Computer Basics
What a computer does
INPUT Computer INPUT is whatever is typed, submitted or transmitted to a computer system. It can be supplied by a person, by the environment or by another electronic device. Input devices will send data to the computer to be processed. Devices include: Keyboard Mouse Microphone Digital Scanner Digital Camera Examples of input Words Symbols Numbers Pictures Temperature Mouse clicks Audio signals Movement
OUTPUT Output is the result produced by a computer. Output devices will Display Print Transmit (like sound) Devices include: Monitor Speakers Printer Headphones LCD Projectors Examples of output: Sounds Reports Printed Documents Visual display on a screen Music Pictures
PROCESSING A processor is the part of the computer that manipulates the data as directed by the user or the program that is being run. CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and it is located inside the box/tower that most people call their “computer.”
Equipment You Need to Know Keyboard Speakers Monitor Printer Scanner Mouse Input Output Input Output
Equipment You Need to Know Headphones Microphone Webcam Input Output Input
Two Kinds of Memory RAM Small amount memory 4-8 GB Juggles everything that is currently running on the computer. “Dumps” everything when the computer shuts down. STORAGE Huge amount of memory 500GB – 2TB Stores all of the files that are kept on a computer (photos, documents, music, programs, etc.) Does not ‘dump’ when the computer shuts down.
Inside the Computer
Terms You Need to Know Motherboard Processor (CPU) Power Supply (PSU) Video Card Sound Card Hard Drive RAM Storage Battery (what it does) Input (definition) Output (definition) Monitor Mouse Keyboard Speakers Scanner Printer Headphones Microphone Webcam Input (identify devices) Output (identify devices)