What does a Computer Do?

What is a Computer? A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules (process), produce results (output), and store the results (storage) for future use 3 Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.4 Avoid hackers and viruses Protect your privacy Understand the real risks Use the Internet wisely Avoid online annoyances Maintain your computer Make good purchase decisions Integrate the latest technology Being a Savvy Computer User and Consumer

What does a computer do? Input – Receives information Processes – Moves the information around Storage – Saves the information Output – Send the information out, printed form, monitor, , sound, web page Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition

6 Input Devices Any hardware component that allows you to enter data, programs, commands, and user responses into a computer Examples Keyboard Mouse Despite all the clicking going on in the world the Keyboard is still the primary input device. Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition

7 System Unit The motherboard, or system board, is the main circuit board of the system unit The processor, also called the central processing unit (CPU), interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer Memory, also called random access memory, or RAM, consists of electronic components that store data, instructions, and information, as needed by the processor Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition

8 The Front Panel Power control Drive bays Memory card reader Productivity ports

9 Output Devices Hardware that conveys information to one or more people Output Device Examples Printer Monitor Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition

10 Storage Devices Used to store instructions, data, and information when they are not being used in memory Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition

11 Storage Devices Magnetic disks use magnetic particles to store items on a disk’s surface Floppy disks Zip disks Hard disks Provides greater storage capacity than floppy disk, zip disk or USB flash drive Most are housed inside of the system unit Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition

12 Storage Devices Optical discs CD-ROM DVD-ROM USB flash drive Provides much greater storage capacity than a floppy disk or zip disk Small and lightweight enough to be transported on a keychain or in a pocket Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition

13 How Much Is a Byte?

14 Communications Devices A communications device is a hardware component that enables a computer to send (transmit) and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers Communications occur over transmission media, such as telephone lines, cables, cellular radio networks, and satellites Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition

One type is a modem What is a Network? What is a network? Enables a connection between computers Cables Cellular radio Telephone lines Satellites Transmission Media Communications Device Collection of computers and devices connected together Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

To share What are the Reasons to network? Resources Hardware devices Software programs Data To save time and money Information Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

What is a Server?  A server manages the resources on a network  Clients access the resources on the server Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

18 Computer Software Operating System (OS) Operating System (OS) is a set of programs that coordinates all activities among computer hardware devices and allows users to run application software Utility Programs Utility Programs allow the user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information Operating System (OS) Operating System (OS) is a set of programs that coordinates all activities among computer hardware devices and allows users to run application software Utility Programs Utility Programs allow the user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs

Computer Software What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?  Allows you to interact with the software using graphics and icons  Controls how you enter data and how the screen displays information Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

20 Computer Software Application software consists of programs that tell a computer how to produce information Word processing software Spreadsheet software Database software Presentation Graphics software Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition

21 Computer Software Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition

What is the Internet?  Worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

Why do Users Access the Internet? 2.Information 3.Shopping 4.Banking and Investing 5.Classes 6.Entertainment 1.Communications Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

What is the Web? A Web site is a collection of related Web pages A Web page contains text, graphics, sound, video, and links to other Web pages You can share information by creating Web pages or posting photos on a photo sharing community  Billions of documents, called Web pages, available to anyone connected to the Internet Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

Personal Computers What are the two most popular series of personal computers? PC and compatibles use the Windows operating system Apple Macintosh uses the Macintosh operating system (Mac OS) Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

Personal Computers What is a desktop computer?  Designed so all of the components fit entirely on or under a desk or table Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices What is a notebook computer?  Portable, small enough to fit on your lap  Also called a laptop computer  Generally more expensive than a desktop computer Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

28 Setting It All Up: Ergonomics Ergonomics: minimizing injury or discomfort while using the computer Steps to follow: Position monitor correctly Use adjustable chair Assume proper position while typing Take breaks Ensure adequate lighting