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What is a desktop?. Definition & Features . Desktop. Primary screen you see when you start your computer When you’ve turned on your computer and have not opened any software applications Computer case that sits on top of a desk. A desktop has…. Wallpaper – back-ground of the screen
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What is a desktop? Definition & Features
Desktop • Primary screen you see when you start your computer • When you’ve turned on your computer and have not opened any software applications • Computer case that sits on top of a desk
A desktop has… • Wallpaper – back-ground of the screen • Icons – little pictures on the screen that represent software or functions • Taskbar - the line on top and bottom of the screen – contain the start button, time and other icons • Window – a rectangular area on the screen that displays contents of a disk, folder, directory, or document • Screensaver – pattern or animated screen that appears on the monitor when the computer is left idle
Connecting Computers • Computers have to be connected with a cable or specialized software, or set up to communicate with infrared signals in order to share information • A network is two or more computers that are connected to communicate or share resources
Advantages of Networking • Access to information – information can be shared, transmitted from one computer to another (i.e. software, shared files) • Access to equipment – a network can share hardware (i.e. modems, printers)
Types of Networks • Local Area Network (LAN) – a group of network computers that are located in one building (i.e. school, classroom) • Wide Area Network (WAN) – a group of networked computers located in a variety of locations in a large geographic area.
Networks are arranged by… • Client/server network arrangement • Peer-to-peer network arrangement
Network Topology • The physical layout of cables that connect nodes and peripherals of the network: • Bus topology • Star topology • Ring topology
Minimizing Security Threats • Choose the right password – one that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess • Do not share your password • Change your password often • Do not transmit confidential information over the internet. If you need to, use data encryption
Minimizing Security Threats • Consider getting a firewall to protect your computer against hackers • Do not save confidential files on shared computers
What are Viruses? • Programs that insert themselves into program files and boot sectors (the boot sector is the area on each disk containing the program that loads the operating system) • Activated when you open an infected file or run an infected program • They can be very destructive, and can destroy your hard drive or erase all your files
Viruses can get into your computer through… • USBs, Disks, CD-ROMs • Internet & E-mail • LANs • People
How can you protect your computer? • Antivirus software is available that will scan your hard drive and files to locate viruses. • It will also destroy the virus • New viruses will be detected • Scan disks and files before opening them