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	introduction	hardware

Computers are changing many aspects of our lives in these modern times. In many cases creating dependence and isolation, but in others, when used with moderation, performing many useful tasks. It is only a tool and can be useful as that.

The following guides explore the basics of Windows 95/98 operating system and some useful applications included with it.

In this guide we will see the PC components and it's most common peripherals.

P.C. (Personal Computer) HARDWARE COMPONENTS

1) HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

Hardware: the physical parts that make up the computer (everything we can 'see and touch').

Software: not physical, this includes the programs, or applications needed for the functioning and operation of the system.

2) COMPONENTS

INPUT DEVICES	OUTPUT DEVICES
Devices that allow the user to enter information into the PC (keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc.)	Devices that allow the computer to communicate with the user (monitor, printer, etc.)

3) KEYBOARD

The keyboard has four defined zones,

Main Typing Area: Takes up the largest area of the keyboard, and includes the alphabet letters. It resembles a traditional typewriter.
Numeric Keypad: Placed on the right part of the keyboard. Similar to a calculator keyboard.
Edition keys: Located between the numeric keypad and the main typing area. It is very useful to move within texts and edit documents.
Function Keys: Situated horizontally at the top of the keyboard. These keys are 'shortcuts' to perform specific tasks within different applications.

Main Keys
Keys	Function (mainly for texts)
Enter ¿	It is used to execute a command, or to go to the following line in a text application.
Backspace ß	Goes back and erases characters to the left of the cursor
Caps Lock	Capital letters lock (it only affects the main typing area), light turns on to indicate upper case and off for lower case.
Special Functions (F1..F12)	These have specific functions, each application assigns them a different function.
Page Up	Scrolls the window contents by 'jumping' a full screen backwards.
Page Down	Scrolls the window contents by 'jumping' a full screen forward.
Delete	Erases characters to the right of the cursor.
Num Lock	Locks the numeric keypad: When light is on they act as numbers and when light is off they move, etc.
Home and End	Places the cursor at the beginning or end of a line.
Insert	Allows inserting words or letters within others.
Esc	Used by some applications to cancel processes.
Shift ñ	Used to obtain upper cases and characters located in the upper part of keys.
Alt	Performs specific tasks when used in combination with other keys.
Space bar	Adds a space (moving the cursor to the right).
Ctrl	Performs specific tasks when used in combination with other keys.

4) MOUSE

The mouse can perform four actions:

Point: this means moving the mouse over a surface, like a table. This makes the pointer, a small arrow, move across the screen. This indicates our location on the screen and it is as if we had a hand inside the computer which allows us to do certain things through the mouse.
Click: this means pressing one of the mouse buttons and releasing it immediately. (It is important that the mouse doesn't move while you click) You can click either with the left or right buttons. (Some mice also have a middle button.)
Note: When we say click, it means the left button, which is the main one, unless otherwise specified. (This could be the other way round for left-handed people if the mouse button commands are inverted)
Double click: this means pressing the left (main) mouse button twice at a certain speed.
Drag: this is clicking, holding the button down and moving or 'dragging' the mouse over the table or pad on which it is resting.

Note: If you've played Solitaire (Start - Programs - Accessories - Games - Solitaire), you already know the four possible mouse actions. If you haven't, try it and have fun!

5) STORAGE DRIVES

These are the main diskettes and disks used nowadays:

Shape

Name

Capacity

Drive Letter (usually)

Characteristics

3 ½ Diskette

1.44 Megabytes

A: or B:

Recordable, Very slow, Tend to lose information easily, Very cheap, Exchangeable, Easy to carry.

Hard Disk Drive

Between 1 and 16 Gigabytes

C:

Recordable, Very fast, Boot disk, Safe, Very Expensive.

ZIP or
LS-120

Between 100 Megabytes and 1 Gigabyte (1000 Megabytes)

D:, E:, F: etc... (The PC assigns them the next available letter while booting)

Recordable, Fast, Safe, Very Expensive, Exchangeable, Easy to carry.

CD-ROM

650 Megabytes

(0.65 Gigabytes)

D:, E:, F: etc...(The PC assigns them the next available letter while booting, usually the last one)

Some Recordable (expensive), Capacity for Audio, Very Fast,
Very Safe, Cheap , Easy to carry.

DVD-ROM

Up to 17 Gigabytes

(Up to 17000 Megabytes)

D:, E:, F: etc... (It takes non-used letters by other drives, usually the last available one)

New, Capacity for Audio and Video, Very Fast, Very Safe, Very Expensive, Easy to carry.

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