Personal Computers
and Applications
Networking for Home and Small Businesses Chapter
1
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Objectives
Identify the purpose and uses of personal computers
and describe local and network applications.
Compare and contrast different types of computing
devices.
Explain the binary representation of data.
Determine appropriate components and peripheral
devices to meet requirements.
Install, verify, and upgrade computer components and
peripherals.
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Purpose and Uses of Personal Computers
Multiple uses for computers
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Computers need 3 things . . .
Hardware
Operating System
Application Software
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Purpose and Uses of Personal Computers
Business & Industry
Medical
Educational
Legal
General Use
Used by a wide range of people
Used for various services
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Types of Computing Devices
Different types of Computerseach one with a different
purpose
Online Activity 1.2.1
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Types of Applications
Local runs on only one PC
Network runs over the network (the Internet)
Must have two components
runs on a local computer
runs on a remote computer
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Types of Computing Devices
Servers keep in a secure location (Why??)
High performance computers which provide services to
many clients
Multiple CPUs
Loads of RAM
High capacity drives
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Types of Computing Devices
Desktop personal computer (PC)
Used to run everyday applications
Email
Internet
Word Processing
Spreadsheet
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Types of Computing Devices
Workstation high powered computers
Features
Multiple processors
Large amounts of RAM
High capacity drives
Types of applications
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
3D
Video animation
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Types of Portable Computing Devices
Types and features of portable devices
Laptop AKA a Notebook
Use of a docking station with a laptop allows for
more connection options
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Binary Representation of Data
Humans use words and pictures to communicate
Computers use bits
1 or 0 (1=on; 0=off) just like a light switch
8 bits = 1 byte
Networkers need to be able to understand both
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Binary Representation of Data
Humans use the Base 10 numbering system, but
computers only understand binary, so how do we
communicate??
Simple Convert Base 10 to Binary
Try these examples:
175
68
255
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What helps determine the speed?
Type of Media
UTP Cable
Fiber
Wireless
Type of file
Larger files require more time to download
Type of computer
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Binary Representation of Data
Measuring resolution and frequency
Pixels determines the resolution
Hertz = how fast something recycle or refreshes
300 MHz = 300 million cycles/second
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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
Preassembled or Custom Built which one should you
choose??
Preassembled Advantages:
Lower Cost
Performs most applications
Preassembled Disadvantages:
May lack in performance
Custom Built Advantages:
Exact components
Supports higher performance applications
Custom Built Disadvantages
Costly
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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
Motherboard
main circuit board
slots for network, video,
and sound carts
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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
nerve center of the computer
Factors to remember when selecting your processor
higher speed = faster performance
more power = more heat
Bus
how data gets to its location (like a highway)
faster bus = faster computer
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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
Random Access Memory (RAM)
temporary storage
stores data while it is being processed by the CPU
Why would a user need more RAM?
Multiple applications running at the same time
Multiple CPUs
Amount of RAM available is determined by the motherboard
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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
Adapter cards add functionality to a computer system
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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
Optical Drives
Use of laser beams to record information
CD or DVD uses red laser
Blue Ray uses blue-violet laser
can hold up to 25GB of data
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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
Magnetic Drives
Hard
Drive
Floppy Drive
Tape Drive
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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
Peripheral Devices
Added to the computer to expand its capabilities
Different categories
Input
Output
Storage
Networking
Where do these devices fit??
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Determining Appropriate Components and
Peripheral Devices
Surge Protector
prevents damage to the computer
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
keeps charge of internal battery
provides backup power without interruption for a short period
of time
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Install, Verify and Upgrade Components and
Peripherals
Computer Repair Best Practices
Turn PC off and unplug power
Determine if the part is hot-swappable (if so, there is no need
to turn off power before adding or removing the part)
Never open power supply or monitor
both contain high voltages
Be aware of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
transfers electricity from your body to electrical parts
ground yourself properly
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Install, Verify and Upgrade Components and
Peripherals
Take the following precautions:
Determine if the component is hot swappable
If in doubt, unplug it!!
Attach grounding strap
Remove old component
Check the connection on the new component
Should fit easily; if you have to force it, it probably doesnt
belong there
Place component in the correct slot
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Install, Verify and Upgrade Components and
Peripherals
PS/2 - connects keyboard and mouse
USB connects many devices (PnP)
Serial connects modems/printers
Parallel connects printer
VGA connects monitors
RJ11 connects phone lines
RJ45 connects to the network
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