Lesson 4

Labeled Back View of Computer Case

1. Parallel Port
The parallel port is one of the two original ports on the first personal computer.
It is commonly known as theprinter port since this port is used to connect your
printer to your computer; however, with the rise in use of the USB ports, you can
expect to see a decrease in the use of this port. Currently, a large number of
parallel port printers are still manufactured and used on older computers that
don’t have USB support.

2. Serial Port
The serial port is the other original port on the first personal computer. Serial
ports can be used to plug in devices such as dial-up modems and other devices.
On recent computers, the serial port has been replaced by the USB port. This
is due to the fact that most peripherals use the USB drive.
 3. Expansion Slots
These empty slots are where expansion cards are added to computers. For
example, if your computer did not come with a video card, you could purchase
one and insert it here.

4. FireWire Port
FireWire is actually the Apple brand name for the IEEE 1394 port, but the term
caught on and it this port is commonly referred to as the FireWire port. It is
the standard port used with digital video cameras and high-resolution
scanners. FireWire replaced the Parallel SCSI, but it is not on every computer;
however, you can buy an adapter card to add FireWire ports to your computer.
The labeled image does not include a FireWi
Peripherals You Can Use in Various Ports

Printer
 Printers: A printer is a peripheral that is used to print, or produce, a version of
what appears on the screen in ahardcopy format. There are many types of
printers available including ink-jet, laser-jet, and photo printers. Also, combination
printers that include scanners and copiers are increasing in popularity.
 Scanners: A scanner allows you to copy an image or document and save it in
electronic form onto your computer. While you can purchase a hand-held and
flatbed scanners, you are more likely to purchase a scanner as an all-in-one
option that combines a scanner, printer, and copier into one product. 

Scanners vary in resolution, or sharpness, so when shopping for one, be sure to

compare the resolution of the products. A scanner is connected to the computer
via a parallel port, a USB port, or a SCSI connection. No matter which connection
is used, the images are stored on your PC's hard drive in a digital format.

Headphones
 Speakers/Headphones: Speakers andheadphones are output devices, which
means that they are devices that communicate information from the computer to
the user. They allow you to hear sound and music. Both speakers and
headphones connect to a computer; however, some computers are designed
with speakers built into the monitor.

 Microphones: A microphone is a type of input device, or a device that receives

information from a user. You connect the microphone to the computer and use
the computer to record sound or to communicate with another computer user via
the Internet. Many computers come with built-in microphones.
 Web Camera
 Web Cameras: Web cameras, or web cams, are devices that connect to a
computer and display a video image of whatever it is recording. This video
image can be transmitted over the Internet, allowing a user in another location
the ability to see the video in real-time. Web cameras are used often in business
for video conferences, and are also a great tool for families to use to stay
connected from different parts of the world.

 Joystick or Game Controller: A joystick is a lever used while playing a

computer game.

 Digital Cameras: A digital camera lets you capture a picture in digital

(computer-readable) form. You can transfer that image directly from the
camera to the computer. When you use a digital camera, you can also preview
your pictures before printing them. If you don't like what you see, you can edit or
delete them.
 Personal Digital Assistant
 Personal Digital Assistant (PDA): A PDA is ahandheld computer that can
have a variety of features including a calendar, Internet access, video recording,
word processing, email access, phone, media player, and more. Most PDAs can
be synchronized with a PC to allow up-to-date contact information stored on
software such as Microsoft Outlook, RSS feeds, or other web updates.

 MP3 Players: An MP3 player is a portable device that stores, organizes,

and plays audio files. The player can read files that are recorded from a CD
using a computer, or downloaded from various sites via the Internet.

Introduction

What is Inside a Desktop Computer?

Watch the video (3:44).  Need help?

 Have you ever looked inside a computer case before? Or seen pictures of the inside
of one? The small parts look very complicated, but the inside of a computer case
really isn't that mysterious. This lesson will help you master some of the
basic terminology and understand a little about what goes on inside the four walls of
the computer casing.
A Look Inside a Desktop Computer

Let's explore the inside of a computer tower.

Central Processing Unit

(CPU)CPU/Processor
The Central Processing Unit (CPU), also called aprocessor, is located inside
the computer case on the motherboard. It is often called the brain of the computer,
or the computer's engine. Its job is to carry out commands. Whenever you press a
key, click the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the CPU. 

The processor determines how fast a computer can execute instructions. A

processor's speed is measured inmegahertz (MHZ), or millions of instructions per
second, and gigahertz (GHZ), or billions of instructions per second. So, the higher
the hertz, the faster the computer can process instructions. The power of the
processor is measured inbits. The more bits a processor can handle, the more data
it can handle, and therefore, the more powerful the processor.
 CPU Socket
The CPU is generally a 2 inch ceramic square with a silicon chip located inside. The
chip usually about the size of a thumbnail. 

The CPU fits into the CPU socket, which is covered by the heat sink, an object that
absorbs heat from the CPU.

There are many processor manufacturers for personal computers including Intel, Cyrix,
VIA, and AMD.
Many processor chip designers include funny or interesting hidden artwork, such as
images, phrases, initials, and logos on the chips. This artwork is only visible when the
chip is open and magnified, so it's really a joke among the chip developers, rather
than something intended for everyone to see.

A Look Inside a Desktop Computer (cont.)

Random Access Memory (RAM)RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory) is your system's short-term memory. Data is
temporarily stored here until you save your work to the hard disk. RAM is used by the
system to store data that is processed by a computer's CPU. 
The computer's work takes place in RAM. This is where programs run when you are
using Word to create a letter, or Excel to produce a company spreadsheet. 

This short-term memory disappears when the computer is turned off, so always

save your file before turning off the machine. When you save a file, you are saving it
to long-term storage that does not disappear when the computer is turned off.

RAM on motherboard
The more RAM you have, the more things your computer can do at the same time,
and the faster your computer performs certain tasks. RAM is measured
in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). 

To understand megabytes and gigabytes, you need to know about bits and bytes. A

bit is the smallest unit of data in computer processing. A byte is a group of eight bits.
A megabyte is about one million bytes. A gigabyte is 1,024 megabytes. 

To put this into perspective, consider that a printed page of single-spaced text
contains about 3,000 characters. One MB holds about 400 pages of single-spaced
text.

Motherboard
The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It's a thin plate that holds
the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical
drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, as well as various external
ports and peripherals. The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of
the computer.
 If you decide to open the computer case and take a look, be sure to touch a grounded
metal object to discharge any static buildup. Static electricity can be transmitted
through the computer circuits and ruin them.

A Look Inside a Computer (cont.)

Hard Disk DriveHard Disk Drive

The hard disk drive is the data center of the computer. All of your programs are
stored here. The hard disk drive islong-term storage where information is stored
permanently. When you use a word processing program, the computer loads the
instructions from long-term storage (your hard disk) into short-term memory. 

Hard disk speed determines how fast your computer starts up and loads programs.
The hard disk is called the C drive on most computers.

Optical Disc Drive

An optical disc drive is a peripheral device that reads data stored on optical discs.
Some drives can only read from discs, but often drives are both readers and burners.
CD and DVD drives are common optical drives. From inside the computer, optical
drives look very similar to hard disk drives.
 Expansion SlotsExpansion Card
An expansion card is a card which you can install to expand a computer's
capabilities. Expansion cards are inserted into expansion slots on the motherboard.
For example, your computer's video card is an expansion card which plugs into the
expansion slots. 

Video card
The video card is responsible for what you see on the monitor. If you like playing
graphic-intense games on the computer, a good video card is important to you. The
main function of the video card is to generate and output images to the computer
screen. Better graphics card equals better performance when playing games or
working on a high resolution monitor. 

Sound Card
The sound card, also called an audio card, is another type of expansion card. It lets
the computer play sounds through speakers. Some motherboards feature integrated
sound, and do not require a separate sound card..
A Look Inside a Desktop Computer (cont.)
 Network CardNetwork card
The network card allows your computer to communicateover a network. With the
network card you can set up a home network with a few computers and connect them
by via Ethernet cords or wirelessly. Network cards used to be expansion cards that
plugged into the motherboard; however, most newer computers have a network
interface built into the motherboard.

Power Supply UnitPower Supply Unit

The power supply unit in a computer converts the powerfrom the wall outlet to the
type of power needed by the computer. It sends power through the cables to the
motherboard and other components.
Introduction
How Do I Connect to the Internet?

Watch the video (1:41).  Need help?

You have all the basic parts of your computer set up and want to startsurfing the
Internet. You might even see an Internet Explorer icon on your desktop. You may be
wondering if getting online is as simple as clicking that icon. Well, yes and no. 

There are basically three things you need to use your computer to become active
online -- an Internet Service Provider (ISP), a modem, and an Internet browser.
Before you can connect to the Internet, you have some decisions to make about
these three topics.
Types of Internet Access

Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to determine the type of Internet
access you would like, and which Internet Service Provider (ISP) you want to
provide you with this access. An ISP is the company that provides you with your
connection to the Internet for a fee. Often ISPs offer different types and tiers of
access, so it is a good idea to consider the common types of service before
exploring specific companies.
Dial-up Access
Dial-up access is usually the least expensive way to access the Internet; however,
it is also the slowest. With dial-up service, you need a phone line and PC modem to
dial-up and be connected to the Internet by your ISP. A modem ties up the phone line
so can't use the phone and computer at the same time. 

While dial-up access can be an affordable option, the web pages load slowly due to
the limitations of the modem. Some websites with a lot of videos or graphics may
have a difficult time loading, if they load at all. Additionally, with dial-up access, your
Internet connection isn't immediate. Since you have to use the telephone line to dial
into a server, it can take from several seconds to minutes before you can access the
Internet. 

If you only use the Internet to check your email and occasionally view other websites,
a dial-up connection may serve your needs. If you are going to spend any significant
amount of time online, you should consider another option. Keep in mind that some
ISPs have increased the fee for dial-up access in an effort to transition more people
to broadband access.

DSL Access
DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, provides high-speed, Internet access through
a phone line. With DSL service, you can talk on the telephone and access the
Internet at the same time. It is considered a type of broadband Internet access, which
refers to high-speed Internet connections that allow for transmission of data at rates
10 to 50 times faster than dial-up service. Verizon and AT & T are two popular DSL
providers.

A DSL modem and an Ethernet card are required for installation. A splitter may also
be required to filter the DSL signal from the low frequency voice signal; however, this
is handled by the Internet Service Provider.

Cable Access
Cable access is provided through your local TV cable company and transferred
through your TV cables. Like DSL access, it is considered broadband, high-speed
Internet access. If you don’t have cable TV, you can still purchase cable Internet
service as long as it is available in your area.

With cable access, web pages load quickly and you will find it easy to download and
upload files. One thing to be aware of though is that cable access is a shared
service and can be affected by others who use the same cable lines. For example, if
it is a holiday and everyone in your neighborhood is at home surfing the web, you
may notice that some aspects of service are slower than normal. In most areas, this
won’t be an issue.
Satellite Access
Satellite access can be used in locations where there is no broadband cable or DSL
Internet available. Satellite access is available across the world and can provide
you with a broadband connection that is equal to a high speed connection. Satellite
service is the most expensive and will require costs such as installation and satellite
equipment, which will cost several hundred dollars.
Choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Once you have decided which type of Internet access you are interested in, you can
determine which ISPs are available in your area that offer the type of Internet access
you want. Then, you need to choose the ISP that best meets your needs based on
their prices and service packages, and secure Internet access through that company.
Talk to friends, family members, and neighbors to see what ISP they use.
Some things to consider as you research ISPs:
 Speed
 Price
 Billing
 Installation Software
 Physical Service
 Service Record
 Extras such as email accounts and web space
 Technical Support
 Remote Access
 Contract Terms
Read our Comparing Internet Service Providers article to learn more.
Hardware Needed
 Network CardModem
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 what type of modem you
need. Dial-up access uses a telephone modem, which may come installed on your
computer. DSLservice uses a DSL modem, cable access uses a cable modem,
and satellite service uses a satellite adapter. These modems are usually included
as part of the start-up hardware from your ISP when you sign a contract for service. 

Network Card
A network card is a piece of hardware that allows computers to communicate over a
computer network. Most newer computers have a network card built into the
motherboard, so it probably is not something you will need to purchase. Some
modems use an Ethernet connection and network card to access the Internet, while
other modems may use a USB port.

Router
A router is a hardware device that allows you to use several computers on a single
Internet connection from your ISP. With a router, all the computers in your home
can connect to the Internet and all you pay for is one account with an Internet Service
Provider and one IP address. Additionally, cable, DSL, and satellite users can use a
router as a hardware firewall. Some people believe that a router provides better
protection from hackers than a software firewall. Many routers are easy to install,
priced reasonably, and can be used for wired or wireless networks.
Internet Browser
A browser is the tool that allows you to view and interact on the Internet. Once you
have an account with an ISP and can access the Internet, you'll need to use a
 browser to access web pages. Browsers can be referred to the window of the web
because they allow you to view all the pages on the Internet. 

Most computers come preloaded with Microsoft Internet Explorer, so you don't have

to worry about purchasing a browser; however, you don't have to use Internet
Explorer. If you would prefer to try another browser option, you can. For example,
Mozilla Firefox is a free browser that you can download and use.

GC
FLearnFree.org Website Viewed Through Mozilla Firefox Browser

Read our article that compares Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.

Introduction
What are the Basic Parts of Laptop Computer?

Watch the video (2:37).  Need help?

The basic parts of a laptop computer are

the screen, keyboard,touchpad, speakers, battery, and AC adaptor. Beyond
these basic parts are the hardware items located inside the laptop, and
the peripherals, which are optional pieces of hardware that enables the computer
to accomplish additional tasks.
Basic Parts of a Laptop Computer

Let's take a look at the basic laptop components.

Laptop Parts Labeled

1. Monitor
The monitor, which resembles a television screen, is where the computer
displays text and pictures.
2. Keyboard
The keyboard is a piece of hardware that resembles a typewriter keyboard. It is
one of the primary ways you communicate with the computer and enter data.

3. Speakers
Speakers are usually small and built into the screen or the body of the laptop. In
the image, the example laptop has speakers in the body, or laptop casing. The
speakers allow you to hear computer sounds, audio streamed from the Internet,
CDs and DVDs, and more.

4. Touchpad
On a laptop, a touchpad is a substitute for the mouse. Move your finger on the
touchpad to move around the screen and select text and objects. The buttons
below the touchpad operate like mouse buttons.

Touchpad
Using the Touchpad:
 Click. Select an object on the
screen by pressing the left
button down with your index
finger and then release the
button.
  Drag an object on the screen
by pressing and holding down
the left button with your index
finger while moving another
finger on the touchpad. When
the object is where you want it,
release the button. 

 To double-click, rapidly press

and release the left buttonwith
your index finger. 

 To right-click, press and

release the right button with
your middle finger.
 Basic Parts of a Laptop Computer (cont.)


 Laptop Battery Removed from

CasingBattery
The battery on a laptop serves as its life-line. A laptop will work without a battery
if it is receiving power from a power adapter. 

The battery allows you to be more mobile without having to be near a power

outlet for an extended period of time. Most laptop batteries will last for about 1.5-
2 hours before needing to be recharged. If your battery dies or has a defect you
can buy a new one from your computer’s manufacturer or a local computer or
electronics store. 
 AC Adaptor
The AC Adaptor is the source of electric power for a laptop. The power adapter
does two jobs when it is plugged in. It powers the laptop and charges the battery.
Introduction

What are All the Buttons, Sockets, and Slots Used For?

Watch the video (2:22).  Need help?

Take a look at a laptop and count the number of buttons, sockets, and slots you

see. You probably counted more than 10. There aren't quite as many as you'll find on
a desktop computer, but still, all of these can be overwhelming for a new laptop user. 

Each laptop computer is different, therefore the buttons, slots, and sockets will vary
from computer to computer. However, there are certain features that are common
and you can expect to find onmost laptop computers.
Laptop Buttons, Drives, and Ports
 Power Button
Power Button
The power button is used to power the computer on and off. It is usually directly
above the keyboard, but can also be located on any of the four sides of the laptop
casing. In addition to turning the computer on and off, you can use the power button
on some computers to place the computer in different energy-saving modes such as
hibernate, sleep, and standby. It is a good idea to read your manual to learn how
these features work on your computer. 

CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory) Drive

A CD-ROM drive, also known as an optical drive, allows you to play a CD-ROM ,
just like a CD player allows you to listen to music. With a CD-ROM drive you
can listen to music (if your computer is sound-enabled), view files, andinstall
software that is located on a CD.
 Example Optical Drive -- DVDA CD
writer is a device that can be used in conjunction with a CD-ROM drive and allows
you to copy or burn information onto specific types of CDs called CD-RW (Compact
Disk ReWritable) and CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable) discs. 

DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory) Drive

A DVD-ROM drive, also known as an optical drive, reads DVD discs, all types of
CDs, and can display movies from digital video discs. DVDs can hold more data than
a CD, so they are a good storage option. A DVD burner is a device that can be used
in conjunction with a DVD-ROM and allows you to copy information onto DVD discs. It
is considered a type of storage.
In many of the computers you can purchase today, the CD and DVD-ROM or burners
are combined.

SD Port
Memory Card Port
This port is for placing memory cards that are associated with your digital camera or
 PDA device. It is usually located on the left or right side of the laptop When a memory
card is placed in the port, you can view the material on that card using your laptop.
Laptop Buttons, Drives, and Ports

On the sides of the laptop computer are connection ports that are made to

fit specific plug-in devices, as well as assorted drives and buttons. The
arrangement of these vary from computer to computer, and many companies have
their own special connectors for the specific devices. Some of the ports are color
coded to match a color on the device, which will help you determine which port is
used with a particular device.

View of Back Laptop Ports

Back of Laptop Labeled

1. Power Cord Connector
This is where you connect your AC power adapter.

2. Ethernet Port
This port looks a lot like the modem or telephone port but it is actually wider. You
can use this port fornetworking and also connecting to the Internet.

3. PS/2 Port
This port is the mouse and keyboard port.
4. Composite Video Port
Some laptops include a composite video port that allows you to connect your
laptop to a television. This port may look familiar to you because many home
electronic devices, such as television sets and camcorders, include this port. The
composite video port is seen less on new laptops as other ports become more
popular for the same tasks.

5. Audio In/Audio Out 

Every computer has a bank of audio ports where you can connect various
devices, including speakers, microphones, headsets, and more.

6. USB Port
Almost every laptop computer on the market today comes with two or more
Universal Serial Bus (USB)ports. These USB ports let you attach a variety of
devices such as mice, printers, keyboards, web cameras, USB/flash drives, and
digital cameras to your computer quickly. Almost every peripheral made comes in
a USB version, and installing the devices using USB ports is much easier than
connecting devices using parallel and serial ports.

Back of Laptop Labeled

1. Monitor Port
An external monitor can be connected to this port. Even though the laptop
comes with a built-in screen, some users like to turn their laptop into a desktop
unit by connecting external parts such as a monitor, keyboard, and printer.
 2. Serial Port
The serial port is the other original port on the first personal computer. On
recent computers, the serial port has been replaced by the USB port, as both
ports can be used to plug in external devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
Most peripherals use the USB drive because USB drives do not require you to
reboot your computer when a new device is added, whereas serial ports do.

3. Parallel Port
The parallel port is one of the two original ports on the first personal computer.
It is commonly known as theprinter port since this port is used to connect your
printer to your computer; however, with the rise in use of the USB ports, you can
expect to see a decrease in the use of this port. Currently, a large number of
parallel port printers are still manufactured and used on older computers that
don’t have USB support.

4. FireWire Port
FireWire is actually the Apple brand name for the IEEE 1394 port, but the term
caught on and it is commonly referred to as the FireWire port. It is the standard
port used with digital video cameras and high-resolution scanners. It is
commonly used to upload audio/video from the device to the computer using a
FireWire cable. FireWire ports are not on every computer; however, you can buy
an adapter card to add them. The laptop in the image does not have a FireWire
port.
Peripherals You Can Use in Various Ports
 Printer
 Printers: A printer is a peripheral that is used to print, or produce, a version of
what appears on the screen in ahardcopy format. There are many types of
printers available including ink-jet, laser-jet, and photo printers. Also, combination
printers that include scanners and copiers are increasing in popularity.

 Scanners: A scanner allows you to copy an image or document and save it in

electronic form onto your computer. While you can purchase a hand-held and
flatbed scanners, you are more likely to purchase a scanner as an all-in-one
option that combines a scanner, printer, and copier into one product. 

Scanners vary in resolution, or sharpness, so when shopping for one, be sure to

compare the resolution of the products. A scanner is connected to the computer
via a parallel port, a USB port, or a SCSI connection. No matter which connection
is used, the images are stored on your PC's hard drive in a digital format.
 Headphones
 Speakers/Headphones: Speakers andheadphones are output devices, which
means that they are devices that communicate information from the computer to
the user. They allow you to hear sound and music. Both speakers and
headphones connect to a computer; however, some computers are designed
with speakers built into the monitor.

 Microphones: A microphone is a type of input device, or a device that receives

information from a user. You connect the microphone to the computer and use
the computer to record sound or to communicate with another computer user via
the Internet. Many computers come with built-in microphones.

Web Camera
 Web Cameras: Web cameras, or web cams, are devices that connect to a
computer and display a video image of whatever it is recording. This video
 image can be transmitted over the Internet, allowing a user in another location
the ability to see the video in real-time. Web cameras are used often in business
for video conferences, and are also a great tool for families to use to stay
connected from different parts of the world.

 Joystick or Game Controller: A joystick is a lever used while playing a

computer game.

 Digital Cameras: A digital camera lets you capture a picture in digital

(computer-readable) form. You can transfer that image directly from the
camera to the computer. When you use a digital camera, you can also preview
your pictures before printing them. If you don't like what you see, you can edit or
delete them.

Personal Digital Assistant

 Personal Digital Assistant (PDA): A PDA is ahandheld computer that can
have a variety of features including a calendar, Internet access, video recording,
word processing, email access, phone, media player, and more. Most PDAs can
be synchronized with a PC to allow up-to-date contact information stored on
software such as Microsoft Outlook, RSS feeds, or other web updates.

 MP3 Players: An MP3 player is a portable device that stores, organizes,

and plays audio files. The player can read files that are recorded from a CD
using a computer, or downloaded from various sites via the Internet.
Introduction

What is Inside a Laptop Computer?

Watch the video (3:44).  Need help?

Have you ever looked inside a desktop computer case before? There is a lot of extra
room in there. That is not true with laptops.Laptops are smaller, so there is less
room for parts. Everything is smaller and grouped tightly together so it fits into the
notebook-sized case. 

Laptop parts are basically the same as desktops, often just smaller. Let's take a look.
A Look Inside a Laptop Computer

Central Processing Unit

(CPU)CPU/Processor
The Central Processing Unit (CPU), also called aprocessor, is located inside
the laptop on the motherboard. It is often called the brain of the computer, or the
computer's engine. Its job is to carry out commands. Whenever you press a key, click
the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the CPU. 
 The processor determines how fast a computer can execute instructions. A
processor's speed is measured inmegahertz (MHZ), or millions of instructions per
second, and gigahertz (GHZ), or billions of instructions per second. So, the higher
the hertz, the faster the computer can process instructions. The power of the
processor is measured inbits. The more bits a processor can handle, the more data
it can handle, and therefore, the more powerful the processor. The CPU is generally
a 2 inch ceramic square with a silicon chip located inside. The chip usually about
the size of a thumbnail. 

There are many processor manufacturers for personal computers including Intel,
Cyrix, VIA, and AMD. 
Many processor chip designers include funny or interesting hidden artwork, such as
images, phrases, initials, and logos on the chips. This artwork is only visible when the
chip is open and magnified, so it's really a joke among the chip developers, rather
than something intended for everyone to see.

A Look Inside a Laptop Computer (cont.)

Random Access Memory (RAM)RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory) is your system's short-term memory. Data is
temporarily stored here until you save your work to the hard disk. RAM is used by the
system to store data that is processed by a computer's CPU. 

The computer's work takes place in RAM. This is where programs run when you are
using Word to create a letter, or Excel to produce a company spreadsheet. 

This short-term memory disappears when the computer is turned off, so always

save your file before turning off the machine. When you save a file, you are saving it
to long-term storage that does not disappear when the computer is turned off.

RAM on motherboard
The more RAM you have, the more things your computer can do at the same time,
and the faster your computer performs certain tasks. RAM is measured
in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). 

To understand megabytes and gigabytes, you need to know about bits and bytes. A

bit is the smallest unit of data in computer processing. A byte is a group of eight bits.
A megabyte is about one million bytes. A gigabyte is 1,024 megabytes. 

To put this into perspective, consider that a printed page of single-spaced text
contains about 3,000 characters. One MB holds about 400 pages of single-spaced
text.

Motherboard
The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It's a thin plate that holds
the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical
drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, as well as various external
ports and peripherals. The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of
the computer.
If you decide to open the computer case and take a look, be sure to touch a grounded
metal object to discharge any static buildup. Static electricity can be transmitted
through the computer circuits and ruin them.
A Look Inside a Laptop Computer (cont.)

Hard Disk DriveHard Disk Drive

The hard disk drive is the data center of the computer. All of your programs are
stored here. The hard disk drive islong-term storage where information is stored
permanently. When you use a word processing program, the computer loads the
instructions from long-term storage (your hard disk) into short-term memory. 

Hard disk speed determines how fast your computer starts up and loads programs.
The hard disk is called the C drive on most computers.

Optical Disc Drive

An optical disc drive is a peripheral device that reads data stored on optical discs.
Some drives can only read from discs, but often drives are both readers and burners.
CD and DVD drives are common optical drives. From inside the computer, optical
drives look very similar to hard disk drives.

Video card
The video card is responsible for what you see on the monitor. If you like playing
graphic-intense games on the computer, a good video card is important to you. The
main function of the video card is to generate and output images to the computer
screen. Better graphics card equals better performance when playing games or
working on a high resolution monitor.
Sound Card
The sound card, also called an audio card, is another type of expansion card. It lets
 the computer play sounds through speakers. Some motherboards feature integrated
sound, and do not require a separate sound card..
Network card
The network card allows your computer to communicate over a network. With the
network card you can set up a home network with a few computers and connect them
by via Ethernet cords or wirelessly.
Expansion Card
An expansion card is a card which you can install to expand a computer's
capabilities. For example, your computer's sound card is an expansion card which
plugs into the motherboard.

Introduction

How Do I Connect to the Internet?

Watch the video (2:35).  Need help?

You have all the basic parts of your computer set up and want to startsurfing the
Internet. You might even see an Internet Explorer icon on your desktop. You may be
wondering if getting online is as simple as clicking that icon. Well, yes and no. There
are basically three things you need to use your computer to become active online
-- an Internet Service Provider (ISP), a modem, and an Internetbrowser. Before
you can connect to the Internet, you have some decisions to make about these three
topics.