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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
- Sprache: Englisch
- Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
A one-stop guide to making the most of your desktop PC or laptop computer
PCs and Laptops For Dummies is the essential user's guide to the features your PC or laptop has to offer—and how to use them successfully. With this book as your coach, you can jump over technological hurdles with ease, navigating the hardware and software of your personal computer. Regardless of what brand of computer you use, you'll learn to navigate the latest version of Windows. You'll also explore how PCs, laptops, and other mobile devices can be used together, and how to keep your data secure. This Dummies guide is your first step toward computer-whiz status, saving you time and energy with everything in one place.
- Learn about Microsoft Windows, the operating system for PC and laptop
- Discover PC and laptop features you never knew about, and get your devices to play nicely together
- Identify the specs and features you need, so you can purchase a computer that's a fit for you
- Get easy-to-understand information, advice, and tricks at your fingertips
This is the perfect Dummies guide for PC or laptop users at home or at work who need a go-to guide for their hardware and software questions.
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Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Introduction
About This Book
Foolish Assumptions
Where to Start
Conventions Used in This Book
Icons Used in This Book
Where to Go from Here
Part 1: Hello, Computer!
Chapter 1: Computer 101
The Fast Idiot
Doubtless, You Have Some Questions
Buy That Computer!
What to Do with Old Computers
A Final Thing to Remember
Chapter 2: The PC Tour
The Many Shapes of PC
Around the Desktop PC
Laptop Exploration
Chapter 3: Setup, Connections, and Power
Desktop PC Assembly
Laptop Setup
The Plug-In Guide
It Must Have Power
Chapter 4: To Turn On a Computer
Turn On the Computer
Here Comes Windows
Settings and Controls
Chapter 5: To Turn Off a Computer
Goodnight, Computer
Shutdown Options and Configuration
Should You Leave the Computer On All the Time?
Part 2: A Non-Nerdy Guide to Computer Hardware
Chapter 6: A Peek Inside the Box
Computer Guts
The Processor Rules the Motherboard
Your Computer Is Also a Timepiece
Chapter 7: Computer Memory
Random Access Memory
One Byte at a Time
Memory Chips and Dips
Memory Q&A
Chapter 8: Disks and Drives
The Mass Storage System
Removable Media
Mass Storage Alphabet Soup
Chapter 9: The PC’s Graphics System
Graphical Guts
The Monitor, the Screen, the Display
Windows Controls What You See
Chapter 10: Input This!
Meet Mr. Keyboard
The Pointing Device
Touchscreen Input
Voice Input
Chapter 11: System Expansion
The Versatile USB Port
Expansion Slots
Wireless Connections with Bluetooth
The Laptop Becomes a Desktop
Chapter 12: P Is for Printer
Step Aside, Gutenberg
The Union of Printer and PC
Printer Operation
Chapter 13: Webcams, Scanners, and Audio
The Computer Is Watching You
The Document Scanner
Computer Goes Beep
Shhh — It’s Listening to You!
Part 3: Network and Internet Stuff
Chapter 14: The Networking Thing
The Big Networking Picture
Make the Network Connection
Break the Network Connection
Chapter 15: The Internet
What Is the Internet?
Internet Access
It’s a World Wide Web We Weave
Email Messages
Chapter 16: Files from Elsewhere
Files Lurking on the Local Network
Cloud Storage Synchronization
Chapter 17: Internet Safety
Behind the Firewall
Beware the Bogus Website
Part 4: On the Go with Your Laptop
Chapter 18: Portable Power
The Battery Will Get a Charge Out of This!
When the Power Gets Low
Chapter 19: O, the Places You’ll Go
In the Bag
Flying with Your Laptop
Café Computing
In a Hotel Room
Mind the Laptop's Temperature
Chapter 20: A More Secure Laptop
The Hot Laptop
Before Your Laptop Is Stolen
Protect Your Data with a Strong Password
The Laptop Reset
Part 5: Security and Maintenance
Chapter 21: System Security
The Windows Security Center
The Malware Scourge
Keep Windows Up-to-Date
Your Privacy
Chapter 22: An All-Important Safety Copy
Back Up Your Data
The Restore Operation
Chapter 23: Maintenance Chores
Mass Storage Duties
Network Troubleshooting
The Windows Do-Over
General Cleaning
Part 6: The Part of Tens
Chapter 24: Ten Computer Commandments
I. Thou Shalt Not Fear Thy PC
II. Thou Shalt Save Thy Work
III. Thou Shalt Back Up Thy Files
IV. That Shalt Not Open or Delete Things Unknownst
V. Thou Shalt Not Be a Sucker
VI. Thou Shalt Use Antivirus Software, Yea Verily, and Keepeth It Up-to-Date
VII. Thou Shalt Upgrade Wisely
VIII. Thou Shalt Compute at a Proper Posture
IX. Thou Shalt Keepeth Windows Up-to-Date
X. Thou Shalt Properly Shut Down Windows
Chapter 25: Ten Battery-Saving Tips and Tricks
Don't Drop the Battery, Get It Wet, Short It, Play Keep-Away with It, Open It, Burn It, or Throw It Away
Reduce the Screen’s Brightness
Keep the Laptop Cool
Keep Memory Empty
Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Change the Power Mode
Understand That Batteries Drain Over Time!
Deal with the Low-Battery Warning
Remember the Battery Saver!
Plug the Laptop into the Wall
Chapter 26: Ten Handy Laptop Accessories
Laptop Bag or Travel Case
External Storage
Cooling Pad
Laptop Stand
Minivac
USB Lamp
Full-Size Keyboard and External Mouse
Privacy Screen Filter
ID Card or Return Service Sticker
Theft-Prevention System
Chapter 27: Ten Things to Throw in Your Laptop Bag
Power Cord and Brick
Mouse or Digital Pen
Screen Wipes and Cleaner
Laptop Lock
Removable Media
Headphones
Spare Batteries
Office Supplies
Cables, Cables, Cables
Not the End of the List
Chapter 28: Ten Tips from a PC Guru
Remember That You’re in Charge
Mind Who “Helps” You
Give Yourself Time to Learn
Create Separate Accounts
Mind What You Download
Organize Your Files
Don’t Reinstall Windows
Shun the Hype
Keep on Learning
Remember Not to Take This Computer Stuff Too Seriously
Index
About the Author
Connect with Dummies
End User License Agreement
List of Tables
Chapter 7
TABLE 7-1 Memory Measurements
Chapter 9
TABLE 9-1 Display Adapter Connections
Chapter 10
TABLE 10-1 Digital Pen and Mouse Actions
Chapter 11
TABLE 11-1 USB Standards and Colors
TABLE 11-2 USB Cable Ends
Chapter 13
TABLE 13-1 Surround Sound Speaker Options
List of Illustrations
Chapter 1
FIGURE 1-1: What a computer does at its simplest level.
Chapter 2
FIGURE 2-1: PC shapes and sizes, also known as “form factors.”
FIGURE 2-2: A typical computer system.
FIGURE 2-3: Items of note on the front of the console.
FIGURE 2-4: Important doodads on the computer’s backside.
FIGURE 2-5: Stuff to find on the I/O panel.
FIGURE 2-6: Laptop things and their names.
Chapter 3
FIGURE 3-1: Charging the battery.
FIGURE 3-2: Adjust the lid so that you can view the screen at an angle that’s j...
FIGURE 3-3: Plug in computer stuff like this.
FIGURE 3-4: Hooking up to a UPS.
Chapter 4
FIGURE 4-1: Signing in to Windows.
FIGURE 4-2: The Windows desktop and all its trappings.
FIGURE 4-3: The Windows Start menu.
FIGURE 4-4: The Action Center.
FIGURE 4-5: The Settings app.
FIGURE 4-6: The Control Panel, Category view.
Chapter 5
FIGURE 5-1: Windows power options.
FIGURE 5-2: Account options on the Start menu.
FIGURE 5-3: The Control Panel’s power button settings.
Chapter 6
FIGURE 6-1: A peek inside the console.
FIGURE 6-2: The System window.
Chapter 7
FIGURE 7-1: A semisweet DIMM.
Chapter 8
FIGURE 8-1: Removing storage media.
FIGURE 8-2: The tiny Eject drive icon thingy.
FIGURE 8-3: Assorted storage devices on a PC.
FIGURE 8-4: Checking storage device info.
Chapter 9
FIGURE 9-1: The monitor and display adapter.
FIGURE 9-2: Measuring a PC monitor.
FIGURE 9-3: Working with two monitors.
Chapter 10
FIGURE 10-1: PC keyboard layout.
FIGURE 10-2: Typical laptop keyboard layout.
FIGURE 10-3: The hidden numeric keypad.
FIGURE 10-4: A typical computer mouse.
FIGURE 10-5: Touchpad varieties.
FIGURE 10-6: A typical PC stylus.
FIGURE 10-7: Touchscreen keyboard varieties.
FIGURE 10-8: Windows dictation.
Chapter 11
FIGURE 11-1: Use a USB hub to add more USB ports.
FIGURE 11-2: Bluetooth control center.
Chapter 12
FIGURE 12-1: Notable places on the printer.
FIGURE 12-2: Available printers in Windows 11.
FIGURE 12-3: The Print dialog box and Print screen.
Chapter 13
FIGURE 13-1: A typical scanner.
FIGURE 13-2: Speaker overload.
FIGURE 13-3: Adjusting sounds in Windows.
Chapter 14
FIGURE 14-1: A typical computer network.
FIGURE 14-2: Selecting a Wi-Fi network in the Windows 11 Action Center.
Chapter 16
FIGURE 16-1: The Network window.
FIGURE 16-2: Drives on the network.
Chapter 17
FIGURE 17-1: Is it okay for this program to access the Internet?
FIGURE 17-2: Checking a website’s security.
Chapter 18
FIGURE 18-1: Battery notification and Action Center.
FIGURE 18-2: Battery HQ in the Settings app.
FIGURE 18-3: Power options for setting low-battery warnings and actions.
Chapter 21
FIGURE 21-1: The Windows Security Center.
FIGURE 21-2: A typical UAC.
Chapter 22
FIGURE 22-1: Perusing previous versions of a file.
FIGURE 22-2: The File History window.
Chapter 23
FIGURE 23-1: Checking storage usage statistics.
FIGURE 23-2: Storage utilities.
FIGURE 23-3: The Optimize Drives window.
Chapter 26
FIGURE 26-1: A cool cooling pad.
Guide
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Begin Reading
Index
About the Author
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PCs & Laptops For Dummies®
Published by: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, www.wiley.com
Copyright © 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies.
Published simultaneously in Canada.
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Trademarks: Wiley, For Dummies, the Dummies Man logo, Dummies.com, Making Everything Easier, and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and may not be used without written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2024946702
ISBN: 978-1-394-27694-3 (pbk); 978-1-394-27696-7 (ebk); 978-1-394-27695-0 (ebk)
Introduction
Since the first IBM PC rolled off the assembly line in 1981, tremendous leaps in technology have taken place. Who would have thought you could purchase a sophisticated, high-speed computer or laptop in the same place where you buy tires and booze? Despite these advancements, computers remain a daunting, intimidating piece of machinery. They can make you feel like a dummy.
This book’s job is to convince you that you’re not a dummy. Computers are intimidating only when you believe them to be. Peel back that sleek case and you find a shy, frightened beast that desires only to help you. Oh, and I’m speaking metaphorically: Try to avoid peeling off the computer’s case.
This book covers desktop PCs and laptops. The information here runs the gamut, from assembling a desktop to taking your laptop out to a swanky cybercafé. Across the desktop and from laptop to lap-bottom, it’s all covered here.
About This Book
I’m glad you’re still reading this introduction. Most people stop reading after a few paragraphs, probably from the fear that I’ll regale them with dull details about 19th century French poetry or describe the effect of cubism on honeybee migration. Regardless, I appreciate your dedication.
This book covers both laptops and desktop computers. These categories define two different configurations of what is essentially the same device: a personal computer, or PC. The term PC applies to both, though it traditionally refers to the desktop model. Regardless, these devices run Windows, the most popular and hated computer operating system in history.
Topics here cover computer tasks and duties, from setup and identification of parts and basics such as turning the thing on and off to other subjects like networking, printing, computer security, and maintenance. These are concepts that were once contained in the computer manual, though this book isn’t as serious and has less of a chance of giving you a paper cut.
Foolish Assumptions
You have a computer, desktop or laptop, or you intend to purchase one before you read the last word in this sentence. Good. The computer you have or desire to obtain is a PC, as described earlier. It is not a Macintosh. It is not a Cray supercomputer. It is not an ENIAC.
The term desktop applies to all desktop PCs, from the behemoth under-the-desk powerhouses to those tiny models that are slightly larger than a deck of cards. These are nonportable computers.
I use the word laptop to refer to all types of portable computers, from traditional notebooks to tablets and various models in between. These are all easily flung out a window.
Here’s what I think of you: Beyond being clever and handsome, you are a human being and not a cleverly disguised owl. You may have some experience with a computer or none at all. But you’re not a Vulcan or a superintelligent gerbil desiring to program an Arduino in FORTRAN.
This book covers both Windows 10 and Windows 11, the two current and most fashionable versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Previous editions of this book cover Windows 7, and even older versions cover the horrid Windows 8, for which several Microsoft employees are still paying penance. Windows 9 doesn’t exist for reasons that are understandable only to Germans.
When this book refers to Windows without a specific edition or version, the information applies to both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Though using Windows is necessary to performing many tasks in this book, I do not cover the Windows operating system directly. For details on using Windows, I recommend Windows For Dummies, by my pal Andy Rathbone (Wiley Publishing). For helpful tomes on using various software applications, hunt down a For Dummies title on that specific program.
Where to Start
This book is a reference. You can start reading at any point because, unlike books on reassembling cats, this book doesn’t assume that you’ve already read previous chapters or even some of the current chapter. After you read the information, you’re done; there’s no need to read any further. The book has no plot, the characters are one-dimensional, and the conclusion is predictable.
Each of this book’s 28 chapters covers a specific aspect of the computer. Sample sections include:
Restarting the PC
Ejecting storage media
Stopping a printer run amok
Accessing a Wi-Fi network
Understanding cloud storage
Things to pack in your laptop bag
Doing a virus scan
Each section is designed to be read independently of other information in the book. Read the information quickly, digest what you have read, and then put down the book and get on with using the computer — or instead choose to do something beneficial to humanity, such as play pickleball.
Conventions Used in This Book
Menu items, links, and other controls on the screen are written using initial-cap text. So, if an option is labeled “Turn off the computer,” the text Turn Off the Computer (without quotes or commas) appears in this book.
If you must type something, it looks like this:
Type me
You type the text Type me as shown. You’re told when and whether to press the Enter key. You’re also told whether to type a period; periods end sentences written in English, but not always when you type text on a computer.
Windows menu commands are shown like this:
Choose File ⇒ Exit.
This line directs you to choose the File menu and then choose the Exit command.
Key combinations you may have to press are shown like this:
Ctrl+S
This line says to press and hold down the Ctrl (Control) key, type an s, and then release the Ctrl key. It works the same as pressing Shift+S on the keyboard to produce an uppercase S. Same deal, different shift key.
The Windows key on the keyboard is labeled with the Windows icon, lurking in the margin. This key may instead be adorned with the keyboard manufacturer’s logo. It’s used by itself to pop up the Windows Start menu, though it can also be used like a shift key with other keys on the keyboard. See Chapter 10 for exciting keyboardy stuff.
Icons Used in This Book
The Tip icon indicates helpful advice or an insight that makes using the computer interesting. For example, when you’re dunking the computer into liquid nitrogen, be sure to wear protective goggles.
This icon indicates something to remember, like wearing trousers when you address a large crowd.
When you see this icon, pay careful attention to the text. It flags something that’s bad or that can cause trouble. For example: “The enormous sea monster slithering toward your village won’t be using the courts to settle its grievances.”
This icon alerts you to a technical topic, an aside or a trivial tidbit that I simply cannot suppress the urge to share. For example: “My first laptop was a steam-powered, 8-bit 6502 that I breadboarded myself.” Feel free to skip over any text tagged with this little picture.
Where to Go from Here
Thank you for making it through the introduction. See? I didn’t cover French poetry at all and only barely mentioned honeybee migration.
What’s next is up to you: Open the table of contents and pick a spot that amuses you or concerns you or piques your curiosity. Everything is explained in the text, and topics are carefully cross-referenced so that you don't waste your time reading repeated information. Again, everything is carefully cross-referenced so that you don't waste your time reading repeated information.
My email address is [email protected]. Yes, this is my real address. I reply to all email I receive, though you get a quick reply if you keep your question short and specific to this book. Although I enjoy saying hi, I cannot answer technical support questions or help you troubleshoot your computer. Thanks for understanding.
With this book in hand, you’re now ready to go out and conquer your desktop or laptop PC. Try not to read all of it, which would embarrass me because I’ve never finished reading a book, let alone
Part 1
Hello, Computer!
IN THIS PART …
Discover what a PC is and what it can do
Explore desktop and laptop computers
Set up and configure a PC
Toil through turning on a computer
Cope with turning a computer off
Chapter 1
Computer 101
IN THIS CHAPTER
Understanding the computer
Discerning between hardware and software
Answering some common PC questions
Buying a computer
Getting rid of old technology
You must accept two important facts about a computer: It can’t blow up and it’s not evil.
Computers explode in the movies. They excel at it. You see fire, smoke, and little pieces flying everywhere. Real life is sadly less dramatic.
Though it’s stimulating to believe that computers are evil, and such a belief explains many confusing things nicely, it just isn’t true. Computers are innately indifferent, almost disappointingly so.
Sad to say, computers are handy tools — just frustrating to use at times. This chapter helps ease you into understanding these useful and often misunderstood gizmos.
The enrollment application for dogs to join the Marines in WW2 was designed to be filled out from the dog's perspective:
The Fast Idiot
Computers aren’t smart; they’re just fast. If you slow down time and observe deep inside the computer’s bosom, you find a calculator. That’s it. But surrounded by lots of helpful electronics, and cranking out billions of computations per second, the computer seems amazing. It’s like your drooling nephew building a Lego Eiffel Tower in two seconds. You’d think he’s a genius, but he’s just moving quickly. That’s essentially how the computer fools you into thinking it’s smart.
What a computer does
A computer’s core mission statement is to consume input, process it, and generate output. In this manner, the computer operates like a cow but one that’s less expensive to feed and with less odorous output. Figure 1-1 illustrates the basic computer operation, which coincidentally also applies to a cow.
FIGURE 1-1: What a computer does at its simplest level.
To perform its basic task, the computer occupies itself with three activities:
I/O
Processing
Storage
I/O: I/O stands for input and output. It’s pronounced “I owe,” like Io, the third-largest moon of Jupiter. The computer receives input from devices such as the keyboard, a pointing device (mouse), and the Internet. It generates output displayed on the screen, printed, or returned to the Internet. I/O is also a popular subject for songs sung at computer camp.
Processing: Between input and output you find processing. The input is somehow manipulated, mangled, or munged. Then it’s spewed out in a modified form. Minus any processing, the computer is like a tube, and computer science would be identical to plumbing. Processing is covered in Chapter 6. Plumbing is covered in Plumbing For Dummies.
Storage: The final computer activity is storage. Storage can be temporary or long-term. Temporary storage is the computer memory, or RAM, covered in Chapter 7. Long-term storage is provided by the computer’s storage media, covered in Chapter 8. Overhead storage is designed for luggage that doesn’t fit below the seat in front of you.
Hardware and software
All parts of a computer system can be classified as either hardware or software.
Hardware is the physical part. Anything you can touch or see — or that smells like burning plastic — is hardware.
Software is the computer’s instructions. It tells the hardware what to do.
For example, consider a symphony orchestra. The hardware consists of the musicians and their instruments. Their software is music. As with a computer, the music (software) tells the musicians and their instruments (hardware) what to do.
Without software, hardware just sits around bored. Like a symphony orchestra without music, that can be an expensive waste of time, especially at union scale. No, it’s software that makes the computer system work. It’s in charge. Software determines the computer’s personality and potential.
If you can toss it out a window, it’s hardware.
If you can toss it out a window and it comes back, it’s a cat.
Computer software includes all the programs you use on the computer.
The most important piece of software is the computer’s operating system. It’s the main program in charge of everything.
Doubtless, You Have Some Questions
Rather than bore you with further exploration of the dry and dull world of computer technology, I thought I’d save some time and get some burning questions you may have out of the way.
“What is a PC?”
A PC is a personal computer. The name applies to pretty much all computers these days, though historically a PC is related to the original IBM PC (personal computer), introduced in the early 1980s. Today, a PC is any computer system that isn’t a Macintosh, though a Mac is technically also a personal computer.
“Do I need a laptop?”
Probably.
“Can you be more specific?”
Okay. The two main styles of personal computers are desktop systems and laptops.
A desktop PC dwells in one location. It’s not portable. These systems are often more powerful and expandable than laptops. They can also be upgraded, which isn’t possible with most laptops.
Laptops go anywhere, thanks to their light weight and battery power. They are powerful but sacrifice features and expandability for their portability. They can also be more expensive than comparable desktop systems.
You can use a laptop as a desktop system, expanding it with a full-size keyboard and monitor. This setup has the advantage of your still being able to take the computer with you to work remotely or when the building is on fire.
Many people opt to use both systems: a powerful desktop for the office or home and a laptop to take on the road.
Laptops are also a near necessity for students. Colleges and universities offer guidelines for student computers — specifically, laptops. Heed this advice.
“Why not just use a tablet or smartphone instead of a computer?”
The quick answer is that mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are designed for data consumption, not data production. If you’re merely passing through this digital life, you can get by with a phone or tablet and never own a computer. If you need to create something, however, a computer is a better tool than a tablet or smartphone.
As someone who detests typing on a touchscreen, I can assure you that typing on a real keyboard is the best reason to own a computer.
If you enjoy using a tablet with a removable keyboard, you would probably be happier with the full power of a laptop instead.
Mobile devices lack a computer’s potential for expandability.
A typical computer lasts for years. Mobile devices are usually replaced on an average 2-year cycle.
“Seriously, can a computer explode?”
A computer cannot spontaneously explode. Even if you accidentally spill a fish tank of water on it, the device most likely will short out and die, flipping the circuit breaker, but it won’t explode.
My first PC had a 65-watt power supply that failed. I heard a pop and the computer died. Then I saw a puff of smoke rise from behind the monitor. I replaced the dead power supply with a beefier model and the computer worked fine after that. No drama, though I delighted in the experience, knowing that I would write about it later in this book.
Buy That Computer!
If you don’t yet have a computer, you must rush out and buy one! Or, if your current computer is so old that it can access the DuMont Network, get a new one right now! This order carries no urgency, despite what you just read.
Buying a complex piece of electronics like a computer isn’t the same as purchasing a vase or cement mixer. To make your purchase a successful one, consider my friendly, 5-step method for buying a computer.
Know what it is that you want the computer to do.
Choose between a desktop and laptop.
Determine how much hardware is required.
Locate service and support.
Buy the computer!
If you heed these steps, you’ll be a lot more satisfied with your computer purchase than if you just saunter into an upscale store to buy something with the Apple logo on it.
Step 1: Determine what you want the computer to do
Computers are best used to create something: to write a novel, edit video, generate graphical designs, compose music, devise a spreadsheet to monitor gambling debts, and so on. On the antiproductivity side, computers are great for playing high-end video games. Many gamers prefer computers over the various gaming consoles, primarily because computer hardware is easily upgraded.
The point of this step is to understand how you plan on using the computer. What do you see yourself doing? How are you going to use the computer: as a tool to get work done or to professionally waste time?
Gaming consoles are considered specifically engineered computers.
Even if you decide to use your computer for one task, you can expand to other creative activities later. For example, you can perform office tasks as well as play horrifically graphic video games.
If you just need to check email, browse the web, or waste time with a serious expression on your face, consider buying a smartphone or tablet instead of a computer.
Step 2: Choosing between a desktop and a laptop
Desktop computers stay in one place. They’re powerful, expandable, and less expensive than laptops. They’re more difficult to lose in a stack of magazines on the coffee table and then accidentally tossed out in a rush because guests are coming over.
Laptop computers go anywhere. They’re wireless, though the battery must be charged and can last only so long (usually, several hours). They lack expandability. Due to their small size and other specifics, laptops are generally more expensive than desktop computers.
Laptops offer you freedom to compute anywhere. Desktops offer you power.
Laptops occupy less space than desktops. This condition makes sense because it’s awkward to balance a desktop computer on your lap.
Desktop computers offer full-size keyboards and larger monitors.
Some laptops are expandable, but most all desktop systems can be upgraded with new hardware.
You can use both a laptop and a desktop. My desktop is my main computer, but I take my laptop on the road — or even out to work in a café when the smell from the neighbor’s meth lab becomes too intense.
Step 3: Calculate how much hardware you need
Software makes the computer go, so before you discuss PC brand names or big box stores, you must consider the programs you plan on using. That’s because some software — games, video production, graphics — requires specific computer hardware. To determine how much hardware you need, read the software requirements.
For example, a game may recommend a specific video adapter and quantity of memory to run. Graphics software may demand a specific processor. Video editing uses a lot of computer storage. Gather this information to understand how much computer hardware you need.
Computer software controls computer hardware.
For general computer use, any system that can run the Windows operating system works great. When you have specific software you plan on running, however, ensure that the computer you get has the hardware to handle the software’s needs.
Specific hardware nonsense is covered in Part 2 of this book. Don’t worry about trying to understand software requirements when you’re just starting out. Use this book’s index to help you learn about the various PC hardware thingies.
Step 4: Locate service and support
You must know where to take your computer should it break. You may also need to know whom to turn to should you have questions about the computer. These items are known as “service and support,” and they’re often overlooked when buying a computer.
Service means one thing: Who fixes the computer? For the best service, I recommend buying your computer from a local dealer, a mom-and-pop type of store. If you buy at one of those big box stores, you must ask to discover who actually fixes your computer and where it gets fixed.
Support is about getting help for your computer. Some people need lots of help. If that’s you, buy from a place that offers free classes or has a toll-free support number. That support may add to the purchase price, but it’s worth every penny if it saves you aggravation in the future.
Computers generally come with a 90-day warranty. This length of time is sufficient. If anything electronic is going to break, it does so right away. You’re well-covered with a 90-day warranty.
Avoid buying an extended warranty on a desktop computer. For a laptop computer, a 3-year warranty is ideal. Keep in mind that due to wear and tear most laptops tucker out after about three years. Furthermore, because laptop parts are teensy and specialized, they’re more expensive to replace.
Avoid service contracts. They are a waste of money.
Step 5: Buy it!
The final step to getting a new computer — or your first computer — is to buy it. Do it! Don’t hesitate because you think a newer, faster model is coming out soon. A newer faster model is always coming out soon. Don’t let this ongoing condition deter your purchase.
What to Do with Old Computers
A computer can last for years. But like that Venus flytrap you brought home from the county fair, eventually it dies. What to do with a dead or dying computer or one that’s old enough to collect Medicare depends on whether the system is a desktop or a laptop.
Toss out old electronics per the disposal rules of your jurisdiction. Be especially careful with laptop batteries: They cannot just be thrown in the trash.
Disposing of a geezer desktop PC
A computer is a system. When part of it goes, you need not toss out the rest. Beyond the computer box, you can reuse the keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, and other hardware with your new computer system. And, if the new computer comes with these parts, keep the old ones around as spares.
Desktop PCs can last six years or longer. After about eight years or so, the technology becomes too old to be compatible and too slow to be useful.
Turn in an old computer box to a computer recycling center. Many of the circuit boards can be stripped for precious metals or turned into festive windchimes.
Old desktops can be donated to charities, but call first to see whether they want yours.
One item you might not want to recycle is the old computer’s mass storage device — the hard drive or SSD. If possible, remove it and have it destroyed. Outfits that shred documents offer such destruction services, should security be a concern to you or your presidential campaign.
Discarding that old laptop
Laptops last for a good three years — or longer if you’re kind to them. As they age, the laptop’s battery life dwindles, which is a sure sign you need a replacement. When you get a new laptop, I recommend keeping the old one around for a bit longer as a spare. Once you’re certain that the new laptop is worthy, you can dispose of the old one.
Before you slip the laptop into the mail slot of eternity, I recommend removing its mass storage device — the hard drive or SSD. This gizmo may still contain sensitive data. Dispose of it at a data recycling center. If the mass storage device cannot be removed, dispose of the entire laptop at a data recycling center.
Remove a laptop’s battery before getting rid of it. If you cannot remove the battery, ensure that the entire laptop is properly disposed of.
A Final Thing to Remember
Computers aren’t evil. They harbor no sinister intelligence. In fact, when you get to know them, you discover that they’re rather dumb.
This rule doesn’t apply to robots.
Chapter 2
The PC Tour
IN THIS CHAPTER
Reviewing PC hardware design
Discovering goobers on a PC case
Locating pluggable-innable places
Finding the I/O panel
Identifying items on a laptop
If you’re to believe television and film, computers are fancy, futuristic devices with hundreds of buttons, blinking lights, and cool sound effects. The text on the screen appears one character at a time, coupled with an annoying teletype noise. Hackers never use a mouse; they type wildly and — in a matter of moments — the Pentagon is hacked. O, if only computers were so flashy.
The truth is that computers are dull. Beyond the keyboard, few buttons are found. Your car’s dashboard has more lights than a modern computer. Even so, it’s good to know what the buttons, lights, and doodads are called and what they do. Time for your computer tour.
The Many Shapes of PC
Thanks to major conspiracies and a snide sense of humor in the computer industry, not all computers look the same. To keep you confused, manufacturers like to shake it up a bit when it comes to PC design. Figure 2-1 shows typical computers in their various incarnations, along with their official names that I made up.
FIGURE 2-1: PC shapes and sizes, also known as “form factors.”
Minitower: The minitower is the most popular desktop PC type. It sits atop a desk (duh), or it can be tucked away out of sight below the desk.
Small form factor (SFF): These tiny PCs pack a lot of power but lack expandability. They’re about the size of a large, hardbound book. You find them in office settings where they can double as coffee warmers.
Ultra small form factor (USFF): The smallest of the small, these desktop computers are as teeny as a deck of cards. They lack expandability due to their diminutive size. Sadly, they don’t generate enough heat to warm a cup of coffee.
All-in-one (AIO): This popular and trendy computer design combines both the computer box and monitor into a single unit. From the front, the system looks like a monitor, though it’s thicker. On the sides, you find the myriad of fun connectors, knobs, buttons, and lights.
PC tablet: Also known as a two-in-one, this ultrathin, portable PC comes in two pieces: screen and keyboard. The keyboard detaches and is easily lost. Once you give up looking for it, you’re forced to endure using the PC tablet’s touchscreen for input.
Laptop: The traditional portable computer, the laptop, is a handy, lightweight package, ideal for slowing down the security checkpoints in airports. Laptop PCs work just like the other systems but lack the dedication demonstrated when you set up your desktop PC at a Starbucks.
No matter what size the computer, the amount of clutter you have always expands to fill the available desk space.
A larger version of the minitower is called “the tower.” It’s used for high-end workstations, and it provides acres of room inside for expensive electronics and for smuggling.
The computer box is often referred to as a
console
. I use the term “computer box” to avoid confusion with gaming consoles. Also confusion with the word
console
, which means to comfort in times of woe — which is also applicable to computers that run the Windows operating system.
The amount of space a PC console occupies is often referred to as its footprint. Smaller consoles are small-footprint PCs.
Around the Desktop PC
Due to their history, power, and expandability, desktop PCs feature a lot more goobers on their box than laptops do. Therefore, an official tour is necessary. These items are more than fancy decorations, and knowing their purposes and official names is necessary if you don’t want to sound like a dweeb.
Exploring a typical computer system
Figure 2-2 lovingly illustrates a typical desktop PC. It may not match the specific computer you have, because my purpose is to label the pieces and not to stalk you.
Here are the important items to note in a typical computer system:
Computer box: The main computer box is the centerpiece of the computer system. It is not the CPU, though plenty of dweebs out there refer to it as such. Inside the computer box you find the system’s electronic guts. Outside you find various buttons, lights, and holes into which you attach the rest of the computer system.
FIGURE 2-2: A typical computer system.
Monitor: The monitor is the device where the computer displays information — its output. On an all-in-one PC, the monitor and box are the same thing. Otherwise, don’t assume that the “computer” dwells inside the monitor. The monitor merely displays stuff. Some computers may sport two monitors, one for each eye. See Chapter 9 for the specifics.
Keyboard: The keyboard is the thing you type on and is the primary way you communicate with the computer. This gizmo has the most buttons — over 100 — including many you’ll never use.
Pointing device: Computers need a pointing device, generically called a mouse, to help manipulate graphical goobers on the monitor. Pointing devices come in many shapes and sizes, from the traditional computer mouse to weird science-fictiony things. And yes, graphical goober is official computer jargon.
Speakers: Computers bleep and squawk through a set of stereo speakers, which can be separate devices (refer to Figure 2-2) or built into the computer box or monitor. You can also use headphones or just duct-tape the speakers to the side of your head. For more realistic sound, you can obtain computer surround sound hardware and a subwoofer to sit under your desk. It’s worth the extra cost just to frighten the neighbors.
Webcam: The webcam is used for online chat and virtual meetings, and to make you nervous that someone is spying on you. It can be part of the monitor or perched atop the monitor like a creepy electronic bird.
External drive: You may not have one (yet), but an external hard drive is necessary to back up, or create a safety copy of, the important stuff you store on your computer. See Chapter 22 for details on computer backup.
Printer: The printer is where you get the computer’s printed output, also called hard copy. This device is connected directly to your computer or is found on the local network. Chapter 12 covers computer printers.
One thing deliberately not shown in Figure 2-2 is the ganglion of cable that dwells behind all computers. What a mess! These cables are required in order to plug things into the wall and into each other. No shampoo or conditioner on Earth can clean up those tangles, though keep in mind that wireless connection options are readily available.
Items outside the computer box are known as
peripherals
. Even the keyboard, mouse, and monitor are considered “peripheral,” despite their being an essential part of the computer system. Nerds debate me on this point, but I’m writing the book. So there.
Take a moment to identify the basic computer parts in your own computer system.
CPU stands for central processing unit. It’s another term for the computer processor, not for the computer box. See Chapter 6 for the deets.
Finding interesting things on the box’s front
You would think it would be logical to place controls and connections useful for humans on the front part of a computer. Alas, there is no logic in the computer industry. For years, computers set all the interesting items on the back. Only recently have computer designers determined that humans sit in front of a computer and might need access to those items shown in Figure 2-3.
Optical drive: A few minitower PCs come with an optical drive, though the technology is sorely dated. CDs and DVDs don’t hold enough data for them to be useful, which is why many new computers lack this feature.
Future expansion: Desktop-model PCs feature blank spots on their front panel. These are hole covers for future expansion.
Media card slots: Into these slots and slits you insert media cards, such as those used by digital cameras and other portable electronics. Your PC may have only one media card slot, or, as shown in Figure 2-3, it can sport a 19-in-1 card reader to accept all media card formats. See Chapter 8 for details on all computer storage devices.
FIGURE 2-3: Items of note on the front of the console.
Power button: No longer a plain on–off button, the power button does more than just turn the computer on or off. Chapter 4 discloses the power button’s secrets.
Lights: Computers in the movies are festooned with lights, but in the real world you may find only one: the power lamp. A second lamp may flicker as storage is agitated, which is primarily for festive purposes.
Air vents: Air vents keep the console cool by helping air circulate inside. Do not set anything in front of the computer’s air vents, not even as a joke.
I/O panel: The most interesting item found on the front of a desktop PC is the I/O panel. In this location you find various connectors useful to humans who operate computers: audio connectors, USB ports, and more. These are gizmos you may need to plug and unplug from time to time. See the section “The I/O panel,” later in this chapter.
Don’t be disappointed should your computer lack any of these features or you can’t find them as shown in Figure 2-3. For example, an all-in-one PC has similar items but on the side of the monitor. And, if you truly desire an optical drive, you can obtain one from the local antique shop.
Stuff found on a desktop PC’s rump
Just like an exotic dancer, a desktop PC’s backside is a busy place. This is where you find connectors for the many devices in the computer system. Use Figure 2-4 as a guide for discovering these important items on the back of the PC box. Their location and visual appearance may look different from what’s shown, and some may be missing; not every PC is the same.
FIGURE 2-4: Important doodads on the computer’s backside.
Power: Computers crave power. The power connector is where you plug in the PC’s power cord. Computers work faster when connected to power.
Fans: You may find two fans on the PC’s rump, as illustrated in Figure 2-4. One belongs to the power supply. The other cools the computer box. Air gets sucked or blown out, I forget which.
On–off switch: The power supply’s on–off switch isn’t the computer’s power button. Don’t use it to turn off the computer! Its purpose is to disable the power supply for troubleshooting or repair. Keep the switch in the On position. Not every PC features this switch.
Voltage selector: Use this switch to change power frequencies to match the specifications for your country, region, or planet. This switch is part of the power supply.
I/O panel: Aside from the power cord, and anything attached to an expansion card, the rest of your PC’s plug-in-type things are connected on this panel, which I call the I/O panel. Details of what you can find there are covered in the next section.
Video adapter: This item is the rear end of an internal expansion card — an extra piece of circuitry — designed to control one or more monitors connected to the computer. See Chapter 9 for more information.
Expansion slots: Larger form-factor PCs sport internal slots for adding new circuitry. These expansion slots are found on the computer’s motherboard but are accessible from the back of the computer. Where slots are missing, you see blank slot covers. Otherwise, any connectors on the expansion cards appear in this area, such as the video connectors on a graphics adapter card, as shown in Figure 2-4. Chapter 11 covers expansion slots and cards.
Vents: The thing’s gotta breathe.
The I/O panel
PCs host a lot of pluggable-innable things, officially called “pluggable-innable things” but also known as peripherals. These peripherals connect to a central location on the computer’s front or back called the I/O panel. It’s I/O because the peripherals deal with input and output, not because of any incurred debt.
Figure 2-5 illustrates some of the common connections you may find on the I/O panel. Keep in mind that each computer system is different and that, unlike this book, the I/O panel on your computer may look different and many of the items are in color.
FIGURE 2-5: Stuff to find on the I/O panel.
Here are some I/O panel highlights:
USB: The keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, and just about everything else plugs into these Certs-size Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports (holes). That’s why the standard is “universal.” See Chapter 10 for more information about USB.
Network: Connect the network (local-area network, or LAN) cable here. Part 3 of this book covers networking.
Audio: Into these colorful holes you connect the computer’s speakers and microphone. Multiple audio connections allow for surround sound.
Video: The PC’s monitor connects to one of the video adapters on the I/O panel, which can be an HDMI connector or a DV (digital video) connector, as illustrated in Figure 2-5. Other connectors include DP (DisplayPort) and possibly the antique VGA connector. See Chapter 9 for details.
The good news about connecting cables to the PC’s rear I/O panel is that it’s typically done only once. Then the computer’s butt faces the wall for the rest of its life and you never have to look at it again — well, unless you add something in the future or you just enjoy looking at PC butts.
USB connectors are also present on the front of the computer, as illustrated earlier, in
Figure 2-3
. Use these connections for thumb drives and other items you attach and remove frequently.
The video connection on the I/O panel uses the system’s display adapter. It’s better to use a display adapter card, which provides high-power video output. See
Chapter 9
.
Connectors for a microphone and headphones are also found on the PC’s front I/O panel, illustrated earlier, in
Figure 2-3
. You can use either set.
