Transcript Computer Basics - Clinton Community College

Computer Basics
What is a Computer?
A machine that can:
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Receive an input
Process the data
Produce a result in a desired format
Store information as needed
Types of Computers
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Super Computers
Mainframes
Personal Computers
Laptops
Parts of a Computer
Hardware
Software
Hardware
The Physical portion of the computer
1) Input- keyboard, mouse
2) Output- monitor
3) Storage- hard drive (internal), thumb drive
4) Memory- RAM (random access memory)
5) Central Processing Unit (Microprocessor)
The Computer System Unit
• The “computer tower”
a. Power Supply
b. Mother Board
1. CPU
2. RAM (memory)
c. Expansion slots
d. Drive Bays
- Hard Drive
– Universal Serial Bus
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Peripherals
Your Input and Output Devices
Output: Monitor, Printer
Input: Mouse, Keyboard, CD ROM
Input/Output: Hard Drive, CD R/CD RW, Modem
Bits and Bytes
Computers use a binary code to represent data
Bit= a 0 or a 1
Byte= 8 Bits (for example a letter or a space)
– Kilobyte=1,024 bytes
– Megabyte=1,024,000 bytes
– Gigabyte=1,024,000,000 bytes
– Terabyte=1,024,000,000,000 bytes
Discuss Computer Speed (Htz)
Software
The Program portion of the computer
1) Operating System Software- tells hardware
how to run properly
2) Application Software- programs users can
run to accomplish a task
ex: Microsoft Word©
Operating System (OS)
Operating Systemallows hardware to
communicate with
application
software
Windows XP
Top Features include:
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Fast User Switching
Windows Media Player
Windows Movie Maker
Automatic Updates
Remote Assistance
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Network Setup Wizard
Simplified Visual Design
My Pictures
Internet Explorer 6
System Restore
Types of OS
1) Graphical User Interface (GUI)- ex Windows 98
- contains graphics and icons, navigated by mouse
2) Multi-User- ex Windows XP
- more then one user can access the computer at
the same time
3) Multiprocessing- ex Windows XP
- capable of utilizing more then one processor at
the same time
4) Multitasking- ex Windows XP
- allows multiple software programs to run at the
same time