Computer Basics Just How Does a Computer Work?

Unit 2: Introduction to Computer Discovery OBJECTIVES: Unit 2: Introduction to Computer Discovery 1. Explain basic computer usage and components. Identify and describe the use or function of the basic components of a computer system using the IPSO Cycle (input, processing, storage and output). b. Identify current terminology associated with computers. 2. Perform basic computer operations related to computer usage. Demonstrate precautions and care when working with computers, printers, storage devices, and other accessories. b. Discuss and/or demonstrate setting up and adjusting a simple computer system.

What Is A Computer? A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions (software) stored in its own memory unit, that can accept data (input), manipulate data (process), and produce information (output) from the processing. Generally, the term is used to describe a collection of devices that function together as a system. A computer is made up of many parts. Let’s explore the parts to see if you know what they are called!

Two Basic Components of a Computer System Software Hardware Computer Instructions or data. Anything that can be stored electronically. Parts of the Computer System you can physically touch. Operating System Application Software

Computer Hardware

The Motherboard Your computer couldn’t work without the motherboard. It ties everything together! It allows every part of your computer to receive power and communicate with each other.

Sound and Video Cards Sound and Video Cards are Output Devices. They contain special circuits that allow your computer to play sounds and display graphics on your monitor.

Power Supply If there is any one component that is absolutely vital to the operation of a computer, it is the power supply! Without it, a computer is just a box full of plastic and metal. The power supply converts the alternating current (AC) line from your home or school to the direct current (DC) needed by the computer.

BIOS CHIP A BIOS chip (Basic Input Output System) is a very important computer component. In simple terms, the BIOS chip wakes up the computer when you turn it on and reminds it what parts it has and what they do!

IPSO Cycle Input – Processing – Storage - Output

How Does a Computer Work? User Enters Data/Information – INPUT The Computer PROCESSES the data/information You then have the option to STORE/SAVE before you output Produce an image of the processed data/information – OUTPUT.

Input Devices Input- this is when information is entered into the computer

Computer Components & What They Do Mouse – an input and hand-held pointing device used to control the pointing device on the screen. Keyboard – an input device that allows you to type information and instructions into a computer

Digital Camera – Allows you to take photos, store them in memory, and download into your computer. A Scanner is a very useful input device. You can place a page of writing or pictures in the scanner and it will send the information to your computer. There they can be changed, saved into a computer file, or printed.

Microphone Joystick – helps you control the movement of people and objects in many computer games.

Processing Processing is once information is sent to a computer by an input device.

Computer Processing CPU stands for “Central Processing Unit” is the “BRAINS” of the computer. They can be desktop or tower models.

Memory A series of electronic elements that temporarily holds data and instructions while they are being processed. 2. ROM Read-Only Memory Otherwise known as permanent memory or built-in directions. ROM contains the basic operating instructions for the computer and it can’t be changed. 1. RAM Random Access Memory Otherwise known as temporary memory. Data stored in RAM can be changed or deleted. Information place in RAM is lost when the machine is shut down.

Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes and Gigabytes Byte 8 Bits=1 byte KB Kilobyte=1,000 bytes MB Megabyte=1,000,000 (1 million) bytes GB Gigabyte=1,000,000,000 (1 billion) bytes

I’ve heard those words, but what’s a Byte?? All the information that moves through your computer is based on 2 commands. That’s all, just two. The two commands are ON and OFF. They are symbolized by 1’s and 0’s.

Binary Code Binary Code is the language of computers. Here is an example of Binary Code: when you type in the letter A on your keyboard, electrical signals are sent from the keyboard to the CPU. The CPU turns the signals into Binary Code. Then the computer reads the code and sends it on to the monitor to display the letter A.

Storage Devices A storage device is a hardware device designed to store information.

Floppy Disk Drive The CPU has places to insert disks. One kind of disk drive is a floppy disk drive. A floppy disk drive reads information from a very thin, floppy disk inside a hard plastic case. Floppy disks can hold up to 1.44 megabytes of information.

CD-ROM Disk Drive CD-ROM stands for Compact Disk-Read Only Memory. They are flat, shiny disks that store information.

DVD Drive/Burner The newest computers come with the option of a DVD drive. A DVD (Digital Video Disc) looks just like a CD, but holds much more information! They can store 4.7 gigabytes of data!

Flash Drive A Flash Drive is a relatively new storage device. It’s like a mini, portable hard drive! You plug it into the USB (Universal Serial Bus) port on the front of newer computers and you can save to it!

Output Devices Output- this is when information is sent back to the computer

Computer Components & What They Do Printer- an output device that produces a paper copy of the documents you create on the computer. Speakers – a device that plays sounds which are transmitted from your computer. Some computer monitors come with built in speakers. Monitor – a device that displays text and images generated by the computer.

What are all those parts inside my computer and what do they do???

Computer Components & What They Do Storage Locations 3 ½” Floppy Disk Drive (A:\>) Zip Drive – External or Internal Hard Disk Drive – Main Storage Location in a computer. (C:\>) Modem – allows computer to communicate with another computer via telephone lines. External or Internal Device. CD/DVD ROM Drive

We just touched on the very basics with this presentation We just touched on the very basics with this presentation! There is so much more to understanding computers. But now maybe you understand them more than you did before and you’ll want to keep learning. Keep computing!

References Kids Domain Resources: Computer Connections, Computers Inside & Out http://www.howstuffworks.com “Computer Basics”, Teacher Created Materials, pub.1996