The document discusses personal computers and applications for home and small business networking. It covers topics like the purpose and uses of PCs, different types of computing devices, how data is represented in binary format, determining appropriate computer components and peripherals, and installing, verifying and upgrading system components. The objectives are to identify how PCs are used, compare device types, explain binary data representation, select proper components, and install/upgrade computers.

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Version 4.0
Personal Computers
and Applications
Networking for Home and Small Businesses – Chapter 1

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Objectives
 Identify the purpose and uses of personal computers
and describe local and network applications.
 Compare and contrast different types of computing
devices.
 Explain the binary representation of data.
 Determine appropriate components and peripheral
devices to meet requirements.
 Install, verify, and upgrade computer components and
peripherals.

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Purpose and Uses of Personal Computers
 Multiple uses for computers

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Purpose and Uses of Personal Computers
 Common local and network applications

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Types of Computing Devices
 Different types of Computers

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Types of Computing Devices
 Types and features of servers

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Types of Computing Devices
 Features of a desktop personal computer (PC)

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Types of Computing Devices
 Features of a workstation

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Types of Computing Devices
 Types and features of portable devices

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Binary Representation of Data
 Digital (binary) representation of various common forms
of data
 Using the proper units for measuring information

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Binary Representation of Data
 Convert approximately between bits, bytes, Kilobytes,
Megabytes, and Gigabytes

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Binary Representation of Data
 Measuring speed, resolution and frequency

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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
 Plan for computer purchase: preassembled or custom

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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
 Motherboard

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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
 Random Access Memory (RAM)

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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
 Adapter cards add functionality to a computer system

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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
 Storage Devices and Requirements

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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
 Peripheral device purposes and requirements

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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
 Importance of UPS and Surge Protector

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Install, Verify and Upgrade Components and
Peripherals
 Computer Repair Best Practices

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Install, Verify and Upgrade Components and
Peripherals
 Connect Computer System components and verify
operation

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Install, Verify and Upgrade Components and
Peripherals
 Installing Peripherals and Verifying Operation

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Summary
 Computers are used all over the world and in all types of
environments including: government, medical, education,
manufacturing, legal and leisure.
 There are many different types of computers available including:
Mainframes, Servers, Desktop PCs, Workstations, Laptops and
Hand-held portable devices.
 Data is represented by binary digits (bits) organized into bytes (B),
kilobytes (kB ), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), and terabytes
(TB). Data transfer rates are measured by bits per second.
Computer screen resolution is measured in pixels. Analog
frequencies, wireless transmissions and radio frequencies are
measured in Hertz.
 Things to consider when purchasing a computer: Motherboard,
CPU, RAM, Adapter Cards, Storage, Peripherals, UPS, Surge
Suppressors
 Computers are a collection of very complex components and
peripherals. Safety procedures must be followed when working
inside a computer, both to protect the equipment and prevent harm
to the technician.

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