Table of Contents

Title Page 4
Copyright 5
Dedication 6
Contents 7
Introduction 19
Acknowledgements 21
Section I: Computing Basics 22
1. Introduction to Computer Concepts 22
1.1 What Is a Computer? 22
1.1.1 Computer Software 23
1.1.2 Computer Hardware 23
1.2 History and Background of Computing Technology 24
1.3 Purchasing a New Computer System 24
1.4 How the Computer Works 26
1.4.1 Input Hardware Devices 28
1.4.2 Output Hardware Devices 28
1.4.3 Processing Hardware Devices 29
1.4.4 Data Storage 29
1.4.5 What Computers Can and Cannot Do 31
1.5 Introduction to the Windows Operating System 31
1.5.1 Windows 7 32
1.5.2 Windows 8 34
1.6 Introduction to Mac OS X 35
1.7 Shutdown Procedures 37
Chapter Summary 40
Chapter Knowledge Check 40
Chapter Review Questions 41
Practice Exercises 42
Challenge Exercises 43
2. Navigating and Using the Computer Environment 44
2.1 Navigating the Desktop 44
2.1.1 The Windows Desktop 44
2.1.1.1 The Control Panel 45
2.1.1.2 Jump Lists 47
2.1.1.3 Task Manager 47
2.1.1.4 Libraries Feature 48
2.1.2 The Macintosh OS X Desktop 49
2.1.2.1 The Finder 49
2.1.2.2 The Dock 50
2.1.2.3 The Dashboard, Exposé, and Spaces 51
2.1.2.4 Force Quit 53
2.2 Organizing Files and Folders 54
2.2.1 Files and Folders in Windows 54
2.2.2 Files and Folders on a Mac 56

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