Career Preparedness Computer Basics

Types of Computers Computers are electronic devices that can perform tasks and calculations based on the instructions that have been given to it. Personal computer (PC) – a computer that is small enough to fit on a desk, is relatively inexpensive and is designed for an individual user. Laptop computer – (sometimes called notebooks) same as PC but portable.

Other Computers Supercomputer – the fastest type of computer. It can store data and perform numerous tasks simultaneously at incredible speeds. Mainframe – less powerful and less expensive than supercomputers but are still capable of storing and processing large amounts of data. Minicomputer – (also called a server) smaller than a mainframe, larger than a microcomputer and can support multiple users with their own terminals at the same time.

Central Processing Unit The main chip that processes information, performs calculations, and manages the flow of information through a computer system. Also known as the brain of the computer

Hardware The physical components that make up a computer. Examples: monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, speakers

Input Devices Transports data into the computer. Examples: keyboard, mouse, scanner

Output Devices Displays information sent from the computer. Examples: printers, monitor, and speakers

Modem Allows computers to talk to each other.

Software A detailed set of computer instructions that tells the computer what to do.

2 Types of Software 1. Operating Software – software that manages the computer’s files and programs and acts as a graphic interface that translates mouse and keyboard actions into programming code. Examples: Windows, Mac OS X

2 Types of Software 2. Application Software – provides the tools needed to complete a task (file management, web surfing, word processing, etc.)

Word Processing Software that is used to create and print documents such as letters, memos, and reports.

Spreadsheet Software used for analysis and reporting of statistical or numerical data.

Database Software that allows the user to collect, store, organize, modify, and extract data.

Test Your Knowledge 1. Creating a birthday card for a friend 2. Balancing your checkbook 3. Printing a mailing list 4. Practicing math facts 5. Keeping an address book 6. Writing an essay about your vacation 7. Making a school newsletter 8. Writing a story about basketball Word Processing Spreadsheet Database Desktop Publishing

Test Your Knowledge Item Input(Hardware)Output(Hardware)Operating Software Application Software Keyboard Microsoft Word Windows 7 Modem Scanner Solitaire Speakers Mac OS X Snow Leopard Printer Greeting Card Maker

Voice Recognition software that is used to create, edit, and format documents by speaking into a microphone (which is attached to the computer).

Memory Computer memory is composed of circuits that are contained in tiny computer chips. The number of memory locations is stated in terms of BYTES. A byte is a unit of storage capable of holding a single character.

Memory A byte is equal to 8 bits. A kilobyte (KB) is equal to 1,025 bytes or A megabyte (MB) is equal to 1,048,576 bytes or A gigabyte (GB) is equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes or Terabyte(TB) 10 12, petabyte(PB) 10 15, exabyte (EB) 10 18, and so on.

Random Access Memory (RAM) Electronic memory that temporarily stores data inside a computer.

Read-Only Memory (ROM) Computer memory on which data has been prerecorded. ROM can only be read, it cannot be changed or deleted.

Port Places on the outside of the computer where you plug in hardware Example: USB

Graphics Pictorial information displayed, plotted, or printed by a computer.

Resolution Clarity and sharpness of an on-screen image.

Pixels A series of dots that can be seen when looking closely at the computer screen. The more pixels the higher the resolution.

Storage Devices Allow instructions and data to be saved. Hard drive – internal storage device. Floppy Disks-outdated CD-ROM DVD-ROM Flash drive

The Internet Internet – a worldwide network of smaller computer networks all linked together by unique Internet Protocol addresses. World Wide Web – a system of extensively interlinked hypertext documents: a branch of the Internet. Internet Service Provider – a provider who sells access to the Internet for a monthly charge.

The Internet Internet browser – software used to locate and display Web pages. Web page – A document on the World Wide Web, consisting of an HTML file and any related files for scripts and graphics, and often hyperlinked to other documents on the Web. – a system for sending messages from one individual to another via telecommunications links between computers or terminals. HTML- HyperText Markup Language: a set of standards, a variety of SGML, used to tag the elements of a hypertext document. It is the standard protocol for formatting and displaying documents on the World Wide Web.

Networks network – a linked group of computers which allows computers to share information, programs, printers, or scanners. intranet – refers to an internal network confined within a specific location, usually one particular office or building. LAN (local area network) – A system that links together electronic office equipment, such as computers and word processors, and forms a network within an office or building. WAN (wide area network) – a computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area.

In the Workplace teleconferencing – a business meeting, educational session, etc., conducted among participants in different locations via telecommunications equipment telecommuting – a term used to describe employees using technology to perform regular work activities from a remote location.

Hackers irresponsible individuals who discover ways to break codes and hack into classified files

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