Computer Basics and Design Process

Computer

An electronic device processing data as ones and zeros.

Hardware

Physical components of a computer system.

Software

Instructions guiding hardware operations.

Personal Computer

Desktops or laptops for individual use.

Operating System

Software enabling user interaction with hardware.

Monitor

Displays images and text for user viewing.

Keyboard

Input device for text and commands.

Mouse

Input device for cursor movement.

Laptop

Portable computer with integrated components.

Motherboard

Central circuit board housing critical components.

CPU

Processes information; known as computer's brain.

RAM

Short-term memory for active computations.

Hard Drive

Long-term data storage using magnetic or SSD.

Power Supply Unit

Supplies electricity to all computer components.

USB Port

Connects devices like keyboards and printers.

Ethernet Port

Enables wired internet connection via Ethernet cable.

Audio Port

Connects wired headphones or speakers.

Optical Drive

Reads CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs.

Digital Footprint

Online presence created by shared information.

Design Process

Methodical steps to develop functional solutions.

Identify the Problem

First step in design process to understand needs.

Collect Information

Research existing solutions and gather relevant data.

Brainstorming

Generating a wide range of creative ideas.

Develop Solutions

Evaluating and selecting the best design option.

Intellectual Property Laws

Protects creations of the mind from unauthorized use.

Portability

Laptops are lightweight for easy transport.

Setup Convenience

Laptops require minimal setup compared to desktops.

Battery Power

Laptops have rechargeable batteries for mobility.

Compatibility

Key factor for application functionality across OS.

Intellectual Property

Laws protecting creators' rights to their work.

Copyrights

Protects artistic works like music and literature.

Patents

Protects new inventions and processes legally.

Trademarks

Safeguards brand names and logos from misuse.

Trade Secrets

Confidential business information for competitive advantage.

Raster Graphics

Images made of pixels, like photographs.

Vector Graphics

Images created using geometric formulas for scalability.

Lossy Compression

Reduces file size by sacrificing some quality.

Lossless Compression

Reduces file size without losing any quality.

JPEG Format

Common format for photographs using lossy compression.

PNG Format

Supports transparency and uses lossless compression.

GIF Format

Supports simple animations with limited colors.

TIFF Format

Ideal for professional graphics with various compressions.

PSD Format

Adobe Photoshop's native format for layered editing.

Color Spaces

Models for representing colors in images.

RGB Color

Color model based on light; used in screens.

CMYK Color

Color model based on pigments; used in printing.

Pantone Spot Color

Specially mixed colors for consistent printing.

Rule of Thirds

Composition technique dividing images into thirds.

Imaginary Lines

Lines dividing an image for composition guidance.

Lead Room

Space for a subject to move into in a shot.

Nose Room

Space in front of a subject for looking or speaking.

Head Room

Space above a subject in a framed shot.

180-Degree Rule

Keeps camera positioning consistent for audience clarity.

Raster Image

Image made of pixels; loses quality when scaled.

EPS Format

Vector format used for graphic design and printing.

PDF Format

Versatile format supporting both raster and vector content.