Computer Basics

1
Computer Basics

• Computer Hardware and Software
• 2008-2009

2
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that executes
the instructions in a program.
A computer has four functions

• accepts data
• processes data
• produces output
• stores results

• Input
• Processing
• Output
• Storage

3
Some Beginning Terms

• Hardware

- the physical parts of the computer

• Software

- the programs (instructions) that tell the
computer what to do

• Data

- individual facts like first name, price,
quantity ordered. Computers manipulate data to
create information

• Default

• the original settings what will
• happen if you don't change anything

4
Personal - microcomputers
5
Larger Computers
6
Networks

• Network consists of two or more computers
  (computer devices) communicating to share data
  and information.

7
Types of Networks
HAN Home Area Network

• LANLocal Area Network
• Relatively small area
• NHRHS, usually in one specific building
• WANWide Area Network
• Typically consists many individual networks
• Networks that are all over
• Largest Example--The Internet
• MANMetropolitan Area Network
• Connects a particular area
• Ex. NHRHS and sending districts

8
Networking

• Computer linked together in a school or building
  (LAN, WAN, MAN)
• Connected by a server
• Can share information
• PROS
• Share printer
• Share software (programs)
• Easy access within the building
• CONS
• Slower time
• Server crashes
• VIRUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Privacy Issues Hackers!!

9
Main Components

• Hardware
• System Unit
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Software
• Systems Software
• Application Software

10
Computer Hardware Input

• READS
• Input Device
• Hardware that allows data to be entered into the
  computer
• Input Devices
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Scanner
• Microphone
• CD-ROM
• Digital Camera
• WebCam
• Game controller(joystick)

11
Computer HardwareOutput

• WRITES DATA
• Output information that is printed or displayed
  once it has been processed
• Display Devices - Monitor
• LCD flat panel
• CRT
• Printer
• Nonimpact
• Inkjet, Laser, Photo, Color
• Speaker
• Projector

12
Computer Hardware Input/Output (I/O)

• READ or WRITE
• Disks and Disk drives
• Internal (hard drives)
• External (floppy, CDRW)
• Flash Memory Cards, USB Flash Drives
• Modems
• Touch Screen Monitors
• ATM Machines

13
Computer Hardware System Unit

• Case
• to hold electronic components of the computer
  used to process data
• Motherboard
• Main circuit board of the computer
• Holds many electronic components including
  CPU, Memory, Expansion Slots, Bus
• CPU (microprocessor) Central Processing Unit.
• Brains of the computer
• Gives computer its speed
• Measured in Hertz (megahertz)
• Bigger CPU Faster More
• Intel Pentium, Intel Celeron, Intel Core Duo,
  Centrino
• AMD
• Memory Chips
• RAM
• System Bus, Adaptor Cards, Storage Devices
• Hard Drive, Sound cards, video cards, etc.

14
More Chips inside the boxMemory

• Definition
• Accessible storage where computer (CPU) processes
  instructions, and data
• RAM (muscle)-Random Access Memory
• Temporary (unless saved)
• Operates only when the computer is on
• ROM- Read Only Memory
• Permanent
• Built in by the manufacturer
• POST (Power On Self Test)

15
Storing Computer DataIn Memory and on Disk

• Byte
• Smallest storage unit to hold 1 character (e.g.
  a abc)
• 8 bits (0 or 1) in a byte
• Byte Sizes
• Kilobyte (KB) 1,000 bytes
• Megabyte (MB) one million bytes
• Gigabyte (GB) one billion bytes
• Terabyte (TB) - ???

16
Types of Storage(Secondary)

• Secondary Storage
• Used to store data not being used in memory
• Floppy Disk
• 3.5 Inches in Size
• Magnetic media used for storage
• A Drive
• 1.4 MB or 1400 KB
• Compact Disk (CD)
• Round Magnetic Disk
• 650mb-1gb
• Stores 450x more info than a floppy
• D Drive

17
Types of Storage (contd)

• C Drive
• Hard Drive
• Contained in most desktop and laptop computers
• Non removable
• Mass Storage
• 10 GB 200 GB 500GB?
• Digital Video Disk (DVD)
• Similar to CD, but double sided
• Stores 2x as much

18
Types of Storage (cont.)

• Memory Key (USB flash, pen, thumb drive)
• Attaches to USB port
• 8mb-8gb and more?
• F drive
• Flash Memory Cards
• Solid state media no moving parts
• 32mb-4gb and more?

19
Computer Software

• Systems Software Operating System
• Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Unix, Vista
• Application Software everything else
• MS Word, MS Excel, MS ACCESS
• Business Applications
• Internet Browsers
• Games

20
Additional terms to knowPorts

• Parallel ports printer
• USB Port
• The other port used to connect hardware to your
  computer
• Connection used most often with hardware recently

21
Neat Websites

• Computer Basics QuizQuia Computer Basics
  http//www.quia.com/jg/65620.html
• Inside the System Unit
• http//www.kids-online.net/learn/c_n_l.html
• Computer LiteracyJans Illustrated Computer
  Literacy 101 http//www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/inde
  x.html
• Computer Literacy Powerpointhttp//www.jegsworks.
  com/Lessons/lesson1-2/lesson2-6presentation.htm

22
Lets Do It

• Try the Computer Basics QuizQuia Computer Basics
  http//www.quia.com/jg/65620.html
• Inside the System Unit
• http//www.kids-online.net/learn/c_n_l.html
• Read Computer LiteracyJans Illustrated Computer
  Literacy 101 http//www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/inde
  x.html