1chapter

Getting Familiar withComputer Basics

Are you ready to startlearning about computers?This chapter will help byintroducing you to thecomputer and showing youits benefits and uses. Youlearn about the differenttypes of computers, take atour of a typical personalcomputer, and learn thedifference betweencomputer hardware andsoftware.

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 2

COPYRIG

HTED M

ATERIAL

Discover the Computer........................................4

Benefits of Using a Computer............................5

What You Can Do with a Computer ................6

Types of Computers............................................10

Tour the Personal Computer ............................12

Learn About Computer Hardware ..................16

Explore Computer Software ............................17

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 3

Discover the Computer

4

A computer is a device thatyou can use to store,manipulate, and display text,numbers, images, and sounds.

ComputerA computer is an electronic device that is designed towork with information. The computer takesinformation in, processes that information, and thendisplays the results. In this way, a computer is similarto a calculator, except that even the smallestcomputer is much more versatile than the mostpowerful calculator. Computers operate at amazinglyfast speeds, with a typical computer processingmillions of calculations every second.

Personal ComputerA personal computer is a small, relatively inexpensivecomputer that is designed for use by one person at atime. It allows you to perform personal tasks such ascreating documents, communicating with otherpeople, and playing games. The abbreviation PC ismost often used to refer to computers that run theMicrosoft Windows operating system, as well as todifferentiate them from Macintosh computers.

ROM

A1

BackForward

StopMail

Search Favorites Web/Home

StaffStaffHoursHoursStaff

HoursPayroll

Schedule

Trinitron

Microsoft

Windows®

® xpTM

A1BackForward

Stop Mail Search Favorites Web/Home

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 4

Benefits of Using a Computer chapter1Getting Familiar with Computer Basics

5

A computer is a powerfuland useful tool becauseit gives you a number ofbenefits, including theability to quickly producehigh-quality work. Italso enables you to learnnew skills that are animportant part of today’stechnological world.

5

ToolsToolsToolsLifeLifeLife

processingprocessingwordword

processingword

designdesignwebweb

designweb

managementmanagement

databasedatabasemanagement

database

informationinformation

technologytechnologyinformationtechnology

SpeedComputers allow you to performmany everyday tasks more quickly.For example, if you mail a letter to afriend, he may receive it in a fewdays. However, if you e-mail him, hereceives your message in a fewminutes. Similarly, if you manuallycompose a newsletter, it may take youa week, whereas using a computer, itmay take just an afternoon.

QualityThe tools that come with a computerenable you to create high-qualitydocuments and drawings, even ifyou are not a typesetter or an artist.With just a few simple techniques,you can create documents that lookprofessional or are exactly suited toyour present task.

New SkillsBecause we live in a computer age,you often require basic computerskills to accomplish many daily tasks.Typing on a keyboard, using amouse, and other basic computerskills are useful in many differentsituations and are often required byemployers.

Instore Rep

Computer

SALESREP

AssistantSALES

WANT ADS

Marketing

Manager

SALES

Computer skills required

Computer Knowledge an AssetMust know computers

Are you Are you

computer computer

literate?literate?

@jim wiley.com@jim wiley.com

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 5

6

Most electronic devices — such asDVD players, camcorders, andpersonal stereos — only do onething. However, because computersare versatile by design, they enableyou to do many things. For example,you can use a computer to listen tomusic, watch movies, create flyers,research your family history, educateyour children, and play games.

THESAURUS

DICTIONARY

MyMy

MP3sMP3s

MyMy

MP3sMP3s

My

MP3s

2

11

12

17

18

20

22

23

14

16

3

July 2005

5

6

7

8

1

4

10

19

1321

15

9

Sun

Mon

TuesW

edThur

Fri

Sat

27

28

30

29

24

25

26

What You Can Do with a Computer

My SpaceReportby Jade Williams

ChecksChecksChecks

Budget

2456.72

SEARCHING...

VACATIONSVACATIONSVACATIONS

GENEALOGYGENEALOGYGENEALOGY PRODUCTS

PRODUCTSPRODUCTS

Create DocumentsYou can use your computer to createletters, resumes, memos, reports,newsletters, brochures, businesscards, menus, flyers, invitations, andcertificates. Anything that you use tocommunicate on paper, you cancreate using your computer.

Monitor Your FinancesYou can use your computer toperform basic financial management.For example, you can create abudget, record expenses, balanceyour checkbook, calculate your taxes,and monitor your mortgage. If yourun a small business, then you canallocate income and expenses,create financial reports, and calculateyour profit and loss.

Perform ResearchYou can use your computer and theInternet to research almost any topicthat you can think of. For example,you can learn more about a vacationdestination, trace your family history,access back issues of newspapersand magazines, and compareproduct features before you buythem.

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 6

chapter1Getting Familiar with Computer Basics

7

Work with NumbersYou can use a spreadsheet program to work withnumbers on your computer. For example, you cancreate a mortgage amortization schedule, calculatehow much money you need to save for retirement,monitor an investment portfolio, and create abusiness plan.

Store DataYou can use your computer, and the appropriatesoftware, to store and work with large amounts ofdata. You can track personal items such as CDs,recipes, contact information for friends and relatives,and fitness activities. For business, you can trackclients and potential clients, inventory, products, and orders.

Schedule Your TimeYou can use your computer as an electronic day-timer to record upcoming activities, birthdays,anniversaries, events, meetings, and appointments.You can also set up some scheduling programs toremind you of approaching events so that you do notforget them.

Teach Your ChildrenYou can use your computer to help educate yourchildren. Many programs available are designed toassist children with reading, drawing, learning mathand science, solving problems, and enhancingcreativity.

MortgageAmortization

ROM

Recipes

CDsCDs FriendsFriends

RelativesRelatives FitnessFitness

WorkWork TravelTravel

HobbiesHobbies

LettersLetters PicturesPictures

CDs Friends

Relatives Fitness

Work Travel

Hobbies

Letters Pictures

MochaCake

RecipesRecipesRecipes

8AUG

What is the capitalWhat is the capital

of New York?of New York?What is the capital

of New York?

AlbanyAlbanyAlbany

➥continued

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 7

What You Can Do with a Computer (continued)

8

Learn New Life SkillsYou can use your computer to learn new life skills.Programs are available that teach you how to speak adifferent language, play chess, cook, garden, design a home,play a musical instrument, and design and make clothes.

Make New FriendsYou can use your computer and the Internet to enhanceyour social life. You can chat with other people by typingmessages to them, join mailing lists, find support groups,find clubs and organizations in your area, and find a date.

ROM

Hi, it’sPaul!

Hey, Paul! Niceto meet you!

ROM

Hi, Paul!How are you?

Keep In TouchYou can use your computer to communicate with friends,family, colleagues, and clients that you do not often seeface-to-face. You can send e-mail messages and instantmessages, and you can even talk to another person using amicrophone and your computer’s speakers.

History

HistoryIntro Latin

English

BIOLOGY

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 8

chapter1Getting Familiar with Computer Basics

9

Buy and SellYou can use your computer and the Internet to buyand sell things. Many online stores enable you topurchase anything, from books to baby accessories,and have it delivered to your door. There are alsoauction sites, such as eBay, that enable you to sellitems that you create or that you no longer need.

Create ItemsYou can use your computer to bring out your creativeside. For example, you can create your own greetingcards or wedding invitations, draw pictures,manipulate digital photos, edit digital movies, recordsounds, and compose music.

Play MediaYou can use your computer to play digital media,including music CDs, audio files, video files,animations, DVDs, music, and movies that you havedownloaded from the Internet.

Play GamesYou can use your computer to play many differenttypes of games. You can solve a puzzle, fly a plane,race a car, go on an adventure, play football orhockey, battle aliens, plan a city, play backgammonor checkers, or deal poker.

11

11

11

11

55555555

1010

1010

1010

1010

1010

1010

1010

2020

KA-CHING!

$

Our Trip toMEXICO

MyMyMP3sMP3sMyMyMP3sMP3sMyMP3s

Dimension8100

Trinitron

LAP NO.LAP NO.LAP NO.

2/62/62/6POSITIONPOSITIONPOSITION

151515

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 9

10

When selecting a computer that isbest for your needs, you shouldconsider what purpose it will serve inyour home or business, and whetherit should be mobile for travel.

DesktopA desktop is by far the most common type of computer.Most desktop systems come with a separate computercase, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. On older desktops,the computer case lies flat on the desk with the monitorsitting on top. Almost all newer systems use a tower casethat sits upright. You can place this case either on a deskor on the floor.

NotebookA notebook is a computer that combines the case,monitor, keyboard, and mouse in one unit. It is alsocalled a laptop or a portable. Notebooks are light —usually only four to six pounds — and so you can takethem out of your office or home. Most notebooks arejust as powerful as a desktop system.

Types of Computers

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 10

Getting Familiar with Computer Basics chapter1

11

Tablet PCA tablet PC is a computer that looks similar to a smallnotebook. However, the tablet PC screen pivots so that itlies on top of the keyboard, making it look like a writingtablet. You can use a digital pen to input your data orselect items on the screen.

Handheld PCA handheld PC is a very small computer — usually weighingless than a pound — that you can hold comfortably in yourhand or carry in a jacket pocket. A handheld PC is alsocalled a personal digital assistant (PDA) or palmtop. Mostpeople use a handheld PC to store their schedules andcheck their e-mail while out of the office.

ServerA server is a powerful computer that acts as a centralresource for a number of other computers that areconnected to it. These other computers can be desktops orstripped-down terminals that use the server to runprograms and store data. Some servers are mainframes,which are giant computers that run large-scale operations,such as airline reservation systems.

ROM

TerminalROM

TerminalROM

Terminal

ROM

Server

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 11

Tour the Personal Computer

12

Main Personal Computer Parts

Learning to use a personal computer is mucheasier if you know how a typical system islaid out and what each major part does.

Computer CaseThe computer case, also called the system unit or console, holds the electronic chips and devices that make the computer work. The outside of the case has an on/off switch, and the rear of the case is where you plug in the other computer components. For more information about the internal components of your computer, see Chapter 2.

MonitorThe monitor, also called the screen or display, is a TV-like device that the computer uses to display text, images, and other information.

KeyboardThe keyboard is a typewriter-like device that you use to type information and enter instructions for the computer to follow. To learn how to work the keyboard, see Chapter 4.

MouseThe mouse is a hand-operated pointing device that you use to select or move items on the screen, as well as to provide instructions for the computer to follow. To learn how to operate the mouse, see Chapter 4.

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 12

chapter1Getting Familiar with Computer Basics

13

Personal Computer Accessories

Besides the keyboard and mouse, mostpersonal computers also come with anumber of accessories.

PrinterA printer is a device that you use to print a document from a computer. Some printers are all-in-one devices that can also fax, copy, and scan documents.

SpeakersThe speakers are devices that output the sound effects, music, narration, and other audio that your computer generates. You can also use headphones so that only you can hear the computer's output.

Uninterruptible Power SupplyAn uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that provides temporary power to your computer should the electricity fail. This device enables you to shut down your computer properly to avoid losing data.

Game ControllerThe game controller is a device that you can use to control the action in a computer game.

Surge ProtectorA surge protector is a device that protects your computer from damage by power fluctuations, which are most often caused by lightning.

ModemThe modem is a device that connects your computer to the Internet, either through telephone lines or TV cable. Some modems, called internal modems, reside inside the computer case. ➥continued

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 13

Tour the Personal Computer (continued)

14

Front of a Personal Computer Case

On a typical personal computer, the front of the casecontains a number of buttons, indicator lights, and slots.

Dimension8100

Power SwitchWhen the computer is off, press the power switch to turn the computer on. When you have finished working with your computer and have shut down all of your programs, press the power switch again to turn off the computer.

Reset SwitchYou can press the reset switch to restart the computer when it is running. Keep in mind that you should only do this if your computer is frozen and no longer responds to your commands.

Activity LightThe activity light flashes on and off when your computer is performing a task, such as accessing the main hard disk.

Floppy Disk DriveThe floppy disk drive is a storage device that accepts floppy disks, which enable you to move files from one computer to another.

CD-ROM or DVD DriveA CD-ROM drive is a storage device that accepts data CD-ROMs (compact discs), which resemble musical CD-ROMs. Most new computers also have a DVD drive, which accepts data DVDs. For more information, see Chapter 2.

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 14

chapter1Getting Familiar with Computer Basics

15

Personal Computer Ports

On a typical personal computer, the rear of the case contains a numberof holes and slots, called ports, into which you plug computer devices.

100 LNK

10 ACTDATA

D F

1

1

2

D F

WILEYFIRST

A B C D

Monitor PortYou use the monitor port to plug in the monitor.

Keyboard PortYou use the keyboard port to plug in the keyboard.

Mouse PortYou use the mouse port to plug in the mouse.

Printer PortYou use the printer port to plug in the printer. This is also called a parallel port.

Serial PortYou use the serial port to plug in a dial-up modem, as well as some older versions of the mouse. This is also called a COM port.

USB PortYou use a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port to plug in a USB device. Many computer peripherals – including keyboards, mice, and printers – come in USB versions.

Sound PortsYou use the sound ports to plug in sound devices, such as your speakers (the green-colored port on most new systems) and microphone (the pink-colored port). Some systems also have Line In and Line Out ports that you can use to connect the computer to external audio equipment.

Modem PortsYou use the modem ports to connect your computer's internal modem to your telephone system.

Network PortYou use the network port to plug in a cable that connects either to a network or to a high-speed Internet modem. This is also called an Ethernet port.

Game PortYou use the game port to plug in a game controller.

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 15

Computer hardware consists of thephysical components of your computer:the parts, devices, buttons, and ports thatyou can touch and physically manipulate.Computer hardware comes in two basicvarieties: external and internal.

16

Toner Saver Cancel/Reprint Demo

A1ForwardStop Mail Search Favorites Web/Home

Learn About Computer Hardware

External HardwareExternal hardware, also known as peripherals, refers tohardware that connects to the outside of the computercase. The monitor, keyboard, and mouse are the mostcommon external hardware devices. The printer andspeakers are also popular peripherals. You can connectexternal hardware to your computer through the computerports described on the previous page.

Internal HardwareInternal hardware refers to hardware that resides inside thecomputer case. This includes the central processing unit(CPU) — the brains of the computer — memory chips thatare used for temporary data storage while you work, diskdrives that are used for long-term storage, and circuitboards that supply many of the ports on the back of thecomputer case. You can learn more about internal hardwaredevices in Chapter 2.

ErrorML-1210 Paper DataToner Saver Cancel/Reprint Demo

A1BackForward

Stop Mail Search Favorites Web/Home

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 16

Getting Familiar with Computer Basics chapter1

17

Explore Computer Software

Computer software provides theinstructions that enable the computerhardware to perform its tasks.Without software, your monitorwould not display anything, yourspeakers would remain silent, andtyping on the keyboard keys wouldhave no effect. Computer softwarecomes in two basic categories:application and system.

DICTIONARY

THESAURUS

Application SoftwareApplication software refers to the programs that youinteract with to perform specific computer tasks. Forexample, a word-processing program enables you tocreate documents such as memos and letters, a graphics program enables you to draw an image, and an e-mail program enables you to send and receive e-mail messages.

System SoftwareSystem software refers to programs that operate behind the scenes to ensure that your computer systemfunctions properly. This software is most often referred toas the operating system. Some examples of systemsoftware include Windows XP and Mac OS X. For moreinformation about the operating system, see Chapter 2.

03_597531_ch01.qxd 7/18/05 8:53 PM Page 17