Computer
A computer is not an acronym and sometimes
abbreviated as comp or 'puter.
The term "computer" was originally given
to humans (human computers) who performed numerical calculations using
mechanical calculators, such as the abacus and slide rule. 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 then store (storage) the results.
Below is a picture
of a computer with each of the main components. In the picture, you can see the Desktop computer, Flat-panel display, Speakers, Keyboard, and Mouse.
We've also labeled each of the input devices and output devices.
Tip: This is just one type of computer;
you can find further information about each of other types of computers later
on this page.
History of the computer
The first digital computer and what most people
think of as a computer was called the ENIAC, built during World
War II (1943-1946) and were designed to help automate the calculations being
done by human computers. By doing these calculations on a computer they could
be done much faster and with fewer errors.
Early computers like the ENIAC used vacuum tubes and
were large (sometimes room size) and only found in businesses, Universities, or
governments. Later, computers began utilizing transistors as
well as smaller and cheaper parts that allowed the ordinary person to own a
computer.Charles Babbage was considered to be the father of computing
after his invention and concept of the Analytical Engine in 1837.
How to Operate a Computer and why it is Important to Learn
The
essential knowledge on how to operate a computer involves these key components:
·
Keyboard
·
Mouse
·
CPU (Central
Processing Unit)
·
Monitor
·
Speakers
·
Printer
·
Operating
System
Once you have these key components, you have
what you need to begin learning to use one the most important social networking
devices of the 20th Century.
Whether you are a little older, a young child, or a business entrepreneur, you
can benefit from learning to use a computer properly and efficiently. To get
started first make sure the cord is firmly plugged into the power outlet and
you have no loose or unplugged wires. Once you have determined that everything
is in order, you can power on the machine. You will see the start-up screen
appear and depending on the configuration you may need to enter a provided
password, but most likely will be immediately taken to the home screen. The
operating system is already installed on most modern computers, but if you have
a specific operating system, such as Windows 8, you will need to upload the
operating system by inserting a CD or visiting a website. Windows 8 is simple
to use, but to understand some of the more important features, you can learn
from the pros in a Windows 8 Tutorial. Different operating systems
will allow for different program downloads. It is important to research operating systems before
you buy so that you know what will fulfill your needs better. To adjust
setting of your monitor, you can right-click and blank space on the screen and
select properties. Alternately, you can click the start button and choose
control panel. Here you will find network settings as well as display and sound
options. Most installations will come with a CD or DVD. Once inserted into the
drive, the computer will automatically begin the installer and get you on your
way. Just follow the easy steps provided. To turn the computer off properly
close all programs, then click the start menu and scroll to sign off. Select
shut down and wait until the computer shuts down, then turn the speakers and
monitor off.
Whether you are a gamer, writer, or
researcher, you must learn to use the internet. The internet is the
quantitative collection of all information saved by computers onto a network
that connects all computers. The Internet is a close approximation of the
phenomenon known as collective consciousness. You must pay to connect to the
World Wide Web, WWW, and once you do the payment is monthly. Usually it isn’t very
expensive, but be sure to shop around. Once you are successfully online you
must protect yourself. This virus-protection can also extend to smart-phones
and tablets because all electronics are potentially susceptible. To learn more
on how to stay protected check out a cyber-shield course. Once you have set up anti
virus protection and your internet, you can navigate your browser, the bar at
the top of your screen, to an email provider such as Gmail.com where you can
learn to communicate on the web! Once you finish registering on a mail server,
you can close the internet browser and click the start button again. All of
your programs will be located under the ‘all programs’ tab. You will have
calculators, free games, microphones, notepad, and other writing software. To
learn a basic understanding of computer language and how it can be used to make
your life with technology easier, you can take a course where things are
simplified for adults and kids alike. It is computer science for beginners and kids. Here
things will be broken down step by step until you learn basics in things like
SQL, Structured Query Language. This course is taught by a fifth grader
who is very experienced with computers which goes to show how rapidly the world
of computers and technology is changing.
Why should I learn how to operate a computer?
I don’t need that in my life. If you find yourself thinking this way or asking
these questions you must understand that technology doubles every six years.
The faster you learn computers the better. A cellphone now, has the computing
power and memory of a computer ten years ago. With online entities such as The
Cloud, memory is expanded indefinitely. If you ignore computers they will not
go away. Where once the cash register was ruled by levers and switches, now
exists only touchscreen and computerized inventory systems. Computers can
compute amazing amounts of information in mere seconds, outpacing even the
deftest of minds. Look around you, you who are viewing this from a computer. In
fifteen years it is likely that 90% of what you see will be replaced with
computer connected versions of themselves. To learn how to master computers you
must understand everything about computers, not just how to check Facebook,
email, or play computer games. It is imperative that you become proactive and
explore some of the lesser known functions of computers with quality
instruction.
What will improve with your knowledge and
adeptness on how to operate a computer? You will be more important and integral
at any workplace that uses computers and you will understand more about what is
going on day to day in and out of the workplace. Many people who take the time
to get to know their computers, fall in love, learn to program or build web
pages, and create second income online. The web is your source for everything
and the importance of learning how to navigate safely will help you, help your
loved ones, and keep you connected. So take the time and learn how to properly
use the tool that will eventually dominate everyday life.
INTERNET
Chat! You can use the internet to talk directly with people you know (or even people you don't know). If you want to talk face-to-face or with voice like a phone, you can use services like Skype, which is often free or a low price. You can also type-chat, which is like talking but with just text, using a number of different services (like AOL's Instant Messenger service AIM).
The Internet is generally defined
as a global network connecting millions of computers. More than 190 countries are linked into
exchanges of data, news and opinions.
History of the Internet
The history of the Internet begins
with the development of electronic computers in the 1950s. Initial concepts of packet networkingoriginated in several computer science
laboratories in the United States, United Kingdom, and France.[1] The US Department of Defense awarded
contracts as early as the 1960s for packet network systems, including the
development of the ARPANET. The first message was sent over the ARPANET from computer
science Professor Leonard Kleinrock's laboratory at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to the second network node at Stanford Research Institute (SRI).
Use email. Email is a lot like regular mail and you can use it in many of the same ways. You'll need to sign up with an email service in order to get an address, though. Many email services are free and good ones include GMail and Outlook.com. When you go to check your email, you will go to the website for the service you signed up with and only the service you signed up with in order to read your mail.
·
Email addresses don't look like street addresses. They are in a
format like yourname@website.com. For example, the email to reach us here at
wikiHow is wiki@wikihow.com. If your name is John Doe and you sign up with
Gmail, your address could look like JohnDoe@gmail.com, JDoe@gmail.com,
JohnD@gmail.com, or even something totally different like WarVet63@gmail.com.
Use Social Media. Social media is a term that encompasses a lot of different kind of websites, all for connecting and communicating with other people. Commonly used forms of social media include:
·
Facebook, which is used for lots of different
purposes, from messaging to sharing pictures and videos.
·
Twitter,
which is used for sending very short updates and thoughts about your life.
·
Instagram, which is used for sharing pictures.
·
Pinterest which is for sharing items you
find on the internet.
Read or write blogs. A blog, which was derived from the term web log, is an online journal. You can put text, pictures, and even videos in a blog. You can write your own or you can read someone else's. Blogs cover all sorts of different subjects, and are starting to replace certain sections of the newspaper in their function.
Chat! You can use the internet to talk directly with
people you know (or even people you don't know). If you want to talk
face-to-face or with voice like a phone, you can use services like Skype, which
is often free or a low price. You can also type-chat, which is like talking but
with just text, using a number of different services (like AOL's Instant
Messenger service AIM).
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