging off (signing out). When you lock the system, all
your programs and files remain open and ready so you can resume
working quickly. If you select Sign out, all your programs and files are
closed and you return to the Windows log on screen.
 User Profiles
• Each user account is associated with a profile.
• A profile is a collection of settings that make the computer look and function
in a particular manner.
• A profile includes settings for elements such as the Desktop background,
lock screen, screen saver, pointer preferences, date and time format, and so
on.
• When you log on to a user account, the settings in the associated profile are
loaded and affect what is displayed on the Desktop. When you make
customizations, such as changing the Desktop background or applying a
sound scheme, those changes are saved in your profile so that the next time
you log on to your account, all of your customizations are in effect. You will
customize your profile later in this lesson.
 Built-In Power Off Procedures
• Powering on and powering off a computer are two different processes.
When you first power on (start) the computer, you press the power button.
The computer runs a set of self-diagnostic programs to ensure that critical
hardware is working properly, and then it loads the operating system into
memory.
• Once the operating system is loaded, you are either logged on to your
account automatically or you log on manually. Although you simply press
the power button to turn the system on, you should never simply press the
power button to turn the system off.
• You should always use the operating system's Power Off or Shut Down
option. This option ensures that any changes you have made to the system
are properly saved, and that any temporary files, which are no longer
needed, are deleted.
Starting a Windows Computer
• On many desktop computers, the power switch is located at the front
or top of the system case. The most commonly used icon for a power
button is shown here. Do not try to feel for the power button the first
time you want to start the computer – locate it visually.
• 1. Turn on devices that are connected to the computer (such as the
monitor, speakers and printer) first.
• 2. Press the power button on the computer to turn it on. The
computer performs a start-up test and then loads the operating
system files into memory. This process is also referred to as booting.
When the operating system is loaded, Windows will display either a
Welcome screen followed by the Desktop, or a logon screen from
which you must select your account (and perhaps enter your
password). After you log on to your account, the Desktop displays.
Powering Off a Windows
Computer
•When you are done working, you should save your work, close any
open programs, and then power off the system.
•Each operating system includes built-in power-off procedures which
you should use to ensure that files and programs are closed and that
internal services are properly exited before the electrical power is cut
off.
•In Windows 10, various options are presented in the Power menu. To
properly power off a Windows 10 computer:
• 1. Click the Start button then click Power to display the Power menu.
• 2. In the Power menu, click Shut down to power off the system. The
computer closes all files and programs, closes the operating system
and turns off the power completely.
• Note: In Linux, the power off options are named: halt, power off,
reboot, and shutdown. In Mac OS X, the options are named: sleep,
restart, and shut down.
Understanding Windows Power
Options
• Power options affect the way your computer uses energy. Because we
are often called away from our computers for various periods of time
which fall inside our “regular working hours,” most operating systems
provide options for reducing the amount of power the system uses.
• For example, if you take an hour for lunch, you can use one of the
power options on your computer to conserve power without having to
shut the system off.
• Reducing power consumption is good for the environment, and it
prolongs battery life on a system that is running on battery power.
Windows 10 provides several power options from which to choose.
These options include:
• Sleep: Clicking Sleep leaves the computer on, but puts it into a
mode where it uses less power than when it is awake. The screen
turns off and often the computer fan stops. Windows puts your
work into memory.
• Sleep mode is similar to pausing a DVD movie. It is useful when
you won’t be using your computer for a short period of time.
• When you wake the computer, the screen will look exactly as it did
when you put the system to sleep. On some systems you can wake
the computer by moving the mouse or pressing a key on the
keyboard; on others, you must press the Power button. On a
desktop computer, the Sleep command may be listed as Standby.
• Hibernate: This option is found on laptops only. When you click
Hibernate, the computer writes your open files and programs to a storage
location and then turns off the system. Hibernate mode uses no power.
• Hibernate mode is useful if you will not be using your laptop for an
extended period of time, but you do not want to close your documents.
When you press the power button on a laptop in hibernation, the system
starts back up and puts your files and programs back into memory. You
can start working again right where you left off. By default, the Hibernate
option does not appear in the Power menu, but you can customize the
operating system to include this option.
• Shut Down: The computer closes all files and programs, closes the
operating system and turns off the power.
• Restart: Windows closes all open files and programs, exits the
operating system and restarts the computer without turning off the
power. Sometimes when a computer starts to behave strangely or
seems to get “lost” or “stuck” restarting it will make it run properly
again. Restarting clears the memory and reloads the operating
system, but does not cause the computer to perform the start-up
tests again.