Transcript Computer Concepts and Windows: Lesson 1

Lesson 1: Computer Concepts – Part 2
Inside the System Unit
Part 2
 Video
 Expansion cards
 Ports
Computer Video Components
 Video monitor
 Video controller
 Video driver
Computer Video
 The image on the monitor is
composed of tiny dots called pixels.
Resolution
The higher the resolution setting, the
more you can display on the monitor - but
images appear smaller at higher
resolutions.
Purchasing a Monitor
 Features to
consider…
• Screen size
• Maximum
resolution
• Dot pitch
• Vertical
frequency
• Non-interlacing
Screen size is measured diagonally.
Examples of Expansion Cards
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Modem
Sound
Video Capture
Network/LAN
TV
Scanner
An internal modem card
A video adapter card
Types of Expansion Slots
 PCI
 ISA
The system bus
connects
expansion
slots to the
microprocessor.
Examples of Ports
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
PS/2
USB Port
Serial
Parallel
SCSI
Video
Miniplug
s
H. Joystick
I. Phone
Jack
J. RS-14
Examples of Peripherals
Keyboard
Mouse
Monitor
Printer
Scanner
External Modem
How Modems Work
A modem takes a digital signal and
converts it to sound - and vice versa
Printers
 Laser
 Fast, higher initial cost, less cost per page
 Ink Jet
 Slower, lower initial cost, higher cost per page
Laser printers are often used
for high volume, high quality,
black and white printing.
Surge Protector
 Prevents surges in power from

ruining delicate computer circuitry
Always connect your
computer and
peripherals to a
surge protector.
Photo courtesy of
Kensington Technology Group
Computer Software
 Software is the logical component of a
computer system.
 Most software is distributed via floppy
disks and CD ROMs
 Do not confuse the container
with the contents.
 Floppy and CD-ROM discs are
containers for software, but
not the software itself.
Computer File
 A collection of data with some common
purpose.
 All computer software is stored in the form of files.
 Some computer files are programs.
 Other computer files may contain work that you have
created, such as a letter or picture.
Types of Software
Software
Programs
OS
Apps
Data
The Operating System
 Controls all basic computer


functions
Lets you give simple commands to
hardware.
Works with application programs to
help you
save and retrieve your work
Examples of the Operating System
at Work
Application Programs
 Software that helps you get work done
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Word
Excel
Outlook
Access
PowerPoint
Writing w/ Proofing
Electronic Spreadsheet
Email
Electronic Filing Cabinet
Graphic Communication
User Files
These files store work that you have performed
with an application program,
such as:
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A letter
A drawing
A database of information
A game you have stored to continue later
Computer Viruses
 Viruses are small programs that can invisibly
“infect” your system without your knowledge.
 Viruses can cause your computer to halt, or erase files on
the disk drives.
 Many new viruses are discovered every week.
 Computer viruses are malicious programs
created by programmers
(i.e. people).
Anti-Virus Software
 These programs watch all activity on your
system and can detect many viruses as they try
to infect the system.
 As new viruses are identified, anti-virus
software vendors update their software. You
can usually obtain these updates over the Web.
Researching Software
 Research software first
 Before you shop for hardware, you should always
research the software you wish to run on the computer.
 Every application program has requirements for the
hardware and operating system that it needs to
function properly. If your computer does not meet
these requirements, the application program will not
run.
Purchasing Hardware After
Selecting Your Software
 Microprocessor
 Type (e.g. Pentium III)
 Speed (e.g. 500 MHz)
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Operating System
RAM
Hard Drive Space
Drive Options
Other Hardware
Setting Up a Computer
Ergonomics is the science of designing
equipment to maximize your productivity
and reduce fatigue.
Healthy Work Habits with
Computers
 Risks of computer use include:
 Exposure to radiation
 Eye strain
 Repetitive stress injuries
 With good work habits, you can
significantly reduce or eliminate these
risks.
Lesson 1: Computer Concepts – Part 2