Lesson-10

CONNECTING TO INTERNET

How Do I Connect to the Internet?

Once you've set up your computer, you'll probably want to get internet access so that you can send and receive email, browse the web, watch movies, and more. Before you can access the internet, there are three things that you need: internet service, a modem, and a web browser.

Choosing an Internet Service

It all depends on where you live and how much speed you need. Internet Service Providers usually offer different levels of speed based on your needs. If you're mainly using the internet for e-mail and social networking, a slower connection might be all you need, but if you want to download a lot of music or watch streaming movies, you'll want a faster connection. You'll need to do some research to find out what the options are in your area.

Choosing an Internet Service Provider

Once you have decided which type of internet access you are interested in, you can determine which ISPs are available in your area that offer the type of internet access you want. Then, you will need to purchase internet service from one of the available ISPs. Talk to friends, family members, and neighbors to see what ISP they use. Below are some things to consider as you research ISPs:

• Speed
• Price
• Ease of Installation
• Service Record
• Technical Support
• Contract Terms

Although dial-up has traditionally been the cheapest option, many ISPs have raised dial-up prices to be the same as broadband. This is intended to encourage people to switch over to broadband. Generally, you should only use dial-up if Hardware Needed.

Once you have your computer, you really don't need much additional hardware to connect to the internet. The primary piece of hardware you need is a modem.

Lesson-9

TO KNOW OPERATING SYSTEM

Windows OS

The screen that you see when your computer has finished starting up is called the desktop. Depending on what kind of operating system you have, the desktop will look different, but it generally consists of menus at the bottom, top, and/or sides of the screen, with the rest of the screen containing a desktop background (or wallpaper).

When you're done using your computer, it's important to shut it down properly. Depending on your operating system, the exact procedure for shutting down will vary.

To Shut Down Windows 7 or Vista:

Click the Start button and then select the Shutdown button (or the power button icon in Vista). You can also click the arrow to the right of the Shutdown button for more options.

Your Computer's File System

Lesson- 8

SETTING UP A DESKTOP COMPUTER

• Step 1

After unpacking the computer and peripherals

Unpack the monitor and computer case from the box. Remove any plastic covering or protective tape. Place the monitor and the computer case where you wish on the desk or work area.

Think about where you want your desk or work area to be located, and where you want your monitor, computer case, and other hardware. Be sure to place your computer case in an area that is well ventilated and that has good air flow. This will help to prevent overheating.

• 
  

Locate the monitor cable. It will usually be either a VGA or a DVI cable. VGA cables will often have blue connectors to make them easier to identify

Lesson- 7 

INTRODUCTION TO HANDHELD COMPUTERS

 (LAPTOP, NETBOOK, TABLET)

What is a Laptop Computer?

A laptop is a battery or AC-powered personal computer that can be easily carried and used in a variety of locations. Many laptops are designed to have all of the functionality of a desktop computer, which means they can generally run the same software and open the same types of files. However, some laptops, such as netbooks, sacrifice some functionality in order to be even more portable.

How is a Laptop Different from a Desktop?

Since laptops are designed for portability, there are some important differences from desktop computers. A laptop has an all-in-one design, with a built-in monitor, keyboard, touchpad (which replaces the mouse), and speakers. That means it is fully functional even when there are no peripherals attached to it. A laptop is quicker to set up, and there are fewer cables to get in the way.

You also have the option of connecting a regular mouse, a larger monitor, and other peripherals. This basically turns your laptop into a desktop computer, with one main difference: You can easily disconnect the peripherals and take the laptop with you wherever you go.

Here are the main differences that you can expect with a laptop:

A touchpad on a laptop

Touchpad: A touchpad (also called a trackpad) is a touch-sensitive pad that lets you control the pointer by making a "drawing" motion with your finger. Many touchpads now include multi-touch gestures, which allow you to perform specific tasks by making gestures with more than one finger.

Battery: Every laptop has a battery which allows you to use the laptop when it's not plugged in. Whenever you plug the laptop in, the battery recharges. Another benefit of having a battery is that it can provide backup power to the laptop if the power goes out.

Lesson- 6 

INTERNAL PARTS OF A DESKTOP 

COMPUTER

Inside a Desktop Computer

Have you ever looked inside a computer case before, or seen pictures of the inside of one? The small parts may look complicated, but the inside of a computer case really isn't all that mysterious. This lesson will help you master some of the basic terminology and understand a little about what goes on inside the four walls of the computer casing.

Let's explore the inside of a computer tower.

CPU/Processor

The Central Processing Unit (CPU), also called a processor, is located inside the computer case on the motherboard. It is sometimes called the brain of the computer, and its job is to carry out commands. Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the CPU.

Lesson- 5 

BUTTONS, SOCKETS AND SLOTS ON A 

DESKTOP COMPUTER

Introduction to Computer Sockets and Slots

Take a look at the front and back of your computer case and count the number of buttons, sockets, and slots you see. Now, look at your monitor and count any that appear there. Each computer is different, so the buttons, slots, and sockets will vary from computer to computer. However, there are certain features you can expect to find on most desktop computers. Being familiar with the names of each and how they are commonly used will help you later on when you connect that new printer, mouse, digital camera, or other device.

Front of Computer Case

front of computer case

Optical Disc Drive: Often called a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, these let your computer read CDs and DVDs. Most optical disc drives can also write (or "burn") data to CD-R and DVD-R discs. More recent drives can read Blu-ray Discs and write to BD-R (Blu-ray Disc recordable) discs, and these drives are often called BD-ROM, BD-RE, or Blu-ray drives.

Lesson- 4 

BASIC PARTS OF A COMPUTER

Parts of a Computer

The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. Each part plays an important role whenever you use a computer.

Computer Case

The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer. It houses the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), the power supply, and more.

Computer cases come in different shapes and sizes. A desktop case lies flat on a desk, and the monitor usually sits on top of it. A tower case is tall and sits next to the monitor or on the floor. The front of the case usually has an on/off switch and one or more optical drives.

Most of the personal computers you can purchase today include tower cases, rather than desktop cases; however, some computers are being made with all of the internal components built into the monitor, which completely eliminates the tower.