For those
of us who are new or beginning with computers we can take much
satisfaction
from the fact that they are supposed to resemble written works like
books, a
letter, posters, a card, photos, a report, schematics, and pictures.
Finding
some similarities between these and a computer is difficult but
attainable with
a little history and an account of not so recent modern improvements.
The
personal computer is a machine that has been programmed to operate and
be operated
a particular way ONLY. It is a machine and therefore does not recognize
mistakes or omissions unless programmed to do so.
One
operates a program on the computer and is always well informed of how
to do
this by usually very adequate documentation.
The
computer machine itself only facilitates the program contained or
installed on
that computer. It has things like a mouse or keyboard connected to it
to input
information.
It has a TV
display connected to it and speakers to give out information.
All
computers known as PCs are IBM engineered computers that deliver
domestic
capability and commercial opportunity. The MAC has always been leaning
to the
side of commercial use because the computer design itself is different
to the
IBM like a sand wedge is to a 3-wood.
The first
program one puts on a computer to be able to use
it for whatever program or purpose they want is one called an
Operating System (OS).
In the
80s-90s the OS was then called DOS and was a text or command type OS -
type in
that you want to open a picture and it opens it.
Next came a
more visual OS called Windows; it became the standard for PCs because
it most
closely represents the functions for operating a computer. The mouse is
essential for most to operate Windows.
The first
window is framed by your actual TV screen or computer monitor, it is
called the
screen. The second window on the screen is called the Desktop; it is
the actual
screen that the computer machine is arranged from.
The third
window is any window opened within the second window.
This representation
allows us closeness to written works.
What
requires imagination on your part is that these screens represent a
similarity
to a book. The book is maneuverable in a different way than a normal
book and
with a little prodding and poking around one can see where they are.
Everything
on a computer is arranged in a hierarchy, everything.
The most
generalized description for any function you can think of is on the
Desktop
with a little picture to attract attention to it, waiting for you to
enter it
to see what lies below or in it, which is always any specifics under
that
generalized description of a function – programs, storage
area, pictures, and
printings.
These are
the basics, they will give the non-familiar cats a chance at keeping it
real.
The key to
learning about computers and technology is to use a dictionary.
Find out
what the words mean and when you find you don’t know what the
second word meant
in the meaning of the first just start from the first one and keep
looking them
up because there aren’t that many and you will have spent
time on a much more
efficient way to learn anything.