How to Be a Computer Genius

Find (and read) a book for beginners., Learn the names of the hardware in your computer., Go to a computer store and try out the latest technology., Watch YouTube videos of people opening their computers., Open your computer and locate each hardware...

5 Steps 2 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Find (and read) a book for beginners.

    Even if you are not brand new to using a computer, getting a book for beginners is a great way to fill the gaps in your knowledge.

    Ask your librarian to show you books for beginning computer users, search your favorite bookseller's website for “computers for beginners,” or try one of these:
    Any computer-related book in the “For Dummies” series, such as PCs for Dummies or Macs for Dummies.

    How Computers Work by Ron White Upgrading and Repairing PCs by Scott Mueller
  2. Step 2: Learn the names of the hardware in your computer.

    To become a computer genius, you will need to understand how the different parts of a computer work with one another.

    Everything inside of your computer is connected to the motherboard, including the CPU, which acts as the computer’s “brain.” RAM stores data that’s currently in use.

    Become familiar with how it works with and connects to the motherboard.

    Peripheral cards add functions to the computer.

    Learn about sound, networking, and video cards.

    Storage and disk drives are places to store data.

    Research hard drives, CD/DVD-ROM drives, and removable media like USB flash drives and SD cards. , Each computer’s hardware specs should be visible on a label or sign near the unit.

    Notice the different amounts of RAM, different CPU brands and speeds, and different screen resolutions.

    Try opening the same program on different computers and notice differences in speed.

    Ask a salesperson which computers they recommend for various tasks.

    For example, “Which of these units is good for gaming?” or “Which would you recommend to someone who just needs to write papers for college?” Then, observe the difference in specs between the different computers. , Watch other computer geniuses install RAM or replace dead hard drives to get a sense of what these tasks entail.Listen carefully as the person describes what they are doing. , If you’re feeling confident, look inside your own computer to see how the different hardware components connect to one another.

    If you feel apprehensive, ask someone who knows more about computers to walk you through the process.

    Never open a computer unless the machine is on a sturdy surface and you are properly grounded.
  3. Step 3: Go to a computer store and try out the latest technology.

  4. Step 4: Watch YouTube videos of people opening their computers.

  5. Step 5: Open your computer and locate each hardware component.

Detailed Guide

Even if you are not brand new to using a computer, getting a book for beginners is a great way to fill the gaps in your knowledge.

Ask your librarian to show you books for beginning computer users, search your favorite bookseller's website for “computers for beginners,” or try one of these:
Any computer-related book in the “For Dummies” series, such as PCs for Dummies or Macs for Dummies.

How Computers Work by Ron White Upgrading and Repairing PCs by Scott Mueller

To become a computer genius, you will need to understand how the different parts of a computer work with one another.

Everything inside of your computer is connected to the motherboard, including the CPU, which acts as the computer’s “brain.” RAM stores data that’s currently in use.

Become familiar with how it works with and connects to the motherboard.

Peripheral cards add functions to the computer.

Learn about sound, networking, and video cards.

Storage and disk drives are places to store data.

Research hard drives, CD/DVD-ROM drives, and removable media like USB flash drives and SD cards. , Each computer’s hardware specs should be visible on a label or sign near the unit.

Notice the different amounts of RAM, different CPU brands and speeds, and different screen resolutions.

Try opening the same program on different computers and notice differences in speed.

Ask a salesperson which computers they recommend for various tasks.

For example, “Which of these units is good for gaming?” or “Which would you recommend to someone who just needs to write papers for college?” Then, observe the difference in specs between the different computers. , Watch other computer geniuses install RAM or replace dead hard drives to get a sense of what these tasks entail.Listen carefully as the person describes what they are doing. , If you’re feeling confident, look inside your own computer to see how the different hardware components connect to one another.

If you feel apprehensive, ask someone who knows more about computers to walk you through the process.

Never open a computer unless the machine is on a sturdy surface and you are properly grounded.

About the Author

J

Janice Evans

Enthusiastic about teaching cooking techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.

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