KnowThyComputer

Know Thy Computer!
This full day workshop will explain how a computer works from hard drive to printing. You will learn about the various parts of a computer and how they work together to perform so many tasks at such fast speeds. During the training, you will also gain an understanding of what to look for when shopping for a new computer and some basic troubleshooting skills every user should know. We will discuss operating systems, free resources you can use to help your computer run more efficiently.

Here's a quick video explanation of how the hardware of a computer all works together:

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[|Introduction Presentation] - on SlideShare.net

[|Atomic Learning Training] - includes training on over 170 different software applications for Mac and PC. It is similar to Safari Montage but all videos are technology training videos. Each video offered is less than 4 minutes (usually) and is a great way to get extra learning if you have a few moments of time. http://www.atomiclearning.com

The username is kerrville Password is learn

Login with that information and then click on Training Library (left link on blue bar), Technology Skills, and then select your language.

It will then list in alphabetical order all the software apps out there including Google Earth, Office 2007, SMART Boards, iTunes, etc.

If you go back up to the blue bar and click on Training Library, go to 21st Century Skills, Workshops and they offer specific training just on: Blogging, Wikis, PC Maintenance and Security; Podcasting, and Web 2.0 Tools

Resource Videos for How Things Work - provided by The Common Craft Show
 * [|Blogs] - A website where regular entries are made (such as in a journal or diary); offer commentary on particular topics; combine text, images, links, embedded media. One author usually with comments posted by viewers.
 * [|Computer Hardware >]
 * [|Computer Software]
 * [|Online Photo Sharing]
 * Open Source - Refers to software tools available with the source code open for anyone to study, change, and improve it as well as distribute the changed versions.
 * [|Phishing Scams]
 * [|Podcasting] - A method for distributing multimedia files such as audio and video over the Internet using RSS/Atom feeding tools. Podcasts can be played on computers or portable media devices.
 * [|RSS] - Web feed format for subscribing to specific information on the Internet that is "fed" to your computer or device
 * [|Social Bookmarking]
 * [|Social Media]
 * [|Social Networking]
 * [|Twitter]
 * [|Twitter Search]
 * Viral Video - Video content that gains notoriety quickly by getting shared quickly via the web
 * Web 2.0 - The "Read/Write" web which allows users to read sites and add content to them.
 * [|Web Search Strategies]
 * [|Wikis] - A type of website that allows users to add, remove, or edit content quickly and easily; can embed text, images, links, and embedded media. More than one author can edit and collaborate on content.
 * [|World Wide Web]

Walter Kronkite's report on the computer and the fears of computers in our personal lives (no date on this video)

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What we buy now: [|Dell GX760 desktop] What we are investigating: [|Dell Netbooks]; [|Dell Latitude Mini 10]; [|M&A Companion PC] [|Document Cameras] Projectors: [|Mitsubishi XL2550U] Classroom Projector ceiling mounted
 * KISD Technology NOW:**

Robust infrastructure; new ISP from 6 MBS to 20 MBS. Microsoft Office 2007 Software evaluation and inventory Online alert system [|High school student Live Drive and email] Individual student accounts Updated Acceptable Use Policy includes smartphones, voicemail, web presence
 * What's coming in the new year:**


 * Considerations**: EoY Course Testing; 1:1 computing; digital media streaming; Web 2.0 resources; NCLB: TCO & Energy savings

Motherboard - what everything plugs into Processor - the brain of the computer that processes the data Drive Controllers - controllers that sit between motherboard and drives Drivers - software that "drives" hardware Memory - the "short term" memory of the computer - the more you have the more windows you can open and work between windows with speed Hard Drive - the "long term" memory that stores the data on your computer Hardware - all the physical stuff of the computer Software - programs that run on the computer Bugs - basic design flaws built-in to software Patches - small fixes to bugs Updates - a version of software that incorporates several patches to fix flaws ([]) Upgrades - a completely new version of the software that includes all updates, more changes, enhancements....and its own variety of bugs (ie: Windows Vista is an upgrade to Windows XP)
 * Walk Thru Lesson: How Things Work with Computers: Parts**

1. Finds all hardware 2. Simple checks
 * What Happens When You Start a Computer: Process**

BIOS - Basic Input Output System - small software app that controls the startup process of a computer (Y2K problem a few years ago was about BIOS) POST - Power On Self Test - simple check to test memory, keyboard, mouse, drive controllers, and drives. It used to beep when a POST was done on startup. Plug n Play - No drivers required

[|Windows XP], [|Windows Vista], [|Windows 7], [|Mac OS Leopard & Snow Leopard], [|Linux], [|Ubuntu] The Future of the Operating System: [|BumpTop]; [|Surface]; [|Web OS]
 * Get to know the GUI (gooey): The Operating System**


 * Discussion: Difference between an Apple & a PC**


 * Troubleshooting Basics**

1. Shut down correctly 2. Run a system scan/defrag occasionally 3. Get a virus/malware/antispam/adware scanner that updates and scans weekly
 * Avoiding Startup Problems:**


 * Start with the most OBVIOUS suspect and then move on to the next suspect.**

1. When I hit the power button on my computer, nothing happens. 2. Each time I turn on my computer, there is a "Non-System Disk Error" on a black screen. 3. I can't get to the Internet for some reason. 4. My mouse isn't working right. It runs jagged across the screen. 5. I am trying to play a video but there is no sound. 6. I put a CD in my computer but it isn't recognizing it. I can't open it and it makes this strange whirring sound. 7. I can hear my computer on and its lights are flashing but there is nothing showing on my screen.
 * Problems and where to start:**

Strange things happening? Ask if the person installed new software, ran an update, or plugged in a new device.

REBOOTING a computer solves about 90% of all computer problems. Shut it down, count to 10 and restart. Still problems? Shut it down, unplug it and count to 20 seconds. 1. Shut down the computer and unplug it. Remember there is electricity flowing through everything. Safety first! 2. Static is not good so if you are working inside a computer's parts, get rid of static
 * If you are going to adjust hardware:**

Repair Standards: [|HB2833] and Patriot Act


 * File Formats**: doc, xls, ppt, pdf, dmb, xml, html, htm, exe, zip, csv, txt, docx, xlsx, pptx, jpg, gif, tiff, png, bmp, etc.

Versions of Office: Microsoft Office 97, 2000, 2003, 2004 (Mac), 2007, 2008 (Mac), [|LIVE] How does Web 2.0 apply to all these (and other) office tools? What does this mean for our student populations?

Web 2.0 Applied in **FREE Office Alternatives** [|SlideShare.net] [|Google Documents] [|VoiceThread] [|Adobe Buzzword] [|Slide Story] [|Slide Rocket]


 * Working Together - A brief understanding of networking**

Network is made of 2 or more connected computers that share data

Models: Mainframe & the dumb terminal; Client/Server; Web Based & Collaborative; Server-Based

Hardware: NIC, Cat 6, Hub, Switch, Router

Troubleshooting: 1. Check the NIC for lights 2. Check the Cat 6 3. Check the Hub for Power or the Switch if you can see it.

Most switches and routers are locked away so you can't get to them.


 * Email**

user is the joel.adkins information after the @ is the domain the user belongs to

SMTP - Simple Mail Transfer Protocol - Sends the mail POP3 - Post Office Protoco - receives the mail

Email and the Public Domain

Email attachments and viruses

Mailing Lists


 * DANGER: **

SPAM - unsolicited email messages offering products or services

Virus - malicious attack that causes damage to computers and networks

Trojan - malicious attack that comes in the form of something that doesn't look like it would harm you

Zombie - malicious attacks that look as if they come from addresses you know; it is a mimic

[|Delicious] - online social bookmarking [|StumbleUpon] - refers sites to me based on my interests [|Google Documents] - online office tools and collaboration [|Flickr] - online photo storage and sharing site iTunes [|A Feed Reader] [|Twitter] [|Google Earth] [|Wikis] [|A Professional Learning Network] - [|TCEA NING]
 * 10 Tools I can't live without:**