Microsoft Office 2007 – Illustrated Introductory, Windows Vista Edition Understanding Essential Computer Concepts

2 Microsoft Office 2007-Illustrated Introductory, Windows Vista Edition Examining Computer Systems A computer system is made up of: Hardware—the physical componentsHardware—the physical components Software—the programs or lists of instructionsSoftware—the programs or lists of instructions

3 Microsoft Office 2007-Illustrated Introductory, Windows Vista Edition Examining Computer Systems Architecture or configuration is the design of the computer.Architecture or configuration is the design of the computer. As in, what does the computer consist of?As in, what does the computer consist of? Specifications are the technical details about each component.Specifications are the technical details about each component. As in, how big is the monitor?As in, how big is the monitor?

4 Microsoft Office 2007-Illustrated Introductory, Windows Vista Edition Examining Computer Systems Data The words, numbers, figures, sounds, and graphics that describe people, events, things, and ideas Processing Modifying data

5 Microsoft Office 2007-Illustrated Introductory, Windows Vista Edition Examining Computer Systems MotherboardMotherboard where processing tasks occur located inside the computer the main electronic component of the computer contains the CPU

6 Microsoft Office 2007-Illustrated Introductory, Windows Vista Edition Examining Computer Systems The data you type into the computer is called input.The data you type into the computer is called input. The result of the computer processing your input is called output.The result of the computer processing your input is called output. Peripheral devices accomplish the input, output, and storage functions.Peripheral devices accomplish the input, output, and storage functions.

7 Microsoft Office 2007-Illustrated Introductory, Windows Vista Edition Examining Computer Systems MicroprocessorMicroprocessor a silicon chip designed to manipulate dataa silicon chip designed to manipulate data its speed is determined by:its speed is determined by: Clock speedClock speed Word sizeWord size Processor typeProcessor type

8 Microsoft Office 2007-Illustrated Introductory, Windows Vista Edition Examining Input Devices Some input devices are: KeyboardKeyboard MouseMouse TrackballTrackball Touch padTouch pad Pointing stickPointing stick ScannerScanner MicrophonesMicrophones Cordless mouse

9 Microsoft Office 2007-Illustrated Introductory, Windows Vista Edition Using Assistive Devices People who cannot use their arms or hands instead can use foot, head, or eye movements to control the pointer. People with poor vision can use keyboards with large keys for input, screen enlargers to enlarge the type and images on the monitor, or screen readers to read the content of the screen aloud.

10 Microsoft Office 2007-Illustrated Introductory, Windows Vista Edition Examining Output Devices Monitors and printers are common output devices.Monitors and printers are common output devices. CRT monitors and flat panel monitors are two types of monitors.CRT monitors and flat panel monitors are two types of monitors.