Learning Targets Identify the external parts of the computer Identify examples of input devices Identify examples of output devices Define basic computer terms

Active Window: The last window you clicked in. Alias: An icon that points to a particular file, folder or application in the Macintosh OS. Application: A program designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in some cases, for another application. Bit (Binary Digit): The smallest unit of information in a computer. Boot Up: To load an operating system into the computer's RAM (Random Access Memory). Byte (Binary Term): A unit of storage capable of holding 8 bits. CD-R: one time recordable compact disc. Definitions

CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory): A read-only storage medium. CD-ROMs contain up to 650MB of information. CD-ROM Drive: A device that can read data from a CD-ROM. CD-RW: Allows you to read, write, erase,and write again. Central Processing Unit (CPU) or Processor: A microchip containing the logic circuitry that responds to and processes instructions that drive the computer. Click and Drag: Press and hold down the left mouse button. Move the mouse pointer to your desired location then release the mouse button. Desktop: The main GUI generated by the operating system. Definitions - Continued

File name extension: Comes after the period in a file name and indicates the type of information stored in a file. Floppy Disk: A portable magnetic storage medium for computer data. Floppy disks typically hold 1.44 MB of information. Floppy Disk Drive: A device that reads data from and writes data to a floppy diskette. Gigabyte: A measure of electronic holding space. One gigabyte equals 1,073,741,824 bytes. Graphical User Interface (GUI): A program interface that takes advantage of the computer's graphics capabilities to make the program easier to use. Hard Drive: The primary storage location on the computer. Definitions - Continued

Hardware: The physical components of the computer system. Hierarchical File System: A file system that is organized in the shape of a pyramid. Icon: A picture or symbol used to represent a file, folder or application/program. Input Device: Any device that generates input for the computer. Keyboard: An input device used to submit data to the computer. Kilobyte: A measure of electronic holding space. One kilobyte equals 1,024 bytes. Megabyte: A measure of electronic holding space. One megabyte equals 1,048,576 bytes. Definitions - continued

Memory: The electronic holding place for instructions and data that your computer's microprocessor can reach quickly. Menu: A list of options from which you can execute commands. Monitor: A video or computer display device. Mouse: A small hand-controlled input device that relays signals to the computer, which moves a corresponding pointer on the monitor screen. Operating System: An application that manages other applications and devices. Output Device: Any device that displays information from the computer. Definitions - continued

Program: The Windows OS term for an application (see definition above). Random Access Memory (RAM): Primary working memory that holds data and instructions while the computer is in use. Read Only Memory (ROM): Built in memory that permanently stores instructions and data. (The instructions and data in ROM are created when it is manufactured and cannot be changed.) Reboot: To restart a computer. Right-click: click and release the right mouse button. Shortcut: An icon that points to a particular file, directory or application in Windows OS. Definitions - continued

Shutting Down: Clears the computer’s RAM, disengages all peripheral devices, and turns the power off. Speaker: A device that translates computer signals into sound. USB Flash Drive: A rewritable storage medium which is plugged directly into a computer through a USB port. Wildcard: A symbol that allows the user to perform unrestricted find routines in Windows OS. Window: A resizable viewing area on a computer display screen in a system that allows multiple viewing areas as part of a graphical user interface (GUI). Write-Protected Disk: Physically altering the disk so that changes cannot be made to the files contained on it. Definitions - concluded

Parts of a Computer

Computer consists of Hardware and software working together to accomplish tasks Hardware – physical components Input devices Output devices Processor or central processing unit (CPU) Memory Parts of a Computer

Input Devices

Operation, program or device that transfers date to the computer Keyboard Mouse Controlled by the user Input Devices

Processor

Translation of signals Microchip which contains the logic circuitry that responds to and processes instructions that drive the computer The box is commonly referred to as the CPU Contains microchip Memory Removable storage Additional components Processor (CPU)

Output Devices

Machines displaying information from the computer Monitor Speakers Printers Controlled by the computer Output Devices

Information from input devices Output devices deliver the information to the user Word on the screen Information to the printer to print Sound from the speaker Processor Translations

Input devices feed information into the computer CPU processes the information – the brains of the computer Limited understanding Recognizes two digits – the “0” (zero) and “1” Binary language All data stored as 0’s and 1’s Output devices translate information back to the user in an easily understood format How Computers Work

Binary Numbers – Bits & Bytes 0’s and 1’s are referred to as bits – the smallest unit of information on a computer A byte is a combination of 8 bits

Bits – like 8 individual building blocks scattered on the floor Byte – 8 bits stuck together Multiple bytes combined form more complex units of information Kilobyte (KB) – 1,024 bytes Megabyte (MB) – 1,048,576 bytes Gigabyte (GB) – 1,073,741,824 bytes Building Blocks

Amount of electronic holding places available for instructions or data 16MB of memory – 16,777,216 bytes or 134,217,728 bits Hard drives today are sold in gigabyte or terabyte increments Memory Capacity

Memory

The computer cycle would not be possible without a holding place for information - MEMORY Input  process  output Memory – electronic holding place for instructions and data that the microprocessor can easily reach Types RAM – Random Access Memory ROM – Read Only Memory Memory

RAM - Primary working memory that holds data and instructions while the computer is in use Can be written to and read from Temporary memory – can be lost if not saved, can be changed/updated ROM – built in memory that permanently stores instructions and data Cannot be changed RAM vs ROM

A place to store data Types Hard drive USB Flash drive Compact Disk/DVD Disks and Storage

Storage space for documents, old , and applications Protecting the Hard Drive Never move a computer while it is on The hard drive is spinning and movement could cause the magnetic disks to become scratched Shut down computer properly Regularly perform diagnostic tests Hard Drive

CD ROM – read only storage medium, h olds 650MB of information CD-R – one time recordable compact disk, holds 700MB CD-RW – allows you to read, write, erase, and write again, holds 650MB of data Can be rewritten up to 1000 times; but the more it is rewritten the less reliable it becomes Compact Disks/DVD

Rewritable storage medium which is plugged directly into a computer through a USB port Can hold 128MB to 16GB or more of data USB Flash Drive

Input devices feed information into the computer The CPU process the information The output devices translate this information back to the user Process would not be possible without the holding place called memory SUMMARY

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