Resources for Learning

Introduction to the Computer

General Introduction

This first module is intended for people who are very new to computers. You will learn some common terms for the different devices attached to your computer as well as devices inside of your computer. Before we do this, though, let's think about why you might wish to use a computer. Before going to the next page write down a few reasons you might want to use a computer. These could be specific activities (for instance, to write a letter), more broad objectives (to find a job), or other feelings (computers look like fun). Then turn the page and compare them to our list.

Activities

  • Write, edit and revise documents
  • Calculate numbers and figures for finances
  • Draw pictures or record music

Broad Objectives

  • Communicate with friends and family
  • Find a job
  • Gain a better education
  • Learn to problem solve

Feelings

  • Have fun
  • Feel empowered or confident
  • The thrill of exploring and investigating

You probably came up with a lot more items than we did, but we might have had some you didn't think of. The point is that you can do many things with computers and it is very important to make sure they are relevant (useful or meaningful) to you.

Instructors - If you're teaching a class you might try to open up with some basic activities to help learners become more comfortable. Ice-breakers to help them learn each other's names are good. You can also at the same time stress that they should be willing to ask you-and one another-for help should they need it. For the first exercise you can collect impressions on a chalkboard (or whiteboard or text on a projector screen) with the class as a whole.

Computer Terms

The following are some terms you will need to become familiar with:


Term Simple Definition Examples
Computer and Personal Computer (PC) An electronic device that performs a function. Computers are similar to really complicated calculators - they store, process and manipulate data (information). Computers come in many shapes and sizes and don't always have screens or keyboards. This training is for personal computers, which is usually what we mean when we say computer. Usually only one person can operate a personal computer at one time, but more than one person might work on it at once with a single operator.

Computers: Laptop, desktop, Server, supercomputer, ATM, cell phone, iPod

Personal Computers: Laptop, desktop, smart phone or personal digital assistant (PDA)
Desktop Desktops are usually larger computers that are often operated sitting down at a desk. They normally have different parts attached to them for different functions. They require a nearby power source. Desktops are less expensive and usually faster than laptops. Desktop tower, Apple iMac
Laptop

Laptops are usually smaller computers that can be operated in many places. You might use a laptop on a bus or take it with you in a backpack. Everything needed to operate a laptop is built into it. Laptops normally have batteries so they can be used for a while without nearby power. You have to recharge them after they run out of power, though. Laptops usually cost more than desktops and are not as fast or easy to use.

You can write on the screen of some laptops. These are called tablet PCs.

 IBM Thinkpad, Apple iBook, Asus Eee PC
Handheld computer or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) A very small computer device that can fit easily in your pocket. They are usually smaller than both laptops and desktops but not as fast. Most of the time they cost less than laptops and may or may not cost less than desktops. They often have batteries that can last longer than laptops. People sometimes call them by popular brand names, like 'Blackberry' or 'Palm Pilot' or 'iPhone.' Many modern handhelds work as both computers and cellular telephones. Blackberry Curve, T-mobile Sidekick, Apple iPhone
Server A computer that connects and manages many other computers. Servers often store information and handle many tasks. The computer that holds the original copy of this webpage
Computer Network A number of computers connected to one another. In the past networks were usually made up of computers connected through wires that carried data but now sometimes they are connected through wireless signals. The Internet is, in part, a very big network. The Internet, a computer lab, cell phones
Hardware Physical parts in an electronic system. In this case the material parts of your computer. Monitor, keyboard, mouse, console, printer
Software Programs that tell your computer what to do. Software doesn't have to have a physical form you can hold in your hand. Software is stored on your computer or on a server and performs a task. Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Mozilla Firefox
Operating System (OS) A type of software that provides the main interface between a person and a computer. It enables a person using a computer to tell what's going on and make use of a computer's functions. Microsoft Windows XP, Apple OSX, Ubuntu Linux
The Internet The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer that make up networks. These networks and computers exchange information with one another by using rules or standards. In some sense the Internet is a "network of networks" that consists of millions of private and public, academic, business, and government computer networks that are linked by copper wires, fiber-optic cables, wireless connections, and other technologies (Referenced from Wikipedia). Fundamentally the internet includes technologies, communication processes, and social norms or context (situations) that surrounds these. There is really only one 'big' internet but there are many examples of things that exist and happen on the internet, like web pages, blogs, conversations over email or instant messaging, etc...

Exercise

  1. Do any of these seem confusing? Why? See if you can clarify with classmates, a friend, or a teacher.
  2. What type of computer are you using? Do you have a cell phone? Did you ever think of your phone as a computer?
  3. Can you think of any computer term you've heard that doesn't seem to fit in any of these categories?

Links


Hardware You Can See

Picturing your computer (credit to Microsoft)

Term Simple Definition Pictures (for instructors)
Console There are many terms for the console. It refers to the main body of your computer. Some people call it the 'tower' or 'system unit' or 'CPU.' Dell Workstation Console
Apple Console
Monitor This is the window in to the computer letting you work with programs. Remember the monitor is not the computer itself, it is just attached to the computer. LCD Monitor
CRT Monitor
Keyboard This allows you to type text into the computer. It's a lot like a typewriter but also can be used to tell the computer what to do. close up of a keyboard
Mouse or Tracepad A hand and finger operated pointing device for use with personal computers. Standard Mouse
Tracepad
Drives Many computers have drives that are used to read media like disks and CD's. Your computer might have a External Zip Drive
Internal CD-rom Drives
USB Ports These are little slots on your computer where you can plug devices in. You will probably have a couple on the front of your computer (they may be hidden or hard to find) and several on the back of your computer. USB plug close-up
USB ports up front
Other Peripherals You might connect other items to your computer, like a speakers, a printer or scanner. Sample printer
Combination scanner-printer

Exercise

  • What other names do you know for each of these items? Are they actually any different or more specific?
  • Take a look at how each of these parts connects together. Notice the colors that match where you plug items in? Also notice the difference in the shape of the plugs?

Links

Hardware Inside of Your Computer

Term Simple Definition Examples
Case (enclosure) The shell that covers or encloses your console. In the case of laptops, the entire structure of the computer is the case.  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) This is the 'brain' of the computer where instructions from people and software turn into action. The CPU is a very important part and makes a big difference in the speed and power of your computer. Brands: Intel Pentium 4, Intel Celeron M, AMD Athlon 64, AMD Turion

Types: x86, 64-bit, single/dual/quad-core
Motherboard The main 'board' that connects together and controls all of your computer parts. Modern motherboards fill many functions, including providing audio, video, and internet connection. Chipsets: Intel, nVidia, ATI, Via, ULI
Hard Drive(s) An piece of hardware that stores data. This is where you keep your files and where your computer 'remembers' information in the long term. Brands: Western Digital, Seagate, Maxtor

Types: serial ATA, IDE, 3.5", 2.5"
Power supply (and battery) The device that regulates power flow into your computer. Laptops have internet batteries and external power-supply adapters.  
Random Access Memory (RAM) A place your computer temporarily stores information. The more RAM you have the more things you can do at once and the faster you can do them. RAM is almost as important as your CPU in determining your computer's speed. Types: Double Data Rate (DDR), Single Data Rate (SDR)
Add-in cards Most computers have add-on slots attached to the motherboard. You can place add-on cards in these slots to expand or optimze your computers functions. For instance, you could add a TV-tuner card and use your computer as a TV. Videocard, soundcard, wireless card, TV-tuner (a card that allows you to make your computer into a TV)

Computer Health

You should take care of your computer. Make sure it stays dry and cool. Make sure there is room for air to circulate around your computer and keep food and drink away from it. You will want to make sure your computer doesn't get too dusty. It is a good idea to clean off fans about once a year (or more if a room is very dusty) with compressed air.

If you plan to work at a computer often you should make sure you have adequet lighting, seating, and take measures to make a computer environment that is healthy for you. See the US Department of Labor website about this.

Exercise

Links

Other items that you may need when using your computer

You may need to purchase additional items for use with your computer. Some of the common ones are outlined below:

Things that you will need to purchase

  • Surge protector – This will protect your computer from electrical surges, they cost about $10 and are available at most grocery, hardware and electronics stores. Example surge protector.

Things that you may have to purchase (optional)

  • Internet: Ethernet or phone cord - If you plan to connect to the internet with your computer you will need to get an internet connection. If your computer does not have wireless connectivity you will also need a cord to plug it in to your DSL/cable router/modem/gateway or your phone jack.
  • USB Flash Media (thumb drive, pen drive, USB key) - These little storage drives have many names but all do the same basic thing. You can take them with you in your pocket or purse and plug them in to any modern computer. They act like a miniature hard drive (place to store files and information). You can use them to take data (information) with you from computer to computer (place to place). They are also an easy way to make backup copies of your important information.

Things that will make life easier

  • Desk - If you plan to use your computer in one spot you'll want a desk. They make desks with special keyboard trays that can slide underneath, allowing you to use the surface of the desk for other activities.
  • Router/Switch - If you plan to hook up multiple computers to trade files with one another or all use the internet at the same time you will need a router or switch. Routers and switches typically DO NOT work with internet from a phone line (modem).
  • Wireless Router - Sometimes running a cord to your computer is difficult or impossible. You can buy a wireless router to connect to your local internet source (DSL/cable router/modem/gateway) and create a wireless signal for use nearby. Wireless routers and access points typically DO NOT work with internet from a phone line (modem).
  • Printer - If you plan to print documents that you type or pages from the internet (for instance, a map) you will want a printer.
  • Scanner - You can copy documents and pictures on to your computer with a scanner. This can be a great way to share items with friends or backup items that are important to you.

If you have a laptop you may also want to get:

  • A mouse - Though most laptops have tracepads more advanced computing tasks are much easier to do with a mouse. You can buy a mouse and plug it into a USB port and use it with your laptop.
  • Carrying case - Keep your computer safe by transporting it with a padded carrying case. This will make it easy to take all of the things you need with your computer along, too.

Using The Keyboard

You may need to take a formalized keyboarding (typing) class to learn how to effectively use a keyboard. Ask your instructor about local keyboarding class opportunities or try using a free website resource, like Kiran Typing Tutor.

Instructors might wish to purchase a Mavis Beacon typing program for a truly comprehensive solution.

Keyboard Guides by Operating System

  • If you are using Microsoft Windows see the "Using your keyboard"
    • Only review the first two sections for now, check back on the other ones once you've learned more about Windows.
  • If you are using Ubuntu (Gnome) Linux see "Keyboard Skills"
    • This guide is best used in conjunction with learning to use the Ubuntu Linux OS in general.

Exercises

  • Work on your typing. Have your instructor open up http://www.powertyping.com/ to help you practice. Can you type with both hands and not look at the keyboard? Work on it until you can.
  • See how many words you can type per minute. Write this number down and then compare it to how many you can type per minute at the end of training.

Using the Mouse

The Mouse is a little arrow pointer that can be moved around the screen. Have your instructor help you to find your mouse cursor.

Using the mouse is a skill you will need to work on throughout your computer training. Start with the Gnome Linux guide to mouse use. If you are using Windows you should also read through the Microsoft Windows guide to mouse use.

Instructors - both the Microsoft and Gnome Documentation Library guides have benefits and drawbacks. Take a look at each one and decide which you like better. Some items in each one will be more applicable for your lab's OS. You will probably wish to integrate learning mouse use into the learning of the operating system in general. If your student is comfortable with the basics of a computer you might try running them through mousercizes (see exercises).

Exercises

  • Work on moving the mouse around the screen. See if you can get comfortable with moving from one corner to another. See how fast you can move the mouse around the entire outer edge of the screen and then move it to the center. Keep practicing.
  • Test your mouse precision skills: Try making a box on your desktop by holding down left-click and slowly moving the mouse. See what happens?
  • mousercizes and additional mouse exercises and adjustment information is available at http://delicious.com/computertutorials/Mouse