Welcome to the Help desk    

The Computer Help desk was designed to help staff learn the basics of how to use computers and the applications that live on them.   It is with this idea in mind that this help desk has been created.

By far, the most amazing function of the computer is its application on the Information Super Highway.  The INTERNET was originally developed in 1980 by the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation. The word INTERNET, comes from Interactive Network Analysis, which basically means a network through which information freely, in most cases, travels like a highway.

Microsoft Office and other similar software applications have revolutionized the writing tools. Whereas before a good pen was a symbol of knowledge and social status, today it's the laptop computer or Smartphone you see in people's hands. In fact, they are the symbol of the new generation.

 

Computer basics

General Concepts

Understanding Hardware, Software, and Information Technology (IT):

  • A computers hardware is a computer item you can physically see or touch. 
  • The software-is a computer program that tells the computer hardware how to operate. 
  • Information Technology (IT), is the broad subject related to computers and managing and processing information.
  • RAM (random access memory): a computers main memory which is used to process information (example: work with a file). This memory is volatile, which means unsaved data disappears when you shut off the computer.
  • ROM (read only memory): a computer's low-level memory, which is used to perform the most basic functions (example: start the computer). This memory is nonvolatile, which means data remains even when you shut off the computer.
  • Operating System: Loads automatically and controls just about everything on the computer.
  • Application: Helps you accomplish a certain task, such as writing a letter, browsing the internet, or playing a game.
  • Graphical User Interface (GUI): Makes computers easier to operate by using pictures and icons to represent files and programs.

 

The Components

  • Just one of the many types of desktop computers. Any desktop computer that you purchase will have the same basic elements: a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse and a central processing unit, or CPU. Each of these components are easily locatable and should be within easy access at all times. The monitor is the screen with which you can view games, business documents, the Internet and more. The keyboard is much like a typewriter and can be used for word processing. The mouse is a small, hand-held pointing device that is used to guide the digital cursor across the monitor screen. The CPU is the most important, as it is essentially the "brains" of your computer.

  • Monitor

  • A standard flat-screen monitor.  The monitor of your desktop computer is fundamental in that it allows you to see what your computer is doing. It can be turned on with the push of a button, which is usually located in the lower right- or left-hand corner of the monitor itself. Screen size and shape can vary depending on what type of computer you have. It is much like a television set, but you control the outcome using the other components of your computer, the mouse and keyboard. Play games, reply to emails and even watch videos using your monitor.

  • Keyboard

  • A basic keyboard is an arrangement of buttons-or keys that allow you to input words and commands. Set up much like a typewriter, the keyboard uses the modern QWERTY key configuration including letters and numbers. There are also command keys such as the Enter/Return, Backspace, Shift and Cntrl.

    Mouse

  • A standard mouse has two buttons. A computer mouse is usually a small plastic tool with one or two buttons; this serves as a pointing device that appears on your monitor screen. When you move the mouse, a cursor appears usually as a small arrow on your screen. Double-clicking the left mouse button allows you to open programs and files. When the right mouse button is clicked, a menu appears that allows you to choose other options for the program/file you want to access.

  • Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  • The CPU, which houses the hard drive, CD/DVD and USB drives. The CPU is the most essential part of your workstation. It carries out the calculations your computer needs to perform effectively. It is attached to a motherboard, which is the "body" of your computer. There are many other components to your CPU, such as the hard drive, power supply and removable media. The hard drive is the internal memory; everything you save (such as photos and documents) is stored on your hard drive. The power supply is what keeps your computer running, and is plugged into an electrical wall socket or power strip. A fan keeps the power supply cool while it is running. The removable media components can include but aren't limited to the CD/DVD and USB drives. Files from your computer can also be stored using removable media.