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Monday, September 14, 2009

SF- Study Guide: Presentations - Exercises

Create a multi-slide presentation with graphics and animation for each of the following scenarios:

  1. You and your cousin have decided to help pay for your college education by selling a ‘How to Improve Your Grades study kit that you developed as part of a marketing class. The kit has generated significant interest among your peers and you now want to take it to the area high schools. Create a 6-slide presentation that you would use to market this product.
  2. This summer you will be the head lifeguard at the neighborhood swimming pool. All new members must go through a safety orientation before they can use the pool. Create a 5 slide presentation that you can use when presenting the orientation and safety program.
  3. You need to present a series of talks to area children on the dangers of trying to drive home with your eyes shut, even though you know the way home like the back of your hand. You believe that you can be more successful with a visual segment to reinforce your talk. Create a 4-slide presentation to help with this project.

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SF- Study Guide: Presentations - Slide Transition and Slide Animation

Two effects that give a presentation a professional appearance are slide transition and slide animation. Slide Transition is the method for changing from one slide to another. The default is to place one slide on top of the other -- quite boring. Slide animation refers to the method and manner in which individual elements of a slide appear. Without any animation, the entire slide appears at once.
Before we begin, let’s see your presentation in action. Move to slide one and select Slide Show from the View menu. Click or use the arrow keys to change slides until you have seen the complete show and returned to slide one.
First, let’s look at slide transition. To do this you need to change to the Slide Sorter View by selecting Slide Sorter from the View menu. You should see all five slides at once. Click in an empty area to make certain that no slides are selected. Hold down the control key and click slides 2 through 5 and then release the control key. These four slides should have a heavy border around each slide to indicate their selection. Your screen should look similar to the sample below:

From the Slide Show menu select Transitions. Select the drop-down menu in the effects area and choose Box Out. Click the Apply button and you will return to the Slide Sorter View. Notice that a small icon has appeared below each slide that now has a transition.


Change back to the slide view by selecting Slide or Normal from the View menu. Review your presentation again, paying particular attention to the change between slides. Move to slide one and select Slide Show from the View menu. Click or use the arrow keys to change slides until you have seen the complete show and returned to slide one. That is quite a difference. You may want to experiment with the other transition styles to see what you like best and find most effective.
The second effect is Item Animation. Using animation gives you the ability to have one item at a time appear during your presentation. This helps keep your audience focused on what you are telling them and it also keeps them from reading ahead. Animation works well with the bulleted list.
Move to slide two and click on any word in the bulleted list area. For example, click on London. When you click on something in the area the frame around the area appears. Now select Custom Animation from the Slide Show menu.
Have you saved your work lately?

Once the Custom animation window appears, click the Effects tab and select Fly from the drop down list. Click OK.

Move to slide three and using the same techniques, set custom animation to the bulleted list. This time try a different animation from the drop-down list.
Move to slide one and sit back and enjoy your work. Start your presentation by selecting Slide Show from the View menu. Move through your show by clicking or by using the arrow keys. Pay particular attention to the Custom animation.
You should now be able to create new and better presentations.

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SF-Study Guide: Presentations - Enhancing the Slides

Now that you have created you multi-slide presentation, let’s look at some methods to enhance the individual slides.
First we will make some changes to the title slide. Using the vertical scroll bar slide the scroll bar up to slide one. Select all of the text in the subtitle text holder. Once the text is highlighted it can be changed in many ways. The font, font size, and/or font color can be changed.
With the text selected, choose Font from the format menu. Change the size to 28 and the color to blue. Click OK and while the text is still selected click the Bold button. Click off of the selected text and notice the changes. Select the text again and choose Font from the Format menu. This time change the font to Comic Sans and the size to 36. Click off and review the changes.
Any text that can be highlighted can be changed. Change the title so that the font and size match the subtitle text you just changed.

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SF- Study Guide: Presentations - Adding Graphics to a Slide

One of the best methods to improve the effectiveness of your presentation is to add graphic images. Graphic images basically are available in two forms, clip art and images from files.
Let’s add a graphic image to the title slide using clip art. Click in a blank area of slide one to ensure that nothing is currently selected on the slide. Select Picture from the Insert menu. Then select clip art on the pop-up menu. This will display the clip art window. Type ‘travel’ in the 'Search for clips' space and press the Enter key. It should look similar to the image below.

The specific clip art images and the number of images will vary depending on how the software was installed on your computer. Click on the first image and then click the Insert Image button. You may have to close the clip art window to return to slide one.
The image appears in the center of the screen. Place your mouse pointer in the center of the image and drag it to the upper right corner of the screen. You can resize the image by dragging the resize handles that surround the image when it is selected. Adjust the image so that it fits nicely in the corner.
Your slide should look similar to the sample. Have you been remembering to save your work?

You may want to use photographs or professional images in your presentation. Move to slide two. Lets add two pictures to this slide. Once again, select Picture from the Insert menu, but this time select From File. The insert window should appear and will look similar to the sample below.

Change Look in: to the location your images are stored and select etower. Click the Insert button. You can now adjust the location and size of the image as you did before. Repeat the process again and select the image russia1 this time. Arrange the two images to achieve a pleasing look to slide two.
Now add two of the pictures from files to slide three. Arrange and resize them as needed.

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SF-Study Guide: Presentations - Using a Table in a Slide

SLIDE FIVE


The last slide of the presentation will provide the payment schedule and basic contact information. Insert a new slide and select the table layout. Enter ‘Contacts and Payments’ for the title of slide five. Double-click the icon in the table area.

You now need to select the number of columns and rows that your table will need. Let’s have a table with 2 columns and 5 rows. Enter the following data in the table:
Payment Amount
Date Due
$105
October 15th
$400
November 20th
$1,200
December 1st
Ima Gonner
1-800-555-1212
Your slide should look similar to the sample below. Have you been remembering to save your work?

Congratulations! You have completed all the basic slides for your presentation.
Note: Tables that have been created in the spreadsheet or word processor can also be included in a slide by selecting and copying the table and then pasting the copied table into a slide.

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SF- Study Guide: Presentations - Creating a Slide Containing a Chart

Although the majority of slides seem to be lists of information, there are many other slide layouts. Often a chart is a good method of presenting information. Our travelers might want to know the average temperatures in the countries they will be visiting.

SLIDE FOUR

Select New Slide and choose the chart layout from the choices.

SLIDE FOUR

For the title of the fourth slide, enter ‘March Temperatures’. Notice that the lower area of the slide looks very different from the bulleted lists layouts that were used before. This is because you chose the chart layout. Double-click the icon center in the lower area of the slide. This will bring up a sample chart and a datasheet that holds the data that controls the chart.
When you are entering the data in the datasheet, first click in the cell that you want to enter the data in and then type in the data. Move to the next cell by clicking in the cell and enter the data and so on.
Enter the following data in the datasheet:

London Paris Russia Home
High
67
63
58
75
Low
42
38
28
49
Average
53
48
32
62

Once you are sure that the data is entered correctly, click in an empty area of the screen; the datasheet should disappear and the slide should display a nice looking chart of the March temperatures.
Your slide should look similar to the sample below. Have you been remembering to save your work?

You have now completed four of the five slides.
Note:Charts that have been created in the spreadsheet program can also be included in a slide by selecting and copying the chart in the spreadsheet and then pasting the copied chart into a slide.

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SF- Study Guide: ADDING ADDITIONAL SLIDES

SLIDE TWO


You are off to an excellent start with your title slide. Now we want to add a second slide that will provide information about the trip itinerary. There are several ways to insert a new slide. Either select New Slide from the Insert menu or click the New Slide Button on the toolbar. The new slide window should have appeared.

This window allows you to choose the type of layout for the new slide. The second choice is the Bulleted List. The Bulleted List layout provides a text holder for the slide title and an area for a list of information. Select the Bulleted List and click OK.
Click in the upper area and type the slide title ‘Travel Itinerary’. Now click in the lower area and type the first item in the itinerary ‘Depart from the College’ and press Enter.
You are now ready for the second item on the list. Type ‘Travel to London’ and press Enter. Notice that when you press Enter, the insertion point moves down one line. You have a sub item to the line you just typed. Press the Tab key to indent to a lower level in the list. Now type ‘Three Nights’ and press Enter. You are now on the next line and still at the indented level. To move back out one level, press Shift-Tab to outdent.
Enter the following to complete this slide:
Travel to Paris (press Enter and Tab)
Four Nights (press Enter and Shift Tab)
Travel to Russia (press Enter and Tab)
Three Nights (press Enter and Shift Tab)
Return Home
Your slide should look similar to the sample. Have you been remembering to save your work?

SLIDE THREE

The third slide will also be a bulleted list. Click the New Slide button and select Bulleted List and click OK.
This slide will be a list of items included in the cost of the trip. Use ‘All Travelers Receive' for the slide title and include the following items in the bulleted list:
Airfare
Lodging
2 meals a day
Bus Tours
Admission to museums and palaces
A local tour manager 24 hrs a day
Insurance, group photo, travel bag
Your slide should look similar to the sample. Have you been remembering to save your work?

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SF- Study Guide: Presentations - Getting Started

We have been asked by the International Travel Committee to produce a multi-slide presentation to promote a travel program. After meeting with the committee, we decided that we will need the following slides:

    1. Title and Introduction
    2. Itinerary Information
    3. Included Features
    4. Annual Temperature Chart
    5. Payment Schedule and Contact Information
We want the presentation to be professional-looking and include graphics, slide transitions, and element animation.

SLIDE ONE

Start the presentation by clicking the New Blank Document Button, which is usually the first button on the standard toolbar. When the New Slide window appears click OK.
You have now created a blank title slide that has two text holders on it, one for the slide title and one for a subtitle or additional information. Click the upper text holder and enter the title for the presentation. Use ‘International Travel’ as the title. Type ‘Travel to’, then press the Enter key and type ‘London, Paris and Russia’ in the lower text holder.
Basically you have now completed your first slide. But it looks rather plain. We can help its appearance by adding a template to the slide. A template is a pre-defined plan for your slides. Templates add color, font selection and general organization features to the slides. Place your mouse in an empty area of the slide and right-click. Select Apply-Design Template. Select Blends from the list of templates. If your program does not have Blends, select another template that you find appealing.
Your title slide should look similar to the sample.

This is starting to look impressive! Now would be a good time to save your work. You can never save too often. By saving regularly you will have a better chance of not losing any work if you have a computer problem. Save early and often! To save, click the Save button or select Save from the file menu. You will need to give your presentation a name and a location for the file to be saved. Use International Travel for the file name and select a location that you will remember so that you will be able to find your presentation later. Click the Save button when you have entered the information.
Below is a sample of the save screen.

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SF- Study Guide: Presentations - Introduction

We live in a world that is becoming increasingly information-based and visually oriented every day. In this environment, one of the most effective tools for communicating is the computerized presentation. Presentations are used to inform, educate, promote, sell, and entertain. The ability to create presentations has become a requirement starting in elementary school and continuing into the corporate world. There are very few meetings, conferences, or training sessions that do not involve presentations.
There are several software packages available that can be used for creating presentations. In this tutorial Microsoft PowerPoint will be used to illustrate the process.
Once you launch PowerPoint the opening screen should look similar to the following:

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SF-Study Guide: Initial Skills Expected for the Presentation Section

Basic keyboarding

Fundamental mouse skills

Point
Click
Double-click
Drag

Basic Formatting Techniques

Bold
Underlining
Italics
Centering
Left and right align



Study Guide: Presentation Module

Presentation Module
Proposed Outline
Submitted by Roger Franklin
September 22, 2000
  1. Introduction to Presentations
    1. The Visual Audience
    2. Communicating through Presentations
  2. Basic Design Elements of a Presentation
    1. The Slide -- The Fundamental Element
      1. Titles
      2. Text
        1. Font selection
        2. Font color
        3. Placement
      3. Graphics
        1. Clip art
        2. File art
      4. Charts
        1. Creating
        2. Importing
      5. Tables
        1. Creating
        2. Importing
  3. Enhancing the Presentation
    1. Slide transition
    2. Element animation
    3. Sound
  4. Follow-up Exercises
Each step will be illustrated with screen captures and narrative instructions. Explanation of items I, II, and III will be accompanied with hands-on activity/demonstration to reinforce the concept.


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SF- Study Guide: Legal and Ethical

Outline


I. Legal Issues

  1. Brief overview of legal issues related to the Internet.
  2. Definition of intellectual property.
  3. Outline of legal development and current status of copyright laws. (Will include discussion of licenses, fair use, plagiarism, etc.)
  4. Evolving copyright issues relating to the Internet.
  5. Survey of computer crimes relating to intellectual property.
  6. Privacy issues and web management

II. Ethical Issues

  1. Definition of ethics and ethical responsibility.
  2. Ethical aspects of web management (privacy, mass emails, hacking, etc.)
  3. Computer ethics resources on the web.
  4. Ethics case studies (public access web sites which use case studies to illustrate ethical problems relating to the web will be linked to enable students to use the cases for study.)
Each of the two sections will be followed by a set of self assessment questions for which answers or possible approaches to solutions will be available. Each topic will also, when relevant, be linked to appropriate sites on the web.


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SF-Study Guide: Internet Skills- TEST

Proficiency Test


  1. Go to the TekXam website http://www.tekxam.com.
    Use the bookmark feature in your browser to add this web page to the list of bookmarks.
  2. From the web page that you accessed in item 1, go to the home page of the browser.
  3. Go back to the previous page. After you complete this instruction, your URL address should be http://www.tekxam.com.
  4. Use two search engines to search for the following topic: Harry Potter Movie
    Describe the results from each search in terms of the following:
  5. Search engine #1 _______________ (List the search engine name) Total number of sites:_____________ First source listed:_____________________________ Type of information presented in the annotation for the first source:____________________ Search engine #2 _______________ (List the search engine name) Total number of sites:_____________ First source listed:_____________________________ Type of information presented in the annotation for the first source:____________________
  6. Indicate whether the following web sites belong to the advocacy, business/marketing, informational, news or personal categories.
  1. www.cnn.com ________________
  2. www.aclu.org ________________
  3. www.apple.com ________________
  4. www.state.wv.us/bep/lmi ________________
  5. www.lynchburg.edu/public/academic/business/murray.htm ________________
  1. Evaluate any two of the five sites in question 5, in terms of authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency and coverage.
  2. Site_____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Site_____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________
  3. What documentation style do you expect to use when you write a research paper for an English class?__________________________________
  1. What documentation style do you expect to use when you write a research paper for a psychology course?____________________________
  2. What is the URL of the TekXam main page?
____________________________________________________

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SF-Study Guide: Internet Skills

Internet Research and Site evaluation

The Internet is a collection of connected networks, including federal, regional, educational, local and international networks. In theory, the Internet is one long wire with millions of computers attached to it. While it is fun to visualize the Internet in this way, in reality it is made up of computers and networks connected with copper cables, fiber optic cables, microwave relay sites and satellite links. It is estimated that over 200 million people use the Internet -- a number that grows by millions every year! It is projected that at least 80 percent of the world’s computers will be connected to the Internet in just a few years.
The Internet is in fact global in nature. No one group or organization owns or controls the Internet. Each individual and group connecting to the Internet is responsible for maintaining its own network. The Internet has grown to the point that in some cases governments are trying to regulate it through law and profit from it through taxes.
The number of sites and pages on the World Wide Web (WWW) is staggering, with millions of sites and an estimated billion pages. This size is the factor that makes it both fascinating and frustrating. It is fascinating because there is so much available on the Internet and frustrating because there is too much available.
Browsers
You will use the Internet by connecting to it through your browser software that interprets the HTML, displays various web pages, and enables you to link to other web pages and web sites. Without a doubt, the two most common browsers are Netscape’s Navigator and Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.
Search Engines
If you try to find a specific fact or a set of data manually in the sea of data contained in the World Wide Web, you have a daunting task with only small chance of success. The search engine is the tool that finds data on the Web. There are generally two types of search engines, the standard search engine and the meta search engine. The standard search engine builds its database by searching Web pages and Internet files based on keywords or phrases. Search engines stay current by constantly reviewing web sites and rebuilding their indexes to provide more and better matches to inquiries made on the web.
The meta search engine is similar to the standard search engine except that instead of searching web sites, it searches search engines. With a meta-search engine, when you submit your search, it transmits your request simultaneously to several individual search engines and their databases of web pages.
Due to the amount of information available on the web, you can improve your chances of finding the best results by limiting the scope or your search. Proper use of search operators will improve the efficiency of your search. To look for a specific string or phrase, you can enclose the search string in quotation marks. Use the include or exclude operators ( + or - ) to require or prohibit certain information in the results. Compound search criteria can be created with the use of the Boolean operators AND, OR, NOT.

Site Evaluation
Once you have located the information you need, you must determine the validity and accuracy of the search results. Anyone can basically place anything on the web. There is no organization that oversees the WWW and insures that the information is factual. It is the user’s responsibility to determine what is true and what is not.
What do you know about the source of Internet data and what should you know about the source? Areas to focus on are the author or publisher of the data, verifiability and currency of the data. Questions to be answered include:
  • What is the author’s background?
  • Who is the publisher of the web site?
  • Is there a built-in or known bias with the author or publisher?
  • Can the information be verified through other sources?
  • Has the site been updated recently and is the information current?
Search Techniques
As you successfully search the World Wide Web, you will find a favorite search engine that you depend on. It is important to remember that your favorite search engine is just one tool and to be successful you will need many tools. Do not be afraid to leave your favorite search engine for one that may be specific to a certain topic. Sometimes it is best to not use a search engine at all. You will often locate data more quickly by going directly to the web site of the organization, product, or location on which you are seeking information.
Search the Web
Review the questions listed below. They seem to be very straightforward and should be easy to answer using the Internet. Test your web searching skills and techniques by finding answers to the following:
  • Who was the 12th President of the US?
  • Who is the CEO of Hewlett Packard?
  • What is the population of Seattle, Washington?
  • Who won the 1948 World Series?
  • How many U.S. Senate seats does Nebraska have?
  • Who were the democratic presidential and vice-presidential candidates in the 1952 election?
  • When did Alabama become a state?
  • What does an official NBA basketball weigh?
  • How many books did Charles Dickens publish?
  • How old was Richard Wagner when he died?
  • How many symphonies did Beethoven write?
  • What is the Atomium?
Did you find the answers to each one? Were they as easy to answer as you thought they would be?
Resources
The following web sites provide information about search engines and web site evaluation techniques:
http://www.zdnet.com/searchiq
http://www.searchenginewatch.com
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/MetaSearch.html
http://www.germantownacademy.org/Academics/US/Library/Internet/Evaluation/teacher.htm
http://writing.msu.edu/modules/oldresearch/criteria.html

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SF- Study Guide: Troubleshooting

Introduction

With all the rapid advances in computer hardware, processing speed, and the new more powerful software, computing should be effortless and problem free. Anyone who uses a computer will eventually encounter problems and mysteries. Sometimes it seems that computers have minds of their own and are intent on causing problems at the most inopportune times. Knowing simple troubleshooting techniques may help you correct some situations and continue working. The main factors to keep in mind when troubleshooting are: do not panic, take a common sense approach, and work from general to specific when addressing the problem.
A series of troubleshooting questions are listed below. In most cases, by answering these questions you should be able to identify the problem’s cause and correct it yourself. If you do need assistance to solve the problem, knowing the answers to these questions will provide a tremendous amount of information to the individual that helps you and may save you both time and money.
HARDWARE


Is the power cable plugged in?
It seems so obvious, but without an electrical source, the most expensive and powerful computer will not do a thing. Some computer systems have several power cables, often one for each component. Check each one and make sure that the plug is completely plugged in.
Are all cables connected?
Computer systems usually have several cables associated with them that are used to connect the peripherals to the main system. Check both ends of the cables and make sure they are plugged in securely and plugged into the correct location.
Are all components switched on?
Most systems have components and peripherals attached to them and quite often each one has its own power switch. All components must be switched on if communication is to be established between them.
Are the keyboard and mouse cables snug?
Because the keyboard and mouse are moved every time the computer is used they can work themselves loose over time. Check their connections.
Is there paper in the printer and is the printer on-line?
Many printer problems can be traced to a lack of paper and the printer not being on-line. When the printer is on-line it is ‘on the line’ connected to the computer. Many printers have an on-line switch on their control panel. Pressing the on-line button may restore the connection.
Is this a new problem? Has it worked before?
Has the system been used successfully in the past to complete the task you are attempting, or is this a new problem? If this is not a new problem, try to determine what could have changed since the last use to cause the problem.
Has any new hardware been installed recently?
Determine if there is any new hardware or if any changes have been made to the system. Often installing new hardware can cause "surprises" to appear in the system. If you are sure that new hardware caused the problem, you may want to reinstall the hardware or uninstall it and remove it from the system.
Have there been any recent power outages and/or electrical storms?
Power outages and lightening strikes can damage your system. If lightning has damaged your system, you very likely have a serious problem with some component in the system. This is a good time to ask for assistance from someone who deals with these types of problems on a regular basis. A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) should prevent any damage from power outages and will also provide some protection from lightning. But remember, nothing stops a direct lightning hit. The best protection is to completely unplug the system from electrical outlets and unplug the modem connection.
Has someone new used the computer recently?
Has your little brother used your computer? If someone who does not usually have access to your computer has used it he or she may have changed settings or broken something.
Is the network operating or is the phone line valid?
If your computer is not communicating, check the phone line or network cable for a good connection. If you have a dialup connection, pick up the phone and listen for a dial tone. If you are connected to a network, contact your network administrator.
Shut the system down and restart.
One of the great (and often frustrating) properties about computers is that in many cases just turning the system off, waiting a minute and then turning it back on will correct the problem.
If you are out of your comfort zone ASK FOR ASSISTANCE!
Your computer system is a significant investment and an important tool. Do not let your pride keep you from asking for help when you need it.
If you are not sure ask!

SOFTWARE

Is this a new problem, or has it worked before?
Has the system been used successfully in the past to complete the task you are attempting, or is this a new problem? If this is not a new problem, try to determine what could have changed since the last use to cause the problem.
Are you in the habit of saving your work early and often?
Without a doubt, the best insurance against many software problems is to save your work early and often. You cannot save too often. It is also a good idea to save important documents in more than one place.
Is there an easier or more efficient way to complete the task?
Most computer programs provide more than one way to handle most tasks. If possible, use the one designed to handle the problem. When creating a mass mailing, it is easier to use the mail merge feature than to create each letter individually. Use the cut and paste features whenever possible. Many software packages have assistance, such as wizards or coaches, to help you with complicated tasks.
Is any required media available?
Some programs require that media be available to run correctly. Be sure that any required diskette is in the floppy drive and that any required CD-ROM is in the drive and facing the correct direction.
Have you used the programs Help feature to find a solution?

Many of the newer applications have great Help features. Go to Help and use the index or search feature to find assistance with problems. Often an application’s Help section will also demonstrate a solution and/or guide you through the solution.
Are there other applications open that you do not need?
Many times a system will slow down or have problems because many or most of its resources are obligated. If there are other applications currently open, system performance can often be improved by closing these applications and freeing up resources in the computer.
Are you using the appropriate application for the task?
Many applications will handle a lot of different computing chores; however, remember that certain applications were designed to specifically perform some tasks better than others. Be sure you are using the program that best meets your needs.
Does the software version meet the requirements?
Check the software version to verify that you are using the most current version of the software. Your task may require a specific software version. The version can usually be found under About on the Help menu.
Was the software completely and correctly installed?
Some software will let you install some, part, or the entire program. You may need to install portions of the program that were not originally installed. If the program was incorrectly installed, you may need to completely uninstall the application and reinstall it.
Has any new software been installed recently?
Determine if any new software has been added or any software updates have been made to the system. Often installing new software or upgrading can cause ‘surprises’ to appear in the system. If you are sure that new software caused the problem, you may want to reinstall the software or uninstall it from the system.
Is the network operating or is the phone line valid?
If the task you are completing requires using a network or the Internet and your computer is not communicating, check the phone line or network cable for a good connection. If you have a dialup connection, pick up the phone and listen for a dial tone. If you are connected to a network, contact your network administrator.
Has someone new used the computer recently?
Has your little sister used your computer lately? If someone who does not usually have access to your computer has used it, he or she may have changed settings or broken something.
Shut the system down and restart.
One of the great (and often frustrating) properties about computers is that in many cases just turning the system off, waiting a minute and then turning it back on will correct the problem.
If you are out of your comfort zone - ASK FOR ASSISTANCE!
Your computer system is a significant investment and an important tool. Do not let your pride keep you from asking for help when you need it.
If you are not sure - ask!

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SF- Study Guide: Computer Network Concepts- Excercise

End of Concept Exercises

INSTRUCTIONS: Complete each of the statements below by filling in the blanks with terms found in the Computer Network Concepts module.  

1. Computer systems that transmit data over communications lines such as telephone lines or cables are called _____________________________.

2. A ___________________________ is a device that converts a digital signal to an analog signal and vice versa. It is short for modulate/demodulate.

3. ____________________is a technology that is capable of moving data at 128,000 bps over any modem. This technology requires two phone lines one for data transmission and one for tradition phone conversation. __________________________

4. A network of geographically distant computers and terminals is a __________________________________.

5. To ___________________ files means to retrieve files from another computer and store them.

6. To ___________________ files means to send files to another computer.

7. A network of computers that covers a small geographical area is a ___________________________________.

8. A special computer that directs communications traffic when several networks are connected together is a _____________________________.

9. Sending messages directly from one computer to another is __________________.

10. A __________________________ is an automatic mailing manager.

11. The ______________________ is a rapidly growing web of networks from around the world - a network of networks.

12. The largest and most popular part of the Internet is the _____________________.

13. It is the graphical part of the Internet.___________________ are documents that contain text, graphics, sound, and/or video and have built-in connections called ________________________.

14. A related collection of Web pages is a _________________________________.

15. A unique address on the WWW is called a _______________________________.

16. A __________________________ is the software on the user’s computer that allows the user to access the Internet via the service provider using a graphical interface.

17. The __________________________ provides the server computer and the software required for you to connect to the Internet. AOL is an example.

18. Computers on the Internet have a standard way to transfer copies of files. This program is called _________________________________.  

 _____________________________________________________________________________

Exercise Key

  1. Data Communications Systems
  2. Modem
  3. Integrated Services Digital network, ISDN
  4. Wide Area Network (WAN)
  5. Download
  6. Upload
  7. Local Area Network (LAN)
  8. Router
  9. E-mail
  10. Listserv
  11. Internet
  12. World Wide Web (WWW)
  13. Web pages
  14. Web site
  15. Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
  16. Browser
  17. Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  18. File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
 ___________________________________________________________

Glossary

Bridge A combination of hardware and software that recognizes the messages on a network and passes on those addressed to nodes in other networks.
Browser Software on the user’s computer that allows the user to access the Internet via the service provider, using a graphical interface.
Data communications systems Computer systems that transmit data over communications lines such as telephone lines or cables.
Download files Retrieve from another computer and store them.
E-mail The ability to send messages directly from one computer to another.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) A standard way to transfer copies of files on the Internet.
Host computer The mainframe computer in a WAN.
Hub A device that repeats signals and connects a group of computers to a network.
Internet A rapidly growing web of networks from around the world -- simply, a network of networks.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) Provides the server computer and the software required for you to connect to the Internet.
Listserv Widely used automatic mailing manager.
Local Area Network (LAN) A network of computers that share hardware, software, and data in small geographic area.
Modem A device that converts a digital signal to an analog signal and vice versa.
Newsgroups An informal network of computers that allows the posting and reading of messages in newsgroups that focuses on specific topics.
Plug-ins Software that enhances the value of a browser by increasing its features.
Router A special computer that directs communications traffic when several networks are connected together.
Uniform Resource Locator (URL) A unique address on the WWW.
Web pages Documents that contain text, graphics, sound, and/or video and have built-in connections called hyperlinks.
Web site A related collection of Web pages.
Wide Area Network (WAN) A network of geographically distant computers and terminals.
World Wide Web (WWW) The largest and most popular part of the Internet; it is the graphical part of the Internet.

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SF- Study Guide: Computer Network Concepts- Introduction

Introduction

 

Methods of Telecommunication

In years past, we relied on the postal service, telephone, radio, books, or newspapers to send or receive information. The computer has opened a variety of ways to communicate more quickly and effectively. Computer systems that transmit data over communications lines such as telephone lines or cables are called data communications systems. These data communications systems have been evolving since the mid-1960s. A network is a computer system that uses communications devices to connect two or more computers and their resources. Although it may seem to be a simple task to connect several computers together to form a network, it requires serious planning and effort to be effective. Let’s begin our study of networking by examining the components needed to transmit data from one computer to another. In the most basic illustration of sending and receiving information, we will see three elements.

A common example of communication is when one computer sends e-mail to another computer across town. The two computers would probably use phone lines to send their message. Each computer will need one other piece of equipment -- modem. A modem is a device that converts a digital signal to an analog signal and vice versa. Modem is short for modulate/demodulate. A modem is required because computer signals are in a digital format and phone signals are in analog format. The speed of transmission of data using a modem is measured in bits per second (bps). Older standards of speed were 9600, 14,400, 28,800, and 33,600 bps, which are very slow by today’s standard of 56,000 bps. 56K speed only applies for receiving data. One technology used to improve speed is Integrated Services Digital Network, ISDN. An ISDN adapter can move data at 128,000 bps over any modem. ISDN does require two separate phone lines -- one for data transmission and one for normal phone use. The fees for this service are fairly expensive, and this service is not available in some locations.

Networks

There are two types of networks: wide area networks (WAN) and local area networks (LAN). First, let’s discuss wide area networks. A wide area network is a network of geographically distant computers and terminals. Personal computers are very often used in this type of network to communicate with mainframe computers. To communicate with a mainframe, a personal computer must employ terminal emulation software. The mainframe computer in this type of network is called the host computer. When a personal computer or workstation is being used as a network terminal, file transfer software enables a user to download files (retrieve them from another computer and store them) and upload files (send files to another computer). WANs are used in networks that span cities, states, countries, and the world. A local area network (LAN) is usually a network of personal computers that share hardware, software, and data. A LAN, as the name implies, covers short distances, usually within one building or a group of buildings within a small geographic area. The computers or nodes can be connected by a shared network cable or by wireless transmission. A network interface card (NIC) may be inserted into a slot inside the computer to handle sending, receiving, and error checking of transmitted data. There are several important terms relevant to LANs. A bridge is a combination of hardware and software that recognizes the messages on a network and passes on those addressed to nodes in other networks. For example, a manufacturing plant might have separate LANs in each of its departments that need to communicate occasionally. A router is a special computer that directs communications traffic when several networks are connected together. If traffic is clogged on one path, the router can determine an alternative path. More recently, now that many networks have adopted the Internet Protocol (IP), routers are being replaced with IP switches, which are less expensive and faster. A hub is a device that repeats signals and connects a group of computers to a network.
Two ways to organize the resources of LANs are client/server and peer-to-peer. A client/server arrangement involves a server, the computer that controls the network. The server computer has a hard disk that holds shared files and often has a very high-quality printer attached. The other computers on the network are called clients. Under the client/server arrangement, the server usually does the processing and only the results are sent to the client. Since the server does most of the heavy work, less-expensive computers can be used as the clients. In the peer-to-peer arrangement all computers have equal status; no one computer is in control. The main disadvantage of the peer-to-peer is lack of speed.

Electronic Mail

Networking has given the opportunity of sending messages directly from one computer to another -- e-mail. E-mail allows the sender to reach one person or many people with one single message. E-mail does not require both participants to be present at the time of transmission; thus, it is a tremendous asset when sending messages across time zones. E-mail has become an indispensable element of business communication, allowing the opportunity to send or receive multiple messages at a time while also reducing the use of paper. One disadvantage is the abundance of junk mail has proliferated as a result of the ease of sending messages by e-mail. America Online (AOL) is one of the largest e-mail service providers. In January 2001 AOL merged with Time Warner to become one of the largest and most influential corporations in America. As you send more and more messages, you may need to know the term Listserv. Listserv is a widely used automatic mailing manager. It has the great advantage of being able to easily handle enormous mailing lists that contain thousands of members. You put yourself on and off a Listserv mailing list by sending mail to a Listserv machine on which the mailing list resides. To get off the Listserv you simply mail another message requesting to signoff. The Internet is a resource for all computer users and has defined technology in the 21st century. Many people think the Internet sprang up overnight; however, that is not the case. It began in 1969 when research universities and defense contractors needed a network to communicate. At that time, it was not available to the general public. The Internet is a rapidly growing web of networks from around the world—simply, a network of networks. Internet provides many capabilities including e-mail, The World Wide Web (WWW), information retrieval, electronic commerce, newsgroups, and file transfer protocol (FTP). Let’s begin by saying that the Internet is a term used to describe the entire network of networks; the WWW is only one part of the Internet. The WWW, the graphical part of the Internet, is the largest and most popular part of the Internet. The WWW contains billions of documents called Web pages. The WWW was first called a web because the links of computers are so vast and complicated that they resemble a spider’s web. These Web pages are documents that contain text, graphics, sound, and/or video and have built-in connections called hyperlinks. Web pages are stored on computers all over the world. A Web site is a related collection of Web pages. Each Web page has a unique address on the WWW called a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). Let’s look at an example:
http://www.tekxam.com/Who/who.htm
http:// Stands for hypertext transfer protocol A communications standard used to transfer pages on the Web.
www.tekxam.com Stands for the domain name Identifies the Web site, which is stored on a Web server—a computer that delivers requested Web pages.
Who Path  
Who.htm File name  
 
The domain name is important to note. The domain name for Internet providers in the United States usually ends with three letters (called the zone) that give you a clue to what kind of web site it is. The following chart will provide a quick reference for you.
Zone Name
Description
com
Commercial organizations
edu
Educational institutions
net
Networking organizations
gov
Government sites
mil
Military sites
org
Organizations
.
In order to use the Internet, a user must have a computer, a modem, a browser, and an Internet Service Provider (ISP). A browser is the software on the user’s computer that allows the user to access the Internet via the service provider, using a graphical interface. Internet Explorer is one of the most popular web browsers today. In addition to the browsers themselves, various vendors offer plug-ins, software that enhances the value of a browser by increasing its features. Typical plug-ins can enhance a site’s audio-video experience or improve image viewing. Most plug-ins can be downloaded from their own web sites. An ISP provides the server computer and the software required for you to connect to the Internet. If you wish to access the Internet using your home computer, you might sign up for an online service, such as America Online, which provides both access to the Internet and a browser in one. Newsgroups such as Usenet, are an informal network of computers that allows the posting and reading of messages in newsgroups that focus on specific topics. Newsgroup topics cover almost any subject you could imagine. A newsgroup is like a very large bulletin board marked off by category. A suggested rule is that you observe the newsgroup for a while, lurking, before you jump in.
In addition to accessing files on the Internet, you may want to make your copy of a particular file. In that case, you would need to download a copy of the file. Computers on the Internet have a standard way to transfer copies of files, a program call FTP, for file transfer protocol. Most downloading is done by a method called anonymous FTP. This means that instead of having to identify yourself with a proper account on the remote computer, you can simply call yourself Anonymous. Therefore, you do not need a password, only your e-mail address.

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SF-Study Guide: Computer Components- Glossary

Glossary

Applications software Software that allows you to perform a task or solve a specific problem.
A backup system A way of storing data in more than one location.
A byte A unit of storage usually made up of eight bits. It represents one character - a letter, digit, or symbol.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) Electronic circuits that interpret and execute instructions and communicates with the input, output, and storage devices.
Data Raw unprocessed facts to be processed by the computer.
Documentation Instructions provided with software that includes steps required for installation and use of the product.
Freeware Software considered to be in the public domain and may be used or altered without fee or restriction.
Gigahertz (GHZ) A billion machine cycles per second.
Hardcopy Output produced by a printer.
Hardware The equipment associated with a computer system; it is responsible for performing four basic functions: input, processing, output, and storage.
Input devices Hardware devices that accept data in a form that the computer can utilize; they send the data or instructions to the processing unit to be processed into useful information.
A hard disk An internal disk, a metal platter coated with magnetic oxide that can be magnetized to represent data.
A machine cycle Four steps performed by the central processing unit in carrying out the instructions of a program.
A megaflop One million floating-point operations per second.
Megahertz (MHz) One million machine cycles per second.
Memory Primary storage that works with the CPU to hold instructions and data in order to be processed.
An office suite A package of software that contains pieces of software. It is sold as a single package and is designed to work together.
Operating systems software The set of programs that lie between applications software and the hardware devices; it controls the overall activity of a computer.
An output device A hardware device that displays the processed information to the user.
Random access memory (RAM) Memory that the computer user can access.
Read only memory (ROM) Memory that contains programs and data that are permanently recorded when the computer is manufactured.
Secondary or auxiliary storage A more permanent form of storage that does not depend on a constant flow of electricity.
Shareware A form of free software; however, the author of shareware hopes you will make a voluntary contribution for using the product.
Softcopy Monitor output.
Software A program that consists of instructions used to control hardware and accomplish tasks.

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SF-Study Guide: Computer Components- Exercise Key

Exercise Key

  1. K - Input devices
  2. E - Data
  3. D - CPU
  4. M - Machine cycle
  5. U - ROM
  6. H - Gigahertz
  7. S - Output devices
  8. O - Megahertz
  9. V - Secondary or auxiliary storage
  10. Q - Office suite
  11. Y - Software
  12. L - Hard disk
  13. W - Shareware
  14. F - Documentation
  15. T - RAM
  16. X - Softcopy
  17. I - Hardcopy
  18. P - Memory
  19. G - Freeware
  20. A - Applications software
  21. J - Hardware
  22. R - Operating systems software
  23. C - Byte
  24. B - Backup system
  25. N - Megaflop

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SF-Study Guide: Computer Components-Exercise

End Of Concept Exercises

INSTRUCTIONS: Match each of the terms with its definition by placing
the letter that represents the term in the blank to the left of the correct definition.
A Applications software J Hardware S Output devices
B Backup system K Input devices T RAM
C Byte L Hard disk U ROM
D CPU M Machine cycle V Secondary or auxiliary storage
E Data N Megaflop W Shareware
F Documentation O Megahertz X Softcopy
G Freeware
P Memory Y Software
H Gigahertz Q Office suite  
I Hardcopy R Operating systems software  
  1. ____ Hardware devices that accept data in a form that the computer can use.
  2. ____ Raw unprocessed facts to be processed by the computer.
  3. ____ Electronic circuits that interpret and execute instructions and communicate with the input, output, and storage devices.
  4. ____ Four steps performed by the central processing unit in carrying out the instructions of a program.
  5. ____ Programs and data that are permanently recorded when the computer is manufactured.
  6. ____ A billion machine cycles per second.
  7. ____ Hardware devices that display the processed information to the user.
  8. ____ A million machine cycles per second.
  9. ____ A more permanent form of storage that does not depend on a constant flow of electricity.
  10. ____ A package of software that contains several pieces of software. It is sold as a single package and is designed to work together.
  11. ____ A program that consists of instructions used to control hardware.
  12. ____ An internal storage disk; it is a metal platter coated with magnetic oxide that can be magnetized to represent data.
  13. ____ A form of free software; however, the author hopes you will make a voluntary contribution for using the product.
  14. ____ Instructions provided with software that includes steps required for installation and use of the product.
  15. ____ Memory that the computer user can use.
  16. ____ Output displayed on a monitor.
  17. ____ Output produced by a printer.
  18. ____ Primary storage that works with the CPU to hold instructions and data to be processed.
  19. ____ Software considered to be in the public domain; it may be used or altered without fee or restriction.
  20. ____ Software that allows you to perform a particular task or solve a specific problem.
  21. ____ Equipment associated with a computer system; it is responsible for performing four basic functions: input, processing, output, and storage.
  22. ____ A set of programs that lie between applications software and the hardware devices; it controls the overall activity of a computer.
  23. ____ A storage unit that is usually made up eight bits and represents one character, letter, digit, or symbol.
  24. ____ A way of storing data in more than one location.
  25. ____ One million floating-point operations per second.

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SF-Study Guide: Computer Components

Introduction

Hardware

As we learned in the Overview portion of the study guide, a computer system has two basic parts: hardware and software. The equipment associated with a computer system is the hardware. Computer hardware is responsible for performing four basic functions: input, processing, output, and storage. Let’s go back to the basic definition of a computer. A computer is an electronic device that is programmed to accept data (input), process it into useful information (output), and store it for future use (storage). The processing function is under the control of a set of instructions (software); we will explore this later.
The four primary components of a computer system are:
Input
Input devices send data and instructions to the central processing unit.
Output Central processing unit executes computer instructions. Memory holds data and programs temporarily.
Processing Output devices make processed data available to the user.
Secondary Storage Secondary storage devices store data and programs permanently.

In order to function properly, a computer system must have all four types of hardware: input, processing, output, and storage.
.
In this example, the mouse and keyboard are the input devices and the monitor and speakers are output devices. The processor is contained inside the tower unit and the storage devices are the hard drive, CD-ROM drive and the diskette drive. Let’s explore each of the devices in detail.
Input devices accept data in a form that the computer can utilize. Also, the input devices send the data or instructions to the processing unit to be processed into useful information. There are many examples of input devices, but the most commonly used input devices are shown below:
.
.
The input device feeds data, raw unprocessed facts, to the processing unit. The role of the processing unit or central processing unit is to use a stored program to manipulate the input data into the information required. In looking at the computer system below, the Central Processing Unit, CPU, is not exactly visible. The CPU is found inside the tall, vertical unit, called a tower, located just to the right of the monitor.
.
The CPU is the brain of the computer. The CPU consists of electronic circuits that interpret and execute instructions; it communicates with the input, output, and storage devices. The CPU, with the help of memory, executes instructions in the repetition of machine cycles. A machine cycle consists of four steps:
    1. The control unit fetches an instruction and data associated with it from memory.
    2. The control unit decodes the instruction.
    3. The arithmetic/logic unit executes the instruction.
    4. The arithmetic/logic unit stores the result in memory.
The first two instructions are called instruction time, I-time. Steps 3 and 4 are called execution time, E-time. The speed of computer is measured in megahertz, MHz.
A MHz is a million machine cycles per second. A personal computer listed at 500 MHz has a processor capable of handling 500 million machine cycles per second. Another measure of speed is gigahertz (GHZ), a billion machine cycles per second. A third measure of speed is a megaflop, which stands for one million floating-point operations per second. It measures the ability of the computer to perform complex mathematical operations.
Memory, or primary storage, works with the CPU to hold instructions and data in order to be processed. Memory keeps the instructions and data for whatever programs you happen to be using at the moment. Memory is the first place data and instructions are placed after being input; processed information is placed in memory to be returned to an output device. It is very important to know that memory can hold data only temporarily because it requires a continuous flow of electrical current. If current is interrupted, data is lost. Memory is in the form of a semiconductor or silicon chip and is contained inside the computer.
.

There are two types of memory: ROM and RAM. ROM is read only memory. It contains programs and data that are permanently recorded when the computer is manufactured. It is read and used by the processor, but cannot be altered by the user. RAM is random access memory. The user can access data in RAM memory randomly. RAM can be erased or written over at will by the computer program or the computer user. The amount of RAM has increased dramatically in recent years.

Memory is measured in bytes. A byte is usually made up of 8 bits and represents one character—a letter, digit, or symbol. The number of bytes that can be held is a measure of the memory and storage capacity. Bytes are usually measured in groups of kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes. The following chart defines each term.
Kilobyte KB Roughly 1,000 bytes
Megabyte MB Roughly 1,000,000 bytes
Gigabyte GB Roughly 1,000,000,000 bytes
Terabyte TB Roughly 1,000,000,000 bytes
Memory is usually measured in Megabytes; a typical personal computer will have 64MB or more. Storage is usually measured in Gigabytes.
Since we have said that memory is in the form of chips and must maintain a constant flow of electricity, there must be a more permanent form of storage that does not depend on a constant flow of electricity. That form of storage is called secondary or auxiliary storage. The benefits of secondary storage are large space capacity, reliability, convenience and economy.
Magnetic disk storage is a very popular type of secondary storage—the floppy disk drive is an external disk drive, while a hard disk drive is an internal disk drive. The floppy disk drive is usually a 3 ½" drive and uses a diskette made of flexible mylar and coated with iron oxide, a substance that can be magnetized. A diskette records data as magnetized spots on the tracks of its surface. A floppy disk can hold 1.44 MBs, or a ‘Zip’ drive can hold 100 MBs.
A hard disk, an internal disk, is a metal platter coated with magnetic oxide that can be magnetized to represent data. Hard disks come in a variety of sizes and can be assembled into a disk pack. Hard disks for personal computers are 3 ½" disks in sealed modules. A hard disk is capable of holding a great deal more than floppy disks. Hard disks for personal computers are measured in gigabytes. (Remember, a gigabyte is roughly a thousand megabytes or a thousand floppy disks.)
While the size or data capacity of a hard drive is very important, the speed of accessing that data is equally as important. Files on hard drives can be accessed significantly faster and more conveniently than floppy drives.
.
Hard Drive
The ever-demanding need for storage has required even better storage capacity than that of magnetic disks. Optical disk technology meets that need. Included in the list of this type of technology is the optical disk, the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. The CD-ROM, compact disk read-only memory can hold up to 660 MBs per disk or the equivalent of more than 400 standard 3 ½" diskettes. The new storage technology that outpaces all others is called DVD-ROM, digital versatile disk. The DVD has a 4.7 GB capacity, which is about seven times that of the CD-ROM.
In order to protect the data on your hard drive, you should have a backup system. A backup system is way of storing data in more than one location. Magnetic tape is usually used for this purpose. Magnetic tape is an inexpensive type of storage; it looks like the tape used in audiocassettes.
Finally, the last component of a computer system is the output device. An output device displays the processed information to the user. The two most popular forms of output devices are the printer and the monitor. The monitor produces output that is temporary—the output is lost when it is rewritten or erased or when power is lost. Monitor output is called softcopy. The printer displays output in a permanent manner; it is called hardcopy. Other types of output devices include voice output and music output devices.

Software

As important as hardware devices may be, they are useless without the instructions that control them. These instructions used to control hardware and accomplish tasks are called software. Software falls into two broad categories— applications and systems software.
Applications software allows you to perform a particular task or solve a specific problem. A word processor is the most widely used example of applications software; it can be used to create a letter or memo or anything else you need to type. Other examples include games, spreadsheets, tax preparation programs, typing tutor, etc. Applications software can be purchased in stores and is called packaged or commercial software. In other words, it is prewritten. However, there may be situations that require a specific type of software that is not available. It would then be necessary to design and write a program; this software is called custom software. Most often, personal computers utilize packaged software.
When packaged software is purchased, it will come with written instructions for installation and use. These instructions are documentation. Packaged software can be purchased, or in some cases, it is available for no cost. Freeware is software considered to be in the public domain, and it may be used or altered without fee or restriction. Another form of somewhat free software is shareware. The author of shareware hopes you will make a voluntary contribution for using the product.
. Task-oriented software is sometimes called productivity software, because it allows you to perform tasks that make you more productive. The major categories of productivity software are word processing, spreadsheet, database management, graphics, and communications. Most often these categories of software are bundled together and sold as a single package. This is called an office suite. A suite is designed to work together. This is very important because this allows you to share files. Another advantage in using suites is that the software looks similar and reduces your learning curve. Microsoft Office is the most popular office suite for the personal computer today. Two other important office suite products are Corel’s WordPerfect Office Suite and Sun’s Star Office Suite.

The most important applications software categories included in office suites are described in the table below:
Software Category
Function
Word Processor Provides the tools for entering and revising text, adding graphical elements, formatting and printing documents.
Spreadsheets Provides the tools for working with numbers and allows you to create and edit electronic spreadsheets in managing and analyzing information.
Database Management Provides the tools for management of a collection of interrelated facts. Data can be stored, updated, manipulated, retrieved, and reported in a variety of ways.
Presentation Graphics Provides the tools for creating graphics that represent data in a visual, easily understood format.
Communication Software Provides the tools for connecting one computer with another to enable sending and receiving information and sharing files and resources.
Internet Browser Provides access to the Internet through a service provider by using a graphical interface.


As important as applications software may be, it is not able to directly communicate with hardware devices. Another type of software is required operating systems software. Operating Systems software is the set of programs that lies between applications software and the hardware devices.
Think of the cross section of an onion. The inner core of the onion represents the hardware devices, and the applications software represents the outside layer. The middle layer is the operating systems software. The instructions must be passed from the outer layer through the middle layer before the reaching the inner layer.
.
The onion example

All computers, regardless of size, require the operating systems software. As soon as your personal computer is turned on, the operating systems software is loaded into RAM in order to use your computer devices and other software. A few short years ago, personal computers used an operating system call MS-DOS, Microsoft Disk Operating System. This was a command-driven program in which you needed to know command names and syntax. The need for a more user-friendly system brought about Microsoft Windows operating systems software. Icons or pictures, requiring no knowledge of spelling or syntax, drive Windows operating systems software. Windows is a GUI, graphical user interface. A GUI uses graphic symbols, icons, in its interface. Further, Windows allows you to multitask, which means that you may use more than one program at the same time. The newest version of Windows is Windows 2000.
.

Some notable features of the Windows 2000 are
        • Internet/intranet browsing capabilities
        • Support for state-of-the-art hardware
        • Support for huge disk drives
        • Wizards
In summary, the components of a computer include hardware and software that work together to perform the task necessary to transform raw data into useful information.

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