Study Guide: General Computing Concepts

Introduction

Each unit begins with a general overview, including a historical sketch, broad concepts, and outline of the unit’s topics.

Key terms appear with definitions and contrasts with other related terms.

A skills description - "how-to" lecture - follows each unit, with exercises for the reader.

Hardware components

Digital computing

• Binary logic
• Magnetic storage
• Files

Computers

• CPU
• RAM vs ROM
• Desktop vs laptop
• Peripherals: printer, modem

Memory: storage

• Drives: floppy, hard, CD, zip
• Local: applications, desktop clipboard

Media formats

• Visual: monitors and cameras
• Sound: speakers, sound cards, microphone
• Tactile input: mouse, keyboard, touchpad

Software components

Operating systems

• Windows series
• Macintosh
• Linux and others

Applications

• Program and file
• GUI vs text
• Semiuniform menus

Application categories

• Databases
• Presentation software
• Word processing
• Multimedia
• Microsoft Office suite

Files

• File types
• Application compatibility
• Telecommunications

The telephone and networks

Server and client

Users within the system

LAN and intranet

WAN

Internet

• IMP and connectivity
• Multiple connections

Network applications

File sharing

TCP/IP and packet switching

File transfer protocols

Troubleshooting

Hardware

Software

Internet Research

Background

Search Engines

Data integrity