Karary University – Dr. Abdeldime Mohamed Salih – Lecture Note Lecture One Title: Dealing with computers Instructions to the students: By the end of this lecture readers will be familiar with computer component and usages. Before start: You need to use your own computer to practice the following skills The following note is prepared to understanding how to deal with the computer in general. Further information can be found at the reference given in the content of the subject. Also you can find more information in the internet. The content is prepared in such way that suits the pharmacy college students to help them dealing with computer. Also you contact the instructor at his office any time between 12:00 to 2:00 at his office. Computers and their hardware and related software are constantly evolving. Try to keep as up-to-date as possible by reading computer-related news, blogs, RSS feeds, newsletters, forums, and following computer people on social networking sites . Understanding the computer The computer is a fantastic device, and knowing how the computer works and how everything works together helps you get a better understanding of the computer. What is computer A computer is a programmable device that stores, retrieves, and processes data. The term "computer" was originally given to humans (human computers) who performed numerical calculations using mechanical calculators. The term was later given to a mechanical device as they began replacing the human computers. Today's computers are electronic devices that accept data (input), process that data, produce output, and store (storage) the results. Below is a picture of a computer with each of the main components. Karary University – Dr. Abdeldime Mohamed Salih – Lecture Note In the Figure below, you can see the desktop computer, flat-panel display, speakers, keyboard, and mouse. Each of the input devices and output devices are labelled. Types of computers Today, Computers are classified into many devices such as: 1. Computers 2. Desktop 3. Laptop 4. Netbook 5. Hybrid computer users. Please see the figure below Setup a computer If you've recently received a computer, it must be assembled and connected according to the user's manual before anything can be done. If you need help setting up and turning on your computer, follow the steps in the links below. Position the computer Karary University – Dr. Abdeldime Mohamed Salih – Lecture Note Set the computer monitor on the desk and put the computer on or next to the desk. Most often, the computer sits on the floor or on a shelf next to the desk or table. However, some computer desks offer a small cabinet for the computer. Place the mouse and keyboard that came with the computer on the desk or table, in front of the monitor and connect all cables The monitor data cable The monitor data cable will plug into the computer in only one place. Most monitors use either a DVI, VGA, or HDMI connectors and plug into the corresponding port on the back of the computer. If your monitor only has a VGA plug and your computer only has a DVI connection, or vice versa, you need a video converter to connect your monitor. The following photo shows the VGA connectors (the female connector is on the computer side while the male connector is from cable side). After connecting the data cable (VGA cable) to the computer, connect the power plug from the monitor to the surge protector. Karary University – Dr. Abdeldime Mohamed Salih – Lecture Note For laptops the monitor is embedded to the computer device and no need for data cable, however, you can connect a desktop monitor to you laptop using VGA or HDMI connectors. The keyboard and mouse The keyboard and mouse usually connect to the computer with a PS/2 or USB connector. These connectors are usually on the back of the computer. Computer power cord For desktop or laptops computer, find the power cord and plug one end into the back of the computer (only one end fits). Plug the other end of the power cord into a power outlet or surge protector. It is usually highly recommended both the computer and monitor be powered through a surge protector to protect it from power surges. If your house experiences frequent brown outs or black outs, consider using a UPS device (uninterruptible power supply) to help protect your computer. Connecting a Speaker If you have computer speakers, they can also be plugged into the back of the computer. The speakers connect to the line out or sound out port (usually green) on the back of the computer. If your speakers are powered speakers, the power cord should also be plugged into the surge protector. What parts are needed for a computer to work? Today's desktop computers have some or all of the below components (hardware) and peripherals. As technology advances, older technologies, such as a floppy disk drive and Zip drive (both shown below), are no longer required or included. 1. Case or Chassis 2. Case Fan 3. Optical drive: Blu-ray, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, or DVD. ( not commonly used these days) 4. CPU (processor) 5. Floppy disk drive ( not commonly used these days) Karary University – Dr. Abdeldime Mohamed Salih – Lecture Note 6. Hard drive 7. Keyboard 8. RAM (random access memory) 9. Microphone 10. Monitor, LCD, or another display device such as smart screen or projector. 11. Motherboard 12. Mouse 13. Network card 14. Power Supply 15. Printer 16. Sound card 17. Speakers 18. Video card 19. DSL Modem such Zain connect or Sudani Connect 20. Router for Wi-Fi internet connection A computer does not require all the components mentioned above. However, a computer cannot function without having at the very minimum the parts listed below. 1. Processor - Component that executes instructions from the software and hardware. 2. Memory - Temporary primary storage for data traveling between the storage and CPU. 3. Motherboard (with on-board video) - Component that connects all components. 4. Storage device (e.g., hard drive) - Slower secondary storage that permanently stores data. However, if you had a computer with only the minimum parts above, you would be unable to communicate with it until you connected at least one input device (e.g., keyboard). Also, for you to see what is happening, you would need at least one output device (e.g., monitor). Connecting to internet To establish a connection to internet service using a wired Internet connection, connect, the category 5 Ethernet cable (see the below photo: Ethernet UTP connector) to the back of the computer. If you are planning on using Wi-Fi to Karary University – Dr. Abdeldime Mohamed Salih – Lecture Note connect to the Internet, only a Wi-Fi router needs to be in range of the computer. Further information about connecting to Internet is coming in Lecture Four. It is now ready turn the computer on and allow it to load up into one of the operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Android or any. If it the first time turning on the computer, upon booting up the computer, you may be asked a few questions, such as your name, location, and network settings to help finalize the set up. Connecting a printer and other peripherals Other peripherals can be connected and used with the computer such as printer. Printers is used to print out some text, pictures, or photos. First you need to connect your printer or devices to a USB connector. Then, start installing the driver’s software for each of the devices after the computer is running properly. A computer printer does not work until you install the included drivers and software. If you have lost the software for your printer, you can download the drivers for your printer and use the drivers to install your printer. A laptop computer works the same way as a desktop and can use any of the above connections in similar way. Setup printer and install software After connecting the printer and turning it on, you'll need to install the printer’s software and drivers. Every printer should come with the software used to install a printer in Windows or your operating system. 1. After everything is plugged in, turn on the computer. 2. Insert the CD that came with the printer. If the CD does not automatically start, open My Computer, double-click the CD drive, and then click the Setup or Install file. If you have downloaded the drivers, run the downloaded setup file. 3. Follow the installation wizard, and once completed, your software is installed. Karary University – Dr. Abdeldime Mohamed Salih – Lecture Note 4. Test the printer to make sure it is working. Computer Software: Understanding the operating system Every computer requires an operating system, which is what allows the software and hardware to communicate and makes the computer useful. Understanding what operating system is running on your computer helps you in finding help and knowing what is compatible with your computer. Become familiar with the operating system and version that is running on your computer. There are different operating system such as: 1. Microsoft windows (with different versions) 2. Linux 3. Novel 4. Android (for mobiles and smart phones and some screens ) Before identifying an operating system, you must know what type of computer you have. You can also use our system information tool to automatically detect your operating system. The majority of all IBM compatible (PC) users have Microsoft Windows installed on their computer. A good method of determining if you are running Microsoft Windows 7 or later is to look for the Start menu button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.