Lesson 2: Chapters 2 and 3 What Teachers Need To Know About Computers, Hardware, and Software

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller2 An Overview Why does a teacher need to know about computers, hardware, and software? Basic Computer Literacy Software Hardware Storage Devices Basic Questions to Ask Before Buying

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller3 Teachers Need to Know To do basic troubleshooting To ask sensible questions To make sensible requests for assistance To make wise requests for new equipment

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller4 Basic Computer Literacy Important Facts –Computers are machines made of metal, plastic, chips, and wire. –They are designed to perform tasks depending on instructions (programs). –The computer and all of its components make up a computer system. –Computer memory is a temporary storage space for short-term tasks or tasks too complex to do all at once. –Storage is permanent electronic space for storing data that can be used later.

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller5 The Computing Cycle Central Processing Unit # 1 INPUT # 2 STORAGE # 3 OUTPUT # 4 MEMORY

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller6 The Computer System Output Devices –Monitor –Printer Input Devices –Mouse –Keyboard –Scanner –Trackball –Touchpad Storage –DVD Drive –CD-RW Drive –Floppy Drive System Unit –CPU –RAM

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller7 Software Definition –Sets of computer instruction that tell a computer how to accomplish a given task Types –Operating System Software Controls the computer operations –Application Software Tells the computer how to complete a unique task (such as key a letter using Microsoft WORD) Includes word processing, electronic spreadsheets, drawing, and presentation software –Antivirus Programs Detect and destroy computer viruses

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller8 Hardware Input Devices and Output Devices –Monitor resolution measured in pixels Produces a soft copy –Printer resolution measured in DPI Produces a hard copy System Unit

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller9 Storage Devices Floppy Disk –Stores up to 1.44 MB –Useful to move data between computers Hard Disk –Stores billions of bytes of information –Permanently mounted inside the computer –Usually called the C: drive Files are saved to or copied to floppy disks, hard drives, and USB Flash drives.

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller10 More Storage Devices USB Flash Drive –Stores up to 2 GB of information –Stores data on a flash memory chip –Information can be saved or retrieved CD/DVD –CD stores up to 650 MB of information –DVD stores up to 17 GB of information –Can be read only or recordable Files and/or media are burned to CD’s and DVD’s.

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller11 Other Storage Devices Removable media –Portable hard disks and disk cartridges –Can store up to hundreds of GB of data –Convenient for transporting large multimedia files

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller12 Relative Sizes of Stored Data 1 BYTE = 1 alphanumeric character 1 Kilobyte = Apr. 1,000 characters 1 Megabyte = Apr. 1 million characters 1 Gigabyte = Apr. 1 billion characters Why is this information important? Files are measured in bytes. Internet downloads are measured in bytes. Programs (system requirements) are measured in bytes.

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller13 Basic Care of Storage Devices AVOID Water Extreme heat Magnets Static electricity Sources of computer viruses

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller14 Basic Questions Teachers Should Ask About Hardware CPU—how fast does it run? –Measured in MHz RAM—how much temporary memory area? –Usually measured in MB Input devices—what quality devices are included? Monitor—what is the size and resolution? Hard drive—what is the capacity? - Usually measured in GB

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller15 More Questions About Hardware Optical drives—CD-RW, DVD, or DVD-R? Sound system—Upgradeable sound card? –Amplified speakers? Ports—Includes all standard ports plus four or more USB ports, front loadable? Warranty and Support—Phone? Online? Onsite? For how long?

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller16 Important Considerations for Classroom Equipment Ease of setup—Go together easily? Step-by-step instructions included? Ease of use—Practice required? Space requirement—Crowd the room? Standards consistency—Matches school, district, and national standards? Documentation—Clear? User-friendly?

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller17 Compatibility—Fully compatible with existing hardware and software? Technical support—Free local help readily available? Tutorials/Training Available—CD? Online? In-house? Free or minimal cost? Warranty—Phone support? Extended warranty? Easy problem resolution process? Important Considerations Continued...

Spring 2006Brenda Linn-Miller18 Know These Terms Byte KB MB GB CD-R/CD-RW Virus Pixel DPI RAM Hardware Software Resolution Menu Icon Command Volatile Hard Copy Soft Copy