2. Understanding Data
Data (the plural of datum) are anything in a
form suitable for use with a computer.
Whatever a computer receives as an input is
data. Data are raw facts without any clear
meaning. Computers process data and
generate information.
All data stored and processed by computers
are in the form of whole numbers. The
purpose of the numbers becomes clear after
they are interpreted and displayed by
software.
3. Part of the data stored in the computer for the file apple.bmp
The apple.bmp File
6. Bits and Bytes
We measure computer information (data)
in bits and bytes. Bit is short for binary
digit. It is the smallest unit of information
that a computer can understand. One bit
represents a 1 or 0 digit in a binary
numeral or a true or false logical
condition. A bit is represented physically
by high or low voltage in a circuit or a
small magnetized spot on a disk.
7. Bits and Bytes
Byte is short for binary term. A byte usually
contains eight bits. It can represent a single
character, such as a letter, a digit, or a
punctuation mark.
Because a byte represents only a small amount
of information, we usually measure amounts of
computer memory and storage in
kilobytes (one kilobyte is 1024 bytes),
megabytes (one megabyte is 1048576 bytes),
gigabytes (one gigabyte is 1073741824 bytes).
17. Keep Your PC Cool
Buy Quality Hardware
Get Power Protection
Get an Anti-Virus Program
Scan for Other Malware
Run the Defragmenter Utility
Clean Up Old Files
18. HEALTHY COMPUTER USE
Make Yourself Comfortable
Put the computer directly in front of you when you work.
Make sure you have enough space to operate the different
parts of the computer (keyboard, mouse, etc.) easily.
Set your chair height so that the keyboard is at (or slightly
below) the level of your elbow.You should be able to
type comfortably with your shoulders relaxed.
19. HEALTHY COMPUTER USE
Make Yourself Comfortable
Set the back of your chair so that it supports the
lower part of your spine.
Sit straight so that your knees, hips, and elbows
are
at about 90 degree angles when you work. Do not
lean forward or back too far.
20. HEALTHY COMPUTER USE
Take a Break
Change your position often.
If you use a computer for a
long time, stand up and
stretch your wrists, hands,
and legs regularly.
Take frequent short breaks
(for example, two or three
minutes every half hour)
instead of one or two long
breaks.
21. BUYING A COMPUTER
Your Needs
Windows vs. Mac
Desktop vs. Laptop
Hardware
Software
Service, Support and Warranty
Editor's Notes
A clean computer runs faster and lasts longer.One of the most common causes of overheating is dust and dirt. So you needto keep your system clean, inside and out. This cleaning can be done with avacuum cleaner or a can of dust remover.
Flat screen monitors,however, require a bit of special care when cleaning. Their displays are muchmore sensitive and are easily scratched and damaged.
Use compressed air
Get out the compressed air and shoot the canned air at everything in yourcomputer. Pay special attention to the heatsink and fan on top of yourprocessor. This area collects a lot of dust. A vacuum may help suck out thedust while you knock it loose with the compressed air. If you choose to usea vacuum, be careful not to vacuum anything in your computer.
Malware, short for malicious software, is software used or created to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems.Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, adware, and other malicious programs