computer
description
Transcript of computer
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