Understanding Computers: Hardware and Software

What is a Computer?

• A computer is a programmable electronic machine.
• It is used to store, retrieve, and process data.
• Computers are used for typing documents, sending e-mails, playing games, browsing the Internet, creating presentations, and listening to music or watching videos.

Types of Computers

• Types include desktop computers, laptops, Chromebooks, hybrid laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Computer Efficiency

• Computers offer the ability to work on projects quickly and are very accurate.
• They have a low failure rate and can store significant amounts of data and information.
• Computers can communicate with other computers.

Hardware vs. Software

• Hardware is any physical part of a computer that you can touch; the computer itself, the keyboard, or the mouse.
• Hardware includes all the computer's internal parts.
• Software is any set of instructions or programs that tells the hardware what to do and how to do it.
• Examples of software include web browsers, games, and word processors.
• Everything requires both hardware and software to function.

Personal Computers: PCs and Macs

• Personal computers come in two main styles: PC and Mac.
• Both are functional but have different looks and feels.
• The original IBM PC, introduced in 1981, started the PC style of computer.
• Other companies created similar computers called IBM PC Compatible, often shortened to PC.
• Microsoft Windows is the most common operating system for PCs.

Macintosh (Mac)

• The Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984.
• It was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI).
• All Macs are made by Apple and use the macOS operating system; Macs are usually more expensive than PCs.

Hybrid Laptop Computers

• Hybrid laptops have a removable monitor screen that can be used as a touch screen tablet like the Microsoft Surface.

Mobile Devices and Tablet Computers

• A mobile device is any type of portable handheld computer, like tablets, e-readers, and smartphones.
• Tablet computers known as Pads are portable but provide a different computing experience than laptops.
• Tablets come in two sizes 7 or 10 inch - measured on a diagonal, on the screen.
• Tablets lack physical keyboards, CD/DVD drives, or touchpads, instead of using a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation.
• Some newer tablets come with smartphone capabilities and are called Phablets.
• Keyboards may come with a Tablet, is part of a protective case,
• Wireless keyboard that can be used with the Tablet.

E-Book Readers

• E-book readers (e-readers) are similar to tablet computers but mainly for reading e-books, like Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Kobo.
• Most e-readers use an e-ink display.
• E-books can be read on tablets, smartphones, laptops, and desktops.
• E-Books often downloaded for free, from the Public library, other sites, and Amazon too.

Smartphones

• Smartphones connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or a cellular network with a data plan, including standard features of phone calls, voicemail, and text messaging.
• Smartphones use a touch-sensitive screen for a virtual keyboard and interaction with the display.
• Smartphones include a digital camera, play digital music and video files, and have GPS for driving directions.
• You can download audio and music from the Public Library, Amazon, and use Bluetooth to listen in the car or with head phones

Other Types of Computers

• Wearable technology includes devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches.
• Game consoles are specialized computers for playing video games on a TV.
• Many TVs now include apps for accessing online content.

Servers

• Servers are large, high-speed computers stacked to provide information to other computers on a network they are used to store and retrieve info.

Amount of Memory in Computers

• Bit: The smallest amount of memory, representing a 0 or a 1.
• Byte: Made of 8 bits, usually storing one character (letter, number, or symbol).
• Computer with 8 Megabytes can store to about 8 million characters.
• Kilobyte (KB): Approximately 1 Thousand Bytes.
• Megabyte (MB): Approximately 1 Million Bytes.
• Gigabyte (GB): Approximately 1 Billion Bytes.
• Terabyte (TB): Approximately 1 Trillion Bytes.
• One megabyte can hold approximately 768 pages of text information.

Hard Drive and SSDs

• Hard drives store software, documents, and other files permanently using long-term memory storage.
• The hard drive is where programs are stored and saved files are copied back to.
• The speed of the hard drive affects how fast a computer starts up and loads programs.
• Older hard drives use an electric motor to turn 1 or more platters where computer info is stored.
• Solid-state drives (SSDs) have replaced them in recent years.
• Samsung's Solid-State Drive (SSD) has 30 Terabytes (TB) of storage enough to store 5,700 full length, High Definition movies.

Advantages of Solid-State Memory Drives (SSDs)

• More durable and damage resistant.
• Faster speed than the older type of hard drives.
• Lighter, making laptops easier to carry.
• More efficient and reliable than older hard drives.
• Use less electricity, so the battery lasts longer.
• No moving parts to wear out, making them last longer.

Keyboard

• The keyboard is a main way to communicate with a computer.

The Mouse

• The mouse is another important tool for communicating with computers.
• With a mouse, you can point to objects on the screen, click on them, and move them.
• The optical mouse is the type used today, which has an LED light on the bottom to sense movement and move the cursor.
• Optical mice can be corded or wireless.

Bluetooth Wireless Technology

• Bluetooth is a short-range wireless connection is used in modern smartphones and wireless devices.
• Bluetooth works up to 33 feet away, is used with wireless computer devices like keyboards, mice, speakers, and headphones, etc.
• A wireless mouse has a battery in it and comes with a small USB connector, called a Dongle
• Dongle uses Bluetooth technology to send the signal to the computer.
• 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.

Computer Software

• Computer software enables you to work productively on computers.
• Software can be categorized into application software and operating system software.
• Application software includes Word Processing (Word or WordPad), Spreadsheets (Excel or Google sheets), or E-mail programs (Outlook or G-mail).
• Operating system software, like Windows 10 or 11.

The Operating System

• The operating system (Windows 10 or 11 on newer PC computers) is the most important software that runs on a computer.
• The OS manages the computer's memory, processes, software, and hardware.
• The OS allows you to communicate with the computer without needing to know the computer's language.
• Without an operating system, a computer is useless.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• Modern operating systems use a Graphical User Interface (GUI).
• A GUI allows you to use their Touchpad or Mouse to click on icons, buttons, and menus.
• A GUI displays a combination of images and text.
• Modern operating systems are easy to use despite various GUI looks, and basic principles are the same.

MAC OS

• MAC OS is a line of operating systems created by Apple, preloaded on all new Macintosh computers, or Macs.
• MAC OS X users account for for less than the percentage of Windows users, due to Apple computers are tend to be more expensive.

Linux

• Linux is a family of open-source operating systems that can be modified and distributed by anyone.
• Proprietary software like Windows can be modified only by the owning company.
• Linux is free, has many different versions, and accounted for 2.1% of global operating systems.
• Most servers run Linux because it's relatively easy to customize.

Mobile Operating Systems

• The OS discussed were designed to run on desktop and laptop computers.
• Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and MP3 players run operating systems that are designed specifically for mobile devices.
• Examples of mobile operating systems include Apple iOS and Google Android.

Applications

• An app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks.
• Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes desktop applications, while those for mobile devices are called mobile apps.
• Usually, they can be downloaded inexpensively or free.

Examples of Desktop Applications

• Desktop applications 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, such as WordPad and Microsoft Word.
• MEDIA PLAYERS already already be in your computer.: Used to listen to music/Podcasts, or watch movies.
• You can download Windows Media Player and the iTunes player.
• GAMES examples include card games like Solitaire to action games like Halo.
• Many action games require a lot of computing power, .

Mobile Apps

• Mobile apps are applications that can be downloaded for mobile devices smartphones and tablets.
• You can use the Gmail for Android and iOS (Apple) devices.

Windows and Browser Updates

• The Microsoft provides updates regularly, to download and install patches to fix bugs/vulnerabilities, or improve the overall experience for using your device.
• Keeping your Windows 10 (or 11) OS and any Microsoft programs updated protects you from viruses, malware, and other Internet security threats.
• Accept messages to update from Microsoft or from one of the Internet browsers you use, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
• Usually, this process happens automatically, as long as you keep your computer on, even in "Sleep" mode.

Shutting down a Computer Properly

• Turn off the computer by closing all being used (Wordpad, Word, etc.), and saving you documents - never turn the power off!
• Shut down the computer by pressing the Start button and pushing the power switch.