Computer Fundamentals

Welcome to a Beginning

Most computer users expect to have fun and get entertaining and productive things done with their computer. Those of us who use it at home, just want to enjoy it and have fun. And boy, does it ever lose its fun when it won't do what you want it to do and won't give us the first clue why it isn't working right.

This set of pages will help us to understand what that box in front of you is all about. It won't make you a computer expert but it will, I hope, help you get a better feeling about what is going on when you are using the darn thing. Sort of get rid of the magical and mystical veil that is part of a computer. When things start to act up, and they will I am sure, you will have a better feeling about what the cause may be.

These pages move slowly from a general discussion about computers, to a look at the various parts of the computer, then explain some of the electronic things you will find inside the box. After that the pages look at the magic and mystical processes that the computer goes through to make it work.

I hope I have used plain english in my explanations. I will also drop some hints on things to think about and some ways to think about what the computer is doing. And I will also offer some opinions. Well you know we all have them they are kind of like,,,,, well never mind!!!!!!!!!

I suggest starting with the overview so that we all have a common starting place. I also suggest moving from page to page by clicking on the icon at the bottom of each page.

The pages will include:

A Computer Overview
Input Hardware
Processing Hardware
Output Hardware
Storage Hardware
Application and System Software.

These pages can also be found by selecting the topic of your choice from the following menu.

When you open a page write down the address that appears in your browser window. It is always something like http://www.geocities/Petsburgh/5690/(and an extension). That way if something happens and you have to log off you can always get back to where you were. But don't get concerned if you forget. You can always come back to this page and find it in the "menu". You can also e-mail me and I will be able to send you the correct URL to enter in your browser.

Don't forget, if you have any questions while you are reading the text and looking at the pictures, I have provided a link below to my e-mail. All you have to do is left click on the e-mail button. Don't hesitate to ask. No such thing as a silly or stupid question. If you have a question that means I haven't done my job well enough. It will also help me improve these pages. And remember, "Have Fun !!!!!"

If you're ready just left click your mouse on the microprocessor chip at the left. To e-mail me with any questions you may have just left click your mouse on the E-Mail button below and I will get your questions answered quickly.

Researched and compiled from:
Time Life Books Alexandria, Virginia; Computer Basics,The Personal Computer, Input/Output, Memory and Storage, Storage, and Communications.
Irwin Advantage Series for Computer Education; Computer Essentials by Sarah E Hutchinson and Stacey C Sawyer.
PC Computing Magazine Articles.
PC World Magazine Articles.

Photo Credits: Microcomputer courtesy of Apple Computer, Inc.; Mainframes © Giandomenico & Fiore/courtesy of UNISYS Corp.; Mouse courtesy of IBM; Microprocessor © Haramaty Mula/Phototake NYC; Floppy Discs Monkmyer Press/Collins; Harddrive courtesy of Quantum; Software Shelves © Ed Kashi/Phototake NYC; Scanning Device Toav Levy, Phototake NYC; Power Supply © The Image Works Archives; The Chip courtesy of Time Life Books, Computer Basics, Evolution of the Chip; Expansion Boards © The Image Works Archives; Daisy Wheel Mike Kagan/Monkmeyeer Presss; Ink Jet Hewlitt Packard; Fiber Optics courtesy of AT&T; Ports The Iage Works Archives; Virus Infection © 1993 San Francisco Examiner/Joe Shoulac. Source: Dataquest,Inc,

Graphics Credits: Courtesy of Clip Art Castle