Introduction to Computers

Part I Hardware

Computer System

Definition of a Computer A computer is an electronic machine, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can do the following: Accept data Manipulate the data according to specified rules Produce results Store the results for future use

Data and Information Data – facts and figures which are enter in to a computer Information – logical output from a computer based on the data inputs

Computer Types

Hardware Output System Unit Hardware is the electric, electronic, and mechanical equipment that makes up a computer. Input Keyboard Mouse Scanner Microphone Digital camera PC camera Output Monitor Printer Speakers System Unit CPU (Processor) Memory (RAM)

External Parts of a Computer

The Monitor Types Size: measured diagonally Resolution CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Size: measured diagonally Resolution 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768

The Mouse Types Buttons Mechanical Optical Wireless Other Types Left Serial PS/2 Optical Wireless Other Types Trackball (roller ball) Touch Pads Pointing Stick Buttons Left Right Wheel

Keyboard Function Keys Space Bar Ctrl + Alt + Delete Directional Keys Number Pad and Number Lock Cap Lock and Cap Lock Light Print Screen Key Escape Key

Internal Parts of a Computer Power Supply Motherboard (Main) CPU RAM Video Card Audio Card Hard Drive DVD-RW Drive Ethernet Card Fans

Basic Operation Monitor Storage Memory RAM CPU Keyboard Mouse

Peripherals Any external device that attaches to the system Printer Scanner Modem Speakers Microphone PC Camera Exceptions: Keyboard and the Mouse Note: Most Peripherals need a Device Driver

Printers Types Ink Jet (Sprays ink to produce an image) Laser (electrostatic charged powder to produce an image) Dots per inch (dpi) Pages per minute (ppm) Memory Duplex Duty cycle

Connections Power Input Audio Connections Ports 115v or 230v Ports PS/2 Port Serial Port Parallel Port Video Port AGP Slot DVI Slot USB (Universal Serial Bus) Ethernet Port Audio Connections

Storage Devices Hard Drive Floppy Disk Drive Zip Drive CD-RW Drive DVD±RW Drive USB Flash Drive Tape Drive

Computer Drives A Drive (the Floppy Drive) C Drive (the Hard Drive D Drive (the CD or DVD Drive) E Drive (the USB Drive

Protection Surge Protectors Power backups

Part II Software

Software Software, also called a computer program, is a series of instructions that tells the hardware of a computer what to do

Software (Operating Systems) DOS (Disk Operating System) text based operating system GUI (pronounced gooey) graphical user interface Windows (3.1, 95, 98, 98 Second edition, NT, 2000, XP (Home and Professional), Vista Linux

Windows 7 Home Premium Professional Ultimate

Software (Utility Programs) Definition: utility programs are software that perform a specific task, usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs Examples An uninstaller program An anti-virus program A synchronization program A Thumbnail program

Removing a Program from a Computer Use the Program’s uninstall feature Use Microsoft’s Add and Remove Utility Use an uninstaller program

Software (Application) Definition: application software is software that consists of programs that perform specific tasks Always read the side panel (or back) of the box that the software comes in to see if you have the necessary hardware, memory, and operating system to run the program.

Examples of Application Software Word Processors Spreadsheet applications Desktop publishing applications Database applications Games

Types of Application Software Pre-installed software Packaged software Custom software Shareware Freeware Application Service Provider software (Cloud Software)

Buying a New Computer Operating System Junk Software Memory Video Processor Hard Dive Performance Price