The Computer

COMPUTER

DECIMAL TO BINARY

CONVERTER

BINARY TO DECIMAL

CONVERTER

INPUT OUTPUT

MEMORY

LOGIC

ARITHMETIC

Computer

Primary memory unitMagnetized core 1 or 0, + or -

Secondary memory unitDisc packs, magnetic tape, metal disks,

chips, CD, hard drive

ComputerLogic - The computer can tell

whether a number is higher, equal or lower than another number.

Arithmetic - The computer can only add, but it can do it very quickly. It multiplies by repetitive addition. Subtraction is accomplished by adding complements. Division is done by repetitive subtraction.

Central Processing Unit

The central processing unit (cpu) is the brain of the computer. Processors labeled “286”, “386” and “486” are commonly found in IBM based computers. The “pentium” is the latest cpu chip.

Central Processing Unit

Memory Memory stores information to be

processed by the cpu. Memory is measured in bytes.

–Byte = 1 character

–Kilobyte = 1000 bytes

–Megabyte = 1,000,000 bytes

Memory TypesRandom access memory - RAM is

temporary memory. It is used to store and retrieve information during a work session.

Read only memory - ROM is permanent memory. It is used to store information for the computer’s “boot-up” process.

Disk DrivesThese devices store information

permanently inside the system unit.

Floppy disk - These disks are 5.25”, 3.5”, Or 2.5” In size and usually hold from .36 To 2.88 Megabytes of information.

Hard disk - These disks are high capacity and high speed drives inside the system unit. The average size for hard drives is over 1 gigabytes.

Monitor Types

Monochrome - Displays information in one color.

Color - Displays information in multiple colors.

Keyboard and Mouse

Keyboard - These devices are the primary mode of communication with the computer. They come in a variety of styles and configurations.

Mouse - This device is a secondary mode of communication with the computer. They provide a graphical (pointer) interface with the computer.

Printer Types

LaserInk jet (bubble jet)Dot matrix

Applications

Word Processing

–Microsoft Word for Windows

–Lotus Ami-Pro

–Wordperfect

Applications

Spreadsheet

–Microsoft Excel

–Lotus 1-2-3

Applications

Presentation Graphics

–Microsoft Powerpoint

–Lotus Freelance Graphics

–Harvard Graphics

Applications

Desktop Publishing

–Aldus Pagemaker

–Microsoft Publisher

Applications

Database

–Microsoft Access

–Claris Filemaker Pro

–Dbase

–Paradox