Introduction to Computers Business Technology Applications Stanley Introduction to Computers

Types of Computers Computers are electronic devices that can perform tasks and calculations based on the instructions that have been given to it. Personal Computers – small enough to fit on a desk, is relatively inexpensive and is designed for an individual user. Laptop Computers (sometimes called notebooks) same as PC but portable Tablet PC – special type of notebook computer that allows you to write or draw on the screen using a digital pen combines the features of a traditional notebook computer with the simplicity of pencil and paper And Mobile Devices that are small enough to carry with you such as smart phones, PDAs, handheld computers, portable media players (iPod), and digital cameras

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

Data and Information Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio and video. Information conveys meaning and is useful to people. Computers process DATA into INFORMATION

Components of a Computer hardware is the physical components that make up a computer. These include: input devices, storage devices, and communication devices. Common hardware components include: keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, web cam, printer, monitor, speakers, hard disk drive.

Components of a Computer Input Device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer. Five common input devices include: Keyboard – contains the keys you press to enter data into the computer Mouse – small handheld device that allows you to control the movement of a small symbol on the screen called a pointer and you make selections on the screen Microphone – allows you to speak into the computer Scanner – converts printed material into a form the computer can use Web cam – digital video camera that allows you to create movies or take pictures and store them on the computer instead of on tape or film

Components of a Computer Output Device is any hardware component that conveys information to one ore more people. Three commonly used output devices are: printer – produces text and graphics on a medium such as paper monitor – displays text, graphics, and videos on a screen speakers – allows you to hear music, voice, and other audio

Components of a Computer System Unit - case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data Inside the system unit is the motherboard which has two main components the processor memory

Components of a Computer Central Processing Unit (CPU) – the main chip that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer. Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions 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 103. A megabyte (MB) is equal to 1,048,576 bytes or 106 . A gigabyte (GB) is equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes or 109 . Terabyte(TB) 1012, petabyte(PB) 1015, exabyte (EB) 1018, and so on.

Networks and the Internet Network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, which allows computers to share information, programs, printers, or scanners. When a computer connects to a network, it is online. Internet is a worldwide network of smaller computer networks all linked together by unique Internet Protocol addresses. It is the largest computer network, connecting millions of computers and devices around the world. World Wide Web – a system of extensively interlinked hypertext documents: a branch of the Internet – it is one of the more popular services on the Internet Web contains billions of documents called Web Pages – contain text, graphics, animation, audio, and video HTML- HyperText Markup Language: the standard protocol for formatting and displaying documents on the World Wide Web

Computer Software Software also called a program consists of a series of related instructions, organized for a common purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them

Two Types of Software: Operating Software - software that manages the computer’s files and programs that provides a means for users to communicate with the computer and other software. Many of today’s computers use Micorsoft’s Windows or Mac OS Application Software – designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks Type of Application Software related to communication is a Web browser Others include word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software

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

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

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

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

Test Your Knowledge Item Keyboard Microsoft Word Windows 7 Modem 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