Brianna Morgan LIS 451 Basic Computer Concepts 8/28/11 1.

The first thing I would do when helping a friend plan to purchase a computer would be to find out what would be the main purposes for the computer they are looking to purchase. Do they want the computer for more business, school purposes where they will be using Microsoft Office or similar software, or with they be using the machine for more entertainment or gaming purposes. After that is determined, then I could work with them and explain components of a computer that would work best for them. I would describe the main hardware components of the computer to them such as the CPU, input and output devices and also describe memory, storage devices, and the operating system. I would explain that the CPU is the main control center of the computer. It executes the instructions that the computer is given. Input devices are such things as the keyboard and the mouse, the instruments that allow data and instructions to be entered into a computer. Output devices are those things that let you see what the computer has done. For example, monitors and printers. Memory is also an important factor to look at when looking to purchase a computer. Most computers come with 32 megabytes of memory but more memory can be added if needed. Megabytes are a unit of storage. One byte is equal to 8 bits. Memory is shown by kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), and gigabytes. (GB) Physical memory, also known as (RAM) Random Access Memory, comes in every computer. You are able both read and write into RAM memory. Although RAM is faster, it is also small, RAM is volatile, which means when the power is cut off, and data is lost. RAM needs a steady flow of electricity. ROM on the other hand, is read only memory, it cannot be written into, and it has instructions for starting up the computer. ROM is non volatile which means it does not need a steady flow of electricity and when power is off data is retained. Low amounts of RAM can cause your computer to run slow, so a good amount of RAM would be around 512 MB to have the computer running efficiently. Storage consists of devices and techniques that are used to store large amounts of data. Storage devices keep data even when the computer is turned off. Some of these devices include flash drives, floppy disks, hard disks and optical disks such as CDs and DVDs. Storage is also described in kilobytes, megabytes, and gigabytes. Operating systems are also important components of the computer. The operating system on general purpose computers mediates programming and allows lots of different applications to run at once on the system. The operating system basically determines the type of applications you can run on the computer. It also recognizes input, (from keyboard) sends output (on monitor, printer etc.) and keeps track of files. It is also important to look for any software that may come with the computer, virus protectors, malware scanners etc. It is wise to shop around for the best deal whether that is through an online vendor or a retail store. Online vendors have more product selection and maybe lower prices, but you may have to pay shipping. Retail stores allow you to get the product right away and you can examine it before purchasing. Returning items is also easier. Most times retail stores

have rebate options, sales and promotions to help you save money. It is also wise to research various warranties for different manufacturers. It is also wise to research various products and do review searches for products. Research various vendors and prices. Shop around and find the best deal for you. I would explain that it may be easier, cheaper and wiser to just upgrade their own computer if they already own one. It is environmentally safer than just throwing out old computers. This is also safer for the user and reduces the chance of identity theft or fraudulent activity occurring. According to the article we read this week, there is no way to really completely erase personal information and records from computers and some information can be retrieved. Upgrading a computer may be a safer option than just throwing it away. A user may encounter fewer problems, for examples with manufacturers and bad products if they upgrade their own computer and this way they have more choice and they can tailor their machine to their specific needs and wants. They wont have to bother with cheap materials that are often used in machines that are sold in retail stores for example, since they are more concerned with selling quantity versus quality. There are many things to take into consideration when looking to purchase a new computer. 2. First the information would be typed on the keyboard and the symbols (letters) would be changed to digital format so it can be read by the computer. Next the information is sent through the port to the controller, the controller waits for signal then sends information to the CPU, from the CPU, it goes to the Operating System, and then the Operating System passes the information to the active application, in this case, the word processor, Microsoft Word. From the active application, the information is passed back to the Operating System, the Operating System then waits for the signal then passes the information back to the CPU, the CPU passes it to the video controller, and then it goes to the output device, which would be the monitor. The process would change with the bar scanner because the information would go from the active application, (the bar scan reader) to the Operating System, wait for the signal to pass back to the CPU, then from the CPU to the audio controller, to the output device, which would be the speakers to hear the beep.

3. Determining what makes a good computer is really relative and depends on the users needs and purposes for using the computer. To say whether a computer is good or bad depends on the specific goals for the user. It is specific for each person. If a patron wants to learn keyboarding and the computer has a keyboard and monitor that works and a word processor, or software that teaches keyboarding installed and it works, then I would consider that a good computer. As long as a computers basic functions work, keyboards, monitors, CPUs operating systems, etc. and it meets patrons needs, whatever those may be, than its a good computer. It does not have to run extremely fast, have the newest flat screen, or even have wireless internet capabilities to be considered a good computer.

4. The first thing to do when troubleshooting a computer is to know what normal is. Know how your machine should be working. Observe the computer using your senses. Sight-what do you see, are there lights flashing or lit indicating power or a possibly a problem. Does the monitor appear to be working, can you see fans moving? Do you see any cords that look disconnected? Sound-do you hear strange noise coming from the computer, buzzing, beeps, etc.? Smell-do you smell funny odors, burning smells etc. Touch- does any of the components feel warm to the touch, can you feel fans blowing, vibrations indicating power to the computer, and are there any sharp edges or missing covers or parts to the computer? ( this could also be a part of sight) After all of these things are observed you then have to think about what may be wrong. Then you plan a way to test it out to see what is wrong. Next, you act-test out your plan. (for example rebooting your computer) When you are testing out your plan you try different things one at a time. According to the book, check for disconnected cables, configuration errors, incompatible parts, or defective parts. Information you might need to troubleshoot your computer successfully would be to have the make and model of the machine. To have the manual or know how to access it online and look at frequently asked questions. 5. The most important lesson I learned was the definition of a good computer and the discussion we had about the MLK quote. I think all of the technical information is important too but my ultimate goal as a librarian and information specialist will be to serve and empower people. I never thought about the way in which we describe computers and what we consider to be good about them or even my own opinions about them to be something that furthers the digital divide or perpetuates prejudices or materialism and militarism. It is still about people and serving people and not about keeping up with material things. That is my desire, to serve the people where they are and so this was very enlightening for me. I am still somewhat confused about memory versus storage and how they differ and the units KB, MB, GB etc. and how those work and the whole one byte is equal to 8 bits.