Introduction to Computer Systems Section 1A

Objectives List the four parts of a computer system Identify four types of computer hardware List four units of measure for computer memory Provide two examples of input and output devices

Objectives (cont.) Name and describe three types of storage devices Differentiate the two main categories of computer software List at least four specific types of application software. Describe the five key categories of computers in use today

Computer Electronic Device that processes data, converting it into information that is useful to people. It is controlled by programmed instructions, which give the machine a purpose and tell it what to do

The Parts of a Computer System Hardware Software Users Data

Types of Computer Hardware Processor Memory Input and Output Devices Storage The computer itself – the hardware – has many parts, but the critical components fall into four categories

The Processor The processor is like the brain of the computer Consist of one or more microprocessors Microprocessor is plugged in the computer’s motherboard or circuit board The computer’s processor is also referred to as the central processing unit (CPU) The processor is like the brain of the computer, it organizes and carries out instructions that comes from either the user or the software

Memory The most common type of memory is called random access memory (RAM) RAM is volatile, so it needs a constant supply of power. Memory is like an electronic scratch pad inside the computer The most common type of memory is called random access memory (RAM) As a result, the term memory is commonly used to mean RAM data is both written to and read from this memory RAM is volatile, so it needs a constant supply of power. When you turn the computer off everything in RAM disappears

Input and Output Devices Input Device – accepts data from user Keyboard Mouse Scanners, digital cameras & microphone Output Device – returned data to the user Monitor Printer Touch Screen Communication device Communication devices – device that can perform input and output functions

Storage The purpose of storage is to hold data permanently Types of storage devices Tape drives Optical drives (CD & DVD) Removable hard drives Magnetic disks (most common) A computer can function with only processing, memory, input and output devices. To be really useful, however, a computer also needs a place to keep program files and related data when they are not in use.

Distinction between Memory and Storage There is more room in storage than in memory Contents are retained in storage when the computer is turned off, the data in memory disappears when you shut down the computer Storage is very slow compared to memory, but it is much cheaper than memory

Self Check A(n) __________ is an electronic device that processes data. There is more room in storage than in ________ in a computer. A device that holds a disk is called a(n) ____________. Computer memory Disk drive

Types of Computer Systems Supercomputers Mainframe computers Minicomputers Workstations Microcomputers or personal computers Supercomputers are the most powerful computer made and physically they are some of the largest. They can process huge amounts of data, the fastest can perform more than 1 trillion calculations per second. Mainframe computers are used in large corporations where many people need access to the same data. In the tradition setting, the user accesses the resources through a device called a terminal. The minicomputer got their name because of the size compared to the computers of the day. The capabilities are somewhere between mainframes and personal computers. Minis can serve the input & output needs of hundreds of users at a time. Workstations are single-user computers with many of the features of a personal computer but with the processing power of a minicomputer. They are popular among scientist, engineers and animators who need a great deal of number-crunching power. Microcomputer and personal computer are interchangeable. This type of computer system is designed for use by a single person. These include desktop, notebook, handheld and palmtop computers and more recently the tablet PC

Importance of Computer Literacy Increased Employability Greater Earnings Potential Greater Access to Resources Greater Control of Assets With computing touching nearly every facet of our lives the issue of computer literacy becomes important. Just as we depend on cars for transportation to work each day, we rely on computers as tools to help us in our work. It helps with Increased employability Greater Earnings potential Greater access to resources Greater control of assets Information is considered to be an extremely valuable comodity Those who control important information, or simply know how to access and use it, are key players Computer literacy and skills are essential for success in this society, not only in our workinglives but also in the way we learn, manage our finances and improve our standard of living.

Please complete the following Key Term Quiz Multiple Choice Review Questions Pages 20-21