Online computer fundamentals guide.
Today, personal computers have become an integral part of our lives. Be it at the office or at home, most of our communication with the world around us takes place with the help of these personal computers. Whether you already own and use a computer or are looking to buy one, getting acquainted with the basics of personal computers will help you use them effectively.
Main Elements Of Personal Computer
Types of Computers:
» DESKTOP
A desktop computer is a personal computer designed to be used on your desk at home or office. It is not meant to be portable. It usually includes a tower-style system unit, with an external keyboard, a monitor, and a mouse. Typically, a desktop is the most powerful of all the types of personal computers because it can be easily upgraded by adding or replacing components. Desktops tend to offer the most features for your money.
Key attributes include power, performance, and upgrade ability.
Some examples of desktop PC manufactures include Apple, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard.
» LAPTOP
A laptop computer is a personal computer that integrates the system unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse available with a desktop computer into one portable package. Laptops ordinary weight between four and eight pounds and are designed to be carried and used in locations outside the home or office. They can either be plugged into an electrical outlet or battery operated.
Laptop computers typically have less processing power and fewer features than desktops. They also tend to be more expensive and less upgradeable than desktop computers. Key attributes include a nice
combination of functionality and freedom to work in different locations.
Companies that make desktops also manufacture laptops.
» HANDHELD
A handheld computer, designed to fit in your hand, is the smallest type of personal computer, making it easy to carry anywhere. Handhelds are battery-operated with targeted but limited capabilities. Usually a small keyboard or a pen-like stylus is used to operate a handheld. You cannot perform all of the types of tasks on a handheld that you can perform on a desktop or notebook computer. However, handhelds function well as electronic address books, calendars, and communicatuin devices; some handhelds can be used as cellular phones to make calls or access the internet to get news and email.
Handhelds have very limited upgrade ability. Key attributes are convenience and portability.
Pocket PC (Personal Digital Assistant or PDA), and Blackberry are examples of handheld devices.
Uses Of Personal Computers
PCs, being small and powerful, are used in nearly every facet of modern day life. They are designed for individual use and provide a wide range of functions and services applicable to varied environments such as offices, homes, hospitals, schools, and businesses. Personal computers help organizations create and manage data efficiently.
PCs can also be used at home for tracking and maintaining income and expense details. Some of the advancements achieved through the use of PCs include shopping on the Internet and touching up digital photos.
If you just starting with computers, basic software knowledge is essential to operate computers.
Today, personal computers have become an integral part of our lives. Be it at the office or at home, most of our communication with the world around us takes place with the help of these personal computers. Whether you already own and use a computer or are looking to buy one, getting acquainted with the basics of personal computers will help you use them effectively.
Types of Computers:
» DESKTOP
A desktop computer is a personal computer designed to be used on your desk at home or office. It is not meant to be portable. It usually includes a tower-style system unit, with an external keyboard, a monitor, and a mouse. Typically, a desktop is the most powerful of all the types of personal computers because it can be easily upgraded by adding or replacing components. Desktops tend to offer the most features for your money.
Key attributes include power, performance, and upgrade ability.
Some examples of desktop PC manufactures include Apple, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard.
» LAPTOP
A laptop computer is a personal computer that integrates the system unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse available with a desktop computer into one portable package. Laptops ordinary weight between four and eight pounds and are designed to be carried and used in locations outside the home or office. They can either be plugged into an electrical outlet or battery operated.
Laptop computers typically have less processing power and fewer features than desktops. They also tend to be more expensive and less upgradeable than desktop computers. Key attributes include a nice
combination of functionality and freedom to work in different locations.
Companies that make desktops also manufacture laptops.
» HANDHELD
A handheld computer, designed to fit in your hand, is the smallest type of personal computer, making it easy to carry anywhere. Handhelds are battery-operated with targeted but limited capabilities. Usually a small keyboard or a pen-like stylus is used to operate a handheld. You cannot perform all of the types of tasks on a handheld that you can perform on a desktop or notebook computer. However, handhelds function well as electronic address books, calendars, and communicatuin devices; some handhelds can be used as cellular phones to make calls or access the internet to get news and email.
Handhelds have very limited upgrade ability. Key attributes are convenience and portability.
Pocket PC (Personal Digital Assistant or PDA), and Blackberry are examples of handheld devices.
Uses Of Personal Computers
PCs, being small and powerful, are used in nearly every facet of modern day life. They are designed for individual use and provide a wide range of functions and services applicable to varied environments such as offices, homes, hospitals, schools, and businesses. Personal computers help organizations create and manage data efficiently.
PCs can also be used at home for tracking and maintaining income and expense details. Some of the advancements achieved through the use of PCs include shopping on the Internet and touching up digital photos.
If you just starting with computers, basic software knowledge is essential to operate computers.
