Transcript CIS 111 - Basic PC Literacy

What does a Computer Do?
What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic
device, operating under the
control of instructions
stored in its own memory,
that can accept data
(input), process the data
according to specified rules
(process), produce results
(output), and store the
results (storage) for future
use
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Essential Introduction to Computers: 6th Edition
Being a Savvy Computer User and Consumer
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Avoid hackers and viruses
Protect your privacy
Understand the real risks
Use the Internet wisely
Avoid online annoyances
Maintain your computer
Make good purchase decisions
Integrate the latest technology
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
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What does a computer do?

Input – Receives information

Processes – Moves the information around
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Storage – Saves the information

Output – Send the information out, printed form,
monitor, email, sound, web page
Essential Introduction to Computers: 6th Edition
Input Devices

Any hardware component that allows you to enter data,
programs, commands, and user responses into a computer
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Examples
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Keyboard
Mouse
Despite all the clicking going
on in the world the Keyboard is
still the primary input device.
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Essential Introduction to Computers: 6th Edition
System Unit

The motherboard, or system board,
is the main circuit board of the system
unit

The processor, also called the central
processing unit (CPU), interprets and
carries out the basic instructions that
operate a computer

Memory, also called random access
memory, or RAM, consists of electronic
components that store data,
instructions, and information, as
needed by the processor
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Essential Introduction to Computers: 6th Edition
The Front Panel
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Power control
Drive bays
Memory card
reader
Productivity
ports
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Output Devices
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Hardware that conveys information to one or more
people

Output Device Examples
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Printer
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Monitor
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Essential Introduction to Computers: 6th Edition
Storage Devices

Used to store instructions,
data, and information when
they are not being used in
memory
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Essential Introduction to Computers: 6th Edition
Storage Devices

Magnetic disks use magnetic
particles to store items on a
disk’s surface
 Floppy disks
 Zip disks
 Hard disks
 Provides greater
storage capacity than
floppy disk, zip disk or
USB flash drive
 Most are housed inside
of the system unit
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Essential Introduction to Computers: 6th Edition
Storage Devices
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Optical discs
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CD-ROM
DVD-ROM
USB flash drive
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Provides much greater
storage capacity than a
floppy disk or zip disk
Small and lightweight
enough to be transported
on a keychain or in a
pocket
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Essential Introduction to Computers: 6th Edition
How Much Is a Byte?
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Communications Devices

A communications device is a hardware component that
enables a computer to send (transmit) and receive data,
instructions, and information to and from one or more
computers
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Communications occur over transmission media, such as
telephone lines, cables, cellular radio networks, and
satellites
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Essential Introduction to Computers: 6th Edition
What is a Network?

What is a network?
Collection of computers and devices connected together
Communications
Device
Enables a
connection
between
computers
Transmission
Media
Satellites
Cables
Telephone
lines
One type is
a modem
Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information
Cellular
radio
What are the Reasons to network?
To share
Resources
Hardware
devices
Software
programs
To save
Data
time
Information
and
money
Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information
What is a Server?

A server manages the
resources on a network
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Clients access the
resources on the server
Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information
Computer Software
Operating
OperatingSystem
System(OS)
(OS)
isisaaset
setof
ofprograms
programs
that
thatcoordinates
coordinatesall
all
activities
activitiesamong
among
computer
computerhardware
hardware
devices
devicesand
andallows
allows
users
userstotorun
run
application
applicationsoftware
software
Utility
UtilityPrograms
Programsallow
allowthe
theuser
usertoto
perform
performmaintenance-type
maintenance-typetasks
tasks
usually
usuallyrelated
relatedtotomanaging
managingaa
computer,
computer,its
itsdevices
devicesor
orits
itsprograms
programs
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Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information
Computer Software
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What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?
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Allows you to
interact with the
software using
graphics and icons
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Controls how you
enter data and how
the screen displays
information
Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information
Computer Software
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Application software consists of programs that tell a
computer how to produce information
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Word processing software
Spreadsheet software
Database software
Presentation Graphics software
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Essential Introduction to Computers: 6th Edition
Computer Software
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Essential Introduction to Computers: 6th Edition
What is the Internet?
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Worldwide collection of networks that connects
millions of businesses, government agencies, educational
institutions, and individuals
Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information
Why do Users Access the Internet?
1. Communications
2. Information
3. Shopping
4. Banking and Investing
5. Classes
6. Entertainment
Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information
What is the Web?

Billions of documents, called Web pages, available to
anyone connected to the Internet
A Web site is
a collection of
related Web pages
A Web page contains
text, graphics, sound,
video, and links to
other Web pages
Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information
You can share
information by
creating Web pages
or posting photos on
a photo sharing
community
Personal Computers
What
are the two most popular series of personal
computers?
PC and compatibles
use the Windows
operating system
Apple Macintosh
uses the Macintosh
operating system
(Mac OS)
Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information
Personal Computers
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What is a desktop computer?
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Designed so all of the components fit entirely
on or under a desk or table
Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
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What is a notebook computer?
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Portable, small enough
to fit on your lap
Also called a laptop
computer
Generally more
expensive than a
desktop computer
Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information
Setting It All Up: Ergonomics
Ergonomics: minimizing injury or
discomfort while using the computer
 Steps to follow:
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Position monitor correctly
 Use adjustable chair
 Assume proper position while typing
 Take breaks
 Ensure adequate lighting
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