Computer Basics
Designed and Programmed by
Miao Tianshun
David_miao@sohu.com
Miaots@th.btbu.edu.cn
Contents
• Computer Types • Storage
• Applications • Computer to Computer
• Input
• Processing • System Software
• Programming
• Output
APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS
An application is another word for a
program running on the computer.
Whether or not it is a good application
depends on how well it performs the
tasks it is designed to do and how easy
it is for the user to use, which involves
the user interface- the way the user tells
the software what to do and how the
computer displays information and
options to the user.
APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS
User Interface Browser
Word Processing Email
Spreadsheet Project Management
Database PIM
Graphics Integrated & Suites
Presentations Quiz
Communications
APPLICATIONS
USER-INTERFACE
• Text Interface
• Graphical Interface
APPLICATIONS
Text Interface
A text interface was all that was
available in the beginning. The example
to the right is of PKZIP, which squashes
files into smaller size to save you space.
Notice in the center the command you
would have to type to use this program.
An actual command line would look
something like:
c:\>pkzip c:\myfiles\newfile.zip
c:\docs\report14.doc
APPLICATIONS
Text Interface
A text-based interface means
typing in all the commands. If you mis-
type, you have to backspace to your
error, which erases what you already
typed. It's hard to have fun this way!
Add-on programs were written, of
course, so you could edit what was
typed - to the joy of all who had to work
with long command lines.
Modern text interfaces have lots of
cool shortcuts and features. But you
still have to spell and type well.
APPLICATIONS
USER-INTERFACE
Improvements arrived with the
addition of menus and the use of the
arrow keys to move around the screen.
This is much better than having to type
in all the commands.
The example to the right is of a
bulletin board communications
program.
APPLICATIONS
Graphical Interface
A graphical user interface (GUI -
sometimes pronounced GOO-ee) uses
pictures to make it easier for the user.
It is more user friendly.
The example below is from
Windows 95/98. The use of drop-down
menus, windows, buttons, and icons
was first successfully marketed by
Apple on the Macintosh computer.
These ideas are now as standard for
graphical interfaces as door knobs are
for doors.
APPLICATIONS
Graphical Interface
Common features of a graphical interface:
window menu button icon
APPLICATIONS
Word Processing
There are many different kinds of
applications, all with lots of spiffy features.
Word processing is the application that is
used most often and most widely. We will
start with it to learn about the terms and
features that are common to most
applications, as well as some that are
specific to word processing. Then we will
look at other major applications and what
they do. Major word processors include
Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, and Lotus
WordPro.
APPLICATIONS
Word Processing
Word processing is the most used
computer application!
It has replaced the typewriter as the
main way words are put on paper.
Documents can be revised and
corrected before they are ever printed. An
existing document can be used as a
template, or pattern, for a new one. So the
user doesn't have to recreate standard
documents from scratch each time. This is a
major time-saver and helps keep things
consistent.
APPLICATIONS
Word Processing
Purpose:
To produce documents
Main advantage:
Can easily change what has been
done
APPLICATIONS
Word Processing
Steps to produce a document:
•Create
•Edit
•Format
•Print
•Save (often!!)
APPLICATIONS
Create
You create a document when you enter text.
Features/Terms:
•Word wrap •Undo
•Cursor •Insert
•Enter text •Delete
•Scrolling •Search
•Select •Replace
•Edit •Template
•Cut •Thesaurus
•Copy •Spelling check
•Paste •Grammar check
APPLICATIONS
Word Wrap
automatically wrapping
the text to the next line so it all
fits within the screen's width
APPLICATIONS
Cursor
symbol for where text will
appear like:
APPLICATIONS
Enter text
type new text
APPLICATIONS
Scrolling
moving document around
within window
APPLICATIONS
Select
Highlight text, usually by
dragging. Commands and
keystroke combinations will
apply to the selected material.
APPLICATIONS
Edit
make changes
APPLICATIONS
Cut
remove selection from
document and store
temporarily on the Clipboard,
which is a section of computer
memory. The Windows
Clipboard can hold only one
thing at a time. The Office
Clipboard from Office XP can
hold many items.
APPLICATIONS
Copy
duplicate selection onto
Clipboard
APPLICATIONS
Paste
place Clipboard contents at
cursor location
APPLICATIONS
Undo
reverses whatever change
you just made
Some programs will only
"undo" the last change.
Others keep a list and can
undo more, depending on how
many changes you have
chosen to track.
APPLICATIONS
Insert
add text at location
without overwriting existing
text
APPLICATIONS
Delete
remove text (not saved
anywhere)
APPLICATIONS
Search
look for specific word(s)
or character(s)
APPLICATIONS
Replace
can replace specific
word(s) or character(s)
with stated text
APPLICATIONS
Template
a document that serves as
a pattern for a new document
APPLICATIONS
Thesaurus
looks for synonyms for
selected word
APPLICATIONS
Spelling check
looks for spelling errors
APPLICATIONS
Grammar check
looks for grammar/style
errors (of limited help)
APPLICATIONS
Do it!
Would you like to play
around with the basic word
processing skills?
Try the Do It! practice
page. Both versions will open
in a new window.
APPLICATIONS
Format
Borders/shading
Once a document has been created,
Typeface
orPoint size Headers/footers
during the process, you arrange how it
will look by selectingStyle sheets
Font the kind of letters
Columns
and their sizes and colors, how much
Margins
Justification Tables
space is left and where, how things line
Graphics
up. This is formatting the document.
Spacing
APPLICATIONS
Typeface
set of characters of similar
design like:
APPLICATIONS
Point size
1
one point = /72 of an inch like:
12 pt 18 pt 24 pt 36 pt
APPLICATIONS
Font
combo of typeface & point
size, includes styles such as
BOLD, italics, underline
APPLICATIONS
Margins
space at the page borders
APPLICATIONS
Justification
Left center right full
APPLICATIONS
Spacing
space between letters and
lines
APPLICATIONS
Borders/shading
lines around
table/page;
background
color
APPLICATIONS
Headers/footers
info to repeat
on each page
APPLICATIONS
Style sheets
saved sets of formats to reuse
APPLICATIONS
Columns
columns of text side by side
as in a newspaper
APPLICATIONS
Tables
items listed in rows and columns
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
pictures and charts
APPLICATIONS
Print
When a document is finished,
it may be printed onto paper.
Features/Terms:
Choose number of copies/pages to print
Choose Orientation:
Portrait Landscape
Print Preview shows you how it will look in
print
APPLICATIONS
Desktop Publishing (DTP)
High-end word processors can do
much of what a desktop publishing
program does. The difference between
them has become a bit blurred.
For professional publications a
desktop publishing programs gives
the precise control needed and also
advanced capacities such as
preparing four-color separations for
printing.
APPLICATIONS
Purpose
To prepare documents with
graphics with precise control of
the layout
Major Advantages:
Ability to place text and
graphics precisely on page
Ability to chain sections
together like newspaper columns
Advanced tools for professional
work
APPLICATIONS
Features/Terms:
•Layout
•Clip art
•WYSIWYG
•separations
APPLICATIONS
Features/Terms:
Layout - arranging text and graphics
Clip art - pre-drawn pictures to add to page
WYSIWYG - What You See Is What You Get
pronounced "wiz-e-wig"
how page displays on screen is the same as how
it prints
separations- For full color in high quality
printing, the paper goes through the printing
press 4 times, once for each of the colors cyan,
magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK color
system). The print shop must create separate
versions of your document, called separations,
for each color.
APPLICATIONS
Spreadsheet
A spreadsheet is the
application of choice for most
documents that organize
numbers, like budgets,
financial statements, grade
sheets, and sales records.
Some popular spread-
sheets include MS Excel, Lotus
1-2-3, and Quattro Pro.
APPLICATIONS
Spreadsheet
Purpose:
Organizing numbers
Major Advantages:
Can calculate for you using
formulas
Auto-update of related
numbers when data changes
Can display data in graphs
and charts
APPLICATIONS
Spreadsheet
Features/Terms:
rows & columns Creates a grid
APPLICATIONS
Spreadsheet
Features/Terms:
cell Intersection of row and
column. Can contain text or
numbers.
APPLICATIONS
Spreadsheet
Features/Terms:
Formula Calculates value to put
in cell, like a total, an average,
interest, etc.
=SUM(C21:C45)
=Average(B3:W394)
=.095*LoanTotal
APPLICATIONS
Spreadsheet
Features/Terms:
Chart Graphical representation
of the data
APPLICATIONS
Do It!
Would you like to see a spreadsheet at
work?
You can open an actual spreadsheet by
clicking one of the icons in the first row
below. Depending on your software, you will
either get an Excel window or the spreadsheet
will open in a new browser window which
will have new toolbars and menu commands.
If you do not have the software to actually
open the spreadsheet, use the second set of
links to open images that show how a
spreadsheet looks. The images also open in a
new window.
APPLICATIONS
Spreadsheet
A spreadsheet is the
application of choice for most
documents that organize
numbers, like budgets,
financial statements, grade
sheets, and sales records.
Some popular spread-
sheets include MS Excel, Lotus
1-2-3, and Quattro Pro.
APPLICATIONS
Spreadsheet
A spreadsheet is the
application of choice for most
documents that organize
numbers, like budgets,
financial statements, grade
sheets, and sales records.
Some popular spread-
sheets include MS Excel, Lotus
1-2-3, and Quattro Pro.
APPLICATIONS
Database
A database is a collection of
data that you want to
manage, rearrange, and add
to later. Some popular
databases include MS Access,
dBase, FoxPro, Paradox,
Approach, and Oracle.
APPLICATIONS
Database
Purpose:
Managing data
Major Advantages:
Can change way data is
sorted and displayed
APPLICATIONS
Database
Features/Terms:
1. A flat database contains
3. A relational database
2. A query can filter your
contains tables which ones
files which contain records
records to show just the are
that meet certain criteria or to
linked together. Each table
which contain fields
contains records which
arrange them in a particular
contain fields.
APPLICATIONS
Database
A relational database
APPLICATIONS
Database
A QUERY
APPLICATIONS
TYPES OF DATABASES
1. Flat database
2.text database
3.spreadsheet
4.Relational database
5.Queries
APPLICATIONS
Flat database
Advantages:
Easy to set up
The earliest and simplest
Easy to are flat
databases understand
Disadvantages:
databases. A flat database
May require entering thefor
may still be all you need same
information in many records.
your purpose.
A text database is hard to read.
A single record in a spreadsheet
database may not fit across the
screen.
APPLICATIONS
TEXT DATABASE
A text database is a plain text
file where the fields are
separated by a particular
character like a vertical bar |
or a comma , or a semi-colon ; .
APPLICATIONS
SPREADSHEET
A spreadsheet can work as a
flat database. Each field is in a
separate column and each
row is a single record.
APPLICATIONS
Relational database
Microsoft Access and Oracle
and other relational databases
are more advanced and more
efficient. This kind of database
uses a set of tables which are
linked together.
APPLICATIONS
Advantages:
Reduces the duplication in data entry.
Faster searches.
Can create forms and reports that
display only the data you want to see.
Can create queries to answer questions
that are hard or impossible to answer in
flat databases.
Disadvantages:
Can be complex to set up, using many tables.
It is harder to understand how all the parts
relate to each other.
APPLICATIONS
Queries
You often want to look at just part
of the data in a database. You can
reorder or filter your data using
Structural Query Language
(SQL). You might want a list of
people who have a particular
postal code, for example. Happily
there are visual methods you can
use to create your query.
APPLICATIONS
Queries
The actual SQL code for this query
looks a lot different from the
Design view above! No wonder a
drag-and-drop method was
created!
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
Graphics
Graphics programs deal with
pictures, either static or moving,
flat or 3D. There are an amazing
number of different formats for
images in the world and no one
program can handle them all.
Purpose:
To create and edit images
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
Adobe Photoshop is the most
widely used graphics program for
professionals. PaintShopPro is
popular because it offers most of
Photoshop's features at a lower
cost and with a friendlier
interface. There are many other
programs. Some specialize in
handling photographs or
animations or creating logos.
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
Paint
programs work with
pictures on a pixel-by-
pixel basis, where a
pixel is the smallest dot
on the screen. Such
programs handle
photographs and most
clipart. MS Paint is this
type of program.
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
Advantages:
Control over each dot in
the picture
Disadvantages:
Angled lines are jagged
stair steps, especially if
enlarged
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
Drawing programs, on the
other hand, define images in
terms of vectors, that is,
equations that describe
geometric shapes.
Fortunately, the user doesn't
have to do the math! Drawing
objects in MS Office are
vector images.
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
Advantages:
• Does not get as fuzzy or
jagged when the size is changed.
• The file size is smaller.
(For the web, the original vector picture
had to be converted to a bitmap format.)
Disadvantages:
Can't change the color of a
dot in the middle of a shape.
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
Animation and video programs
put a set of still pictures into a
sequence. When the sequence of
images is run, the change from
one picture to the next fools the
eye into seeing motion. This is
how movies and television work.
An individual image in an
animation is called a cel. (Yes,
there is just one l in that word!)
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
The animation of eyes above was made
with just 2 cels. The animation below
from Microsoft GIF Animator takes 56
cels!
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
bitmap image Brush
vector image handles
animation fill
Pixel cel
Palette
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
bitmap （位图）
Brush画笔毛刷
Vector（矢量）向
量 handles 柄，
animation 动画 把柄，句柄
Pixel 像素 fill 填充
Palette颜料，调色
cel 桢、幅
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
bitmap image
a picture defined as a
series of dots
vector image
a picture defined as a set
of geometric shapes, using
equations
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
animation
a sequence of
images that are
shown rapidly in
succession, causing
an impression of
movement
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
Pixel
a single picture element,
the smallest dot on the screen.
A period (.) is made of 4 pixels
in a square.
Palette
a set of colors
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
brush
a tool for drawing lines.
May give the effect of using a
pencil, a paint brush, an
airbrush spray, chalk,
charcoal, felt-tip marker...
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
handles
shapes on a selected
object that allow you to
change the shape by dragging
the handle
APPLICATIONS
Graphics
fill
colors an enclosed area
with one color or pattern
cel
a single image in an
animation sequence
APPLICATIONS
Communications
These programs temporarily connect
computers to each other to exchange
information. They may use telephone
lines or dedicated cables for the
connection. This allows you, for
example, to work at home on the
weekend and transfer all you've done
to your computer at work before you
leave home.
APPLICATIONS
Communications
These are not the same
as networking programs
where computers are
actually linked together all
the time.
Most communications
programs now include
many different
communication functions in
one interface.
APPLICATIONS
Communications
Purpose:
Transmitting data and
messages between computers
Disadvantages:
Speed
APPLICATIONS
Actions of a Communications Program
sending and receiving files:
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
exchanging messages in a
group: chat programs
private messages: instant
messaging
voice messages
video conferencing
phone calls over the Internet
APPLICATIONS
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
An FTP program manages the
moving of files between computers.
When you download a file over the
Internet, you are using an FTP
program. Programs like word
processors and HTML editors that
can upload files to web sites include
this ability without having to use
another program.
APPLICATIONS
The image below is for the program WS_FTP, which is a
fairly typical FTP program. It shows the folder tree for both
the source and destination. You can copy in either direction.
APPLICATIONS
Chat
In a chat program you
join a chat room. You write
messages that appear in a
window that shows all the
messages being sent in this
chat room. Everyone who is
logged in to this room can
read your messages.
APPLICATIONS
a chat program
The image below is for the
program mIRC. Each person listed
on the right is "in" the room and can
write messages and all the others can
read them. Recent chat programs let
users format their text with color and
even with different fonts. People in
chat rooms tend to use a lot of
abbreviations and smiley faces.
APPLICATIONS
Instant Messaging
An instant messaging program notifies you
when your friends are online. Then you can send
them messages, which they see immediately. Only
the one you send the message to can see it and only
you can see the messages that are sent to
you, unless you choose to change to a multiple-
user mode. Recent versions of instant messaging
include the ability to use video conferencing, to
play games together with your friends, and even to
make phone calls over the Internet. Examples of
instant messaging programs are ICQ, AOL
Instant Messenger, and MSN Messenger Service.
APPLICATIONS
ICQ - an instant messaging program
The image below shows
what ICQ messages look like,
when there are just a few
people messaging. You
customize the look of the
messages, of course.
APPLICATIONS
Browser
An Internet browser is a
program that lets you navigate the
World Wide Web.
A browser displays web pages,
keeps track of where you've been,
and remembers the places you want
to return to.
APPLICATIONS
Browser
Internet Explorer is by far
the most popular browser,
though there are many others
around. Netscape was once
the dominant browser and is
still used, but it is falling
further behind in market
share all the time.
APPLICATIONS
Browser
Purpose:
Navigating the Internet
Major Advantage:
Can display graphics,
which older internet
applications don't
Keeps a list of places you want
to return to.
APPLICATIONS
Email
Email, or electronic mail, is becoming
more and more popular as people learn to
communicate again with written words. For
many purposes it is superior to a phone call
because you don't have to catch the person in
and you can get straight to the point. No time is
wasted on casual conversation. It also leaves a
written record to refer back to for a response or
if you forget who said what. Email is superior to
the traditional office memo because it uses no
paper (Save the trees!!) and it can be sent to a
whole list of people instantly.
APPLICATIONS
Email
Commonly used email programs include
Microsoft Outlook Express
Microsoft Outlook
Netscape Mail
Eudora
Pegasus
Foxmail
APPLICATIONS
Email
Purpose:
Transmitting messages
between computer users
Major Advantage:
Speed
APPLICATIONS
Email
Major Disadvantage:
• You don't know if the receiver actually
reads it, though you can find out if they received
it. Of course in a phone conversation you don't
really know if the person is actually listening
either!
• With no body language or vocal
intonations it is difficult to convey the emotional
tone you want. Irony and sarcasm are
particularly dangerous since your reader may
take you seriously.
APPLICATIONS
Project Management
When you have a group of people working
together on a complex project, you need a way to
manage all the details. A project management
program, like Microsoft Project 2000, tracks all
of the people, tasks, and deadlines in a major
project. By linking to the personal scheduling
programs of the people involved, the project
management program can see when meetings can
be arranged by looking at everyone's scheduled
events. It can check for conflicts between parts of
the project and for deadline errors.
APPLICATIONS
Project Management
Purpose:
To plan, schedule, and
analyze the events and costs
of a project
Major Advantage:
To display a timeline of
tasks and to link to personal
scheduling programs
APPLICATIONS
Personal Information Management
(PIM)
PIM's are a special kind of
database. A PIM will normally
include an address book, a
calendar to schedule activities
and appointments, and a to-
do list where you list chores,
calls to make, various things
to do.
APPLICATIONS
Personal Information Management
(PIM)
Some popular programs which
include PIM functions are MS
Outlook, Lotus Organizer, ACT!,
Gold Mine, and Sidekick, which was
the first PIM.
New versions of these
programs add email manage-ment,
wireless access, and other features
for the new, hot technologies.
APPLICATIONS
Personal Information Management
(PIM)
Purpose:
Tracking personal information like-
appointments
address book
birthdays
phone messages
notes on future projects
APPLICATIONS
Personal Information Management
(PIM)
Major Advantage:
Quick access to schedule
data and address book.
Can often be merged into
documents directly.
APPLICATIONS
Contact Manager
An advanced PIM may be
called a Contact Manager.
Such a program is optimized
to make it easy to track who
you have talked to or met with
and what you did or said.
APPLICATIONS
Integrated Software and Suites
Integrated software
combines the functions of
several programs into one
interface. Such a program is
usually designed for the
beginning or casual user.
APPLICATIONS
Integrated Software and Suites
Many advanced features are
omitted that might be found in stand-
alone products. For example, the
word processor in an integrated
software package would not likely
have a way to automatically generate
a table of contents and would have
fewer options on how to handle
footnotes, headers, and footers.
APPLICATIONS
Suites
A software suite is a set of
applications which can each
stand alone. They are
packaged together for a lower
price than if all were bought
separately. There are usually
enhancements that help the
applications communicate
with each other, also.
APPLICATIONS
Suites
Some popular suites of office
software include
•MS Office
•Lotus Smart Suite
•Word Processing
ystem(WPS)
•WordPerfect Office.
APPLICATIONS
Suites
These include a number of other
programs, such as:
• word processing
• spreadsheet
• presentations
• e-mail client
• address book
• database
APPLICATIONS
Suites
An example of a graphics suite is Corel Draw
Suite, which includes programs for:
• vector illustration
• layout
• bitmap creation
• image-editing
• painting
• animation software
APPLICATIONS
Suites
An example of a publishing suite is
Adobe Publishing Collections, which
includes:
• Adobe PageMaker - desktop publishing
• Adobe finereader – recognize pictures
• Adobe Photoshop - bitmap graphics
• Adobe Illustrator - vector graphics
• Adobe Acrobat - converts documents to
Portable Document Format for sharing
APPLICATIONS
Suites
Purpose:
Linking different applications
together for better work
(integrated software) simplifying things
for new users
Major Advantage:
Costs less than a set of similar
stand alone applications bought
separately
APPLICATIONS
Suites
Major Disadvantage:
• (integrated software) Lacks many
features of the stand-alone versions of
the same software.
• (suites) You may not need all the
parts or the advanced features in the
collection.
APPLICATIONS
Quiz on This Lecture:
Overview & Applications
1. The software application
that is used the most often is
_____.
A. word processing
B. desktop publishing
C. spreadsheet
D. database
E. graphical presentation
APPLICATIONS
Quiz on This Lecture:
Overview & Applications
2. The largest, fastest, most
expensive type of computer
is the _____.
A.personal
B.server
C.super
D.main frame
E.minicomputer
APPLICATIONS
Quiz on This Lecture:
Overview & Applications
3. A computer which links
several PCs together in a
network is called a _____.
A.minicomputer
B.server
C.client
D.main frame
APPLICATIONS
Quiz on This Lecture:
Overview & Applications
4. To publish a magazine a
________ application
would be best.
A.word processing
B.desktop publishing
C.spreadsheet
D.presentation graphics
APPLICATIONS
Quiz on This Lecture:
Overview & Applications
5. Julian is a sales rep calling on up to 20
businesses a week. To keep track of his
appointments and his clients' addresses
and phone numbers, he should use a ___.
A.personal information
manager
B.database
C.spreadsheet
D.project manager
APPLICATIONS
Quiz on This Lecture:
Overview & Applications
6. Acme Corp. sells 1000 different
products to over 20,000 customers.
To record the sales and shipments
they would use a _____.
A.word processor
B.project manager
C.spreadsheet
D.database
APPLICATIONS
Quiz on This Lecture:
Overview & Applications
7. A single application that combines
the major features of several types
of applications is called _____.
A.integrated software
B.a suite
C.a combo package
D.high-end
APPLICATIONS
Quiz on This Lecture:
Overview & Applications
8. Using a word processor you
can change _____.
A.the size of the font
B.the typeface
C.the size of the margins
D.the spacing between lines
E.all of the above
F.none of the above
APPLICATIONS
Quiz on This Lecture:
Overview & Applications
9. The orientation of the page
in which the printed lines
run the width (8 1/2") of the
page is called _____.
A.landscape
B.inverted
C.normal
D.portrait
APPLICATIONS
Quiz on This Lecture:
Overview & Applications
10. Input, processing, output
and storage are the steps in
the _____.
A.information cycle
B.information processing
cycle
C.data cycle
D.data processing cycle
End of Unit Two