After realizing that I use the words “customize” and “configure” somewhat interchangeably, I decided it would be a good idea to do some research.
I figure that I should know how badly I’m misusing these words, at the very least. To that end I looked up the Merriam-Webster definitions.
cus·tom·ize (verb): to change (something) in order to fit the needs or requirements of a person, business, etc. (source)
I’m finicky. Often-times I experience various degrees of inability to fully concentrate, unless everything around me is just so.
All items in my immediate vicinity (desk/workstation) must be within their assigned locations — or out of sight completely — so that they do not act as distractions. I try very hard not to look at — or think about — the nearby work spaces that are out of my control (out of control?).
Similarly, I have very decided opinions about what I do and do not want on my computer’s desktop, how I organize my files, how my programs are configured, and just about every aspect of customization that ever takes place on my computer.
Operating systems are essential to electronic devices because they handle all of the operating details, such as controlling hardware and running programs.
A common shorthand when referring to an operating system is “OS” (pronounce each letter).
There are several types of operating systems available, but the most common are Windows, Linux, OS X and Android.
Software is the driving force behind the devices that we use every day.
Without software, our computers, tablets and phones are just marvelously assembled parts, with great potential and no actual function.
With software, you can power up a device and explore its unlimited possibilities… or you can get some work done. How about both?
Computers require some assembly when they are moved or first un-packaged.
Despite the fact the back of a computer usually ends up looking like a tangled mess of cables, the setup is rather simple.
It’s all a case of plugging the right cables into the right sockets (or ports), which is made easy by the fact that for most cables, there is only one similar port available.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “computer”?
Do you envision a “tall box with buttons, slots and lights”, or do you see a screen with a mouse and keyboard in front of it? Do you see all of those individual parts as a single entity?
If I’m “on the computer”, that does not mean I’m sitting on top of a metal case looking bored. It means I’m sitting at my desk in front of my monitor, usually with one hand on my mouse and the other on my keyboard and a look of intense concentration, frustration or amusement on my face.
In this technology-driven age you are inevitably going to hear terms such as “hardware” and “software” and be expected to know what they mean.
These two terms are the most basic categories of technology in existence, into which everything else is divided. In other words, they’re kinda important.
I’m sure that, at one time or another, we have all heard the term hardware, used in reference to tools or machinery. Computer hardware is not much different; it refers to the physical components of technology, such as your computer, monitor, mouse, keyboard, printer, cell phone, tablet, etc.