1. Understanding Computer Basics
In this chapter, you find out what components are in a typical computer system—what they are and how they work.
Exploring Different Types of PCs
Which Type of PC Should You Buy?
Setting Up Your New Computer System
What should you look for if you need a new computer? What are all those pieces and parts? And how do you connect everything together?
These are common questions for anyone just getting started out with a personal computer (PC)—whether a desktop, laptop (portable), all-in-one, or 2-in-1. Read on to learn more about the key components of a typical computer system—and how they all work together.
Examining Key Components
All computers do pretty much the same things, in pretty much the same ways. There are differences, however, in the capacities and capabilities of key components, which can affect how fast your computer operates. And when you’re shopping for a new PC, you need to keep these options in mind.
Hard Disk Drive
All computers feature some form of long-term storage for your documents, photos, music, and videos. On most desktop PCs and many laptop computers, this storage is in the form of an internal hard disk drive. This is a device that stores data magnetically, on multiple metallic platters—kind of like a high-tech electronic juke box.
Lettered Drives
All storage drives are assigned specific letters by Windows. On most systems, the main hard drive is called the c: drive. If you have a second hard drive, it will be the d: drive. Any external drives attached to your PC will pick up the lettering from there.
Most computers today come with very large hard drives, capable of storing just about anything you can imagine. While 1 terabyte (TB) is probably the most common size, you can find computers with hard drives from 500 gigabytes (GB) to 4 TB. The more hard disk storage the better, especially if you have lots of digital photos or videos to store.
Kilobytes, Megabytes, Gigabytes, and Terabytes
The most basic unit of digital storage is called a byte; a byte typically equals one character of text. One thousand bytes equal one kilobyte (KB). One thousand kilobytes, or one million bytes, equal one megabyte (MB). One thousand megabytes, or one billion bytes, equal one gigabyte (GB). One thousand gigabytes, or one trillion bytes, equal one terabyte (TB).
Solid-State Drive
Not all long-term storage is hard disk-based. Many of today’s laptop and 2-in-1 PCs (and an increasing number of desktop and all-in-one models) use solid-state drives instead of traditional hard disk storage.
A solid-state drive (SSD) has no moving parts. Instead, data is stored electronically on an integrated circuit. This type of storage is both lighter and faster than traditional hard disk storage; data stored on a solid-state drive can be accessed pretty much instantly. Plus, laptops and 2-in-1s with solid-state drives weigh considerably less than models with traditional hard drives.
The downside of solid-state storage is that it’s a little more expensive than hard drive storage. What this means is that you typically get a little less storage on an SSD than you would on a similar computer with a traditional hard drive—or you pay more for a computer with similarly sized SSD.
Memory
Hard disks and solid-state memory devices provide long-term storage for your data. Your computer also needs short-term storage to temporarily store documents as you’re working on them or photos you’re viewing.
This short-term storage is provided by your PC’s random access memory, or RAM. Most PCs today offer anywhere from 4 to 32 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. The more memory in your computer, the faster it operates.
Processor
The other major factor that affects the speed of your PC is its central processing unit (CPU) or processor. The more powerful your computer’s CPU, measured in terms of gigahertz (GHz), the faster your system runs.
Today’s CPUs often contain more than one processing unit. A dual-core CPU contains the equivalent of two processors in one unit and should be roughly twice as fast as a comparable single-core CPU; a quad-core CPU should be four times as fast as a single-core CPU.
System Unit
On a traditional desktop computer, the hard disk, memory, and CPU are contained within a separate system unit that also sports various connectors and ports for monitors and other devices. On an all-in-one desktop, the system unit is built in to the monitor display. On a laptop or 2-in-1 PC, the hard disk and other components are all part of the laptop itself.
Display
All computers today come with liquid crystal display (LCD) screens. The screen can be in an external monitor in desktop systems, combined with the system unit for all-in-one systems, or built into a laptop or 2-in-1 PC. Screens come in a variety of sizes, from 10” diagonal in small laptop PCs to 34” diagonal or more in larger desktop systems. Naturally, you should choose a screen size that’s easy for you to read.
Some LCD monitors, especially those on laptop and 2-in-1 PCs, offer touchscreen operation. With a touchscreen, you can perform many operations with the tap or swipe of a fingertip. Since touchscreen displays cost more than traditional displays, they’re typically not on lower-end models.
External Monitor for a Laptop PC
Most users are happy with the built-in display in their laptops and 2-in-1 PCs. If you prefer a larger display, however, it’s easy to connect an external LCD monitor to your laptop, via the laptop’s HDMI port.
Touchpads for Touchscreens
Some touchpads on laptop and 2-in-1 PCs let you emulate a touchscreen display. That is, you can perform similar touch gestures on one of these touchpads as you can on a touchscreen. (Learn more about touchpad input later in this chapter in the “Pointing Device” section.)
Keyboard
When it comes to typing letters, emails, and other documents, as well as posting updates to websites such as Facebook, you need an alphanumeric keyboard. On a desktop or all-in-one PC, the keyboard is an external component (called a peripheral); the keyboard is built in to all laptop and 2-in-1 PCs.
Computer keyboards include typical typewriter keys, as well as a set of so-called function keys (designated F1 through F12) aligned on the top row of the keyboard; these function keys provide one-touch access to many computer functions. For example, pressing the F1 key in many programs brings up the program’s help system.
Also, several keys that aren’t letters or numbers are used to perform general functions. For example, the Escape (Esc) key typically undoes the current action, the Backspace key deletes the previous character, and the Delete (Del) key deletes the current character. And, as I explain later in this book, there are also Windows and Menu keys that have specific functionality within the Windows operating system.
In addition, most external (and some laptop) keyboards have a separate numeric keypad, which makes it easier to enter numbers. There are also number keys beneath the function keys on all computer keyboards.
External Input on a Laptop PC
Even though laptop and 2-in-1 PCs come with built-in keyboards and touchpads, you can still connect external keyboards and mice (pointing devices) if you like, via the PC’s USB ports or wirelessly via Bluetooth technology. (Read more about USB ports later in this chapter in the “Connectors” section.) Some users prefer the feel of a full-size keyboard and mouse to the smaller versions included in their laptops.
Pointing Device
You use a pointing device of some sort to move the cursor from place to place on the computer screen. On a desktop PC, the pointing device of choice is called a mouse; it’s about the size of a bar of soap, and you make it work by rolling it across a hard surface, such as a desktop.
Most laptop PCs have a built-in pointing device called a touchpad. You move your fingers across the touchpad to move the cursor across the computer screen.
Both mice and touchpads have accompanying buttons that you click to perform various operations. Some devices include both left and right buttons; clicking the left button activates most common functions, whereas clicking the right button provides additional functionality in select situations.
Some touchpads don’t have discrete buttons. Instead, the lower part of the touchpad is designated as the button area; you tap on the lower-left quadrant to left-click, and tap on the lower-right quadrant to right-click.
Connectors
Every computer comes with a variety of connectors (called ports) to which you can connect external components (called peripherals), such as keyboards, printers, and the like. A number of different connectors are available, and not all computers offer the same assortment.
On today’s computers, the most common type of connector is called the universal serial bus, or USB. Most external devices connect to your computer via USB.
There are two different types of USB ports you might find on your PC. The most common is the larger USB Type-A connector that’s used to connect printers and other traditional peripherals. Some newer PCs also include the smaller USB Type-C connector, which is used to connect smartphones and other small peripherals.
Your computer also has one or more connectors for an external monitor. (Most laptops also have one of these connectors, even though they have built-in monitors.) In most new PCs, this is a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector, like the ones you have on your living room TV. Because HDMI transmits both video and audio, you can use this port to connect your computer to your living room TV. (HDMI is also used to connect Blu-ray players, cable boxes, and other devices to television sets.)
Finally, many computers have an Ethernet port to connect to wired home and office networks. Most PCs today also offer wireless network connectivity, via a technology called Wi-Fi. If your computer has Wi-Fi (and you have Wi-Fi at your location), you don’t have to connect via a cable.
Exploring Different Types of PCs
If you’re in the market for a new PC, you’ll find four general types available—traditional desktops, all-in-ones, traditional laptops, and 2-in-1s. All types of computers do pretty much the same thing, and they do it in similar ways; the differences between desktop and laptop computers are more about how they’re configured than how they perform.
Desktop PCs
The first general type of PC is the traditional desktop system. A desktop computer is designed to be used in one place. It’s a stationary computer rather than a portable one.
All desktop PCs have a separate keyboard and mouse to use for typing and navigating the screen. You also have a monitor, or computer screen, and a system unit that houses all the internal electronics for the entire system. You can store the system unit under your desk or in some other out-of-the-way place. (If you do place the system unit under your desk, make sure it has sufficient airflow to avoid overheating.)
For many users, the major advantage of a traditional desktop is the larger monitor screen, full-size keyboard, and separate mouse. It’s easier to read many documents on a larger desktop monitor, and most full-size keyboards also offer numeric keypads, which are easier for entering numbers when you’re doing online banking or budgeting. Many users find the separate mouse easier to use than the small touchpad found on most laptop PCs.
Monitor Screens
Most desktop computer monitors have screens that measure 19” to 24” diagonally. Most laptop PC screens measure 10” to 16” diagonally, so they’re considerably smaller than their desktop counterparts. However, an external large screen monitor can easily be connected to a laptop PC.
On the downside, a desktop PC isn’t portable; you have to leave it in one place in your home. In addition, a desktop system is a little more complicated to set up, with all its external components. What’s more, you’ll likely pay a little more for a desktop system than you will for a similarly configured laptop PC.
All-in-One PCs
An all-in-one desktop builds the system unit and speakers into the monitor for a more compact, space-saving system. Some all-in-one PCs feature touchscreen monitors, so you can control them by tapping and swiping the monitor screen.
A lot of folks like the easier setup (no system unit or speakers to connect) and smaller space requirements of all-in-one systems. The drawbacks to these all-in-one desktops are that you can’t upgrade internal components, and if one component goes bad, the whole system is out of commission. It’s a lot easier to replace a single component in a traditional desktop than the entire system of an all-in-one.
Laptop PCs
A laptop PC, sometimes called a notebook computer, combines all the components of a desktop system into a single unit with built-in screen, keyboard, and touchpad. Laptop PCs are not only small and lightweight, often less than four pounds, but also portable because they’re capable of operating from a built-in battery that can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours on a charge. (Naturally, a laptop PC can also be plugged in to a wall to use standard AC power.)
In addition, you can take a laptop PC just about anywhere. You can move your laptop to your living room or bedroom as you desire, and even take it with you when you’re traveling or use it in public places such as coffeehouses or airports.
On the downside, the typical laptop PC has a smaller screen than a desktop system, which can make it more difficult to view smaller items onscreen. In addition, the compact keyboard of a laptop model might be more difficult to type on. Most laptop PCs also use a small touchpad to navigate onscreen, as opposed to the larger mouse of a desktop system, which some people might find difficult to use. (You can always connect an external mouse to your laptop, as discussed later in this chapter.)
2-in-1 PCs
Many laptop computers today combine the features of a traditional laptop with those of a tablet. (Tablets are portable touchscreen devices, such as the Amazon Fire or Apple iPad devices.) These 2-in-1 PCs, as they’re called, typically let you swivel the display against the keyboard to emulate touchscreen tablet operation, or swivel the display the other way to let you use the device with the traditional keyboard.
A 2-in-1 is great if you need the functionality of a laptop PC and the portability of a tablet—even if they do cost a bit more than a normal laptop. Many users find the touchscreen operation particularly nice.
Which Type of PC Should You Buy?
Which type of PC you purchase depends on how and where you plan to use your new computer. Here are some recommendations:
If you need a larger screen, prefer a full-sized keyboard and mouse, and don’t need your computer to be portable, go with a desktop PC. Consider an all-in-one system for easier setup.
If you don’t want to bother with connecting cables and external devices, go with an all-in-one, laptop, or 2-in-1 PC.
If you want to use your computer in different rooms of your home, go with a laptop or 2-in-1 PC.
If you want to easily take your computer with you when you travel, go with a laptop or 2-in-1 PC.
If you want to use your PC as a tablet (with a touchscreen and no keyboard), go with a 2-in-1 PC.
Naturally, every person has his or her unique needs and preferences. Always try out a system in the store to see if it’s comfortable for you before making a purchase.
Setting Up Your New Computer System
After you purchase a new PC, you need to set up and connect all of the system’s hardware. As you might suspect, this is easier to do with a laptop PC than it is with a desktop system.
Hardware and Software
All the physical parts of your computer—the screen, the system unit, the keyboard, and so forth—are referred to as hardware. The programs, apps, and games you run on your computer are called software.
Set Up a Laptop or 2-in-1 PC
If you have a laptop PC, there isn’t much you need to connect; everything’s inside the case. Just connect your printer (and any other external peripherals, such as a mouse if you prefer to use one instead of a touchpad) via USB, plug your laptop into a power outlet, and you’re ready to go.
If you have any peripherals to connect, such as a printer, do so first. (Most peripherals connect via USB.)
Connect one end of your computer’s power cable to the power connector on the side or back of your laptop.
Connect the other end of the computer’s power cable to a power source and then connect any powered external peripherals to the same power source.
Use a Surge Suppressor
For extra protection, connect the power cable on your laptop or desktop system unit (as well as any powered external peripherals, such as a monitor and printer) to a power strip that incorporates a surge suppressor rather than plugging it directly into an electrical outlet. This protects your PC from power-line surges that can damage its delicate internal parts.
Set Up a Traditional Desktop PC
If you have a traditional desktop computer system, you need to connect all the pieces and parts to your computer’s system unit before powering it on. When all your peripherals are connected, you can connect your system unit to a power source.
Connect the mouse cable to a USB port on the back of your system unit.
Connect the keyboard cable to a USB port on the back of your system unit.
Connect an HDMI cable to the corresponding port on the back of your system unit. Make sure the other end is connected to your video monitor.
Connect the green phono cable from your main external speaker to the audio-out or sound-out connector on your system unit; connect the other end of the cable to the speaker. (Some external speakers connect via USB, which is even simpler; just connect the speaker cable to an open USB port on your system unit.)
Connect one end of your printer’s USB cable to a USB port on the back of your system unit; connect the other end of the cable to your printer. (If your printer connects wirelessly via Wi-Fi, skip this step.)
Connect one end of your computer’s power cable to the power connector on the back of your system unit.
Connect the other end of the power cable to a power source and then connect your printer, monitor, and any other powered external peripherals to the same power source.
Set Up an All-in-One PC
In an all-in-one desktop PC, the speakers and system unit are built in to the monitor, so there are fewer things to connect—just the mouse, keyboard, and any external peripherals, such as a printer. This makes for a much quicker and easier setup.
Connect the mouse cable to a USB port on the monitor.
Connect the keyboard cable to a USB port on the monitor.
Connect one end of your printer’s USB cable to a USB port on the monitor; connect the other end of the cable to your printer. (If your printer connects wirelessly via Wi-Fi, skip this step.)
Connect one end of your computer’s power cable to the power connector on the monitor.
Connect the other end of the power cable to a power source and then connect your printer and other powered external peripherals to the same power source.
