Transcript Computer Basics - Mr. schiess` classroom

COMPUTER BASICS
What’s out there and who’s using it
What is a Computer???
■ In its most basic form a computer is a machine
that you use to run programs to produce a result or
accomplish a task.
Types of Computers
■ Super Computers
– Are the most powerful computers made
– Used to process very large amounts of information
– Usually devoted to one specific task
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Satellite images
Predict natural disasters (hurricanes)
Military war scenarios
Stock market calculations
Types of Computers
■ Mainframes
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Allow several users access to the same computer.
Performs hundreds of different tasks at once
Roughly the size of a refrigerator
Cost about $1M
■ Mini-Computers
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Less expensive that a mainframe
Any computer smaller than a mainframe
Largely been replaced by Servers and Workstations
Both computers are used by governments and business to process large amounts of
information.
Types of Computers
■ Single user computers
– Workstation
■ Similar to a minicomputer but less expensive and fits at a desk
– Personal Computer
■ Dedication to one user
■ Smaller and less powerful than others
■ Commonly used in schools, homes and small business
Types of Computers
■ Variations of a Personal Computer (PC)
– Desktop
– Laptop
– Tablet
– Hand Held
Types of Computers
■ Special purpose:
– Navigation
– Climate control
– Mechanical assistance
What is Hardware?
■ Hardware represents all the physical parts of the computer
including anything inside or outside of the computer.
– From the smallest microchip to the metal box that holds it all
together. The System Unit refers to the computer itself and
everything inside it.
■ Peripherals are separate devices that may be connected inside
or outside of the system unit, but are not part of the computer
itself.
Computer Peripherals
■ Input components –
– Any device that allows you to enter data and instructions into the
computer.
■ Keyboard
■ Mouse
■ Web cam
■ Scanner
Computer Peripherals
■ Output devices –
– Any hardware component that conveys information to one or
more people.
■ Printer
■ Monitor
■ Speakers
Computer components
■ System Unit –
– The system unit is a case that contains the electronic
components and circuitry to process data.
– The system unit contains:
■ Motherboard
■ CPU
■ Memory (RAM)
Where is your handout?
Computer components
■ Storage devices –
– Holds data, instructions and information for future use.
■ USB flash drive
■ Card reader
■ External hard disk
■ Optical drive
Computer communication (Networks)
■ Computers can communicate thru cables, telephone lines, cellular radio
networks and satellites.
– Modems are widely used in computers for various types of
communication.
■ Networks are any computer system that links two or more computers
– Local Area Network (LAN) – frequently used in small businesses
■ Intranet
– Wide Area Network (WAN) – used by companies, governments and
organizations to communicate over large distances (globally)
■ Internet
Computer communication (Networks)
■ An Intranet is a network for sharing information and files internal
to an organization.
■ Schools
■ Small businesses
■ An Extranet is the same as an intranet, but one that also allows
external access to its resources via the Internet.
■ Universities
■ Laboratories
■ The Internet is the largest computer network in the world.
Millions of people connect to it everyday to find information,
exchange email and communicate with people and businesses
all over the globe.
■ WWW (World Wide Web)
What is Software
■ Software consists of the programs that run on the
computer, including applications, which perform necessary
tasks and the operating system.
Computer Software
■ Software –
– A series of related instructions, organized for a common purpose
that tells a computer what task to perform and how to do it.
■ Categories
– System Software
■ Operating System
■ Utility Program
– Application Software
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Word processor
Spreadsheet
Database
Presentation
Web browser
Image editing
System Software
■ The operating system (OS) is the most important program on the
computer. It communicates between the computer hardware and
the applications you are using.
– Windows - The most widely used operating system for desktop
and laptop computers. Developed by
Microsoft, Windows primarily runs on x86-based computers (PC)
– Mac - Mac OS is a series of graphical user interface–
based operating systems developed by Apple Inc. for
their Macintosh line of computer systems.
– Linux - The Linux open source operating system, or Linux OS, is
a freely distributable, cross-platform operating system based on
Unix that can be installed on PCs, laptops, netbooks, mobile and
tablet devices, video game consoles, servers, supercomputers
and more.