Introduction to Computers Personal Computing 10

What is a computer? Electronic device Performs instructions in a program Performs four functions –Accepts data –Processes data –Outputs information –Stores results

A Few Terms Hardware – all the physical components Software – the operating system and programs Data – the raw facts the computer processes Information – data that has been organized

Input Everything entered into the computer –Data –Programs –Commands –User input – keystrokes, mouse clicks, joystick buttons

Input Devices Keyboard Mouse Joystick Scanner Digital Camera Microphone Touchscreen

Processing Similar to human’s thinking Execute complex tasks One simple step at a time Using bits and bytes of data

Processing components Microprocessor Motherboard Main Memory (RAM) Secondary Memory (Hard Drive) Operating System Application

Microprocessor Silicon Chip –CPU –ALU –ROM (read only memory) –Intel, AMD

The Power of a Computer Speed –System clock rate (i.e. 2.4 GHZ) –Bus width –Word size (32 bit; 64 bit) Reliability Storage –RAM (1 GB)

Output Data that has been turned into useful information Hard Copy Soft Copy

Output Devices Printer Monitor Data Projector Speakers Headphones Machine tape

Storage The means of storing information/data for future use Main memory (RAM) - volatile Secondary memory – non volatile –Input (storing data and programs) –Output (storing processed data)

Storage Devices Magnetic –Floppy disks –Hard disks –Magnetic tape –Zip disks

Storage Devices Optical –CDs –DVDs Flash –Memory cards –USB drives or thumb drive Smart cards and Optical cards

Types of Computers PC (personal computer) Desktop Tower Notebook or laptop Tablet PC Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) Workstation

Types of Computers Main frame Supercomputer Distributed or Grid Computing Server Mini-computer

Networking Transmission of data between two or more computers over a channel Communication channels –Network cable –Coaxial –Telephone lines –Fiber optics –Satellite transmission –Microwave –Wireless

Networking Signals –Analog – wave form –Digital – stream of bits Modem –Translates analog into digital and the reverse Digital Modem –Connects one medium of transmission to connect to another (i.e. coaxial to network cable)

Networks Share files Share printers and other peripherals Run programs remotely Local Area Network (LAN) Wide Area Network (WAN)

Network Communication Protocol –common language that allows devices to talk to each other –Internet protocol (IP), file transfer protocol (FTP), hypertext transfer protocol (FTP)

Network Components Server Workstations Router (Firewall) Switch (Hub) Cable

Software BIOS Operating System Utilities Security Applications –Word processing –Spreadsheets –Games

Parts of a Computer On the front –Floppy drive –CD Rom Drive –CD Burner –DVD drive –Power button –Reset button –USB ports

Parts of a Computer Around the back –Power plug –Fan –PS/2 ports - keyboard/mouse –Sound card ports –Video card port –Network Interface port –Parallel Port –USB Ports

Parts of a Computer Inside the box –Drive bays –Access slots –Motherboard –Hard drive –Peripheral card –Network Interface Card –Power Supply –Ribbon cable