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Computers and laptops function similarly, but they have many important differences in their construction. Get answers to many common computer- and laptop-related questions with this free video series on computers.
There are 29 videos in this series:
To safely install a computer program, make sure to download it from a reputable source, research the program on the Internet to get user feedback and always have good anti-virus software running on the computer. Install a computer program safely, taking note of its location in the computer in case of any problems, with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Computer microphones either plug into the red microphone port or into the USB connection, and by opening a recording device, one is able to test the microphone's capability to register sound. Get a computer microphone to work, adjusting the levels to create the best sound amplification, with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Formatting a memory card involves putting it into a memory card reader, right clicking the drive and selecting either a FAT format, which is accessible by non-Windows operating systems, or a NTFS format, which is Microsoft's newest file system. Format a memory card on a computer, erasing it from the card simultaneously, with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Laptops are powered by a regular power cable, which charges the battery while plugged in, and they have an integrated keyboard with media buttons, and the touch pad acts as the mouse. Discover how the different components of a laptop help it to function with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
To make a graph in Microsoft Excel, first create a table with pieces of data, highlight the table and select a graph type under the "Charts" selection. Create a graph, whether it be a bar graph, line graph or pie graph, with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Making a histogram in Microsoft Excel is as simple as entering data into a spreadsheet, selecting the data and inserting a simple bar chart. Create a histogram from an Excel spreadsheet with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
To make a pivot table, open up Microsoft Excel, enter data into a spreadsheet, highlight all of the data and select "Pivot Table" from the "Insert" tab at the top of the screen. Create a pivot table, making sure to enter in the range of data and fields, with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
A line graph in Microsoft Excel is made by entering data into a spreadsheet, highlighting all of the data, clicking on the "Insert" tab and selecting "Charts" to find the line chart button. Create a line graph from a spreadsheet with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Making a graph in Microsoft Word requires finding the graph icon, selecting a graph type and editing the data in the spreadsheet that appears alongside the graph. Use Microsoft Word to create a line, bar or pie graph with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
To make a line graph in Microsoft Word, select the "Graph" icon under the "Insert" tab, select a line graph and enter in the data to the spreadsheet that opens up on the right. Create a line graph using Microsoft Word with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Making a data chart involves opening up Microsoft Excel, entering data into a spreadsheet, clicking the "Insert" tab and finding the type of chart desired, whether it be a line chart, bar chart or pie chart. Create a data chart from a spreadsheet with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Making a histogram requires opening Microsoft Excel, entering data into a spreadsheet, highlighting the data and finding the 2-D column icon under the "Insert" tab. Create a histogram from data in a spreadsheet with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
USB memory cards are essentially external hard drives in a very compact format, which can be plugged into a computer or laptop to transfer large amounts of information. Learn to use a USB memory card, which usually appears on the computer as drive E or F, with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Cleaning an LCD screen on a computer or laptop is best done using a soft anti-static microfiber cloth to gently wipe away fingerprints and dirt, being careful not to apply too much pressure to the screen. Wipe down an LCD screen using the right material with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Computer hard drives use magnetism to store data, and platters inside of the hard drive can spin up to 5,400, 7,200 and 10,000 revolutions per minute to read data. Discover how computer hard drives work with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
External hard drives plug into a computer, usually by USB connection, and can contain massive amounts of data separate from a computer's internal hard drive, which makes them great for backing up large amounts of work. Learn about external hard drives with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
A laptop works with a power cable, which is used to charge the battery, and the keyboard is integrated into the computer, using a touch pad as a mouse. Discover how a laptop works, and find out how to use its unique buttons and functions, with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Computers work by utilizing a motherboard, which does the majority of the processing and where external hardware is plugged in to, and a hard drive, which is a magnetic storage device. Discover the innards of a computer to find out how they work with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Deciding on a laptop requires considering the overall size of the laptop, which is generally dictated by the screen size, the weight of the laptop and the operating system that comes with it, whether it be Windows Vista or Macintosh. Consider a few key factors when picking out a laptop with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Knowing which laptop is the right choice requires considering the weight and sturdiness of the computer, the overall size and the operating system, whether it be Windows or Macintosh. Compare laptops to find the right machine for the job with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
An easy way to fix laptop overheating is to make sure it rests on a flat surface, make sure the internal fan is working properly and even spray a bit of compressed air into the vent to remove accumulated dust. Keep a laptop from overheating with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Making a new screen saver requires right-clicking the desktop, selecting "Personalize," clicking on "Screen Saver" and selecting a preloaded screen saver on the list or choosing an image folder. Change the screen saver, or use family photos as a slide show screen saver, with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Leaving a laptop on all the time is acceptable, so long as it remains plugged in to charge the battery and the top is closed periodically to put it into "sleep," "stand-by" or "low power" mode. Leave a laptop powered on for extended periods of time with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
A computer monitor, specifically an LCD monitor, works by pulsing electricity through liquid crystals, which then align themselves to allow light to pass through color filters, creating an image. Discover how an LCD monitor transfers images to the user with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
A CD is burned with a hot-powered laser that etches ridges and valleys into the glossy surface of the compact disc where information is stored. Discover how a CD is read by a computer or CD player with IT help from a software developer in this free video on computers.
Computers are complex machines built upon very simple principles. They perform arithmetical operations millions of times over to transform digital information moving at lightning speed into usable human data. A personal computer's job is to help a user create, manipulate, deliver, receive or delete media content. This is a simple, sterile definition that sounds uninteresting on the surface. Nevertheless, these fundamental functions mimic human ability in some surprising ways. Therefore, the computer is increasingly becoming an engine of the imagination, a platform for the digital life. In this free video series on computers, a software developer answers several laptop and computer questions. Find out how to make various graphs in both Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, and discover how to safely install a program onto a computer. Compare different laptop features, including screen size and processor speed, and choose the right laptop for the job. Use an external hard drive to back up work, and keep a laptop from overheating using compressed air. Use and care for a laptop using this helpful computer guide.
Dave Andrews Dave Andrews is a software developer with a business and Web site selling programs and other computer services in Franklin, Tenn. Having worked in the IT industry for more than 8 years, Andrews has an intimate understanding of computer technologies. He holds a degree in computer science from Middle Tennessee State University with a minor in mathematics. Andrews began working with computers when he was nine years old, programming BASIC on a Precomputer 2000. He now programs in C/C , Java, Microsoft .Net, ASP, Python and PHP and has written large, integrated program used by clients as large as state governments. Andrews is currently employed by a government IT department and enjoys the public service and constant challenge that such a position provides.dkdk
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