Computer Basics

What is a Computer…?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates

information, or data. It has the ability to store,
retrieve, and process data. You may already know
that you can use a computer to type documents,
send email, play games, and browse the Web. You
can also use it to edit or create spreadsheets,
presentations, and even videos.
Hardware v’s Software
Before we talk about different types of computers, let's talk about two things all
computers have in common: Hardware and Software.

Hardware

Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the
keyboard or mouse. It also includes all of the computer's internal parts, which
you can see in the image on right side.

Software

Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how to
do it. Examples of software include web browsers, games, and word processors.
Below, you can see an image of Microsoft PowerPoint, which is used to create
presentations.

Everything you do on your computer will rely on both hardware and software. For example, right now you may be viewing
this lesson in a web browser (software) and using your mouse (hardware) to click from page to page. As you learn about
different types of computers, ask yourself about the differences in their hardware. As you progress through this tutorial,
you'll see that different types of computers also often use different types of software.
What are the different types of Computers?

When most people hear the word computer, they think of a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop.

However, computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform many different functions in our daily lives.

When you withdraw cash from an ATM, scan groceries at the store, or use a calculator, you're using a type of computer.
Desktop Computers
Many people use desktop computers at work, home, and school. Desktop
computers are designed to be placed on a desk, and they're typically made up of
a few different parts, including the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and
mouse.

Laptop Computers
The second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop computer,
commonly called a laptop. Laptops are battery-powered computers that are more
portable than desktops, allowing you to use them almost anywhere.

Tablet Computers
Tablet Computers or Tablets are handheld computers that are even more portable
than laptops. Instead of a keyboard and mouse, Tablets use a touch-sensitive
screen for typing and navigation. The iPad is an example of a Tablet.

Servers
A server is a computer that serves up information to other computers on a
network. For example, whenever you use the Internet, you're looking at
something that's stored on a server. Many businesses also use local file servers to
store and share files internally.
Other types of Computers
Many of today's electronics are basically specialized computers, though we don't always think of them that way.
Here are a few common examples.

▶ Smartphones: Many cell phones can do a lot of things computers can do, including browsing the Internet and playing
games. They are often called smartphones.

▶ Wearables: Wearable technology is a general term for a group of devices — including fitness trackers and
smartwatches — that are designed to be worn throughout the day. These devices are often called wearables for short.

▶ Game Consoles: A game console is a specialized type of computer that is used for playing video games on your TV.

▶ TV’s: Many TVs now include applications — or apps — that let you access various types of online content. For example,
you can stream video from the Internet directly onto your TV.
PC’s and MAC’s
Personal Computers come in two main styles: PC and MAC. Both are fully functional, but they have a different look and
feel, and many people prefer one or the other.

PC’s: This type of computer began with the original IBM PC

that was introduced in 1981. Other companies began creating
similar computers, which were called IBM PC Compatible
(often shortened to PC). Today, this is the most common type
of personal computer, and it typically includes the Microsoft
Windows operating system.

MAC’s: The Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984, and

it was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical
user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). All Macs are
made by one company (Apple), and they almost always use
the Mac OS X operating system.
Basic Parts of a Computer

Introduction: The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power
cord. Each part plays an important role whenever you use a computer.

Computer Case

The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main
components of the computer, including the motherboard, central processing unit
(CPU), and power supply. The front of the case usually has an On/Off button and
one or more optical drives.

Computer cases come in different shapes and sizes. A desktop case lies flat on a
desk, and the monitor usually sits on top of it. A tower case is tall and sits next to
the monitor or on the floor. All-in-one computers come with the internal
components built into the monitor, which eliminates the need for a separate case.

Monitor

The monitor works with a video card, located inside the computer case, to display images and
text on the screen. Most monitors have control buttons that allow you to change your monitor's
display settings, and some monitors also have built-in speakers.

Newer monitors usually have LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or LED (Light Emitting Diode)
displays. These can be made very thin, and they are often called flat-panel displays. Older
monitors use CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) displays. CRT monitors are much larger and heavier, and
they take up more desk space.
Keyboard

The keyboard is one of the main ways to communicate with a computer.

There are many different types of keyboards, but most are very similar
and allow you to accomplish the same basic tasks.

Mouse

The mouse is another important tool for communicating with computers.

Commonly known as a pointing device, it lets you point to objects on the
screen, click on them, and move them.

There are two main mouse types: optical and mechanical. The optical mouse uses an electronic eye to detect movement and is
easier to clean. The mechanical mouse uses a rolling ball to detect movement and requires regular cleaning to work properly.

Mouse Alternatives

There are other devices that can do the same thing as a mouse. Many
people find them easier to use, and they also require less desk space than
a traditional mouse. The most common mouse alternatives are below.

Trackball:

A trackball has a ball that can rotate freely. Instead of moving the device
like a mouse, you can roll the ball with your thumb to move the pointer.
Touchpad:

A touchpad — also called a trackpad — is a touch-sensitive pad

that lets you control the pointer by making a drawing motion
with your finger. Touchpads are common on laptop computers.

Introduction

Take a look at the front and back of your computer case and count the number of buttons, ports, and slots you see.
Now look at your monitor and count any you find there. You probably counted at least 10, and maybe a lot more.

Front of a Computer Case

Each computer is different, so the buttons, ports, and sockets will

vary from computer to computer. However, there are certain ones you
can expect to find on most desktop computers. Learning how these
ports are used will help whenever you need to connect something to
your computer, like a new printer, keyboard, or mouse.

Back of a Computer Case

The back of a computer case has connection ports that are made to
fit specific devices. The placement will vary from computer to
computer, and many companies have their own special connectors for
specific devices. Some of the ports may be color coded to help you
determine which port is used with a particular device.
Peripherals you can use with your Computer

The most basic computer setup usually includes the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but you can plug
many different types of devices into the extra ports on your computer. These devices are called peripherals.
Let's take a look at some of the most common ones.

Printers: A printer is used to print documents, photos, and anything

else that appears on your screen. There are many types of printers,
including inkjet, laser, and photo printers. There are even all-in-one
printers, which can also scan and copy documents.

Scanners: A scanner allows you to copy a physical image or document

and save it to your computer as a digital (computer-readable) image.
Many scanners are included as part of an all-in-one printer, although
you can also buy a separate flatbed or handheld scanner.

Speakers / Headphones: Speakers and headphones are output

devices, which means they send information from the computer to the
user—in this case, they allow you to hear sound and music. Depending
on the model, they may connect to the audio port or the USB port.
Some monitors also have built-in speakers.
Microphones:

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

information from a user. You can connect a microphone to record sound or
talk with someone else over the Internet. Many laptop computers come
with built-in microphones.

Web Cameras:

A web camera—or webcam—is a type of input device that can record

videos and take pictures. It can also transmit video over the Internet in
real time, which allows for video chat or video conferencing with someone
else. Many webcams also include a microphone for this reason.

Game Controllers and Joysticks:

A game controller is used to control computer games. There are many

other types of controllers you can use, including joysticks, although you
can also use your mouse and keyboard to control most games.

Digital Cameras:

A digital camera lets you capture pictures and videos in a digital format. By
connecting the camera to your computer's USB port, you can transfer the
images from the camera to the computer.

Mobile Phones, MP3 Players, Tablet Computers and Other Devices:

Whenever you buy an electronic device, such as a mobile phone or MP3

player, check to see if it comes with a USB cable. If it does, this means you
can most likely connect it to your computer.
Inside a Computer:

Have you ever looked inside a computer case, or seen pictures of the inside of one? The small parts may look complicated,
but the inside of a computer case isn't really all that mysterious. This lesson will help you master some of the basic
terminology and understand a bit more about what goes on inside a computer.
Motherboard:

The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It's a thin plate
that holds the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical
drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, and connections
to your computer's ports (such as USB ports). The motherboard
connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer.

CPU/Processor:

The CPU is usually a two-inch ceramic square with a silicon chip located
inside. The chip is usually about the size of a thumbnail. The CPU fits
into the motherboard's CPU socket, which is covered by the heat sink,
an object that absorbs heat from the CPU.

A processor's speed is measured in megahertz (MHz), or millions of

instructions per second; and gigahertz (GHz), or billions of instructions
per second. A faster processor can execute instructions more quickly.
However, the actual speed of the computer depends on the speed of
many different components—not just the processor.
RAM (Random Access Memory):

RAM is your system's short-term memory. Whenever your computer performs

calculations, it temporarily stores the data in the RAM until it is needed.

This short-term memory disappears when the computer is turned off.

If you're working on a document, spreadsheet, or other type of file, you'll need
to save it to avoid losing it. When you save a file, the data is written to the hard drive,
which acts as long-term storage.

RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). The more RAM you have, the more
things your computer can do at the same time. If you don't have enough RAM, you may
notice that your computer is sluggish when you have several programs open.
Because of this, many people add extra RAM to their computers to improve performance.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive):

The hard drive is where your software, documents, and other files are stored.
The hard drive is long-term storage, which means the data is still saved even
if you turn the computer off or unplug it.

When you run a program or open a file, the computer copies some of the data from
the hard drive onto the RAM. When you save a file, the data is copied back to the
hard drive. The faster the hard drive, the faster your computer can start up and load programs.
Power Supply Unit / Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS):

The power supply unit in a computer converts the power from the wall outlet to the type of
power needed by the computer. It sends power through cables to the motherboard and
other components.

If you decide to open the computer case and take a look, make sure to unplug the computer
first. Before touching the inside of the computer, you should touch a grounded metal object
—or a metal part of the computer casing—to discharge any static buildup. Static electricity
can be transmitted through the computer circuits, which can seriously damage your
machine.

Expansion Cards

Most computers have expansion slots on the motherboard that allow you to add various types of expansion cards. These are sometimes called PCI
(Peripheral Component Interconnect) cards. You may never need to add any PCI cards because most motherboards have built-in video,
sound, network, and other capabilities. However, if you want to boost the performance of your computer or update the capabilities of an older
computer, you can always add one or more cards. Below are some of the most common types of expansion cards.
Video Card: The video card is responsible for what you see on the monitor.
Most computers have a GPU (graphics processing unit) built into the motherboard instead
of having a separate video card. If you like playing graphics-intensive games, you can
add a faster video card to one of the expansion slots to get better performance.

Sound Card: The sound card—also called an audio card—is responsible for what you hear
in the speakers or headphones. Most motherboards have integrated sound, but you can
upgrade to a dedicated sound card for higher-quality sound.

Network Card: The network card allows your computer to communicate over a network
and access the Internet. It can either connect with an Ethernet cable or through a
wireless connection (often called Wi-Fi). Many motherboards have built-in network
connections, and a network card can also be added to an expansion slot.

Bluetooth Card / Adapter: Bluetooth is a technology for wireless communication over

short distances. It's often used in computers to communicate with wireless keyboards,
mice, and printers. It's commonly built into the motherboard or included in a wireless
network card. For computers that don't have Bluetooth, you can purchase a USB adapter,
often called a dongle.
What is an Operating System?

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and
hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how

The Operating System's Job: Your computer's operating system (OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the computer. Most of the time, there are
several different computer programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The
operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs.

Types of Operating Systems: Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the operating system that comes with their
computer, but it's possible to upgrade or even change operating systems. The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows,
MAC OS, and Linux.

Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). A GUI lets you use your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and
everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination of graphics and text. Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a
different operating system it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems are designed to be easy to use, and most of the basic principles are
the same.

Microsoft Windows:
Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. There have been many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 10
(released in 2015), Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes pre-loaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most
popular operating system in the world.

MAC OS: MAC OS (previously called OS X) is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It comes preloaded on all Macintosh computers, or Macs.
Some of the specific versions include Mojave (released in 2018), High Sierra (2017), and Sierra (2016). According to Stat Counter Global Stats, MAC OS users
account for less than 10% of global operating systems—much lower than the percentage of Windows users
(more than 80%). One reason for this is that Apple computers tend to be more expensive. However, many people do prefer the look and feel of MAC OS over
Windows.

Linux: Linux (pronounced LINN-UX) is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world.
This is different from proprietary software like Windows, which can only be modified by the company that owns it. The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and
there are many different distributions—or versions—you can choose from. According to Stat Counter Global Stats, Linux users account for less than 2% of global
operating systems. However, most servers run Linux because it's relatively easy to customize.

Operating Systems for Mobile Devices: The operating systems we've been talking about so far were designed to run on desktop and laptop computers. Mobile
devices such as phones, tablet computers, and MP3 players are different from desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating systems that are designed
specifically for mobile devices. Examples of mobile operating systems include Apple iOS and Google Android. In the screenshot below, you can see iOS running on an
iPad. Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren't as fully featured as those made for desktop and laptop computers, and they aren't able to run all of the
same software. However, you can still do a lot of things with them, like watch movies, browse the Web, manage your calendar, and play games.