Computing Fundamentals Module A © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 1 Unit 1: Recognizing Computers Lesson Topic 1Computers All Around Us 2Elements of a Personal Computer 3Working with Storage Systems 4Using Input/Output Devices 5Basic Troubleshooting Techniques 6Buying a Computer 7Looking at Software

Lesson 1: Computers All Around Us Personal Computer Notebook or Laptop Tablet Server Personal Digital Assistant Pocket PC Cellular Phones Other Electronic Computing Devices © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 2

Identifying Computers Integrated in our work, home, and social environments Perform a multitude of tasks Many organizations have combination of large and small systems to manage flow of information Computers can be: − Designed specifically as computing devices − Embedded in products © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 3

Desktop Computers Called personal computers Sit on, beside, or under desk Process data quickly Typically used in small businesses, schools, and homes. Generally two types © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 4 PC Mac

Notebooks or Laptop Computers Advantages − Portability − Power consumption considered “greener” alternative − Can purchase accessories to enhance enjoyment and experience Netbook − Similar to notebook but smaller and less expensive − Designed to handle wireless communications or access to Internet only © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 5 PC Notebook Mac Notebook

Similar to notebook for portability and connection to data Screen can swivel or fold over Uses touch screen capability for data entry − With finger, pen device, or built-in keyboard Tablets © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 6

7 Hand-held or Mobile Computers Cellular phones more sophisticated and can include: − playing and listening to music − taking pictures or video − text messaging − paging − − accessing the Internet − global navigation systems (GPS) Cost varies with number of features and capabilities

Hand-held or Mobile Computers © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 8 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) − Specific software helps make appointments, keep contact lists, or write notes − Very popular for portability and software − Can be main computing device Incorporates touch screen technology

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 9 Hand-held or Mobile Computers MP3 refers to file type for music to be recognized on audio player Media player enables viewing of movies, videos, or books − Provide audio and visual capabilities or access to Internet

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 10 Hand-held or Mobile Computers Game systems − Embedded computing chip that enables individual to play interactive games with video technology − Many come with option to link to Internet Electronic book reader − Special computing device designed with software program to download and view electronic copy of published work − Can find software to read book on PDA or media player Calculators − Use same type of chips in computers to perform same calculations − Computer is really very large and advanced calculator that performs tasks based on binary computations of 1 or 0

Other Types of Computers Equipment to diagnose automobile problems Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) Point-of-sale machines Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Robotics Medical equipment Small home appliances Large home appliances Each type of equipment has embedded computer chip to enable it to perform specific task − Often your identity must be validated with card that opens connection to database of information − Equipment failures usually result of computer chip needing to be replaced or reset © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 11