Computer Basics

Computer Hardware and Software

2008-2009

1. accepts data2. processes data 3. produces output

4. stores results

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

1. Input 2. Processing 3. Output

4. Storage

The Information Processing Cycle

A computer has four functions:

Hardware

Some Beginning Terms

- 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

Personal - “microcomputers”

Hand-held (HPC)

PDA

Tablet PCLaptop/Notebook

Desktop

Tower

Workstation

Larger Computers

MainframeWorkhorse of business allows hundreds of people to work on same data at same time

Supercomputers handle massive amounts of calculating. e.g weather forecasting, engineering design

Server runs a network of computersPLATO at NHRHS

Networks Network consists of two or more

computers (computer devices) communicating to share data and information.

Types of Networks: LAN—Local Area Network

Relatively small area NHRHS, usually in one specific building

WAN—Wide Area Network Typically consists many individual networks

Networks that are all over Largest Example--The Internet

MAN—Metropolitan Area Network Connects a particular area

Ex. NHRHS and sending districts

HAN –

Home Area Network

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!!

Main Components Hardware

System Unit Input Devices Output Devices

Software Systems Software Application Software

Input

CPU

Memory Storage

Bus

Output

System Unit

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)

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

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

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.

More Chips inside the box:Memory

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)

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) - ???

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

Types of Storage (cont’d) 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

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?

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

Additional terms to know…Ports

Parallel ports – printer USB Port

The other port used to connect hardware to your computer

Connection used most often with hardware recently

Neat Websites Computer Basics Quiz

Quia Computer Basics http://www.quia.com/jg/65620.html

Inside the System Unit http://www.kids-online.net/learn/c_n_l.html

Computer LiteracyJan’s Illustrated Computer Literacy 101 http://www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/index.html

Computer Literacy Powerpointhttp://www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/lesson1-2/lesson2-6presentation.htm

Let’s Do It Try the Computer Basics Quiz

Quia 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 LiteracyJan’s Illustrated Computer Literacy 101 http://www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/index.html