The document discusses the key components of a computer including the CPU, RAM, motherboard, hard disk, input devices, and output devices. It provides tips for maintaining computer performance such as running disk cleanup, disk defragmentation, and error checking tasks automatically every week. Issues are troubleshot by checking whether they relate to software, hardware, or network problems. Restarting the computer and disconnecting other devices are also recommended troubleshooting steps. The document contrasts device-based applications that are specific to one computer versus cloud computing which allows data access from multiple devices through networks and services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud.

2.  CPU- aka Central Processing Unit and can
be considered the “brain” of the computer;
it runs software and processes data.
 RAM- aka Random-accessed memory and
is the working memory; it holds the data
and software that is currently being used.
› RAM can be added to speed up a computer.
 Motherboard- aka central printed circuit
board (PCB)and is a circuit board that
connects to everything else in the
computer.

3.  The hard disk holds your information
(data and software) when the computer
is off.
 Input devices- hardware used to get
information into your computer
(examples: camera or scanner)
 Output Devices- receives or displays
information going out of your computer
(examples: printer or projector)

4.  Get at least 4GB of RAM because
memory is cheap
 Think long-term and look for attributes
that will allow for upgrades later on

5.  Be preventive
 Hence, have these three tasks set up to
run automatically once a week
› Have hard disk cleaned of temporary files
› Have the hard disk defragmented
› Check for errors on the hard disk
 Having these three tasks run weekly will
keep your computer running more
quickly than it otherwise would.

6.  As mentioned previously, you should
have the disk cleanup run automatically
once a week, but it should be set to run
when you are commonly on your
computer because the Windows Disk
Cleanup needs user input.
 The other two recommended weekly
tasks do not require that you be on your
computer for them to run.

7.  First figure out what’s causing your
problem… the network, hardware, or
software?
› Software - try ctrl-alt-delete to shut down
program and restart it
› Hardware – check to make sure all
connections are good and listen for unusual
sounds
› Network – ask another person using the
same network to see if theirs is working

8.  Restart your computer
 Check electric cord by plugging in
something else (a light or a fan is
sufficient for checking the electric cord)
 Check connections between
keyboard/monitor and the computer
 Disconnect other devices such as a
printer and then restart your computer

9.  Device-based applications – the old way
of technology
› Applications that are only to be used for the
one computer that they are physically
placed on without a network’s help

10.  Cloud computing encompasses the idea
of “everything everywhere”
 A “cloud” can be considered anything
that backs up/syncs data that can be
accessed by more than one device
 These interconnected services are
available through a network
 Current examples include: Dropbox,
Google Drive, and the iCloud by Apple