How to understand computers from scratch? Today, this issue has become more popular than ever. The computer industry is interested not only in young but also in older adults. But where does such interest come from?
What is a computer for? Most people buy a computer for entertainment. They install interesting games, watch their favorite films, communicate in social networks, etc. But there is another category of people, more advanced, who could find a great source of income in this technique. The book “How to Understand Computers for Dummies” has all the necessary information that will help you become more familiar with the basics of the computer. Having increased their knowledge, many became programmers, web designers, developers, SEO-copywriters, etc. It is important to remember that they became such, and not, as many believe, were born.
Thanks to this article, you will learn how to start understanding computers, what they consist of and how to use them. This initial knowledge will help you determine the purpose of acquiring this technique: to have fun or to earn money.
The main difference between a computer and a laptop
Before we begin to learn the basics of the computer industry, you need to remember how a laptop differs from a computer. The most important thing is its mobility. If you can take your laptop with you wherever you want, this will not work with your computer.
A laptop is a mobile device that runs on battery power, and a computer is a stationary, network-powered technique. Both devices are equipped with a keyboard, mouse, screen, RAM, video card, etc. All components (monitor, sound card, processor, etc.) that are in the computer can be replaced if necessary, which cannot be said about a laptop.
In addition, an operating system (Windows or Linux) is installed on both the computer and the laptop. Next, we will learn how to learn how to understand computers, and start right away with the operating system. If you master, for example, a laptop, then you will not have problems working with a computer, and vice versa.
How to understand computers: operating system
The operating system is the soul of the computer, its life force. When you turn on this technique, it is the operating system that starts working first, and only then the rest of the programs that are in it.
Thanks to this software, all programs installed on the computer are launched and media files are played. Without this support, the computer would only show a black screen and numbers with letters.
What else is an operating system for? Previously, they listened to music on tape recorders that played back tapes and records. Now it all starts using various programs and players that the software supports. In other words, the operating system animates all parts of the computer: the mouse, speakers, monitor, keyboard, and everything that is included in the system unit (processor, RAM, motherboard, etc.).
PC device
Before you learn to understand the hardware of a computer, you must first study its design. That is, you need to understand what exactly is part of such a technique.
The computer consists of:
- Internal parts - those contained in the system unit (large black box). These include the motherboard, processor, drive, RAM, sound and video card, cooler and more. Each of these parts can be replaced with a new one in the event of a malfunction.
- External parts - all other computer devices that can be connected to the system unit (mouse, keyboard, speakers and monitor).
Also, all these parts, both internal and external, have their own separate classification:
- Information input devices are those parts with which the computer receives information (keyboard and mouse).
- Information output devices are the ones thanks to which we receive information from a computer (screen and speakers).
So, we examined the main parts of the computer, without which it will not be able to work successfully. But if you want to know how to better understand computers, then we will discuss in more detail each component.
System unit
If the operating system is the soul of a computer, then the system unit is all internal organs. The composition of the system unit includes many parts that interact with each other. The most important part is the motherboard (large chip). It is to her that everything else is attached.
External parts also include a Wi-Fi device, game consoles and a TV tuner, which also connect to the system unit. Before you buy a computer, you need to choose what purpose it will serve: for games, for watching movies and working with documents, or simply for accessing the Internet. Depending on your choice, the store consultant will offer a motherboard with the optimal cost and the necessary functions.
On the outside of the system unit there are two buttons: one large, the other small. The large one serves to start the computer, and the small one for emergency reboots.
How to understand computers: monitor
Probably every house has a TV. A computer monitor has something in common with it. Both of these devices perform the same function - displaying information on the screen. Their main difference is that information comes to the TV from the cable (analog signal) or through the antenna, and the monitor receives information from the system unit. To be precise, from a video card that is installed in the system unit.
Monitors, like televisions, may vary in size and type. Size is determined in inches. And the type of monitor can be either liquid crystal (LCD), or with a cathode ray tube (CRT). Their main difference is the weight and dimensions. A CRT monitor weighed significantly heavier than an LCD, and took up a lot of space on the desktop, but it was not much inferior in picture quality. Modern LCD screens have a refresh rate of more than 120 Hz and a viewing angle of 178 degrees, which cannot be said about a CRT display.
Speakers
Another output device is computer speakers. In this case, the information is supplied in the form of sound coming from a sound card. The main difference between computer speakers and ordinary speakers is the built-in audio amplifier. That is, a sound card located in the system unit transmits an analog signal to an audio amplifier, and only after that the processed sound is output to the speakers.
Computer speakers have two cords. One is connected to the system unit, and the second to the mains. Between themselves, the speakers also have a cord connection, some are equipped with a volume control.
Keyboard
How to understand computers, namely, devices for outputting information, we partially familiarized ourselves. Now we will discuss those devices that are used to enter information.
Typically, the keyboard is designed for writing numbers and letters (both Russian and English). But modern keyboards have many other useful features that help reduce the time to turn on or off some programs.
Gaming keyboards have their own characteristics for greater convenience. Often they are curved and equipped with many additional features that allow you to work with a computer without a mouse.
For example, in the multimedia keyboards on the top panel there are additional buttons that are responsible for sound level, rewind songs, pauses, etc. Gaming keyboards have their own characteristics for greater convenience. Often they are curved and equipped with many additional features that allow you to work with a computer without a mouse.
Mouse
Another device for entering information is a computer mouse. It got its name because of its unique shape, which resembles a live mouse. A computer mouse, like a keyboard, can differ not only in shape, but in functionality.
A standard mouse has only two buttons (right and left) and a wheel. The left button is for basic operations (open or close a program, move shortcuts, etc.), and the right one for additional (open properties, an additional panel, etc.).
As for the gaming mice, in addition to the standard buttons, they were provided with many additional ones (a set of numbers, a wheel lock, turning the backlight on and off, etc.). Also, modern mice use a laser, which is more sensitive than a regular ball, like standard ones. Such mice are somewhat more expensive than simple devices, but their service life is longer (from three to five years).
Conclusion
Thanks to the information reviewed, you can understand how to understand computers, namely, their components. Thanks to the knowledge gained, you will be able to choose the best computer that will meet your requirements and purpose. Remember that all its parts, both external and internal, can be replaced with new ones in the event of a breakdown, which cannot be done with a laptop.