Transcript Computer Basics

Computer Basics
Terminology - Take Notes
What is a computer?
well, what is the technical definition
A computer is a machine that changes information
from one form into another by performing four
basic actions.
What are the 4 basic actions that a
computer performs?
Input
Processing
Output
Storage
Together, these actions make up the information cycle.
Input
Input is the raw information, or data, that is entered into a
computer.
Bits of Data - bit is short for binary digit, a bit can only
have two possible values - 0 or 1
Bits into Bytes - bits are combined into groups of eight
or more called a byte
(example: A is coded as 01000001)
What are examples of input devices?
Processing
Second step of the information processing cycle
the computer does something to the data in this
step
computers can process data very rapidly
Output
the output step displays the processed data
to create output, the computer takes the bytes and
turns them back into a form you can understand,
such as an image on the screen or a printed
document
What are some examples of output devices?
Storage
fourth step in which the computer saves the
information
temporary and permanent
without storage, all work is lost
What is computer
hardware?
Hardware is the physical parts of the computer.
hardware helps with the information processing
cycle (input, processing, output, storage)
Lets take a look at the hardware inside the case!
Inside the Case
Motherboard - main circuit board of the computer,
all other hardware devices inside the case
connect to the motherboard
Central Processing Unit (CPU) - the CPU is the
device that processes the data in the information
processing cycle
CPU
Processing speeds
Processing speed is measured in Hertz.
(Currently, you will see mostly Megahertz or
Gigahertz.)
Types of processors - Intel (Pentium or Celeron),
AMD (Athlon or Sempron), and more
Inside the Case
Primary storage - Temporary
RAM (Random Access Memory) - stores data
and instructions while the computer is working
Secondary storage - Permanent
Hard Drive
Floppy Drive, CD Drive, DVD Drive
Storage Space
Internal and removable storage
Storage is measured in bytes.
Byte = 8 or more bits
Kilobyte = 1024 bytes
Megabyte = approx. a million bytes (1,024,000)
Gigabyte = approx. a billion bytes (1,024,000,000)
Terabyte = approx. a trillion bytes (1,024,000,000,000)
Storage
Hard Drive - internal - 40GB, 80GB, 160GB,
200GB
Removable
Floppy disk - 1.44MB
CD - 700MB
USB - various
(64MB,128MB,512MB,1GB,2GB)
DVD – 4.7GB
Outside the Case
A peripheral is hardware that is separate but can
be connected to the case.
A cable connects the peripheral to the computer.
Connectors
Serial ports, Parallel ports, USB, and more
What is computer software?
Software includes all of the programs that tell a
computer what to do and how to do it.
Types of software: system and application
System Software
System software includes the programs that help
the computer work properly.
2 types of system software: operating systems
and system utilities
System Software Types
Operating system (OS) - lets the hardware devices
communicate with one another and keeps them running
efficiently. (Macintosh OS and Windows OS)
Compatibility - the ability of programs written for one
operating system to run on a computer with a different
operating system.
System Utilities - programs that help the computer work
properly (maintenance and repair jobs)
Application Software
Application software are programs designed to help you do
tasks such as writing a paper or making a graph.
Four Main Categories:
Productivity software
Graphics software
Communication software
Home, education, and entertainment software
Application Software
Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Software
Summary