Transcript Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Computers
Personal Computing 10
What is a computer?
• Electronic device
• Performs instructions in a program
• Performs four functions
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Accepts data
Processes data
Outputs information
Stores results
A Few Terms
• Hardware – all the physical components
• Software – the operating system and
programs
• Data – the raw facts the computer processes
• Information – data that has been organized
Input
• Everything entered into the computer
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Data
Programs
Commands
User input – keystrokes, mouse clicks, joystick
buttons
Input Devices
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Keyboard
Mouse
Joystick
Scanner
Digital Camera
Microphone
Touchscreen
Processing
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Similar to human’s thinking
Execute complex tasks
One simple step at a time
Using bits and bytes of data
Processing components
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Microprocessor
Motherboard
Main Memory (RAM)
Secondary Memory (Hard Drive)
Operating System
Application
Microprocessor
• Silicon Chip
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CPU
ALU
ROM (read only memory)
Intel, AMD
The Power of a Computer
• Speed
– System clock rate (i.e. 2.4 GHZ)
– Bus width
– Word size (32 bit; 64 bit)
• Reliability
• Storage
– RAM (1 GB)
Output
• Data that has been turned into useful
information
• Hard Copy
• Soft Copy
Output Devices
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Printer
Monitor
Data Projector
Speakers
Headphones
Machine tape
Storage
• The means of storing information/data for
future use
• Main memory (RAM) - volatile
• Secondary memory – non volatile
– Input (storing data and programs)
– Output (storing processed data)
Storage Devices
• Magnetic
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Floppy disks
Hard disks
Magnetic tape
Zip disks
Storage Devices
• Optical
– CDs
– DVDs
• Flash
– Memory cards
– USB drives or thumb drive
• Smart cards and Optical cards
Types of Computers
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PC (personal computer)
Desktop
Tower
Notebook or laptop
Tablet PC
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
Workstation
Types of Computers
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Main frame
Supercomputer
Distributed or Grid Computing
Server
Mini-computer
Networking
• Transmission of data between two or more
computers over a channel
• Communication channels
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Network cable
Coaxial
Telephone lines
Fiber optics
Satellite transmission
Microwave
Wireless
Networking
• Signals
– Analog – wave form
– Digital – stream of bits
• Modem
– Translates analog into digital and the reverse
• Digital Modem
– Connects one medium of transmission to connect to
another (i.e. coaxial to network cable)
Networks
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Share files
Share printers and other peripherals
Run programs remotely
Local Area Network (LAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Network Communication
• Protocol
– common language that allows devices to talk to
each other
– Internet protocol (IP), file transfer protocol
(FTP), hypertext transfer protocol (FTP)
Network Components
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Server
Workstations
Router (Firewall)
Switch (Hub)
Cable
Software
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BIOS
Operating System
Utilities
Security
Applications
– Word processing
– Spreadsheets
– Games
Parts of a Computer
• On the front
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Floppy drive
CD Rom Drive
CD Burner
DVD drive
Power button
Reset button
USB ports
Parts of a Computer
• Around the back
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Power plug
Fan
PS/2 ports - keyboard/mouse
Sound card ports
Video card port
Network Interface port
Parallel Port
USB Ports
Parts of a Computer
• Inside the box
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Drive bays
Access slots
Motherboard
Hard drive
Peripheral card
Network Interface Card
Power Supply
Ribbon cable