Pengetahuan Komputer Dasar

You are a copywriter, not a code writer

Many of users are coasting along without adequate computer knowledge. IT consultants have things in common: There is a gap in understanding tools and the rest of IT world stuffs between them and the users, and they need to help them close the gap.

As you are a copywriter, not a code writer, so it is better that you take your first step by reading and understanding this very very basic knowledge of computers. I did this and, honestly, still in progress mastering all these tools while enjoying some procrastinate moments in creating content marketing for an IT consultant company based in Jakarta . Of course, you don't need to do this if you have been far advanced ... I bet only some of you will count :-)

What To Do

To successfully complete this unit, you will be required to list the basic parts of a computer system as follows. 

System Unit

The box that contains the computer's main working components. It may rest on the floor or be on a desk

Monitor

Looks like a tv screen. The computer displays information to you on this screen

Keyboard

The most familiar input device is the keyboard. Users type the text directly into the computer.

There are a number of layouts of the keyboard. In a QWERTY layout the keys are arranged in the same order as that of a type writer. This is called QWERTY because the keys Q-W-E-R-T-Y occur on the left top row of the keyboard. The keys in this type of keyboard can be grouped into following five types:

1. Function keys – F1 to F12 are programmable keys used as short cut keys to perform certain functions 

2. QWERTY keys – alphanumeric keys arranged in same order as that of type writers. 

3. Special purpose keys – Tab, Caps lock, Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Esc, Backspace, Enter, Print Scrn, Scroll Lock and Pause/Break are special purpose keys.

4. Numeric pad keys – separate section in the keyboard used for entering numeric data. 

5. Cursor control keys- these are used to navigate the cursor on the monitor.

Dvorak keyboards were introduced to improve typing efficiency with simpler layout. However it has yet to overcome the popularity of QWERTY keyboards.

Concept keyboard layout has flat board containing a grid of switches. An overlay image is placed on top of the grid to indicate what will be done on pressing different areas of the keyboard. Such keyboards are useful for children who may find QWERTY keyboard quite complicated to use. Other variation in the keyboards is based on the language variations. For example, the US and UK keyboards are quite similar but are very different from the French keyboard.

Mouse

Along with the keyboard, the mouse is the main way of telling your computer what you want it to do. It looks a bit like a real mouse because of its shape.

Floppy disk drive

A floppy disk drive is a source of way to save and load documents. Floppy disks can be uploaded on to any computer.

Flash memory reader

A flash reader is a program that allows you to read the contents on your flash drive. 

CD or DVD drive

The term (CD) is an acronym for compact disc. CD's are used to store info, photos, and music.

The term DVD is also an acronym for digital video disk, this device can store music info data and photos as well as you are able to watch a video stored on disk.

Hard disk drive

Where all of your pictures, documents, music is saved

a hard disk drive is one of many places you can store information and it comes in many sizes and go as low as 2 gig and as big as 1.5 TB as of Oct. 5 2009 you can also use USB hard drives

Printer

The printer is there to get paper copies of stuff that you or family members want or something that interests you from online. Make sure you put more paper in the printer so you won't ran out of paper.

USB Memory stick

A USB memory stick is a portable stick that you can plug into any computer you are working on then save your work on the stick.

Audio ports

Audio Ports are the hole or port where you insert the cord into the modem or monitor in order to get sound to your speakers.

Joystick port

People these days do not typically use the joystick port, a place where you plug in a joystick. It is a device to play games. These days the joysticks are generally USB compatible.

Keyboard port

Its located in the back.

Mouse port

Its located in the back of the tower. Most modern computers also use USB.

Network connection

The network connection is like the phone jack. You can get internet by plugging the cord in the modem and computer, but first you ought to call the cable or the telephone company to connect the internet.

Parallel or printer port

The printer port is where you plug into the computer.

Power supply

The power supply is the part of the computer the runs your computer system. There are several cables that run from the power supply. One cable will attach to the main board, one will attach to the CPU, and HD, another cable will attach to DVD, CD ROM. You want to make sure you have the right size of power supply if you are building your computer. After all the power supply is the best preforming part, so you can get the most out of your computer.

RAM

RAM stands for random system memory. This type of memory is lost when power is shut off to computer

Serial ports

A serial port provides a standard connector and protocol to let you attach devices such as modems, to your computer

USB port

A USB Port can be used in many ways,such as connecting to cameras, phones and memory sticks. The port is to connect to the computer and access files out of the memory stick.

Video port

Video port is connected to the system unit through a cord to the monitor for video port.

Laptop

Laptops are similar to personal computers except that they comprise an integrated unit. Instead of a separate monitor, the lid contains a screen. The keyboard is built into the base. Usually they make use of a touch pad instead of a mouse. The term notebook computer is often used instead of laptop computer. 

The main feature of a laptop is its portability. This is possible, not only because of the reduced size and weight, but also through the use of a built-in battery which is able to power the computer for a few hours without being connected to a mains power supply. Laptops are also designed around low power and smaller devices. For example, laptops use small 2 1/2" hard drives as opposed to the 3 1/2" drives of desktops. In addition, these drives have special components built-in to protect them against movement. 

• Capacity and speed: These are the same as for personal computers.
• Cost: Because of the more expensive components and the smaller market for laptops, these are usually quite a bit more expensive than personal computers. Increased volumes and improvements in manufacturing techniques will bring the price of laptops down in the future.
• Typical users: Although the users could be any of those mentioned under personal computers, cost tends to limit the users to those who need portability or who can afford the cost. You would find them most commonly used by people such as managers and journalists. It is quite common to see a laptop and the desk of senior members of staff and personal computers on the desk of staff. This is not always a matter of status but often due to the fact that managers tend to take work home with them.

External harddrive

External hard drive is a hard drive you can save various information and documents. And 'external' means, that the hard drive is not a part of your computer but can be connected and disconnected. Some external hard disks (called web-disks) these do exist in data centers and you connect via internet with these external hard disks. Some are small apparatus and connect with a plug to your computer.

Scanner

Takes a visual picture of a picture or a document on paper and digitally stores it on a computer.

Then, practise these ...

• Demonstrate the ability to properly start and shut down a computer system
• Demonstrate the ability to start and close a program
• Describe a diskette as well as a USB Memory Stick, and their care and limitations
• Use a mouse
• Demonstrate the ability to operate a printer (power on, put on line/off line and load paper)

When you are ready, demonstrate your knowledge and/or ability with the above to your instructor or instructional assistant.

Source: Wiki Educator