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
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5.1
1.3 Connection
Now that you understand what composes a computer and sets it up, you need a good Internet connection to get the most out of your device: surf the Internet, send emails, use applications, save your work on the cloud, or communicate.
But sometimes, it is not always easy to find your way around all the products on the market, and their uses are not always obvious to everyone.
In this section, we will simplify and explain the differences between all these technical terms.
What type of Internet service should you choose? This will depend on many factors: the internet provider and what it offers, or the area in which you live. Some areas have a good network (for example, fiber-optic) and others do not (for example, dial-up). To find out which option to choose, we advise you to check with your local authority to find out about your network coverage, as well as with various internet providers.
The most important factor in determining the quality of an internet connection is its speed, measured in Mbps (megabits per second). The higher the Mbps, the faster the internet connection. Depending on your needs, choose the option that suits you best!
What do you need to connect your computer to the Internet? Now that your internet connection is up and running, it’s time to connect your computer and/or your different devices.
– First of all, you need a modem. This is a hardware device used to establish a connection to the Internet. There are different models to suit your type of Internet service. Most of the time, your Internet Service Provider will give you directly a modem, which is included in your contract. This means that you don’t have to choose between the products available on the market.
– Then, you may probably need a router. This hardware device is used to connect different devices (computers, tablets, phones) to one Internet connection. You don’t have to buy a router, it is not necessarily necessary to establish an Internet connection (which is why we have used the term “may probably need”). It is also important to know that you can also directly connect your computer to your modem using an Ethernet cable.
What about Wi-Fi? This is a wireless network technology that sends data via Internet connections.
Hotspot: a hotspot is a tool connected to the Internet which is used for sharing the connection with several devices.