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Learning the basics of computer hardware, networks and accessories is essential to working in this technology driven world. Get information on computer basics from a licensed computer technician in this free video series on computers.
There are 24 videos in this series:
Print contrast refers to the difference between dark tones and light tones on a printed document, which can be adjusted from the computer or the printer. Change the printer contrast by adjusting the color options in the advanced print settings with instructions from a certified computer technician in this free video on computer printers.
ISO, or the International Standards Organization, sets the standards for computer file formats related to images and files. Archive files onto a CD or optical disk as an ISO image with help from a certified computer technician in this free video on computers.
An S-Video cord adapter works by connecting an S-Video cord to a television in order to transmit video from a VCR. Connect a VCR to a television that doesn't have an S-Video cord input using an adapter and information from a certified computer technician in this free video on electronics.
A dual processor refers to a computer system that has two processors, which allows the computer to run more programs at the same time. Get a computer with a dual processor so that the computer will run faster and more efficiently using information from a certified computer technician in this free video on computer processors.
A laser mouse uses a laser light, as opposed to an LED or infrared light, to measure the movement of the computer mouse and transmit the data to the cursor on the screen. Learn about the difference between a laser mouse and an LED mouse, including information on precision, with tips from a certified computer technician in this free video on computers.
To create an expanded wallpaper picture for a computer desktop, right click on the desktop, go to "Properties", click on "Desktop" and change the position of the wallpaper to "Stretch". Change computer desktop pictures or photos from the standard centered position with information from a certified computer technician in this free video on computer wallpaper.
A boot sector is information loaded on a computer hard drive that gives commands to the computer explaining how to preform the functions to boot up starting programs. Discover how the boot sector is located on the very first ring of the hard drive code with information from a certified computer technician in this free video on computer hard drives.
A client computer is an individual computer that accesses the information and programs stored on a server as part of a network environment. Use drawing applications and storage areas on a server as a client computer with insight from a certified computer technician in this free video on computer networks.
On Mac laptops, an Internet browser called Safari is built in and designed by Macintosh in order to explore the Internet. Surf the Internet on a Mac laptop using a browser that works similarly to Internet Explorer with tips from a certified computer technician in this free video on computer browsers.
A DSL modem, or digital subscriber line, sends digital signals over telephone lines in order for users to access the Internet. Find out how DSL modems convert Internet signals and provide cable ports for a router or Ethernet cable with information from a certified computer technician in this free video on computers.
A network hub is used to connect computers together so that they can communicate with each other over the same cable. Set up a network hub by plugging in network cables from different computers using help from a certified computer technician in this free video on computer networks.
A computer router is used to take the data being transmitted between computers and make sure it gets routed to the right computer using a scheme called addressing. Connect a network of computers using a wired or wireless router with tips from a certified computer technician in this free video on computers.
When a laptop computer overheats, it can possibly turn off without any notice, causing lost information; it can also cause the processor memory to pop out and turn off. Allow a laptop room to vent heat from the battery by using a cooling unit attached to the bottom of the computer with information from a certified computer technician in this free video on laptop computers.
There are many laptop brands on the market, but many computer experts would recommend Macintosh laptops because they do not allow spyware or adware onto the system without user approval. Save time by avoiding PC laptops that can get infested with viruses using tips from a certified computer technician in this free video on laptops.
A good laptop for a college student is a Macintosh computer that is easy to use, will find an Internet connection when one is available and integrates well with other programs. Buy an Apple laptop, which has a battery life of three to four hours, with information from a certified computer technician in this free video on laptops.
CPU stands for central processing unit and is the main core of a computer where every command runs through and is routed to its appropriate location. Discover the different types of CPU's, or processors, available in different computers with information from a certified computer technician in this free video on computers.
RAM, or random access memory, is static memory that does not store information, but helps the memory operate quickly on a computer. Find out how RAM does not have moving parts and loses stored memory when the computer is turned off with insight from a certified computer technician in this free video on computers.
Protocol is a set of standards hard coded into a computer used to transmit data across wires or wirelessly in order to get information from one computer to another. Learn about the most common protocol used in computers around the world, called TCPIP, with information from a certified computer technician in this free video on computers.
An Ethernet card is a device that computers use to talk to a computer in another part of a network in order to transmit data across the wire or wirelessly. Learn how Ethernet cards come standard in most computers and rarely need maintenance with tips from a certified computer technician in this free video on computers.
A printer is a machine used by computers to print out documents on paper in order to have a physical copy of text documents, diagrams or photos. Find a printer that produces high-quality images, but may cost a lot to operate, with advice from a certified computer technician in this free video on computer printers.
A monitor, or computer screen, displays the information coming from a computer so that the user can see and work with that data. Discover how monitors are similar to television screens with information from a certified computer technician in this free video on computer monitors.
A flash drive is a small piece of equipment used to store and transfer information for computers using a USB. Use the USB end of a flash drive to store music, photos or other documents from a computer with information from a certified computer technician in this free video on computers.
A scanner takes a picture placed on the scanner screen and digitizes the information in order to present it on the computer screen for manipulation. Learn how to use a scanner, including sending images to different locations on a computer, with tips from a certified computer technician in this free video on computers.
A computer mouse is a device used to move around the computer screen in order to manipulate programs and objects on the computer. Use the different functions of a computer mouse by manipulating the buttons with help from a certified computer technician 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 licensed computer technician explains the basics of computer hardware and networking. Learn about computer monitors, the computer mouse, RAM, the hard drive and flash drives. Get information on routers and find out what happens when a laptop overheats. Find the best laptop for a college student and learn how network hubs work with help from a computer specialist in this free video series.
Jonathan Ayres Jonathan Ayres has more than 25 years of computer industry experience with all types of computer hardware and operating systems. Along with a Microsoft certification, he is also certified in all types of Dell equipment and EMC hardware. Ayers has also built and configured 20 supercomputers for major U.S. and European universities. Ayres is currently President & CEO of Networked for Success in Austin, Texas.dkdk
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