COMPUTER LITERACY
Computer literacy is no doubt a must-have nowadays; we should know at least the difference between CPU (Central Processing Unit) and computer memory (RAM). We should at least know various mouse techniques – clicking, pressing, right-clicking, left-clicking, double-clicking, and triple-clicking. Not only should we know how to turn on the computer system (hardware, software, and firmware) but at least we should know the proper positioning of fingers on the keys at the PC keyboard. If you think you are an expert in Internet, then you should know these things – WWW, ISP, URL, LAN, Netscape! Well if you know what I am talking about, then you can consider yourself passing the novice stage of computer literacy, then if you know system analysis, system design, and you know what computer programming is, then you are without doubt not only computer literate but you are considered computer knowledgeable person and nearing computer expertise. But if the things mentioned above seems alien to you then I suggest you start learning by studying with the guidance of an expert in the field of computer. As they say, learn it from the master/s and you won’t be lost in the game of information technology (IT). Everyone picks up bits, bytes and pieces of information while using and working around computers. This can leave some pretty big gaps in your information landscape. The operating system is the master program that runs the computer behind the scenes while you work. It translates your instructions into actions by the machine. It also heads off conflicts between one part of the machine and another, making them all take turns. The most common operating systems are Windows, MacOS, and Unix. DOS is an older system that is now a small part of Windows.
The User Interface is what you see on the screen at the beginning. You can come back to this screen anytime you need it. Sometimes a part of it is always visible. The simplest user interface is a Command Line. The line is shown by a Prompt, some symbols that tell you where to type your commands (e.g. C:\windows> …); this is not so common today, but it is easy to use — if you remember the Commands. Since most people can’t remember a lot of commands or don’t want to be bothered, the alternative is a GUI, graphical user interface: a pretty set of little pictures called ‘icons’ with printed labels on them that appear on the screen to remind you of the commands. The Mouse is used to ‘click’ on an icon or label to issue a command. The most common commands are the ones to start new programs. The programs then give you more choices of specialized commands to edit text, draw pictures, access the internet, etc.
The Most Important Types of Application Programs are:
Word Processor — creates, reads, edits text files; sometimes can add pictures or tables Paint or Draw — creates, shows, and changes pictures and images; usually in color
Database — stores and organizes information, helps locate needed information
Spreadsheet — does simple math calculations, especially for businesses
Communications — helps connect to other computers by modem and telephone
Browser — connects to the Internet to show web pages
Email — write, read, send, receive, store, and organize electronic mail messages
Let’s have a basic computer test: Can you differentiate between RAM and ROM? How about CRT and LCD? Hmmm, how about desktop and tower system? Or notebook and book PC? What are the parts of file name? Do you know how to create your own folder on a Windows Operating System desktop? If it sounds alien to you, then come and study with us at TonisArt Graphics Computer Tutorial, not only will you learn but rather we will tutor you; just visit us at Room 401, 4/F Sunny House, 10-14 Li Yuen St West, Central, HK and call us at 2868-1106 or 9601-5995. We are waiting for your suggestion of a topic to be discussed. Even our readers from the jail are welcome to propose a subject related to ICT (Information and Communication Technology).
Author: Dennis Madlangbayan, TF Newsmag
*Published in True Friends Newsmag (October 2008 issue)
