Computer Basics

Acquiring the skills you need can be done in no time with this self-paced tutorial.

Lessons to begin:
Getting Started Lesson 1: What is a computer? Lesson : What is an operating system? Using a Desktop Computer Lesson !: What are the basic parts of a desktop computer? Lesson ": What are all the buttons# sockets# and slots used for? Lesson $: What is inside a desktop computer? Lesson %: &ow do ' connect to the 'nternet? Using a Laptop Computer Lesson (: What are the basic parts of a laptop computer? Lesson ): What are all the buttons# sockets# and slots used for? Lesson *: What is inside a laptop computer? Lesson 1+: &ow do ' connect to the 'nternet? Doing More with Your Computer Lesson 11: &ow do ' set up a computer? Lesson 1 : &ow do ' keep my computer healthy? Lesson 1!: What are some troubleshooting techniques? Lesson 1": What is a network?

Getting Started
What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic de,ice that manipulates information or -data.- 't has the ability to store# retrie e# and process data. .ou can use a computer to type documents# send email# and surf the 'nternet. .ou can also use it to handle spreadsheets# accounting# database management# presentations# games# and more. Whether you reali/e it or not# computers play an important role in our li,es. When you withdraw cash from an A01# scan groceries at the store# or use a calculator# you2re using a type of computer.

Computers Simp!i"ied

'nside a 3omputer -- 4art of the 3omputer 1otherboard 5or beginning computer users# the computer aisles at an electronics store can be quite a mystery# not to mention o,erwhelming. &owe,er# computers really aren2t that mysterious. All types of computers consist of two basic parts 6 hardware and so"tware. #ardware is any part of your computer that has a ph$sica! structure# such as the computer monitor or keyboard. 'f you can touch it# it is hardware. So"tware is any set o" instructions that tells the hardware what to do. 't is what guides the hardware and tells it how to accomplish each task. Anything you buy for your computer can be classified as either hardware or software. 7nce you learn more about these items# computers are actually ,ery straightforward.

0he first electronic computer# the 8lectronic 9umerical 'ntegrator and 3omputer :89'A3;# was de,eloped in 1*"%. 't measured 1) feet by )+ feet and weighed !+ tons.

What are the Di""erent %$pes o" Computers?

0here are many types of computers# but persona! computers such as desktop and !aptop computers are probably the two type of computers that you think of first.

Desktop Computers

8<ample =esktop 3omputer 1any people use desktop computers# or desktops as they are often referred to# at work# home# school# or the library. 0hey can be small# medium# or large in style# and usually sit on a desk. 0he term desktop actually refers to the casing# or the tower. 7nce you add a monitor# mouse# and a keyboard# you ha,e what is typically known as a desktop computer. 1ost desktop computers are eas$ to upgrade and e&pand# or add new parts. 'n addition to e<pandability# another benefit of desktop computers is the cost. 'f you compare a desktop computer with 1 ) 1> of ?A1 and a @> hard dri,e to a laptop with the same features# you will most likely find that the desktop computer is priced lower.

0he term desktop computer originated when the computer case was wide and flat# and was designed specifically to "it on $our desktop with the monitor on top.

Laptop Computers

8<ample Laptop 3omputer 0he second type of computer that you may be familiar with is a !aptop computer# or laptops as they are often referred to. Laptops are battery or A3-powered personal computers that can be easi!$ carried and used in a ,ariety of locations. A quick glance at the si/e of a laptop and you might guess that it would be di""icu!t to e&pand or upgrade. While the desktop computer case is relati,ely easy to open and access internal components# the small laptop case makes this more difficult in comparisonA howe,er# the primar$ bene"it of a laptop computer is its small si/e and eas$ portabi!it$.

A !aptop computer is sometimes called a notebook computer because of its si/e.

%$pes o" 'ersona! Computers

i1ac all-in-one computer 0wo popular types of personal computers are the (BM compatib!e and Macintosh computers. 0he first personal computer was produced by '>1 in 1*)1 and was called the (BM 'C. 'n 1*)"# Apple 3omputer introduced the 1acintosh# or Mac# and it became the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface or @B' :pronounced gooey;. Although both '>1 and Apple computers are personal computers# the term 43 came to refer to '>1 or '>1-compatible personal computers. Apple now produces a 1acintosh computer called the iMac# which is a desktop computer that features an a!!)in)one design. 0his means all the internal components are located behind the monitor# rather than in a tower case# which is customary in desktop computers.

While our training is intended for people who use 43s and the Windows operating system# some of our information also applies to 1acintosh computers.

Other Types of Computers

.ou may hear someone refer to a computer as a workstation or a ser er# especially at work. .ou may wonder how these two items are different from desktop computers. Workstations are similar to desktop computers# but are more powerful and are usually connected to a network. Ser ers are speciali/ed computers that store and deli,er# or Cser,e up#D information to other computers on a network. 0here are many different types of ser,ers such as "i!e ser ers# database ser ers# and web ser ers. 5or e<ample# employees at a company might store all the business documents on a "i!e ser er so that they can share files and access then from any computer

on the network. When you use your browser to click a link# a web ser er deli,ers the page you requested on the 'nternet# the biggest network in the world.

Cha!!enge*

0hink about the acti ities $ou per"orm or want to perform using a computer :email# online shopping# etc.;. 0hink about all the computers that are necessar$ for you to complete your normal acti,ities. o 's it a computer that controls the stoplights so you can dri,e to work? o &ow did the cashier scan and calculate your grocery items? o =oes the coffee store you ,isit use a computer to order their in,entory? o &ow does the department store manage their merchandise?

What is an +perating S$stem?

An operating s$stem is the most important so"tware that runs on a computer. .ou might be thinking# C7E# but what is software?D So"tware is any set of instructions that performs some task on a computer. 0he operating s$stem performs man$ essential tasks for your computer. 't controls the memory needed for computer processes# manages disk space# controls peripheral de,ices# and allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing e<actly how a computer works. Without an operating s$stem, a computer is use!ess.

%he +perating S$stem-s .ob

Windows 7perating Fystem Loading .ou2,e probably heard the phrase boot $our computer# but do you know what that means? Booting is the process that occurs when you press the power button to turn your computer on. At the end of at process# the operating s$stem loads.

5rom this point# the operating system begins to do its Gob of contro!!ing the way in which the computer "unctions. 0he operating system is responsible for managing the computer-s hardware and so"tware resources. >asically# the operating system ser,es as the boss# or manager# and makes sure all the ,arious parts of the computer get what they need.

1ac 7F Loading When you use your personal computer# you may work on a Word document# print an email# and ha,e your 'nternet browser open for web surfing# a!! at the same time. 0hese three programs need attention from the central processing unit :34B; to do whate,er task that you# the user# are telling it to do. 0hese programs need memor$ and storage# and need to be able to send messages to de ices such as the mouse and the printer to accomplish these tasks. 0he operating system is responsible for handling these areas# as well as processor and network management.

What Makes This Job So Difficult?

Let2s say you went to your local electronics store and bought language software to learn Fpanish. &ow did the computer programmer who de,eloped the software know that it would work on your computer?

0he operating system pro,ides a consistent wa$ for software applications to work on ,arious computers without needing to know specific details about each computer2s hardware. 't doesn2t matter that each computer may ha,e a different amount of memory or processor speed.

%$pes o" +perating S$stems

1icrosoft Windows# 1ac 7F H# and Linu< Logos 7perating systems usually come pre!oaded on the desktop and laptop computers that you can buy today. 1ost people use the operating system that comes with their computer# but it is possible to upgrade or e,en change operating systems. 0he three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microso"t Windows# /pp!e Mac +S 0# and Linu&.

Ftart 1enu on Windows @B' 8ach of these operating systems uses a graphica! user inter"ace 1GU(2# which allows the user to interact with the computer. 'nstead typing a command that tell the computer what to do# you can use graphical icons and te<t on the @B' to instruct the computer to perform a task. 5or e<ample# if you want your computer to open the browser# 'nternet 8<plorer# simply double-click the 'nternet 8<plorer icon on the desktop# or select it from the Ftart menu. 1any users associate the operating s$stem with the GU( because this is the part of the operating system that the user interacts with on a daily basis. Let2s take a look at the graphical user interfaces of three popular operating systems.

Microso"t Windows

1icrosoft created the operating system# Windows# in the mid-1*)+s. 0hey ha,e a ,ersion of the operating system that is designed for the home user# and a professional ,ersion# which is intended for businesses. 0he ,ersions differ in the depth of networking# security# and multimedia support. Windows is a proprietar$ so"tware# which means that 1icrosoft has placed restrictions on how people can use or copy the software. Windows comes pre!oaded on most of the 43s sold today# and can also be purchased separately Iarious ,ersions of the software are priced from J(* to J!** for home users.

Windows Iista =esktop 1icrosoft has a big share of the operating system market. According to web analyst 9et Folutions# o er 345 of computer users ha,e one of the Windows operating systems# such as Windows *)# Windows +++# Windows H4# or the most recent Windows Iista# as of 1arch ++). Windows Iista and Windows H4 are often referred to as Iista and H4# respecti,ely.

/pp!e Mac +S

Mac +S is a line of operating systems created by Apple 'nc. 0he 1ac operating system is proprietary software that comes preloaded on all new 1acintosh computers# or 1acs. 0he most recent ,ersion of the operating system is called Mac +S 0 :pronounced 1ac 7-F 0en;. Like 1icrosoft# Apple offers a professional ,ersion of the operating system that is intended for use on ser,ers and a ,ersion of the operating system that is de,eloped for home users.

1ac 7F H =esktop According to web analyst 9et Folutions# 1ac 7F users account for almost 6785 percent of the operating systems market as of 1arch ++). Although the percentage of users is low# especially in comparison to Windows users# 1ac operating systems ha,e seen a dramatic Gump in growth in ++(. 1ac computers are s!eek and modern looking# which has started to appeal to many home users.

0wo of the common ,ersion names of 1ac 7F H are Leopard and %iger.

0o learn more about the 1acintosh computers ,isit the Apple 'nc. website# and e<plore the 1ac computers a,ailable# as well as the Fupport center for information about the 1ac 7F.

Linu&

Linu& is an open source# or "ree# operating system. Bnlike Windows and 1ac 7F# Linu< is not proprietar$ so"tware and all the computer code that is part of the operating system can be used and modified by any user. Linu< was started in the 1**+s when Linus 0or,alds# a person interested in creating a free operating system# de,eloped the Linu< :pronounce lynn-u<; kernal# which is computer code that is a central part of an operating system. As an open source software# any indi,idual or company can take the Linu< kernal and modify and add to it. &undreds of companies and indi,iduals ha,e taken the Linu< kernal and added additional computer programs to create arious ersions o" the Linu& operating s$stem. 0hese ,ersions are known as distributions and are a,ailable to download for free.

Bbuntu =esktop: A Iersion of Linu<

Linu< is e<tremely popu!ar in businesses# especially for ser,ers# because it is adaptable. According to 9et Application statistics# Linu< represents under 1K of the market share for home users# but it does offer an alternati,e to commercial operating systems. =espite being used in many businesses for ser,ers# you do not ha,e need to ha,e special programming skills to download and use Linu<. 'n fact# if you want to try Linu<# you don2t ha,e to actually install it on your computer. Fe,eral ,ersions of the operating system can be downloaded and burned to a 3=. 0wo popular distributions of the software are Bbuntu and ?ed &at. Ubuntu is comp!ete!$ "ree and is a,ailable in a ,ersion geared specifically for home users. ?ed &at is a company that offers technical and training support for businesses that use its ,ersion of the operating system# ?ed &at Linu<. 0o learn more about Linu< and how this open source software works# ,isit Linu< 7nline.

Cha!!enge*

What is an operating s$stem? 's it software? .ou are ,iewing this lesson on a computer. =o you know what operating s$stem the computer is using? 'f not# find out. Iisit the 1icrosoft# Apple# and Linu< websites to learn more about each operating system. Fearch the 'nternet for articles that compare Windows Iista and 1ac 7F H. 'f you ha,e a 'C and currently use an older ,ersion of Windows# such as Windows H4# search for articles comparing Windows 9ista with Windows 0'. @ather information from 1icrosoft and other reputab!e sources to determine if an upgrade is right for you.

Using a Desktop Computer

What are the Basic 'arts o" a Desktop Computer?
All of the basic parts of a desktop computer are considered hardware. 0he computer case# monitor# ke$board# mouse# and power cord are considered the basic parts. 0hese items are the things you notice right away when you look at a desktop computer. >eyond these parts are the hardware items that are located inside the computer case and the peripherals# which are optional pieces of hardware that make the computer system more useful# or enable you to accomplish additional tasks. Let2s take a look at the basic hardware components# or the things required in order to let you and the computer interact.

Basic 'arts o" a Desktop Computer 1cont72

3omputer 3ase Computer Case 0he computer case is the metal and plastic bo< that contains the main components of the computer. 't houses the motherboard# central processing unit :34B;# the power supply# and more. 3omputer cases come in different shapes and si/es. A desktop case lies flat on a desk# and the monitor usually sits on top of it. A tower case is tall and sits ne<t to the monitor or on the floor. 0he front of the case usually has an on:o"" switch and two or more dri es. 1ost of the personal computers you can purchase today include tower cases# rather than desktop casesA howe,er# some computers are being made with all of the internal components built into the monitor# which completely eliminates the tower.

Basic 'arts o" a Desktop Computer 1cont72

3omputer with 0wo L3= 1onitors

Monitor 0he monitor works with a ideo card# located inside the computer case# to display images and te<t on the screen. 0he two main t$pes are cathode ray tube :3?0; and liquid crystal display :L3=; monitors. 0he C;% monitor is big# like a tube tele,ision# and takes up a lot of desk spaceA howe,er# it is the least e<pensi,e monitor option. 0he LCD monitor is thin and sa,es energy# but costs more. 7,er the years you can e<pect to see fewer 3?0 monitors as L3= monitors become the standard. .our monitor has an on:o"" button and contro! buttons that allow you to change your monitor2s display. 3ontrol buttons are either ,isible or located behind a small panel. Additionally# some monitors ha,e built-in speakers.

'ower Cord 0he power cord is the !ink between the power out!et and the power supp!$ unit in the computer casing. 'f the power cord is not plugged in# the computer will not power on. 't is a good idea to keep the power cord plugged into an Bninterruptable 4ower Fupply :B4F;# which ser,es as a surge protector with its own temporary power source.

Basic 'arts o" a Desktop Computer 1cont72

<e$board 0he ke$board is a piece of hardware that resembles a typewriter keyboard. 't is one of the primary ways we communicate with the computer and enter data. 0here are many different types of computer such as wired# wireless# ergonomic# multimedia# and more. Although there may be differences in the location of some keys or features# keyboards are er$ simi!ar and allow you to accomplish basically the same tasks. 0he images below show you three different types of keyboards.

Ftandard Eeyboard /bout the <e$board

0he main part of a computer ke$board has a!pha)numeric :letter and number; keys similar to a typewriter. &owe,er# the keyboard also features keys that cause the computer to perform specific tasks. 0he =scape ke$# labeled =sc# allows you to stop a function or action. 5or e<ample# if your computer suddenly free/es up# you may be able to resume by pressing 8sc. 0he >unction ke$s# along the top of the keyboard# are labeled >?, >@, up to >?@. 0hese shortcut keys allow you to quickly complete a specific task within certain programs. 5or e<ample# 51 opens &elp in 1icrosoft 7ffice.

Wireless 8rgonomic Eeyboard

0he 'rint Screen, Scro!! Lock and 'ause:Break ke$s are at the far right end of the keyboard. 0he 4rint Fcreen key takes a -picture- of your screen that you can edit or sa,e using a graphics program. 0he =nter ke$ carries out commands. 5or e<ample# while on the 'nternet# you can type in a website address# called a B?L# and press 8nter to go to the site. 0he Contro! 1Ctr!2# /!ternate 1/!t2# and Shi"t ke$s are designed to work with other keys. 5or e<ample# if you press 3trl L F at the same time# you can sa,e a file. 0he Backspace ke$ erases the character to the left of the cursor.

i1ac BF> Eeyboard 0o the right of the regular keys is the cursor contro! pad. At the bottom are "our arrow ke$s. 4ressing any one of these keys mo,es the cursor in the direction of the arrow.

=epending on the keyboard you are using# there are "i e to si& ke$s abo,e the arrows including: o 0he De!ete ke$ erases the character to the right the cursor. o 0he (nsert ke$ switches between the insert mode and o,ertype mode. 0he insert mode is the normal mode for word processing. o 0he #ome ke$ mo,es the cursor to the !e"t or beginning of the current line. o =nd mo,es the cursor to the right end of the current line. o 'age Up and 'age down take you to the top or bottom of the screen. 0he Aumber pad# at the far right end of the keyboard# resembles a calculator keypad. Fimilar to the curser keys# you can use the arrow keys on this keypad to mo,e the cursor.

Basic 'arts o" a Desktop Computer 1cont72

1ouse Mouse 0he mouse is a periphera! that is known as a pointing de ice. 't lets you point to obGects on the screen# c!ick on them# and mo e them. 4re,iously# it was considered an optional de,ice# but now all desktop computers will come with a mouse. 0here are two main types of mice -- optical and mechanical. 0he optica! mouse uses an electronic eye to detect mo,ement and is easier to clean. 0he mechanica! mouse uses a

rolling ball to detect mo,ement and is more difficult to cleanA howe,er# it is less e<pensi,e# so many computers come with a mechanical mouse. Another decision you ha,e when choosing a mouse is wired ,ersus wire!ess. Wireless e,erything is popular right now# so it will be up to you to decide which type will work best for you.

To properly use the mouse:

Bsing your right hand# place your thumb on the desk or table top on the left side of the mouse .our inde< :pointer; finger should rest on the left button of the mouse. 4lace your middle finger on the right button of the mouse. .our ring finger and little finger should rest on the right side of the mouse. 0he base of your wrist should rest on the mouse pad or desktop# for stability.

Left-handed computer users sometimes use their right hand to maneu,er the mouse. &owe,er# if you2re left-handed and want to use your left hand# the mouse buttons can be switched.

To Switch the Mouse Butto s for a Left!"a #e# $ser:

3lick Start. 3hoose Settings Contro! 'ane!. Doub!e)c!ick the 1ouse icon in the 3ontrol 4anel window. 3lick Le"t)handed. 3lick +<.

To properly use the mouse:

C!ick. Felect an obGect on the screen by pressing the !e"t mouse button down with your inde< finger and then release the button. Drag an obGect on the screen by pressing and holding down the !e"t mouse button with your inde< finger while mo,ing the mouse. When the obGect is where you want it# release the button. 0o doub!e)c!ick# rapidly press and release the !e"t mouse button with your inde< finger. 0o right)c!ick# press and release the right mouse button with your middle finger.

A trackba!! is similar to a mouse# but the ball that helps maneu,er the cursor is on top instead of underneath.

Cha!!enge*

0hink about the desktop computers you2,e seen at work# school# the library# a store# or a friend2s house. =o all the desktops look the same? What pieces of hardware do they ha,e in common?

What are /!! the Buttons, Sockets, and S!ots Used >or?
0ake a look at the front and back of your computer case and count the number of buttons# sockets# and s!ots you see. 9ow# look at your monitor and count any that appear there. .ou probably counted appro<imately +. 8ach computer is different# therefore the buttons# slots# and sockets will ar$ "rom computer to computerA howe,er# there are certain features you can e<pect to find on most desktop computers. >eing familiar with the names of each and how they are commonly used will help you when the time comes for you to connect that new printer# mouse# digital camera# or other de,ice.

>ront o" Computer Case

Labeled 5ront of 3omputer 3ase 1. 'ower Button 0he power button is used to power the computer on and off. Additionally# you can use the power button on some computers to place the computer in different energ$)sa ing modes such as hibernate# sleep# and standby. 't is a good idea to read your manual to learn how these features work on your computer. 0he power button is usually directly abo,e the keyboard# but can also be located on any of the four sides of the laptop casing. . CD);+M 1Compact Disk ;ead)+n!$ Memor$2 Dri e A CD);+M dri e# also known as an optica! dri e# allows you to play a 3=-

?71 # Gust like a 3= player allows you to listen to music. With a 3=-?71 dri,e you can !isten to music :if your computer is sound-enabled;# iew "i!es# and insta!! so"tware that is located on a 3=. A CD writer is a de,ice that can be used in conGunction with a 3=-?71 dri,e and allows you to copy or burn information onto specific types of 3=s called 3=?W :3ompact =isk ?eWritable; and 3=-? :3ompact =isk-?ecordable; discs.

!. D9D);+M 1Digita! 9ersati!e Disc ;ead)+n!$ Memor$2 Dri e A D9D);+M dri,e# also known as an optica! dri e# reads =I= discs# all types of 3=s# and can display mo,ies from digital ,ideo discs. =I=s can hold more data than a 3=# so they are a good storage option. A D9D burner is a de,ice that can be used in conGunction with a =I=-?71 and allows you to copy information onto =I= discs. 't is considered a type of storage.

'n many of the computers you can purchase today# the 3= and =I=-?71 andMor burners are combined. ". USB 'ort 0he Bni,ersal Ferial 4ort typically appears on the back of the computer case# but can sometimes be found on the front of the case# or hidden under a panel on the front of the case. $. /udio (n:/udio +ut 8,ery computer has a bank o" audio ports where you can connect ,arious de,ices# including speakers# microphones# headsets# and more.

Back o" Computer Case

7n the back of the computer case are connection ports that are made to fit speci"ic de ices. 0he arrangement of these ,ary from computer to computer# and many companies ha,e their own special connectors for the specific de,ices. Fome of the ports are co!or

coded to match a color on the de,ice# which will help you determine which port is used with a particular de,ice.

Fample 3omputer 3ase

Labeled >ack Iiew of 3omputer 3ase 1. 'S:@ 'ort 0hese ports are called 4FM ports and are used for the mouse and ke$board. 1any people refer to them as the mouse port or the keyboard port.

. =thernet 'ort 0his port looks a lot like the modem or telephone port but it is actually wider. .ou can use this port for networking and also connecting to the 'nternet. 8thernet !. /udio (n:/udio +ut 8,ery computer has a bank o" audio ports where you can connect ,arious de,ices# including speakers# microphones# headsets# and more.Audio ". 9G/ 'ort Your monitor can is connected to this port. $. USB 'ort 0he Uni ersa! Seria! Bus port is one of the newest ports# but is also one of the most useful. 0hese BF> ports let you attach a ariet$ o" de ices such as mice# printers# keyboards# web cameras# BF>Mflash dri,es# and digital cameras to your computer quickly. Almost e,ery peripheral made comes in a BF> ,ersion# and installing the de,ices using USB ports is much easier than connecting de,ices using parallel and serial ports. 0his is primarily because BF> ports do not require you to reboot your computer before you can use the new de,ice.

Back o" Computer Case 1cont72

Labeled >ack Iiew of 3omputer 3ase 1. 'ara!!e! 'ort 0he parallel port is one of the two origina! ports on the first personal computer. 't is commonly known as the printer port since this port is used to connect your printer to your computerA howe,er# with the rise in use of the BF> ports# you can e<pect to see a decrease in the use of this port. 3urrently# a large number of parallel port printers are still manufactured and used on older computers that donNt ha,e BF> support. . Seria! 'ort 0he seria! port is the other origina! port on the first personal computer. Ferial ports can be used to plug in de,ices such as dial-up modems and other de,ices. 7n recent computers# the seria! port has been rep!aced by the USB port. 0his is due to the fact that most peripherals use the BF> dri,e. !. =&pansion S!ots 0hese empty slots are where e&pansion cards are added to computers. 5or

e<ample# if your computer did not come with a ,ideo card# you could purchase one and insert it here. ". >ireWire 'ort 5ireWire is actually the Apple brand name for the '888 1!*" port# but the term caught on and it this port is commonly referred to as the 5ireWire port. 't is the standard port used with digita! ideo cameras and high-resolution scanners. 5ireWire replaced the 4arallel F3F'# but it is not on e,ery computerA howe,er# you can buy an adapter card to add 5ireWire ports to your computer. 0he labeled image does not include a 5ireWire port.

'eriphera!s You Can Use in 9arious 'orts

4rinter

'rinters: A printer is a periphera! that is used to print# or produce# a ,ersion of what appears on the screen in a hardcop$ format. 0here are many types of printers a,ailable including ink-Get# laser-Get# and photo printers. Also# combination printers that include scanners and copiers are increasing in popularity.

Scanners: A scanner allows you to cop$ an image or document and sa,e it in electronic form onto your computer. While you can purchase a hand-held and flatbed scanners# you are more likely to purchase a scanner as an all-in-one option that combines a scanner# printer# and copier into one product. Fcanners ,ary in reso!ution# or sharpness# so when shopping for one# be sure to compare the resolution of the products. A scanner is connected to the computer ,ia a parallel port# a BF> port# or a F3F' connection. 9o matter which connection is used# the images are stored on your 432s hard dri,e in a digital format.

&eadphones Speakers:#eadphones: Speakers and headphones are output de,ices# which means that they are de,ices that communicate information from the computer to the user. 0hey allow you to hear sound and music. >oth speakers and headphones connect to a computerA howe,er# some computers are designed with speakers built into the monitor.

Microphones: A microphone is a type of input de,ice# or a de,ice that recei,es information from a user. .ou connect the microphone to the computer and use the computer to record sound or to communicate with another computer user ,ia the 'nternet. 1any computers come with built-in microphones.

Web 3amera Web Cameras: Web cameras# or web cams# are de,ices that connect to a computer and disp!a$ a ideo image of whate,er it is recording. 0his ,ideo image can be transmitted o,er the 'nternet# allowing a user in another location the ability to see the ,ideo in real-time. Web cameras are used often in business for ,ideo conferences# and are also a great tool for families to use to stay connected from different parts of the world.

.o$stick or Game Contro!!er: A Bo$stick is a le,er used while playing a computer game. Digita! Cameras: A digita! camera lets you capture a picture in digita! 1computer)readab!e2 "orm. .ou can transfer that image directly from the camera to the computer. When you use a digital camera# you can also pre,iew your pictures before printing them. 'f you don2t like what you see# you can edit or delete them.

4ersonal =igital Assistant 'ersona! Digita! /ssistant 1'D/2: A 4=A is a handhe!d computer that can ha,e a ,ariety of features including a calendar# 'nternet access# ,ideo recording# word processing# email access# phone# media player# and more. 1ost 4=As can be synchroni/ed with a 43 to allow up-to-date contact information stored on software such as 1icrosoft 7utlook# ?FF feeds# or other web updates.

M'C '!a$ers: An M'C p!a$er is a portab!e de ice that stores# organi/es# and p!a$s audio files. 0he player can read files that are recorded from a 3= using a computer# or downloaded from ,arious sites ,ia the 'nternet.

Cha!!enge*

5ind out what types of dri es are on your computer :e.g# 3=-?71# =I=-?71; 3ount the number is USB 'orts on your computer.

What is (nside a Desktop Computer?

&a,e you e,er looked inside a computer case before? 7r seen pictures of the inside of one? 0he small parts look ,ery complicated# but the inside of a computer case really isn2t that mysterious. 0his lesson will help you master some of the basic termino!og$ and understand a little about what goes on inside the four walls of the computer casing.

/ Look (nside a Desktop Computer

Let2s e<plore the inside of a computer tower.

3entral 4rocessing Bnit :34B; C'U:'rocessor 0he 3entral 4rocessing Bnit :34B;# also called a processor# is located inside the computer case on the motherboard. 't is often called the brain of the computer# or the computer2s engine. 'ts Gob is to carry out commands. Whene,er you press a key# click the mouse# or start an application# you2re sending instructions to the 34B. 0he processor determines how "ast a computer can e<ecute instructions. A processor2s speed is measured in megahertD 1M#E2# or millions of instructions per second# and gigahertD 1G#E2# or billions of instructions per second. Fo# the higher the hert/# the faster the computer can process instructions. 0he power of the processor is measured in

bits. 0he more bits a processor can handle# the more data it can handle# and therefore# the more power"u! the processor.

34B Focket 0he 34B is generally a @ inch ceramic sFuare with a si!icon chip located inside. 0he chip usually about the si/e of a thumbnail. 0he 34B fits into the C'U socket# which is co,ered by the heat sink# an obGect that absorbs heat from the 34B. 0here are many processor manufacturers for personal computers including 'ntel# 3yri<# I'A# and A1=. 1any processor chip designers include funny or interesting hidden artwork# such as images# phrases# initials# and logos on the chips. 0his artwork is only ,isible when the chip is open and magni"ied# so it2s really a Goke among the chip de,elopers# rather than something intended for e,eryone to see.

/ Look (nside a Desktop Computer 1cont72

?andom Access 1emory :?A1; ;/M ;/M 1;andom /ccess Memor$2 is your system2s short)term memor$. =ata is temporarily stored here until you sa,e your work to the hard disk. ?A1 is used by the system to store data that is processed by a computer2s 34B. 0he computer2s work takes place in ?A1. 0his is where programs run when you are using Word to create a letter# or 8<cel to produce a company spreadsheet. 0his short)term memor$ disappears when the computer is turned off# so always sa,e your file before turning off the machine. When you sa,e a file# you are sa,ing it to longterm storage that does not disappear when the computer is turned off.

?A1 on motherboard 0he more ;/M you ha,e# the more things your computer can do at the same time# and the "aster your computer performs certain tasks. ?A1 is measured in megab$tes 1MB2 or gigab$tes 1GB2. 0o understand megabytes and gigabytes# you need to know about bits and b$tes. A bit is the smallest unit of data in computer processing. A byte is a group of eight bits. A megabyte is about one million bytes. A gigabyte is 1#+ " megabytes. 0o put this into perspecti,e# consider that a printed page of single-spaced te<t contains about !#+++ characters. 7ne 1> holds about "++ pages of single-spaced te<t.

Motherboard 0he motherboard is the computer2s main circuit board. 't2s a thin plate that holds the 34B :3entral 4rocessing Bnit;# memory# connectors for the hard dri,e and optical dri,es# e<pansion cards to control the ,ideo and audio# as well as ,arious e<ternal ports and peripherals. 0he motherboard connects directly or indirectly to e,ery part of the computer. 'f you decide to open the computer case and take a look# be sure to touch a grounded metal obGect to discharge any static buildup. Ftatic electricity can be transmitted through the computer circuits and ruin them.

/ Look (nside a Computer 1cont72

&ard =isk =ri,e #ard Disk Dri e 0he hard disk dri e is the data center of the computer. All of your programs are stored here. 0he hard disk dri,e is !ong)term storage where information is stored permanent!$. When you use a word processing program# the computer loads the instructions from long-term storage :your hard disk; into short-term memory. &ard disk speed determines how fast your computer starts up and loads programs. 0he hard disk is called the 3 dri,e on most computers. +ptica! Disc Dri e An optica! disc dri e is a peripheral de,ice that reads data stored on optical discs. Fome dri,es can only read from discs# but often dri,es are both readers and burners. 3= and =I= dri,es are common optical dri,es. 5rom inside the computer# optical dri,es look ,ery similar to hard disk dri,es.

8<pansion Flots =&pansion Card An e&pansion card is a card which you can install to e<pand a computer2s capabilities. 8<pansion cards are inserted into e&pansion s!ots on the motherboard. 5or e<ample# your computer2s ideo card is an e<pansion card which plugs into the e<pansion slots. 9ideo card 0he ideo card is responsible for what $ou see on the monitor. 'f you like playing graphic-intense games on the computer# a good ,ideo card is important to you. 0he main function of the ,ideo card is to generate and output images to the computer screen. >etter graphics card equals better performance when playing games or working on a high resolution monitor. Sound Card 0he sound card# also called an audio card# is another type of e<pansion card. 't lets the computer play sounds through speakers. Fome motherboards feature integrated sound# and do not require a separate sound card..

/ Look (nside a Desktop Computer 1cont72

9etwork 3ard Aetwork card 0he network card allows your computer to communicate o,er a network. With the network card you can set up a home network with a few computers and connect them by ,ia 8thernet cords or wirelessly. 9etwork cards used to be e<pansion cards that plugged into the motherboardA howe,er# most newer computers ha,e a network interface built into the motherboard.

4ower Fupply Bnit 'ower Supp!$ Unit 0he power supply unit in a computer con erts the power from the wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer. 't sends power through the cables to the motherboard and other components.

Cha!!enge*

?e,iew the parts o" the computer identified in this lesson. 1ake sure you know the function of each part.

#ow Do ( Connect to the (nternet?

.ou ha,e all the basic parts of your computer set up and want to start sur"ing the (nternet. .ou might e,en see an 'nternet 8<plorer icon on your desktop. .ou may be wondering if getting online is as simple as clicking that icon. Well# yes and no. 0here are basically three things you need to use your computer to become acti,e online -an (nternet Ser ice 'ro ider 1(S'2# a modem# and an 'nternet browser. >efore you can connect to the 'nternet# you ha,e some decisions to make about these three topics.

%$pes o" (nternet /ccess

>efore you can connect to the 'nternet# you need to determine the type of (nternet access you would like# and which (nternet Ser ice 'ro ider 1(S'2 you want to pro,ide you with this access. An 'F4 is the company that pro,ides you with your connection to the 'nternet for a fee. 7ften 'F4s offer different types and tiers of access# so it is a good idea to consider the common t$pes o" ser ice before e<ploring specific companies.

Dial!up %ccess
Dia!)up access is usually the !east e&pensi e way to access the 'nternetA howe,er# it is also the s!owest. With dial-up ser,ice# you need a phone !ine and 'C modem to dial-up and be connected to the 'nternet by your 'F4. A modem ties up the phone line so can2t use the phone and computer at the same time. While dial-up access can be an affordable option# the web pages !oad s!ow!$ due to the limitations of the modem. Fome websites with a lot of ,ideos or graphics may ha,e a difficult time loading# if they load at all. Additionally# with dial-up access# your 'nternet connection isn2t immediate. Fince you ha,e to use the telephone line to dial into a ser,er#

it can take from se,eral seconds to minutes before you can access the 'nternet. 'f you only use the 'nternet to check your email and occasionally ,iew other websites# a dial-up connection may ser,e your needs. 'f you are going to spend any significant amount of time online# you should consider another option. Eeep in mind that some 'F4s ha,e increased the fee for dial-up access in an effort to transition more people to broadband access.

DSL %ccess
DSL# or Digita! Subscriber Line# pro,ides high-speed# 'nternet access through a phone !ine. With =FL ser,ice# you can talk on the telephone and access the 'nternet at the same time. 't is considered a type of broadband 'nternet access# which refers to high-speed 'nternet connections that allow for transmission of data at rates 1+ to $+ times faster than dial-up ser,ice. Ieri/on and A0 O 0 are two popular =FL pro,iders. A DSL modem and an =thernet card are required for installation. A splitter may also be required to filter the =FL signal from the low frequency ,oice signalA howe,er# this is handled by the 'nternet Fer,ice 4ro,ider.

Cable %ccess
Cab!e access is pro,ided through your local 0I cable company and transferred through your 0I cables. Like =FL access# it is considered broadband# high-speed 'nternet access. 'f you donNt ha,e cable 0I# you can still purchase cable 'nternet ser,ice as long as it is a,ailable in your area. With cable access# web pages load quickly and you will find it easy to download and upload files. 7ne thing to be aware of though is that cable access is a shared ser ice and can be affected by others who use the same cable lines. 5or e<ample# if it is a holiday and e,eryone in your neighborhood is at home surfing the web# you may notice that some aspects of ser,ice are slower than normal. 'n most areas# this wonNt be an issue.

Satellite %ccess
Sate!!ite access can be used in locations where there is no broadband cable or =FL 'nternet a,ailable. Fatellite access is a ai!ab!e across the wor!d and can pro,ide you with a broadband connection that is equal to a high speed connection. Fatellite ser,ice is the most e&pensi e and will require costs such as installation and satellite equipment# which will cost se,eral hundred dollars.

Choosing an (nternet Ser ice 'ro ider 1(S'2

7nce you ha,e decided which t$pe o" (nternet access you are interested in# you can determine which (S's are a,ailable in your area that offer the type of 'nternet access you want. 0hen# you need to choose the 'F4 that best meets your needs based on their prices and ser,ice packages# and secure 'nternet access through that company. 0alk to friends# family members# and neighbors to see what 'F4 they use. Some things to consider as $ou research (S's:

Fpeed 4rice >illing 'nstallation Foftware 4hysical Fer,ice Fer,ice ?ecord 8<tras such as email accounts and web space 0echnical Fupport ?emote Access 3ontract 0erms

#ardware Aeeded

9etwork 3ard Modem 7nce you ha,e your computer# you really don2t need much additional hardware to connect to the 'nternet. 0he primary piece of hardware you need is a modem. 0he type of 'nternet access you choose will determine what type of modem you need. Dia!)up access uses a te!ephone modem# which may come installed on your computer. DSL ser,ice uses a DSL modem# cab!e access uses a cab!e modem# and sate!!ite ser,ice uses a sate!!ite adapter. 0hese modems are usually included as part of the start-up hardware from your 'F4 when you sign a contract for ser,ice. Aetwork Card A network card is a piece of hardware that allows computers to communicate o,er a computer network. 1ost newer computers ha,e a network card built into the motherboard# so it probably is not something you will need to purchase. Fome modems use an 8thernet connection and network card to access the 'nternet# while other modems may use a BF> port. ;outer A router is a hardware de,ice that allows you to use se,eral computers on a sing!e (nternet connection from your 'F4. With a router# all the computers in your home can connect to the 'nternet and all you pay for is one account with an 'nternet Fer,ice 4ro,ider and one '4 address. Additionally# cable# =FL# and satellite users can use a router as a hardware "irewa!!. Fome people belie,e that a router pro,ides better protection from hackers than a software firewall. 1any routers are easy to install# priced reasonably# and can be used for wired or wireless networks.

& ter et Browser

A browser is the tool that allows you to ,iew and interact on the 'nternet. 7nce you ha,e an account with an 'F4 and can access the 'nternet# you2ll need to use a browser to access web pages. >rowsers can be referred to the window of the web because they allow you to ,iew all the pages on the 'nternet. 1ost computers come pre!oaded with 1icrosoft 'nternet 8<plorer# so you don2t ha,e to worry about purchasing a browserA howe,er# you don2t ha,e to use 'nternet 8<plorer. 'f you would prefer to try another browser option# you can. 5or e<ample# 1o/illa 5irefo< is a free browser that you can download and use.

@35Learn5ree.org Website Iiewed 0hrough 1o/illa 5irefo< >rowser

Cha!!enge*

?esearch or more (nternet Ser ice 'ro iders and compare their ser,ice packages. =etermine which pro,ider and ser,ice package would be best for you# based on your needs.

Using a Laptop Computer

What are the Basic 'arts o" Laptop Computer?
0he basic parts of a laptop computer are the screen# ke$board# touchpad# speakers# batter$# and /C adaptor. >eyond these basic parts are the hardware items located inside the laptop# and the periphera!s# which are optiona! pieces o" hardware that enables the computer to accomplish additional tasks.

Basic 'arts o" a Laptop Computer

Let2s take a look at the basic laptop components.

Laptop 4arts Labeled 1. Monitor 0he monitor# which resembles a tele,ision screen# is where the computer displays te<t and pictures. . <e$board 0he ke$board is a piece of hardware that resembles a typewriter keyboard. 't is one of the primary ways $ou communicate with the computer and enter data. !. Speakers Speakers are usually sma!! and built into the screen or the body of the laptop. 'n the image# the e<ample laptop has speakers in the body# or laptop casing. 0he speakers allow you to hear computer sounds# audio streamed from the 'nternet# 3=s and =I=s# and more. ". %ouchpad 7n a laptop# a touchpad is a substitute for the mouse. 1o,e your finger on the touchpad to mo,e around the screen and select te<t and obGects. 0he buttons below the touchpad operate like mouse buttons.

0ouchpad Using the %ouchpad: C!ick. Felect an obGect on the screen by pressing the !e"t button down with your inde< finger and then release the button.

Drag an obGect on the screen by pressing and holding down the !e"t button with your inde< finger while mo,ing another finger on the touchpad. When the obGect is where you want it# release the button. 0o doub!e)c!ick# rapidly press and release the !e"t button with your inde< finger. 0o right)c!ick# press and release the right button with your middle finger.

Basic 'arts o" a Laptop Computer 1cont72

Laptop >attery ?emo,ed from 3asing Batter$ 0he batter$ on a laptop ser,es as its life-line. A laptop will work without a battery if it is recei,ing power from a power adapter. 0he battery allows you to be more mobi!e without ha,ing to be near a power outlet for an e<tended period of time. 1ost laptop batteries will last for about 1.$- hours before needing to be recharged. 'f your battery dies or has a defect you can buy a new one from your computerNs manufacturer or a local computer or electronics store. /C /daptor 0he A3 Adaptor is the source of e!ectric power for a laptop. 0he power adapter does two Gobs when it is plugged in. 't powers the laptop and charges the battery.

Cha!!enge*

0hink about the !aptop computers you2,e seen at work# school# the library# a store# or a friend2s house. =id all the laptops look the same? What did they ha,e in common?

What are /!! the Buttons, Sockets, and S!ots Used >or?

0ake a look at a laptop and count the number of buttons# sockets# and s!ots you see. .ou probably counted more than 1+. 0here aren2t quite as many as you2ll find on a desktop computer# but still# all of these can be o,erwhelming for a new laptop user. 8ach laptop computer is different# therefore the buttons# slots# and sockets will ar$ "rom computer to computer. &owe,er# there are certain "eatures that are common and you can e<pect to find on most !aptop computers.

Laptop Buttons, Dri es, and 'orts

4ower >utton 'ower Button 0he power button is used to power the computer on and off. 't is usually directly abo,e the keyboard# but can also be located on any of the four sides of the laptop casing. 'n addition to turning the computer on and off# you can use the power button on some computers to place the computer in different energ$)sa ing modes such as hibernate# sleep# and standby. 't is a good idea to read your manual to learn how these features work on your computer.

CD);+M 1Compact Disk ;ead)+n!$ Memor$2 Dri e A CD);+M dri e# also known as an optica! dri e# allows you to play a 3=-?71 # Gust like a 3= player allows you to listen to music. With a 3=-?71 dri,e you can !isten to music :if your computer is sound-enabled;# iew "i!es# and insta!! so"tware that is located on a 3=.

8<ample 7ptical =ri,e -- =I= A CD writer is a de,ice that can be used in conGunction with a 3=-?71 dri,e and allows you to copy or burn information onto specific types of 3=s called 3=-?W :3ompact =isk ?eWritable; and 3=-? :3ompact =isk-?ecordable; discs. D9D);+M 1Digita! 9ersati!e Disc ;ead)+n!$ Memor$2 Dri e A D9D);+M dri,e# also known as an optica! dri e# reads =I= discs# all types of 3=s# and can display mo,ies from digital ,ideo discs. =I=s can hold more data than a 3=# so they are a good storage option. A D9D burner is a de,ice that can be used in conGunction with a =I=-?71 and allows you to copy information onto =I= discs. 't is considered a type of storage. 'n many of the computers you can purchase today# the 3= and =I=-?71 or burners are combined.

F= 4ort Memor$ Card 'ort 0his port is for placing memory cards that are associated with your digital camera or 4=A de,ice. 't is usually located on the left or right side of the laptop When a memory card is placed in the port# you can ,iew the material on that card using your laptop.

Laptop Buttons, Dri es, and 'orts

7n the sides of the laptop computer are connection ports that are made to fit speci"ic p!ug)in de ices# as well as assorted dri,es and buttons. 0he arrangement of these ,ary from computer to computer# and many companies ha,e their own special connectors for the specific de,ices. Fome of the ports are co!or coded to match a color on the de,ice# which will help you determine which port is used with a particular de,ice.

Iiew of >ack Laptop 4orts

>ack of Laptop Labeled 1. 'ower Cord Connector 0his is where you connect your A3 power adapter. . =thernet 'ort 0his port looks a lot like the modem or telephone port but it is actually wider. .ou can use this port for networking and also connecting to the 'nternet. !. 'S:@ 'ort 0his port is the mouse and keyboard port. ". Composite 9ideo 'ort Fome laptops include a composite ,ideo port that allows you to connect your laptop to a tele,ision. 0his port may look familiar to you because many home electronic de,ices# such as tele,ision sets and camcorders# include this port. 0he composite ,ideo port is seen less on new laptops as other ports become more popular for the same tasks. $. /udio (n:/udio +ut 8,ery computer has a bank o" audio ports where you can connect ,arious de,ices# including speakers# microphones# headsets# and more. %. USB 'ort Almost e,ery laptop computer on the market today comes with two or more Uni ersa! Seria! Bus 1USB2 ports. 0hese BF> ports let you attach a ariet$ o" de ices such as mice# printers# keyboards# web cameras# BF>Mflash dri,es# and

digital cameras to your computer quickly. Almost e,ery peripheral made comes in a BF> ,ersion# and installing the de,ices using USB ports is much easier than connecting de,ices using parallel and serial ports.

>ack of Laptop Labeled 1. Monitor 'ort /n e&terna! monitor can be connected to this port. 8,en though the laptop comes with a built-in screen# some users like to turn their laptop into a desktop unit by connecting e<ternal parts such as a monitor# keyboard# and printer. . 'ara!!e! 'ort 0he para!!e! port is one of the two origina! ports on the first personal computer. 't is commonly known as the printer port since this port is used to connect your printer to your computerA howe,er# with the rise in use of the BF> ports# you can e<pect to see a decrease in the use of this port. 3urrently# a large number of parallel port printers are still manufactured and used on older computers that donNt ha,e BF> support. !. Seria! 'ort 0he seria! port is the other origina! port on the first personal computer. 7n recent computers# the serial port has been replaced by the BF> port# as both ports can be used to p!ug in e&terna! de ices such as a mouse or keyboard. 1ost peripherals use the BF> dri,e because BF> dri,es do not require you to reboot your computer when a new de,ice is added# whereas serial ports do. ". >ireWire 'ort >ireWire is actually the Apple brand name for the '888 1!*" port# but the term

caught on and it is commonly referred to as the 5ireWire port. 't is the standard port used with digita! ideo cameras and high-resolution scanners. 't is commonly used to upload audioM,ideo from the de,ice to the computer using a 5ireWire cable. 5ireWire ports are not on e,ery computerA howe,er# you can buy an adapter card to add them. 0he laptop in the image does not ha,e a 5ireWire port.

'eriphera!s You Can Use in 9arious 'orts

4rinter

'rinters: A printer is a periphera! that is used to print# or produce# a ,ersion of what appears on the screen in a hardcop$ format. 0here are many types of printers a,ailable including ink-Get# laser-Get# and photo printers. Also# combination printers that include scanners and copiers are increasing in popularity. Scanners: A scanner allows you to cop$ an image or document and sa,e it in electronic form onto your computer. While you can purchase a hand-held and flatbed scanners# you are more likely to purchase a scanner as an all-in-one option

that combines a scanner# printer# and copier into one product. Fcanners ,ary in reso!ution# or sharpness# so when shopping for one# be sure to compare the resolution of the products. A scanner is connected to the computer ,ia a parallel port# a BF> port# or a F3F' connection. 9o matter which connection is used# the images are stored on your 432s hard dri,e in a digital format.

&eadphones Speakers:#eadphones: Speakers and headphones are output de,ices# which means that they are de,ices that communicate information from the computer to the user. 0hey allow you to hear sound and music. >oth speakers and headphones connect to a computerA howe,er# some computers are designed with speakers built into the monitor.

Microphones: A microphone is a type of input de,ice# or a de,ice that recei,es information from a user. .ou connect the microphone to the computer and use the computer to record sound or to communicate with another computer user ,ia the 'nternet. 1any computers come with built-in microphones.

Web 3amera Web Cameras: Web cameras# or web cams# are de,ices that connect to a computer and disp!a$ a ideo image of whate,er it is recording. 0his ,ideo image can be transmitted o,er the 'nternet# allowing a user in another location the ability to see the ,ideo in real-time. Web cameras are used often in business for ,ideo conferences# and are also a great tool for families to use to stay connected from different parts of the world.

.o$stick or Game Contro!!er: A Bo$stick is a le,er used while playing a computer game. Digita! Cameras: A digita! camera lets you capture a picture in digita! 1computer)readab!e2 "orm. .ou can transfer that image directly from the camera to the computer. When you use a digital camera# you can also pre,iew your pictures before printing them. 'f you don2t like what you see# you can edit or delete them.

4ersonal =igital Assistant 'ersona! Digita! /ssistant 1'D/2: A 4=A is a handhe!d computer that can ha,e a ,ariety of features including a calendar# 'nternet access# ,ideo recording# word processing# email access# phone# media player# and more. 1ost 4=As can be synchroni/ed with a 43 to allow up-to-date contact information stored on software such as 1icrosoft 7utlook# ?FF feeds# or other web updates.

M'C '!a$ers: An M'C p!a$er is a portab!e de ice that stores# organi/es# and p!a$s audio files. 0he player can read files that are recorded from a 3= using a computer# or downloaded from ,arious sites ,ia the 'nternet.

Cha!!enge*

5ind out what types of dri,es are on your computer :e.g# 3=-?71# =I=-?71;. 3ount the number is BF> 4orts there are on your computer.

What is (nside a Laptop Computer?

&a,e you e,er looked inside a desktop computer case before? 0here is a lot of e<tra room in there. 0hat is not true with laptops. Laptops are sma!!er# so there is less room for parts. 8,erything is smaller and grouped tightly together so it fits into the notebook-si/ed case. Laptop parts are basically the same as desktops# often Gust smaller. Let2s take a look.