book

Computing Fundamentals: Introduction to Computers

by Faithe Wempen

January 2015

Beginner

768 pages

21h 38m

English

Sybex

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What You Will LearnChapter FeaturesEnd-of-Chapter FeaturesOnline Features
Understanding Information SystemsIdentifying Computer TypesUnderstanding Software TypesComputer System ComponentsHow Computers CommunicateSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Understanding CPUsUnderstanding MemoryUnderstanding MotherboardsUnderstanding Power SuppliesTroubleshooting Common System Unit ProblemsSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Selecting and Using Input DevicesSelecting and Using Output DevicesChoosing Appropriate Storage DevicesTroubleshooting Common Input, Output, and Storage ProblemsSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Understanding System SoftwareComparing the Major Operating SystemsUnderstanding Device DriversUnderstanding Digital StorageSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
A Tour of Windows 8.1Starting Up and Shutting DownRunning ApplicationsManaging FilesSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Managing User AccountsUsing System UtilitiesTroubleshooting Common Windows ProblemsSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Business Productivity SoftwareGraphics SoftwareOther Types of SoftwareManaging Your ApplicationsSummaryKey TermsTest YourselfExplore More
Understanding the Office 2013 InterfaceUsing Basic Features of Office ApplicationsSaving, Opening, and Creating FilesPrinting and Sharing FilesSetting Application OptionsSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Editing and Formatting TextFormatting ParagraphsFormatting Documents and SectionsWorking with PicturesWorking with TablesCorrecting and CollaboratingSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Understanding the Excel InterfaceMoving Around in a WorksheetChanging the Structure of a WorksheetFormatting CellsEntering Formulas and FunctionsCreating ChartsWorking with Data TablesSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Understanding Access DatabasesCreating Databases and TablesCreating QueriesCreating Forms and ReportsSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Building a Basic PresentationFormatting a PresentationCreating and Inserting ContentApplying Transitions and AnimationsPresenting a Slide ShowSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Our Connected World: Communication SystemsWays of Classifying NetworksNetwork HardwareUnderstanding and Connecting to the InternetTroubleshooting Network and Internet ConnectionsSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Internet Communication TypesCommunicating AppropriatelyUsing and Managing EmailSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
How the Web WorksAccessing the Web with a BrowserUsing Web Search ToolsSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Network and Internet Security ConcernsNetwork and Internet Privacy ConcernsStrategies for Improving SecuritySummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Legal Issues in ComputingEthical Issues in ComputingHealth Issues in ComputingEnvironmental Issues in Computer DisposalSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Customizing the InterfaceChanging Location-Based SettingsSummaryKey TermsTest Yourself
Chapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12Chapter 13Chapter 14Chapter 15Chapter 16Chapter 17Appendix A
NUMERICS

Content preview from Computing Fundamentals: Introduction to Computers

Chapter 4 Operating System Basics

Learning objectives

Understand the types of operating systems available
Differentiate among the major desktop operating systems
Explain how device drivers work
Explain computer file storage concepts

Understanding System Software

Comparing the Major Operating Systems

Understanding Device Drivers

Understanding Digital Storage

When you think about using a computer, you probably think about performing some useful task with it, or playing a game. Behind the scenes, though, is the soft ware that keeps the computer running and responding to commands: the operating system (OS).

The operating system you use can make a big difference in how the computer behaves, how it respond to commands, what applications it can ...