Introduction to Computers

This course is designed for beginners who are new to using computers or for those who want to fill in the
gaps in their knowledge. Computers are all around us, from laptops to smartphones to smartwatches,
and they are changing the way we live our lives. In this course, we will cover a variety of topics, and you
can use the time codes in the description to skip to the topic you want to learn about. This course was
developed by GCF Global.org.

What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information or data. It sees data as ones and zeros,
but it knows how to combine them into more complex things, such as a photo, movie, website, game,
and more. Computers use a combination of hardware and software. Hardware refers to any physical part
of the computer, including internal components and external parts like the monitor and keyboard.
Software refers to any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do, such as a web browser,
media player, or word processor.

Personal computers come in a few different styles, and the most common type uses the Windows
operating system. Macintosh computers feature the Mac OS operating system, while Chromebooks run
on Chrome OS. Smartphones and other mobile devices mostly use the iOS or Android operating systems.
There are many different types of computers out there, and each one plays a part in our modern world.

Buttons and Ports

Every computer has its own set of buttons and ports. Some buttons are universal, like the power button,
which can be located on the front, back, behind the screen, or even on the inside when you open the lid.
The power socket is where you’ll connect the power cord if you have a laptop, and you’ll have a charging
port instead. Most computers provide more than one USB port, so you can plug in any device you might
need. Keyboards, printers, and USB drives are all common examples. Some computers even have USB-C
ports, which can be used for many different things, not just plugging in devices. Laptops, for instance,
often use this format for the charging port.

If you have a desktop, you’ll use the monitor port to connect the monitor. There are quite a few types of
monitor connections, ranging from HDMI to the USB-C style. If you have a laptop, you can connect a
separate monitor as long as you have the right equipment. Just look for the display port and plug in the
appropriate cable. The Ethernet port lets you connect to the internet if you’re not using Wi-Fi. All you
need is an Ethernet cable, which you can then connect to your modem or router. If your computer has
an audio jack, you can use it to plug in wired headphones or speakers.

You may or may not have a disk drive, depending on how old your computer is and who makes it. The
disk drive can be used to insert a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc. If you have ports that look like this, they’re for
older peripherals like mice, keyboards, and printers. Newer versions of these devices usually connect via
USB or wirelessly.

Computer Parts

Every computer has a large circuit board called a motherboard, which contains some of the most
important parts of the computer, such as the CPU (central processing unit) or processor. The CPU can be
considered the brain of the computer because it processes information and carries out commands. The
motherboard also contains the computer’s RAM (random access memory), which is the short-term
memory that the computer uses whenever it’s performing calculations. The hard drive provides long-
term storage, keeping all of the computer’s data even when it’s turned off. Many hard drives use a
magnetic platter to store data, but many newer computers have solid-state drives, which are faster and
more durable but also more expensive.

On many desktop computers, the motherboard has expansion slots that allow you to upgrade by adding
expansion cards. You can add a video card to get better graphics performance, or you can add a wireless
card to connect to your wireless home network. Most laptops, however, don’t have expansion slots. The
computer’s components need electricity to run, and the power supply unit is designed to take power
from the wall outlet and send it to all of the different components that need power. Laptops also contain
a built-in battery that lets you use them anywhere.

Laptop vs. Desktop

The biggest difference between a laptop and a desktop is portability. Laptops have to be small and light
so that you can pick them up and take them with you, while desktops are stationary and not meant to be
moved around.

Setting up a Laptop vs Desktop

While setting up a laptop is relatively easy, it has a smaller screen and uses a battery. Laptops usually
have a built-in touchpad instead of a mouse, and there are fewer customization options since everything
is built-in. However, you can still connect a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse to your laptop for
more flexibility.
Operating Systems

Your computer speaks in ones and zeros, but you interact with it through an operating system (OS). The
most common ones are Microsoft Windows and Mac OS, which determine what your computer can do.
Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets use mobile operating systems like Apple iOS or Google
Android.

Apps

Apps are software programs that help you complete tasks or provide entertainment. You can find apps
on all your devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. Some apps are already installed,
while others you can download or buy online.

Setting Up a Desktop Computer

To set up a desktop computer, unpack everything from the box and remove any plastic covering. Connect
the monitor cable, plug in the keyboard and mouse, and connect the power supply cables. Plug both
cables into a power outlet and turn on your computer.

Internet Connections

You can have different types of internet connections, including dial-up, DSL, cable, fiber, and cellular.
You’ll need to purchase internet service from an internet service provider (ISP) and connect to the
internet using a modem.

Creating a Wireless Home Network

To connect several devices to the internet, you can create a wireless home network, also known as a wifi
network. To do this, you’ll need a wireless router which takes the internet connection from your modem
and broadcasts it throughout your home. Follow the instructions included with your router. You’ll need
to choose a network name, also known as an SSID. For security, you should turn on WPA2 or WPA3
encryption, depending on what your router supports. Then, make sure you choose a strong password.
After you’ve set up your wireless network, go into each device’s wifi or network settings, select your
network name, and type your password. If any of your devices are not wireless-ready, you can simply
plug them into your router with an ethernet cable or you can purchase a wireless card.

Storing Files in the Cloud

Storing files in the cloud means saving them on internet servers instead of on your computer. You can
access your files anywhere by using cloud-based apps. Some run inside your computer’s web browser,
these are called web apps, and some of them can also be installed on your mobile device. Storing files in
the cloud is a great way to protect them from accidents, viruses, and more. You can use cloud-based
storage services like iDrive or Back Blaze to back up the contents of your computer. These services run
continually and back up automatically, which means you will always have the most recent versions of
your files stored in secure online servers. If something bad happens to your device, you can easily
transfer your backup files from the cloud to another device.

Cleaning Your Computer

It’s important to keep your computer clean not only because it looks nice but also because things like
dust and dirt can affect your computer’s performance. Here’s the right way to clean your computer case,
monitor, mouse, and keyboard:

Always turn off or unplug the item before you clean it just to be safe.

To clean your keyboard, turn it upside down and gently shake it to remove any dust, dirt, or crumbs. It’s
not uncommon for stuff to get stuck inside which can affect the way your keyboard works. You can also
use a can of compressed air to really get between the keys. To clean the surface, use a cotton cloth or
paper towel that’s moistened with rubbing alcohol. Never actually pour alcohol or any other liquid on
your keyboard.

If you spill something by accident, don’t panic. Shut your computer down immediately, then disconnect
the keyboard and turn it upside down so the liquid can drain. If the liquid is sticky, you can rinse your
keyboard under running water, then let it drain upside down for two days before reconnecting it. It may
not be repairable at this point, but it’s worth a try. The best way to avoid this is to keep drinks away from
the computer area altogether.

If you have an optical mouse, these don’t require much cleaning at all because they don’t have any
moving parts. Just keep an eye on the light emitter underneath. If you have a mechanical mouse, again
make sure it's unplugged, then remove the tracking ball by turning the ring counterclockwise. It should
pop right out. Use a cotton cloth or paper towel to wipe it with a little rubbing alcohol. You can wipe the
inside of the mouse too. Make sure all the parts are dry before you put them back together.

To clean your monitor, never spray the screen directly with water, cleaner, or any other kind of liquid. It
can leak into the monitor and damage the components inside. The safest method is to unplug the
monitor, then wipe it with a soft cloth moistened with water.

Give some thought to cleaning other parts of your workspace like the back of your monitor and your
computer case. These areas can get pretty dusty. A lint-free cloth, sometimes called a microfiber cloth, is
great for wiping the casings. If you see a lot of buildup in the ventilation pans, you can use a can of
compressed air to clean them out. Never use furniture cleaner or strong solvents on any of these
surfaces. Instead, take your cloth or even a paper towel and spray it with glass cleaner. Now wipe the
case in monitor housing, but not the monitor screen, in a downward motion. You can make your own
solution using ammonia diluted with water, the milder, the better.

Protecting Your Computer from Malware

Computer Maintenance Tips

Here are some tips to keep your computer running smoothly:

Use features like Storage Sense and Defragment and Optimize Drives to free up space and increase
efficiency

Back up your computer regularly to prevent data loss

Consider using an online backup service for added security

Ergonomics for a Comfortable Workspace

Follow these tips to avoid strain and injury while working:

Maintain proper keyboard and chair position to avoid wrist pain and back pain

Adjust your monitor to a comfortable distance and brightness level

Take frequent breaks and move around to avoid sitting in one position for too long

Store paperwork and supplies away to avoid clutter and potential tripping hazards

Internet Safety Tips

Protect yourself from malicious websites and cybercriminals with these tips:

Double-check domain names to ensure you’re on a legitimate site

Look for the padlock icon to ensure a secure connection

Keep your browser up to date to ensure maximum protection

Identifying and Avoiding Harmful Content on the Internet

Here are some tips to avoid harmful content:

Check your spam folder for legitimate emails that may have been filtered out

Checking your Spam Folder

If you are worried about missing important emails, make sure to regularly check your spam folder. In
Gmail, click on “More” in the left pane and select “Spam”. Here, you can see all the emails that have
ended up in your spam folder. It is important to mark emails as spam so that your email provider can
filter out these types of messages in the future. Some spam emails are simply annoying advertisements,
while others may claim to be contacting you about something important when they are really phishing
for your personal information. Phishing is a type of scam where an email pretends to be from a bank or
another trusted source in order to trick you into handing over your personal information. It’s important
to avoid clicking links in these emails and instead, retype the URL into your browser’s address bar to
ensure that you go to the correct website.

How Websites Track Your Browsing Habits

Websites use various methods to track your browsing habits. They may gather a little bit of information
from each site you visit, but together it forms a sort of digital profile that advertisers can use to learn all
kinds of things about you. An advertiser can plant a small file on your computer called a tracking cookie,
which they can use to identify you the next time you visit one of the sites they advertise on. They can
also get a pretty good idea of which devices you use based on your social media and email accounts or
by using a technique called probabilistic matching. This means that all of your devices are connected to
you, and companies can send you targeted ads no matter which device you’re using. While this raises
some privacy concerns, it also allows sites to recommend articles and videos based on your interests and
help search engines more quickly find the results you’re looking for.

Navigating the Windows Interface

If you are just getting started with Windows, learning how to navigate the interface is a great place to
start. The desktop is the main workspace for your computer and includes a desktop background, also
known as your wallpaper, and the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. The taskbar is where you’ll find
shortcuts to some of the applications on your computer, as well as the Start button. To open a program,
file, or folder, simply double-click the icon. You can move windows by clicking and dragging the top of the
window, and you can quickly switch between them by clicking the icon for that window on the taskbar.
To maximize a window, click the button, and to close the window, click the X.

Navigating the OS 10 Interface

If you are just getting started with OS 10, learning how to navigate the interface is a great place to start.
The desktop is the main workspace for your computer and includes a desktop background, also known
as your wallpaper, the menu bar at the top, and the dock at the bottom. The dock is where you’ll find
shortcuts to some of the folders and applications on your computer. To open a program, file, or folder,
simply click the icon. To exit an application, click the name of the app in the upper left corner and choose
“Quit” from the menu. The Apple icon gives you access to your system preferences, recent files, folders,
apps, and more. The magnifying glass icon opens Spotlight, which you can use to search the contents of
your computer. The notification center keeps track of alerts you receive for different applications,
including events on your calendar and reminders.

Using Your Computer

To access files, folders, and shortcuts, simply double-click the mouse. Some apps have a full-screen mode
that you can activate by clicking the double arrow in the upper right corner. To return to normal view,
press Control + Command + F on your keyboard. Not all apps support this feature, but it’s available in
several of the apps that come preinstalled on your computer.

Using your mouse in OS 10, there is a feature called natural scrolling. This is the reverse of traditional
scrolling, almost like pushing the content up and down on the page. This may seem awkward at first, but
it’s how many touch screen devices work. Natural scrolling is the default setting, but you can always
disable it by checking the box in the system preferences.

You can also take a look at multitouch gestures for example here’s one that lets you go back and forth
between pages using a simple swipe. OS 10 supports many different types of gestures including pinches,
taps, and double taps depending on what your mouse or trackpad is capable of. Each gesture performs a
specific task.

Using a Web Browser

A web browser is a tool you use to access the internet. There are many different web browsers including
Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Internet Explorer. All of them allow you to view websites, but they each have
a different look and feel so picking one will depend mostly on your personal preference.

When you open your browser, at the top of the window, you’ll see the address bar. This is where you’ll
type the web address of the page that you want to visit. If you’ve been to a website before, your browser
may suggest it or even automatically complete the address for you.

To go from one page to another, click on links. To go back to the page you were just on, click the back
button. To return to the first page, click the forward button. If you see a link that you want to click but
you don’t want to navigate away from the page that you’re on, you can open the link in a new tab.
If you’re on a website that you know you’ll want to visit again later or a website that you go to
frequently, you can bookmark it. Most browsers have a button right next to the address bar that lets you
easily bookmark any site. Even if you don’t bookmark a site, there’s still a way to find it again later. Your
browser keeps track of all the websites you visit in a feature called history.