Terms and Definitions for the Beginner

What Does All This Stuff Mean?

Here are a few beginner terms to familiarize yourself with Computer Basics.

• Desktop - Any Computer that is not a laptop. The Box itself, with the blinking lights, on/off switch, and CD/DVD slot is the computer. Sometimes called the CPU, Tower or Motherboard, a Desktop computer is really many different individual parts put together inside the Desktop Case.
• Laptop - A portable computer, put together like a briefcase, opens to reveal a screen, keyboard, and mouse pad area. Same functions as a Desktop with less storage capacity and power. Convenient for travel and can meet all your beginning needs, including CD/DVD players/makers, etc.
• Netbooks - A new line of portable computer that is mainly for web surfing. A stripped down version of a laptop. Not a lot of computing power, little storage capacity, and no CD/DVD abilities. More of a teenage fad, rather than a computer. Limited storage capacity means no room for photos or music.
• "Power" - When we hear computer power, or "how powerful is your computer," it simply means how quick is the brain or processor in the computer. There are many parts of a computer that together equal overall power and speed, but usually its the speed of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) that matters. A "chip" or CPU is the brains of any computer, the faster it computes the "more powerful the computer." Compare it to an oven. The higher the temperature of the oven the faster things get done. Same for a CPU or "chip" the faster it computes the faster things get done. However, for the beginning or everyday user, a less expensive, average chip will supply more than enough power to accomplish everything that you desire. Every computer has a CPU in it. Without it there would be no computer.
  
• Storage - This is the area of the computer where things are stored. Pictures, music, programs, letters, information. When you wish to store, or download things, like a picture lets say, the brains of the computer places this picture, on a disk or platter. This is called a Hard Disk Drive, Disk Drive or Storage Drive, abbreviated HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the new SSD (Solid State Drive). Compare it to a thought. If you think of something and you don't want to forget you write it on a piece of paper. That's how a storage drive works, its the computers way to write it down for later use. When you need it, the computer pulls that piece of paper out for you to look at, it's simply a file cabinet that you can't see.
• Multimedia - Simply refers to all types of media computers are capable of interacting with; Music, Photos, Videos, etc. Types of files a computer can interact with are almost limitless. Compare it again to a filing cabinet. Different folders for different files. Financial records are stored together because they are similar type documents. Birth Certificates stored in another folder because they are in another category. Same for computer file types. From Photo files (.jpg or .gif) to Video Files (.mov or .wmv) to Music Files (.mp3 or .aac). It's a label the tells the computer what type of file this is and how to store it.
• Video Card - This refers to a device inside your computer that determines how nice your picture will look. The end of the "card" sticks out of the back of the computer and you then would plug your monitor cable into it. Some computers come with an average video card, while others have very expensive "High-End" video cards. If you come across a computer with "on-board" video or "integrated" video, this means no video card is included. For the average beginner, a video card may not even be needed.
• Sound Card - This refers to another internal component of your computer with a portion that sticks out the back. A sound card capable of high quality digital sound. Most average computers do not have a sound card, and there is simply a simple speaker plug on the back, you plug your speaker cable into it and you're good to go. Sound cards are not needed to do most all kinds of computing.
• Optical Drive - This is another term for your CD/DVD reader/recorder. Usually found at the front top of a desktop computer. These "drives' can play or record CD's and DVD's. There are many different types of Optical drives, along with many different types of CD's/DVD's. We will address that in another episode. Most all desktop computers come with a least one CD/DVD player/recorder. Some come with two, but for the beginner two is a waste of money. Two CD/DVD players are used to copy one CD to a blank CD quickly. This can also be accomplished with one, but of course it takes more time.
• Monitor - This is the screen. This is how you visually interact with your computer. The computer will work without the monitor, however you will not be able to get things done with no visual picture. On the back of the monitor is usually a few connection ports. These are the plugs where you would place your VGA/DVI/HDMI cords, with the other end of the cord plugged into your computer.
• Wireless/Wired Ethernet - Ethernet is a term for your computers Internet connection. All new computer have an Ethernet plug in the back to get you online. Usually, most computer also have a Wireless Card, or an internal component to be able to detect a wireless Internet signal. Sort of like radio stations that your radio can play. Some times these are also called "cards," or "network cards."
  
• USB - Universal Serial Bus, or in simple English it means a place to plug stuff into. USB ports are made to attach extra things to your computer system. They also can provide power to whatever gadget you plug in, like your Ipod or mouse. Some devices come with their own electric cord. Usually you can find USB ports on the front and back of a Desktop Computer.
  
• VGA/DVI/HDMI - These terms all refer to how your computer connects to the screen. One the back of your computer there will be an area you would plug this cable into, then the other end into your monitor. Some cable connections show a higher quality than others. This is just the video side of the connection, so the sound/speakers will also have to be configured. The HDMI connection is video and sound inside the same connection.
• Card Reader - This type of card does not refer to video or sound card, rather a digital camera or video storage card. SD Cards/Compact Flash/Sony MS type of cards, are small storage cards that your photos and video are storage, you remove them from your camera or device to transfer this data. This reader has slots where you can place these types of cards and then with minimal effort you can then access these photos and pictures from your computer, you can move or copy them, and with the proper software, you can edit your data. The standard type of reader that comes with your computer or can be purchased separately, then attached to your computer is usually called: "15-in-One Media Reader."
  

There are many more terms and definitions, however they are mostly beyond the reach of the beginner. It is more important to focus on basic operation, rather than learn terms and definitions that have nothing to do with getting you up and going.

Coming Next - Dissecting a Sales Label.

What Do You Need to Know Before You Start?

Let's Talk Basics

What do you need to know to operate a computer?

The answer is: Not Much!

If you have a computer and you know how to plug it in, attach the screen to the back, and press the power button, you're almost set.

But here, let's try to understand a little more than that. Like a car, it feels better to understand a little bit of the basic operation before we start - We all know that before you drive you should know, "if I press the gas pedal the car moves, if I press the brake the car stops."

So Let's Start Here.

Computers in general are all put together the same way, they have the same parts, and almost always the same functions. Some have more, some have less. When your talking basics its just that, basics. A car, let's say, has ............an engine, wheels, tires, steering wheels, gas/brake pedals, seats and all together they make a car function as a car. Just like that, computers have parts that are needed for it to function:

• A Case or box to hold all the different parts together.
  
• A Brain or CPU (Central Processing Unit) - tells the computer what to do/what you want.
• Storage - a place where information is stored in the computer.
  
• Power Supply - All computers need electricity to function, whether its a plug or battery.
• Monitors/Screens - Needed to interact with the computer. Sometimes mistaken for the computer itself, the screen is simply a way for you to see what the computer is doing. A car with no windows or windshield is useless. You have to see what your doing to use it.
• Keyboard and Mouse - The mouse is used like your finger, it points to what you want, and along with the keyboard they tell the computer what to do, where to go and how to get there. Compare it to the Steering Wheel and Gas/Brake Pedals of a Car. Where and how to go.
  
• Extras - Plug In's, Storage Card Readers, CD/DVD Drives, Etc. Let's save this for later.
  

Of course, these are the stripped down version of the basics, and even this is more than enough knowledge to operate a computer.

To get a standard or typical computer to function you will need; the Tower, a monitor, a keyboard, mouse, and electricity of some sort. A laptop or portable computer is even less complicated than that, as it comes with everything you need, just plug it in and go. Most stores have "packages" that you can purchase. These computer packages include the computer, monitor, keyboard and mouse. However, every computer you buy in a store comes with a mouse and keyboard minimum.

A computer has automatic and manual functions. Like your Car, when you turn the key, it starts, gets warm, and waits to be told what to do. Put it in gear, press the gas, and go. Computers are the same, press the power, it starts, checks itself then waits to be told what to do. Look at the screen, get a picture from storage, or type a letter.

So here we are, the basics. An understanding of sorts.

A place to start.

Next: Terms and Definitions for the Beginner.

So You Want to Buy a Computer

Guide to buying the right computer for you.

General Purpose User

These days, $500 to $1,500 will get you a desktop with enough power to run productivity apps, view and edit vacation photos, manage MP3s and videos, and even play many of today's games--the core activities most common to families, students, and the general purpose PC user.

Spend around $500, and in most cases you'll still be able to view and edit vacation photos, manage MP3s and videos, and even play many of today's games. In most cases you'll still be able to run common tasks without delay, although extreme gaming becomes a stretch.

Dell, HP and Acer are good budget, general purpose choices. No Frills, just basics.

Power User

It's easy for the price to get out of hand with a power PC. If you shop around, you should be able to find a more than adequate gaming or digital design box for between $2,500 and $3,500. You'll need a large, fast hard drive--perhaps two or more if you plan to transfer and edit movie files--and of course, a DVD burner or, if you have an HD display, a Blu-ray or HD DVD drive.

Dell, Sony and Gateway make decent entry level gaming PC's. For Digital Design Apple/Mac cant be beat.

Home Theater Enthusiast

Media Center functionality is built into Windows Ultimate and Home Premium, so you could make the argument that a home-theater PC doesn't need its own category anymore. You don't need all the power of a traditional desktop to simply watch downloaded movies and listen to music. If you demand high video quality, you might sacrifice some of that capability if you opt for a lower-end system.

Dell, HP and Apple make great media center computers.

Home Office Worker

Graphics are less of a concern for most businesses, unless you run a design shop. At minimum, you'll want a system with enough power for multitasking your daily office chores. The money you save on the graphics you can put toward a larger monitor and a better warranty.

Design is definite Apple/Mac, but for the most part a budget low end PC will do any home office just fine.