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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Basic Computer Terms


Have you decided to get rid of that old paperweight and buy yourself a new computer? Good for you but before you go running out to buy the latest and greatest machine, there are some basic computer terms you should know. We will run through each of these terms for you and what they mean.
The terminology used below is the same for PCs and Macs and for desktops and laptops. If you have any doubts about the machine you are buying ““ don’t buy it! Go and do some research online to see if you can do better. We actually have a couple of desktop and laptop recommendations, check then out if you’re in doubt.
When you are looking to buy a computer you will hear basic computer terms like the following:

The Processor

basic computer termsThis is the brain of your computer. It can also be referred to as the CPU. Processors come in many different varieties. Processor speed is measured in gigahertz or GHZ. The larger the number of GHZ the faster the computer.
I am now using a 3.2 GHZ Pentium Dual Core. Processors can also have dual or quad cores. This is essentially two or four processors in one respectively. The more cores the better but they will also be more expensive. We will also see terms like Core Duo, Core 2 Duo, i3, i5, and i7. It is important to know the differences between these options.
The Core Duo consists of two cores on one die but the Core 2 Duo is a more modern processor that is found in a lot of new PCs. the Core 2 Duo has two dies. Then the i3 processor is a recent release by Intel for new low end machines. Then the i5 and i7 are used with quad core processors and higher end machines. The i7 is the top of this line and obviously the most expensive.
There are different brands of processors like Intel or AMD and different levels of processors like the Pentium 4 or the Atom. The Atom processor is a much slower processor used in netbooks. Also when looking for a system you will see terms like front side bus . This is not a big yellow bus but it is the speed that data can flow from the processor to the motherboard. The higher the FSB the faster the processor can communicate with your machine. Something in the area of 266 MHz-333 MHz is fine and some faster processors sport up to 400 MHz FSB.

The RAM

basic computer termsThe RAM or memory is what your computer uses to store information while you are using the computer. This can also be referred to as Random Access Memory. I personally would not buy a computer with less than 2 GB of RAM. Your RAM Bus speed will need to be identical to your FSB speed as to not create bottlenecks. In a pre-built system this is not something you need to worry about but if you are building your own system then you will want to get memory that matches the FSB speed divided by the number of cores that you have. For example if your system has a total FSB of 1600 and you have 4 cores (quad) then your RAM Bus speed should be 400 MHz.

Optical Drive

basic glossary of computer termsThe optical drive in your computer should be able to read and write CDs and DVDs. If you have not purchased a computer in a while some of the newer options might seem strange to you. You can have any one of these or a combination of these formats: DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-+R, DVD-/+RW, DVD-RAM, Blu-ray, HD-DVD. A CD holds 700 MB. A CD-R can read and write to a CD. A CDRW can read write and rewrite to a CD.
If you are getting a DVD burner you should try and get a drive that writes in all formats such as +R or -R. They will all play in your computer but some other hardware might require one of these formats. A DVD can hold About 4 GB of data. A DVD burner that allows you to burn a DL or dual layer will allow for double the capacity and can fit about 8 GB of data on it. A dual layer drive is required as well as dual layered media.
Then we see the newer formats like Blu-Ray and HD-DVD that allow you to burn and watch high definition videos or store even more data. A Blu-Ray disk can hold a whopping 25 GB in a single layer and 50 GB if the disk is dual layered. HD-DVD disks can hold up to 15 GB of data but I really do not see many systems or people using this format.

Wireless Network Card

basic glossary of computer termsIf your computer has a wireless card you will be able to access the Internet without a wire connecting you to a router/modem. Wireless cards are rated by their speed.
The lowest speed starts from A and goes up through N. You will want to buy a computer with a 802.11G or 802.11N wireless connection. 802.11g can see speeds of up to 54 Mbit/s. And with 802.11n the newest iteration of wireless we can achieve 600 Mbit/s. I am using a 802.11n router personally but most of my equipment and peripherals use 802.11g. I find this to be fine for streaming video or audio and transferring files over my home network. But if you are constantly transferring huge files or folders you might want to jump right into the 802.11n game.

Network Card

basic glossary of computer termsYour computer should have an Ethernet port on it. This port will allow you to physically connect to the internet or your internal network by plugging it into your router / modem.
Normally any machine you will buy now has a Gigabit connection. Gigabit is represented as 100/1000 and there are also 10/100 connections. That number is how many megabits you can transfer per second.

Operating System

easy to understand online basic computer termsThis is the software that makes your computer go. You can buy a computer with the Mac OS X operating system or Windows 7 or any flavor of Ubuntu Linux as well.
You can also buy a computer without an operating system to install it yourself. This is the key part of your system as well as normally the most expensive. But, if you choose Ubuntu or another flavor of Linux then your operating system is free.

Hard Drive

easy to understand online basic computer termsThis is where you will store all your files whether it be music, movies or word documents. You will need a hard drive to store them on.
Hard drives are rated by size and speed. A typical new computer will come with a 7200 RPM SATA 100GB drive. This will hold approximately 28,560 digital photos or up to 25,000 songs (MP3).
If you need more space you should get a bigger drive or you can buy a portable USB hard drive to attach to your computer.

Video Card

easy to understand online basic computer termsThis is the part of your computer that allows you to show what you are doing. Without a video card you would not be able to see what you are doing on your monitor.
Different video cards have different abilities like the option to use multiple monitors, have a HDMI output or even the ability to watch HD movies on your computer. This has never been important to me and I always take whatever is available. Some examples of good video card brands are MSI, XFX, Asus, Gigabyte (thanks JLT!).
Your video card does have to connect to your monitor so make sure they have a VGA, DVI or HDMI port in common.
There are also computer components like the monitor, keyboard and mouse but we’re pretty sure that you’re familiar with those basic computer terms.
Now, you have a basic knowledge of what you are looking for start shopping around. The best deals are found online and it is a fact that a PC is much cheaper than a Mac unless you arebuilding a Hackintosh! You could also build your own PC if you are feeling confident enough.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Information and Technology


IT is the area of managing technology and spans a wide variety of areas that include computer software,information systems,computer hardware,programming languages but are not limited to things such as processes, and data constructs. In short, anything that renders data, information or perceived knowledge in any visual format whatsoever, via any multimedia distribution mechanism, is considered part of the IT domain. IT provides businesses with four sets of core services to help execute the business strategy: business process automation, providing information, connecting with customers, and productivity tools.
IT professionals perform a variety of functions that range from installing applications to designing complex computer networks and information databases. A few of the duties that IT professionals perform may include data management, networking, engineering computer hardware, server management, database and software design, as well as management and administration of entire systems.

In the recent past, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and the Association for Computing Machinery have collaborated to form accreditation and curriculum standards[4] for degrees in Information Technology as a distinct field of study as compared[5] to Computer Science andInformation Systems today. SIGITE (Special Interest Group for IT Education)[6] is the ACM working group for defining these standards. The Worldwide IT services revenue totaled $763 billion in 2009.



Sunday, July 15, 2012

Basics Please


Today's tip will provide you with three great resources for help with basic computer skills.  Hopefully you've developed enough confidence with the computer that you don't need these sites, but you might know someone else who does.
Three Websites for really basic computer knowledge:

Saturday, July 14, 2012

A+ Computer Repair Course Chapter 1 part 1

★ Programming - Learn Visual C# - But.... They want to talk too!!! - TGN

Question Excerpt From Computer Technology-Basic Functions


Q.1) How do you lock the computer?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Q.2) How do you "capitalize" the first letter of a word?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Q.3) What is the name of the center row keys on the keyboard?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Q.4) What program allows creativity with colors, graphs, and moving pictures?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Q.5) The main area where the information is stored within the computer?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Q.6) How many names are there for the computer screen?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Q.7) What is the name of the line that displays the mouse position?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Q.8) What is the name of the small disk used to store information?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Q.9) What buttons display on/off lights on the keyboard?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Q.10) The area inside the window where your work shows?
A.
B.
C.
D.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Basic Technology


The Industrial Production: Basic Technology Certificate curriculum is designed to provide beginning students with the basic knowledge and skills to function effectively in introductory assignments in industry. A core of courses introduces the student to engineering technology and an understanding of production concepts.welding
The objective of the Basic Production Technology Certificate program is to enhance the training of currently employed manufacturing and service employees in production fundamentals. The objective is fulfilled through the study of courses in engineering graphics, manufacturing processes, industrial safety and leadership.
 Course Information: Howard College Catalog

Far-Off Predictions!


Who said the following:
a.) Who the hell wants to hear actors talk? 
b.) Louis Pasteur's theory of germs is ridiculous fiction. 
c.) I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.
d.) Heavier than air flying machines are impossible.
e.) Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau.
f.) 640K ought to be enough for anybody.

Answer the following & keep track of how many yes answers you have


* I may forget other things, but I've got my email address & web site memorized.
* I use the computer so much, my significant other threatens to ration me.
* Sometimes, I check my email before I brush my teeth in the morning.
* I not only use the little smiley-con's in my email, I put them on letters.
* I think Bill Gates is kind of cute, even though I'm embarrassed to admit it.
* I now have more friends in the 'virtual world' than I do in the 'real world'.
* I get an empty feeling when I turn off my modem.
* I laugh at people who have 9600-baud problems.
* When using my word processor, I find myself typing 'com' after every period.
* I occasionally introduce myself as 'so and so... at such and such.com'

Voice Mail Options


Voice Mail Options From an Overworked Answering Machine

* If you are obsessive/compulsive, press one repeatedly.
* If you are codependent, ask someone to press 2 for you.
* If you have a multiple personality disorder, press 3, 4, 5, and 6.
* If you are schizophrenic, a little voice will tell you what number to press.
* If you are manic depressive, it doesn't matter what number you press, no one will ever return your call.
* If you have attention deficit disorder, we can't help you because you have already hung up.
 

Test your knowledge of the Internet


1.) Which of these computers were released in 1977?
a. Commodore PET
b. Apple II
c. Tandy Radio Shack's TRS-80
d. None of the above
e. All of the above

2. What year saw the debut of the Macintosh?

a. 1982
b. 1983
c. 1984
d. 1985

3. Who is generally considered the father of the computer?

a. Bill Gates
b. Charles Babbage
c. Albert Einstein
d. John Vincent Atanasoff

4. Who invented the mouse?

a. Steve Jobs
b. Steve Wozniak
c. Doug Englebart
d. Thomas Edison

5. What company invented the 3.5-inch floppy disk?

a. IBM
b. Motorola
c. Sony
d. Philips

6. In what year was MS-DOS released?
a. 1979
b. 1980
c. 1981
d. 1982

7. Who is Nolan Bushnell?
a. Inventor of the modem
b. Founder of Maxis
c. Founder of Compaq
d. Founder of Atari

8. What was the first computer with a graphical user (GUI) interface?
a. Radio Shack TRS-1000
b. Commodore 64
c. Apple Lisa
d. Apple II

9. Which of the following was introduced in 1985?
a. Laptop computers
b. CD-ROM
c. Windows 85
d. PowerPC

10. When was the World Wide Web created?
a. 1987
b. 1988
c. 1989
d. 1990

Word Processor Survey


1. Do you know how to open/close a document?
yes
no
2. Do you know how to save a document?
yes
no
3. Do you know how to print a document?
yes
no
4. Do you know how to use the Spell Check feature?
yes
no
5. Do you know how to use the cut/copy/paste feature?
yes
no
6. Do you know how to format text?
yes
no
7. Do you know how to use the AutoCorrect feature?
yes
no
8. Do you know how to change the top, bottom, left, and right margins?
yes
no

Computer PC Survey


1. Are you comfortable using the mouse, including double-clicking?
yes
no
2. Are you comfortable typing simple letters or documents using your favorite wordprocessor (Word, WordPerfect, Claris Works, etc.)?
yes
no
3. Have you spent time on the web so you feel comfortable going to a specific address and bookmarking sites?
yes
no
4. Are you comfortable saving files to a floppy disk or the hard drive and finding them again?
yes
no
5. Are you comfortable sending and receiving email messages?
yes
no
6. Are you able to install and use simple software (such as that which you can check out from REMC)?
yes
no

Internet / Technology Survey


1. Are you comfortable sending and receiving email messages?
 yes
 no
2. Do you need help with attachments?
 yes
 no
3. Are you comfortable saving files to a floppy disk or the hard drive and finding them again?
 yes
 no
4. Are you comfortable with the Internet?
 yes
 no
5. Do you need to know about plug-ins and downloading?
 yes
 no

Tongue in Cheek Quiz on Internet Knowledge


  1. HTML is . . . a computer software package
     a programming language
     the British CIA in Indonesia
     a surly mixed guava cocktail
     what I get from my mother's cooking
  2. You take care of your computer by: watering it often
     beating it regularly
     letting it snort heroin
     not letting it smoke
     singing to it
  3. The higher your modem speed, the faster . . . your eyeballs will fry
     you will get cancer
     scary men will find you
     your phone will ring
     information arrives at your doorstep
  4. Computers make fine: weapons
     chewing gum
     sexual toys
     jewelry
     punching bags
  5. Respiration is: something only the new PowerMacs can perform
     overrated
     the coupling of two Great Turtles
     Newt Gingrich's cologne
     why plants are green
  6. The Internet is also known as: breakfast
     the Information Superhighway
     my mother
     the West Coast's I-95
     home
  7. DPI refers to: Data Process Information
     Data Protocol Integration
     Denny's Pork Ice-cream
     Dots Per Inch
     Diptheria
  8. A typical thing that your boyfriend/girlfriend would say to you is: (having said boy/girl-friend my be considered hypothetically if necessary) who are you?
     remember that thing with the Marachino Cherries? Well I can do it upside-down now. So, what's with the computer?
     have you eaten all of your broccoli today?
     start runnin', or I'm going to fire!
     I just love what you do with your PC!
  9. The easiest way to jumpstart a computer is: with caffeine
     with my breath
     a good pick-up line
     by using the power button
     through The Force
  10. DOOM is best described as: 666
     a bloodthirsty PC slaughterfest
     the militia-man's bible
     a waste of time
     the nickname of my Chevy Nova
  11. Ethically, I find recent laboratory experiments combining Bill Gates DNA with silicon microchips to be: hobbleygobbleygook
     dispicable; God will punish the offspring by making them in the image of Beavis and Butthead, and you can quote me on that!
     Huh?
     No problem at all. Hell, I want one!
     on par with the Oprah Windrey Show
  12. This survey: was not as exciting as my computer lab
     is the worst thing since processed cheese
     has allowed me to get in touch with my feminine nature.
     was written by a twisted little freak
     held my attention as long as my last s.o

Telecommunications Terminology


channel medium through which information travels
receiver person or device that recieves information
source person or device that sends information
telecommunications transmissin of info. from one location to another by electronic means
BBS bulletin board system for posting messages
online directly connected to the CPU
modem device used to connect computer to telephone line
baud the speed of a communications channel
email electronic mail
password way to limit access to computer info.
ATM automated teller machine for banking transactions
EFT electronic funds transfer
Boolean search criteria where two or more conditions must be true for successful search
keywords words using in programming that instruct the computer to perform a function 
virus program designed to attach itself to other programs; it can damage data files and cause system failures
hacking persistent efforts to use a computer to gain illegal or unauthorized entry to another computer system
phonefraud illegal use of telephones or lines to avoid charges
satellite earth-orbiting man-made object off of which telecommunicatin signals and computer data are bounced
network system of linked computers and other devices that allows computers to share and exchange info.
SIG Special Interest Group--group of people with common interests who share info. about their interests on a BBS
SYSOP Systems Operator; manages BBS
piracy duplication & distribution of copyrighted software
vandalism damage & destroy computer records, information, or network

Internet Terminology


Internet computers connected throughout the world
server manages and delivers info. for client computer
PSP Public Service Provider
WWW World Wide Web
Browser software that allows user to access & View web pages
Netscape popular graphical browser
homepage first web page viewed
URL Uniform Resource Locator
HTML HyperText Markup Language
HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol
Hyperlinks highlighted words that take you to another page
Firewall security measures designed to protect network
host computer on the Internet
domain name of computer on the Internet
bookmark keeps a web address handy
Archie finds files on Net
Gopher finds info. by using menus
FTP File Transfer Protocol
Address identification code

Basic Computer Terminology


Hardware The physical components of the computer system.
Software The programs or instructions that tell the computer what to do.
CPU The brain of the computer or central processing unit.
ROM The permanent memory that is built in your computer. This is read only.
RAM The computer's working memory, sometimes called random-accessed memory.
Megabyte Approximately a million bytes.
Gigabyte Approximately a billion bytes (or 1,000 megabytes).
Input Device The hardware that is used to pass information into the computer.
Output Device The hardware that receives and dislplays information coming from the computer.
Modem The device that allows your computer to talk to other computers over a telephone line.
Monitor A video or computer display device.
Laser Printer A printer that uses both laser and photographic technology to produce high quality output.
Printer The hardware that provides printed output from the computer.
Hard Copy A printed copy of computer output.
Compact Disc A disc on which a laser has digitally recorded information such as audio, video, or computer data.
Hard Disk A fixed, large-capacity magnetic storage medium for computer data.
Floppy Disk A portable magnetic storage medium for computer data that allows users to randomly access information.
Graphical User Interface The use of graphical symbols instead of text commands to control common computer functions such as copying programs and disks.
Icon A small picture or symbol respresenting a computer hardware function or component.
Ink-jet Printer A type of printer that forms letters on the page by shooting tiny electrically charged droplets of ink.

Computer Technologies

As computer technology continues to expand in the workplace, so does the need for training and technical assistance. Take the next step with your organization with training ranging from basic computer applications to design software, AutoCAD, Web development tools, and computer technology applications specific to your field.
Email or call (920) 735-2525 (Appleton) or (888) 458-0449 (Toll Free) to learn more about the range of computer-related training and technical assistance services

Quiz on Basic Computer Systems


  1. Which one is an INPUT device?
    • Floppy Disk
    • Keyboard
    • Monitor
    • Speakers
  2. Which one is the device that is the "brain" of a computer system?
    • CPU
    • CD-ROM
    • Mouse
    • Scanner
  3. Which one is an OUTPUT device?
    • Joystick
    • Microphone
    • Monitor
    • Hard Disk
  4. Which part is NOT an INPUT device?
    • Joystick
    • MIDI Keyboard
    • Mouse
    • Printer
  5. Which part is NOT an OUTPUT device?
    • Digital Camera
    • Monitor
    • Printer
    • Speakers
  6. Which one is a STORAGE device?
    • CPU
    • Headphones
    • Floppy Disk
    • Modem
  7. Which part is NOT a STORAGE device?
    • CD-ROM
    • Hard Disk
    • Printer
    • Zip Disk
  8. A Zip Disk is a STORAGE device.
    • True
    • False
  9. A MIDI Keyboard is a PROCESSOR.
    • True
    • False
  10. The Three-Step Information Process is: INPUT PROCESSING OUTPUT
    • True
    • False

Large inventory of MVME


Details

Basic Computer Terms
basic information on how a computer works and the parts of the computer
50
Computer Science
08/24/2010
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Additional Computer Science Flashcards






Cards


Term
Computer
Definition
an electronic device that accepts input, processes data, displays output, and stores data for retrieval later
Term
Computer System
Definition
a computer, it's peripheral devices, and software
Term
Mainframe Computer
Definition
used by large businesses and government agencies to provide centralized storage, processing, and management of large amounts of data
Term
Supercomputer
Definition
used by large corporations and government agencies when the tremendous volume of data would seriously delay processing on a mainframe computer.
Term
Data
Definition
the words, numbers, figures, sounds, and graphics that describe people, events, things, and ideas
Term
Processing
Definition
modifying data
Term
Motherboard
Definition
located inside the computer and is the main electronic component of the computer
Term
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Definition
responsible for executing instructions to process information
Term
Input
Definition
data and instructions you put into the computer
Term
Output
Definition
the result of the computer processing input
Term
Input Device
Definition
a device used to issue commands that tell the computer how to process data
Term
Output Device
Definition
device that displays the output of the computer (monitor, printer, etc.)
Term
Trackball
Definition
similar to a mouse, exceprt that, the rolling ball is on the top side and you control the movement of the pointer by moving only the ball
Term
Touch pad
Definition
a touch sensitive device that you drag your finger over to control the pointer
Term
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Definition
creates the image you see on the screen by manipulating light within a layer of liquid crystal
Term
Resolution
Definition
the number of pixels the computer monitor displays
Term
Graphics Card
Definition
installed on the motherboard, controls the signals the computer sends to the monitor
Term
Executable File
Definition
contains the instructions that tell a computer how to perform
Term
Data File
Definition
created by the user, usually with software
Term
Binary Digit (bit)
Definition
the representation of data as a 1 or 0
Term
Byte
Definition
one character of storage space on a disk or in RAM
Term
Memory
Definition
stores instructions and data in a computer
Term
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Definition
temporarily holds programs and data while the computer is on and allows the computer access to that data randomly
Term
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Definition
a chip on the motherboard that has been pre-recorded with data
Term
Boot Process
Definition
the set of events that occurs between the moment you turn on the computer and the moment you begin to use the computer
Term
Hard Disk
Definition
magnetic storage media that contains several metal platters that are sealed inside a case
Term
Optical Storage Device
Definition
polycarbonate discs that are coated with a reflective metal on which data is recorded using laser technology(CD, DVD)
Term
USB/Flash Drive
Definition
small portable cards encased in plastic to which data can be written and rewritten
Term
Data Communications
Definition
the transmission of data from one computer to another or to a peripheral device
Term
Network
Definition
connects one computer to other computers and peripheral devices
Term
Server
Definition
acts as a central storage location for programs and provide mass storage for most data on the network
Term
Peer-to-Peer Network
Definition
when a network does not have a server, and all computers are equal
Term
Local Area Network (LAN)
Definition
computers and peripheral devices are located relatively close to each other
Term
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Definition
more than one LAN connected together
Term
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)
Definition
a network connected using a standard radio frequency to connect computers to a LAN over short distances
Term
Bluetooth
Definition
uses short range radio frequencies to connect a device wirelessly to another device or the internet
Term
Security
Definition
the steps a computer owner takes to prevent unauthorized use of or damage to the computer
Term
Malware
Definition
any program that is intended to cause harm or convey information to others without the owner's permission
Term
Viruses
Definition
harmful programs that instruct your computer to perform destructive activities
Term
Antivirus Software
Definition
searches executable files for malware, erasing or disabling the malware
Term
Spyware
Definition
program that tracks a computer user's internet usage and sends that data back to the person or company who created it
Term
Firewall
Definition
prevents other computers on the internet from accessing a computer
Term
Spoofed Site
Definition
a web site set up to look exactly like another site
Term
Phishing
Definition
sending e-mails with a link to a spoofed site that asks for personal information
Term
System Software
Definition
helps the computer carry out its basic operating tasks
Term
Operating System
Definition
among other things, controls basic input and output
Term
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Definition
a computer environment in which the user manipulates graphics, icons, and dialog boxes to execute commands
Term
Programming Languages
Definition
what a programmer uses to write computer instructions
Term
Application Software
Definition
enables you to perform specific computer tasks
Term
Gigabyte
Definition
about one billion bytes