Computer Concepts and Windows: Lesson 1

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Lesson 1 Computer Concepts Part 2
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Inside the System UnitPart 2

• Video
• Expansion cards
• Ports

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Computer Video Components

• Video monitor
• Video controller
• Video driver

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Computer Video

• The image on the monitor is
• composed of tiny dots called pixels.

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Resolution

• The higher the resolution setting, the more you
  can display on the monitor - but images appear
  smaller at higher resolutions.

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Purchasing a Monitor

• Features toconsider
• Screen size
• Maximumresolution
• Dot pitch
• Verticalfrequency
• Non-interlacing

Screen size is measured diagonally.
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Examples of Expansion Cards

• Modem
• Sound
• Video Capture
• Network/LAN
• TV
• Scanner

A video adapter card
An internal modem card
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Types of Expansion Slots

• PCI
• ISA

The system busconnects expansionslots to
themicroprocessor.
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Examples of Ports

1. PS/2
2. USB Port
3. Serial
4. Parallel
5. SCSI
6. Video
7. Miniplugs
8. Joystick
9. Phone Jack
10. RS-14

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Examples of Peripherals

• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Monitor
• Printer
• Scanner
• External Modem

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How Modems Work

• A modem takes a digital signal and converts it to
  sound - and vice versa

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Printers

• Laser
• Fast, higher initial cost, less cost per page
• Ink Jet
• Slower, lower initial cost, higher cost per page

Laser printers are often used for high volume,
high quality, black and white printing.
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Surge Protector

• Prevents surges in power from ruining delicate
  computer circuitry
• Always connect yourcomputer andperipherals to
  asurge protector.

Photo courtesy of Kensington Technology Group
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Computer Software

• Software is the logical component of a computer
  system.
• Most software is distributed via floppy disks and
  CD ROMs
• Do not confuse the containerwith the contents.
• Floppy and CD-ROM discs are containers for
  software, butnot the software itself.

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Computer File

• A collection of data with some common purpose.
• All computer software is stored in the form of
  files.
• Some computer files are programs.
• Other computer files may contain work that you
  have created, such as a letter or picture.

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Types of Software
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The Operating System

• Controls all basic computer functions
• Lets you give simple commands to hardware.
• Works with application programs to help yousave
  and retrieve your work

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Examples of the Operating System at Work
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Application Programs

• Software that helps you get work done
• Word Writing w/ Proofing
• Excel Electronic Spreadsheet
• Outlook Email
• Access Electronic Filing Cabinet
• PowerPoint Graphic Communication

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User Files

• These files store work that you have performed
  with an application program,such as
• A letter
• A drawing
• A database of information
• A game you have stored to continue later

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Computer Viruses

• Viruses are small programs that can invisibly
  infect your system without your knowledge.
• Viruses can cause your computer to halt, or erase
  files on the disk drives.
• Many new viruses are discovered every week.
• Computer viruses are malicious programs created
  by programmers
• (i.e. people).

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Anti-Virus Software

• These programs watch all activity on your system
  and can detect many viruses as they try to infect
  the system.
• As new viruses are identified, anti-virus
  software vendors update their software. You can
  usually obtain these updates over the Web.

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Researching Software

• Research software first
• Before you shop for hardware, you should always
  research the software you wish to run on the
  computer.
• Every application program has requirements for
  the hardware and operating system that it needs
  to function properly. If your computer does not
  meet these requirements, the application program
  will not run.

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Purchasing Hardware After Selecting Your Software

• Microprocessor
• Type (e.g. Pentium III)
• Speed (e.g. 500 MHz)
• Operating System
• RAM
• Hard Drive Space
• Drive Options
• Other Hardware

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Setting Up a Computer

• Ergonomics is the science of designing equipment
  to maximize your productivity and reduce fatigue.

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Healthy Work Habits with Computers

• Risks of computer use include
• Exposure to radiation
• Eye strain
• Repetitive stress injuries
• With good work habits, you can significantly
  reduce or eliminate these risks.

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Lesson 1 Computer Concepts Part 2