Basic Computer Knowledge for Beginners
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Jumping on a computer for the first time can be fun and easy as long as you keep in mind that computers were designed to make life easier, not more complex. Unlike technology of the past, which was based on the all-in-one concept, PC systems usually come in parts, divided into hardware and software, although Mac systems are all-in-one. Hardware makes up the physical elements of the computer, such as the hard drive, whereas software provides the operating system and the programs that allow you to create computer files.
- Since the 1990s, the most popular operating system has been Microsoft Windows, which appeals to the business community, while Apple MacIntosh (aka "Mac") has been a favorite among graphic artists, musicians and other high-end media users. Windows and its offspring (XP, Vista) run on a PC, which has come to mean any personal
computer besides a Mac. Both Macs and PCs are powered by a chip known as the central processing unit or CPU. Intel and AMD are leading manufacturers of computer chips. Other popular PC brands include Hewlett Packard and Dell. - The most basic product that can be created on a computer is a file. A file can be a letter, a report, a photo, a song, a video and anything else that can be produced digitally. A file is expressed by its file name followed by a dot and an extension. The extension makes it easy to recognize what type of file it is. For example, many documents are saved with the ".doc" extension, so "calendar.doc" would be an example of a file named "calendar" saved as a Word document. There are many different file extensions. You can organize files by putting them in folders, just like how a filing cabinet is a storage unit for folders filled with files. You can also store folders within folders.
- Creating a computer file is a very simple procedure. It involves a few clicks. At the top of every program is usually an option called "File." Click "File" and then you'll see a drop-down menu that includes choices such as "New," "Open" and "Save." By clicking "New" you can start a new file. When you click "Open" you'll be able to open an existing file. "Save" is what you click as soon as you decide you want to archive the file for later use. Once you know how to create and store files you will want to learn more about specific software programs that will speed up your work. Microsoft
Office is a suite of programs commonly used for general office functions.
Multiple Brands
Files and Folders
Creating Files
Computer Basics for Beginners
Computer Basics for Beginners
For anyone who has ever owned a computer, knowing the basics is a piece of cake. However, if you're a new computer owner, it may not seem so easy. The most important thing is to understand the basic--yet vital--components of your computer first; then you can move onward and upward from there.
From Quick Guide: Keyboard & Computer Basics
- Just one of the many types of desktop computersAny desktop computer that you purchase will have the same basic elements: a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse and a central processing unit, or CPU. Each of these components are easily locatable and should be within easy access at all times. The monitor is the screen with which you can view games, business documents, the Internet and more. The keyboard is much like a typewriter and can be used for word
processing . The mouse is a small, hand-held pointing device that is used to guide the digital cursor across the monitor screen. The CPU is the most important, as it is essentially the "brains" of your computer. - A standard flat-screen monitorThe monitor of your desktop computer is fundamental in that it allows you to see what your computer is doing. It can be turned on with the push of a button, which is usually located in the lower right- or left-hand corner of the monitor itself. Screen size and shape can vary depending on what type of computer you have. It is much like a
television set, but you control the outcome using the other components of your computer--the mouse and keyboard. Play games, reply to emails and even watch videos using your monitor. - A basic keyboardThe keyboard is an arrangement of buttons--or keys--that allow you to input words and commands. Set up much like a typewriter, the keyboard uses the modern QWERTY key configuration including letters and numbers. There are also command keys such as the Enter/Return, Backspace, Shift and Cntrl.
- A standard mouse with two buttonsA computer mouse is usually a small plastic tool with one or two buttons; this serves as a pointing device that appears on your monitor screen. When you move the mouse, a cursor appears--usually as a small arrow--on your screen. Double-clicking the left mouse button allows you to open programs and files. When the right mouse button is clicked, a menu appears that allows you to choose other options for the program/file you want to access.
- The CPU, which houses the hard drive, CD/DVD and USB drivesThe CPU is the most essential part of your workstation. It carries out the calculations your computer needs to perform effectively. It is attached to a motherboard, which is the "body" of your computer. There are many other components to your CPU, such as the hard drive, power supply and removable media. The hard drive is the internal memory; everything you save (such as photos and documents) is stored on your hard drive. The power supply is what keeps your computer running, and is plugged into an electrical wall socket or power strip. A fan keeps the power supply cool while it is running. The removable media components can include--but aren't limited to--the CD/DVD and USB drives. Files from your computer can also be stored using removable media.
The Components
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Read more: Computer Basics for Beginners | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_4795624_computer-basics-beginners.html#ixzz0vHAih02m
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