Basic Terminology

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Basic Terminology and Care
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A COMPUTER is an electronic device. Every
computer performs 4 general operations 1.
Input 2. Process 3. Output 4. Storage
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The four primary components of the computer
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
RAM
OUTPUT DEVICES
INPUT DEVICES
MEMORY
screen
keyboard
STORAGE DEVICES
printer
mouse
Floppy disks (A)
Hard disk(C)
CD (D)
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COMPUTER SOFTWARE
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
An example is Microsoft Office which includes
word processing, spreadsheets, databases and
presentation software.
An example is the Windows Operating System.
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Networks and the Internet

• A network is a collection of computers and
  devices connected together via communications
  media and devices such as cables, telephone
  lines, modems
• A network allows the users to share resources
• In Middletown we use Network Interface Cards and
  a cable connection
• The worlds largest network is the Internet,
  world wide collections of networks that links
  millions of computers

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• Set up the computer in a well designed work
  area, with adequate workspace around the
  computer. Be sure to allow for proper
  ventilation.
• While working at your computer be aware of
  health issues. (Lighting, proper keyboard and
  monitor height, etc.)
• The temperature should be between 60 and 80
  degrees.
• Keep the computer area clean. Avoid eating and
  drinking near the computer.

MAINTENANCE
COMPUTER
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• Back up important files and data
• Protect your system from computer viruses and
  keep anti-virus software current
• Keep the system tuned (for example
  defragmenting)
• Use the system diagnostic tools (for example
  scan disk)
• Keep sources of magnetic fields away from the
  computer

MAINTENANCE
COMPUTER
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Error Messages
There are 2 types of error messages 1.
Numerical (possible hardware) 2. Textual (dos
and application operations errors)
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Error Messages
COMMON ERROR MESSAGES
NON-SYSTEM DISK attempting to boot with a
non-boot diskette in drive A-remove the disk from
the drive DISK ERROR REPLACE removed the disk
before the program was finished or put in the
wrong disk - replace with correct disk ERROR
READING/WRITING DRIVE the disk may contain bad
sectors or may not be formatted-run scan disk or
anti-virus software
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Error Messages
COMMON ERROR MESSAGES continued
DRIVE NOT READY may have requested the data on a
drive before it had read the disk or disk is not
inserted properly-wait then check disk WRITE
PROTECTION ERROR disk may be write protected or
tab may be loose-check the tab on the diskette or
drive may be bad
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Common Computer Problems...

• Power failures
• Network down time
• Hard drives and diskettes do go bad
• A student has changed the desktop, and you cant
  find the program anymore
• Files were accidentally deleted
• Your computer froze

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TROUBLESHOOTING
1. Turn PC off, wait 30 seconds then turn back
on - problem may go away 2. Narrow down your
problem - what were you working on and which
components are associated with the problem? 3.
Make sure everything is plugged in and turned on
4. Check all cable connections and switch
settings 5. Try to use the CTRL-ALT-DEL keys.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Using CONTROL-ALT-DELETE
When your computer is frozen you may want to try
Ctrl-Alt-Del. The resulting task window will
show you what is running. If you see NOT
RESPONDING next to any program, select it and
choose END TASK. If this fails, try this again
only press Ctrl-Alt-Del twice to re-boot the
computer If you are still stuck you will have
to power off/on the computer
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TROUBLESHOOTING
SCAN DISK AFTER AN IMPROPER SHUTDOWN

• If a computer has locked up or hung and you have
  no choice but to turn it off (or the previous
  user did not shut down correctly), Scan disk will
  run automatically when the computer is turned
  back on.
• If you get an error message when the scandisk
  program runs
• Select YES to fix the problem
• If there is a message about any corrupted data
  select DELETE
• If it asks you for an UNDO DISK, select SKIP UNDO

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Maintenance Support Procedures
Your classroom computers maintenance is not only
your responsibility. If you have exhausted all
of your troubleshooting skills, you should then
request your local tech support person look at
the problem. Currently, you should submit an
online problem support request form to do this.
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http//www.ri.net/middletown/techsupport