This document provides an overview of computers including types of computers, computer hardware and software, tips for buying a computer, computer repair resources, and ways to learn more about computers. It discusses desktops, laptops, netbooks and tablets, as well as computer components like the CPU, RAM, hard drive and peripherals. It also lists resources for selecting, purchasing and maintaining computers and recommends books, magazines, classes and websites for continuing computer education.
5. Hard Drive
Main storage device for your computer
Has a finite amount of memory
Can have more than one drive
Can be external or internal
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_drive
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/hard-disk.htm
6. Random Access Memory (RAM)
Memory for your computer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAM
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/computer-memory.htm
8. Central Processing Unit (aka CPU)
Processes the actions of the computer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/microprocessor.htm
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question268.htm
11. Keyboard and Mouse
Keyboard is used to type
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_%28computing%29
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/keyboard.htm
Mouse is used to move the cursor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_mouse
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/mouse.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cursor_%28computers%29
12. Peripherals
Anything that you add to a computer ex. printer etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripherals
USB port
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usb
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/usb.htm
Parallel and Serial
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_port_%28hardware%29
13. Graphics Card
Runs the graphics on your computer
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/graphics-card.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_card
14. Monitor
Displays what your computer is doing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_monitor
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/monitor.htm
15. Printer
Creates a hard copy of what is on the computer screen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_printer
http://home.howstuffworks.com/inkjet-printer.htm
Multifunction Printers have a scanner, fax, and copier built in.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multifunction_printer
16. Software (aka computer programs)
Operating software
Runs your computer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/operating-system.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/windows-vista.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_boot
Also can have software for word processing, spreadsheets,
photography, internet, and more!
17. How to buy computers
http://www.ehow.com/how_3038_buy-computer.html
http://www.pcworld.com/article/125649/how_to_buy_a_desktop_pc.html
http://allthingsd.com/20130430/laptop-guide-timing-the-market-and-the-machines/
http://denverlibrary.org/files/Buying_a_Computer_handout_2013_11_29.pdf
https://sites.google.com/a/nypl.org/techconnect/course-materials/computerbuyingguid
http://www.ehow.com/how_3038_buy-computer.html
http://www.pcworld.com/article/125649/how_to_buy_a_desktop_pc.html
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/devices/technology-buying-guide
Opinions on computers
http://www.epinions.com/
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm
Computer Basics Tutorials from gcflearnfree
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computerbasics
18. Computer Repair
Read manual
Go to manufacturer’s website’s faq or help section
Contact manufacturer of computer, software, or hardware
Do a Google search of the error message
Best Buy (Geek Squad)
Data Doctors
19. Learn more about computers
Library Books: Dummies, Idiots Guide, etc.
Magazines: Smart Computing, PC World Etc.
Newspapers: Walt Mossberg WSJ every Thurs.
20. Computer Classes
At Sunrise Mountain Library See calendar for schedule
Glendale Community College
Rio Salado College
http://www.ed2go.com/l-maricopa/