Chapter 19 Basics of Computers

Chapter 19 examines computer hardware and the software19 programs businesses use.

Why Is This Chapter Important? For every kind of business task, from accounting to graphic design, there is a software program available.

Communicating Through Computers Computers are everywhere! Computers of all sizes and types run appliances, cars, calculators, and other devices. You can pay bills electronically. Your computer communicates with the business computers to achieve this transaction.

The Speed of Communication  Computers have increased the speed of communication.  Business can access data, send , or make bank deposits in the blink of an eye.  Computers handle just about every kind of task for businesses.  Businesses of all sizes uses PC’s.  Entrepreneurs and small businesses owners rely on computers.

Types of Computers  PDA - personal digital assistant.  Laptop  Desktop computers  Specialized computers - computerized cash registers, a scanners, graphics & visual effects

Parts of A Computer System  Programmed instructions give the computer guidance and control the computer.  Complete systems consists of: 1. Software 2. People 3. Data 4. Hardware

Complete Systems  Software - Tells the computer what to do. A set of electronic information consisting of codes  People - A computer cannot function on its own. People need to be the users.  Data - may be letters, sound, graphics, or numbers.  Hardware - Physical components of the computer.

Hardware  Processor - brain of the computer.  Transforms data into usable information.  Interprets and carries out instructions for the user.  CPU - central processing unit

Memory  Thought of as a kind of scratch pad.  Contains all the data and instructions required during operation.  Most common type of memory: RAM  RAM - random access memory; first place information goes.  Measured in bytes.

 Bytes increase with the advance in science and technology.  Kilobyte 1,000 bytes  Megabyte 1 million bytes  Gigabyte 1 billion bytes  Terabyte 1 trillion bytes

Input & Output Devices  Needed for a computer to be useful.  Input devices accept data and instructions.  Examples: keyboard, mouse, touchpad, joystick, digital camera, & microphone  Output devices returns the processed data.  Example: monitor, printer, fax machine, & speakers.

Storage Devices  Save all the bits of information you and your computer use.  Like a file cabinet.  Example: Hard drives, floppy disks, & CD ROM’s  Portable Storage devices: Move memory from machine to machine

Word Processing Programs  Prepares letters, announcements, envelopes etc.  One of the most popular types of software for businesses.  Allows for ease of creation, editing and printing of documents.  Example: Microsoft Word  Combination of word-processing w/graphics is desktop publishing.

Spreadsheet Programs  Computerized worksheet.  Used for figures, numbers, computations, costs etc.  Example: Microsoft Excel

Accounting Programs  Allows you to keep records, prepare reports, and write checks.  Handles all financial transactions.  Example: Quickbooks

Database Programs  Used for inventory, sales, employee information, & phone book.  Information kept in “list form.  Lists can easily be updated, changed, or rearranged.  Allows for ease of searching data quickly so that business can make sound business decisions.  Example: Microsoft Access

Graphics and Presentation Program  Used to produce professional presentations.  Easy use of sound, animations, video, etc.

Communications Software  Makes it possible for computers to communicate with each other.  You need it if you want to send a file to another computer.  You need it for .  Examples: Microsoft Outlook

Groupware  Project management software.  The program is run on a network so all members of the team can access it.  Can be used to track costs, schedules, resources, and tasks.  Can create graphs & charts.

Web Page Programs  Makes it possible for businesses to market their products.  Example: Dreamweaver