Computer Fundamentals

A Computer Is a System

Input Processing Output

Data is entered into the

computer

Becomes useful

information

The data is processed by adding, subtracting,

and sorting

Example

Input Processing Output

Data for student registration

A schedule for the student is created.

Registration requests are checked against the

lists (database), and if room is available, the student is added to the

class list

Computer Components

Hardware: Equipment

Keyboard, monitor, system, scanners, mouse, etc. Microchips, motherboard, ports

Software: Instructions

Programs

Hardware & Software are required for the computer to work.

Hardware System

Input Processing Output

Storage

Input hardware include:

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Scanner

• Voice

Output hardware includes:

• Printer

• Screen

• Sound

Processing hardware is microprocessor (i.e. Intel

Pentium Processor)

Input Hardware: MouseAs the mouse is moved, the cursor on the screen mimics the mouse movement.Types: Ball – motion of the ball in the mouse

detected by wheels within the mouse. Gets dirty. Depends on smooth surface.

Optical – small camera replaces the ball.

Stays clean. Can be used on any surface.

Wireless - no wire connecting the mouse to the computer.

I

Input Hardware: Keyboards

Text and commands are entered using the keyboardSpecialized keys include: Escape (ESC) Delete & Backspace Number Lock (Num Lock) Arrow keys Caps Lock Function Keys Enter Key

Types:

Input Hardware: Scanners

Text and graphics are digitized to become computer files.

Types: Flatbed (most

common) Handheld

Processing Hardware: Microprocessors

2 types: Intel architecture:

Used with IBM-compatible PCs

Intel Pentium Celeron AMD

Motorola: Used with Macintosh computers

Microprocessors + RAM

Microprocessor (CPU)

Adds, subtracts, sorts, etc.

Storage (RAM)

All data and instructions must

be loaded into RAM to be used by the microprocessor

Data & instructions move

back and forth

Hard Drive: used for virtual RAM, and to store

files for later use.

Printers

Inkjet small droplets of inks Color Versatile Inexpensive to buy,

expensive to maintain

Laser

Usually black and white (some color available but rare)

High quality print Expensive to buy,

less expensive to print

Faster than inkjet

Hardware System: Storage

Input Processing Output

Storage

Internal or Primary

• RAM (Random Access Memory)

• Volatile

External or Secondary Storage

• Magnetic Disk

• Hard drive

• Floppy drive

• Zip Disk

• CD-ROM

2 Types of Storage

Units of Storage

Size: Bit (binary digit) = 0 or 1 Byte = 8 bits = 1 character K (kilobyte) = 1,024 bytes Mb (megabyte) = 1 million

bytes Gb (gigabyte) = 1 billion

bytes

How Much Can a Computer Hold?

Primary storage (RAM) Units of 32 megabytes (Mb)

Example: 32 Mb, 64 Mb, 128 Mb The higher the number, the more the

computer can process at once

Secondary storage (disk or CD-ROM) Hard drives – gigabytes Floppy disks – 1.4 Mb Zip disks – 100 Mb & 250 Mb

CD-ROM – approximately 400 Mb

Computer Software

System SoftwareOperating System – instructions that

make the hardware workMicrosoft Windows for IBM-Compatible PCsMacintosh OS for Macintosh computersOthers: Unix, Linux, etc. – not as common

UtilitiesFormattingHousekeeping

Computer Software (continued)

Application Software Word Processing – Word, WordPerfect,

Works, etc.Graphics editingWeb authoringAny software that a specific purpose or

application.

How to Format a Disk

PCRight-click on My Computer on the desktopClick ExploreRight-click on the disk drive where the disk

you need to format is contained – usually the floppy disk drive (usually drive A) or the Zip Disk

Click Format