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UNIT 1
What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic machine capable of solving problems by processing or
manipulating information according to instructions that have been given to it.

When we say processing or manipulating, we mean that information is changed in some way. If
we have typed in a list of employees into the computer, and we want to alphabetize the list, the
act of placing the names in alphabetical sequence is considered as processing.

Electronically all computers work pretty much the same way. Even though there are several
categories of computers, we will concentrate only on the Microcomputers in this tutorial
(commonly known as "Personal Computers").

There are four basic categories of computers:

Microcomputer (PC) A small desktop or laptop. Common desktop PCs are

Gateway 2000, IBM Dell, Micronics, etc. Common LAPTOPs are Toshiba, IBM
ThinkPad, etc. Their cost as new devices may range from $600.00 to around
$5000.00.

Minicomputers. Mid-size computers, non-portable types. Common

minicomputers are DEC Vax/750 models. They often appear as mainframes.
They are gradually disappearing from the marketplace.

Mainframe Computers. These are large computers, often occupying a large

room. They are generally used by banks, universities, and some government
functions such as IRS, etc. They lost sales during the 1980-1991 era, but were
predicted to regain some leverage in 1993 and 1994. They may continue to
lose ground with the advent of some smaller computers such as the Zenith Z-
Server, DEC AlphaServer, and other multi-CPU products housed in small
cabinets.

Supercomputers. The most powerful computers. They are very fast, and have
extremely high storage capacity, probably in the terra byte range. Used in
research, weather forecasting, modeling or simulations, etc.
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UNIT 2
What Can A Computer Do
For Me???

Computers can be used to do many things that help us at work and at home. For example
computers can:

 Store Personal Information - Allow us to provide our own information such as typing
invoice information into a spreadsheet program (input).
 Type Letters - Allow us to type letters, books, or whatever else you would normally do on a
type writer (Word Processing).
 Design Charts - Provide us the ability to design fancy charts for presentations, birthday
cards, building designs, etc. (graphical programs).
 E-Mail - Allow us the opportunity to send and receive electronic mail, (E-Mail) Fax
documents, and connect to information services.
 Manage Budgets- Allow us to manage budgets, financial forecasts, etc (electronic
spreadsheets).
 Play Games - Allow us to play Games, use an electronic telephone roll-o-dex, use
calculators, Keep index cards for notes, play music CDs, etc. (Accessory Programs).

As you can see the list of possibilities is endless. A computers use is limited only to your
imagination. Some of the advantages of computers are:

 Accuracy - Additionally - computers are more accurate than people can be. Computers
remember your work (storage on a floppy disk) exactly as you typed it by making a master
copy of your letter or document. When you need to change your letter you can have the
computer recall or reload the master. This saves you a lot of time since you don't have to
retype the letter or document.
 Saving Time - Computers also save time by automating repetitive tasks such as typing
several hundred form letters. A computer can print these letters in a matter of hours. It
would take a person several days to accomplish the same task. While the letters are
printing you would have time to accomplish other duties such as going to meetings, or
talking with customers.
 Steady Work - Computers don't get bored like people do. This makes them ideal for
accuracy when they are assigned repetitive tasks. Once a computer is told how to do
something, it can do that task indefinitely without making numerous mistakes.
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UNIT 3

The History of Computers

Computers have been around for a long time In fact one of the first computers developed was
the Chinese Abacus.

The Abacus was developed many centuries ago and, is still in use in
many parts of the world today.

While the Abacus does not look like the computers we use today, the
common link between the two is they are both computing devices. In
each case there is a certain feel and flow to the logic that directs their
activities.

The electronic computing age began with development of the Electronic Numerical Intergrater
And Computer (ENIAC) in 1946.

However, ENIAC was not the first computer ever developed. Some of the first developments in
computers were:

 Pascal Adding Machine - During the 1600's the Pascal adding machine was developed. This
was a mechanical device that laid the groundwork for today's odometers and gas meters.
 The Difference Engine - In modern times Charles Babbage is considered as the "Father of
Computing." Mr. Babbage was the chief designer/inventor of a calculator called the "Difference
Engine" developed during the late 1800's. Babbage also developed the "Analytical Engine" which
was a machine capable of performing more complex calculations than his previous invention.
 Tabulating Machines - The 1800's also saw many machines such as weaving looms
developed that were controlled by punched cards With this in mind, a man by the name of
Herman Hollerith developed a sorting and tabulating machine that was able to process
information using 80 column punched cards. This card was known later as the common "IBM
Card." > The theoretical basis for electronic circuitry was also developed during"gb this time.
 The First Electronic Computer - Was developed in 1942 at Iowa State College. From this
point forth there were many firsts as computers became less mechanical, smaller, faster and
cheaper. Some of the key advances have been:
 1948 - Bell Labs engineers John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley invented
the transistor or semiconductor. This was one of the most important inventions of our time. The
transistor, called a solid state switch, replaced the vacuum tube. This allowed the start of the
miniaturization trend that still prevails today. Some of the key advantages of the transistor were:
o Used much less power than vacuum tubes.
o Much smaller than vacuum tubes.
o Circuits made with transistors worked faster.
o Costs much less to manufacture.
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 1959 - Texas Instruments engineers invent the Intergrated Circuit (IC). This was a
semiconductor circuit that connected more than on transistor on the same base. By contrast the
first Intel Pentium processor chip contained more than 6 million transistors.
 1969 - Intel corp developed the 1K bit memory chip. This chip stored 128 byte of data (1
byte=8bits). As a result, a Japanese firm ask Intel to design 12 logic chips, each with different
function for their calculators. Instead Intel designed a chip that incorporated all 12 designs into
one chip. They also included built in instructions that allowed the chip to function in many
different circuit board designs.
 1971 - Intel develops the first microprocessor. Intel developed the 4044 which was a 4-bit
processor. This chip could process 4-bits of data at a time.
 1972 - Intel developed the 8008 which was a 8-bit processor. This chip could process 8-bits
of data at a time.
 1980 - The breakthrough in engineering, brought on by the development of the Z80 micro chip,
allowed companies like Zenith, Commadore, and Radio Shack (Tandy Corporation) to introduce some of the
first desktop computers designed for use by the general public. These machines ran very slow (1.4 Mhz) and
had a memory limit of 64,000 characters.
 1981 - IBM Corporation developed and marketed the first IBM PC. This system was based
on the 8088 processor chip. This chip could process two characters at a time but could transfer
only 1 character at a time to an output device. The speed of the processor was considerably
faster than its predecessor (4Mhz).
 January 1983 - Apple releases the Lisa, one of the first microcomputers with a graphical
user interface. With unreliable hardware and an average price tag of $10,000, the Lisa is a failure,
but it spawns the more affordable Macintosh a year later. The Lisa and the Mac offer what DOS
devotees derisively call the WIMP (windows, icons, mice, pointers) interface, as well as folders
and long filenames--features that begin to come to Windows with Version 2.0. Some are not fully
implemented until Windows 95.
 1983-1984 - Toward the last part of 1983 IBM developed and marketed the IBM 80286 AT
computer. This system was based on the Intel 80286 processor chip. The 80286 could process
two characters at a time and could transfer two characters at a time to an output device. This chip
could access up to 16 million characters of memory.
 1986 to present - Since 1986 we have seen processor chips developed such as the 80386,
80486, and the Pentium. Each of these chips have provided major increases to the computing
power and speed of personal computers.

During the years prior to 1980 the desk top microcomputer (Personal Computer ) was not
available for use by the average employee.

Computers at that time were large, room filling, electronic machines that were found mainly in
major office buildings or military locations. Most of our work was accomplished by using
manual methods.

Since IBM developed the first micro computers in 1981, we have seen a major change in the role
computers play in our lives. When you think about it, microcomputers influence just about every
aspect of our lives.

When we go to the grocery store, bank, or gas station, our purchases are controlled by
microcomputers. Over the last few years microcomputers have become so commonplace that
we find they have invaded the office environment.
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Gone are the days of simple office equipment like typewriters and adding machines. Nearly
every employee now has a computer on or near their desk. The microcomputer can do
everything these devices can and more.

In today's information oriented world, knowledge of computers has become absolutely essential.

If we have not had the opportunity to learn about the personal computer, we find ourselves with
little chance of advancement in the work place.

In fact, we can't even be productive at our jobs without a basic knowledge of PCs.

Without a basic understanding of what is happening inside a computer, a user can not identify
and correct even the simplest problems.

This can be very frustrating for the user who can't do their work until someone comes and helps.
It can also be very frustrating to the local computer whiz who is tasked with repair of these
systems.
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UNIT 4

How Do Computers Work?

The main purpose of a modern computer is to automatically

process information. For many centuries the act of recording
information was accomplished by using manual methods.
Ancient civilizations used stone or clay tablets to store information. Once written,
they had to re-write everything on a new tablet to make changes. Even in more modern
times this was still true.
Up until the 1980s, if we wanted to change the wording on a paper or the contents
of a list, we had to retype the whole thing. With the advent of computers, changing
written information became much easer.
The fact is that personal computers were developed to increase the ease and
speed of processing information. This section is devoted to how information is
processed in the modern PC
Processing Information Several separate actions can happen to information as its
processed in a computer.

1. Input ; Information is typed into the computer (it is input or added to a program).

 let us say you need to distribute several copies of the list of all employees within
your office or activity.

 You could type their names into a database program or word processor.

2. Making Changes Information is changed according to instructions given to the

computer.

 Let us say that you needed this list in a certain format such as alphabetical or by
rank.
 You would then give the computer instructions to sort the list. (This is called
processing).

3. Printing Information is printed in many different forms (this is the output).

 Lets say you now needed 10 copies of the list of names to distribute to each
employee.
 Instructions would be given to the computer to provide the copies on your printer.

3. Storing Information is saved by the computer or program for future use (this is
storage).

 Let say that now you would like to be able to update and print this list in the future
as needed.
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 You would then give instructions to the computer to save this list in a file that
could be accessed later. B>

The Absolute Basics

Computers operate using electrical current to represent "states" in the computer. The
most basic state is "ON" or "OFF".
For simplicity's sake we will say:

- The "ON" state is represented by a positive voltage. (usually 4.5 volts)

- The "OFF" state is represented by a negative voltage (usually 0 volts or a
voltage negative to the "ON" voltage.)

The "state" we are talking about is not whether the computer is on or off. Instead we are
talking about whether a "bit" (a binary digit) is on or off. This concept is much the same
as an electric light.

- If the switch is on, the light is receiving approximately 110 volts.

- If the switch is off, the light is receiving 0 volts, and you are in the dark.
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UNIT 5

Fear of Computers

Even though computers seem to be commonplace, the majority of people don't

realize the impact to their lives. Once they start understanding how much computers
control their every day routine they can develop a fear of these devices.
Some people seem to have a fear of learning computers. They get extremely
nervous because they think they may do something to harm the computer, or have to
pay for something.
With all the talk about how complex computers are, some think they are too
stupid to learn.
If you share any of these feelings, you are not alone. Many people feel the same
way when they first start using computers.
As you study this course you will find the above statements are not really valid.
Fear is usually generated by a lack of knowledge.
In other words, people are afraid of things they do not know or understand.
We feel a good basic understanding of computers can go a long way in removing
any apprehensions or fears you may have. The question is, how do you overcome your
fears?
Well, when you think about it, there are several actions that you yourself can take.

Identify Your Fears - The first step is to try and identify what your fears are. some of the
most common feelings people have are:

 "Computers scare me because they seem to complex to learn."

o While it is true that most computers are very complex, the average user
does not need to know everything about the computer to use it effectively.
You must realize that you are already using computers. As an example,
when you use an ATM Machine, a library catalog machine, a calculator, or a
digital stereo system you are using a computer.
 I am afraid that I will destroy the computer or someone else's work, because I just
don't know any thing about them.
o Nobody wants to be labeled a fool or break an expensive computer. Yes it is
possible to destroy someone else's work, but only if you open their file to
change the data. If you use common sense and don't try to do something
you are not sure about, you will be okay.
 If this thing stops working, I will not be able to find out what's wrong.
o In most cases, when the computer stops working it is not the user's
responsibility. As you gain more experience you will be able to tell whether
a problem is caused by you or the equipment.
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Realizing your fears is the next step. - We realize no one wants to break an expensive
piece of equipment, but as long as you use common sense "YOU CAN'T BREAK A
COMPUTER!" Don't be afraid to experiment, hands-on experience is sometimes the best
way to learn

 Keep in mind, that you will run into problems-- as we all

do, where it appears as though your computer has gone on
strike. Well, to tell the truth, sometimes it does just that! And
sometimes it's just "Operator Head Space" that causes the
problem.
 A computer is simply a "mirror image" of our own
intelligence. So, if you type a command the wrong way, the
computer will not understand it. (the computer will just sit
there looking at YOU, and say to itself "you want me to do
what?!!!)

The bottom line is, you will never be a so called expert, there are no "experts", Only
people who think they are "experts". In many ways a self described "expert" is more
dangerous to a computer than the average user.

Gain More Knowledge - Just gaining more knowledge about computers can do a lot to
ease your fears. As you learn you will gain more confidence, as you gain more
confidence you will find it easier to use a computer.

 It was once stated "Computer literacy is but 25 words away." What we are trying
to illustrate here is that if you become familiar with the terms associated with
computers, learning to operate these machines will become easier.

Practice - You have heard the saying "Practice makes perfect." Well.... the same applies
here. Sitting down in front of your computer and working with different programs will
help you to feel more confident with your skills.
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UNIT 6

Communicating with
the Computer
In order for us to communicate with our computers, we must have a way of providing
information to the computer and a way of receiving information from the computer.

 When the first computers were developed, we had to communicate with them by
reading and interpreting a row of lights to understand information provided by the
computer.
 We gave the computer information (Programs and data) by manipulating rows of
switches in a certain coded format. In modern times, there are several devices
available to accomplish the same tasks that are much easier to use.

Since then, the way we communicate with computers has improved tremendously.
Sweeping changes to computers and operating software have made it much easier to
input and extract information.
Since 1986 we have seen processor chips developed such as the 80386, 80486, and
the Pentium. Each of these chips has provided major increases to the computing power
and the ease of communication with personal computers

Storage Devices - One of the methods we use in modern times is to input stored data or
programs from several different types of storage devices.

In an office environment people use their computers to create, edit, review, and organize
paper documents. (Example - Letters, reports, etc.)

When we want to permanently store this type information for future use, we can use
these storage devices. Unlike the electronic memory in computers (RAM), storage
devices store data permanently.

Most computers have at least two or more devices capable of storing data permanently.
These devices use magnetic encoding as a storage method. Some of these devices are:

 Floppy Disks - Flexible removable storage disks.

 Hard Disks - Non-removable high capacity storage disks.
 Magnetic Tapes - Removable Cassette tapes similar to music tapes.

How is data Stored?

How is data stored? Data is stored on these devices one character at a time. Each
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character (letter, number, or special graphic) of information is stored in an encoded

format called the American Standard Code For Information Interchange or (ASCII). The
ASCII coded character is broken down as follows:

 One (1) character = (1) Byte of data.

 One (1) Byte = 8 electronic components called bits.
 One (1) Kilobyte = 1,024 Bytes (referred to as 1K)
 One (1) Megabyte = 1,024,000 (1024k) bytes (referred to as 1MB)

As a letter created by you is saved to one of these storage devices, each character is
written one bit at a time. Each bit of a character in the ASCII code is turned either on or
off (like a light bulb) in a specific pattern to form the code. The capacity or number of
bytes that can be written to it before the device is full determines the size of a storage
device.

Input devices - Input devices are the parts of the computer that directly react with the
outside world. Input devices are used to put data into the computer. They are basically
the same as the senses (eyes, Nose, ears, etc.) you use to feed information into your
brain

Output devices - Output devices also directly react with the outside world. Output
devices are used to get data from the computer. The chart below shows a breakdown of
some of the more common hardware devices found in the average computer.
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UNIT 7

The Basic PC
One of the most common sources of confusion to beginners is understanding just
exactly what hardware is.

In normal computer terms, all physical computer equipment is considered "Hardware"

and all computer programs are known as "Software."

Therefore we can say that Hardware is the physical electrical and electronic parts of
your computer.

This includes physical equipment such as electronic, magnetic, and mechanical devices
(monitor, keyboard, printer, micro chip boards, etc.).

Where the confusion usually comes in is when people are loading software on their
computer. A lot of people consider Floppy Disks and their contents as hardware
because the programs they are loading are stored on the disk.

This of course, is not true. Floppy disks are hardware components. The programs or
files stored on the disk are considered as software.

As we said before, a Personal Computer (PC) is a computer in a small cabinet or case

(above illustration), that is sized to fit on a desk. It can be in different cabinet
configurations such as a mini-tower, tower, laptop, desktop, etc.

Figure one below shows some of the basic parts found on an average computer system.
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Hardware Categories - Hardware Components are usually separated into four categories.

The Control device - The control device or Central processing Unit (CPU) is internal to
the computer and not directly accessed by the user.

The Memory device- The memory device otherwise know as RAM chips is also internal
to the computer and is not directly accessed by the user.

Input devices - Input devices are the parts of the computer that directly react with the
outside world. Input devices are used to put data into the computer. They are basically
the same as the senses (eyes, Nose, ears, etc.) you use to feed information into your
brain.

Output devices -Output devices also directly react with the outside world. Output
devices are used to get data from the computer. The chart below shows a breakdown of
some of the more common hardware devices found in the average computer.

General System Design - All external components are tied together by groups of
interconnecting cables. Internal components are tied together by groups of
interconnecting wires called the computer Bus. The BUS provides a way for information
to flow between the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and all other components inside of
the computer.

External Devices The following links deal with external devices common to personal
computers. This also includes the external case of the system unit.
The External Case The Keyboard

Modems. The Video Monitor

The Mouse. Printers.

Laptop Computers
The configuration of a LAPTOP PC (below) is designed to be lightweight and portable.
Its devices are streamlined versions of those devices in a desktop. Each manufacturer
differs in where they locate the devices on the laptop, but most are convenient for the
user.
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Some laptops contain a CD-ROM drive located below the keyboard. Some LAPTOPs
have been developed than are "hardened", and can take a drop of approximately 8 feet
without errors. Caution: don't try with yours!
Additional PC components found on laptops may include:

 Audio System.
 Network Interface Cards
 Special Video interfaces.
 Joysticks
 PCMCIA Card Drive/Slot

Modern PCs on the market today are normally shipped with the following hardware
configurations. Keep in mind that these basic components and will not satisfy all users.

Basic Components

 A Monitor - Usually 15 to 17 inch

 A Keyboard - Usually the standard 101 keyboard
 A Printer - Printers are usually purchased separately but some manufacturers
include them in special deals.
 A CD-ROM Drive - usually 40x or higher
 A Mouse
 A Floppy Drive - Usually 1 3-1/2 inch drive

For those Power Users that simple have to have the latest assessorial or enhancements:

 MODEM A must for Internet Access.

 Sound Card to play all your cool Music CDs and install the latest programs.
 Video Camera - these are great for the World Wide Web
 Zip or Jaz Drive A little extra storage capacity
 Scanner - If you work with graphic these are a must.

The External Case

Before we discuss internal components, we should take a closer look at
the outside of the system unit. There are a number of features that we
need to be aware of.

Foot Print - One of the Buzz words you will hear about a computer case is
the "footprint." This term refers to the actual space required to set a
computer on your desk. It also refers to the size of the internal
components. Smaller case styles tend to be more difficult and time
consuming to repair or upgrade.

Proprietary Components - Some manufactures also tend to use their own external
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connectors that are available only from the seller. This tends to drive the cost of upgrades or
replacement of defective components upwards.

Case Styles
There are two basic styles of computer cases available on the market today. Computer
manufacturers employ design consultants to make the computer look better, faster, and more
impressive.

The two basic type are:

Desk Top Case (Full) - This machine is made to rest in a flat position on a desk or table
top. This is the classic or original style of the Pc.

The Tower Case- These machines are made to rest in a vertical position on the floor or
between shelves. This models footprint is much smaller.

Front Panel Indicators - When you look at the front of your computer for the first time,
chances are that you will be a little overwhelmed by the number of buttons, lights,
symbols, and switches.

Depending on the design of the computer you will see different combinations of
features and indicators. Some of the more common features you will see Include:

 Power Indicator - Every computer will have one of these. It is a small Light
Emitting Diode (LED) that illuminates when the power switch is turned on. The
most common symbol for this indicator is the light bulb located next to the light.
 Disk Access Light - The disk access light is a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that is
connected to your hard drive. The light will appear to flash as your computer
goes to the Hard disk to get data. In this way you can tell if the system is
actually using the hard drive. The common symbol is a can or drum located near
the LED.
 Turbo Speed Indicator - Many of the older computers had a feature called the
"Turbo Option". This title is misleading as in some computers the use of this
switch actually slows down the computer. The purpose of this switch was to
actually slow down the speed the CPU is operating at. Many of the older
programs were written in such a way as to work well with slower CPUs. As an
example some of the computer games like Pinball or Tennis are written with a
specific speed in mind. If the computer speed is not slowed down when playing
these older games, you would not be able to keep up with the ball.
 The Reset Button- Turning the power off and then on again is called a "Cold
Boot." When this is accomplished, everything in your computer is reset to its
original condition. Some manufacturers provide a reset switch that will re
initialize the system without sending the normal power surge associated with
turning on the power switch.

The Rear of the Case

When you look at the rear of your computer for the first time, chances are that you will
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be just as overwhelmed and confused by the number of connectors and switches. This
is especially true when you consider most manufacturers do not label all connectors.
Depending on the design of the computer and the expansion boards installed, you will
see many different combinations connectors on the back.

 On/Off Switch - The on/off switch does more than turn the computer on and off.
It also acts as a circuit breaker just like the ones in your house. This switch
provides protection from high voltage and current. Not all computer cases have
the on/off switch on the back. Some are found on the side of the case. Tower
systems have the switch on the front of the case.
 Power Input - The power supply plugs into standard house wall outlets (115 Va).
Many people use power strips that provide additional surge protection and allow
you to plug all your components into one source with a single switch.
 110-220 Switch (115/230) - As you may know, standard house current is not the
same world-wide. In the US we use 110-115 volt, 60 cycle current. In Europe they
use 220 volt, 50 cycle current. Most computer power supplies can handle both
types but you must set the switch on the power supply to the correct voltage.
 Ports - A port is a connection where the computer can be attached to an
external device.

For instance, there may be ports for your printer, MODEM keyboard and
monitor. You will notice a series of covered vertical slots on the back of your
computer. These slots provide access to expansion cards or ports attached to
the motherboard inside the computer. Each of these cards or ports will have a
specific type connector.

o Keyboard Port- All computers have a keyboard port. There are two types
of keyboard connectors currently in use. The older PC, XT, and AT style
computer used a large 5 pin DIN plug. Most of the modern computers are
using the much smaller IBM PS2 style connector..
o Bus Mouse - The older PC, XT, and AT style computer used serial port
connections for mice. The majority of newer system now have what is
called a "Bus Mouse." These mice use a mini 6 pin DIN and connect
directly to the bus on the motherboard.
o Video Port - The video port is the connection between the video controller
and the monitor. There are two basic connectors. A nine pin connector for
black and white, CGA, and EGA screens and a 15 pin for VGA screens.
o Serial Ports - Serial ports are standard input/output connections. They
use either a 25 pin or 9 pin male connector. Devices such as a serial
mouse can be connected to these ports.
o Parallel Ports - Almost every personal computer made today will have at
least one parallel port. These ports are used to connect your printer. The
connector on the computer will always be a 25 pin female connector.
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UNIT 8
Mac vs. PC

The Mac vs. PC debate is one of the most controversial topics when talking about computers.
This page is meant to give a comparison between Apple Macintosh computers and a PC
running Microsoft Windows. It should be used to help educate users looking to buy a new
computer and not as a method of declaring the best of the two. You should base your buying
decision on what you believe works best for you.
Topic

Mac PC
Compared to a PC running Windows, Apple Macintosh computers Many people today are using computers running some
Security

are less vulnerable to viruses and other malware. However, viruses version of Microsoft Windows, which makes it a large target

are beginning to target Apple computers due to the lack of for attackers. Windows computers are very susceptible to

experience that manufacturers have when it comes to fighting viruses and malware, especially if not protected by

viruses on the Mac operating system. an antivirus program.

Although many people may argue "you get what you pay for," The vast majority of PC's and their peripherals today are

when compared to a PC, an Apple computer, its peripherals, cheaper and more affordable when compared to a new Apple
Price

upgrades, and repairs are often more expensive than a PC. Macintosh computer.

However, Apple computers are usually built pretty well, with

quality components.

The Apple Macintosh operating system is often a much cleaner, Although Microsoft has improved its operating system with
Operating System

faster performing, and more stable operating system than all Windows 7 and Windows 10, many PC manufacturers still

versions of Microsoft Windows. bundlebloatware with their computers. With this extra

software and drivers from dozens of manufacturers, the

Windows operating system can be slower in performance

and less stable.

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The available software options for an Apple computer are greatly More people are using and developing software for PC's

increasing, with many software titles that are exclusive to Apple, running Windows, which means there is a larger selection of
Software

as well as many that also run on Microsoft Windows. However, software available for Windows. There is also an almost

there are still more software programs available for Windows endless supply of 100% free programs, some that run on

computers, largely due to the higher number of Windows Apple computers, but the majority of which run on Windows

computers on the market. Through the use of Boot Camp, an computers only.

Apple user can run Windows and many of its programs.

The Apple Macintosh computer is often built with a lot better To help keep the overall costs low, some PC manufacturers

materials when compared to most PC's. build their computers from plastics and other cheaper
Quality

materials when compared to a Mac. However, there are also

PC manufacturers who meet and sometimes exceed the

quality of Apple computers and Apple still does use plastic

in some of its products.

Today, Apple computers have many more options available to PC's are available in almost any imaginable configuration,

choose from, compared to even a few years ago. However, there color, size, etc. If you can think of something that is not
Options

are still more options for Windows computers, due largely to the available, someone could likely build it for you.

sheer variety of components available for Windows computers.

Many of these components also work with Apple computers,

though.

Apple computers can often boot faster than a PC, due to excellent PC's running Windows and built with hardware designed by
Boot time

operating system coding and the efficient hardware for fast boot dozens of different companies usually have slower boot

times. times. However, with the newest version of Windows and

more efficient hardware, PC boot times can be just as fast as

an Apple computer.

Apple computers are being built with more interchangeable parts, Just about every part of a PC can be upgraded. Also, because
Upgrades

making them easier to upgrade than they used to be. However, of openness and competition between hardware vendors,

PC's are still often more upgradeable than Apple computers. Also, parts are usually cheaper and more readily available for the

upgradeable parts for Apple computers can be more expensive PC.

than equivalent parts in a PC.

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Much of the hardware and drivers are developed by Apple. PC's use hardware from dozens of manufacturers and use

Because of this, you are less likely to encounter driver related dozens of different drivers. Therefore, it is more likely you
Drivers

issues. will encounter driver issues. Although with the latest version

of Windows, Microsoft has resolved many of the driver

issues that plagued previous versions.

Although many (but not all) game developers release games for both The PC is king when it comes to games and online gaming.
Gaming

the Mac and PC, most of them still release their games and updates to Many of the more popular computer games are released for

the PC first. In some cases, you may have to wait years for a game to the PC first.

be released for a Mac if it ever releases.

Many of the new MacBooks and other Apple products are starting to Although PC laptops can be more difficult to repair than

use glue to hold components inside the computer in place. Glue can desktop computers, their components are often easier and
Repair

make repair difficult and expensive. cheaper to repair or replace than those in a MacBook or

Apple computer. Note: Some of the newer PC laptops are

also starting to glue parts as they become thinner.

There has not yet been an Apple computer (not including their PC's are the only computers you can purchase that have
Touch

iPhones or iPads) that have touch abilities. touch screen capabilities.

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UNIT 9
Mac vs. PC

(to be prepared by students themselves)

Basic Software/s for:
Microsoft Windows MAC
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