Introduction to Computers

Part I

Hardware

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Computer System

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Definition of a Computer

A computer is an electronic machine, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can do the following:

•Accept data

•Manipulate the data according to specified rules

•Produce results

•Store the results for future use

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Data and Information

• Data – facts and figures which are enter in to a computer

• Information – logical output from a computer based on the data inputs

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Computer Types

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Hardware

• Input

Keyboard

Mouse

Scanner

Microphone

Digital camera

PC camera

• OutputMonitorPrinterSpeakers

• System UnitCPU (Processor)Memory (RAM)

Hardware is the electric, electronic, and mechanical equipment that makes up a computer.

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External Parts of a Computer

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The Monitor

• Types– CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)– LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

• Size: measured diagonally

• Resolution– 640 x 480– 800 x 600– 1024 x 768

The Mouse

• Types– Mechanical

• Serial

• PS/2

– Optical

– Wireless

– Other Types• Trackball (roller ball)

• Touch Pads

• Pointing Stick

• Buttons– Left

– Right

– Wheel

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Keyboard

• Function Keys• Space Bar• Ctrl + Alt + Delete• Directional Keys• Number Pad and Number Lock• Cap Lock and Cap Lock Light

• Print Screen Key• Escape Key

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Internal Parts of a Computer

• Power Supply• Motherboard (Main)• CPU• RAM• Video Card• Audio Card

• Hard Drive• DVD-RW Drive• Ethernet Card• Fans

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Basic Operation

Storage

CPU

Keyboard

Monitor

MemoryRAM

Mouse

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Peripherals

Any external device that attaches to the system

•Printer•Scanner•Modem

•Speakers•Microphone•PC Camera

Exceptions: Keyboard and the Mouse

Note: Most Peripherals need a Device Driver

Printers

• Types– Ink Jet (Sprays ink to produce an image)– Laser (electrostatic charged powder to produce

an image)• Dots per inch (dpi)• Pages per minute (ppm)• Memory• Duplex• Duty cycle

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Connections

• Power Input– 115v or 230v

• Ports– PS/2 Port

– Serial Port

– Parallel Port

– Video Port• AGP Slot

• DVI Slot

– USB (Universal Serial Bus)

– Ethernet Port

• Audio Connections

Storage Devices

• Hard Drive

• Floppy Disk Drive

• Zip Drive

• CD-RW Drive

• DVD±RW Drive

• USB Flash Drive

• Tape Drive

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Computer Drives

• A Drive (the Floppy Drive)

• C Drive (the Hard Drive

• D Drive (the CD or DVD Drive)

• E Drive (the USB Drive

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Protection

• Surge Protectors

• Power backups

Part II

Software

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Software

Software, also called a computer program, is a series of instructions that tells the hardware of a computer what to do

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Software (Operating Systems)

• DOS (Disk Operating System) text based operating system

• GUI (pronounced gooey) graphical user interface– Windows (3.1, 95, 98, 98 Second edition, NT,

2000, XP (Home and Professional), Vista– Linux

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Windows 7

• Home Premium

• Professional

• Ultimate

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Software (Utility Programs)

• Definition: utility programs are software that perform a specific task, usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs

• Examples– An uninstaller program– An anti-virus program– A synchronization program– A Thumbnail program

Removing a Program from a Computer

• Use the Program’s uninstall feature

• Use Microsoft’s Add and Remove Utility

• Use an uninstaller program

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Software (Application)

• Definition: application software is software that consists of programs that perform specific tasks

• Always read the side panel (or back) of the box that the software comes in to see if you have the necessary hardware, memory, and operating system to run the program.

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Examples of Application Software

• Word Processors

• Spreadsheet applications

• Desktop publishing applications

• Database applications

• Games

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Types of Application Software

• Pre-installed software

• Packaged software

• Custom software

• Shareware

• Freeware

• Application Service Provider software(Cloud Software)

Buying a New Computer

• Operating System• Junk Software• Memory• Video• Processor• Hard Dive• Performance• Price

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