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AN INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

COMPILED BY HOWIE BAUM

WHAT IS A COMPUTER ?

A computer is a programmable electronic machine used to store, retrieve, and process data.

They are used to type documents, send e-mail, play games, browse the Internet, create
presentations, event invitations, and listen to music or watch videos.

Chromebook
Laptop
3

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 WHY IS A COMPUTER SO EFFICIENT ?

▪ It doesn’t get tired !!

▪ The ability to work on projects with amazing speed

▪ Reliability (low failure rate)

▪ Very Accurate

▪ Able to store huge amounts of data and information

▪ Able to communicate with other computers

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HARDWARE VS. SOFTWARE - Before we talk about different types of computers, let's talk about two
things all computers have in common: Hardware and Software.

• HARDWARE is any part of your computer that has a physical structure that you can touch, such as
the computer itself, the keyboard, or the mouse, which you can see in the image below.

• It also includes all the computer's internal parts.

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SOFTWARE - Software is any set of instructions, sometimes called a program, 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, like this
one.

Everything you do on your computer will rely on both hardware and software. For example,
right now you may be viewing this lesson that is in a PowerPoint presentation software and the
instructor is using a mouse or the keyboard (hardware) to click from page to page.
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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.

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PCS AND MACS

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.

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 includes the Microsoft
Windows operating system.

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MAC

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 always use the MacOS operating system.
They are usually a lot more expensive than a PC type of computer.

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 Laptop computers
HYBRID LAPTOP COMPUTERS

You can also buy a laptop that has a removable monitor screen that becomes a touch screen
tablet when removed from the bottom part, such as the Microsoft Surface and other
brands.

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 Some newer Tablets also
MOBILE DEVICES - A mobile device is a general term for any have smart phone capability
type of portable handheld computer. and are called Phablets.

Some mobile devices—like tablets, e-readers, and

smartphones—are powerful enough to do many of the same
things you can do with a desktop or laptop computer.

TABLET COMPUTERS - Like laptops, tablet computers

(sometimes called a Pad) are designed to be portable. However,
they provide a different computing experience.

They usually come in two sizes – 7 or 10 inch, as measured on a

diagonal, on the screen.

The most obvious difference is that tablet computers don't have

keyboards, a CD/DVD drive, or touchpads.

Instead, the entire screen is touch-sensitive, allowing you

to type on a virtual keyboard and use your finger or a stylus,
as a mouse pointer.

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 Some persons like to use a keyboard
with a Tablet, so some models come
with the keyboard that is part of a
protective case, around the Tablet.

Other types have a separate wireless

keyboard that can be used with the
Tablet.

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E-BOOK READERS—also called e-readers—are
similar to tablet computers, except they are
mainly designed for reading e-books (digital,
downloadable books).

Notable examples include the Amazon Kindle,

Barnes & Noble Nook, and Kobo.

Most e-readers use an e-ink display, which is

easier to read than a traditional computer
display.

You can even read in bright sunlight, just like if

you were reading a regular book. E-books can
also be read on tablets, smartphones,
laptops, and desktops.

You can download all types of E-Books for

free, from the Public library, other sites,
and Amazon too.

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SMARTPHONES - In addition to the same basic features—phone calls, voicemail, text messaging—
smartphones can connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi or a cellular network (which requires
purchasing a monthly data plan).

This means you can use a smartphone for the same things you would normally do on a computer,
such as checking your email, browsing the Web, or shopping online.

Smartphones use a touch-sensitive screen, so you type on a virtual keyboard with your fingers or
a stylus, to interact with the display.

Other standard features include a high-quality digital camera, the ability to play digital
music and video files, and use it as a GPS device for driving directions.

For many people, a smartphone can actually replace electronics like an old laptop, digital music
player, and digital camera in the same device.

You can download music or audio books for free

from the Public Library, Amazon, and use Bluetooth
technology to listen with headphones, or in your
car.

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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:

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.

Game consoles: A game console is a specialized type of computer

that is used for playing video games on your TV.

TVs: 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.
SERVERS - A server is a large, high-speed computer that are stacked together, to provide
information to other computers on a network and are usually used for places that need to store and
retrieve a lot of information.

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.

9/5/2023 HIGH SPEED, SERVER DATA CENTER 16

 AMOUNT OF MEMORY IN COMPUTERS
Bit - The smallest amount of memory which represents a 0 or a 1

The Power button symbol, on a device

Byte - A byte, is made of 8 bits and usually stores one character

such as a letter or a number or symbol. (C or 5 or %)

Therefore, a computer with 8 Megabytes of memory can store about 8 million characters.

One megabyte can hold approximately 768 pages of text information.

A Byte = 8 bits = 1 letter, number, or a symbol

Kilobyte (KB) = 1 Thousand Bytes

Megabyte (Mb) = 1 Million Bytes

Gigabyte (GB) = 1 Billion Bytes

Terabyte (TB) = 1 Trillion Bytes

9/5/2023 - 768 pgs of printed text. 18
or a stack of 262 feet of printed pages or a 51 mile stack of printed pages
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 THE HARD DRIVE
HARD DRIVE – It is where your software, documents, and other files are stored permanently.

It contains long-term memory storage, which means the data is still saved even if you turn the computer off
or unplug it.

When you use a program to work on a document, they both usually are stored on the hard drive.

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.

The type of Hard Drive shown is the older type and uses an electric motor to turn 1 or more platters
where the computer information is stored. Within the last few years, it has been replaced by Solid
State drives (SSD).

BASIC PARTS OF A COMPUTER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v
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 SOLID STATE MEMORY DRIVES (SSD)

NO MOVING PARTS SOLID STATE DRIVE VS A HARD DRIVE

The Samsung company makes a Solid-State Drive (SSD) with a

whopping 30 Terabytes (TB) of storage. (30 trillion bytes !)

It’s enough to store 5,700 full length, High Definition movies !!!

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6 ADVANTAGES OF SOLID-STATE
MEMORY DRIVES
1) More durable and damage resistant

2) Faster speed than the older type of hard

drives

3) They are lighter so the laptop is easier

to carry

4) More efficient and reliable than the older

type of hard drives.

5) They use less electricity, so the battery

lasts longer

6) No moving parts to wear out so they

last a lot longer.

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

More information about all of the keys on the keyboard will be given in a separate
presentation about the keyboard, Trackpad, and/or mouse.

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 THE MOUSE

The mouse is another important tool for communicating with

computers.

It lets you point to objects on the screen, click on them, and

move them.

The optical mouse is the type used today. It has an LED light
on the bottom that senses how you move the mouse, which
moves the cursor on the screen to where you want it,

You can buy one with a cord or a wireless mouse.

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 BLUETOOTH WIRELESS
TECHNOLOGY

Bluetooth is a short-range
wireless connection that is used
in modern smartphones and
wireless devices.

It works up to 33 feet away.

It is used with Wireless Computer

devices like keyboards, a mouse,
headphones, speakers, etc.

A wireless mouse has a battery in

it and comes with a small USB
connector, called a Dongle that
uses Bluetooth technology to
send the signal to the computer

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 BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY

The symbol for Bluetooth technology

is a combination of the Nordic runes
for H and B, which refer to the 10th
century King, Harald Bluetooth.

Bluetooth technology is a short-

length, radio link that is meant to
unite devices the same way that
King Harald Bluetooth united the
tribes of Denmark into a single
kingdom.

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 COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer software is the
key to productive use of
computers.

Software can be categorized

into 2 types:

1. APPLICATION SOFTWARE,
like Word Processing (Word or
WordPad), Spreadsheets
(Excel or Google sheets),
E-mail programs (Outlook or
G-mail)

2. OPERATING SYSTEM
SOFTWARE, like Windows 10
or 11.
 THE OPERATING SYSTEM

An operating system is the most important

software that runs on a computer.

Ours is Windows 10 (or 11 on newer PC computers)

It manages the computer's memory & processes, as well as

all of its software and hardware.

It also allows you to communicate with the computer

without knowing how to speak the computer's language.

Without an operating system, a computer is useless.

Information about Operating Systems will be discussed

in the presentation about Windows 10.

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 Modern operating systems use a Graphical User Interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey).

A GUI lets you use your Touchpad or Mouse to click on icons, buttons, and menus, and everything
is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination of images 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 9/5/2023
same. 31
MAC OS is a line of operating systems created by Apple.

It comes preloaded on all new Macintosh computers, or Macs.

According to StatCounter Global Stats, Mac OS X users account for about 20% of global
operating systems—much lower than the percentage of Windows users. 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 X over Windows.

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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 StatCounter Global Stats, Linux users account for 2.1% of global operating
systems. However, most servers run Linux because it's relatively easy to customize.

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WHO USES LINUX? - YOU PROBABLY ALREADY USE LINUX, WHETHER YOU KNOW IT OR
NOT.

Companies and individuals choose Linux for their servers because it's secure, flexible, and you can
receive excellent support from a large community of users,

It is also the background Operating System for many devices you probably own, such as:

▪ Between 33% to 67% of the webpages on the Internet are generated by servers, running Linux.

▪ 85% of all smartphones

▪ Chromebook laptop computers

▪ Personal video recorders

▪ Digital cameras

▪ Electronic wearable devices

▪ Your car has Linux running under the hood

▪ The 9/5/2023
world’s top 500 fastest supercomputers all run on Linux. 34
 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.

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WHAT IS AN APPLICATION?
You may have heard people talking about using
a program, an application, or an app. But what
exactly does that mean?

Simply put, an app is a type of software that allows

you to perform specific tasks.

Applications for desktop or laptop computers are

sometimes called desktop applications, while
those for mobile devices are called mobile apps.

Usually, they can be downloaded inexpensively

or free.

Watch the video below to learn more about

applications.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gMOYZoMtEs
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&feature=emb_logo 1.5 min
 DESKTOP APPLICATIONS

There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several
categories.

Some are full featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may
only do one or two things (like a clock or calendar app).

WORD PROCESSORS: A word processor allows you to write a

letter, design a flyer, and create many other types of documents.
Examples: WordPad and Microsoft Word.

MEDIA PLAYERS - This may already be in your computer.

If you want to listen to music, someone talking in a Podcast, or

watch movies you've downloaded, you'll need to use a media
player, which is free software that you can download to your
computer.

For the Windows Media Player, go to www.Microsoft.com

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GAMES - There are many types of games you can play on your computer.

They range from card games like Solitaire to action games like Halo.

Many action games require a lot of computing power, so they may not work unless you
have a newer computer.

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MOBILE APPS

Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run applications.

You can also download apps for mobile devices like smart phones and tablets. Here are a few
examples of mobile apps.

Gmail: You can use the Gmail app to easily view and send emails from your mobile device. It's
available for Android and iOS (Apple) devices.

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 WINDOWS AND BROWSER UPDATES

The Microsoft company regularly provides

free updates to download and install
patches to fix bugs, vulnerabilities, or
improve the overall experience for using
your PC computer or device.

Keeping your Windows 10 (or 11) operating

system and any Microsoft programs
updated, is one of the most important steps
in protecting yourself from viruses,
malware, and other Internet security
threats.

Be sure to accept any “OK to update ?”

message from Microsoft or from one of
the Internet browsers you use, such
as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Usually, this process happens automatically,

as long as you keep your computer on,
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 How to Properly Turn the Computer off

The computer should be turned off by closing all the software being used (Wordpad,
Word,etc.), and making sure you saved all of your documents, before turning off the power.

NEVER TURN THE COMPUTER OFF BY PRESSING THE POWER BUTTON !

X!
To shut down the computer, click on the “Start” (also called the Microsoft) button on the
lower left corner of the screen (or on the bottom left side of the keyboard), click on
“Power”, and then click on “Shut down”. If you will use it again soon, click on Sleep.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u
9/5/2023
GI00HV7Cfw
45
 THE END

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