This is a beginner-level class for those who didn't grow up using a computer! During this class, we'll take a look at Windows and its features, including saving files, creating folders and subfolders and setting up your desktop with shortcuts. We'll also cover creating task bar links, using My Computer, and how to install new programs on your computer system. - Windows '98, ME, and XP Home version. (Windows '95 users will also benefit from the class, but some features will not be available in that version).

LESSON 1
Your Computer

Your personal computer consists of a mainframe CPU (central processing unit) in a cabinet called a tower or base unit with peripherals such as a monitor and keyboard. The heart of your computer system is inside the CPU cabinet: the power supply, motherboard, and Hard Disk Drive.

The motherboard or mainboard is where the main computer chip is located. It also has slots that contain memory chips and expansion slots that you use for adding additional peripherals to your system such as modems, scanners, printers etc. These expansion slots are also used to add video cards, sound cards, bus accelerators etc., which add power and speed to the main computer system. The circuit boards sometimes have their own memory chip, which allows data to be processed at greater speeds.

The Hard Disk Drive is just what the name implies. It contains one or more circular disks similar to the CD that you play on your stereo. The main difference is the data stored on your hard disk are magnetic particles that are read and written to the disk via floating arms that move back and forth just above the surface of the disk.

In addition to the above, most personal computers have a floppy A disk drive which reads and writes data to a circular disk inside a square plastic cover. The A drive spins this pliable disk within the plastic cover as it reads or writes data. Other disk drives are the B floppy, Zip, and CD-ROMs. All disk drives are similar and serve the same purpose - data storage. The main difference in these drives is the amount of storage capability and the operation speed.

If your computer is relatively new, you may also have a CD-R/W drive - stands for "Compact Disc Read/Write" - that can create CD ROMs and/or music CDs. Another drive type which comes on many new computers is the DVD drive which until recently has mainly been used for viewing movies on the computer but may also be used for other file types now. A DVD disc holds much more information than a standard CD, though they look very similar. DVD drives can usually read CD ROMs and music CDs, but standard CD and CD-R/W drives cannot usually read DVD discs.

Glossary

Below is a glossary of some common computer terminology:

CPU - Central Processing Unit - microchip that performs all the computer's functions

MHz - Measurement of CPU microchip speed (millions of cycles per second)

Hardware - the visible parts of a computer such as the monitor, keyboard, printer, mouse, tower, etc.

Software - computer code and information that runs the computer; the actual programs you load into a computer; the information you create and save on a diskette.

Peripherals - anything other than the CPU cabinet; the monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.

Disk Drive - device which reads and/or writes information to the hard, floppy, zip or CD drive; designated by letters

Hard Disk - internal, non-removable disk drive that stores programs and data for immediate access and use.

Modem - internal or external device that connects your system to an ISP providing access to the Internet.

ISP - Internet Service Provider

RAM - Random Access Memory is the working area of a computer system; it opens and runs programs. The amount of RAM your computer has determines how many programs or applications you can work on at the same time. It is also a temporary storage area for your current work. If your computer is turned off, all information here is lost.

ROM - Read Only Memory is never lost; you can retrieve information from it, but you cannot store anything additional here.

CD-ROM - ROM stored on a CD; it stores up to 80 times or more than a conventional floppy disk.

Program - instructions written in computer code.

(Note: There are many other computer terms that we will discuss, and provide definitions for, during the next six weeks.)
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