First Station: Basic computer knowledge
Microphone
Theme 1: Types of Equipment
1. Desktop or desktop computer
A device that has separate parts, such as chassis,
monitor, keyboard and a mouse.
2. Notebook or laptop
Portable equipment that can be used with a battery
or be plugged in. It is easy to handle and transport.
3. Ultrabook
An ultra-thin, lightweight laptop with great battery
autonomy that does not affect performance.
4. Tablet
Portable mobile equipment operated mainly by a
touch screen.
5. Smartphone
A mobile phone that encompasses many of the key
technologies of communication and services (access
to email, Internet and GPS) used in a computer or
other devices.
Although different, the devices shown are all considered
computational systems.
A computer system consists of a set of electronic
components called ”hardware”, as well as programs or
applications (APPs), called ”software”.
Computational systems are composed of two parts:
hardware and software.
The hardware is the physical piece.
The software is the logical piece
The hardware part is the physical part, everything that
we can hold in our hands. It corresponds to the set of
parts that make the computer run, like the mouse, the
keyboard, the printer and the monitor.
The hardware can be divided into components for input,
output, processing and storage.
Input components
These are used to enter data into a computer.
1. Keyboard
A device that has a series of buttons with letters,
numbers and symbols, used to enter data, information
and commands that are projected on computer screens,
tablets and smartphones.
2. Webcam
An input device that captures images and transfers them
to a computer. These days, it’s commonly used for
videoconferencing.
3. Mouse
An external device that, along with the keyboard, allows
data entry. Its function is to move the cursor around the
monitor.
4. Scanner
An external device for scanning images, photos and text.
5.
Input device that captures audio.
Output components
They are responsible for providing the user with data
from computer output (images, sounds, videos, text and
others).
1. Monitor
Output external device that displays system information
to the user.
2. Printer
External device output whose function is to print text,
graphics and images. There are types of printers for
every need, be it at home or for the company.
3. Speaker
A box built around a speaker, which propagates the
sound and improves sound reproduction, either
increasing or decreasing volume.
Processing components
Within the processing components, data is processed and
information is generated that will be displayed on the
output components.
Processing units
The main component is the CPU (central processing
unit) or processor.
The CPU and other important computer components
fit onto the Motherboard, as shown in the figure on
the side.
Functions of the Motherboard include performing
the instructions of a computer program,
implementation of basic arithmetic, logic, and input
and output of data, etc.
Storage Components
We need storage devices for information to be recorded.
A computer has devices that store information so that it
is not deleted when the computer is turned off. See the
examples below:
DVD (digital versatile disc)
A disk with the ability to record data in digital format.
As it is newer than the CD, it also has much higher data
storage capacity.
1. Flash drive
A device composed of a flash memory, which can store
data for long periods of time without electrical power.
2. Hard drive or hard disk (HD)
A hardware component used to store data permanently,
and in great quantity. External hard drives are more
practical because they can be loaded into backpacks and
briefcases.
3. Online or cloud storage
The data is stored online, so that it can be accessed
anywhere, anytime and from different devices.
For example: Google Drive, DropBox, SkyDrive.
Ports are used to connect the computer to external
devices. Look:
a. PS/2 port
Used to connect a mouse and a keyboard. Refer to the
equipment manual to check the location of each
connection.
b. USB Port (universal serial bus)
Designed to be universally compatible with a wide
variety of devices.
c. Parallel port
Used to connect an external device, such as a printer.
d. Serial port
Remote control of equipment, such as routers, switches
and mouse.
e. HDMI port
Used to connect the video monitor or multimedia
projector: HDMI and VGA.
f. Game Port
Used to connect joysticks.
g. Audio input and output
Used to connect speakers and microphones.
h. Video Port
Used to connect a video monitor or multimedia
projector.
Programs installed on your computer are called
Software. They can be divided into three groups: basic,
utilities and applications. See the different types of
software below.
Basic software is essential to run the computer.
 Microsoft Windows, Linux, iOS and Android are
examples of operating systems. Later in this course,
we will have an entire lesson dedicated to the
operating system.
 Its main function is to ensure the proper functioning
of the computer. Anti-virus software is an example
of a utility that serves to protect your computer from
virus attacks and intruders.
 Applications are software programs that serve the
user, such as a text editor, a web browser or a
spreadsheet editor
Software is installed on storage devices. The most
common storage drive is the hard drive (HD). The HD
should be set up to receive the operating system and
other software. You can create one or more partitions on
it. It must be formatted to receive a file system.
SystemPartitions
 Partitions can be defined as divisions of a hard drive,
i.e. technically speaking, logical or physical portions
of a hard drive.
 Partitions can store information.
 A disk must be partitioned to accommodate and
organize the data inside.
A tip for the use of partitions on a hard drive is to create
one partition for the Windows operating system, one for
the Linux operating system, and another for data only
(there can be more than one operating system on the
same computer).
Therefore, if there is problem on a single partition, you
only need to reinstall that partition and its programs, as
the data on the other partitions are unaffected.
Different types of printers.
1. Dot matrix printer or impact printer
Works with tape, prints with carbon and makes noise
when printing.
2. Inkjet printer
Works with ink cartridges to print text, spreadsheets,
photos and graphics.
3. Laser printer
Works with toner and consumes more electricity
than inkjet printers of the same size.
4. Plotter
Used for large-scale and high quality prints, such as
banners.
5. Multifunction
Integrates printing, copying and scanning functions
into one machine.
An operating system is a set of programs that manages,
or controls the use of all the resources of the computer.
For example, it controls the processor, the memory, the
input and output devices, and program implementation.
Now let’s learn more about some operating systems.
MacOS
This is the operating system of Apple devices, like the
MacBook. It is proprietary software, meaning you need a
license to use it.
Linux
It is an open source operating system, allowing people to
contribute to its ongoing development. It is a
free software, i.e. it may be used, copied, studied,
modified and redistributed without restriction.
Windows
It is a widely used operating system, since it is
compatible with most computers in the market. It is
proprietary software.
An operating system is a set of
programs, (software) that are used to manage system
resources. Input and output components are processing
elements, as well as hardware. The computer system is
formed by hardware and software working together.
Operating systems have a Control Panel, where the
required configurations for the operating systems are set.
We will use Windows as an example in this course, so
we'll show you how to use it. Here are some
configurable items.
Windows is both a multi-tasking and a multi-user
operating system.
 This means it can be used by more than one user,
and each user can perform multiple tasks
simultaneously, e.g. editing text and surfing the
Internet.
 A multi-tasking system allows the processor to
perform multiple tasks at the same time. A multi-
user system allows multiple users to access the
computer at the same time.
Device Manager
 The Device Manager is a Control Panel item that
verifies the installed hardware.
 This item enables the installation and updating of
device drivers on the hardware.
Programs and Features
 This section of the Control Panel is used to uninstall
or add/remove features of installed programs on the
hardware.
Task Manager
 The Task Manager monitors the computer's
performance and manages the programs and services
running on the system.
To take care of computer security, you need:
1. A firewall, which helps protect your computer by
preventing access by people or malicious programs.
2. An anti-virus program, which helps to protect your
computer against viruses and other security threats.
3. An antispyware program, which helps to protect
your computer against spyware and other unwanted
programs.
4. An operating system that is configured to
automatically check for, and install, updates to your
computer.
The operating system manages system resources, such
as the use of RAM memory, CPU and file management.
The user's appointments can be managed
by software, hardware upgrades refer to parts
replacement and threats to the system are counteracted
by anti-malware software.
There are different operating systems, and each has a
primary feature.
 Windows is a closed system, which requires a
license, but it is widely used in devices from
different manufacturers.
 Linux’s open operating system encourages
collaboration and does not require a license.
The mouse is a commonly-used device, separate to the
computer, which serves to position the pointer on the
computer screen.
The computer keyboard is a commonly-used device,
separate from the computer, which allows data and
commands to be entered into the computer. It has keys
representing letters, numbers, and symbols, along with
other functions.
Esc
This cancels the current operation.
Softkey
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11 and F12.
These are keys that can be programmed for special
functions. Each program uses the function keys in a
different way.
Caps Lock
This is used to lock capital letters. When enabled, this
key causes the text to be typed in all caps. Check if the
Caps Lock key light is illuminated on the keyboard.
Depending on the keyboard, signaling that the key is
active varies, especially on notebooks.
Shift
On its own, it does nothing. It is used in combination
with other keys. It is held down while another key is
pressed. The most common function of the Shift key is
switching between uppercase and lowercase when
editing text.
Delete or Del
This deletes the character that is to the right of the text
cursor. It is also used to delete files and objects selected
on the screen.
Control or Ctrl
On its own, it does nothing. It is used in combination
with other keys. It is held down while another key is
pressed.
Windows
You’ll find this on almost all current keyboards, and
serves as a shortcut in Windows. When just this button is
pressed, it activates the Windows Start Menu, and when
combined with other keys, you can open or perform
some specific tasks.
Alt  .bmp - image file
On its own, it does nothing. It is used in combination
with other keys. It is held down while another key is  .dll - library file
pressed.
Alt Gr  .doc or .docx - Word text file
This accesses the third character of the key. In the
absence of Alt Gr, you can use Ctrl+Alt.  .exe - executable file
Fn  .gif - image file
This activates certain functions, which vary according to
computer model.
 .jpg - image file
Backspace
This deletes the character that is to the left of the text
cursor.  .mdb or .mdbx - Access Database file
Enter
This confirms commands, and also creates new lines in  .mp3 - audio file
the text editor.
Num Lock or NumLk  .pdf - Electronic document file of Adobe
This enables the numeric keypad. Check if the Num Acrobat Reader
Lock key light is illuminated on the keyboard.
 .ppt - PowerPoint presentation file
Second Station: Directories and files
 .rar - compressed file
Welcome to the second station. Here, you can explore
folders (directories) and files.  .txt - text file
 Folders, files and programs
 Editing of documents  .wav - audio file

File” is the name given to a set of recorded information.  .xls or .xlsx - Excel spreadsheet file
 When we type text, for example, the text editing
program lets you save the information, transforming
it into a file that can be placed on any storage Use File Manager to access folders and files. This is
device, such as the hard drive. a Windows application that is also used to create
“Folder” is the name given to the place where files that folders and subfolders.
can be stored on the hard drive, and flash drives, etc. are
stored. Third Station: All about the Internet
 Other folders can also be saved within folders. Welcome to the third station. Here, you can explore the
Folders can also be called “directories”. Internet.
 We can therefore conclude that folders can be
compared to drawers, and files can be compared to  Computer networks
documents.
 Both files and folders must have a name. Actually, a  Internet
name and a "surname".
 Internet browsing
A file consists of a name and an extension, separated by
a dot.
 ISPs and connection types
 The extension is like a "surname", which tells
Windows what to do when the file is executed.
 Search
 For example, if the file is a document, the
extension will be associated with the program
 Email
that will be used to view or modify the
document.
The Internet is the connection of many computer
Examples of file extensions networks.
 .avi - video file LAN – local area network
 A local computer network that covers a relatively
small area. Most LANs are confined to a single
building or group of buildings.
WAN - Wide Area Network
 A wide area network that allows transmission of data
over greater geographical distances. A WAN is
slower than a LAN. An Internet connection is an
example of a WAN.
Domestic and corporate networks.
Home Network
 A small LAN that normally has only one router to
connect to the Internet.
Business Network
 A larger LAN that can have multiple routers to
connect to different networks.
Protocols
In a network, computers communicate through
protocols, which are sets of predefined rules that
describe how things should be, the order in which they
should happen, and what to do in case of errors.
 Just as a house has a street number (unique and non-
transferable), on the Internet and in networks,
IP (Internet Protocol) is the protocol used to give
computers an address.
 A computer has a numerical address called “IP
address”.
 An IP address consists of four numbers separated by
dots, each of which may vary from 0 to 255.
For example, 23.37.224.170.
 The IP address we just saw is actually a set of bits.
Bit
 It means binary digit, which is the smallest unit of
information that can be stored or transmitted.
 The computer communicates through a binary
system, which will be explained further below.
A bit can only have two values, 0 or 1.
 1 byte = 8 bits
 1 kilobyte (KB or Kbyte) = 1024 bytes
 1 megabyte (MB or Mbytes) = 1024 kilobytes
 1 gigabyte (GB or Gbyte) = 1024 megabytes
 1 terabyte (TB or Tbytes) = 1024 gigabytes
The amount of bytes defines the size of the data
traveling on the network.
 Typically, the information to be transmitted has
several bytes, and therefore must be divided into
what we call “packets”.
 On the Internet, the network breaks an email
message, for example, into parts that are called
“packets”. Each of these packets receives a source IP
address and a destination, and it is then sent over the
network.
 Each of these packages can be compared to a letter
that has the both the recipient's and the sender’s
addresses, and it is sent by the Post Office, which is
responsible for transporting it to its destination.
 In networks, routers play the role of the Post Office,
and are responsible for forwarding packets through
the network until they reach their destination.
The router is a device used to connect different
computer networks to each other, enabling the routing of
packets.
 It directs which path the traffic of information
should follow, which facilitates communication
between networks.
Firewall
 An application or piece of equipment, which is
usually between the LAN and the WAN.
 It checks and filters the data stream, controlling
communications passing over the network,
either allowing or blocking them.
Home router
 It bridges the gap between a home network and
the Internet, and provides connectivity, usually
to computers, TVs and mobile devices, such as
tablets and smartphones.
Corporate router
 A more sophisticated, and therefore more
expensive, piece of equipment dedicated to
forwarding packets and finding the best path
between networks (networks that are larger than
domestic networks), located both within and
outside of the company.
Switch
 A piece of equipment that connects computers
within the same network.
 In order to reduce costs and popularize the
technology, home routers have a switch module
built in.
 On the other hand, corporate models use
equipment dedicated to the function of the
switch.
Some terms used on the WWW (or Web)

Hypertext
- An electronic document that contains hyperlinks.
- Hypertext is organized to promote non-linear
navigation, where the users create their own reading
choices, unlike a book, where it's usually necessary
to read the first chapter in order to understand
chapter 2, and so on.
Website
- Also known as a site, this is a set of web pages.
Homepage
- The homepage of a site.
URL
- A web address. For example, http://www.cisco.com.
Hyperlink
- A hyperlink is a location in the hypertext, which the
user clicks to open another page. Typically,
hyperlinks are underlined.
Some of the most important services on the Internet are:
a. Browsing the World Wide Web – WWW
b. Email (or electronic mail)
Navigating the World Wide Web and email are
called services
Through these and other services, you can access:
To access these services, the user establishes a
client-server type Internet connection, where the user's
computer is the client and the services are installed on
servers.
That’s why you can access the services from
anywhere in the world.
Connection Types
1. Dial-up connection –
- Also known as dial-up connection.
- With this type of Internet access, a person uses a
modem and a standard telephone line.
2. DSL connection
- This type of access is provided through the
conventional telephone network, but it is different
from dial-up, since even if the user is logged on and
surfing the Internet, the phone line will be released
and may be used anytime for voice calls.
- This is a type of broadband connection, offering
speeds faster than dial-up.
3. Cable connection
- A cable connection uses the same infrastructure as
cable TV service, where both the TV service and the
Internet data pass through the same connection at the
same time.
- This is also a type of broadband connection.
4. Other connection types
Other ways to connect to the Internet:
1. Satellite connection
2. Radio connection
3. Connection via mobile phone (3G, 4G)
- In order to be transmitted through a physical
medium, information must be encrypted.
- When we speak, our message is encoded into sound
waves by the sender, and decoded by the recipient's
ear.
- A computer encodes the information into electrical
signals that it puts on the cable network.
Coding examples
Encryption: A set of rules that put information into
code so that only the sender and the receiver are able to
understand it.
Morse Code: a binary representation of numbers,
letters, and graphical signals, which uses short and long
sounds, and dots and dashes to communicate messages.
It was developed in 1835 by the painter and inventor, - Its area of coverage is global, since the satellites are
Samuel Finley Breese Morse. in space and have an extended reach.
Optical fiber
You connect to the Internet through an ISP, which is - An extremely thin fiber optic cable, comparable to
an Internet Service Provider. the thickness of a hair.
- Normally, you get that connection by paying a fee, - Unlike twisted pair cable, optical fiber does not
just like utility companies that provide water and conduct electricity, instead transmitting the data
light. through light. Optical fiber reaches great distances,
- The most common way to connect to an ISP is using even overseas.
a broadband connection. 3G and 4G
- Many ISPs offer services, such as email accounts, - 3G technology is very common today with regard to
exclusive content, personal website hosting, etc. mobile phones and Internet. It is an acronym that
represents the third generation of mobile phone
Diagram of a home network with an Internet standards and technology, replacing 2G.
connection: - With this technology, voice transmission and data is
enhanced, offering greater connection speeds,
among other features, such as broadcast television
signals, voice calls, three-dimensional games, and
Lan: faster downloading of music and videos, etc.
For example: - 4G technology is represented by technologies that
Bluetooth provide Internet connections with very high speeds.
WiFi Therefore, 4G mobile networks achieve speeds close
ethernet cable to those of cable or DSL modem connections.
Information on some types of LAN and WAN - 4G allows access to multimedia content, such as HD
connections. videos much faster, as well as video-conferencing
WiFi and music directly from the Internet, etc.
- The term, ”WiFi”, loosely translated, means DSL
wireless, or a connection to transmit information - An always-on service, which does not require you to
without the use of wires or cables. dial each time you need to connect to the Internet.
- WiFi is a wireless technology used to connect - It uses existing copper phone lines to provide digital
devices on a local network. communication of high speed data between end
Bluetooth users and telephone companies.
- This is the name given to a piece of wireless - Voice signals and data are transmitted on different
technology for wireless communication, which frequencies through copper telephone wires.
enables the transmission of data quickly and Cable
securely via mobile devices, notebooks, keyboards, - An Internet connection though cable that does not
mice and headphones. use phone lines.
- A cable connection uses coaxial cable lines,
- The range of Bluetooth is only a few meters.
originally developed for transporting television
Ethernet cable images via cable.
- Ethernet cables use twisted pairs of copper wires and - A cable modem connects your computer to the ISP,
connectors, similar to telephones. and as a DSL network, cable offers high speeds and
- They are commonly used for connecting networked an always available service, which means that even
computers in businesses. when the connection is not in use, the Internet
Wan: connection is still available.
For example:
To connect equipment to the Internet securely, install
optical fiber
a firewall and pay attention to the event logs it generates.
DSL
cable Additionally, you must install and maintain a good
3G and 4G anti-virus program!
Satellite
Electronic mail, or ”email”, is a service through which
Satellite Internet people exchange messages over the Internet.
- This is used in places where conventional Internet is - This can be done via the Web (Web mail), or by
not available. using specific software called ”email clients”.

POP and IMAP: Communication protocols that retrieve
messages from an email server and pass them to an
email client.
SMTP: Communication protocol to send messages from
the email client to the email server. It is also a
communication protocol between email servers.
Structure of Email Address
1. Switch
User Name
This is the login name chosen by the user when
creating an email account.
For example, my username is Switch.
2. at [@] (@)
This is the symbol that separates the user name from
the domain.
3. Domain
This is the name registered by the company that
offers the email service.
For example, gmail.com.
The mailbox, where emails are stored, consists of the
following items:
Inbox: stores messages that are received
Outbox: stores messages that have not been sent
Sent Emails: stores messages that were sent
Draft: stores messages that you have not
finished writing
Trash: stores deleted messages
Netiquette is a set of manners that are part of general
agreements for full communication in virtual
environments (emails, chats and forums), which means
etiquette in the virtual network.
See what is not cool!
 Avoid writing EXCLUSIVELY WITH CAPITAL
LETTERS, and with exaggerated emphasis. Besides
being extremely tiresome to read, it means that the
author is "screaming", which may offend the
recipient.
 Do not resend advertisements, chain letters, or other
similar messages.
 When asking a question, never be arrogant or rude.
 Do not avoid a subject, even when it is unpleasant.
In cases like this, the conversation should be
completed to show that the message was read.
 Where offense is caused, do not retaliate.
 Avoid abbreviations of words, e.g. “y”, “u”, “2”,
“lt8r”, etc.
 Avoid long messages, as this makes for tiring
reading. If a longer message is needed, leave a blank
line between some text phrases, dividing it into
paragraphs. This way, the text will be more
organized and easier to read.
See what’s cool, and what you should therefore
always do!
 Sources of papers used as references should be cited.
If you wish to make the full text available, please
indicate the website or the bibliography, in the case
of printed books and chapters.
 The text should always be clear and consistent.
 When replying to a message, put the recipient's
name at the beginning of the sentence.
 Attention to language rules is essential, so use
spellcheck. Reading text without punctuation,
particularly when it is long, is awkward, and more
importantly, the chances of it being misinterpreted
are increased.
 Try to express yourself clearly, and try to maintain
the context of the discussion.
 Give respect in order to be respected, and treat
others as you wish to be treated.
Spam - This refers to unsolicited emails, which are
usually sent to a large number of people.
Phishing - This is a form of electronic fraud,
characterized by attempts to acquire personal data of
various kinds, e.g. passwords, financial data, etc.
- The consists of a scammer impersonating a person
or trusted company by sending official electronic
communication. This occurs in several ways, mainly
by email, instant message, SMS, etc.
Virus - This is a program or part of a computer program,
usually malicious, that spreads by inserting copies of
itself, and becoming part of other programs and files.
- The virus depends on the execution of the host
program or file so it can become active and continue
the infection process.
Check the table for some file extensions that may
indicate danger. In these cases, you should not click
(run) the files that are included as an attachment in a
message.