Computers
Getting Started
First Steps with the Computer. Start the Computer. To turn the computer on - Ensure that all cables are plugged securely into the rear of the machine. Locate the power switch and turn the computer on. After a few seconds, you should see something on the screen. If not, ensure that the monitor is switched on.
To set your power button to shut down the computer with one touch follow the details in Windows 7 - below
To turn the computer off - Save any files, you may have been working on. Close any open applications (programs). Use the Shut Down (accessed via the Start button) command to close down the system.
When you touch the button (off on button) to shut down - your computer may ask you to save work or close a program - this is to ensure that you don't lose your work or set of web pages you have open. After saving your work it will continue to shut down correctly.
Other options are available to a total shutdown
Stand by: Places your computer in power saving
stand by mode. To re-awaken your computer simply press a key or move the
mouse.
Restart the computer? Saves any unsaved data to disk and totally restarts
the system.
The Power On System Test (POST)
When you first switch on your PC, you will notice that information is displayed on your screen. Look carefully and you will see information displayed, briefly, on the screen relating to the amount of video (graphics) memory installed, the total amount of main memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), as well as information about the CPU (Central Processing Unit). This information is displayed before your Windows operating system loads and forms part of a simple check that the PC is in working order, before loading the operating system (i.e. Windows). This information is displayed using a special chip within your computer called the ROM-BIOS (Read Only Memory, Basic Input Output System). The test that the ROM-BIOS performs is often called the POST (Power On System Test or Power On Self Test). It also gets l your computer hardware ready for action.
What is an operating system? An operating system (such as Microsoft Windows) acts as a link between you and your computer hardware. Ultimately your computer works using binary signals (i.e. 1s and 0s). The operating system means that you do not have to work directly with binary arithmetic. Using Windows means that you do not have to worry how the computer works, you do not need to be a computer expert. You can concentrate on using your computer simply as a tool to help get your tasks done quicker and with less effort.
What is RAM? When you load Windows into memory, it is these RAM chips that you are loading Windows into. When you load an application program. It is these RAM chips that you are loading the programs into. To see how much memory you have on your PC. These chips are often physically arranged in rows on a small board, which in turn clips onto the system board. These boards are often referred to as RAM. (Random Access Memory)
What is a CPU? The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is responsible for all calculations performed within the PC. It determines how fast the PC will run and what systems will run on it. Additionally, it gets involved in a host of other activities, such as overseeing the transfer of data from the hard disk into RAM. An example of a CPU is the Intel Pentium CPU.
Windows 7 and XP - To view your “system properties”· Right click on the My Computer to display a popup menu. select and click Properties from the popup menu - as below in Windows 7
