Computer Basics
Files
Folders
Addressing
Following the Path
Binary Codes
Applications (Tools)
A computer is a tool...
A tool for Information Management and Processing.
A Personal Computer is a System composed of Hardware and Software.
Think of your Personal Computer as a Recorder/Player.
.Types of Information
Information comes in many forms; numerical, graphical, sounds, and videos.
Everything you do with a computer falls into one of two categories. . .
Management of INFORMATION or
Processing of INFORMATION
To facilitate the information management process the BINARY DATA is grouped into packets which are called FILES. These files can be thought of as OBJECTS. These files can be stored, retrieved, altered (processed), moved, exported, imported, printed, and viewed on monitors. To be of any practical use these files must be readily available; i.e. each file must have a UNIQUE combination of NAME, ADDRESS, and sometimes TYPE.
The understanding of this concept for the management of information on your computer is paramount to the practical utilization of the PC as a tool.
Files are grouped in collections or FOLDERS. Folders are containers for files and/or other folders. The file address is the order of the folders you must go through to get to the file you seek. This string of folder names is known as a PATH, a path you must follow to locate the file you seek. The first part of this address is usually a "letter" which designates the hardware storage device on which the particular file of information is located. Three examples of Paths or Addresses to a file named "john" are provided below.
c:\my documents\letters\family\john.txt
c:\john.pic
a:\family letters\john.035
You select folder and file names which you will understand when you desire to save, open, view, or process the information contained in the object you manage as a file. The uniqueness of the file name and address combination is important and required in this management process. Your personal computer is your personal filing system.
The commands you use to manage information are contained on the pull down menu under the File command. Check them out now for your browser. Always check them out on any application you are using..
All information contained in your computer is in the Binary Numbering system. Stored instructions are required to perform any task. These stored instructions are referred to as applications or software programs. Regardless of what you call the them they are nothing other than stored instructions which allow you to alter or create objects. The instructions are for both you and the processor. These application software programs allow you to communicate your desires to the data processor via menus and dialog boxes.
The programmers who develop these instructions are human and they make errors. They cannot foresee all combinations of commands you select and the sequence you take. For this reason your processor will sometimes fail to respond. It gets confused and locks-up, or gives you an error message. No matter what has occurred you can always start over. Only copies of your software are loaded into the processor. When you power down and restart your computer it begins with a fresh copy of your application. This is known as rebooting the system.
A Personal Computer is a Recorder/Player.
A computer with no power has no memory. Your computer's memory is referred to as "Random Access Memory" or RAM". This memory is used for the information processing and management functions. Other information is stored on magnetic devices, similar to magnetic tape. Copies are viewed by loading them into RAM and then processing them into images to print or view on your monitor. After processing data you need to save or store it on these storage devices. These devices are called discs. Your applications are usually stored in a folder called "programs". The operating system is stored in the "windows" folder. Information created by you is sometimes stored in a folder called "my documents". Notice that any "object" can be considered a document.
MOST OF ALL - HAVE FUN
During this course you will be introduced to hardware and software used by home based personal computers. The computers, printers, and software available in the computer laboratory will be the basis for the material presented. A digital camera will be available to allow students to scan images into digital form. The course will allow the student to become familiar with various software packages and the tools they provide. Class participants will be expected to practice between classes and be encouraged to take on projects. There are nine exercises available for practice. Progress can only be made with practice.
For more computer basics on line, follow this link ....
http://home.hiwaay.net/~hsvsrne2/w21.htm
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