Computer

Getting started with your first computer A computer is more than just another household appliance. The vast amount of information and possibilities can be overwhelming. But you can accomplish a lot with a computer, and using one can be a good experience. Let's walk through getting started with your first computer. Turning on a computer for the first time can be different from one computer to the next. Your experience could be different from this lesson. It's OK to ask someone for help. If you're using a desktop computer, you'll need to make sure that the keyboard, mouse, and monitor are plugged into the computer case before you continue. Review our lesson on Setting Up a Computer to learn how. Turning on a computer The very first step is to turn on the computer. To do this, locate and press the power button. It's in a different place on every computer, but it will have the universal power button symbol (shown below). Once turned on, your com...

Setting up a computer So you have a new computer and you're ready to set it up. This may seem like an overwhelming and complicated task, but it's actually a lot easier than you might think! Most computers are set up in a similar way, so it doesn't matter what brand of computer you have. If you're setting up a new computer that's still in the box, you'll probably find a how-to guide that includes step-by-step details . Even if it didn't include instructions, you can still set up the computer in a few easy steps . We'll take you through the different steps needed to set up a typical computer. Setting up a laptop computer If you have a laptop, setup should be easy: Just open it and press the power button. If the battery isn't charged, you'll need to plug in the AC adapter . You can continue using the laptop while it charges. If your laptop has any peripherals , like external speakers , you may want to read the instructions below. L...

What is an application? You may have heard people talking about using a program , an application , or an app . But what exactly does that mean? Simply put, an app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks . Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications , while those for mobile devices are called mobile apps . When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until you close it. Most of the time, you will have more than one application open at the same time, which is known as multi-tasking . Desktop applications There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several categories. Some are more full featured (like Microsoft Word ), while others may only do one or two things (like a clock or calendar app). Below are just a few types of applications you might use. Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and create many other types of documents....

What is an operating system? An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's memory and processes , as well as all of its software and hardware . It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language. Without an operating system, a computer is useless . The operating system's job Your computer's operating system ( OS ) manages all of the software and hardware on the computer. Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your computer's central processing unit (CPU) , memory , and storage . The operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs. Types of operating systems Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to upgrad...

adobe photoshop complete handout PHOTOSHOP Photoshop is the leading digital image editing application for the Internet, print, and other new media disciplines. It is embraced by millions of graphic artists, print designers, visual communicators, and regular people like you. It's likely that nearly every picture you've seen (such as posters, book covers, magazine pictures, and brochures) has either been created or edited by Photoshop. The powerful tools used to enhance and edit these pictures are also capable for use in the digital world including the infinite possibilities of the Internet. The newest version of Photoshop (CS5 Extended) includes features such as: Content Aware fill Puppet Warp Bristle Tips Easier HDR Mixer Brush And more. It is almost impossible to use or even learn all of Photoshop's tools to their maximum benefit. Photoshop has been around since 1982! That's around 25 years of troubleshooting and advancing software. This worksho...