Computer Applications

CPU Monitor Storage ROM Output Device RAM Operating System Computer Applications Printer Hardware Vista Application System Database Computer Mouse Input Devices Software

What is a computer? A computer is an electronic device that executes the instructions in a program.

Understanding Hardware and Software • A computer’s hardware is the computer item you can physically see or touch • The software is the computer program that tells computer hardware how to operate

What makes the computer powerful? • SPEED– A computer can do billions of actions per second. • RELIABILTY—Failures are usually due to human error, one way or another. • STORAGE– A computer can keep huge amounts of data.

Functions of the computer A computer has four functions: a. accepts data Input b. processes data Processing c. produces output Output d. stores results Storage The Information Processing Cycle

Input • Everything we tell the computer is Input.

Types of Input • Data means the raw facts given to the computer. • Programs are the sets of instructions that direct the computer. • Commands are special codes or key words that the user inputs to perform a task, like RUN "ACCOUNTS". These can be selected from a menu of commands like "Open" on the File menu. They may also be chosen by clicking on a command button. • User response is the user's answer to the computer's question, such as choosing OK, YES, or NO or by typing in text, for example the name of a file.

Common Input Devices • Keyboard—Most commonly used • Pointing Devices • Mouse • Stylus • Game devices (joystick) • Touch screen • Digital Camera

Processing • Processing is the thinking that the computer does - the calculations, comparisons, and decisions. • Modern computers are digital, that is, all info is stored as a string of zeros or ones - off or on. All the thinking in the computer is done by manipulating these digits. The concept is simple, but working it all out gets complicated.

Memory • Memory—A computer’s temporary storage place, where it gets its work done. • There are two main types of memory on your computer • RAM • ROM

RAM • Primary storage • Random Access Memory • Computer’s main memory which is used to process information. • This memory is volatile, which means unsaved data disappears when you shut off the computer.

ROM • Read-only memory • Computer’s low level memory, which is used to perform its most basic functions (example, start the computer). • This memory is nonvolatile, which means data remains even when you shut off the computer.

Measuring Memory • Bit—Short for binary digit, a bit is the smallest memory unit. Eight bits equals one byte. • Byte—Equals to one character (letter, number) • Kilobyte (K or KB) –1,024 bytes • Megabyte (M or MB)—1,048,576 bytes • Gigabyte (G or GB)—1,073,741,824 bytes • Terabyte (T or TB)—1,099,511,627,776 bytes

Output • Output is data that has been processed into useful form, now called Information. • Types of Output Devices • Hard copy • Printer • Microfilm • Soft copy • Monitor • Projector • Sound

Storage • Storage refers to the media and methods used to keep information available for later use • Examples of storage- Secondary storage • CD • DVD • Flash Drives • Removable hard drives

Working with Software • Understanding • GUI • Operating System • Application Program

GUI (gōō'ē) • Graphical User Interface—Makes computers easier to operate by using pictures and icons to represents files and programs

Operating System • Loads automatically and controls just about everything on your computer.

Application Program • Helps you accomplish a certain task, such as writing a letter, browsing the Internet or playing a game PowerPoint Word Excel Access

Computer Software Hardware InputDevices Mouse Application System Operating System Computer Applications Database Vista Storage CPU RAM ROM Output Device Printer Monitor

Type of Computer • Microcomputer • Supercomputer • Mainframe • Minicomputer

Microcomputer • Personal computer (PC)—Computer that is small enough to fit on a desk, relatively inexpensive, designed for an individual user • Laptop—Also called notebook, portable falls into the category of personal computer

Supercomputer • Fastest type of computer, can store data and perform numerous task simultaneously at incredible speeds. • Used for specialized tasks that requires vast amounts of mathematical calculation such as weather forecasting and medical and weapons research.

Mainframe • Less powerful and less expensive than supercomputer but still capable of storing and processing large amounts of data. • Several hundreds of individuals can use mainframe with their own terminals at the same time.

Minicomputer • Called server, smaller than mainframe larger than microcomputer. • Can support multiple users with their own terminals at the same time.

Boots • Two types: • Warm boot-Refers to restarting a computer that is already turned. Restarting it returns the computer to its initial state. A warm boot is sometimes necessary when a program encounters an error from which it cannot recover. On PCs, you can perform a warm boot by pressing the Control, Alt, and Delete keys simultaneously.

Boots • Cold-The start-up of a computer from a powered-down, or off, state.

Networks • LANs • A computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings. • WANs • A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area. Typically, a WAN consists of two or more local-area networks (LANs). • MANs • Short for Metropolitan Area Network, a data network designed for a town or city. In terms of geographic breadth, MANs are larger than local-area networks (LANs), but smaller than wide-area networks (WANs).

Computer Applications