Like previous Windows versions, XP includes the desktop and taskbar. The taskbar allows you to access system components and open applications. The installation process begins with a window that asks you to choose your regional settings. Once you’ve done that, click Next. You’ll also need to enter your product key. 1. It’s easy to use…
Computer hardware is all the physical parts that make up a computer system. It includes things like motherboards, graphics cards, CPU (Central Processing Unit), ventilation fans, and memory. Here you’ll find great computer hardware review sites that provide evidence of their claims, such as benchmarks and comparisons. Read the reviews and follow the links to…
PC software programs are collections of code that put the dumb hardware in computers to smart use. From writing reports to calculating mortgage payments, these computer programs are essential tools for everyday life. The two main types of computer software are system and application software. Each has its own unique functions and works in a…
Windows is an operating system that allows users to interact with their computer using a graphical user interface. It also controls the storage of files and hardware. Windows uses a software virtual memory scheme to run applications larger than available RAM; code and data segments move in and out of memory between user and kernel…
RAM is one of the most important components in any desktop, laptop or MAC. It’s used for immediate data storage and processing and can work twenty to a hundred times faster than hard disk data. A memory chip resembles a set of boxes, each containing either a 0 or a 1, which are addressed by…
Microsoft’s Windows XP is an operating system that provides many features to users. The system allows for multiple user accounts, and each account has a separate desktop or personal area to work in. It also supports the use of multiple monitors. The task bar shows open programs and lets you quickly close them. The system…
Computer hardware consists of the physical components that make up a computer system. The main components include the central processing unit, random access memory, monitor, keyboard and computer data storage. A heat sink is a piece of metal that draws heat away from the CPU and other chips to reduce their temperature, which helps them…
Computer software is a program that performs tasks for a user. It includes applications used for productivity and the creation of things like a video game or a word processor. There are also tools that help you manage your computer system. f.lux is a free program that reduces blue light from the screen, especially useful…
Windows is a graphical operating system that allows users to control their computer using a mouse. It is the most widely used operating system in the world and supports a wide range of hardware. In Figure 2-1, notice the line dividing user mode and kernel mode. User applications don’t call native OS functions directly; instead,…
RAM is the short-term memory for your computer that stores all the data you work with. It makes working with apps, navigating websites and even playing video games much faster by keeping all that data easily accessible rather than having to dig through folders on your hard drive. The main factors in selecting pc ram…