530 likes | 1.35k Vues
Computer Basics. Computer Hardware and Software 2008-2009. The Information Processing Cycle. What is a computer?. accepts data processes data produces output stores results. A computer is an electronic device that executes the instructions in a program.
E N D
Computer Basics Computer Hardware and Software 2008-2009
The Information Processing Cycle What is a computer? • accepts data • processes data • produces output • stores results A computer is an electronic device that executes the instructions in a program. A computer has four functions: Input Processing Output Storage
Some Beginning Terms • Hardware - the physical parts of the computer • Software - the programs (instructions) that tell the computer what to do • Data - individual facts like first name, price, quantity ordered. Computers manipulate data to create information • Default • the original settings; what will happen if you don't change anything
Tablet PC Hand-held (HPC) Laptop/Notebook Desktop Tower Workstation PDA Personal - “microcomputers”
Supercomputers handle massive amounts of calculating. e.g weather forecasting, engineering design Mainframe Workhorseof business allows hundreds of people to work on same data at same time Server runs a network of computers PLATO at NHRHS Larger Computers
Networks • Network consists of two or more computers (computer devices) communicating to share data and information.
Types of Networks: HAN – Home Area Network • LAN—Local Area Network • Relatively small area • NHRHS, usually in one specific building • WAN—Wide Area Network • Typically consists many individual networks • Networks that are all over • Largest Example--The Internet • MAN—Metropolitan Area Network • Connects a particular area • Ex. NHRHS and sending districts
Networking • Computer linked together in a school or building (LAN, WAN, MAN) • Connected by a server • Can share information • PROS: • Share printer • Share software (programs) • Easy access within the building • CONS: • Slower time • Server crashes • VIRUS!!!!!!!!!!!! • Privacy Issues – Hackers!!
CPU Memory StorageBus Input Output System Unit Main Components • Hardware • System Unit • Input Devices • Output Devices • Software • Systems Software • Application Software
Computer Hardware Input • “READS” • Input Device • Hardware that allows data to be entered into the computer • Input Devices • Keyboard • Mouse • Scanner • Microphone • CD-ROM • Digital Camera • WebCam • Game controller(joystick)
Computer HardwareOutput • “WRITES” DATA • Output – information that is printed or displayed once it has been processed • Display Devices - Monitor • LCD – flat panel • CRT • Printer • Nonimpact • Inkjet, Laser, Photo, Color • Speaker • Projector
Computer Hardware Input/Output: (I/O) • “READ or WRITE” • Disks and Disk drives • Internal (hard drives) • External (floppy, CDRW) • Flash Memory Cards, USB Flash Drives • Modems • Touch Screen Monitors • ATM Machines
Computer Hardware: System Unit • Case • to hold electronic components of the computer used to process data • Motherboard • Main circuit board of the computer • Holds many electronic components including: CPU, Memory, Expansion Slots, Bus • CPU (microprocessor)—Central Processing Unit. • “Brains of the computer” • Gives computer its speed • Measured in Hertz (megahertz) • Bigger CPU = Faster = More $$ • Intel Pentium, Intel Celeron, Intel Core Duo, Centrino • AMD • Memory Chips • RAM • System Bus, Adaptor Cards, Storage Devices • Hard Drive, Sound cards, video cards, etc.
More Chips inside the box:Memory • Definition: • Accessible storage where computer (CPU) processes instructions, and data • RAM (muscle)-Random Access Memory • Temporary (unless saved) • Operates only when the computer is on • ROM- Read Only Memory • Permanent • Built in by the manufacturer • POST – (Power On Self Test)
Storing Computer DataIn Memory and on Disk • Byte • Smallest storage unit to hold1 character (e.g. “a” “abc”) • 8 bits (0 or 1) in a byte • Byte Sizes • Kilobyte – (KB) 1,000 bytes • Megabyte – (MB) – one million bytes • Gigabyte – (GB) – one billion bytes • Terabyte – (TB) - ???
Types of Storage:(Secondary) • Secondary Storage • Used to store data not being used in memory • Floppy Disk • 3.5 Inches in Size • Magnetic media used for storage • A: Drive • 1.4 MB or 1400 KB • Compact Disk (CD) • Round Magnetic Disk • 650mb-1gb • Stores 450x more info than a floppy • D: Drive
Types of Storage (cont’d) • C: Drive • “Hard Drive” • Contained in most desktop and laptop computers • Non removable • Mass Storage • 10 GB – 200 GB – 500GB? • Digital Video Disk (DVD) • Similar to CD, but double sided • Stores 2x as much
Types of Storage (cont.) • Memory Key (USB flash, pen, thumb drive) • Attaches to USB port • 8mb-8gb and more? • F: drive • Flash Memory Cards • Solid state media – no moving parts • 32mb-4gb and more?
Computer Software • Systems Software – Operating System • Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Unix, Vista • Application Software – everything else • MS Word, MS Excel, MS ACCESS • Business Applications • Internet Browsers • Games
Additional terms to know…Ports • Parallel ports – printer • USB Port • The other port used to connect hardware to your computer • Connection used most often with hardware recently
Neat Websites • Computer Basics QuizQuia Computer Basics http://www.quia.com/jg/65620.html • Inside the System Unit • http://www.kids-online.net/learn/c_n_l.html • Computer LiteracyJan’s Illustrated Computer Literacy 101 http://www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/index.html • Computer Literacy Powerpointhttp://www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/lesson1-2/lesson2-6presentation.htm
Let’s Do It • Try the Computer Basics QuizQuia Computer Basics http://www.quia.com/jg/65620.html • Inside the System Unit • http://www.kids-online.net/learn/c_n_l.html • Read Computer LiteracyJan’s Illustrated Computer Literacy 101 http://www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/index.html