Apple Laptop PC User Manual

Using a Computer to Support your StudyThis booklet accompanies the Skills for OU Study website: www.open.ac.uk/skillsforstudy

2 Using a computer to studyKeeping in touchAs an OU student you can use a computer and the internet to keep in touch with your tutor and fellow stud

1Using a Computer to Support your Study3Access to a computerDepending on the course, you might not have to buy your own computer, although it would b

13 Access to a computerFinancial supportIf you will be studying on a low income you can apply to the University’s financial support scheme. Contact

1Using a Computer to Support your StudyIt can be a great help to take a knowledgeable friend with you when you go shopping for a computer, someone wh

14 Choosing a computer4Choosing a computer You need to make sure that your computer has the right specification for your course. A particular specif

1Using a Computer to Support your Study4.3 Desktop or laptop?Whether you choose a PC or Mac you will also have to decide on the style of your comput

14 Choosing a computerNetbooksIn addition, you can buy smaller computers, sometimes called ultraportables, netbooks or palmtops. These are sometimes

1Using a Computer to Support your StudyScreen: the screen (or monitor) may have to be obtained separately from the systems unit if you buy a desktop

14 Choosing a computerOn a PC, Microsoft Windows is the most frequently used and the most readily available OS. There are several versions of Window

1Using a Computer to Support your Study5The internet – going online Many companies offer internet connections. To decide how you want to connect to t

Skills for OU Study Using a Computer to Support your Study

5 The internet – going online5.1 Landline or mobile?This is one of the first questions you need to answer. Whether you choose landline or mobile b

2Using a Computer to Support your StudyDifferent ISPs’ coverage varies geographically. You might find that one ISP’s broadband stick gets you access

25 The internet – going online5.2 Selecting an ISP There are many ISPs in the market place, and ordinary telephone companies also offer an interne

2Using a Computer to Support your Study5.3 Online security Once you have your internet connection sorted out you need to ensure that your computer i

25 The internet – going onlineNew computers are frequently supplied with a free three-month trial of anti-virus software for which you can pay to co

2Using a Computer to Support your Studysimplest ways of backing up your data is to make copies onto writable CD or DVD discs. You do need to keep the

26 Getting yourself ready6Getting yourself ready If you have never used a computer before, take some time to get familiar with using one before your

2Using a Computer to Support your StudyIf this seems a lot to take on, think about what you will use the computer for most and check that you have th

26 Getting yourself readyIf you have access to an online computer There are several BBC sites that cater for computing beginners.• If you are a tot

2Using a Computer to Support your StudyGlossaryHere is an explanation of some of the terms that are commonly used about computers. You don’t need to

The Open University Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA Copyright © 2011 The Open University All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be re

29GlossaryHardware: The physical parts of a computer, e.g. the screen, keyboard, mouse.HD/DVD: A high capacity DVD format now redundant and superseded

30Using a Computer to Support your StudyProgram: The instructions that tell a computer what to do, also called software or application. Programs can b

31Contact t informationOU contact numbersFor your enquiries about courses, registration or finance, contact the Student Registration and Enquiry Servi

32Using a Computer to Support your StudyFurther readingThese books give clear explanations about computer topics, and are suitable for people of any a

ISBN 978-0-7492-2930-6

Skills for OU Study Using a Computer to Support your StudyThis booklet is for prospective students of The Open University (the OU). If you have not

5ContentsContents1 Introduction 72 Using a computer to study 83 Access to a computer 104 Choosing a computer 135 The internet – going online

1 Introduction1IntroductionThis booklet is for anyone considering studying with The Open University (the OU) who would like to know more about using

Using a Computer to Support your Study2Using a computer to studyMany of the tasks you need to perform as a student can be done online (see Figure 1).