Computers
Software
We are all familiar with what a computer is in a specific, contemporary sense. Personal computers (PCs) are found in most aspects of daily life, and for some it is hard to even imagine a world without them. But the term means more than simply the Macs and PCs we are familiar with. A computer is, at its most basic, a machine which can take instructions, and perform computations based on those instructions. It is the ability to take instructions — often known as programs — and execute them, that distinguishes a computer from a mechanical calculator.
What Is a Computer?
Computer Software
Computer software is a program that tells a computer what to do. These instructions might be internal commands, such as updating the system clock, or a response to external input received from the keyboard or mouse. Though there are many different types of software made both with open source and proprietary standards, the programming mostly comes down to a few basic rules. Hardware vs. Software
History of Windows
The fully-packaged Windows 1.0 On November 20, 1985, two years after the initial announcement, Microsoft ships Windows 1.0 .
The UNIX * operating system was designed to let a number of programmers access the computer at the same time and share its resources. The operating system coordinates the use of the computer's resources, allowing one person, for example, to run a spell check program while another creates a document, lets another edit a document while another creates graphics, and lets another user format a document -- all at the same time, with each user oblivious to the activities of the others. The operating system controls all of the commands from all of the keyboards and all of the data being generated, and permits each user to believe he or she is the only person working on the computer. This real-time sharing of resources make UNIX one of the most powerful operating systems ever. Although UNIX was developed by programmers for programmers, it provides an environment so powerful and flexible that it is found in businesses, sciences, academia, and industry.
Unix Overview
What is Linux? Linux is, in simplest terms, an operating system. It is the software on a computer that enables applications and the computer operator to access the devices on the computer to perform desired functions. The operating system (OS) relays instructions from an application to, for instance, the computer's processor. The processor performs the instructed task, then sends the results back to the application via the operating system.
Linux Overview
From Techotopia Ubuntu Linux is one of a number of different flavors of the Linux operating system. The various different brands of Linux are generally known as Linux Distributions (usually shortened to Linux Distros by Linux experts). In terms of the history of Linux, Ubuntu is something of a newcomer. In the relatively short period of time that it has been available, however, Ubuntu has rapidly gained the respect of both experienced and novice Linux users throughout the world. In this chapter we will briefly cover the history of Linux and the Ubuntu variant of Linux.
Ubuntu History
What are viruses?
What are Viruses and Why Should we use Anti Virus Software? Computer viruses are a fact of modern, internet-connected life. At best, they're annoying performance sucking beasts, but at worst ... kiss all your data good bye.
Detect and Protect with Byte Malware is big and malware is bad. Your computer is constantly at risk from infection by malware including viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, dialers and spyware. Malwarebytes specializes in fighting malware. If viruses are mischief, malware is mayhem. Malware doesn’t just want to disrupt your network, it wants your keystrokes, logins, passwords, address book, data, credit card information, favorite t-shirt and possibly your cat.
Anti-Malware: Malwarebytes
Your PC (Personal Computer) is a system, consisting of many components. Some of those components, like Windows XP, and all your other programs, are software. The stuff you can actually see and touch, and would likely break if you threw it out a fifth-story window, is hardware. Not everybody has exactly the same hardware. But those of you who have a desktop system, like the example shown in Figure 1, probably have most of the components shown in that same figure. Those of you with notebook computers probably have most of the same components.
Computer Hardware
A beginners guide to motherboards We all know that a motherboard is a vital part of every PC. But why?
What is a Motherboard
The history of the PC has seen many different types of expansion slots. Some, like the MCA ( Micro-Channel Architecture ) interface, and the Video Electronics Standards Association's VESA interface, never really caught on and have quietly faded into history. A few newer interfaces, such as the ACR and the PCI-Express interfaces, are just now beginning to achieve acceptance.
Types of Interfaces
written by: Chris Hoffman • edited by: Simon Hill • updated: 4/12/2011 There are many different motherboard expansion slot standards. This article covers some of the most common and explains their differences and uses. What are Motherboard Expansion Slots and What Are They For? There are many different types of motherboard expansion slots, but they all have one thing in common: They allow you to plug expansion cards into your computer and increase its functionality.