مقالات انگلیسی مربوط به کامپیوتر 1

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Computer Basics

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[h=2]Inside a Desktop Computer :7

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[h=3]Inside a Desktop Computer

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Have you ever looked inside a computer case before, or seen pictures of the inside of one? The small parts may look complicated, but the inside of a computer case really isn't all that mysterious. This lesson will help you master some of the basic terminology and understand a little about what goes on inside the computer casing.
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Computer Basics

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Inside a Desktop Computer :7
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A Look Inside a Desktop Computer
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Let's explore the inside of a computer tower.
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A CPU




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CPU/Processor

The Central Processing Unit (CPU), also called a processor, is located inside the computer case on the motherboard. It is sometimes called the brain of the computer, and its job is to carry out commands. Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the CPU.
The CPU is generally a 2-inch ceramic square with a silicon chip located inside. The chip is usually about the size of a thumbnail. The CPU fits into the motherboard's CPU socket, which is covered by the heat sink, an object that absorbs heat from the CPU.
A processor's speed is measured in megahertz (MHz), or millions of instructions per second, and gigahertz (GHz), or billions of instructions per second. A faster processor can execute instructions more quickly. However, the actual speed of the computer depends on the speed of many different components - not just the processor.
There are many processor manufacturers for personal computers, but the most well-known ones are Intel and AMD.


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Computer Basics

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Inside a Desktop Computer :7


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Motherboard


The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It's a thin plate that holds the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, as well as connections to your computer's ports (such as the USB ports). The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer.

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A motherboard
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Computer Basics

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Inside a Desktop Computer :7
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[h=4]Power Supply Unit

The power supply unit in a computer converts the power from the wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer. It sends power through the cables to the motherboard and other components.
If you decide to open the computer case and take a look, make sure to unplug the computer first. Before touching the inside of the computer, you should touch a grounded metal object (or a metal part of the computer casing) to discharge any static buildup. Static electricity can be transmitted through the computer circuits and ruin them.






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A power supply unit
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Computer Basics

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Inside a Desktop Computer :7
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[h=4]RAM (Random Access Memory)RAM is your system's short-term memory. Whenever your computer performs calculations, it temporarily stores the data in the RAM until it is needed.
This short-term memory disappears when the computer is turned off. If you're working on a document, spreadsheet, or other type of file, you'll need to save it to avoid losing it. When you save a file, the data is written to the hard drive, which acts as long-term storage.
RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). The more RAM you have, the more things your computer can do at the same time. If you don't have enough RAM, you may notice that your computer is sluggish when you have several programs open. Because of this, many people add extra RAM to their computers to improve performance.
A bit is the smallest unit of data in computer processing. A byte is a group of eight bits. A megabyte contains about one million bytes, and a gigabyte is about one billion bytes.

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RAM
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Computer Basics

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Inside a Desktop Computer :7
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Hard Drive




The hard drive is the data center of the computer. This is where the software is installed, and it's also where your documents and other files are stored. The hard drive is long-term storage, which means the data is still saved even if you turn the computer off or unplug it.​

When you run a program or open a file, the computer copies some of the data from the hard drive onto the RAM so that it can access the data more easily. When you save a file, the data is copied back to the hard drive. The faster the hard drive is, the faster your computer can start up and load programs.​

Most hard drives are hard disk drives, which store data on a magnetic platter. Some computers now use solid-state drives (also called flash hard drives). These are faster and more durable than hard disk drives, but they are also more expensive.​

A USB flash drive is basically a small, removable flash hard drive that plugs into a USB port. These are a convenient way to bring your files with you and open them on a different computer.​

If you're using Windows, you can view information about your computer's RAM and processor speed without opening up your computer. Just go to the Control Panel (in the Start menu) and click System and Security. In Mac OS X, you can view this information by clicking the Apple icon and selecting About This Mac.
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A hard drive
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Computer Basics

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Inside a Desktop Computer :7
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Expansion Cards
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Most computers have expansion slots on the motherboard that allow you to add various types of expansion cards. These are sometimes called PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) cards. You may never have to add any PCI cards, as most motherboards have built-in video, sound, network, and other capabilities. However, if you want to boost the performance of your computer or update the capabilities of an older computer, you can always add one or more cards. Below are some of the most common types of expansion cards:
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Computer Basics

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Inside a Desktop Computer :7
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[h=4]Video card

The video card is responsible for what you see on the monitor. Most computers have a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) built into the motherboard, instead of having a separate video card. If you like playing graphics-intense games on the computer, you can add a faster video card to one of the expansion slots to get better performance.

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A video card
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Computer Basics

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Inside a Desktop Computer :7
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Sound Card


The sound card, also called an audio card, is responsible for what you hear in the speakers or headphones. Most motherboards have integrated sound, but you can upgrade to a dedicated sound card for higher quality sound.


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Computer Basics

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Inside a Desktop Computer :7
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Network Card


The network card allows your computer to communicate over a network and access the internet. It can either connect with an Ethernet cable or through a wireless connection (often called Wi-Fi). Many motherboards have built-in network connections, and a network card can also be added to an expansion slot.
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Computer Basics

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Inside a Desktop Computer :7
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Bluetooth Card




Bluetooth is a technology for wireless communication over short distances. It's often used in computers to communicate with wireless keyboards, mice, and printers. It's often built into the motherboard or included in a wireless network card. For computers that don't have Bluetooth, a USB adapter (called a dongle) can be purchased.


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A Bluetooth dongle
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Computer Basics

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Inside a Desktop Computer :7
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Challenge!
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  [*=left]Review the parts of the computer identified in this lesson. Make sure you know the function of each part.
  [*=left]Which parts provide short-term and long-term memory for your computer?
  [*=left]Think Creatively! In the videos, we compared the CPU to a brain, the hard drive to a closet, and the motherboard to a blueprint. Can you think of any other good analogies, or comparisons? Do any of the computer parts listed remind you of anything else?
  [*=left]Find out what your processor speed is. Is it measured in gigahertz or megahertz? How much RAM does your computer have?

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Computer Basics
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Laptop Computers and Netbooks:8




What is a Laptop Computer?


A laptop is a battery or AC-powered personal computer that can be easily carried and used in a variety of locations. Many laptops are designed to have all of the functionality of a desktop computer, which means they can generally run the same software and open the same types of files. However, some laptops, such as netbooks, sacrifice some functionality in order to be even more portable.

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Computer Basics
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Laptop Computers and Netbooks:8
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[h=3]How is a Laptop Different From a Desktop?

Since laptops are designed for portability, there are some important differences from desktop computers. A laptop has an all-in-one design, with a built-in monitor, keyboard, touchpad (which replaces the mouse), and speakers. That means it is fully functional even when there are no peripherals attached to it. A laptop is quicker to set up, and there are fewer cables to get in the way.You also have the option of connecting a regular mouse, a larger monitor, and other peripherals. This basically turns your laptop into a desktop computer, with one main difference: You can easily disconnect the peripherals and take the laptop with you wherever you go.Here are the main differences that you can expect with a laptop:
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Computer Basics
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Laptop Computers and Netbooks:8
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  [*=left]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. Many touchpads now include multi-touch gestures, which allow you to perform specific tasks by making gestures with more than one finger. For example, a pinch gesture is often used to zoom in or out.
  [*=left]Battery: Every laptop has a battery which allows you to use the laptop when it's not plugged in. Whenever you plug the laptop in, the battery recharges. Another benefit of having a battery is that it can provide backup power to the laptop if the power goes out.
  [*=left]AC Adapter: A laptop usually has a specialized power cable called an AC adapter, which is designed to be used with that particular kind of laptop. Some of these cables use magnetic MagSafe connectors that will safely pull out if someone trips over the power cable. This helps to prevent damage to the cable and the laptop.
  [*=left]Ports: Most laptops have the same types of ports that desktop computers have (such as USB), although they usually have fewer ports to save space. However, some ports may be different, and you may need an adapter in order to use them. For example, the monitor port is often a Mini DisplayPort, which is a smaller version of the normal DisplayPort.

Since some ports have a similar appearance, you may need to consult your manual to determine what types of ports your laptop has.
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Computer Basics
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Laptop Computers and Netbooks:8
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What is a Netbook?

A netbook is a type of laptop that is designed to be even more portable. Netbooks are often cheaper than laptops or desktops. They are generally less powerful than other types of computers, but they provide enough power for email and internet access, which is where the name "netbook" comes from.​

In order to save space, netbooks generally have smaller screens and keyboards. Many netbooks also lack certain hardware such as optical drives. However, there are many different models available, and in some cases there isn't much difference between a large netbook and a "regular" laptop.


Since netbooks are less powerful, they sometimes use a more simplified operating system. Many new netbooks use Windows 7 Starter, but some use simplified versions of Linux.
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Computer Basics
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Laptop Computers and Netbooks:8
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[h=3]Challenge!

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  [*=left]If you've used a laptop computer before, think about some of the ways it was different from a desktop computer. Was it easier or more difficult to use?
  [*=left]What are some of the advantages of using a laptop or netbook? Are there any disadvantages?
  [*=left]If you are thinking about buying a laptop, think about how you would use it. Are there any parks, coffee shops, or bookstores where you could use your laptop?
  [*=left]Would a laptop, netbook, or tablet computer work best for you?

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Computer Basics
[h=2]Getting to Know Mobile Devices :9

[h=3]What is a Mobile Device? A mobile device is basically any handheld computer. It is designed to be extremely portable, often fitting in the palm of your hand or in your pocket. Some mobile devices are more powerful, and they allow you to do many of the same things you can do with a desktop or laptop computer. These include tablet computers, e-readers, and smartphones.

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Computer Basics


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Getting to Know Mobile Devices :9
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[h=3]Tablet Computers

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Like laptops, tablet computers are designed to be portable. However, they provide a very different computing experience. The most obvious difference is that tablet computers don't have keyboards or touchpads. Instead, the entire screen is touch-sensitive, allowing you to type on a virtual keyboard and use your finger as a mouse pointer.​

Tablet computers are mostly designed for consuming media, and they are optimized for tasks like web browsing, watching videos, reading e-books, and playing games. For many people, a "regular" computer like a desktop or laptop is still needed in order to use some programs. However, the convenience of a tablet computer means that it may be ideal as a second computer. Below are some of the main features that you can expect with a tablet computer:
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  [*=left]Mobile OS: Different types of tablets use different operating systems. Examples include Android and iOS. You'll usually be able to download free updates to your OS as they become available.
  [*=left]Solid-State Drives: Tablet computers usually use solid-state drives, which allow the computer to boot up and open programs more quickly. They are also more durable than hard disk drives.
  [*=left]Wi-Fi and 3G/4G: Since they are optimized for internet use, tablet computers have built-in Wi-Fi. For a monthly fee, you can also purchase a 3G or 4G data plan, allowing you to access the internet from almost anywhere.
  [*=left]Bluetooth: In order to save space, tablet computers have very few ports. If you want to use an external keyboard or other peripherals, they will often use a wireless Bluetooth connection.

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Computer Basics


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Getting to Know Mobile Devices :9
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[h=3]E-Book Readers




E-book readers (also called e-readers) are similar to tablet computers, except they are mainly designed for reading e-books (digital, downloadable books). Examples include the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble Nook.

E-book readers have either an e-paper display or an LCD display:

• E-Paper: Short for electronic paper, this type of display can usually only display black and white. It is designed to look a lot like an actual page in a book. Unlike an LCD display, it is not backlit, so the text stays readable even outdoors in full sun. Many people consider e-paper to be more pleasant to read, as it causes less eye strain. However, it generally can't be used for videos or other applications because the refresh rate is too low.
• LCD: This is the same type of screen found on tablet computers and laptops. It's more versatile than e-paper, but it's often more difficult to view in bright sunlight, as the image becomes washed out. Since an LCD screen can display colors, this type of e-reader is better for viewing magazines or books with photos. Many LCD e-readers (such as the Nook Color) are basically tablet computers, as they can do many different tasks in addition to displaying e-books.

You don't need an e-reader in order to read an e-book. E-books can usually be read on tablet computers, smartphones, laptops, and desktops.




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