Ads for
computers are frequently full of bewildering acronyms and numbers. This makes
buying a new computer confusing. It also makes it difficult for the beginner to
understand why performance varies so wildly from machine to machine. In reality,
only a few of these specifications are very important to most users. Here's a
summary of what to watch for:
This is the basic measure of how fast the computer runs. In IBM
compatibles, 286, 386, and 486 are older processors. Avoid them unless you want
a bargain machine to do one or two simple tasks, then try a 486. The next grade
up is a Pentium processor. The speed of these and later processors are measured
in megahertz (MHz). Get 100MHz at least, 166MHz to be comfortable, or 266MHz or
300MHz if you want the fastest currently available.
Next in
importance is the hard drive. Today's operating systems and applications are
very large. The Microsoft or Corel Office Suite will eat up around 100MB of
space by itself. The 300MB hard drive of yesterday just won't cut it anymore. We
recommend that a new machine have at least 1GB (gigabyte) of hard drive space.
That way, you won't have to start delete files to fit more after a few
months.
Some memory
is used each time a program is run. You need enough to run as many programs at
the same time as you think you will want. Given the size of current operating
systems and programs, 16MB of memory is minimal. For example, Macintosh OS 8.0
and Netscape will use up most of that 16MB all by themselves, and you will have
to use virtual memory to launch a word processor at the same time. For best
results, get 32MB or even 64MB.
Also, ask
how many empty expansion slots there are for more memory later on. One is OK,
two is better.
If you want
your machine to have sound, it needs a sound card. In addition, it will need
speakers. Sound cards are expensive to add later on, so even if you don't need
sound right away, get a machine with the card.
If your
machine will connect to others on a network, it needs to have a network or
Ethernet card. Make sure your card has a TenBaseT
adapter.
CD-ROMS are
used to install and run many modern programs. In some cases, running from the CD
will save you from having to put the full program on the hard drive. CD-ROM
drives come in different speeds. Get at least 2X, but 6X to 12X will run much
more quickly. Writeable CD drives will allow you to store your own information
on CDs, but they do cost more.
Monitor size
is measured on the diagonal from corner to corner. Make sure that when you get a
measurement, that it is terms of the viewable space. A 13" monitor is minimal.
Most computers now should be 15" or 17". Larger models like 21" are coming down
in price. You should also ask what resolutions your monitor can display. The
standard resolutions are 640x480, 800x600, and 1024x768. Sometimes the monitor
is sold separately from the computer.
If you plan
on work with graphics. You should create or adapt graphics frequently, get a
machine with a graphics card that will hold 2 or 4MB if gaming is your idea of
computing you may want to look for a video card which will hold 16, 32 or even
64 MB.
If your
computer is for network use, a modem won't be of much value. If it's for home
use, you probably need one. Ask for at least a 28.8 modem (33.6 and 56KB modems
are now available as well) that is Hayes-compatible to make sure you don't get a
clunker.
A software
bundle is free software that comes with the computer. Make sure it at least
comes with the operating system. Many pieces of bundled software aren't worth
much. They are small or outdated programs that you probably won't use or could
get for free over the Internet. On the other hand, if you get the Microsoft or
Corel Office Suites, you will definitely use them and are saving about $100.
Internet Explorer is free anyway and isn't a bonus.
Some brand
names are well recognized for quality parts and service. Some of these include
Apple, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Micron, Gateway, Acer, NEC, Digital, Toshiba,
and Compaq. If you buy other brands, be more careful. They might be made of
parts that are low quality or don't work well together. The result, for
instance, could be a Pentium processor that runs at 486
speeds.
1-year full
and 3-year limited warranties are pretty standard. Find out if they are on-site
(they'll come to you) or if you'll have to pack your computer and take it
somewhere or even ship it away. Ask about technical support lines, average
response time, and if there are additional charges for
support.
These aren't
expensive, but find out whether or not they come with the computer. Mice can be
had for as low as $15 and keyboards for as low as $25. Better quality devices
are available for around $50 for a nice mouse or trackball and around $100 for a
nice keyboard.
If you are
buying a computer for stand-alone use, usually for home, that won't be connected
to other computers, it may need more memory, more hard drive, and a modem to
function well. For a networked computer--one that will connect to others--you
may get by with less hard drive space and memory because you can save things to
network drives and run applications off the server. You won't need a modem, but
you will need a network card.
Operating
system software can often come with your computer. It should include an
interface that is used to organize programs on your computer. In schools
especially, there has been a big debate about which OS (Operating Systems) are
better, IBM-compatibles running Windows, Linux, OS 2. Some people even prefer
the older Windows 3.1 operating system.
It isn't
really fair for a teacher to argue that all Macintoshes are junk, or that
Windows is a ridiculous product. Students and workers alike may be forced to use
those "so called bad" computers at home, at work, or even in other labs in your
own school or businesses. Besides, the truth is that both operating systems
handle basic computing tasks well. Statements made about one OS being either
better or worse; are usually caused by either the user has not had the
opportunity to use the other or because they know how to use one they find it
easier to continue using the other. However due to the fact that the IBM
compatible is far more popular this tutorial will cover the basic Windows
P.C.
New
technology can be scary. Perfectly capable people can turn to mush when in front
of a computer. They treat those who work in the field as magicians or geniuses.
The words used sound like a foreign language. The truth is that computers aren't
hard to work with, with the knowledge of a few basic skills. That's why you are
reading this. Some advanced skills are hard to learn, but those aren't what most
of us need. Most of us just want to execute a few common tasks. That is within
your reach. How you look at each task is everything, so here are a few points to
remember:
Many
beginners are afraid they will hurt the computer. But unless you drop it off the
desk or pour a drink into the keyboard, there isn't much you can do that can't
be fixed. Error messages don't usually mean you made a mistake. If a computer
does break, it is probably a hardware problem that would have happened no matter
who was working with it.
On the other
hand...
Problems
happen. Machines each have their own quirks. When things don't work, don't
panic. Make a note about the error message and then try to click your way
through it. Most of the errors you get will not hurt anything. If that doesn't
work, try restarting the computer. Tell your local system administrator about
the problems you can't fix. Computers do crash, but a calm reaction will
minimize the chance of harm.
Some new
computer users are very determined. They want to be sure they understand
everything. They take complex notes and want to know what every command on every
menu of every program does. Unfortunately this learning style won't work so well
for everyone. It's likely to leave you confused. Instead, we recommend that you
accept up front that this won't all make sense the first time through. Focus on
basic concepts and options that you know you will use. The goal is to make
yourself functional enough that you can get started. After that, you will pick
up other skills naturally, as you need them.
If you are
confused, ask someone else they may have the answers you seek. Many of the ideas
in this handout build on each other.
It doesn't
get more basic than this!
Locate the
on/off switch for your computer. For most desktop computers, this is on the base
(that rectangular box that either sits under your monitor, stands next to it, or
stands on the floor.) For laptops, the switch is either on the base (most
IBM-compatibles).
Push in the
switch solidly just once. If it engages, you should hear the hard disk inside
begin to spin. On most computers, a small light, usually green, turns on next to
the switch. Your computer has begun "booting." If a diskette is in the diskette
drive, your computer will try to boot from that disk instead of its hard drive.
An error message will appear that reads "Non-system boot disk". Remove the
diskette and press any key to continue.
If you don't
see anything on the screen, you may need to switch on your monitor. On desktop
machines, it has a separate switch on its base, again with a green light that
doesn't blink if the monitor is on. Most monitors can be left on when the
computer is off.
Just watch
as the computer boots. It will flash several messages (or put up several icons),
but you don't need to read them. If error messages occur during the process, ask
your system administrator for help. At the end of the process, you may have to
provide passwords or other information to finish.
In Windows
95,
Click
"Start." Choose "Settings" and then "Control Panels." From the resulting window,
double-click on "Display." On the "Background" tab you can set a background
pattern and wallpaper. On the "Screen Savers" tab, select a screen saver from
the list and try it to see if you like it. On the "Appearance" tab, set the
color of windows, selected text, scrollbars, title bars, and other parts of the
Windows screen. On the "Plus!" tab (if you have it), set the choice and size of
icons. On "Settings," set the size of your color palette, from 16 colors to high
color (depending on your monitor capabilities) and resize the resolution of your
Desktop, from 640x480 to 800x600 or even more if your monitor is capable. If you
make changes on the “settings” tab, you will probably have to restart your
computer for them to take effect.
It is a good
idea to delete unused files. This frees space on your computer and allows it to
run more efficiently. If you never deleted anything, you would eventually bring
your computer to a standstill. However, you must be careful not to delete too
much. Most of the files on a computer look unimportant, but if you delete them,
programs stop running. For that reason, you should only
delete:
Files that
you created that you no longer intend to use,
or Whole
programs that you no longer intend to run
Both
operating systems have some protections to stop you from deleting the most
critical files, but these aren’t hard to overcome if you start throwing things
away madly.
To delete in Windows
95,
Find the
file or files that you want to delete. Drag them over the Recycle Bin icon on
your Desktop or right-click on their names and choose "Delete" from the menu
that appears. The file will stay in your Recycle Bin until you empty it as added
protection. If you want to take something back out, double-click the Recycle Bin
icon, find the file, right-click its name, and choose "Restore" from the menu
that appears. To empty the Bin, right-click its icon and choose "Empty Recycle
Bin."
Sometimes you'll have a hard time finding
the file or program you are looking for. Try as you might, you can't locate it
in the folders. If you know the name of the file, or even part of the name, you
are still OK.
Click
"Start." Choose "Find." From the menu that appears to the right, choose "Files
or Folders." This launches the "Find" tool. In the top box, "Named:," type the
name or partial name of the file you're looking for. In the box beneath it,
"Look In:," click the down arrow and choose a drive to search or the item at the
top of the list, "My Computer" to search all drives. Click "Find Now." The
search will be performed. From the list that results, select the file you want
and double-click it. This launches the file. If you don't remember the name, you
can search by "Date Created or Modified" by clicking on that tab or File Type by
clicking on the "Advanced" tab.
Do not, if
you have a choice, close down your computer by pulling the power plug or
punching its on/off switch. The trouble is that this closes the computer, but
not the software that is open. You could lose information from the files that
are open. Your computer will take longer to boot up the next time and when it
does, it may run incorrectly.
Instead, you
need to choose the "Shutdown" options on your computer whenever possible. This
will close the programs, the operating system, and the hardware in appropriate
order.
If you only
want to close a file, and not a whole program, you must select carefully. In
Windows 95, don’t click on the "X" in the upper right corner, instead, click on
the identical "X" immediately below it. This closes the file and not the
program. In Macintosh, choose "Close" from the "File" menu, not "Exit." Unless
you want to keep the program open, there is no harm in skipping this step and
closing down the program and file with the same
step.
The easiest
first step in closing down is to close open programs. Doing this separately
insures that you save any changes in the files you were working
on.
In Windows
95,
You can close a program by clicking on
the "X" in the upper right corner of its window. You can also choose "Exit" from
the "File" menu or hold down the "Alt" key, press "F" and then "X." If you
forgot to save any files, a prompt will appears and asks if you want to save
your changes. If you do, choose "Yes." To close down all of the open programs at
once, hold down the "Shift" key while you click on the "X" of one
program.
If your
computer is hooked together in a network with other computers you will have to
log in when the computer finishes booting. If you don't, your computer will
work, but won't access programs, files, or printers that it can get to on the
network.
When you
begin working on a network, the local system administrator should give you an
account. With this account will come a username (also called a login id) and
password. Memorize these or write them down. Do not give the password to anyone.
When your computer reaches the prompt-a dialogue box that asks for needed
information-type these two pieces of information on the appropriate lines and
hit "Enter" or click "OK" on the screen with your mouse. This enables your
computer to "see" the other machines on the network where it
lives.
Computers
with Windows 95 may also ask for a Windows password. This is confusing, because
the prompt looks the same as the prompt for your network password. Read the
screen carefully. If the box says "Windows password" as below, don't type
anything. Instead, delete anything already filled into the boxes and then press
"Enter" or click on "OK." This should tell Windows 95 that you don't want a
Windows password. The next time you boot up, the Windows password prompt won't
come up. If it does, simply click "Cancel" or press the "Esc" key on your
keyboard to pass through it quickly.
Many users
misunderstand the need for passwords. They think that if they don't have files
that nobody else should see, they don't need a secure password. But the security
of personal files is only part of the reason for passwords. As a user on a
network, you also guard passwords because access to your account gives a hacker
access to your entire network. For instance, a troublesome student could use
your account to log in on your computer, or even another computer, and damage
the entire network. When they're done, it will look as if you did it! For this
reason, password security is important for everybody. Don't tell your password
to anyone, and if you must, change it immediately
afterwards.
A good
password (difficult to guess or hack) has 6 to 8 characters. It is not an
obvious word like a spouse or child's name. It includes both numbers and
letters. Most password recognition systems are case-sensitive, so don't use
capitals unless you intend to. Be careful when changing your password that you
don't forget it immediately after. It's embarrassing to ask your system
administrator for help because you shut yourself out of your own
account.
It is
becoming common for a user to have multiple passwords for access to different
accounts, email addresses, internet sites, etc. Because of this, it's good to
put prior thought into a scheme of usernames and passwords. You can use the same
password for all your accounts. The catch is that if that password or username
is already taken at one of the places you need access to, you will have to make
up a new one. This creates confusion if you aren't
prepared.
To create a
good username, try your first initial and last name. If your last name is
common, use the two letters of your first name or "x" instead of just your first
initial. If your last name is long, shorten it or use your first name and last
initial. Have a second alternative planned in case your first choice is taken.
Keep choices under eight characters long.
To create a
good password, take an unusual word or name that has special meaning to you and
add a number at the start or end of it. The addition of the number makes it much
harder to guess. If your password is already taken somewhere, vary the number
slightly. Or, as an alternative, have a second password planned and memorized.
These simple preparations will save you from embarrassment or the inability to
access files later on.
User
Name
________________________
Password
_________________________
It is also
useful to be able to move a window to a different part of your screen. This way,
multiple windows can be viewed at the same time.
Both Windows
95 and Mac put a title bar at the very top of each movable window. In Windows
95, the bar is usually dark blue. In Macintosh, it's usually gray with darker
horizontal lines.
Click and
hold down the button on this bar. Drag the window to any screen location. Note
that you can drag windows to places where part of the window is off the screen.
Be careful about doing this. You especially want to keep the title bar, scroll
bars, and menu on the screen.
It's also
useful at times to make a window disappear without closing the program. This is
done when you will be coming back to a program, but want it out of the way for
the moment. If you aren't coming back soon, close the program so it doesn't
affect the speed and stability of other programs.
To minimize
and restore a program in Windows 95:
1. In the
upper right corner of the window you wish to minimize is a button with a single
line on the bottom of it. This button is the leftmost of the three buttons in
that corner. Click it to minimize the window.
2. To
restore the window, go to the Start bar. The minimized program will have a
button on this bar. Click the button to restore the program to its previous
size.
Section One
Review
1. What are
processor speeds measured in?
2. How much
memory is minimal for computers with new operating systems and recent software
programs?
3. List two
ways to open a program in Windows 95.
4. What part
of a window do you grab to resize it vertically and
horizontally?
5. What part
of a window do you grab to move it?
It is also common to open several
programs at once, moving back and forth between them. As discussed earlier, if
your computer runs slowly or freezes up frequently, you should keep this number
of programs to a minimum, but if you do run several programs you will need to
know how to move around between them.
In Windows
95
The first
method, if you can see part of the window of the program you want to move into,
is to click anywhere on that window. This puts the program you want on top of
the pile.
The second
method is to look on your Start bar. Every open window has a box on the bar.
Just click the button of the window you want to come to the
top.
The third
method is to hold down the "Alt" key with your left thumb and use your left
index finger to click on "Tab." While you hold down "Alt," a window appears with
icons for each open window. Each time you click "Tab," you move forward one
icon. Let go of "Alt" when the icon of the desired program is
outlined.
There are
several ways to open programs in either operating system. Use whichever method
is quickest for the given program.
Method 1:
Through Start bar: The Start bar is usually at the bottom of the screen.
Sometimes it won't appear until you move the mouse pointer over it. Somebody
could also have moved it to another side of the screen. If this is the case,
click and hold down on the bar, then drag it to the bottom of the screen. To
start a program, click the "Start" button. On the resulting menu, move the
pointer over the desired selection. A new menu appears to the right. You may
have to continue choosing submenus to the right. When your program is listed,
move over it and double-click to start it.
Method 2:
Through My Computer: Double-click the "My Computer" icon (usually in the upper
left corner of your screen). This opens a window with the computer's drives
listed. Double-click the drive where the program resides. Each double-click on a
drive or folder moves you another level deeper in the substructure. Keep opening
new folders until you find the name or icon of the program you want. The file to
run usually is program name followed by ".exe." When you find the program you
want, double-click and it starts.
Method 3:
Through Shortcut icons: If somebody has made a Shortcut (we'll show you how
later), it appears on your desktop. Double-click this Shortcut icon to launch
the program.
Method 4:
Through the Run line: Click on "Start." Choose the "Run" option. Type the
pathname to the program (we'll explain pathnames in more depth later) and hit
"Enter."
Method 5:
Through Windows Explorer: Click "Start." Windows Explorer is toward the top of
the first menu or the bottom of the menu that appears if you move your pointer
over "Programs." Find the program you want in the folders and double-click it to
launch it. We'll explain Windows Explorer in more depth later
on.
This number
varies from machine to machine. Having several programs open at once is often a
way to improve productivity. For instance, if you have to reopen your electronic
mailbox every time you want to check it, it will slow you
down.
Generally,
if your machine tends to freeze up frequently, or if you hear the hard drive
inside churning all the time, or if it seems unusually slow, or if you know that
it just doesn't have very much memory, that is a good indication that you should
run only one or two applications at a time.
Assignment
2: Practice Starting Programs
Before we go
on, you should make sure you understand at least two of the methods for opening
programs in each operating system. Your instructor will help you get some
hands-on practice.
Sometimes a
window is either smaller or larger than you would like it to be. At that point,
you will need to do some resizing.
In Windows
95:
1. There is
a button in the upper right corner of your screen, just to the left of the "X."
It has either a rectangle or two small overlapping rectangles on
it.
A. If it has
a rectangle, your window isn't maximized. To enlarge it to full size, click the
rectangle. (Make sure you don't get the "x" instead. That will close your
program.)
B. If it has
two overlapping rectangles, that means your window is maximized. To reduce its
size, click the overlapping rectangles.
2. When the
window is not maximized, you can further adjust its
size.
A. To adjust
one side of the window only, move the pointer over the edge of the window you
wish to adjust. It turns into a bi-directional arrow. When you have this, hold
down the button, and drag the edge in the desired direction. When you let go,
the window resizes to its new dimensions.
B. To adjust
the window vertically and horizontally at the same time, move your pointer over
a corner of the window. It again turns into the bi-directional arrow, this time
angled diagonally. Hold down the button, drag the window to its desired
dimensions, then let go.
It is also
useful to be able to move a window to a different part of your screen. This way,
multiple windows can be viewed at the same time.
In Windows
95, the title bar is usually dark blue.
Click and
hold down the button on this bar. Drag the window to any screen location. Note
that you can drag windows to places where part of the window is off the screen.
Be careful about doing this. You especially want to keep the title bar, scroll
bars, and menu on the screen.
It's also
useful at times to make a window disappear without closing the program. This is
done when you will be coming back to a program, but want it out of the way for
the moment. If you aren't coming back soon, close the program so it doesn't
affect the speed and stability of other programs.
To minimize
and restore a program in Windows 95:
1. In the
upper right corner of the window you wish to minimize is a button with a single
line on the bottom of it. This button is the leftmost of the three buttons in
that corner. Click it to minimize the window.
2. To
restore the window, go to the Start bar. The minimized program will have a
button on this bar. Click the button to restore the program to its previous
size.
Section One
Review
1. What are
processor speeds measured in?
2. How much
memory is minimal for computers with new operating systems and recent software
programs?
3. List two
ways to open a program in Windows 95 and two ways to open a program in
Macintosh.
4. What part
of a window do you grab to resize it vertically and
horizontally?
5. What part
of a window do you grab to move it?
We have
mentioned before that computer storage is modeled after a filing cabinet. Each
drive is like a drawer. Each drives contains folders, some of which contain
subfolders.
There is a
way to write directions to find any file within the substructure of your
computer storage. These directions are called a
pathname.
Windows
At the start
of a pathname is a letter followed by a colon and a slash (the slash above the
"Enter" key on the keyboard.) The letter designates a particular drive, which
could be the hard drive, diskette drive, CD-ROM drive, or network drive. After
that, the path within that drive to the file is written step by step, with each
step separated by another backslash. For instance
C:\wordfile\recipes\bread\banana.doc would be a pathname to a file on the C:
drive. The file is in the folder wordfile. Wordfile has a subfolder recipes
which has a subfolder bread. Inside the bread subfolder is the file banana.doc.
At any time, click "Start," choose "Run" and type in this pathname to run a
particular program or file.
Sometimes a
window is either smaller or larger than you would like it to be. At that point,
you will need to do some resizing.
In Windows
95:
1. There is
a button in the upper right corner of your screen, just to the left of the "X."
It has either a rectangle or two small overlapping rectangles on
it.
A. If it has
a rectangle, your window isn't maximized. To enlarge it to full size, click the
rectangle. (Make sure you don't get the "x" instead. That will close your
program.)
B. If it has
two overlapping rectangles, that means your window is maximized. To reduce its
size, click the overlapping rectangles.
2. When the
window is not maximized, you can further adjust its
size.
A. To adjust
one side of the window only, move the pointer over the edge of the window you
wish to adjust. It turns into a bi-directional arrow. When you have this, hold
down the button, and drag the edge in the desired direction. When you let go,
the window resizes to its new dimensions.
B. To adjust
the window vertically and horizontally at the same time, move your pointer over
a corner of the window. It again turns into the bi-directional arrow, this time
angled diagonally. Hold down the button, drag the window to its desired
dimensions, then let go.
Think of a
program as a tool. It performs a function, but it isn't that function. A
typewriter is not a letter to a friend. An oven isn't a casserole. The file
(also called a document in some cases) is like the letter or the casserole; it's
the product of the program. You need the program to make the file, but the
program isn't much until you produce something with it. After starting a
program, you either make a new file, or open one that is already partially made.
So really, when you want to produce something with a computer, you have to open
two things: the program and then the file to work
on.
Most
programs start with an empty document ready to be filled. But if you need to
start a new file (such as an empty spreadsheet or word processing document),
click on the "File" menu. There is an option there for a "New" document. Another
possibility would be to look for a toolbar button that looks like a small piece
of paper with a dog-eared corner. This also opens a new
document.
Toolbars are
rows of buttons that give one-click access to common functions in a program.
These bars usually run across the top of the screen under the Menu bar, but can
also appear down the left or right side or float in small windows separate from
the rest of the program.
To use a
Toolbar, click a button. Depending on the button, many things could happen. For
instance, your click may execute a command immediately, change some highlighted
material, open a submenu or change your mouse pointer into a different kind of
tool.
Some Toolbar buttons have small down arrows on them. Clicking th