Learning

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 with computer's language. Without an operating system, a computer is useless. Watch the video below to learn more about operating systems.  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 up...

A mobile device is a general term for any type of handheld computer. These devices are designed to be extremely portable, and they can often fit in your hand. Some mobile devices - like tablets, e-readers, and smartphones -- are powerful enough to do many of the same things you can do with a desktop or laptop computer. Tablet computers Like laptops, tablet computers are designed to be portable. However, they provide a different computer experience. The most obvious difference is that tablet computers don't have keyboards or touchpads. Instead, the entire screen is touch-sensitive, allowing you to type on a virtual keyboard and use your finger as a mouse pointer.  Tablet computers can't necessarily do everything traditional computers can do. For many people, a traditional computer like a desktop or laptop is still needed in order to use some programs. However, the convenience of a tablet computer means it may be ideal as a second computer.  E-readers E-book readers - also calle...

A laptop is a personal computer that can be easily moved and used in a variety of locations. Most laptops are designed to have all the functionality of a desktop computer, which means they can generally run the same software and open the same types of files. However, laptops also tend to be more expensive than comparable desktop computers. Watch the video below to learn about laptop computers. How is a laptop different from a desktop? Because laptops are designed for portability, there are some important differences between them and desktop computers. A laptop has an all-in-one design, with a built-in monitor, keyboard, touchpad (which replaces the mouse), and speakers. This means it is fully functional, even when no peripherals are connected. A laptop is also quicker to set up, and there are fewer cables to get in the way.  You'll also have the option to connect a regular mouse, larger monitor, and other peripherals. This basically turns your laptop into a desktop computer, with o...

Have you ever looked inside a computer case, or seen pictures of the inside of one? The small parts may look complicated, but the inside of a computer case isn't really all that mysterious. This lesson will help you master some of the basic terminology and understand a bit more about what goes on inside a computer. Watch the video below to learn about what's inside a desktop computer. Motherboard The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It's a thin plate that holds the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, and connections to your computer's ports (such as USB ports). The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer. CPU/processor The central processing unit (CPU), also called a processor, is located inside the computer case on the motherboard. It is sometimes called the brain of the computer, and its job is to carry out commands. Whe...

Introduction Take a look at the front and back of your computer case and count the number of buttons, ports, and slots you see. Now look at your monitor and count any you find there. You probably counted at least 10, and maybe a lot more. Each computer is different, so the buttons, ports, and sockets will vary from computer to computer. However, there are certain ones you can expect to find on most desktop computers. Learning how these ports are used will help whenever you need to connect something to your computer, like a new printer, keyboard, or mouse. Watch the video below to learn about the buttons, ports, and slots on a desktop computer. Front of a computer case Back of a computer case The back of a computer case has connection ports that are made to fit specific devices. The placement will vary from computer to computer, and many companies have their own special connectors for specific devices. Some of the ports may be color coded to help you determine which po...

Introduction The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. Each part plays an important role whenever you use a computer. Watch the video below to learn about the basic parts of a desktop computer. Computer case The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer, including the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), and power supply. The front of the case usually has an On/Off button and one or more optical drives. Computer cases come in different shapes and sizes. A desktop case lies flat on a desk, and the monitor usually sits on top of it. A tower case is tall and sits next to the monitor or on the floor. All-in-one computers come with the internal components built into the monitor, which eliminates the need for a separate case. Monitor The monitor works with a video card, located inside the computer case, to display images and text on the screen. Most monitors have control but...

About Computer Basics Computer Basics will help you understand how computers work and how to use them. We'll talk about how to set up a computer, the difference between hardware and software, and the types of computers you can use. We'll also explore operation systems, applications, the cloud, and whole a lot more. Whether you're getting started with your first computer or are just looking to learn more about how they work, you'll find all of the information you need in our written lessons, videos, and interactives. When you're done, you'll have a fundamental understanding of how to use a computer. You'll also be ready to learn even more about computers with some of our other courses.  So what are you waiting for? Let's get started! What is a computer? A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer to type documents, send e...