Computers

• Buttons


  Devices on the computer case used to control the computer
• Ports


  Connection points on the computer case for attaching devices
• Slots


  Openings on the computer case for inserting expansion cards
• Buttons, ports, and slots on a computer

  • Vary from computer to computer
  • Certain ones can be expected on most desktop computers
• Optical Disc Drive


  Allows the computer to read CDs and DVDs
• Power Button


  Used to power the computer on and off
• Audio In/Audio Out


  Ports on the front of the computer case for connecting speakers, microphones, and headsets
• USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port


  Ports used to connect a variety of devices to the computer
• Power Socket


  Where the power cord is connected to the computer
• Ethernet Port


  Port used for networking and connecting to the internet
• Monitor Port


  Where the monitor cable is connected
• Serial Port


  Less common port previously used to connect peripherals
• PS/2 Ports


  Ports used for connecting mouse and keyboard (replaced by USB)
• Expansion Slots


  Openings where expansion cards are added to the computer
• Peripherals that can be used with a computer

  • Printers
  • Scanners
  • Speakers/headphones
  • Microphones
  • Web cameras
  • Game controllers and joysticks
  • Digital cameras
  • Mobile phones, MP3 players, tablet computers, and other devices
• Desktop


  A type of computer
• Laptop


  A type of computer
• Tablet


  A type of computer
• There are many different types of computers you may have heard of, such as desktops, laptops, and tablets
• Things to consider when choosing a computer

  • The kinds of things you want to do with your computer
  • Where you want to use your computer
• Specifications


  The internal components of a computer, such as the amount of hard-drive space, memory, processing power, etc.
• Computers can become outdated or obsolete after only a few years as manufacturers continue to create faster processors and larger hard drives
• Computers with higher specifications (more hard drive space, more memory, faster processors) will be a better deal in the long run
• Common PC brands


  • Dell
  • HP
  • Lenovo
  • Acer
  • Asus
  • Toshiba
  • Samsung
• Apple/Mac computers


  Computers that run the OS X operating system, made by Apple
• Apple computers are very expensive, especially compared to Windows-based PCs
• You probably won't be able to install any existing Windows software you already own on an Apple computer
• Places to buy a computer

  • Larger retail stores (e.g. Best Buy, Target, Walmart)
  • Online retailers (e.g. Amazon, NewEgg)
  • Computer manufacturer websites (e.g. Dell, HP, ASUS)
• Refurbished computer


  A machine that originally had some kind of defect but has been restored to working condition
• Smartphone


  A more powerful version of a regular cell phone that can connect to the Internet over a cellular network
• Data plan


  A monthly fee paid to a wireless provider to access the Internet with a smartphone over their cellular network
• Touch-sensitive screen


  A smartphone screen that allows you to interact with it using your fingers, instead of a physical keyboard
• Smartphones can replace things like an old laptop, digital music player, and digital camera in the same device
• Smartphones can be very expensive, with some high-end models costing even more than a new laptop or desktop computer
• iPhone


  A smartphone from Apple, powered by the iOS operating system
• Android


  An operating system designed by Google, used by many different smartphone manufacturers like Samsung, HTC, LG, and Motorola
• Factors to consider when choosing between iPhone and Android

  • Affordability
  • Support
  • Apps and app stores
  • Customization
  • System updates
• iPhone is more expensive than Android smartphones

  Android is more affordable
• iPhone has better customer support

  Android has more varied support options
• Both iPhone and Android have a large selection of apps available