Chapter 1 Getting Started

Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1 Getting Started In this Chapter, you will learn: How to power up the computer About the boot process What to do if prompted for a password How to use the mouse and keyboard How to turn the computer off About different types of hardware Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Where’s the power switch? 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 Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Where’s the power switch? 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 and storage devices for more permanent storage Each byte stores one character of data. A megabyte is equivalent to one million characters of data, and a gigabyte is about one billion characters of data Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Where’s the power switch? Computers also work with input and output devices Input devices such as keyboards and mice are used to input data into the computer Output devices such as printers and display screens show the results of processing The microprocessor, memory and storage devices are typically housed in a system unit that contains the power switch Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Where’s the power switch? The power switch is located on the system unit Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

What is the boot process? Booting up your PC As soon as you switch on the power your PC starts to “boot up” and perform diagnostic tests to make sure the hardware is functioning PC looks for the operating system which manages the computer’s internal operations Application software can be used to help you produce documents, make calculations, or draw pictures Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

What is the boot process? Operating system Computers typically have the operating system preinstalled The operating system is stored on the computer’s hard disk drive Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

What is the boot process? If Windows fails to start: Check your cables, plugs, batteries, and the brightness setting on the monitor Start the computer in safe mode Safe mode is a limited version of Windows Allows you to reboot To access, press F8 key at start of boot process Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

What is the boot process? Welcome Screen Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

What if my computer asks me for a password? The Welcome screen allows you to log into 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 Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

What if my computer asks me for a password? To log in you will use a user ID and password User ID uniquely identifies you to the computer Password is a series of letters and numbers that provide you with security clearance. Strong passwords use: Eight characters Uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Why do I need a mouse and keyboard? The keyboard and mouse are input devices Keyboards are typically used to input text The mouse is used to select tasks The keyboard can also be used to select tasks to cut down on hand motion Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Why do I need a mouse and keyboard? Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Why do I need a mouse and keyboard? Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

How do I turn off my computer? To turn off your computer use the Start menu to choose one of three options: Shut down: Windows closes all open programs, deletes temporary files, shuts down, and turns off power Sleep mode: Power-saving feature to resume your work without going through boot process Hybrid sleep mode: Combines hibernate and sleep mode Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

How do I turn off my computer? If your computer freezes try holding down the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys to access Windows Task Manager If you are sharing a computer, log off before you leave The way you shut down or “wake up” your computer can vary depending on your system software and computer model Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Desktops, notebooks and ultra-mobile computers Computer system refers to the computer and all the components that are connected to it. The computer types include: Desktop computer Fairly permanent fixture on your desk Includes the system unit, mouse, keyboard, display device Tower case houses computer Provides USB ports Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Desktops, notebooks and ultra-mobile computers Desktop Computer Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Desktops, notebooks and ultra-mobile computers Computer types continued: Notebook computers Laptop designed for people on the move Includes the keyboard, screen, pointing device, USB ports, and CD or DVD drives Runs on batteries or from wall outlet Tablet computer Similar to notebook but also provides touch-sensitive screen and stylus Most versions also accept voice input Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Desktops, notebooks and ultra-mobile computers Computer types continued: Ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) Very small tablet computer Runs same operating system and application software as full size computers Screen is about 7 inches diagonally Display quality good for office tasks and gaming Keyboard and earphones can be attached Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Desktops, notebooks and ultra-mobile computers Ultra-mobile PC Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Computer “haves” and “have-nots” What do you think? Do you own a computer? Do you believe that not having a computer at home is likely to limit a person’s chances to improve his or her economic status? Do you favor spending tax dollars to make computers available in public libraries? Would you favor allowing college students to spend their financial aid money on computers? Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1

Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1 Chapter Summary You should now be able to: Unpack and set up your PC Find the various hardware components Boot up your PC system Identify the different types of systems Use a user ID and password Use a mouse and a keyboard Shut down your PC Practical PC 5th Edition Chapter 1