Computer Software & Buying a Computer

Define an Operating System

A computer platform is commonly referred to as an operating system or OS. The platform of a computer controls all of the functions of a computer. The platform determines which applications can be used on a device.

How Much Storage Do You Need?

A computer's storage capacity refers to the size of the computer's hard drive. Most laptop computers have between 500 gigabyte to 1 terabyte hard drives. Most tablet computers have hard drive capacities of between 16 gigabytes to 256 gigabytes.

Optical Drives

A type of computer drive that writes and reads data using lasers. Optical drives work by rotating an inserted disc. The rotating disc is then read with a laser beam within the optical drive's read/write head.

Touchscreens

A type of display screen that is sensitive to the touch of a finger or stylus. Touchscreens are used for a variety of applications including ATMs, GPS, and point-of-sale terminals. Touchscreens are included in a variety of devices including phones, tablets, and laptops.

Android OS

Android OS is a Google product. Found in a variety of digital devices including phones and tablet computers, and laptops Chromebook computers also use the Android operating system.

Apps

App is short for computer application. Apps are basically the same thing as a computer program. Computer programs are a set of instructions designed to execute specific tasks. Apps run on phones, computers, or on the Internet.

Apple OS

Apple/Macintosh operating systems are designed and distributed by Apple Inc. and are known for being very easy to use. Apple operating systems are found in a variety of digital devices including phones, tablets, and laptops. Macintosh computers are the industry standard for photo editing, film/movie development, graphic design, etc.

Strengths of Android OS

Designed by Google, the Android operating system is the world's most popular operating system for phones and tablet computers. Because it is designed by Google, the Android OS works well with Gmail and other Google products.

Differentiating Computers

Differentiating computers is becoming increasingly difficult. Phones are getting larger, and some are nearly the size of tablets. Tablet computers now often come with keyboards. All-in-one computers function as extremely large tablet computers.

There are several questions to answer when choosing which computer to buy

Do you need a laptop, desktop, or an all-in-one computer? Do you need a phone or tablet computer? Determine how much you can afford. Do you need to use software that will only run on a specific OS?

Installing Windows 10

Downloading from the Internet Use your browser to find the program that you want to download, for example, you could use Internet Explorer to navigate to the Mozilla Firefox page. You can also install Windows 10 from a DVD or USB drive.

Reasons To Purchase An Optical Drive

If you like to watch DVDs or Blu-rays on your laptop, or if you like to be able to store files on DVDs, you may wish to choose a laptop that comes with an optical drive. You can always purchase an external DVD or Blu-ray drive and connect it to your device through a USB port.

Installing

Involves preparing a digital device for use. Installing refers to putting software on a digital device, or adding hardware components and drivers to a digital device. Installing software and hardware allows you to maximize your computer's productivity.

Linux OS

Linux is free and open-source software that can be used and modified by anyone for free. Linux is the most common OS on servers, mainframes and supercomputers. Linux is also the underlying OS for most video game consoles and embedded computers as well as the underlying software for the Android OS.

Weaknesses of Linux OS

Linux takes time and dedication to learn. There are some issues with program compatibility, making it difficult to run some programs when using Linux. There are many different companies that offer Linux-based OS.

Weaknesses of Apple OS

Mac computers are not as widely used and can only use Apple proprietary or licensed software. Apple devices tend to be more expensive. Mac OS X is not the best choice for gamers.

Strengths of Apple OS

Mac computers have a user friendly interface that has a reputation for being very intuitive. The Macintosh operating system is reliable and has relatively few viruses. Mac computers have an attractive design and are the industry standard for photo and video editing because of their outstanding graphics capabilities.

Weaknesses of Android OS

Many believe that the Apple iPhone operating system is easier to use. Applications on Android phones can be obtained easily and for free, but one of the consequences is the frequency of advertising while using the app.

Projective Capacitive Touchscreens

One of the most popular categories of touchscreens for laptops, tablets, and phones is the projective capacitive or touch sensitive screen. Projective capacitive screens use a grid sandwiched between two glass panels. Voltage is applied to the corners of the screen, and when a finger touches the screen, it draws a tiny amount of current. The controller computes the X-Y location from the change in capacitance at the touch points.

Strengths of Linux OS

Open source software that can be modified by users and is very secure. Free to download and use. Less susceptible to viruses.

Defining Computer Types

Phones are getting larger, and some are nearly the size of tablets. Tablet computers now often come with keyboards, making them look and work like laptop computers. All-in-one computers function as extremely large tablet computers.

Identifying System Software

Prior to uninstalling software, it's important to identify those programs that the computer needs to run correctly. These programs include the computer's operating system software and the drivers that run your computer's hardware. Use caution when uninstalling software that has been published by your computer's manufacturer or software that has been published by the manufacturer of the computer's operating system.

Applets

Small application programs that are often utility programs that perform less complex operational functions. Applets are commonly used to execute tasks in the Control Panel of Microsoft Windows.

Weaknesses of Windows OS

Some criticisms of Windows-based computers is that they are not as intuitive or as easy to use as Macintosh computers and that they are more prone to viruses and other computer problems than Macintosh computers.

System Preferences

System Preferences is the system management tool in the Macintosh operating system. System management tools allow you to change computer settings, manage tasks, install and uninstall programs and many other options.

Control Panel

The Control Panel is the system management tool in the Windows operating system. System management tools allow you to change computer settings, manage tasks, install and uninstall programs and many other options.

How Much RAM Do You Need?

The more you multitask (Facebook, working in Microsoft Excel, streaming music, running different programs), the more RAM you will need. Most computers today range from 8 GB - 16 GB of RAM. The more RAM a computer has, the higher the price of the computer.

Resolution

The number of pixels in a display device. Refers to the sharpness and clarity of an image. Screen resolution tells you how many pixels your screen can display horizontally and vertically. The more pixels the higher the resolution.

Uninstalling

Uninstalling means removing software from a computer. Manufacturers often install a significant amount of software on computers. You may want to uninstall some of this software if you don't need it. Removing unwanted software clears space from your computer's hard drive.

Utility Programs

Utility programs are included with both Mac and Windows operating systems. Utility programs perform maintenance type tasks including disk cleanup, file maintenance, file search, system backup and restore.

Other Considerations When Purchasing A New Computer

What is the advertised battery life of the device? How many USB ports does it have? Does it have an HDMI port? Does it have an SD card slot?

What Screen Size Do I Need?

When choosing the screen size that best suits your needs, it may be best to visit a local computer retailer and use your eyes to help you decide. If you plan on doing a lot of multitasking or watching videos, a larger display may be your best bet.

Describe Popular Computer Platforms

Windows OS - most common for personal computers Mac OS - used on Apple computers Android OS - most common phone OS iOS - Operating system used on iPhones

Describe Windows OS

Windows operating systems are used in a variety of Microsoft's digital devices including desktops, laptops, phones, and tablet computers. Windows 10 is the latest version of Windows. Windows is owned by Microsoft.

Strengths of Windows OS

Windows personal computers are by far the most popular computers in the world and are used by most businesses and government agencies. Because of their popularity, they have the most available software and often the best prices since there's more.