Getting to know your OS/what is os/Know about your computer

Getting to know your computer's OS

The screen you see when your computer has finished starting up is called the desktop. Depending on what kind of operating system you have, the desktop will look different, but it generally consists of menus at the bottom, top, and/or sides of the screen, with the rest of the screen containing a desktop background, or wallpaper. The desktop background area can also contain any files, applications, or shortcuts you want to have quick access to.

Getting to know the desktop

Both PCs and Macs have desktops, but their desktops look a bit different. The interactives below will introduce you to the Windows and Mac desktops.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about the Windows desktop.

Taskbar

The taskbar contains shortcuts to applications, the date & time, and more. When you open a program or file, it will appear on the taskbar, and you can easily switch between different programs by selecting them on the taskbar.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about the OS X desktop.

If you have difficulty seeing or hearing—or if you have trouble manipulating the mouse or keyboard—there are settings that can help make your computer easier to use. To learn more, check out our lesson on Accessibility Features.

Your computer's file system

No matter which operating system you use, your computer uses folders to organize all of the different files and applications it contains. Folder icons on your computer are designed to look like file folders full of documents or pictures.

Each operating system has its own file system, which helps you find your folders and files. If your PC runs on Windows 7 or earlier, your file system will be called Windows Explorer (not to be confused with Internet Explorer, which is the PC's pre-installed web browser). If your PC runs on Windows 8, the file system will be called File Explorer. The file system for Macs is called Finder. Here, we'll talk about the basic functions that are common to all computer file systems.

To find out more about file systems on Macs, check out the lesson on Working with Files in our OS X Basics tutorial. To learn more about PC file systems, take a look at the Working with Files lesson in our Windows Basics tutorial.

Opening your computer's file system

Whether you're using a PC or a Mac, the file system icon will be in the bottom-left part of the screen. On a PC, the Windows Explorer icon looks like a folder, as in the image below.

On a Mac, the Finder icon looks like a face and will be located in your Dock, as seen below.

In both operating systems, you can also open the file system by clicking a folder from your desktop.

Basic navigation

Whether you're using Windows Explorer or Finder, basic navigation is the same. If you see the file you want, you can double-click it. Otherwise, you can use the Navigation pane on the left side of the window to select a different location.

Deleting files

Windows and OS X use a Trash can—or Recycle Bin—to prevent you from accidentally deleting files. When you delete a file, it is moved to the Trash can. If you change your mind, you can move the file back to its original location. If you're sure you want to permanently delete the file, you will need to empty the trash or recycle bin.

Opening applications

When you double-click a file, it will automatically open in the default application for that file type. However, sometimes you may want to open an application directly.

To open an application on a PC:

• Click the Start button, then select the desired application. If you don't see it, you can click All Programs to see a complete list. In our example, we've opened Internet Explorer. For convenience, commonly used applications may also have a shortcut on the taskbar or on the desktop.
  

In Windows 8, there is no Start menu, so you'll usually open applications from the Start screen. To learn more, check out our lesson on Getting Started with Windows 8.

To open an application on a Mac:

• Click the application's icon on the Dock. If you don't see it, click the Spotlight icon in the top-right corner of the screen and type the name of the application.
  

If you are using OS X Lion or a more recent version of OS X, you can also click the Launchpad icon on the Dock to select an application.

Adjusting your computer's settings

When you start using a new computer, you may want to begin by adjusting the computer's settings. Adjusting your settings can range from simple tasks such as changing your desktop background to more advanced tasks like adjusting your security or keyboard settings. On PCs, the Control Panel is used to adjust settings. On Macs, you'll use System Preferences.

To access your computer's settings:

• In Windows 7 or earlier, click the Start button, then select Control Panel.
  
• In Windows 8, you can open the Control Panel directly from the Start screen. Using your keyboard, typeControl Panel and press the Enter key.
  
• On a Mac, click the Apple icon, then select System Preferences.
  

For more information on changing settings on a PC, check out the Adjusting Your Settings lesson in our Windows Basics tutorial.

For more information on changing settings on a Mac, take a look at the Adjusting Your Settings lesson in our OS X Basics tutorial.

Shutting down your computer

When you're done using your computer, it's important to shut it down properly. Depending on your operating system, the exact procedure for shutting down will vary.

To shut down in Windows 8:

Click the Start button to access the Start screen, click the Power button  near the top-right corner, and select Shut down.

To shut down in Windows 7 or earlier:

Click the Start button, then select Shut down (in some versions, this may say Turn Off Computer or look like the power symbol  ).

To shut down in Mac OS X:

Click the Apple icon, then select Shut Down.

 

How to do setting up a desktop computer

Setting up a desktop computer

Step 1

Unpack the monitor and computer case from the box. Remove any plastic covering or protective tape. Place the monitor and computer case where you want on a desk or work area.

Think about where you want your desk or work area to be located, and where you want your monitor, computer case, and other hardware to be. Be sure to place your computer case in an area that is well ventilated and that has good air flow. This will help to prevent overheating.

Step 2

Locate the monitor cable. There are several types of monitor cables, so the one on your computer may not look like the one in the image at the left. If you're having trouble finding your monitor cable, refer to the instruction manual for your computer. (If you have an all-in-one computer that's built into the monitor, you can skip to Step 4).

Step 3

Connect one end of the cable to the monitor port on the back of the computer case and the other end to the monitor. Hand tighten the plastic-covered screws on the monitor cable to secure it.

Step 4

Unpack the keyboard and determine whether it uses a USB(rectangular) connector or a PS/2 (round) connector. If it uses a USB connector, plug it into any of the USB ports on the back of the computer. If it uses a PS/2 connector, plug it into the purple keyboard port on the back of the computer.

Step 5

Unpack the mouse and determine whether it uses a USB (rectangular) connector or a PS/2 (round) connector. If it uses a USB connector, plug it into any of the USB ports on the back of the computer. If it uses a PS/2 connector, plug it into the green mouse port on the back of the computer.

If your keyboard has a USB port, you can connect your mouse to the keyboard instead of connecting it directly to your computer.

If you have a wireless mouse or keyboard, you may need to connect a Bluetooth dongle (USB adapter) to your computer. However, many computers have built-in Bluetooth, so a dongle may not be necessary.

Step 6

If you have external speakers or headphones, you can connect them to your computer's audio port (either on the front or the back of the computer case). Many computers have color-coded ports. Speakers or headphones connect to the green port, and a microphone connects to the pink port. The blue port is the line in, which can be used with other types of devices.

Some speakers, headphones, and microphones have USB connectors instead of the usual audio plug. These can be connected to any USB port. In addition, many computers have speakers or microphones built into the monitor.

Step 7

Locate the two power supply cables that came with your computer. Plug the first power supply cable into the back of the computer case, and then into a surge protector. Then, using the other cable, connect the monitor to the surge protector.

Step 8

Finally, plug the surge protector into a wall outlet. You may also need to turn on the surge protector if it has a power switch.

If you don't have a surge protector, you can plug the computer directly into the wall. However, this is not recommended because electrical surges can damage your computer.

Setup complete

Your basic computer hardware is now set up. Before you start it up, spend some time arranging your workspace. A workspace that is arranged well can improve your productivity and promote health.

what is expansion card/ what is expansion card/ inside mother board

Most computers have expansion slots on the motherboard that allow you to add various types of expansion cards. These are sometimes called PCI (peripheral component interconnect) cards. You may never have to add any PCI cards because most motherboards have built-in video, sound, network, and other capabilities. However, if you want to boost the performance of your computer or update the capabilities of an older computer, you can always add one or more cards. Below are some of the most common types of expansion cards.

Video card

The video card is responsible for what you see on the monitor. Most computers have a GPU (graphics processing unit) built into the motherboard instead of having a separate video card. If you like playing graphics-intensive games, you can add a faster video card to one of the expansion slots to get better performance.

Sound card

The sound card, also called an audio card, is responsible for what you hear in the speakers or headphones. Most motherboards have integrated sound, but you can upgrade to a dedicated sound card for higher-quality sound.

Network card

The network card allows your computer to communicate over a network and access the Internet. It can either connect with an Ethernet cable or through a wireless connection (often called Wi-Fi). Many motherboards have built-in network connections, and a network card can also be added to an expansion slot.

Bluetooth card

Bluetooth is a technology for wireless communication over short distances. It's often used in computers to communicate with wireless keyboards, mice, and printers. It's often built into the motherboard or included in a wireless network card. For computers that don't have Bluetooth, a USB adapter, called a dongle, can be purchased.

what is ROM/ full form of ROM/ definition of ROM.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is a hardware device that allows information to be stored and retrieved on a computer.

what is optical drive/ definition of optical drive/ full form of ODD.

Optical Disk Drive Defined. An optical disk drive (ODD) uses a laser light to read data from or write data to an optical disc. These include CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. This allows you to play music or watch movies using pre-recorded discs.

what is hard drive/ definition of hard drive/ full for of HD.

A hard disk drive (sometimes abbreviated as Hard drive, HD, or HDD) is a non-volatile memory hardware device that permanently stores and retrieves information. There are many variations, but their sizes are generally 3.5" and 2.5" for desktop and laptop computers respectively. A hard drive consists of one or more platters to which data is written using a magnetic head, all inside of an air-sealed casing.

What is heat sink/ definition of heat sink in computer tutorial/ training

A heat sink is an electronic device that incorporates either a fan or a peltier device to keep a hot component such as a processor cool.

definition of floppy disk / what is floppy disk

A flexible removable magnetic disk (typically encased in a hard plastic shell) for storing data.

what is system fan/ definition of system fan

A computer fan is any fan inside, or attached to, a computer case used for active cooling, and may refer to fans that draw cooler air into the case from the outside, expel warm air from inside, or move air across a heat sink to cool a particular component.

Definition of power supply unit/ what is power supply unit

The power supply unit in a computer converts the power from the wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer. It sends power through cables to the motherboard and other components.

Definition of mother board/What is mother board

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.

Definition of CPU/What is CPU/full form of CPU

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. Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the CPU.

Basic Parts of Computer

The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case/Base unit, monitor,keyboard, mouse, and power cord.and also one of Printer. Each part plays an important role whenever you use a computer.

The parts inside computer case/Base unit.

The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer. It houses the central processing unit (CPU), Mother Board, Power Supply, System Fan, Floppy Disk, Heat Sink, Hard Drive, Optical Drive and Ram.

Moniter.

It is out put device which we give the result after data processing.

Keyboard.

   It is an input device when we input information inside the computer we get the results by output device moniter.

Mouse.

It is also input device it has three button one right one left and one in middle.

Printer.

It is output device which we get the print on a paper like text, picture.

windows release date and how many types of operating software and other os release date.

The first window system was come in 1980. Over the years. There have been many different version of window come in market like the most recent once are windows 2010 release in 2015, window 8 release in 2012, windows7 in 2009,windows vista in 2007.

There are mainly three types of operating system, like windows, Mac X and last one is Linux.

computer software definition how may types of sotware

there are mainly two types of software.

first one is operating software and second one is application software.

The Operating software is major software which operate the all application software to make work easy or user friendly.we could not work on pc without operating software.

while application software is groups of programme which we work easily on computer.

types of computer

There are five types of computer in the world.

The First One is PC-: Personal Computer:-  It is a single user computer system.
The Second One is Workstation:- It is also a single user computer system which is similar to personal computer but have more powerful microprocessor.

The Third One is Mini Computer:-It is a multi-user computer system which is capable of supporting hundreds of users simultaneously.
The Fourth One is Main Frame:- It is a multi-user computer system which is capable of supporting hundreds of users simultaneously. Software technology is different from minicomputer.
The Last One is Super Computer:-

It is an extremely fast computer which can execute hundreds of millions of instructions per second.

parts of computer type of computer

There are mainly types of computers parts.

1. Hardware and second one is
2. Software.

• Hardwar:- Any types of component in computer which we can touch and see is called Hardware.
• Software:-Any types programme which perform the computer is called software.

full form of computer

COMPUTER– Commonly Operated Machine Particularly Used for Technology Education and Research.

what is computer

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.