Transcript Introduction to Computers

Learning Targets
• Identify the external parts of the computer
• Identify examples of input devices
• Identify examples of output devices
• Define basic computer terms
Definitions
• Active Window: The last window you clicked in.
• Alias: An icon that points to a particular file, folder or
application in the Macintosh OS.
• Application: A program designed to perform a specific
function directly for the user or, in some cases, for another
application.
• Bit (Binary Digit): The smallest unit of information in a
computer.
• Boot Up: To load an operating system into the computer's
RAM (Random Access Memory).
• Byte (Binary Term): A unit of storage capable of holding 8
bits.
• CD-R: one time recordable compact disc.
Definitions - Continued
• CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory): A read-only
storage medium. CD-ROMs contain up to 650MB of
information.
• CD-ROM Drive: A device that can read data from a CD-ROM.
• CD-RW: Allows you to read, write, erase,and write again.
• Central Processing Unit (CPU) or Processor: A microchip
containing the logic circuitry that responds to and processes
instructions that drive the computer.
• Click and Drag: Press and hold down the left mouse button.
Move the mouse pointer to your desired location then
release the mouse button.
• Desktop: The main GUI generated by the operating system.
Definitions - Continued
• File name extension: Comes after the period in a file name
and indicates the type of information stored in a file.
• Floppy Disk: A portable magnetic storage medium for
computer data. Floppy disks typically hold 1.44 MB of
information.
• Floppy Disk Drive: A device that reads data from and
writes data to a floppy diskette.
• Gigabyte: A measure of electronic holding space. One
gigabyte equals 1,073,741,824 bytes.
• Graphical User Interface (GUI): A program interface that
takes advantage of the computer's graphics capabilities to
make the program easier to use.
• Hard Drive: The primary storage location on the computer.
Definitions - continued
• Hardware: The physical components of the computer system.
• Hierarchical File System: A file system that is organized in
the shape of a pyramid.
• Icon: A picture or symbol used to represent a file, folder or
application/program.
• Input Device: Any device that generates input for the
computer.
• Keyboard: An input device used to submit data to the
computer.
• Kilobyte: A measure of electronic holding space. One kilobyte
equals 1,024 bytes.
• Megabyte: A measure of electronic holding space. One
megabyte equals 1,048,576 bytes.
Definitions - continued
• Memory: The electronic holding place for instructions and
data that your computer's microprocessor can reach
quickly.
• Menu: A list of options from which you can execute
commands.
• Monitor: A video or computer display device.
• Mouse: A small hand-controlled input device that relays
signals to the computer, which moves a corresponding
pointer on the monitor screen.
• Operating System: An application that manages other
applications and devices.
• Output Device: Any device that displays information from
the computer.
Definitions - continued
• Program: The Windows OS term for an application (see
definition above).
• Random Access Memory (RAM): Primary working memory
that holds data and instructions while the computer is in use.
• Read Only Memory (ROM): Built in memory that
permanently stores instructions and data. (The instructions
and data in ROM are created when it is manufactured and
cannot be changed.)
• Reboot: To restart a computer.
• Right-click: click and release the right mouse button.
• Shortcut: An icon that points to a particular file, directory or
application in Windows OS.
Definitions - concluded
• Shutting Down: Clears the computer’s RAM, disengages all
peripheral devices, and turns the power off.
• Speaker: A device that translates computer signals into
sound.
• USB Flash Drive: A rewritable storage medium which is
plugged directly into a computer through a USB port.
• Wildcard: A symbol that allows the user to perform
unrestricted find routines in Windows OS.
• Window: A resizable viewing area on a computer display
screen in a system that allows multiple viewing areas as part
of a graphical user interface (GUI).
• Write-Protected Disk: Physically altering the disk so that
changes cannot be made to the files contained on it.
Parts of a Computer
Parts of a Computer
• Computer consists of
• Hardware and software working together to
accomplish tasks
• Hardware – physical components
• Input devices
• Output devices
• Processor or central processing unit (CPU)
• Memory
Input Devices
Input Devices
• Operation, program or device that
transfers date to the computer
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Controlled by the user
Processor
Processor (CPU)
•
Translation of signals
•
Microchip which contains the logic circuitry
that responds to and processes instructions
that drive the computer
•
The box is commonly referred to as the CPU
•
•
•
•
Contains microchip
Memory
Removable storage
Additional components
Output Devices
Output Devices
• Machines displaying information from
the computer
• Monitor
• Speakers
• Printers
• Controlled by the computer
Processor Translations
• Information from input devices
• Output devices deliver the
information to the user
• Word on the screen
• Information to the printer to print
• Sound from the speaker
How Computers Work
• Input devices feed information into the
computer
• CPU processes the information – the brains of
the computer
• Limited understanding
• Recognizes two digits – the “0” (zero) and “1”
• Binary language
• All data stored as 0’s and 1’s
• Output devices translate information back to
the user in an easily understood format
Binary Numbers – Bits & Bytes
• 0’s and 1’s are
referred to as bits –
the smallest unit of
information on a
computer
• A byte is a
combination of 8 bits
Building Blocks
• Bits – like 8 individual building blocks
scattered on the floor
• Byte – 8 bits stuck together
• Multiple bytes combined form more complex
units of information
• Kilobyte (KB) – 1,024 bytes
• Megabyte (MB) – 1,048,576 bytes
• Gigabyte (GB) – 1,073,741,824 bytes
Memory Capacity
• Amount of electronic holding places
available for instructions or data
• 16MB of memory – 16,777,216 bytes or
134,217,728 bits
• Hard drives today are sold in gigabyte or
terabyte increments
Memory
Memory
• The computer cycle would not be possible
without a holding place for information MEMORY
• Input  process  output
• Memory – electronic holding place for
instructions and data that the microprocessor
can easily reach
• Types
• RAM – Random Access Memory
• ROM – Read Only Memory
RAM vs ROM
• RAM - Primary working memory that
holds data and instructions while the
computer is in use
• Can be written to and read from
• Temporary memory – can be lost if not
saved, can be changed/updated
• ROM – built in memory that permanently
stores instructions and data
• Cannot be changed
Disks and Storage
• A place to store data
• Types
• Hard drive
• USB Flash drive
• Compact Disk/DVD
Hard Drive
• Storage space for documents, old
email, and applications
• Protecting the Hard Drive
• Never move a computer while it is on
• The hard drive is spinning and
movement could cause the
magnetic disks to become scratched
• Shut down computer properly
• Regularly perform diagnostic tests
Compact Disks/DVD
• CD ROM – read only storage medium, h olds
650MB of information
• CD-R – one time recordable compact disk, holds
700MB
• CD-RW – allows you to read, write, erase, and
write again, holds 650MB of data
• Can be rewritten up to 1000 times; but the
more it is rewritten the less reliable it
becomes
USB Flash Drive
• Rewritable storage medium which is
plugged directly into a computer through a
USB port
• Can hold 128MB to 16GB or more of data
SUMMARY
• Input devices feed information into the
computer
• The CPU process the information
• The output devices translate this
information back to the user
• Process would not be possible without the
holding place called memory
A
E
B
B
D
C