Frequently asked question on Hardware
1. What is meant by Hardware and Software?
2. What are the different parts of a computer?
3. What do A: and C: refer to?
4. How does one measure the memory/storage capacity of the hard disk or floppy disk?
5. My mouse is not moving properly, it seems to be going in all wrong directions. What should I do?
Tips on Hardware
1. Into which socket do I plug the microphone jack?
2. Into which socket do I plug the speaker jack?
3. Why do I need to format a floppy?
4. How do I format a floppy?
5. How do I scan a floppy for virus?
6. Why can a floppy be read in some machines and not in others?
7. What is the life span of a floppy?
8. Why does a floppy get damaged?
9. Can the damage in a floppy be rectified?
Frequently Asked Questions on Software
1. What do I do when files are missing or when I cannot find files which I have saved?
2. Can I hide my folder?
3. What is a virus? Will it after my files and folders?
4. How can I type in Hindi or Sanskrit to do my project?
5. I have some fonts in Hindi and Sanskrit, how can I install them and use them in my project?
6. What is WinZip utility, when should I use it?
7. How can changes be made to a PowerPoint show?
Tips on Software
1. How do I adjust the volume control?
2. How do I record narration?
3. How do I download software?
4. What do I do if the system hangs?
5. What to do when the screen reads 'Fatal Error '?
6. What is the Read Only attribute?
7. Why does the computer run the scan disk, sometimes while starting?
8. What is defragmentation and how can one progress on it?
9. Who is an office Assistant and how do I activate it?
10. What is Zipping and how do I Zip files ?
CD Writing: Some Tips
1. What is burning a CD?
2. How do I copy data from the hard disk to the CD?
3. How do I write more Data to an ISO 9660 Disc?
4. How can I copy data from the hard disk to the CD by creating a data CD?
5. How much information can I fit on one CD?
6. Can I do other things while my CD is recording?
7. What kinds of CDs can my CD-Writer write to?
8. Can I erase a CD?
FAQs on Hardware
1. What is meant by Hardware and Software?
Hardware refers to all the physical parts of the computer such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, central processing unit (CPU), etc. Software refers to programs or instructions given to the computer to carry out tasks. For example, MS-Excel is software that enables us to work with numbers and spreadsheets, Notepad is software that helps us to write letters, notes, etc, MS-Paint is software that helps us to draw and colour.
2. What are the different parts of a computer?
They can be classified as:
input devices, such as the keyboard, mouse
output devices, such as the printer, monitor
processing unit, which is the system unit or cpu.
Input devices help to enter data into the computer, whereas output devices print the result or output of the data. The CPU is responsible for entire processing between these two units.
3. What do A: and C: refer to?
These are the drives or storage devices in which we store our files. 'A:' refers to the floppy disk drive while 'C:' refers to the hard disk which is present inside the system unit and has a much larger capacity for storage than floppy disks.
4. How does one measure the memory/storage capacity of the hard disk or floppy disk?
The basic memory unit of the floppy/ hard disk is expressed in terms of "bytes" where one byte is equal to 8 "bits". Bits are electronic states of "on" and "off" represented by 1 and 0. A combination of 8 such bits such as 11000110 comprises one "byte", which is the basic unit of memory needed to express a single letter such as a "A" or "," etc. The rest of the conversion is as follows:
1 byte = 8 bits
1KB(kilobyte) = 1024 bytes
1MB(megabyte) = 1024 KB
1GB(gigabyte) = 1024 MB
1TB(terabyte) = 1024GB
5. My mouse is not moving properly, it seems to be going in all wrong directions. What should I do?
The simplest solutions is to clean the mouse. Turn the mouse upside down. You will see a ball in the centre. Undo the rotating cap and remove the ball. You will see 2-3 wheels on the sides of the inner container. Clean the dirt accumulated on this with the help of a soft cloth and solution. Replace the ball and fix the cap tightly.
Tips for Hardware
1. Into which socket do I plug the microphone jack?
On the rear panel of the central processing unit (CPU), there are 3 sockets in a row marked AUDIO IN, AUDIO OUT and MIC. The microphone jack should be fitted into the MIC socket.
2. Into which socket do I plug the speaker jack?
On the rear panel of the CPU, locate the socket marked AUDIO OUT. The speaker jack fits into this socket. If the speaker needs power supply to function, ensure that the power cord is plugged into a power socket.
3. Why do I need to format a floppy?
Formatting a floppy will erase all the information on the floppy, check the floppy for defects (bad sectors) and will get it ready for use.
Insert the floppy in the floppy drive. Open "My Computer", right click on the floppy drive, a popup menu appears, click on the option—>Format, under Format Type select "Quick Erase", under Other options check the "Display Summary When Finished" option and click on Start.
The floppy will get formatted and the result will be displayed as the procedure is
completed.
5. How do I scan a floppy for virus?
Scanning your floppy for a virus is possible only if your system has an anti-virus program loaded onto it.
To scan a floppy, right click on the floppy drive icon in My Computer. In the popup Menu, an option will appear Scan. Clicking on the option will scan the floppy for virus.
In case the floppy is infected, the anti-virus will suggest the option available of repairing, deleting or quarantining the file. Select any of the options and proceed accordingly.
6. Why can a floppy be read in some machines and not in others?
A floppy will read in a machine in which the floppy drive is properly connected to the system and where the floppy drive head is clean.
If the drive head is dirty, you need to use a special floppy named the ‘Head-Cleaning Floppy’ to clean the head. Follow the instructions on it carefully.
7. What is the life span of a floppy?
Floppy disks are fallible devices; if used regularly, their average life span is only about six months
8. Why does a floppy get damaged?
Floppies are susceptible to damage from: Magnetism
Mobile telephones, electric motors, televisions, hi-fi speakers
Extreme temperature
Sun light, radiators, rapid temperature changes
Environmental hazards
Rain, fluff, dust, hair, food
9. Can the damage in a floppy be rectified?
Attempts can be made to scan the floppy for errors and rectify them. To run a scandisk for the floppy, go to START PROGRAM ACCESSORIES SCANDISK
You can choose a Standard or Thorough type of scanning and mark the option to automatically fix errors. However, this option is available in WIN-95/98.
If the error gets fixed, the information on the floppy can be read and retrieved.
Frequently Asked Questions for Software
1. What do I do when files are missing or when I cannot find files which I have saved?
Click on Start, Find. Enter the name of the file and click on Search. Once you find the file, save it in the correct folder. If you do not find it through this, open the recycle bin and check if it has been deleted. Click on Restore to retrieve such files.
Yes, you can hide files as well as folders. Follow this procedure:
Right click on your folder
Click on Properties ->Hidden ->Apply -> Close
Click Start -> Programs -> Windows Explorer -> View Menu -> Folder Options ->View tab, "Do not show all hidden files" ->Apply -> Close
To unhide your folder:
Click Start -> Programs -> Windows Explorer -> View Menu -> Folder Options -> View tab, "Show all hidden files", Apply ->Close
Right click on your folder
Click on Properties -> Hidden (unselect it) -> Apply -> Close
3. What is a virus? Will it affect my files and folders?
A virus is like any other program or software, but it is written for a harmful purpose. This is a program created to damage your files, their contents, your operating system, or hardware as well. Virus is transmitted through transferring of files from one medium to another, such as from floppy disk to hard disk, from one computer to another, and even through Internet and email attachments. One must use anti-virus software to detect such viruses and clean the hard disk/floppy disk so that it does not spread. Several anti-virus software are available for free download from the Internet also.
4. How can I type in Hindi or Sanskrit to do my project?
For this, you need special software such as Baraha 2000 or iLeap, which, when installed in your system, enables you to type in the language you prefer. They also have a keyboard layout, which makes it convenient for you to type easily. One can download the shareware version (valid upto one month's time only after download) from the Internet also.
5. I have some fonts in Hindi and Sanskrit. How can I install them and use them in my project?
First copy the fonts folder to the desktop. Then click on Start ->Settings, and double click on Fonts. Click on File menu -> Install new fonts. Select your folder which contains the fonts, the fonts contained therein (eg. Hindi 10, Shusha) will appear in the main window on top. Click on Select all -> OK. The fonts are now added to your system list of fonts. To type in Hindi in MS-Word or MS-Power Point, open a new file, click on Format, Fonts, select Shusha /Hindi 10 from the font list. Then start typing it will appear in Hindi.
6. What is WinZip utility? When should I use it?
Winzip utility enables one to compress the size of a file or folder to a smaller size so that it can be copied into a floppy or sent through email. To use this, one needs to first install Winzip. To install from CD, copy onto the desktop. Double click and go through the step-by-step wizard to finish installation, at the end of which a short cut to Winzip will appear on Desktop. To zip a file or folder, right click on it, click I agree, select destination for the zip file to be placed, and click Add. The procedure is very brief and a new zip file, with an icon will appear. The icon will look like this:
If you need to zip the folder onto floppies, select New, and in the destination folder, select 3 1/2 inches floppy. If your folder is a large one, it may ask for further floppy disks to be inserted, which may be done. To unzip, double click on the zip file and follow the wizard instructions.
7. How can changes be made to a PowerPoint show?
No editing is possible to a PowerPoint show as it does not have the outline / Normal view.
A PowerPoint presentation should be edited completely before converting it to a PowerPoint show.
Tips on Software
1. How do I adjust the volume control?
Volume can be adjusted and controlled by:
The control knob on the speakers itself.
Some times the CD may have an inbuilt volume control. Click on it to adjust it
Clicking on the icon in the right corner of the task bar
By right clicking on the icon on the task bar (the same can be accessed from Start—> Programs—> Accessories—> Entertainment—> Volume control) Open Volume control will give access to control the different components of volume. Ensure that the check mark is removed from all the mute options, so that the sound can be heard.
To record narration, you will need to plug in the microphone, into the MIC socket in the rear panel of the CPU. The easiest way to record is to activate the Sound Recorder (Start—> Program—> Accessories—> Entertainment—> Sound Recorder)
Clicking on the red color button will activate recording. Clicking on the black button will stop the recording. You can play back the recordings to listen to it and activated from the File Menu, the Save As option to save the recorded piece as a wave
file.
3. How do I download software?
Most of the downloadable software on the Internet are in the form of self executing files (they execute the commands to set up automatically). You need to completely download the software and show the computer the destination folder where you want the software to be located.
Once the software is completely downloaded into the destination folder, clicking on the downloaded icon would execute the installation process automatically and the software would be ready to use. During its execution the software would place a shortcut on the desktop, install itself on the program menu and or locate a icon on the task bar.
4. What do I do if the system hangs?
The system hangs because of a conflict in command leading the system to a deadlock zone, where it is unable to execute the command. Simultaneously pressing Ctrl, Alt, Delete, will evoke a Close program Menu. Usually the nonresponding application will be highlighted. Shut Down, End Task and Cancel are the 3 options available on the Menu. Clicking on End Task, will command the system to end the task on hand, a second Menu will popup to confirm if you want to end task or shut down. Clicking on the End Task will restore the File to the last saved version. Clicking on the Shut Down option will shut the system down.
5. What do I do when the screen reads 'Fatal Error' ?
Fatal Error usually occurs when the application is unable to execute the command. This happens because the application gets corrupted. A simple way of rectifying this is to shut the system down and restart the machine. If this option fails to repair the application, reinstalling of that particular application is recommended. Reinstalling of the application will not harm the contents in the files and folders that are saved on the hard disk.
6. What is the Read Only attribute?
Read Only is one of the attributes of a file or folder (it can be seen, when you right click a file and select the properties option). When a file is read only, it can no longer be modified or altered. Any alterations or modifications you do, will need to be saved under a different name. So if you are making modifications to a read only file, remember to click on Save As option from the File Menu and give a new file name to the file, before clicking on OK.
7. Why does the computer run the scan disk sometimes while starting?
If one does not shut down the computer properly ( by selecting the Start Button on the task bar and clicking on the Shut down option), the next time the computer is started, scan disk will automatically run to assess the damage that has occurred due to improper shutting down procedures. It is unhealthy that the computer is shut down improperly.
8. What is defragmentation and how can one progress on it?
Information on the hard disk is stored as it is created, very often in different sectors. If a file is created, it is stored in a particular sector. However, if the file is updated on a later date, the updated information is stored in a different sector. The computer has the ability to display all the information pertaining to the particular file when we open it, even though the information is stored in different sectors of the hard disk.
The computer, however, would work more efficiently if all the information pertaining to a file is located in one sector. Defragmentation of the drive provides this sort of optimization.
Defragmentation of the hard drive is done by right clicking on a drive. On the popup menu, select Properties and go to the Tools tab. Defragmentation status will let you know the last date on which the drive was defragmented. Clicking on Defragment Now, followed by OK will begin defragmentation of the disk.
Defragmentation does not result in loss of any information from the hard disk.
9. Who is an Office Assistant and how do I activate it?
Office Assistant is a help option available on the Office Suite. It is usually in the shape of an animated paper clip on a sheet of paper. Clicking on the Office Assistant will display a "What can I do for You" request. Typing for the help you need will display a series of results, clicking on which you can find a step-by-step solution to the problem you face with that application.
10. What is Zipping and how do I Zip files ?
Zipping is the process of compressing the files and folders into smaller sizes, to enable easy transfers. A folder or file can be "Zipped" with the help of software called WinZip or installing the software into your computer is essential for this feature to work.
To Zip a file or folder, right click on the file or folder. In the popup menu, Add to Zip will be an option. Click on it, an agreement page of the software will appear, agreeing to the terms and conditions will open up the archive, into which the files will be zipped. (You may choose an old archive to place these files in, by clicking on the Open option) Clicking on Add, will complete the process.
The Zipped archive can be seen as a compressed icon. To extract a file from the archive, you need to open the archive and click on Extract. An Extract To option will appear, permitting you to choose the destination File or Folder where the extracted file can be placed. Clicking on Extract will complete the operation.
Tips on CD Writing
CD Burning is an industry term that is used to describe the recording of information to a CD. CD Recording involves using a laser beam to "burn" the image onto the media, thus the term "CD-Burning".
2. How do I copy data from the hard disk to the CD?
This can be done in 2 ways: firstly by means of the DirectCD wizard and secondly by means of creation of Data CDs. So first ensure that CD writing software is installed adequately on your computer. To check this out, look out for short cuts from the desktop such as "HP CD Writer". Also check in the extreme right corner of your desktop for a small icon named "Adaptec Direct CD Wizard". If both of these are present on your computer and installed properly, you can start the process of CD writing.
To start DirectCD, first boot your computer to Windows.
Insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc in the drive.
After a few seconds a window appears asking you to " Please select the type of CD you wish to create." Select" Click here to create a data CD that will be accessible through a drive letter".
(Note: if the DirectCD Disc Ready window appears, the disc is already formatted for DirectCD)
The DirectCD Wizard appears and guides you step-by-step in preparing the CD so you can write data directly to it.
When you eject a CD-R DirectCD disc from the drive and you want to read it on another computer that has a standard CD-ROM drive, the disc must be formatted as an ISO 9660 closed session disc. To do this, follow these steps:
Right-Click the CD icon on the windows taskbar.
Select Properties form the drop-down list box.
Click the DirectCD Wizard tab.
Select the Enable standard CD-ROM compatibility Eject option and click OK.
Finally, when ejecting the CD from the drive, select "Organize the disc so that it can be read in most standard CD-ROM drives:.. and click Finished.
Note: To make the disc readable on a standard CD-ROM drive, the disc is closed as an ISO 9660 format. This format information requires 22MB of space on the disc for the first session, and 13 MB for each additional session. Only CD-R(CD-Recordable) discs can be closed as an ISO 9660 format. CD-RW (CD-writable) discs do not support the ISO format.
3. How do I write more Data to an ISO 9660 Disc?
If you are using CD-R media and you closed a DirectCD disc to ISO 9660 format, you can still add more data to the disc by following these steps:
Insert your disc (that was previously finalized to read on a standard CD-ROM drive) in your CD-RW drive.
Start DirectCD.
Click the next button twice. You will see the Make Disc Writable window.
Click Next.
Type the name you want to call your CD in the Name Your Disc window, using up to 11 characters.
Click Finish and wait until the DirectCD Ready window appears.
You can now add more files to the CD using Windows Explorer or any Windows application.
4. How can I copy data from the hard disk to the CD by creating a data CD?
Use the Data Disc recording feature to copy data from your hard drive to a CD if your computer has HP MyCD software.
To create a data disc:
Click the HP MyCD button. HP MyCD automatically opens your CD Recorder drive
Insert a blank or appendable disc into your recorder.
Select the files or folders you wish to copy to your CD by clicking on either the add file or add folder button, then selecting the files or folders you wish to add. You may also drag and drop files and folders from Windows Explorer directly to HP MyCD.
Once you have selected the files to record, click Next. HP MyCD begins recording data to your CD.
If you want another copy of your file list at this time, remove the newly recorded CD, insert another blank or appendable disc into your recorder, then click Make Another.
When you are done recording, click done, remove the CDs from your drives and store them in safe place.
5. How much information can I fit on one CD?
A single session CD written with HP MyCD can hold 650 MB of data. An 80 minute CD will hold 700 MB. Each time you record a session, overhead is added to your data-about 23 MB of overhead for the first session and 14 MB of overhead for each session after that. Therefore, the total amount of data that you can fit on the CD will vary depending on how many sessions are written and how much data is in each session. So, when planning your work, try to write as much data in a session as you can.
6. Can I do other things while my CD is recording?
When using DirectCD, you can do other things on your computer at the same time. However, when using HP MyCD there won't be much computing power left to run other programs. Trying to run other programs at the same time might interrupt the recording process and corrupt the CD. That's because HP MyCD and other mastering applications need a constant stream of data to write to the CD. So, before you start a recording session with a mastering application:
Sign off from Email.
Log off of the network.
Turn off any other programs that might interrupt, such as a calendar with a reminder feature or a scheduled backup that might begin.
7. What kinds of CDs can my CD-Writer write to?
Your CD-Writer can write to two types of CDs: CD-Recordable and CD-ReWritable. When choosing between these types of CDs, consider the following:
Use CD-Recordable discs when you want to be assured that a lot of other people can read the CD. For example, when you want to share data with others, when you will be sending the CD to a large number of persons, etc.
Choose CD-ReWritable discs as additional personal storage for your computer. For example, when you want to archive files to free up space on your hard drive or to transfer files between home and work where you have a CD-Writer in each location.
You can delete files from a CD the same way you can delete files from a floppy or hard disk. And, you can delete files from both CD-Recordable and CD-ReWritable discs. Deleting a file from a CD-ReWritable disc works the way you're used to with floppies: the space that the deleted file took up is now available for writing more files. Each location on a CD-ReWritable disc can be erased and rewritten up to 1,000 times. However, deleting a file from a CD-Recordable disc works differently from what you're used to: the space that the deleted file took up is not made available again, since each location on a CD-Recordable disc can only be written to once. For this reason, you may not want to delete files from a CD-Recordable disc even though it is possible to do so.