Internet-ready, reasonably current Mac. Appropriate, bootable, OSX disk is helpful. High tolerance for acronyms (optional).

 

This course is for anyone who wonders what goes on inside a computer.

While this class is very definitely oriented toward the Macintosh, although much of Part A's material applies to PCs in general and would be informative regardless of platform. Machine language, data transfer and storage, device types and mechanisms all play significant roles in everyday operation of all computers; understanding what the machine is doing can make computer use far more intuitive, as well as helping to avoid (and solve) many of the problems you may encounter along the way.

 

Focused on understanding basic machine functions, this course begins with a brief whiteboard discussion of machine language, followed by Keynote presentations on the MacShack's 10-ft. screen. We describe and discuss a quick history of the personal computer and its evolution into the platforms we use today; demonstrate fundamental data processes and show you how to evaluate hardware and software options; touch on firmware and formats, MacOS functions, housekeeping and maintenance routines, navigation and customization; then discuss port types, connectivity, device considerations, what to look for and what to avoid. And, along the way, we'll try to dispel a few myths.

 

cog·ni·tion (from Merriam-Webster - Cognition):

• Pronunciation: käg-'ni-sh&n
• Function: noun
• Etymology: Middle English cognicioun, from Latin cognition-, cognitio, from cognoscere to become acquainted with, know, from co- + gnoscere to come to know.
• The act or process of knowing including both awareness and judgment; also : a product of this act
• - cog·ni·tion·al /-'nish-n-l, -'ni-sh-n-l/ adjective
• Cog·ni·zance: Knowledge, awareness, notice, jurisdiction, responsibility.

 

The process of knowing and awareness as it applies to computers:

Awareness of a computer's operational status at any given moment correlates directly to its efficient use. Being cognizant of what goes on behind that flat panel display not only improves efficiency, it also allays fear and enhances results. Computer cognition is exactly what this course aims to provide.

 

Cognition requires paying attention to "where you are" at any given moment (i.e., in the Finder, in System Preferences, on the desktop, in an application window, etc.). We speak of these as places, which they are; virtual places.

 

Cognition also means watching cues delivered by the interface of wherever you are. Information gleaned from icons, menu items, cursors and other controls provide a clear picture of options available, choices to be made and the expected outcome of each action. We'll show you how to read and understand these cues and software controls.

 

Cognition regarding the likely results of a given action - whether adjusting the Operating System or working within an application program - assumes progress along a course of action, with a clear goal in mind. Organization and a logical thought process are necessary, and we aim to help with that, too.

 

Cognitive communication is a must.

There's a good deal of terminology involved when dealing with computers, and knowing proper terminology is crucial to any discussion about them. It doesn't help when each "thing" has three or more interchangeable names: Its technical (proper) name, an acronym, and a slang term. We'll sort through these as we discuss each aspect of computing and make sure you leave here suitably versed in geekspeak.

 

Rather than deal with any specific application, our goal is to provide a general purpose kind of overview that can be applied systemwide. Understanding machine functions goes a long ways toward being comfortable with computing, heading off trouble before it strikes, and knowing what to do when complications arise. It can also be a great benefit when assessing upgrade options or considering a hardware or software purchase.

 

Please note: Cognition Part-A is prerequisite of Cognition Part-B

The digital alphabet and machine language Bits, bytes, keyboards and more Control and invisible characters ASCII, hexadecimal, and programming Early media types Directory, blocks, and startup

Gaining a "feel" for interface elements Becoming familiar with processes Expected outcomes

Understanding hardware specs Acronyms, slang and basics Reference materials/sources Port types, adapters, wireless Concepts and history First Personal Computers Additional research resources

All about passwords and encryption Built-in security measures Retrieving lost passwords - not!

Analog and digital circuits Startup routine, storage allocation Memory types, storage and operation ROM, RAM, PRAM, VRAM Throughput, specs and functions

Menubar and desktop tour Collecting system specs Menus and controls Toolbar and Sidebar tour The Dock, Expose´, and System Prefs tour

Device types and addressing Use versus capability Connectivity, hubs and cards Internal, external, remote Removable media Networking basics

Setup, format, partitions and OS installation Customization and maintenance Firmware, Drivers, OS, file types

Privacy, login, user ID and privileges. Recovery and verification File encryption Network, broadband versus dialup

Selecting a password Risk versus strength

Organization and the Desktop Installers and special file types Housekeeping Troubleshooting and utility programs Backup schemes

 

Please note: Cognition Part-A is prerequisite of Cognition Part-B

Fundamental specifications Device types and memory System maintenance Housekeeping and file management

Technical terminology for technology Terms in common use (Terminology is discussed throughout course)

Device instruction sets Accessing Updating Potential damage

Memory function Adequate amounts vs. use Types and specs Installation of memory modules

Devices, types and capacities Size versus cost versus need Logical partitions Age and failure rate Types of failures

Setup, format and OS installation Erasing and remapping drives Journalized volumes Optical drive formats

Startup errors Keyboard troubleshooting Startup from alternative devices Prevention

Basic troubleshooting techniques OS utilities Signs and symptoms Common errors

Startup options External devices System Preferences Application preferences Network preferences

Still cameras and iPhoto Digital video and iMovie Music players and iTunes

Interacting with the OS Customizing your workspace Managing files on the fly Keeping the OS tuned and happy

Setup and use of the email window eMail security and risk assessment Setting email preferences tracking messages Selecting a web browser Using multiple browsers Managing browser windows Cookies, scripts and security

Setup and maintenance of network settings Network types and connections Firewalls and security Wireless networking Wireless security

Getting the most for your money Compatibility and file sharing Updates versus upgrades License agreements Software piracy

Organization for backup and efficiency Cache files and trash UNIX maintenance routines File naming conventions Folders and icons

Port types and expansion options Speed versus size requirements Megabytes-per-dollar options Backup considerations, onsite and offsite System upgrades