Computer Basics: Hardware and Peripherals

• GIGO means garbage in, garbage out
• Dropdown box is also known as a combobox
• MySQL is a type of database
• CPU stands for central processing unit, and processes all the data.
• Internal storage is built into the computer's hard drives.
• External storage includes cloud storage, flash drives, and memory cards.
• The Internet of Things involves devices communicating with each other, like school computers connecting to a server or Alexa.
• Communication requires a network

Connecting Monitors

• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a newer model that transmits graphics and sounds and is smaller than VGA.
• VGA only transmits graphics via a blue cable and is being replaced by HDMI.

Printers

• Toner is a powder used in laser printers.
• Toner is cheaper than ink because more can be printed per cartridge.
• Ink printers print slower than laser printers.
• Laser printers print in higher quality than ink printers.
• Ink tank printers are cheaper than ink cartridge printers.
• Ink cartridge printers are the most expensive type of printer

Connecting and Using Printers

• Plug and Play hardware can be plugged into a computer and used immediately; the driver installs automatically.
• A driver, software, controls the hardware.
• Printer drivers need to be installed to print.
• A software program is needed to perform the output.
• Printing can be done from a device or by attaching it to a computer.

Memory (RAM - Random Access Memory)

• Memory is not permanent and is volatile, so it gets wiped.
• It has less space than storage because it doesn't store things permanently.
• Only programs that are currently open use memory.
• Electronic to electronic transmission is much faster.
• HDD (Hard Disk Drive) has moving parts and is more susceptible to physical damage.
• A Program is an executable file.
• Computers include laptops, smartphones, tablets, and desktops, which are multi-purpose devices for the information processing cycle: receive input, process input, produce output, store/communicate.
• Computers need electricity.
  • Laptops, smartphones, and tablets are portable and use batteries that need charging.
  • Desktop computers need a constant supply of electricity.

Information Processing Cycle

• Computing devices receive input.
• Then the input is processed.
• Output is then produced.
• Often output needs to be stored for later or communicated to another computing device or person.
• Hardware includes the mouse, keyboard, and printer, which are physical parts of computers that can be seen and touched.
• Peripherals are separate pieces of hardware that connect to a computer to add functionality.

Input

• Input: Data/instructions, programs, commands, are given to computing devices by the user
• App: A set of instructions loaded into memory, responds to commands given by the user
• Keyboard: Lets the user type data into the application being used and gives instructions to the computer.
• Mouse: Used for GUI (Graphical User Interface) and to interact with graphics on the screen.
• Pointing device (touchpad): Any kind of input device used to move a pointer around.

Mouse actions

• Click: Selects an option or an object, such as a file or folder.
• Double-click: Starts a program or open a file or folder.
• Right-click: Opens a pop-up menu with options or actions relevant to the object one right-clicks on.
• Drag: Moves an object from one location to another.
• Scroll: Allows scrolling in lists, long documents, or web pages without moving the mouse to the right of the screen.
• Keyboard & mouse combinations: Pressing and holding keys (Shift, Alt, Ctrl) can change the meaning of a mouse click (Zoom in or out by holding down the Ctrl key and rotating the mouse wheel).

Output

• Computing devices produce and provide a result of processing.
• Monitors/screen: (LCD/LED monitors) are modern desktop monitors.
  • Size: Measured diagonally in inches, corner to corner.
  • Resolution: Number of pixels used to form a screen, measured horizontally & vertically.
  • Response time: How fast screen updates; measured in milliseconds, smaller is better.

Graphics Cards

• Graphics Processing Unit/Graphics card is specialized circuitry that generates images. - Cheaper desktops & laptops use GPU built into CPU using the computer's memory, which results in less memory.

• Graphics-intensive tasks need dedicated, high-end graphics cards built-in.

Connecting Monitors

• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) transmits both Sound and Graphics.
• VGS only transmits graphics

Printers

• Inkjet & Ink Tank:* Sprays microscopic dots of ink onto paper, that gets absorbed into fibres of paper:
  • Inkjet: Use ink cartridges that include ink and a printhead mechanism. Cartridges have to be replaced when the ink runs out.
  • Ink tank: separate printhead and ink tank with larger containers for liquid ink; ink lasts longer and is more economic because adds ink when it runs out.
• Laser:* Transfers toner to paper using static electricity, heat, and pressure
  • Fast and cost-efficient, high-quality printouts, ink can't dry and clog
• 3D printers:* Melts plastic wire (filament), squeezes a thin amount out of a fine nozzle to make different layers.
• Default setting/value computer uses, unless changed.

Changing Default Printer

• 1. Go to control panel/settings through start menu
• 2. Locate printer option to see which printers are installed. A tick/word "default" by the printer shows its default printer.
• 3. Click/right-click on the applicable printer and choose option to make it default.

Printer Queues

• When a print task gets sent to a printer, it gets temporarily stored on the computer's main storage until it's ready to print (placed in queue)
• Go to printer via control panel/settings/clicking printer icon in notification area
• Right-click on the print task and cancel, pause/restart the printing

Storage versus Memory

• Storage: A permanent place to keep data and programs.
• Memory/RAM (volatile): Temporary place to keep data and programs while app is being used.

Electronic Storage Devices

• Electronic:
  • Devices: SSD (Solid State Drive), flash drive, memory card, smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
  • Operation: Completely electronic, no moving parts.
  • Robustness: Robust - not easily damaged by being dropped or moved while in use.
  • Data transfer speed: Transfer of data between an electronic storage device and RAM is much faster than between a magnetic storage device and RAM.
  • Physical size: Small.
  • Cost: More expensive per GB than magnetic storage.
  • Power: Uses less power than magnetic storage devices.

Magnetic Storage Devices

• Magnetic:
  • Devices: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) - hard drive inside the computer case, external/portable hard drives.
  • Operation: Spinning disks which store data as magnetic patterns on the surface of one or more disk platters.
  • Robustness: Sensitive - must not be dropped or moved while working; otherwise, it gets damaged and loses data.
  • Physical size: Varies, but generally larger than electronic storage devices.

Additional storage information

• 1000 (1024) bytes = 1KB, 1000KB = 1MB, 1000MB = 1GB, 1000GB = 1TB.
• Main storage is measured in GB and TB and stores programs and data.
• Cheaper laptops and desktops use hard drives
• Expensive laptops and desktops use SSD
• Cloud: Computers and storage space made available through the internet to access files from anywhere.
• Portable storage doesn't need a separate power supply, but large external hard drives do.

Connecting External Devices

• Peripheral devices connect with a wired cable or wireless radio signals.
• Wired connections use cables that plugs into ports.
• Ports are sockets on the computer that connect peripherals to them.
• USB: Most common and versatile wired connection for peripherals, provides data transfer and power delivery
• USB hubs: function as adaptor
• Wireless connection enables communication between computing devices and peripherals without cables.
• Bluetooth is short distance using radio waves.
  • Advantages: Less clutter, wider range of movement, no wired mouse;
  • Disadvantages: Requires batteries, more expensive than wired devices; many wireless devices in one room = interference with each other; devices might stop working.
• Pairing: Process devices go through before communicating with each other.

Software

• Software (programs and applications): Set of instructions that tells computer what to do
• Application software: group of programs that perform specific tasks for users, separately purchased

Types of Software and Their Uses

• Graphics and Design: Used to create and manipulate images (graphics) on the screen. (CorelDRAW, Canva, Adobe Photoshop, etc.)
• Word Processor: Used to create, edit, format, and print text-based documents. (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, etc.)
• Spreadsheet: Used to perform tasks based on calculations and create charts/graphs. (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Apple Numbers, etc.)
• Database: Used to store data in an organized manner, manipulate the data, and process the data into information. (Microsoft Access, OpenOffice Base)
• Presentation Software: Combines text, sound, and graphics (including animation) into a presentation, often in a slideshow format. (Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, OpenOffice Impress, etc.)
• Communication Software: Allows users to communicate electronically with other users on a network. (Gmail, WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)
• Desktop Publishing (DTP): Allows users to lay out documents professionally with both text and graphics to produce publications such as books, magazines, and newspapers. (Microsoft Publisher, Affinity Publisher, Adobe InDesign)
• Games: Allows users to enact roles and have adventures in virtual worlds either alone or with friends in an online community, with realistic 3D graphics and sound effects. (League of Legends, Grand Theft Auto, World of Warcraft, etc.)
• Web Authoring Software: Used in the design and creation of websites. (Adobe Dreamweaver, WordPress, Weebly, Joomla, Wix)
• Web Browser: Used to access and view web pages on the internet. (Edge, Opera, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome)
• Financial Applications: Records and reports financial transactions and runs accounting systems and budgets. (Pastel Accounting, Microsoft Money Plus Sunset, Quicken, QuickBooks)
• Office Suites/Software: collection of productivity software applications, come in bundle (used in office/business setting).
• Suites:
• Microsoft 365, Office 2021 has: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Google Workspace: Online office suite including Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Gmail.
• iWork: Suite of apps designed for Apple's macOS and iOS, which includes Pages, Numbers and Keynote.
• LibreOffice: Free and open-source office suite, including Writer, Calc, Impress and Draw.
• System software (operating system): intended to control, support, or operate the computer, manages user interface
• (Windows 11 & 10, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux): is the most important program on a computer; it controls all activities and loads when the computer is switched on.
• Functions of Operating System:
  • Managing hardware & software: Provides instructions on how to do basic tasks like loading files.
  • Maintain security: Creates user accounts, each with a username and password.
  • Provides user interface: Allows users to interact/communicate with the computer & programs.
• Interface: The way content is arranged and presented on the screen.
• An arrow next to a command indicates a drop-down menu of extra options.
• Dialog box: a small window that allows communication between computer and the user.
• Combo boxes: Allow user to choose from a listof options
• Check boxes: Select/deselect more than one option
• Command button: Performs commands when clicked on
• Accessories: pre-installed single-purpose apps. • Snipping tool: captures/copies picture on screen.
• Calculator: provides different types of calculators & conversions.
• Clock & calendar: tracks time & data.
• Screenshots and cropping (for phone): Quick note; keypress combination; press two buttons

Data Versus Information

• Data (learner's number and marks): unprocessed facts/items.
• Information (number and marks in a report): result of processing data to be useful and meaningful.
• Booting: Process where the operating system loads automatically when a computer starts.
• Logging in: Process of getting access to the programs and data on the computer.
• Requires authentication to verify identity:

1. Username & password.
2. PIN
3. Swiping pattern.
4. Biometric security (fingerprint and face ID): scans parts to recognize biological features

• Desktop: Is the first basic "screen" of the operating system.
• Runs across the bottom of the screen and gives quick access to frequently used apps and system functions -Start button: Access various features and apps, includes programs, settings and files -Taskbar icons: Displays open apps; indicated by line underneath/ highlighted; provides quick access to them
• Notification area: Offers quick access to various settings and functions.

Restoring Files from Recycle Bin

• 1. Open Recycle Bin: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop.

2. Find the File: Look for the file(s) need restoring.
3. Restore: Right-click on the file and select Restore; the file goes back to its original location.

• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Allows user to interact with computing device and make selections and perform actions through use of graphical elements. All modern software uses GUI

Common Mouse Actions

• Clicking: Resting the pointer on an object and clicking the left button once (Single tap)
• Double-clicking: Quickly clicking the left button twice (Double tap)
• Right-clicking: Clicking the right button instead of the left button (Press and hold briefly, and release)
• Dragging: Clicking on an object, holding down the left button and moving the mouse (Press, hold and drag to move an icon or to select text)
• Scrolling: Press two fingers lightly on the screen (Some apps allow scrolling with one finger.)
• Zooming: Place two fingers on the screen and stretch to zoom in or pinch to zoom out.

WINDOWS

• Windows program: Programs written to run on a computer that has a Windows operating system.
• Window: When program starts, the space on the screen that displays feedback/output from the program. • Ribbon: Combination of menus and toolbars. • Title bar: Shows the name of the document open • Minimize, Maximize and Close buttons • Scrollbars: Let you scroll to see otherwise non-visible parts through the size of the window
• Ergonomics: The study & design of workplace & equipment used in workplace for comfort & safety of people in their work environment.
• Repetitive Strain Injury (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome): Eyesight problems, stiffness of back, tiredness resulting from fast, repetitive actions

Health Tips for Using Computers

• Equipment:
  • Adjust height of seat/table.
  • Keep mouse & keyboard close together and within easy reach.
  • Use ergonomically designed equipment.
  • Ensure lighting and ventilation are adequate. Make sure monitor is spaced far enough away
• Not Equipment:
  • Avoid slouching/hunching.
  • Take breaks from screens. -Keep feet flat on the ground.
• Greencomputing: Using computers in a way that is sensitive to the environment
• Practice green computing
  • Switch off computer
• Use draft/economic mode when printing (less ink/toner)
• Repair/upgrade broken hardware
  • Avoid unnecessary printing
• Electronic waste: Outdated/broken electronic equipment containing toxic chemicals, harmful to the environment and people
• File: Collection of data/information stored on a computer.
• Folder: Locations that store files and other folders. -Subfolder: Folder inside another folder
• Address bar: Shows the path of the current folder
• Right pane, Where contents or drive are shown

File Explorer

• Choose column headings by right-clicking on the column heading, and change
• Name
• Date modified
• Type of file
• Size of file (KB)
• Tips for Planning Logical Folder Structure: -Meaningful Folder Names
• Logical flows for Folders
• Start with Main Categories needed
• Refine leveling

File names (3 parts)

• Given name (User given)
• Extension (Dot/Fullstop)
• (½ letter code) File extension: Identifies the file type, automatically added by program when file is saved, system states what type of program opens the file
• Program: Executable file

Files path

• Sequence of folders, location path of file, letter drive is used for separating folders
• ICT: Combination of hardware, software, data, processors & people
• In computing, the user collects data, data stored, communicated or processed immediately
• Can be sent for further Communication, Retrieval or Storage
• Created from other sent communications
• Information: Manipulated/processed data
• Communication: Data/information from one another
• Technology: System Technologies (Hardware and Software) Internet and communication resources

Multi-purpose computing devices

• Can run different apps to perform wide variety of tasks. Such as laptops, tablets, servers and smartphones
• Laptops & Tablets
  • Use of batteries, as they are low power consuming
  • Built in keyboard and screen
  • Laptops include keyboard and Mousepad but Tablets don't
• Desktop computers
  • Separated parts; boxframe with system units and input and output device
• The screen and computer box are all in one with all-in-one
• Smart Phones Have own operating system Pre Installed apps to increase functionality
• Convergence; Needed technology with differend equipment is combined to what device

Servers

• Provide services and resources by computer device in network Dedicated devices (printer, ATM, fitness tracker, robots in factories): The only performance done is by one task

• Point of Sale Scans through the bill point at increased speed

• Scans are at till point and bar codes with POS

• Database and till inventory

Benefits

• Speed with system • Less money (less people work)

• Economic Reasons For Using Computer • Fast does more task efficiently • People more reliable • Reduce cost needed for all resources
• Ethical Use Of Computer - Be honest when using to prevent harm • Preventing fake news • Using other ideas from the internet • Not stealing • Be more eco-friendly