Introduction to Computers Mr. Minger 2016

What is a Computer? Computer: an electronic device that is used for the processing and storage of information Examples of Computers: Calculator XBox Laptop

What do we use a Computer for? Keyboarding/Typing Looking up information Email Storage Business Homework Games

Computer Processing Cycle Computers can perform four general operations, which comprise the information processing cycle. Input Process Output Storage

How do we Learn? The computer processing cycle can be compared to how we learn as people. Input: we use our senses to gather information

How do we Learn? Process: We use our brain to process the information Output: We give an output such as an answer on a test Storage: We can store things in our brain for future use

Input Phase Computers need to collect data. Data: a collection of numbers, words, images, video and sound, given to the computer during the input phase. This data is used to create information that is useful and organized.

Input Devices Mouse Keyboard Scanner Mouse Keyboard Scanner

Processing What does a computer use to process information? CPU or Microprocessor This is like our brain. Who makes CPU’s? Intel AMD

Output Devices Monitor Speakers Printer

Storage Devices Hard drive/ Hard disk Flash drives/ USB memory sticks CD R/W Floppy Disk

Why is a Computer so Powerful? Speed Reliability Storage Ability to Communicate with others

How does a computer know what to do? A computer must be given a set of instructions. This is called Software. Examples of Software: Word Games Explorer

What carries out these instuctions? Computer hardware is what carries out the set of instructions. Examples: Keyboard Mouse Monitor Difference: You can touch hardware You cannot touch software

Computer Units Hertz: How fast the microprocessor runs; clock speed Bytes: Units of information storage Metric Prefixes: Kilo (1 x103) Mega (1 x 106) Giga (1 x 109) Tera (1 x 1012) Very large number!!!!

Your Computer’s Hard drive Network drives (hard drives on network) Computer’s Hard drive space in GB

Memory Types of Memory: RAM: Random Access Memory (temporary) RAM makes your computer run smoothly RAM is like cramming a bunch of information in your head right before the test ROM: Read Only Memory (permanent)

Operating System Definition: software that is responsible for the management and coordination of activities Most Common Operating System: Windows 2000 XP Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10

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