Introduction to Computers

Basic Operations [src]

By Paul Mullins: constructed image
Desktop Computer System
Original Basic_desktop_computer_system.svg published under CCA by user Vanessaezekowitz

Input

Input is whatever goes into the computer. Input can take a variety of forms, from commands you enter by keyboard to data from another computer (via a network connection) or device (via direct or network connection). A device that feeds data into a computer, such as a keyboard or mouse, is called an input device.

Output

Output is any information (data) that comes out of a computer. Output devices can be other computers, display screens, speakers, and printers.

Storage

Computer data storage is referred to as storage or memory, which can save digital data. Examples are RAM, hard disks, CDs, DVDs and removable flash memory sticks.

Permanent, or non-volatile, and storage devices do not require power to remember the data stored. Mass storage devices, like your hard disk, are non-volatile; a loss of power does not affect their ability to retain data. This category also includes ROM (Read Only Memory).

Temporary or volatile storage is more often called "memory". A loss of power means that any data stored will be lost irretrievably. When you are using an application, such as a word processor, the data (the document you are working on) is stored in RAM (Random Access Memory). If you lose power without explicitly saving your work, you will likely lose data.

The data loss from your work in RAM is only "likely" because many applications automatically save your work to permanent storage in a "temporary" file — kind of a work in progress — to avoid losing more than, say, ten minutes of work. No doubt you have seen such files. They appear and disappear automatically as you work on your permanent files. They often have names that start with the tilde (~) or include the string "tmp". The files, which are stored on the (permanent) disk, are called temporary because the application automatically creates it when you start editing and then deletes it when you exit the application.

Processing

The processor is the brain of a computer. It's also called the CPU (Central processing unit) and it is a microchip. For a non-programmer, this is where all the real action is. Programs just set the stage and direct the play. (In this off hand analogy, the play itself, in written form, would be most like a program.)

The processor actually performs very simple operations like basic arithmetic and comparing two values (but that may be like saying a stage actor just speaks, moves and emotes).

Despite it's apparent simplicity, the CPU does in fact run the show, controlling all of the peripherals while executing the current software commands.

Since we will return to this later, it is worth pointing out that the CPU itself receives input (perhaps "fetching" the next command to execute) and generates output (perhaps the result of adding two numbers). The CPU also has its own, very temporary, storage (the numbers to be added need to be stored somewhere, as does the result while it is being sent out of the CPU).

The CPU may also contain "level 1 cache" memory. This is like a very fast (and expensive) version of RAM that allows the CPU to have things it may need soon close at hand — we'll look at this more in the next module.

Tools for Using the Internet  

Many different tools are available for using the Internet. Each performs certain tasks or allows you to access different kinds of information and communications sites. The tools you are most likely to encounter include:

• E-mail clients allow you to send and receive electronic mail messages. To use e-mail on the Internet, you must first have access to the Internet and an e-mail account set up that provides you with an e-mail address.

For more about using electronic mail, see Zen and the Art of the Internet by Brendan P. Kehoe and A Beginner's Guide to Effective E-mail by Kaitlin Sherwood.

• Telnet software allows you to log into another computer system and use that system's resources just as if they were your own.
• Listserv software allows you to set up discussion groups or mailing lists on any subject of interest. Others subscribe to these groups if they are interested in the topic. Messages are sent to the listserv address and routed to the subscribers to read, ignore, delete or respond.
• FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is software that allows you to retrieve files from publicly accessible areas of other computers (called "anonymous FTP" access) or to share your files with others. Archie, short for Archives of Information, allows users to search for and discover particular files that are available through FTP sites.
• Gopher software connects you to Gopher servers. Gopher servers form a loose system of menu-driven information resources located all over the Internet. Before the emergence of the World Wide Web, Gopher was the most popular tool on the Internet. Veronica is an indexing tool that helps you locate Gopher resources.
• WAIS (pronounced "wayz") stands for Wide Area Information Server. WAIS, like Gopher, is designed to help users search for and retrieve information from remote databases on WAIS servers.
• Usenet is a news exchange service similar to electronic bulletin boards. Usenet is older than the Internet, but the two are commonly associated with one another since most Usenet traffic travels over the Internet.
• Internet Relay Chat (IRC) allows you to pass messages back and forth to other IRC users in real time, as you would on a citizens' band (CB) radio.
• World Wide Web browsers were developed to view sites on the World Wide Web. Due to its interactivity, graphic orientation, ease of use and other features, the Web has become the second most popular form of Internet communications behind e-mail. One reason is because sophisticated Web browsers can also perform most (but not all) of the functions of these other tools. For example, Telnet still runs in a separate application; WAIS requires special tools at the site: and e-mail is not yet fully integrated in any browser. Nonetheless, the power of the Web browsers has helped move the World Wide Web to center stage of Internet services.

How to Use Laptops

Four Parts:Setting Up Your Laptop Installing Software, Getting Online With Your Laptop, Living And Working With Your Laptop Community Q&A

Laptop or notebook computers are increasingly powerful, portable alternatives to smart phones and desktop computers for getting serious work done on the go. If you're moving up to your first laptop or just sitting down at an unfamiliar one, things might seem a little odd at first. Fear not - follow these steps for getting started with all laptops and we'll get you up and running like a pro in no time.

Part 1

Setting Up Your Laptop

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If you are using the laptop in your home, find an outlet and plug the charger in. Laptop computers run on batteries that can deplete rapidly, especially if you're using your laptop intensively. Unless you're somewhere remote or foreign where you absolutely have to go without, it's better to leave your laptop plugged in.

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Place the bottom part of the laptop on the table/desk you are sitting in front of. They're called "laptops" because they can go on your lap, but that doesn't mean that it's always the best or right place. Try to find a comfortable angle for your wrists and hands - this might mean moving the laptop around until you find the best position for you.

• Don't place your laptop on soft, fuzzy or shaggy surfaces that can block its vents. Most laptops have fan vents located on the sides and bottom that should be left unblocked for the laptop to run.
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Lift the lid to open up until the screen looks comfortable for you. Most laptops have some type of clasp or latch which allows the screen to open.

• If the laptop won't open, don't try to force it! Look for a latch instead. You shouldn't have to force the screen open.
• Do not pull back the lid too far. A 45 degree obtuse angle is the most the laptop should be open to. The lid or hinge mechanism may be damaged or broken if pulled back any further.
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Find the power button and turn it on. On most laptops, the power button is located slightly behind the keyboard. The power button is usually marked with the universal symbol for 'power on', a circle with a line going halfway through it.

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Wait for the laptop to boot up. Since laptops are designed for portability as well as computing power, your laptop may have specialized hardware that will cause it to take longer to boot up than a desktop or smart phone.

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Use the laptop's pointing device. On most computers, this is a flat, touch-sensitive area called a trackpad which will allow you to use your finger as your mouse. Simply slide one finger on the trackpad area to move the cursor.

• Many trackpads are multi-touch - using multiple fingers will produce different user interface actions than using just one. Experiment with your laptop by dragging one, two or three fingers across it and trying different 'gestures' or movements with your fingers.
• Lenovo laptops may use a small, red joystick-like button called a "trackpoint" located in the middle of the keyboard between the 'G' and 'H' keys. Use it just like a very sensitive joystick for just your finger.
• Some older laptops may have a trackball. Rolling the ball on a trackball will cause the mouse pointer to move around.
• Some laptops are equipped with a pen interface. A pen will be attached to the laptop in these cases. Hover the pen over the screen to move the pointer, and press the pen to the screen to click.
• Do you find laptop pointing devices tiny and difficult to use? You can always attach a mouse to a laptop. Locate the laptop's USB port and attach a mouse if you'd like to use one. The laptop will automatically recognize the mouse and make it ready for you to use.
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Use the trackpad's left click button as your primary mouse button. On most trackpads, you can click using a button located on the bottom left of the trackpad.

• Some trackpads may allow you to tap lightly on the pad surface to click. Experiment - you might discover additional functionality to your laptop you didn't know you had.
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Use the trackpad's right click button as the secondary mouse button. You'll do anything involving a "contextual menu" or a "right click" by just pressing the right click button located at bottom right of the trackpad.

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Locate your laptop's optical drive, if any. If your laptop is not a 'netbook' it probably has an optical drive which you can use to install software or play music. The optical drive is usually located on the right or left side of the laptop.

• In Windows and Mac OS, you can open the optical drive by pushing the small button on it, or by right-clicking the optical drive icon in your operating system and selecting "Eject".

Part 2

Installing Software

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Keep your laptop's software up to date. Your laptop probably came with some basic accessory software: a simple word processor, a calculator and maybe some basic photo sharing software. Laptops also have special software for controlling power and graphics; they'll will often require a lot of driver updates before they'll be ready to use. With a little know-how, you can add software to dramatically boost your laptop's capabilities — in many cases, for free.

• You will need to update your laptop's version of Windows if your laptop is Windows-based. Your Windows-based laptop might use Windows Update or the manufacturer's own software to update Windows.
• If you are using a Mac laptop, use MacOS's built-in upgrade option. On a Mac laptop these are usually easy to find.
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Install office software. For basic drafting and note-taking, your laptop's built-in software accessories will suffice, but for more serious academic or professional work, you're going to want a more full office suite.

• OpenOffice can do word processing, spreadsheets and presentations, similar to proprietary software like Microsoft Word - but for free.
• Use Google Docs as an online alternative to office suites. Google Docs is 'cloud-based' office software that offers a lot of the same functionality as OpenOffice or Microsoft Office. It's free to use and very powerful, in particular if you have to share documents with others.
• If you simply have to use Microsoft Office, you might be able to get it for free or a discount if you're a student. Check before you go down to the store and buy a copy.
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Install photo editing software to organize, touch up and share your photos. Your laptop may have come from the factory with some basic photo software. It's quick, easy and in some cases free to upgrade it.

• Use Photo Stream to organize and share your photos. If you have an iPhone or if your laptop is a Mac, you can follow our basic setup instructions to get Photo Stream up and sharing your photos.
• You can use Picasa to organize and share your photos. Picasa is made by Google and provides you with a lot of the basic tools you'll need to work with photos like cropping, retouching and even recoloring and making panoramas.

Part 3

Getting Online With Your Laptop

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If you don't have a home network set up, you'll need to do that first. Your laptop is a powerful portable computer by itself, but really using it to its full potential requires connecting to the Internet. Your laptop may have built-in software to make this easier as well.

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Most laptops have a socket somewhere on the back or side that fits an Ethernet cable. Plug in an Ethernet cable from your router or modem into this socket and your laptop should automatically recognize your connection.

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If you're using a Mac laptop, use Mac OS to connect your Mac to the Internet. Follow our directions and your Mac will be able to connect via Ethernet or wireless Internet.

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On a Windows laptop, use Windows to connect to the Internet. If you're plugging in a new or different wireless card into your laptop, you might need to use the software that came with your card rather than Windows' built-in wireless utility.

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While you're on the road or just outside of the house, you can often pick up wireless Internet for free. Schools, libraries and cafes often have free wi-fi for you to use, and you can often find wi-fi in places that might surprise you (like some supermarkets, banks and outdoor venues).

Part 4

Living And Working With Your Laptop

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Add a wireless mouse to your laptop. An external mouse can make it easier to work on your laptop - you won't need to pinch your wrists in at an angle to use the touchpad or mouse pad.

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Use your laptop in combination with another screen for a high-productivity two-screen workspace. You can arrange your laptop and your second screen as one big workspace, or set up your second screen to mirror what's on the laptop screen (useful if you're giving presentations).

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You can use your laptop to play movies and show photos on your TV. Some laptops in fact have HDMI or DV-I connections as well as DVD or Blu-Ray players that can provide high-resolution, HD video - just the ticket for playing movies or recorded TV shows on your friends' TVs.

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Connect your laptop to speakers and you've essentially got a huge, powerful, high-capacity MP3 player. Your laptop may even have digital audio, SPDIF or 5.1 surround outputs to provide high-fidelity audio.

• Your laptop may be able to connect to your car's audio system. Follow our how-to on connecting to car audio, but be careful - driving down the street at the same time that you're trying to click a tiny button your laptop to change the music is a really easy way to get into an accident.
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Laptops can be used as desktops. If you want to use the laptop as a desktop, it's as simple as hooking a monitor into the VGA socket, attaching a mouse and a keyboard and connecting speakers if desired.