Course outline for
Computer Basics - Foundation

Section 1: General Concepts

Lesson 1.1: Basic Terms

What is a Computer?

What is Hardware?

What is Software?

What are Peripheral Devices?

What is Meant by Information Technology?

Skill Sharpener

Lesson 1.2: Types of Computers

What is a Personal Computer?

Mainframe Computers

What is a Network Computer?

What is a Laptop?

What is a PDA?

Skill Sharpener

Lesson 1.3: Anatomy of a PC

The CPU

RAM.

Buses

Input and Output Devices

Disk Drives

Power Supply and Fans

More on Peripheral Devices

Hardware Ports

Skill Sharpener

Lesson 1.4: How a PC Works

CPU Speed and Performance

RAM and Computer Performance

How Applications Affect Computer Performance

Other Factors

Skill Sharpener

Section 1: Case Study

Section 1: Review Questions

Section 2: Hardware Devices

Lesson 2.1: CPU and Memory

What is a CPU?

What Does the CPU Do?

CPU Performance Measures

RAM and ROM.

Measuring Memory

Skill Sharpener

Lesson 2.2: Input Devices

The Keyboard

The Mouse

The Scanner

Microphones

Other Devices

Skill Sharpener

Lesson 2.3: Output Devices

Monitors

The Printer

Touch Screens

Speakers

Plotters

Skill Sharpener

Lesson 2.4: Secondary Storage Devices

Common Terms

Hard Disk Drives

Floppy Disks

Zip Drives

USB Flash Drives

Data Cartridges and Tape Drives

CDs and DVDs

Storage Comparisons

Skill Sharpener

Section 2: Case Study

Section 2: Review Questions

Section 3: Software

Lesson 3.1: The Basics

What is an Operating System?

What is an Application?

What do Versions Mean?

What are Updates?

What is a GUI?

Skill Sharpener

Lesson 3.2: Operating Systems and Applications

What Does an Operating System Do?

What are Some Common Operating Systems?

What Does a Software Application Do?

What Are Some Common Applications?

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Lesson 3.3: How is Software Built?

Introduction

Analysis

Design Stage

Programming

Testing

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Lesson 3.4: Types of Software

What is Shareware?

What is Freeware?

What is a EULA?

How Do I Check the Software Version?

How Do I Check the Product ID Number?

Skill Sharpener

Lesson 3.5: Legal Issues

What is Copyright?

What is Data Protection Legislation?

How Does Copyright Apply to Software vs. Files?

What Should You Download?

What Should You Be Aware Of When Using Materials?

What Should You Be Aware Of When Sharing Materials?

Skill Sharpener

Section 3: Case Study

Section 3: Review Questions

Index