Computer networks, Internet services and Web 2.0

Student book pages 181-187

2.- Computer networks

The moment two computers are physically connected, a network is created. They may be connected by cable or by a wireless network like Wi-Fi.

When setting up a network, the first thing to do is to make sure that every computer’s resources are available to all network users. By resources we mean physical elements, such as printers, hard drives, and so on, in addition to the shared software. Software resources are not only available to programs and applications, but also to data and services in general.To set up a network, the first thing to do is know what devices will be integrated into it.

Computer system security

Student Book Pages 178-180

The main security threats 

A threat is any action that could potentially harm your computer. There are two types:  

• Physical threats, which are capable of damaging your system’s hardware.  
• Logical threats, which attack software, partially or completely damaging a programme, an application or the operating system. 

Inside a computer

Here we list all the parts of the "box" of the computer, which is usually called CPU (In other countries it can mean processor or Central Unit Processor). Let's say it's the most important part of any computer, that's where the data is stored, where the calculations are made and where everything else connects.

Microprocessor (Also called CPU)

Microprocessor

The processor join to the motherboard and RAM is one of the essential pieces for a computer. It is usually a small square of silicon with many pins coated with gold that receives instructions, processes them and sends orders. Each processor has predefined instructions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, displacement ... etc. It has a small cache memory, which has very little capacity but is ultra fast. Maybe you could compare a processor with a factory, receive raw material and return finished product. Learn more about the processor here

Basic Parts of a Computer

The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. Each part plays an important role whenever you use a computer.

Watch the video below to learn about the basic parts of a desktop computer.

The computer, an essential tool

A computer is more than just an electronic device. The majority of people depend on computers for their daytoday work. It is not just people who do administrative work that need computers, but also researchers, professors or artists. All of them need computers to save and generate information. The more we know about how to take care of our computer, the better it will work. Moreover, computers are used as a means for connecting with other people through the Internet. We can have long distance relationships and receive news from our loved ones who are far away. However, it is also important to remember that using a computer that is connected to the Internet is also a responsibility and it must be protected. It is a good idea to be cautious with the emails you receive or the websites you go to, as this will help prevent problems. Additionally, it is also a good idea to use ICT tools to protect your system from viruses and malware. 

UNIT 8 - The computer, an essential tool

Unit description

The computer is one of the most prolific tools ever built in the history of mankind. This electronic machine which receives and processes data in order to transform it into useful information has two distinct parts: one tangible part called hardware (keyboard, monitor, computer case, RAM memory, processor...) and the intangible software part (programs, data...) which both depend on each other to function.

The fact that it can be programmed means that a wide range of tasks can be performed; an aspect which clearly differentiates this general purpose machine from other machines with similar characteristics. Its input database can carry out operations in almost all areas of human performance known; either as a work tool or as a means of performing calculations, processing information or communicating with those around us.