Practical PC, 7 th Edition Chapter 1: Getting Started.

Practical PC, 7th EditionChapter 1: Getting Started

Getting Started

• FAQs– What are the basics?– What is the boot process?– How do I make selections and issue commands?– How do I create and modify user accounts?– What should I know about passwords?– When should I sign out or switch users?– How do I turn off my computer?– When should I use sleep and hibernate modes?

• Technology

Practical PC, 7th Edition 2

What are the basics?

• Your PC (Personal Computer) is a collection of hardware and software components– Hardware includes:• Your computer• Any equipment connected to it

– Software includes:• The instructions the computer follows to perform a task



• Your PC (Personal Computer) is an electronic device containing:– A microprocessor to carry out the commands of

the computer– RAM (random access memory) for temporary

storage– Storage media (USB flash drives, CDs, DVDs) and

storage devices (hard drives) for more permanent storage



– Each byte stores one character of data. A megabyte is equivalent to approximately a million characters of data, a gigabyte stores a billion characters of data, and a terabyte stores a trillion characters

• Computers also work with input and output devices– Input devices, such as keyboards, mice, and

touchpads are used to input data into the computer– Output devices, such as printers and display screens,

show the results of processing




Figure 1-1

What is the boot process?

• Booting up your PC– As soon as the power is switched on, the PC starts

to “boot up” and perform diagnostic tests to make sure the hardware is functioning correctly

– PC looks for the operating system which manages the computer’s internal operations

– Application software can be used to help produce documents, make calculations, draw pictures, or maintain to-do lists



– Computers typically have the operating system preinstalled

– The operating system is stored on the computer’s hard disk

– Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system; others include OS X, iOS, Android, and Linux

– The Lock screen, which displays time, date, and status icons, is displayed when the boot process is almost complete


What is boot process”


Figure 1-2


– As the boot process continues, the login screen appears


Figure 1-3


– After successful login, the Start screen appears


Figure 1-4

12Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1


What if my computer asks me for a password?



What is a user account?

• The Welcome screen allows you to select a user account and log in to windows

• All user accounts are displayed:– Administrator account has advanced access– Standard account works best for regular computer

activities– Guest account is used for temporary use of computer

What is a user account?


How do I make selections and issue commands?


• Use a mouse, touchpad, or touchscreen to select and manipulate objects. Can also use the

Figure 1-5


– Keys in the top row of the keyboard are function keys• Each is labeled with a small picture to indicate its

purpose• These can be used to control volume, screen

brightness, wireless network connections, and multiple display devices.• Functions keys are also labeled F1 through F12.




– Computer keyboards also have several specialized keys for computer-related tasks.

How do I create and modify user accounts?

• User accounts include:– User ids and passwords– Specifications regarding which files can be

accessed and what settings can be adjusted.– Two basic accounts• Administrator

– Can change any Windows settings, your account settings, other users’ accounts, install software, connect hardware, and access all files on the computer

– Is the first account set up on a new Window computer



• Standard user– Allows user to access folders and files he/she creates,

use most applications installed on the computer, and adjust settings that affect his/her personal view of the Window desktop

– Cannot install or uninstall software, configure hardware, or change settings that affect other users unless the administrator password is known




Figure 1-6

What should I know aboutpasswords?

• A password is a series of letters and numbers associated with a user ID– Need one to log in to Windows, a Facebook

account, Twitter feed, etc.– Make passwords strong to protect against hackers• Use at least eight characters • Use combinations of numbers, uppercase and

lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols


What should I know aboutpasswords?


Figure 1-7

When should I sign out or switch users?


• Options for logging off or shutting down– Lock• Displays lock screen but user remains logged in• All applications and files remain open• Return to work by entering the password• Use when taking a break and desire to return to work

quickly


– Sign out• Files are closed but computer remains on• Other users with valid accounts can log on without

restarting the computer• Good security practice when ending a computer

session on any computer used by multiple people

– Switch user• Allows another person to log on without current user

logging off or closing files




Figure 1-8

How do I turn off my computer?

• Initiate the Windows shut down procedure– An easy method is to type Off at the Start screen

then choose the option Turn off your PC– Shut computer down when it will not be used for

several days• Conserves power• Prevents battery drain

– Computer may occasionally “freeze”• Hold down Control, Shift, and Esc keys to open Task

Manager which allows non-responding programs to be closed




Figure 1-9

When should I use sleep and hibernate modes?

• Sleep and hibernate allows user to resume work where it was stopped without having to wait for the boot process– Wake computer up by opening the lid, moving the

mouse, or pressing a key



• Sleep mode– Windows keeps all of your work in memory and

puts computer in a low-power, energy-saving state– Good option if computer is used intermittently

throughout the day• Hibernate mode– Windows saves all your work to your hard disk and

turns off your computer but still remembers where user was working the next time a new session is started




Figure 1-10

What about the Lock, Restart, Log Off, and Switch User options?

• Lock: locks down the computer while it remains on

• Restart: serves the same purpose as shutting down the computer and then rebooting it

• Log Off: Files are closed, computer stays on, and other users with valid accounts can log in

• Switch User: Allows someone else to log in without you first logging off


What about the Lock, Restart, Log Off, and Switch User options?


Technology

• Personal Computers– Desktop computer• Fairly permanent fixture on your desk • Includes the system unit, mouse, keyboard, display

device• Not very portable• Tower case houses computer, which provides the most

expansion capability• All-in-one computers offer another desktop option


Technology


Figure 1-11

Technology

– Portable computers• Can operate on battery power• Easily transported• Include laptops, netbooks, tablets, and smartphones• Laptop (netbook) computers

– Small, lightweight personal computer– Include built-in touchpad– Weigh between two and ten pounds– Costs between $300 and $4,000– Most contain expansion slots


Technology


Figure 1-12

Technology

• Tablet– Similar to notebook but also provides touch-sensitive

screen and stylus– Often uses different operating systems than desktop,

laptops, and netbooks– Available in several configurations

» Slate tablet» Convertible tablet

• Smartphone– Features small keyboard/touch screen, fits into a pocket,

runs on batteries, and can be used while being held


Technology


Practical PC, 7 th Edition Chapter 1: Getting Started.

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