A network is a group of computers that are connected. Sometimes a network is called a LAN, short for local area network. Sometimes a network is a WAN or wide area network. Networks are a good idea because it allows the users to share data and to share printers. Networks have a central computer called a file server. The server is often a mainframe or a mini.
Desktop computers, terminals, or workstations are connected to the server with cables. Every machine that is connected to the network is called a node. Computers must have a network car ( NIC) inside the computer case to work with a server. The network cable is plugged into the port associated with NIC.
Network computers are great for business and education except when the server is "down." This means that there are problems with the main computer and the workstations cannot function effectively.
To access a network file server, every user must have a user id and a password. This is called logging on. Once a user is logged on, she can use the network programs, save files to the server, and print on a network printer.
When you load the Operating System (Windows), the desktops screen appears. There are icons on the left of the screen. Once you start any application program in Microsoft Offices, a document screen appears. The following bars are common in any Windows program.
Title Bar: This is the blue bar at the top of the screen that tells the you the name of the program you are using.
Menu Bar: This is the bar with pull-down menus. Examples of menus are File, Edit, View, Format and Tools.
Tool Bar: Tool bars are usually below the menu bar. Tool bars have clickable pictures called icons which do specific tasks like print, cut or save.
Ruler: The ruler appears at the top of the document to show margins and tabs. The default ruler in Word is six inches of writing space. There is also a ruler on the left of the screen in some programs.
Status Bar: The status bar shows the page number, cursor position, caps lock, or overtype.
Task Bar: The task bar at the bottom of the Windows screen shows all applications or tasks that are currently running. The Start button is on the task bar.
Scroll Bar: The scroll bar allows the user to move the document up and down on the screen.
The minus sign, squares, or the X at the top right of the screen can be clicked to minimize, maximize or restore, or close a document or program.
When a software program gives the user a screen with choices or options, that popup is called a dialog box.
