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This is a page to put resources and materials For My Trainees Of different levels so enjoy the page and its sub pages I'll Try to make it resourcefull my Dear Trainees as God Help me.

What is computer?

A computer an electronic device ever created by humankinds that can be programmed to perform different tasks by using different applications through its hardware devices in a fast & accurate way with diligence.


Introduction to Computers

Types of Computers:

Desktop Personal Computer – The most common type of computer, it includes a tower (where the
internal components are located), a monitor, mouse and keyboard. Towers are usually vertical in
modern computers whereas older models may use a horizontal tower.
· Pros
      - Can be very powerful (depends on internal hardware).
      - Can switch out internal and external hardware in a relatively simple fashion.
      - Monitors can range from 17” to 30”.
      - Easy to control using a mouse.
      - Well suited for gaming.
      - Windows and/or Linux
· Cons
      - Towers are usually large, somewhat heavy and not easily portable.
      - A separate mouse is virtually required to manipulate the cursor (i.e. arrow) on the
        screen.

Laptop/Notebook – A portable miniature computer built as one unit.
· Pros
      - Extremely portable.
      - No need for a mouse if you like using a touch pad or control stick (mice can be added if
        desired).
      - No need to purchase a separate monitor and keyboard.
      - Windows and/or Linux
· Cons
      - Monitors typically range from 14” to 17” and are therefore smaller than most PC
        monitors.
      - Usually less powerful than their PC counterparts.
      - Best kept to work-related programs only (games rarely play well).
      - Touch pad may seem overly sensitive at times.
      - The option to upgrade internal components is limited.

Tablet – A flat computer roughly the size of a hardcover book. The most notable feature is that, with
the recommended writing instrument, you could physically write onto the Tablet. The Tablet then
converts your handwriting into computer text.
· Pros
      - Easy to move around.
      - Few parts to worry about.
      - Can make taking notes exceptionally simple.
      - Great for work-related situations.
· Cons
      - Requires the Tablet to recognize your handwriting and convert it into text.
      - Interface can be difficult to use.
      - Fragile (the screen could get damage easily).
      - o No ability to upgrade internal hardware at all.
      - Windows only.

Apple – Computers designed by Apple range from the simple iMac and Mini to more advanced Pro
models. Because such a variety exists, the following information can only cover these machines in a
broad sense.
· Pros
      - Easy to use for new computer users.
      - Except for the Desktop Pro model, these computers are generally very compact.
      - Instant integration with other Apple devices (i.e. iPod, iPhone, iTunes, etc)
      - Mac OS X and Windows.
      - User-friendly features such as cables held magnetically in-place, so if a cable is pulled
        too hard, it will disconnect without causing damage to the cable or the computer.
· Cons
      - Limited selection of hardware and software.
      - Available options to upgrade equipment mostly revolve around what Apple makes itself.
      - Apple mice can be difficult to learn and operate (uses touch sensors instead of physical
        buttons).

Operating Systems:

Microsoft Windows – Includes Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista.
· Pros
      - Most software and hardware developed for it.
      - Great gaming platform.
      - Relatively easy to use.
      - Overall greatest flexibility of any OS.
· Cons
      - Often targeted by malware and viruses (due to an extremely high user base).
      - Many processes are automated (some leave your PC potentially vulnerable).
      - May sometimes become unstable.

Apple Mac OS – Includes Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X (as in the Roman numeral for “10”).
· Pros
      - Extremely easy to use.
      - Rarely targeted by malware and viruses (due to a low user base).
      - Very stable.
      - UNIX-based.
· Cons
      - Limited software and hardware support.
      - Heavily relies on Apple’s own products.
      - Poor gaming platform.

Linux – Includes Ubuntu and Kabuntu.
· Pros
      - Very stable.
      - Created as an open-source product (community-created for a low cost or free).
      - Rarely targeted by malware or viruses (due to a low user base).
      - UNIX-based.
· Cons
      - Software support mostly limited to other open-source programs.
      - Hardware support can be very limited.
      - Poor gaming platform.
      - Can be very difficult to use (recommended for advanced users only).

Opening your computer: - to open your computers connect your hard ware devices properly and plug the power socket of your pc and press the power button then windows opens your computer.

What's Windows?

Windows is an operating system that enables us to manipulate the hardware resources or it is the interface between the user and the computer, it enables us to use the computer by managing all the hardware and software resources. There are various operating systems for instance windows 95, windows 98, windows 2000, windows Me, windows XP and the latest windows Vista. On this material I want to stress on windows XP because it is widely used now days in our country.

Among the new features available in Windows XP, there are new security tools that you can use to help keep your computer more secure, and new technologies that run in the background, making your computer run more efficiently and reliably.

Windows XP has improved upon security, including the new Security Center, which allows you to check the status of the important security elements on your computer—Windows Firewall, Automatic Updates, and virus protection software—making it easier for you to understand how to keep your computer better protected against viruses and other security threats. Performance is at an all-time high. You can now use more programs at the same time and they will run faster than ever. Windows XP is dependable and stable, so you can always rely on the performance and effectiveness of your computer.

Desktop

Desktop is the large screen area on the first page of the window or it is the background screen holding various icons, shortcuts and the task bar.

Windows XP combines a bright, fresh new look with a simple-to-use design. The desktop and taskbar are less cluttered. The Start menu provides easier access to your programs. And there are more options for customizing your desktop environment.

Desktop theme overview

A desktop theme is a predefined set of icons, fonts, colors, sounds, and other window elements that give your desktop a unified and distinctive look. You can switch themes, create your own theme by changing a theme and then saving it with a new name, or restore the traditional
The start button: - this button used to open different programs by displaying the start menu.

My documents icon: - this folder holds your files saved by default.
MY computer icon: -this icon used to access your computer resources like hard disk, diskettes, CD's, flash disks you get all this under my computer icon to open this double click on the my computer icon on

the desktop or press window +E from your keyboard.

If you open my computer you get the following window showing all the resources the documents of different users
My network places icon this folder shows network members and resources.
The recycle bin icon: - this folder used as a basket for trash, all deleted files are stored in this bin

Themes you have noticed the new look of the taskbar, Start button, and other desktop elements. This new look is part of a theme, the theme is the look of the components of the window, which is intended to unify and clear up your desktop. You can switch themes, customize a theme, or revert to the Windows Classic look.

The start menu: - this menu hold shortcuts used to open different programs by clicking start button and click the program you want to open.
Windows Classic look as your theme.

If you modify any element of a theme, such as your desktop background or screen saver, it is recommended that you save your changes with a new theme name. If you modify your desktop and don't save your changes with a new name, your changes will be lost if you select a different theme.

Use Display in Control Panel to select or save a theme. The desktop items that are saved with a theme are listed in the table below.

Control Panel	Tab	Item
Display	Desktop	Background, Position, and Color
Display	Desktop	Desktop icons (click Customize Desktop to change icons)
Display	Screen Saver	Screen saver
Display	Appearance	Windows and buttons, Color scheme, and Font size
Display	Appearance	All features on the Advanced Appearance dialog box (click Advanced)
Mouse	Pointers	Scheme or individual pointers
Sounds and Audio Devices	Sounds	Sound scheme and Program event

To create your own desktop theme

Open Display in Control Panel.
On the Themes tab, under Theme, click the theme you want to modify.
Make your changes to the theme. The following items are saved as part of a theme:
When you finish making changes, click Apply on the Themes tab in the Display Properties dialog box, and then click Save As.
Type a name for the theme and click OK.

To open Display, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Display.
If you modify a theme without saving it, your changes are saved with the name Previous theme name (Modified). However, your modified theme will be lost if you select a different theme.
New themes are saved in My Documents. To open My Documents, double-click the My Documents icon on the desktop.

To select a different theme

Open Display in Control Panel.
On the Themes tab, under Theme, click a new theme.

Themes affect the overall look of your desktop, including the background, screen saver, icons, windows, mouse pointers, and sounds.
If more than one person uses a computer, each with his or her own user account, each person can choose a different theme

To use the classic Windows look

Open Display in Control Panel.
On the Themes tab, under Theme, click Windows Classic.

After you select Windows Classic, you can change individual Windows elements, such as window borders, icons, and menus. Click the Appearance tab, and then click Advanced to make your changes.

To customize a background color

Open Display in Control Panel.
On the Desktop tab, click Color to display the available colors.
Click Other.
In the Color dialog box, click anywhere in the color matrix on the right.
Drag the pointer in the color matrix to the right or left to change hue. Drag the pointer up or down to change color saturation. Drag the slider at the right of the matrix to change the luminosity.
Once you have defined the color you want, click Add to Custom Colors and then click OK.

To create multiple custom colors, click a color under Basic colors before you define your custom color. Once you have defined the new color, click Add to Custom Colors to add the new color.

To change your Window fonts

Open Display in Control Panel.
On the Appearance tab, in Font size, click a new font size.

This option enables you to enlarge the fonts used in window headers, icon labels, and menus. For information about enlarging all items on your screen, click Related Topics.
The font size options are based on the current theme, visual style, and color scheme. For some themes, styles, or schemes, you may only have one font size option.

To change the look of Window elements

Open Display in Control Panel.
On the Appearance tab, click Advanced.
In the Item list, click the element you want to change, such as Window, Menu, or Scrollbar, and then adjust the appropriate settings, such as color, font, or font size.
Click OK or Apply to save your changes.

Your changes are saved until you make further changes or choose a different theme.
Changing the look of individual items is only useful if you select Windows Classic in the Windows and buttons list on the Appearance tab. If you select a different option, the theme determines the appearance of your menus, fonts, icons, and other Window elements.
The Font area will be unavailable for elements in the Item list that do not display text.

To change your desktop background

Open Display in Control Panel.
On the Desktop tab, do one or more of the following:
- Click a picture in the Background list. In Position, click Center, Tile, or Stretch.
- Click Browse to search for a background picture in other folders or on other drives. You can use files with the following extensions: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .dib, .png, .htm. In Position, click Center, Tile, or Stretch.
- Select a color from Desktop color. The color fills the space not used by a picture.

You can use a personal picture as a background. All of your personal pictures located in My Pictures are listed by name in the Background list.
You can save a picture from a Web site as a background. Right-click the picture and then click Set as Background. The picture is listed in the Background box as Internet Explorer Background.
If you choose an .html document as your background picture, the Position options are unavailable. The .htm document is automatically stretched to fill your background.

To use a picture as a desktop background

Open My Pictures.
Click the picture you want to use as a desktop background.
Under Picture Tasks, click Set as desktop background.

To open My Pictures, double-click the My Documents icon on your desktop, and then double-click the My Pictures folder.
You can also right-click the picture, and then click Set as Desktop Background.
If you want to change the way the picture is displayed on your desktop, right-click the desktop, and then click Properties. On the Desktop tab, in the Position box, select a display option.

To set or change a screen saver

Open Display in Control Panel.
On the Screen Saver tab, under Screen saver, click a screen saver in the list.

After you select a screen saver, it will automatically start when your computer is idle for the number of minutes specified in Wait.
To clear the screen saver after it has started, move your mouse or press any key.
To view possible setting options for a particular screen saver, click Settings on the Screen Saver tab.
Click Preview to see how the selected screen saver will appear on your monitor. Move your mouse or press any key to end the preview.
Click Related Topics for information about having Windows turn off your monitor when you leave it idle for a period of time.

To use personal pictures as a screen saver

Ensure that you have two or more pictures in a folder on your computer. You can upload pictures from a digital camera or scanner, or copy them from the Internet or an e-mail attachment.
Open Display in Control Panel.
On the Screen Saver tab, under Screen saver, click My Pictures Slideshow in the list.
Click Settings to specify the folder containing your pictures, define picture size, and set other options.

My Pictures Slideshow scrolls through all the pictures in the folder.
After you specify a screen saver, it will automatically start when your computer is idle for the number of minutes specified in Wait.
Click Preview to see how the selected screen saver will appear on your monitor. Move your mouse or press a key to end the preview.

N.B:- for all of the above steps instead of opening display from the control panel you can just use by right clicking on blank area of the desktop and click properties.

When you click properties the display properties box appear and use the tabs from the top of the display properties dialog box to select the property you want to set.

To turn off your computer: - save your works, close all opened programs and click start button from the task bar and click the turn off button, from the turn off dialog box. In case of windows 2000, 98,95 the word turn off will be changed to shutdown instead of turn off you select shutdown and click yes from the shutdown box.

N.B: - Turning off your computer properly is mandatory to protect your PC from malfunctioning.

Power Options overview

Using Power Options in Control Panel, you can reduce the power consumption of any number of your computer devices or of your entire system. You do this by choosing a power scheme, which is a collection of settings that manages the power usage by your computer. You can create your own power schemes or use the ones provided with Windows.

You can also adjust the individual settings in a power scheme. For example, depending on your hardware, you can:

Turn off your monitor and hard disks automatically to save power.
Put the computer on standby when it is idle. While on standby, your entire computer switches to a low-power state where devices, such as the monitor and hard disks, turn off and your computer uses less power. When you want to use the computer again, it comes out of standby quickly, and your desktop is restored exactly as you left it. Standby is particularly useful for conserving battery power in portable computers. Because Standby does not save your desktop state to disk, a power failure while on Standby can cause you to lose unsaved information.
Put your computer in hibernation. The hibernate feature saves everything in memory on disk, turns off your monitor and hard disk, and then turns off your computer. When you restart your computer, your desktop is restored exactly as you left it. It takes longer to bring your computer out of hibernation than out of standby.

Typically, you turn off your monitor or hard disk for a short period to conserve power. If you plan to be away from your computer for a while, you put your computer on standby, which puts your entire system in a low-power state.

Put your computer in hibernation when you will be away from the computer for an extended time or overnight. When you restart the computer, your desktop is restored exactly as you left it.

To use Windows Power Options, you must have a computer that is set up by the manufacturer to support these features. For more information, see the documentation that came with your computer.

To automatically put your computer into hibernation (lie dormant)

You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.

Open Power Options in Control Panel.
Click the Hibernate tab, select the Enable hibernate support check box, and then click Apply.

If the Hibernate tab is unavailable, your computer does not support this feature.

Click the APM tab, click Enable Advanced Power Management support, and then click Apply.

The APM tab is unavailable on ACPI-compliant computers. ACPI automatically enables Advanced Power Management, which disables the APM tab.

Click the Power Schemes tab, and then select a time period in System hibernates. Your computer hibernates after it has been idle for the specified amount of time.

To open Power Options, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Power Options.
When you put your computer into hibernation, everything in computer memory is saved on your hard disk, and your computer is switched off. When you turn the computer back on, all programs and documents that were open when you turned the computer off are restored on the desktop.
To put your computer into hibernation, you must have a computer that is set up by the manufacturer to support this option.
Using Power Options in Control Panel, you can adjust any power management option that your computer's unique hardware configuration supports. Because these options may vary widely from computer to computer, the options described may differ from what you see. Power Options automatically detects what is available on your computer and shows you only the options that you can control.

To manually put your computer into hibernation

You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of either the Administrators or Power Users group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.

Open Power Options in Control Panel.
Click the Hibernate tab, and then select the Enable hibernate support check box.

If the Hibernate tab is not available, your computer does not support this feature.

Click OK to close the Power Options dialog box.
Click Start, and then click Shut Down. In the What do you want the computer to do drop-down list, click Hibernate.

To open Power Options, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Power Options.
When you put your computer into hibernation, everything in computer memory is saved on your hard disk. When you turn the computer back on, all programs and documents that were open when you turned the computer off are restored on the desktop.

Message From Abenet :For further Reading Browse the Following web sites & read the Books:-

http://www.fcit.usf.edu

An Educator's Guide to School Networks

Author: Bradley H. Lamont
URL: http://choices.cs.uiuc.edu/schools/bl-thesis/index.html

· Ethernet Page

Author: Charles Spurgeon
URL: http://www.ethermanage.com/ethernet/ethernet.htm

· Technology Information

Author: CISCO Systems
URL: http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/cisintwk/index.htm