Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the four main functions of a computer system?
What are the four main functions of a computer system?
Input, Process, Output, Storage
Which of the following describes a byte?
Which of the following describes a byte?
The main types of computers include desktops, laptops, tablets, and ________.
The main types of computers include desktops, laptops, tablets, and ________.
cell phones
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
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The main goal of AI in the 1950s was to create machines that could think like humans.
The main goal of AI in the 1950s was to create machines that could think like humans.
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Which statement about computer literacy is true?
Which statement about computer literacy is true?
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Match the following types of printers with their descriptions:
Match the following types of printers with their descriptions:
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What is the function of the motherboard in a computer?
What is the function of the motherboard in a computer?
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Which of the following is a type of portable storage?
Which of the following is a type of portable storage?
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What does 'computer ethics' refer to?
What does 'computer ethics' refer to?
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What is an operating system (OS)?
What is an operating system (OS)?
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Which of the following are types of user interfaces?
Which of the following are types of user interfaces?
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Which operating systems are among the top three for personal computers?
Which operating systems are among the top three for personal computers?
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Linux is a closed-source operating system.
Linux is a closed-source operating system.
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What is a real-time operating system (RTOS)?
What is a real-time operating system (RTOS)?
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What does BIOS manage during the boot process?
What does BIOS manage during the boot process?
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File History is a utility program for system performance in Windows.
File History is a utility program for system performance in Windows.
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The collection of program instructions or data stored on permanent storage device is called a ______.
The collection of program instructions or data stored on permanent storage device is called a ______.
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What is the purpose of a device driver?
What is the purpose of a device driver?
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Which of the following are considered utility programs?
Which of the following are considered utility programs?
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What is Moore’s Law?
What is Moore’s Law?
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What is the function of RAM?
What is the function of RAM?
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Which types of storage drives are mentioned?
Which types of storage drives are mentioned?
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What should you do before donating an older computer?
What should you do before donating an older computer?
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Match the following operating systems with their type:
Match the following operating systems with their type:
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How did the Internet get its start?
How did the Internet get its start?
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What is the role of a client in a client/server network?
What is the role of a client in a client/server network?
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What identifies computers on the Internet?
What identifies computers on the Internet?
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Which of the following are considered tools for collaboration on the web? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are considered tools for collaboration on the web? (Select all that apply)
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What is the primary means of communication over the Internet?
What is the primary means of communication over the Internet?
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Which e-commerce model involves transactions between businesses? (Select one)
Which e-commerce model involves transactions between businesses? (Select one)
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Secure sockets layer protocol is used to check for secure websites.
Secure sockets layer protocol is used to check for secure websites.
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A URL is composed of different parts that identify the web ______.
A URL is composed of different parts that identify the web ______.
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What protocol is used for transferring files over the Internet?
What protocol is used for transferring files over the Internet?
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What is the purpose of a Personal Information Manager (PIM)?
What is the purpose of a Personal Information Manager (PIM)?
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Which of the following is not a type of productivity software? (Select one)
Which of the following is not a type of productivity software? (Select one)
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Open source software is often free to use.
Open source software is often free to use.
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Which of the following describes the features of application software? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following describes the features of application software? (Select all that apply)
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What is the function of the operating system?
What is the function of the operating system?
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How does an operating system help users interact with the computer?
How does an operating system help users interact with the computer?
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Study Notes
The Internet and How It Works
- The Internet is a network of networks
- The Internet started as a secure form of communications for computers
- Developed by the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET)
How the Internet Works
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The Internet functions through a client/server network
- Clients request data from servers
- Servers respond to requests and send back data
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The Internet backbone is made up of high-speed data lines that connect major networks
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The Internet Protocol (IP) is used to send data packets between networks
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The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) ensures data packets are delivered
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Domain Names Systems (DNS) are used to translate website names into IP addresses### The Internet and How it Works
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Computers identify each other using unique IP addresses
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Each website has a unique IP address
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Text versions of IP addresses are often used
Collaborating and Communicating on the Web
- Web 2.0 is characterized by social media
- Social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn require privacy precautions to be taken.
Collaborating with Web Technologies
- Wikis are web-based documents that can be collaboratively edited
- Blogs are weblogs that can be used to share thoughts, experiences, and information.
- Vlogs are video logs that use similar concepts as traditional blogs
- Microblogs are short blogs, like Twitter, that allow for brief updates and messages.
- Podcasts distribute audio or video files through RSS (Really Simple Syndication).
- Aggregators are used to collect and display content from multiple sources, including podcasts.
- Webcasts are used to broadcast audio and video content over the internet.
- Media sharing platforms such as YouTube, Flickr, Instagram, and Sound Cloud make it easy to share photos, videos, and music online.
Communicating over the Web
- E-mail is the primary means of asynchronous communication.
- Web-based email and desktop email clients are both available options.
- Real-time communication can be achieved through texting, instant messaging, and Voice over IP (VoIP).
Conducting Business on the Web
- B2C (Business-to-Consumer): Businesses sell products or services directly to consumers.
- B2B (Business-to-Business): Businesses sell products or services to other businesses.
- C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer): Consumers sell products or services to other consumers.
E-Commerce Safeguards
- To protect yourself from online scams, look for secure websites with an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol.
- Use reputable sites and pay with credit cards rather than debit cards.
- Always review the return policy before making a purchase.
- Avoid using public computers for online shopping.
Web Browsers
- Web browsers are programs that allow you to access and view websites.
- They are available as graphical browsers with features like tabs, bookmarks, and search bars.
URLs, Protocols, and Domain Names
- Every website has a unique address known as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).
- URLs are composed of parts that identify the web document.
- Common protocols include Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
- Domain names are used to quickly and easily identify websites, and they have a top-level domain (TLD) which indicates the type of organization or country.
Navigating the Web
- Hyperlinks allow you to follow online connections to other resources.
- A breadcrumb trail is a series of links that shows how you arrived at a particular webpage, making it easy to navigate back.
- Bookmarks/Favorites are used to save links to webpages for easy access.
- History tracks your browsing activity, allowing you to revisit previously visited websites.
- Tagging/social bookmarking enables users to categorize websites on their own or collaborate with others.
Using Search Engines
- Search engines allow you to find specific information by entering keywords.
- Search engines use a spider to crawl the web and an indexer to organize the gathered data.
- Specialized search engines focus on specific subject areas.
- Metasearch engines gather results from multiple search engines for a comprehensive overview.
Obtaining Better Search Results
- Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) allow users to refine search results.
- Searching for an exact phrase produces more accurate results.
- Using a "site:" operator limits searches within a specific website.
- Wildcards can be used to include multiple variations of a word in search queries.
Evaluating Websites
- It is essential to consider the authority, bias, relevance, audience, and the quality of links when assessing website credibility.
- Authority refers to the source's reliability and expertise.
- Bias refers to any partiality or prejudice that may affect the information presented.
- Relevance ensures the content directly relates to the searched topic.
- Audience indicates who the website is intended for and whether it is appropriate for your needs.
- Checking the quality and reliability of links can help determine the overall reliability of a website.
Digital Activism
- Digital activism leverages online tools to raise awareness about various issues, such as the #IceBucketChallenge and #MeToo movements.
- The effectiveness of digital activism is debated, as it may create a false sense of involvement.
Geolocation
- Smartphones are equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System) chips that allow for geolocation tracking.
- Location data is used by advertising networks to target specific individuals.
- Geolocation can raise privacy concerns, as it may track individuals without their consent, and there are currently no specific laws to address these issues.
Application Software
- Application software is a set of instructions that allows users to perform tasks on their computer.
- Two main types of application software exist: commercial/proprietary and open source.
Distributing Software
- Proprietary software is commercially available, often licensed, and requires payment.
- Open source software is free to use, distribute, and modify.
- Software can be distributed via local installation, SaaS (Software as a Service), or subscription models.
Purchasing Software
- Software can be purchased from physical stores or downloaded online.
- Student discounts and freeware (free software with some limitations) are also available.
- Beta versions are pre-release versions of software that are used for testing and feedback.
Installing and Uninstalling Software
- Before installing software, ensure the system requirements are met.
- A restore point can be created before installing software to revert to a previous state in case of issues.
- Full installation installs all components of the program, while custom installation allows users to select specific components.
- Recovery drive and other tools can be used to recover data and restore a computer system after a crash.
- Software can be uninstalled through the computer's control panel or through the software's own uninstaller program.
Upgrading Software
- Software upgrades are not typically required for subscriptions or SaaS.
- Upgrading existing software should be considered based on its cost-effectiveness.
- Software updates or patches are provided to address bugs and security issues.
Software Licenses
- Software licenses, often defined in an End User License Agreement (EULA), govern the use, distribution, and ownership of software.
- EULAs typically specify the number of copies allowed, the number of installations permitted, warranty information, and copyright details.
- Copyleft is a licensing model that allows for free distribution and modification of software while ensuring open source principles.
Productivity Software
- Productivity software helps perform various tasks at home, work, or school.
- Popular proprietary options include Microsoft Office and Apple iWork.
- Open source alternative: LibreOffice
- Web-based options include Microsoft Office Online, Google Docs, Zoho, and ThinkFree.
Word Processing
- Word processing software creates and edits documents.
- Common options include Microsoft Word and LibreOffice Writer.
Spreadsheet
- Spreadsheet software performs calculations and analyzes numerical data.
- Microsoft Excel and LibreOffice Calc are often used for spreadsheet tasks.
Presentation Software
- Presentation software is used to create slideshows.
- Good presentations use images, appropriate color schemes, bullet points for key points, and minimal animations and background audio.
- Examples include PowerPoint and Google Slides.
Database Software
- Database software stores and organizes data in a structured format.
- Databases are organized into fields (individual data elements), records (collections of related fields), and tables (groups of related records).
- Popular options include Access and FileMaker Pro.
Note-Taking Software
- Note-taking software allows users to capture and organize notes, tasks, and ideas.
- OneNote and Evernote are popular note-taking tools.
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
- PIM software manages emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks.
- Outlook is a popular PIM tool.
- Web-based PIMs include options from Yahoo! and Google.
Productivity Software Features
- Wizards walk users through step-by-step tasks.
- Templates provide pre-designed forms.
- Macros are small programs that automate a series of commands.
Personal Financial Software
- Personal financial software assists with managing daily finances.
- Tools include electronic checkbook registers, automatic bill payment, and tax preparation programs like TurboTax and H&R Block Tax.
Business Software
- Small businesses typically use software for accounting, desktop publishing, and web authoring.
- Large and specialized businesses use vertical market software designed for particular industries, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programs, home or landscape planning software.
Digital Multimedia Software
- Digital multimedia software comprises digital image, video editing, and digital audio software.
- It is used to create computer games, animations and movies.
Image Editing Software
- Image editing software allows for editing photos and creating visual effects.
- Popular programs include Adobe Photoshop and GIMP.
Video Editing Software
- Video editing software is used to refine and create videos.
- Programs include Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro.
Drawing Software
- Drawing software enables users to create technical diagrams, animations, and two-dimensional line-based drawings.
- Examples include: Adobe Illustrator and Inkscape.
Digital Audio Software
- Digital audio files include downloaded music, audiobooks, and podcasts.
- Compressed formats (MP3, AAC, WMA) and uncompressed formats (WAV, AIFF) are used for storing audio files.
- Digital audio workstation software is used to create, edit, and mix audio.
- Audio editing software is used to correct the audio and create special effects.
App Creation Software
- App creation software provides development environments for building apps that can run on mobile devices.
- Options include: App Inventor, Thunkable, Corona SDK, Unity, and RPG Maker.
Educational and Reference Software
- Educational and reference software includes a variety of tools, such as test preparation programs, simulations, trip planning tools, home design software, course management systems, and genealogy software.
Operating System Fundamentals
- The operating system (OS) is the core software that manages a computer's hardware and software.
- Utility programs aid in system maintenance and management.
Operating System Functions
- The OS manages computer hardware, allows application software to communicate with the CPU, and manages, schedules, and coordinates tasks.
User Interface
- The user interface determines how users interact with the computer.
- Common UI types include command-driven, menu-driven, and graphical user interface (GUI).
- Different Operating System Categories
- OS categories include single-user or multi-user and single-task or multi-task systems.
Operating Systems for Personal Use
- Top personal computer operating ssytems: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Mobile operating systems: Android, iOS, and Windows.
- Web-based operating systems: Chrome OS.
Operating Systems for Machinery, Networks, and Business
- Real-time OS (RTOS) is used for machines performing specific tasks at precise times.
- Multiuser operating systems, like Unix, enable multiple users to access the computer simultaneously.
The User Interface
- The user interface enables users to interact with the computer via graphical elements, menus, and icons.
Hardware Coordination
- The OS handles events and interrupts, manages memory and storage, and manages hardware and peripheral devices.
- Preemptive multitasking allows the OS to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, while spooling directs data to peripheral devices.
- The OS uses memory management to allocate RAM and leverage virtual memory if necessary.
- Device drivers allow for communication between the OS and hardware devices.
- Plug and Play (PnP) simplifies hardware installation.
- Roll Back helps revert to previous system settings if needed.
Software Application Coordination
- The API (Application Programming Interface) uses blocks of code recognized by the CPU to manage similar procedures. It is used for tasks like graphics, sound, and other system-level operations.
- Microsoft Direct X is an example of an API for graphics and multimedia tasks.
The Boot Process
- The boot process starts the computer and loads the OS.
- The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a low-level program that initializes hardware and tests it.
- The OS is then loaded into memory.
- Boot errors can be caused by problems with hardware, software, or the boot process itself.
- Common troubleshooting techniques include checking hardware connections, restarting the computer, and running diagnostic tests.
The Windows Interface
- The Windows interface typically features a desktop with icons, a start menu, a taskbar, and a system tray.
- The desktop is the main visual space for displaying icons and windows.
- The Start Menu provides access to programs, settings, and other system features.
- The Taskbar displays running applications and allows users to switch between them.
- The System Tray shows icons for notifications and system status.
Managing Files and Folders
- The OS helps maintain a structured file system for organizing data and using disk space efficiently.
- The hierarchical file system organizes files and folders in a tree-like structure.
- Files are stored as digital representations of data, and folders are used to group related files.
System Productivity Tools
- The OS offers tools to optimize system performance, back up files, and enhance accessibility.
- The operating system provides tools to manage disk space, monitor system performance, and troubleshoot errors.
- Backups are essential for protecting data from loss.
- Accessibility features help users with disabilities interact with the computer more easily.
The Boot Process
- BIOS manages the exchange of data between the OS and I/O devices, and loads the OS into RAM
- POST (Power-On Self-Test) verifies the connection and functionality of essential peripheral devices
- Loading the OS involves loading system files into RAM, including the kernel, which is an essential component of the OS
- Checking further configurations and customizations involves accessing the registry which contains configurations used by the OS and applications
The Windows Interface
- The Desktop is the primary working area
- The Taskbar displays open and favorite applications for easy access
- The Start Menu provides access to all applications and installed apps
- Pinning allows you to choose which applications appear as tiles on the Start Menu
- Virtual Desktops allow you to organize groups of windows into different displays
User Interfaces for Other OSs
- macOS and Windows are not compatible with each other but share similar functionality
- Linux interfaces are mostly based on familiar Windows and macOS paradigms
File Management
- Directory is a hierarchical structure containing the computer’s files, folders, and drives
- Root directory (C:) represents the top of the filing structure
- File is a collection of program instructions or data treated as a single unit and stored on a permanent storage device
- Folder is a collection of files
- File path is the location of a file, uses backlashes () in Windows, forward slashes (/) in Linux, and colons (:) in macOS
- File Explorer is the main tool for finding, viewing, and managing computer content, showing the location and content of every drive, folder, and file
- File name and extension (file type) are used to name files
- Copying, moving, and deleting files can be done using Open, Copy, Cut, Rename, and Delete functions in File Explorer
- Recycle bin temporarily stores deleted files
- File compression utility makes large files more compact, easier and faster to send, and is often built-in
Utility Programs
- Utility programs are incorporated into the OS like firewall and file-compression utilities, or standalone programs like antivirus, security, and freeware programs
- System performance utilities like Disk Cleanup, Task Manager, and Disk Defragmenter help improve system performance
- File and system backup utilities like File History and System Restore help protect data and recover from system failures
- Accessibility utilities are designed for users with special needs
Moore's Law
- New technologies emerge quickly
- Factors to consider:
- Speed
- Moore's Law (the observation that the number of transistors in an integrated circuit doubles roughly every two years)
- System components:
- DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
- Hard drive
Selecting a Computing Device
- There are many choices available, including:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Ultrabooks
- 2-in-1s
- Laptops
- Desktops
How the CPU Works
- The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is located on the motherboard and processes instructions, performs calculations, and manages the flow of information.
- Intel and AMD are major CPU manufacturers.
- The Machine cycle consists of four steps:
- Fetch – retrieves instructions from memory
- Decode – translates instructions into a form the CPU understands
- Execute – carries out instructions
- Store – saves results in memory
- The CPU has two key units:
- Control unit – manages and coordinates the CPU's operations
- Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) – performs mathematical and logical operations
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CPU processing power is influenced by:
- Clock speed – the speed at which the CPU processes data
- Overclocking – increasing the clock speed beyond the manufacturer's specifications
- Cores – the number of independent processing units within the CPU
- Parallel processing – executing multiple instructions simultaneously
- Cache memory – a small, fast memory that stores frequently used data
Measuring CPU Performance
- Benchmarks are software programs that measure CPU performance using certain criteria.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
- RAM (Random Access Memory) is short-term memory storage that is volatile, meaning data is lost when the computer is turned off.
- ROM (Read-Only Memory) stores critical startup instructions and is nonvolatile, meaning the data is retained even when the computer is off
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Types of RAM:
- DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3)
- DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4)
- DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5)
- Memory modules are often referred to as DIMMs (Dual Inline Memory Modules)
- SuperFetch preloads frequently used programs into system memory, making them faster to load.
- Resource monitor displays how computer resources are being used.
Adding RAM
- Adding RAM is limited by the motherboard's capacity.
- RAM installation is generally easy.
Types of Storage Drives
- Mechanical hard drives use spinning platters coated with magnetic material to store data as patterns of magnetized spots representing 1s and 0s. Access time refers to the time it takes to find and make data available.
- Solid state drives (SSDs) are faster and more reliable than hard drives due to their use of flash memory. They generate little heat, run silently, and use less power.
- Solid state hybrid drives (SSHDs) combine hard drives with flash memory, providing a balance of speed and capacity.
Storage Needs
- The amount of storage needed varies based on the type of data being stored (photos, videos, documents, etc.)
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RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology that combines multiple drives to increase storage capacity and reliability:
- RAID 0 – stripes data across multiple drives for faster performance but provides no data redundancy.
- RAID 1 – mirrors data across multiple drives, providing redundancy in case one drive fails.
Video Cards
- The quality of the graphics on your screen is determined by two components:
- Video card
- Monitor
-
Ports found on video cards include:
- HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
- DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
- DisplayPort adapter
- Video memory helps to store and manage image data, and Screen Resolution (found in Advanced Display Settings) determines the clarity and sharpness of the image.
- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a specialized processor designed to accelerate graphics-intensive tasks.
Sound Cards
- Speakers and a sound card are necessary to produce sound on a computer.
- 3D sound technology creates a more immersive listening experience by simulating the direction and location of sounds.
- Surround sound uses multiple speakers to surround the listener with sound.
- Dolby Digital 7.1 is a surround sound technology that uses 8 speakers to create a realistic and immersive soundscape.
- MIDI interface allows the computer to communicate with musical instruments.
Maintaining System Reliability
- Maintaining system reliability involves taking proactive steps to ensure smooth operation:
- Installing an antivirus program to protect against malicious software.
- Installing spyware and adware protection programs to prevent unwanted programs from tracking your online activity.
- Clearing out unnecessary files to free up disk space.
- Running Disk Defragmenter to optimize hard drive performance.
- Automating key utilities for regular system maintenance.
System Crashes
- If your computer crashes, these steps can be helpful:
- Try System Restore to revert to a previous state.
- Check the amount of RAM to make sure it's not running low.
- Investigate any error codes to identify the cause of the crash.
- Search with Google for solutions and information.
- Consider Windows Reset as a last resort to restore the system to its default settings.
Getting Rid of Your Old Computer
-
Before discarding an old computer, ensure that you remove all your data and consider these options:
- Recycling or donating to charitable organizations.
- Selling or trading for a newer model.
- Maintaining two systems (one for work and one for personal use) can be beneficial, but may also contribute to environmental impact due to hardware requirements and energy consumption.
- Donating computers requires removing all data before donation.
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