ComputerComputer

BasicsBasics

• A “”PCPC” is a PPersonal CComputer. PC’s are portable and used by you.

• There are four basics parts or components usually called Hardware:

CPU Monitor Keyboard Mouse

What is a “PCPC”?

CCentral PProcessing UUnit• The CCentral

PProcessing UUnit also called the CPUCPU is the “brain” of your computer.

• It has memory, power supply and other peripheral components.

• It reads, stores, and manages information with the help of CD-ROM disks.

Disk Drives• A component of the

CPU that reads and writes data onto a disk.

• Disk drives can be internal or external.

• Disk drives rotate very fast and use one or more heads that reads and writes data.

Monitor

• Displays the text and graphics generated by the computer.

• The color monitor is the more commonly used monitor.

• Color monitors can display anywhere from 16 to 1 million colors.

• VGA, SVGA, and XGA determine the type of resolution they accept.

• A set of typewriter-like keys that enables you to enter data into the computer.

• Computer keyboards are similar to electric typewriter keyboards but contain additional keys.

Keyboard

Keyboard: additional keys

Escape Tab Function Keys

ControlAlt

Windows

Enter

Arrows Numerical Keypad

• A device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display screen.

• A small object that rolls along a hard, flat surface.

Mouse

• A printer is an output device that prints a paper copy of what you see on screen or monitor.

• There are three types:• Laser• Ink Jet• Dot Matrix

Printer

A computer has some devices to save data and information.

There are two types: Short Term: RAM

Long Term:CD, DVD, Hard Drive, Floppy Disk, ZIP Disk, Flash Cards, and USB Drive

Data Storage

System software or OOperating SSystem: Windows, Linux, Solaris, etc.

Applications software: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.

SoftwareSoftwareSoftware is the name for the programsprograms that gives instructionsinstructions to your computer. There are two types:

Public Training ClassesPublic Training Classes

Free demonstrations are given at Central Library and select branches!

Pick up the Houston Public Library’s Calendar of Events.

For more information Call (832) 393-1313, or visit http://www.houstonlibrary.org