Course Content
1. Hardware and Software
This section will deal with computers (and other peripherals) and their components. It is imperative that we understand what constitutes a computer in order to understand how to work with them. Understanding the parts that make up a computer will lead to an understanding of how a computer works as a whole. In this section, we will "demystify" the inner workings of a computer, which we usually don't fully understand. Once you have deconstructed the inside of the computer in its entirety, you will feel more confident to continue your quest for digital skills because you will understand the so-called "tangible" parts of the machine and will be able to better locate the different operations on one's computer or other devices. This section will not deal with the inner workings of all the different electronic devices that exist (smartphones, tablets, games consoles etc.) as there are too many of them. However, they all have very similar components and functions to a computer. In this section, we will introduce the basics of hardware and software as well as the basics of connectivity.
2. The basics of problem-solving
This part deals with the basic tasks to be done with a computer to avoid issues or to solve basic problems we can encounter when using a computer: searching for space (disk) on the computer, making sure the computer's software is updated… These topics combined will enable you to use the computer independently and with confidence.
3. Business Tool: Microsoft Office
How can we talk about the basics of ICT without mentioning the Microsoft Office Suite! Microsoft Office is a set of office applications tools. It can be used on a computer, tablet or mobile. Among these tools, it offers several possibilities, each with its own use and particularities: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Note or Outlook. This software allows you to work faster and more efficiently on your business tasks and to improve your own documents. In the field of “office” tools, Microsoft Office is the must-have suite for most companies or home users, even if we have to pay for it. However, there are other free alternatives such as Open Office (including LibreOffice) which can also be a solution for beginners. But, later on, using this free option may create compatibility problems between certain document formats. In addition, the functions are limited compared to Microsoft Office. The Google collaborative tool (GoogleDoc, GoogleSheet…) is also one of those free alternatives that can be a good compromise between the two. By the way, if you want to know more about this last tool, it will be developed in another module!
Final Quiz
References
-
5.1
1.1 Hardware
A personal computer (PC) is a multi-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use.
Despite the complicated words surrounding computers, what makes a computer is actually quite simple. If you were to open a computer tower or laptop and look inside, you would be surprised at the simplicity that characterises even the most complex computers. Let’s take a look at what your computer looks like in everyday life:
Hardware of a desktop
Source: https://jooinn.com/img/get
Hardware of a laptop
Source: https://guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/1OyxnZn5xQIDeBOG.huge
What you see in both images is the internal architecture of a computer (desktop or laptop) but don’t worry, these different parts are not as complex as they may seem. Here is a list and details of the main and most important components:
- Case: The case is the architecture or skeleton in which all the components of the computer will sit. Mainly on the back and front of the case (but can also be present on the top and bottom) for the tower and on the bottom under the keyboard for a laptop, you can find several bays or grills: these are ventilation grills.
- Fans: On the ventilation grills that you can find in the case, you will find fans. Once a fan(s) is installed in these locations, it will cool down the components that get hot during operation. The hot air stored inside the case is then evacuated by the fan(s) through the ventilation grids.
- Power supply/Battery: For a Desktop computer, the power supply often goes hand in hand with the case. It is responsible for the supply of electrical power and is measured in watts. It comes in the form of a box and has internal fans. Make sure that your desktop computer is always connected to an outlet so that you can use it. For a laptop, it is the battery that provides the power source for the computer. A smaller power supply, which is not directly integrated into the case and can be carried around, will recharge the battery when plugged in.
- Processor (CPU = Central Processing Unit): The processor or CPU is the thinking head of your computer. The more powerful it is, the faster the information is processed! Its computing units are called “cores”. There are processors with two, four, six or even 64 cores. Its efficiency also depends on its frequency, expressed in gigahertz (GHz).
- Motherboard: If the processor is the “brain” of the computer, this part is the “backbone” of the computer. The motherboard is the base on which all the elements fit together. It houses all the components of your computer and determines its possibilities of evolution. Depending on the number of slots it has, you can later add memory bars, change the processor or integrate a graphics card… It also embeds the chipset, which is responsible for transmitting information between the components and the computer. It has various additional options, such as Wi-Fi cards, sound…
- RAM (Random Access Memory): RAM is the memory that is accessed while programs are running. While you are working, it stores all the temporary data that makes it responsive! The larger the RAM, the more responsive your PC is and the more programs it can run at the same time. It is measured in gigabytes (GB). It is important to note that RAM is a temporary memory, if you shut down your computer the RAM will be lost or emptied. We can compare RAM to the short-term memory of a human.
- Storage/Hard disk: It is a large and permanent storage space that is used to hold data on a computer, such as operating system files, photos, videos, software etc. When needed, the data is automatically transferred by the computer from the hard disk to the RAM for use by the processor. Unlike RAM, this data does not disappear when the computer is switched off. We can compare the Storage memory or hard disk to the long-term memory of a human.
- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): It is responsible for the display of all graphic elements: games, but also photos, videos and software… It is sometimes called a video card. It can sometimes be directly integrated into the processor if the chosen computer is not designed to perform complex graphic tasks.
Ports: The ports are located on the back or front of the computer, or on either side of a laptop, and allow you to connect various external devices to your computer.
By external, we mean any type of device that is not part of the hardware already present in the computer itself. These peripherals can be, for example, a mouse, a USB key, a gaming controller, an external hard drive, a headset…
Different ports on a computer
Source: https://www.hardware-corner.net/guides/guide-to-computer-ports-and-connectors/
- PS/2 = special port on a desktop computer used for connecting old computer keyboard and mouse.
- USB (Universal Serial Bus) = Can connect all kinds of external USB devices (external hard disk, mouse, keyboard, webcam, printer…). USB port can be used to transfer data, act as an interface for peripherals and even act as a power supply for devices connected to it. There are a minimum of 2 ports provided on most desktops and laptops.
- USB type C: it is the latest specification of the USB and is a reversible connector supposed to replace the older version of USB ports.
- VGA (Video Graphic Array) = Can be found in many computers, projectors, video cards and TVs. VGA port is the main interface between computers and older monitors.
- Display port = Display Port is a digital display interface with optional multiple channel audio and other forms of data. Display Port is developed with an aim of replacing VGA as the main interface between a computer and monitor.
- HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) = HDMI is a digital interface to connect High Definition and Ultra High Definition devices like Computer monitors, HDTVs, Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles, etc.
- RJ-45/Ethernet: To help connect your computer to the Internet and communicate with other computers or networking devices.
- Audio ports: Audio ports are used to connect speakers or other audio output devices to the computer. The audio signals can be either analogue or digital and depending on this, the port and its corresponding connector will differ.
One of the first choices you’ll have to make in your digital journey as an entrepreneur is: laptop or desktop? This will depend on how you will use it as well as your budget. Check out or listen to this article to help you make your choice!