Computer Basics & Keyboarding

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS Computer Science – Hardware, Systems, and Software

What Is A Computer? An electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory unit An electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory unit Four general operations Four general operations –Can accept data (Input) –Manipulate the data according to specified rules (Process) –Produce information (Output) from the processing –Store the results for future use. (Storage)

What Does A Computer Do? Computers can perform four general operations Computers can perform four general operations These operations comprise the information processing cycle and are: These operations comprise the information processing cycle and are: –Input –Process –Output –Storage

Relate Info Processing to Match the tasks with the information processing steps. a) Input b) Processing c) Output d) Distribution e) Storage 1. Viewing the message you have created on the screen 2. Keying the message 3. Saving a copy of the message in your Sent folder. 4. Using the Send feature to send the message. 5. Formatting the message in a large type font.

Input Devices An input device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer. An input device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer.

6 Input Devices 1. Keyboard 2. Mouse 3. Microphone 4. Scanner 5. Digital Camera 6. PC video camera

Processing The system unit is a case that contains electronic components of the computer that are used to process data. The system unit is a case that contains electronic components of the computer that are used to process data. Two main components on the motherboard: Two main components on the motherboard: – Processor – Memory

Components on Motherboard The processor, also called the central processing unit (CPU), is the electronic component that interprets and carries out the basic instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions. The processor, also called the central processing unit (CPU), is the electronic component that interprets and carries out the basic instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions. Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions. Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions.

Output Devices An output device is any hardware component that conveys information to one or more people. An output device is any hardware component that conveys information to one or more people.

3 Output Devices 1. Printer 2. Monitor 3. Speakers/ Headphones

Storage Devices A storage device records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media. A storage device records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media.

Storage Device Examples Floppy Disks Floppy Disks USB Flash Drive USB Flash Drive Hard Disks Hard Disks CDs CDs DVDs DVDs Memory Cards Memory Cards

Assignment: Pictures in Paint (20 points) Open Paint: Open Paint: Draw 2 computer parts that fit under each part of the IPOS cycle. Draw 2 computer parts that fit under each part of the IPOS cycle. Example: Input – Keyboard, Mouse Example: Input – Keyboard, Mouse

What makes a computer powerful? Speed: A computer can do billions of actions per second. Speed: A computer can do billions of actions per second. Reliability: Failures are usually due to human error, one way or another. Reliability: Failures are usually due to human error, one way or another. Storage: A computer can keep huge amounts of data. Storage: A computer can keep huge amounts of data.

Basic Terms Hardware- the physical parts of the computer. Hardware- the physical parts of the computer. Software- the programs (instructions) that tell the computer what to do Software- the programs (instructions) that tell the computer what to do Data- individual facts like first name, price, quantity ordered Data- individual facts like first name, price, quantity ordered Information- data which has been massaged into a useful form, like a complete mailing address Information- data which has been massaged into a useful form, like a complete mailing address Default- the original settings; what will happen if you don't change anything. Default- the original settings; what will happen if you don't change anything.

Computer Types… Computers for personal use come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny PDAs (personal digital assistant) to hefty PC (personal computer) towers. More specialized models are announced each week - trip planners, expense account pads, language translators... Computers for personal use come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny PDAs (personal digital assistant) to hefty PC (personal computer) towers. More specialized models are announced each week - trip planners, expense account pads, language translators... Tablet PC Laptop/ Notebook

Computer Types… Supercomputer Desktop PC PDA Hand-held (HPC)

How Does A Computer Know What To Do? For a computer to perform operations, it must be given a detailed set of instructions that tells it exactly what to do For a computer to perform operations, it must be given a detailed set of instructions that tells it exactly what to do – These instructions are called computer programs, or software Software can be categorized into two types: Software can be categorized into two types: – System software – Application software

Applications An application is another word for a program running on the computer. Whether or not it is a good application depends on how well it performs the tasks it is designed to do and how easy it is for the user to use. An application is another word for a program running on the computer. Whether or not it is a good application depends on how well it performs the tasks it is designed to do and how easy it is for the user to use. That involves the user interface- the way the user tells the software what to do and how the computer displays information and options to the user. That involves the user interface- the way the user tells the software what to do and how the computer displays information and options to the user.

Text Interface A text interface was all that was available in the beginning. The example below is of PKZIP, which squashes files into smaller size to save you space. Notice in the center the command you would have to type to use this program. A text interface was all that was available in the beginning. The example below is of PKZIP, which squashes files into smaller size to save you space. Notice in the center the command you would have to type to use this program.

Graphical User Interface Today, many computers use an operating system that has a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Today, many computers use an operating system that has a Graphical User Interface (GUI). A GUI is more user-friendly with icon symbols. A GUI is more user-friendly with icon symbols. Windows 95/98/2000 and XP are common GUIs. Windows 95/98/2000 and XP are common GUIs.

System Software Consists of programs to control or maintain the operations of computer equipment Consists of programs to control or maintain the operations of computer equipment Two types of system software are: Two types of system software are: –Operating System –Utility Program

System Software Types An operating system is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices. An operating system is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices. –Ex: Windows XP A utility program allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs. A utility program allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs. –Ex: Norton’s Antivirus, McAfee

Application Software Application software consists of programs that tell a computer how to produce information Application software consists of programs that tell a computer how to produce information Excellent example: Excellent example: –Microsoft Access –Microsoft Excel –Microsoft Word –Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft WORD The word processor application (Word) enables you to create documents such as: The word processor application (Word) enables you to create documents such as:  Reports  Letters  Memos  Resumes  Web Pages  Publications

Microsoft EXCEL The spreadsheet application (Excel) lets you work with numbers to prepare items such as: The spreadsheet application (Excel) lets you work with numbers to prepare items such as: BudgetsBudgets SpreadsheetsSpreadsheets GraphsGraphs Loan payments amortization schedulesLoan payments amortization schedules InvoicesInvoices Balance Sheets and other financial statementsBalance Sheets and other financial statements TimecardTimecard

Microsoft ACCESS The database application (Access) organizes information such as: The database application (Access) organizes information such as: –Addresses –Home Inventory –Schedules –Ledger –Order Entries –Expenses

Microsoft POWER POINT The presentation application (PowerPoint) can be used to create: The presentation application (PowerPoint) can be used to create:  Slides  Outlines  Speaker’s notes  Audience handouts

Microsoft OUTLOOK The schedule/organization application (outlook) increase your efficiency by keeping track of: The schedule/organization application (outlook) increase your efficiency by keeping track of: – –Appointments –Tasks –Contacts –Events –To-do lists

Microsoft PUBLISHER The desktop publishing application (Publisher) helps you design professional-looking documents such as: The desktop publishing application (Publisher) helps you design professional-looking documents such as: –Newsletters –Postcards –Brochures –Web sites –Catalogs –Business Cards

Microsoft FRONTPAGE The web page application (FrontPage) enables you to: The web page application (FrontPage) enables you to: –Create and –Maintain your own web site

Integrated Software An integrated software package is a program that combines several computer applications into one program. An integrated software package is a program that combines several computer applications into one program. Excellent example: Microsoft XP Office suite is an integrated software package Excellent example: Microsoft XP Office suite is an integrated software package

The End Any Questions? Any Questions?

Working with Windows Part II

Working with Windows The large area that is the upper part of the screen is called the Desktop. Sometimes people use the term Desktop to refer to everything you see on the monitor when Windows starts. The large area that is the upper part of the screen is called the Desktop. Sometimes people use the term Desktop to refer to everything you see on the monitor when Windows starts. The main purpose of the Desktop is to hold shortcut icons that will help you work efficiently. The main purpose of the Desktop is to hold shortcut icons that will help you work efficiently. The Desktop is really just a folder inside the Windows folder, so it can hold anything that any other folder can hold. Your Desktop can be customized with pictures. The Desktop is really just a folder inside the Windows folder, so it can hold anything that any other folder can hold. Your Desktop can be customized with pictures.

Taskbar Across the bottom of the screen we see the Taskbar. Normally it is in view all the time. The taskbar's main job is to show what tasks are currently running. Across the bottom of the screen we see the Taskbar. Normally it is in view all the time. The taskbar's main job is to show what tasks are currently running. Each open application has an icon with a label that shows the program and the current document, when there is room to see it! The icons and labels for the tasks adjust in size to fit the space on the Taskbar. Each open application has an icon with a label that shows the program and the current document, when there is room to see it! The icons and labels for the tasks adjust in size to fit the space on the Taskbar. In WindowsXP you may see double chevrons on the Taskbar when there are too many items to show in the allowed space. When you click the chevrons, a menu list appears or the space will expand to show the hidden items. In WindowsXP you may see double chevrons on the Taskbar when there are too many items to show in the allowed space. When you click the chevrons, a menu list appears or the space will expand to show the hidden items.

Application Shortcuts A shortcut points to the file that runs a program, in this case MS Word and PaintShopPro. The actual file that starts a program must remain in the folder where it was installed or else it won't work. A shortcut points to the file that runs a program, in this case MS Word and PaintShopPro. The actual file that starts a program must remain in the folder where it was installed or else it won't work. Note that a shortcut has a small arrow at the bottom left of the icon. Note that a shortcut has a small arrow at the bottom left of the icon.

How is Information Inputted into the Computer?

Mouse (Input Device) Your mouse is a pointing device. You use it to point to things on the computer screen. Your mouse is a pointing device. You use it to point to things on the computer screen. A mouse has at least two buttons - left and right. Some have a middle button or a scroll wheel between the left and right buttons. The left button is used the most frequently A mouse has at least two buttons - left and right. Some have a middle button or a scroll wheel between the left and right buttons. The left button is used the most frequently The normal shape for the mouse pointer is an arrow: The normal shape for the mouse pointer is an arrow:

The First Mouse Doug Engelbart invented the computer mouse in as part of an experiment to find better ways to point-and-click on a display screen. Doug Engelbart invented the computer mouse in as part of an experiment to find better ways to point-and-click on a display screen.

Mouse Apple Macintosh Plus mice, 1986

Mouse Wireless mouse with scroll wheel 20 years later…