Introducing Networks and the Internet Mrs. Wilson Rocky Point High School

Desktop Computing HARDWARE: Physical Components

Input/OutputDevices Data and instructions are entered into a computer using input devices. –Can you name any? Processed data is conveyed using output devices. –Can you name any?

Examples of Input Devices Keyboard Mouse Scanner Microphone Digital Camera CD-RW/DVD drive Disk Drive

Examples of Output Devices Monitors Printers CD-RWs Disk Drives Memory Keys Speakers

Peripheral Devices In computing, any item connected to a computer’s central processing unit (CPU) through a port. –Ports can be USB, Bluetooth, FireWire, parallel and serial. Typical peripherals include keyboard, mouse, monitor, and printer. Users who enjoy playing games might add a joystick or a trackball.

Hardware & Software Hardware –Physical components –You can “touch” them Software –You cannot “touch” it –Comes on CD ROMs –Can be downloaded –Can be developed –Operating/Application

CPU—Central Processing Unit The CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor processes data and controls the flow of data between the computer’s other units. Manufacturers –Intel –AMD Processors are identified by a model name or number, such as Pentium® 4, Itanium® 2, and Opteron™. The Intel Pentium 4 (P4) CPU has a clock rate of 3.06 GHz.

Memory… Try to Remember! Memory in the form of integrated circuits (ICs) store data electronically. ROM (Read Only Memory) contains the most basic operating instructions for the computer. The data in ROM is a permanent part of the computer and cannot be changed. RAM (Random Access Memory), also called primary or main memory, is memory where data and instructions are stored temporarily.

Real-Time Clock A battery chip called a real-time clock keeps track of the date and time in a computer EVEN when the computer is off. When the first true personal computer, the Apple II, was introduced in 1978, the state of the art did not include computers having clocks.

Software & Programs Operating system software is run automatically when the computer is turned on and enables the user to communicate with the computer with input devices, such as the mouse and keyboard. Applications software is written by programmers to perform a specific task, such as a word processor.

Mobile Computing (Page 3) Improved technology Computers come in all sizes and shapes –Notebooks –Tablets –Handhelds –Smart Phones –“Wearables”

Bluetooth Bluetooth is a wireless technology used to allow mobile computing devices to communicate. It is used for short-range connections between desktop and laptop computers, PDAs (like the Palm Pilot or Handspring Visor), digital cameras, scanners, cellular phones, and printers. The technology is based on radio waves, there can be objects or even walls placed between the communicating devices and the connection won't be disrupted. Also, Bluetooth uses a standard 2.4 GHz frequency so that all Bluetooth-enabled devices will be compatible with each other. The only drawback of Bluetooth is that, because of its high frequency, its range is limited to 30 feet.

Cross-Platform Connectivity The ability for one type of PC to link to and share data with a different type of PC. Notebook and desktop PCs typically have good cross-platform connectivity.

Terms to Know Bluetooth Handheld Computers Mobile Computing Software Hardware Scanner Printer Peripheral CPU Ports Processors Real-time Clock