chapter 1 getting started. 2practical pc 6th edition chapter 1 getting started faqs where’s the...

Chapter 1Getting Started

2Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

Getting Started

• FAQs• Where’s the power switch?• What is the boot process?• What is a user account?• What if my computer asks me for a password?• How do I turn off my computer?• When should I use sleep and hibernate modes?• What about Lock, Restart, Log Off, and Switch User

options?

3Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

Where’s the power switch?

• Your PC (Personal Computer) is a collection of hardware and software components– Hardware includes:

• Your computer• Any equipment connected to it

– Software includes:• The instructions the computer follows to perform a

task

4Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

Where’s the power switch?

• Your PC (Personal Computer) is an electronic device containing:– A microprocessor to carry out the commands of the

computer– RAM (random access memory) for temporary storage– Storage media and storage devices for more permanent

storage• Each byte stores one character of data. A megabyte is

equivalent to approximately a million characters of data, a gigabyte stores a billion characters of data, and a terabyte stores a trillion characters

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Where’s the power switch?

• Computers also work with input and output devices– Input devices, such as keyboards, mice, and trackpads, are

used to input data into the computer– Output devices, such as printers and display screens, show

the results of processing

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Where’s the power switch?

7Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

What is the boot process?

• Booting up your PC– As soon as you switch on the power, your PC starts to

“boot up” and perform diagnostic tests to make sure the hardware is functioning correctly

– PC looks for the operating system which manages the computer’s internal operations

– Application software can be used to help you produce documents, make calculations, draw pictures, or maintain your to-do list

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What is the boot process?

• Operating system– Computers typically have the operating system

preinstalled– The operating system is stored on the computer’s hard

disk– Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating

system

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What is the boot process?

• If Windows fails to start:– Check your cables, plugs, batteries, and the brightness

setting on the screen– Start the computer in safe mode

• Safe mode is a limited version of Windows• Allows you to reboot

– When the boot process is complete, Windows displays the Welcome screen

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What is the boot process?

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What is a user account?

• The Welcome screen allows you to select a user account and log in to windows

• All user accounts are displayed:– Administrator account has advanced access– Standard account works best for regular computer

activities– Guest account is used for temporary use of computer

What is a user account?

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13Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

What if my computer asks me for a password?

• To log in you will use a user ID and password– User ID uniquely identifies you to the computer– Password is a series of letters and numbers that provide

you with security clearance. Strong passwords use:• Eight characters• Uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special

symbols

What if my computer asks me for a password?

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15Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

How do I turn off my computer?

• To turn off your computer use the shut down option on the Windows Start menu– Windows closes all open programs, deletes temporary

files, shuts down, and turns off power– Best way to conserve power and prevent battery drain

• You can reboot or start the Windows Task manager– CTRL+ALT+DELETE

How do I turn off my computer?

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17Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

When should I use sleep and hibernate modes?

• Sleep mode: Windows keeps all of your work in memory and puts your computer in a low-power, energy-saving state• Good option if you use your computer intermittently

throughout the day• Hibernate mode: Windows saves all your work to your hard

disk and turns off your computer• Multiple ways to put your computer into sleep or hibernate

mode

When should I use sleep and hibernate modes?

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What about the Lock, Restart, Log Off, and Switch User options?

• Lock: locks down the computer while it remains on• Restart: serves the same purpose as shutting down the

computer and then rebooting it• Log Off: Files are closed, computer stays on, and other users

with valid accounts can log in• Switch User: Allows someone else to log in without you first

logging off

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What about the Lock, Restart, Log Off, and Switch User options?

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Desktops, notebooks, tablets, and netbooks

• Computer system refers to the computer and all the components that are connected to it. The computer types include:– Desktop computer

• Fairly permanent fixture on your desk • Includes the system unit, mouse, keyboard, display

device• Tower case houses computer• Provides expansion ports

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Desktops, notebooks, tablets, and netbooks

23Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 1

Desktops, notebooks, tablets, and netbooks

• Computer types continued:– Notebook computers

• Laptop designed for people on the move• Includes the keyboard, screen, pointing device,

expansion ports, and storage devices• Runs on batteries or from wall outlet

– Tablet computer• Similar to notebook but also provides touch-sensitive

screen and stylus• Most versions also accept voice input

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Desktops, notebooks, tablets, and netbooks

• Computer types continued:– Netbook

• Offers more portability than a standard-size notebook or tablet

• Typically only seven or eight inches wide• Weigh about two pounds• Easy to fit in a purse, backpack, or briefcase• Usually cost $300 or less

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Desktops, notebooks, tablets, and netbooks

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Is the digital divide growing?

• What do you think?– Do you own a computer?– Do you believe that not having a computer at home is likely

to limit a person’s chances to improve his or her economic status?

– Do you favor spending tax dollars to make computers available in public libraries?

– Would you favor allowing college students to spend their financial aid money on computers?