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Computer Basics [h=2]3 : Understanding Applications

[h=3]What is an application? You may have heard people talking about using an application or an app. But what exactly does that mean? An application (or app) is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications, and those for mobile devices are called mobile apps. When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until you close it. Much of the time, you will have more than one application open at the same time, and this is known as multitasking.
Watch the video to learn about how applications are used.
App is a very common term for an application, especially for simple applications that can be downloaded cheaply or even for free. Many apps are also available for mobile devices and even some TVs.

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Computer Basics
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3 : Understanding Applications
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Types of Desktop Applications

There are countless desktop applications out there, and they fall into many different categories. Some are more full-featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two things (like gadgets). Below are just a few types of applications that you might use:​

Microsoft Word

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  [*=left]Word Processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and create many other kinds of documents. The most well-known word processor is Microsoft Word.
  [*=left]Personal Finance: Personal finance software, such as Quicken, allows you to keep track of your income and expenses, create a budget, and more. Most personal finance programs can automatically download information from your bank, so you don't have to manually type in all of your transactions.
  [*=left]Web Browsers: A web browser is the tool that you use to access the World Wide Web. Most computers come with a web browser pre-installed, but you can also download a different one if you prefer. Examples of browsers include Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari.
  [*=left]Games: There are many different games that you can play on your computer. They range from card games such as Solitaire, to action games like Halo 2. Many action games require a lot of computing power, so they may not work unless you have a newer computer.

Watching a movie in Windows Media Player

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  [*=left]Media Players: If you want to listen to mp3s or watch movies that you've downloaded, you'll need to use a media player. Windows Media Player and iTunes are popular media players.
  [*=left]Gadgets: Sometimes called widgets, these are simple applications that you can place on your desktop (or on the Dashboard if you're using a Mac). There are many different types of gadgets, and they include calendars, calculators, maps, news headlines, and more

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Computer Basics
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3 : Understanding Applications
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[h=3]Installing Desktop Applications In order to work, an application usually has to be installed on your computer. Typically, installation is as simple as inserting the installation disc and following the instructions on the screen. For software that is downloaded from the internet, you can usually double-click it after it is finished downloading, and then follow the instructions on the screen. Many applications include a readme file (for example, readme.txt), which includes installation instructions and other information.

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Computer Basics
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3 : Understanding Applications


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Opening Files with Applications

Many applications are designed to open one or more types of files (or file formats). For example, Microsoft Word can create and edit Word documents. If you don't have the right kind of application, you won't be able to open a file. For example, you will need to have Microsoft Access in order to open the sample database.

There are two main ways to open a file:
Find the file on your computer, and double-click it. This will open the file using the default program.
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Double-clicking a file to open it



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Open the application, then use the application to open the file. Once the application is open, you can go to the File menu at the top of the screen and select Open. This is useful because some files can be opened by several different applications, and this method allows you to choose which application to use.

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Opening a file within Microsoft Word

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If you're not sure what a file's format is, you can look at the extension at the end of the file name (for example .docx, .txt, or .jpg). On some computers, the extension may be hidden, and you may need to look at the icon to determine the file format.

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Computer Basics
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3 : Understanding Applications

Mobile Apps



Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run apps. You can also download apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablet computers, which opens up a lot of new possibilities. Here are a few examples of mobile apps:

• RedLaser: You can use RedLaser to compare prices while shopping. You simply scan an item's barcode using your phone's built-in camera, and the app searches the web for the best price.
• Word Lens: Word Lens is a language translator app. Like RedLaser, it uses your phone's camera to take a picture of a sign, menu, or other text that you want to translate, and then it displays the translation for you.
• Foursquare: If you're going out to a restaurant, bar, or mall, you can "check in" with Foursquare to find nearby friends and also let your friends know where you are. Foursquare can also show you a list of nearby businesses (using your phone's built-in GPS), which can help you discover places that you've never been to before.

Compared to traditional applications, mobile apps are relatively cheap. Many of them cost as little as 99 cents, and others are free. If your mobile device has an internet connection, you can download apps directly onto the mobile device. Otherwise, you can download them to your computer and then transfer them over.

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An iPhone running a mobile app

 

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Computer Basics
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3 : Understanding Applications


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[h=3]Challenge!

• What are some examples of applications you have on your computer? Did you have to install them, or did they come pre-installed on your computer?
• Try double-clicking some files on your computer. Which applications open up?
• What are some examples of mobile apps?
• If you have a mobile device, research some of the apps available for Apple iOS or Android.

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Computer Basics

[h=2]4: Web Apps and the Cloud[h=3]What is the Cloud?

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You may have heard people using terms like the cloud, cloud computing, or cloud storage. But what exactly is the cloud? Basically, the cloud is the internet - more specifically, it's all of the things that you can access remotely over the internet. When something is in the cloud, that means it is stored on servers on the internet, instead of on your computer. It lets you access your calendar, email, files and more, from any computer that has an internet connection.
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The Cloud



If you've ever used web-based email, then you've used the cloud - all of the emails in your Inbox are stored on servers. However, there are many other services that use the cloud in different ways. Here are just a few examples:

• Dropbox is a cloud storage service that lets you easily store and share files with other people, and it lets you access your files from a mobile device as well.
• Evernote lets you type notes, clip web pages, take photos, and organize all of them from your computer or mobile device.
• Mozy and Carbonite can automatically back up your data in case your computer is lost, stolen, or damaged.

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Computer Basics

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4: Web Apps and the Cloud
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Why Use the Cloud?
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There are many reasons to use the cloud, but the main reasons are convenience and reliability. In the past, if you wanted to bring a file with you, you would have to save it to a USB flash drive, external hard drive, or CD-R disc. Saving a file to the cloud ensures that you'll be able access it with any computer that has an internet connection, so you don't have any physical media to keep track of. The cloud also makes it much easier to share a file with coworkers or friends, making it possible to collaborate over the internet.​

With the cloud, you're much less likely to lose your data, since it is stored on servers. However, just like anything online, there is always a risk that someone may try to gain access to your personal data, so it's important to choose a strong password and pay attention to any privacy settings for the service you're using.

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Using Mozy to back up files
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Computer Basics
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4: Web Apps and the Cloud
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[h=3]What is a Web App ?

Previously, we talked about how desktop applications allow you to perform tasks on your computer. However, there are also web applications (or web apps), which run in the cloud and do not need to be installed on your computer. These are sometimes called cloud apps.

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Gmail


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Computer Basics
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4: Web Apps and the Cloud
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Examples of Web Apps

Here are a few examples of web apps:​

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  [*=left]Online Email Services: Services like Gmail and Yahoo! Mail run within your browser and can do many of the same things that email programs like Microsoft Outlook can do. After you sign up for an online email service, you can begin using it immediately - no installation is required. Instead of being stored on your computer, your emails are stored in the cloud.
  [*=left]Google Docs: Google Docs is an office suite that runs within your browser. Much like Microsoft Office, you can use it to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. Your documents are stored in the cloud, which makes it easy to share your documents with other people.
  [*=left]********: ******** lets you create an online profile and interact with your friends. Profiles and conversations are constantly evolving, so ******** uses web app technologies throughout the site to keep the information up-to-date. There are also games and other web apps that you can add to your ******** profile.

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Web Page
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Computer Basics
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4: Web Apps and the Cloud
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[h=3]How Do Web Apps Work? When you use a web app, you are working from your computer or mobile device, but much of the actual processing is done by a network of servers. These servers can pool all of their processing power in order to handle requests from all over the world. They also use specialized servers to store the data that you're working with, as well as the data from all of the other users. All of this happens very seamlessly, so it looks almost like the application is running on your computer.
For example, if you open a document with Google Docs, your web browser will communicate with the network of servers to display your document. As you edit the document, your browser will work closely with the servers to make sure everything is kept up-to-date.



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Google Docs

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Computer Basics
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4: Web Apps and the Cloud
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[h=3]Challenge!

• Do you already use the cloud for things like web-based email?
• What are some other ways you could use the cloud?
• How is a web app different from a desktop application?

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Computer Basics

[h=2]Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer :5

[h=3]Introduction

The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. Each part plays an important role whenever you use a computer.

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[h=4]Computer Case The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer. It houses the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), the power supply, and more.
Computer cases come in different shapes and sizes. A desktop case lies flat on a desk, and the monitor usually sits on top of it. A tower case is tall and sits next to the monitor or on the floor. The front of the case usually has an on/off switch and one or more optical drives.
Most of the personal computers you can purchase today include tower cases, rather than desktop cases; however, some computers are being made with all of the internal components built into the monitor, which completely eliminates the tower.




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A computer case

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An all-in-one iMac
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Computer Basics

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Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer :5
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Monitor
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The monitor works with a video card, located inside the computer case, to display images and text on the screen. Newer monitors usually have LCD (liquid crystal display) or LED (light-emitting diode) displays. These can be made very thin, and they are often called flat panel displays. Older monitors use CRT (cathode ray tube) displays. CRT monitors are much bigger and heavier, and they take up more desk space.​

Most monitors have control buttons that allow you to change your monitor's display settings, and some monitors also have built-in speakers.LED displays are actually LCD displays that are backlit with light-emitting diodes. This allows for greater contrast than a traditional LCD display






A monitor
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Computer Basics

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Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer :5​

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[h=4]Power Cord

The power cord is the link between the power outlet and the power supply unit in the computer casing. If the power cord is not plugged in, the computer will not power on. To protect your computer from voltage spikes, you can plug the power cord into a surge protector. You can also use an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS), which acts as a surge protector and also provides temporary power if there is a blackout




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A power cord connected to a surge protector
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Computer Basics

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Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer :5​

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Keyboard

The keyboard is one of the primary ways we communicate with the computer and enter data. There are many different types of computer keyboards such as wired, wireless, ergonomic, multimedia, and more. Although there may be differences in the location of some keys or features, keyboards are very similar and allow you to accomplish basically the same tasks.


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Review the interactive below to learn about the different parts of the keyboard.
[FLASH=]http://content.gcflearnfree.org/topics/142/parts_of_the_keyboard/engage.swf[/FLASH]
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Computer Basics

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Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer :5​

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Mouse

The mouse is a peripheral that is known as a pointing device. It lets you point to objects on the screen, click on them, and move them.
There are two main types of mice: optical and mechanical. The optical mouse uses an electronic eye to detect movement and is easier to clean. The mechanical mouse uses a rolling ball to detect movement. Generally, a mechanical mouse is cheaper, although it may require regular cleaning to keep it working properly.
Traditionally, a mouse connects to the computer using a USB or PS/2 connection. However, you can also buy a wireless mouse, which can reduce clutter on your desktop




A mouse.

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Computer Basics

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Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer :5​

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Mouse Alternatives

There are other devices that can do the same thing a mouse can do, but with a different look and feel. Many people find them to be easier to use, and they also require less desk space than a mouse. The most common mouse alternatives include:

• Trackball: A trackball has a ball on top that can rotate freely. Instead of moving the device like a mouse, you can simply roll the ball with your fingers to move the pointer. Some mobile devices have miniature trackballs that can be controlled with your thumb.
• Touchpad: A touchpad (also called a trackpad) is a touch-sensitive pad that lets you control the pointer by making a "drawing" motion with your finger. Touchpads are very common on laptop computers.

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A touchpad on a laptop
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Computer Basics

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Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer :5
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Challenge!





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  [*=left]Think about the desktop computers you've seen at work, school, the library, a store, or a friend's house. What did they look like? Were they all-in-one, or did they have a separate tower?
  [*=left]Review the Parts of the Keyboard interactive on page 3 of this lesson. Are there any keys that you haven't used before?
  [*=left]If you're using a mouse, flip it over to see whether it's optical or mechanical.
  [*=left]Is your monitor LCD, LED, or CRT?
  [*=left]If your monitor has control buttons, try adjusting the brightness and contrast.

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Buttons, Sockets and Slots on a Desktop Computer: 6


Introduction


Take a look at the front and back of your computer case and count the number of buttons, sockets, and slots you see. Now, look at your monitor and count any that appear there. You probably counted at least 20.
Each computer is different, so the buttons, slots, and sockets will vary from computer to computer. However, there are certain features you can expect to find on most desktop computers. Being familiar with the names of each and how they are commonly used will help you later on when you connect that new printer, mouse, digital camera, or other device.

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