Okay so now that we've gone over the basics of computers (mouse, keyboard, pc, and monitor) now let's take a look at how you can customize your computer and make it even more powerful.
External Hardware are electronic devices that you can connect to your computer to serve different purposes.
The most commonly used pieces of external hardware are external hard drives and memory sticks, but there are other devices you can attach to your computer as well.
Internal Hard Drive
Every computer has a hard drive built in. This is where all the memory for the computer and data is stored. However memory on an internal hard drive is limited--especially on older computers. When this memory is used up a computer will run slower, some programs will not open or run properly, large files can't be saved, and downloads will fail or load very slowly.
Memory can be used up very fast if you install large or newer programs on an older computer, if you save a lot of video files or projects on your computer, if your computer is infected with spyware or viruses, or if you download a lot of music and movies from the Internet.
When it comes to using large programs or programs that require a lot of memory the best thing to do is first buy a computer that is equipped to handle the needs of the projects you want to do or install more memory in your old computer--but this requires some patience and skill.
External hardware can be used to supplement the memory on your computer so you can use the memory on your computer just for applications and programs--if you want to.
So let's look at some different types of hardware.
External Harddrive
External Hard Drive
This device acts just like the harddrive built in to your computer except that it can easily be connected and removed from your computer and is often times portable.
You can use and external harddrive to save all of your personal files such as your documents, music, pictures, and video files. This saves a lot of space on your computer for just running and installing programs.
Another benefit to having an external harddrive is that if your computer ever breaks down your files are safe on your harddrive because it can be connected to other computers.
NOTE: files on your external will not be lost if your computer breaks down, but if your computer had a virus and a file saved on your external was infected the virus can spread if you connect your hard drive to other computers.
External harddrives are also used to back up computers daily, so if something ever did happen to your computer all your work and settings would be saved. When an external harddrive is used to backup a computer it becomes a clone of that computer--a computer Mini Me.
Memory Stick
This is much smaller and easier to carry around than an external harddrive. However memory sticks don't have as much memory on them as external harddrives. Their main purpose is to transfer files from one place to another or from one person to another.
They can also be called flash drives, USB sticks, and that stick thingie--as well as many other names.
Another little quirk about memory sticks is that they come in so many varieties. You can get them in different colors, shapes, patterns, and even ones that look like your favorite cartoon characters.
Other hardware
External hardware does not apply only to memory devices but includes many different electronics as well.
Mouse and keyboard
Yes, your mouse and keyboard can be considered external hardware.
Camera or webcam
When you connect your camera to your computer it's considered an external device.
For computers that don't have cameras built in, web cams can be purchased and connected to your computer.
Wacom Tablet
Tablets
Tablets are used by artists an designers as a way to draw easily on the computer. The pad acts as paper, the pen acts as a real pen or pencil. Some tablets also come with an additional mouse.
Printers and scanners
Printers are considered external devices.
Scanners can be used to copy images on to paper or to copy them on to your computer.
Nowadays you can easily buy all in one printer-scanner-copiers.
Wireless USB Adaptor
Wifi or bluetooth devices
For computers that don't have built in wireless or bluetooth receptors you can buy hardware (that looks like memory sticks) to connect you to wireless networks or Bluetooth.
Mp3 players
IPods and other mp3 players can be considered external hardware.
Other
USB Fan
USB Hamster runs as you type.
There are many other random things you can connect to your computer. Some things useful--some things not. For example a USB fan may be useful on a hot day--but a USB hamster running on a wheel while you type may not be the most helpful device, even if it is amusing!
Basically anything you can plug into your computer is considered and external device!
Assignment
Go online and find one piece of external hardware that we talked about today.
Once you've done that find the SAME EXACT DEVICE on two other websites and answer the following questions:
Or google "external harddrive" or "camera" or whatever you want to look for.
- once you find something you like copy the name and model of the device by highlighting it, right clicking an pressing copy.
Then open a new tab, go to google, and paste the name of the device in the search bar.
When you're done with the assignment show me what you've found.
Question review
1. What is a hard drive?
A. It is where floppy go.
B. It is where computer data is stored.
C. It is the device used to read CDs.
D. It is one of those sticks that you put in the USB port.
2. Which of these is external hardware?
A. External hard drive
B. Digital camera
C. Scanner
D. All of the above.
3. What is an external hard drive used for?
A. Backing up computer settings
B. Backing up personal files
C. Saving memory on internal hard drive.
D. All of the above.
4. True or false - when a computer crashes and the files are wiped out all of the files on the external hard drive are lost too. T or F
Monitors! One of the most important yet under appreciated parts of your computer. The monitor, simply put, is the screen you view everything on.
Their are a couple of different monitor options you can choose from:
- monitors come in a range of sizes
- newer TVs can be used as monitors
- all in one computers are built into their monitors
- monitors CRT or LCD screens.
- CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) use red green and blue light to create images. CRT devices are usually bulky and do not display hi def images
- LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) use crystals to display a wider range of colours. LCD devices take up less space and show higher quality images, but their screens can be easily damaged.
How CRT and LCD work
CRT, simply put, shines a sequence of red, green, and blue lights through tubes to create images.
LCD screens are made up of several layers. One layer shines white light (which is made of all colors) through, other layers block certain colors from shining through, and the last layer displays the result.
Things you should never do to your monitor
- don't hit or drop it
- don't poke it if you have a LCD (soft screen monitor)
- don't put a magnet or magnetic devices near or on your monitor
- don't try to eat it when you're hungry
Things you should do to your monitor
- turn it off when you're not using it
- wipe it and your keyboard down with disinfectant wipes every so often
- dust it off every so often
- treat it kindly
Things you could do to your monitor...but can be weird
- put stickers on it
- give it a name
- give it a personality
- call it your boyfriend
Random facts about monitors
- when there is a black dot on your screen this is what is called a "dead pixel." This only happens on LCD screens.
- pixels are tiny squares of colour that when grouped together make an image. On a LCD screen there are thousands of little pixels. When one of these pixel lights burn out it leaves a black spot--the dead pixel.
- higher resolution screens mean that a screen has more colour variety and more pixels to show details clearer.
- LCD technology was originally used for laptops, then desktops, and now TVs too.
- CRT technology is why TV's nickname is "the tube"
Assignment
- Get on a computer and appreciate your monitor.
- open up a program you never used before and learn what it's about. Use it, create something with it, and write a comment on the blog about what it's about. When you're done report to me about what you learned.
Question Review
1. LCD stands for...
A Liquid Chlorine Display
B Liquid Carbon Dating
C Liquid Crystal Display
D Liquid Carbon Display
2. Which of these devices use LCD technology?
A TV
B Laptop
C Desktop
D All of the above
3. What does CRT stand for?
A Crystal Ray Tube
B Cathode Ray Tunnel
C Crystal Ray Tunnel
D Cathode Ray Tube
4 What colors does CRT use to display images?
A red, yellow, blue
B red, green, blue
C red, yellow, green, blue
D all of them
Extra credit
What kind of monitors do the desktop computers have? (at SMART)
Although these commercials are obviously a bit biased, I thought they would be a nice way for us to start our class today.
Last week we talked about mice and keyboards--basic components of nearly every modern day computer. This week we are going to talk about the computer itself.
We could go into the whole history of how personal computers came to be...but that is a pretty long history, and a mostly irrelevant to our needs today. So instead, we're going to go through a brief history of PCs, Macs, and different operating systems.
Let's start with PC
PC
PC stands for Personal Computer. It is any computer (laptop, desktop, tablet, handheld, etc.) that can be used for your own personal use.
PCs started out as the black screened green texted (otherwise known as command-line interface) word processors you see to your left (some of you may be familiar with this), but have evolved greatly over the past three decades into the computers we know and love today.
PC is not a brand. It is a type. Therefore there are a variety of PC brands that you can choose from such as; Dell, Toshiba, Acer, and Gateway--just to name a few.
PCs typically run on a Windows OS or Operating System. An Operating System is a program that makes it easier to run hardware resources and software. Every OS is different. We'll talk a bit more about Operating Systems later. However, when talking about PCs, Windows is almost always implied since it is the major OS sold on Personal Computers.
PCs are mostly popular with older computer users, coders, programmers, businesses, accountants, and really anyone in a profession that requires the use of programs such as Excel, Powerpoint, and Word. They also appeal to Xbox users, but this is mostly for gaming purposes.
Does everyone follow? Are their any questions before we continue?
So what makes PCs great....and not so great?
PCs/Windows OS Pros
- PCs are great for people who are already familiar with how to use a computer. All the codes and tricks you may have learned on a word processor still apply on PCs.
- PCs are great for business; even though Microsoft office can run on Mac computers, most businesses (unless they are for design based) typically choose PC over Mac.
- With new advances to Windows--such as Windows Live and "the Cloud"--the business benefits of having a PC are even better. Personal benefits are great too.
- Despite Mac's criticism of PC, Windows newest OS--Windows 7--has a lot of design tools that are both easy to use and create great products.
- Since there is such a wide variety of PCs and brands you can choose from you can find a PC at a much better price than a Mac.
- The variety of PCs also allows for you to find a computer that works with you best.
- Repairing your PC is also a lot easier than when you have a Mac, you can go to nearly any computer store or repair shop for assistance.
- PCs are also the top choice for coders and programmers.
Questions? Comments? Additions?
"Blue Screen of Death"
PC/Windows OS Cons
- PCs are susceptible to virus and spyware
- There are many known glitches in the newest Windows Operating Systems--though these are being worked out.
- PCs are not intuitive, so for new computer users they can seem very difficult to navigate.
- PCs really do require some knowledge in programming and how computers work. Otherwise, when something goes wrong--unless you know someone who knows computers--it's very difficult for a novice to correct the problem.
- Even though PCs have new programs for movie making and designing, they are still not the top choice for creative/artistic endeavors.
- PCs sometimes have difficulty recognizing new hardware.
- (In my opinion) troubleshooting an issue on a PC is very rarely successful. You'd have an easier time looking up your issue on Google.
- PCs have a tendency to crash and blue screens mean certain death for your computer (PCs seem to be very frail things)
Questions? Comments? Additions?
Now let's take a look at Macs
Mac
Macs are actually a type of Personal Computer, but they are never referred to as PCs because they are branded. Macs are MACS--the enemy of PCs.
Mac or Macintosh computers and Operating Systems are products of Apple, Inc. Macs were actually the first Personal Computers to move away from the command-line interface (the black background and green text) and use a graphical interface and a mouse. So, from the very start Macs have been very visual/design-based.
Though the first of its kind, Macs had a hard time outshining Windows computers. It may be surprising for you to know that these, now designer computers, ran really cheap in the 90's just so they would get business.
However, when the 1998 iMac all-in-one arrived--it's sleek design and colours won over many consumers and Apple Inc. has only been moving up since then.
Macs run on their own Operating System, however, newer Macs are capable of running both the Windows Operating System and the Mac Operating System.
Macs are popular among young people, new computer users, graphic designers, musicians, artists, filmmakers, and...let's face it--trend followers.
How's it going? Any questions? Lose anybody?
So what makes a Mac better....or worse?
Mac Pros
- Macs are typically a lot sleeker and prettier than other PCs
- Apple offers amazing customer service that is most often free
- Macs are way more intuitive and easy to use, which is really great for new computer users.
- Macs do not get viruses or spyware
- Installing new hardware and software on Macs is quick and easy
- With Macs you don't have to choose your favorite OS, you can have both
- iLife includes a lot of great programs that make designing and creating music, movies, and images easy and accessible to everyone - Forgot where you saved a file? If you know the name Mac's search bar pulls it up instantly unlike Windows which has to do a long and extensive search.
- The lifespan of Mac computers is much longer than PCs because it is so much more difficult to break them down.
- Opening programs is a lot faster and easier than on Windows because there are no drop down menus to go through--all your top programs are located at the bottom of the screen.
Questions? Comments? Additions?
Mac Cons
- Even though Macs can run the same programs as Windows, PCs are still preferred by businesses over Macs
- Macs tend to be much more expensive than PCs
"Marble/Windmill of Doom"
- If a Mac breaks down your only option to repair it is to go to an Apple retailer because no one else has the parts or is allowed to fix it unless they have a certificate.
- Although they don't get viruses, when overloaded Macs may sometimes get "the windmill/marble of doom"
- Macs are not compatible with all programs--some are strictly PC only.
- Macs do not have all of the same ports PCs do which make them very difficult to connect to TVs, projectors, and other devices.
- Macs have no right click button, by default.
- Macs have different shortcuts than PCs do, so a former PC user must reteach themselves when using a Mac
- Though Macs are considered more sleek in design their customization options are very limited.
- Macs can only use Mac accessories.
- When sending files from a Mac PC users may have a hard time seeing or opening them; a special program must be downloaded for compatibility.
Questions? Comments? Additions?
PCs/Windows and Macs are so popular and well known it often seems like they are the only options available for people looking for computers or Operating Systems. The truth is that there are less popular alternatives that you can choose from as well.
Let's take a look at some a couple alternatives. Just know that these are just some examples. There are more options to choose from and if you're interested, I would encourage you to research them more on your own.
Alternative PC
Alienware Personal Computers and hardware are products of Dell. Alienware sells desktops, laptops, headphones, and other digital accessories. Alienware has a very unique sci fi look and are completely customizable.
Alienware computers are ideal for gaming, video editing, audio editing, and simulations. However, Alienware computers major function is for high performance gaming.
Tux the Linux mascot
Alternative OS
Next to Windows and Mac, Linux is the next leading OS. Linux is free to download and use and welcomes all users to modify and share their modified program with others.
Even though Linux is free to use, it is not nearly as user friendly as Windows and Mac. Use of Linux requires a lot of computer knowledge and is not recommended for new users who are not interested in learning about coding. (This is my personal opinion, Linux users may disagree)
Since users are allowed to modify Linux there are many different versions of the OS. Therefore, some versions of it may be easier to use than others.
Do you know of any other Operating Systems or special Personal Computers?
Now what if you're looking to buy a new computer? How do you choose when you have so many options and people are telling you so many different things?
Here are some tips to keep in mind that will hopefully help you if or when you decide to buy a computer.
Tips for Buying a Computer:
- Do your research! Commercials may be funny, entertaining, and convincing--but they might not tell you the whole truth! If you're interested in a certain type of computer look up customer reviews, look up any glitches the computer or system is known for, check out the computer's best features. Investing some time in doing your research can save you a lot of money and frustration in the long run.
- Try before you buy. Go to Best Buy or whatever store you're thinking of purchasing from and try out different computers; that's why they're on display! If it's not busy take your time to really get to know how the computer works. The Apple store can often be a busy place but if you can find time to get there during off hours it's a great place to test out all of Apples products (and the workers are very helpful). Even if you plan to buy online. Try and find a store to check out the computer you want first.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. If a sales person is telling you all the features a computer has and you have no idea what they're talking about ask them to explain. You'll learn more but you'll also make sure that you don't agree to something you're not really interested in. Also remember to come in with questions and some idea of the type of things you want your computer to do (i.e. edit videos, organize pictures, have an organizer, whatever).
- Cheaper is not always better. If you have your heart set on a particular computer but there is a cheaper deal available for another computer don't feel obligated to change your mind. Save up the extra money for the computer you want, don't settle for something you don't. Good computers are hard to come by and--chances are--if you're buying a cheap computer you're probably going to need to start looking for a new one in a year. Even with the rapid growth of technology, a good computer is an investment.
- Don't believe the hype. Just because something is popular doesn't mean it's the best option for you. Don't fall victim to witty advertising and pretty packaging.
- Ask around. Find out what computers the people you know lose and what their opinions on them are; what do they like about their computer? What do they dislike? Why did they chose their computer above all others?
- Lastly, don't be hasty. Believe it or not, buying a computer is a big commitment; it's like adding a new member to the family. You have to take care of it, you have to pay its hospital bills, you have to keep it in good shape, you have to get along and work well with it for however long it's in your home. Take your time picking out the right one!
Question Review
1. What does OS stand for?
A. Operating System
B. Operator System
C. Operating Signal
D. Operator Signal
2. Which of these is a type of PC?
A. Linux
B. Matrix
C. Alienware
D. Ubuntu
3. Which of these is a type of OS?
A. Alienware
B. Linux
C. Matrix
D. Dell
4. Which OS was the first to use a graphical interface?
A. Windows
B. Wintel
C. Macintosh
D. None of the Above
