Multimedia and Computers Introduction to Computers
Why Study Computers and Application Software?
The Answer is: Knowing how to use a computer is a basic skill necessary to function effectively in society and business. The use of computer technology is widespread in the world, is an integral part of Web productions, and continues to grow.
What Is a Computer? A electronic device Under the control of instructions stored in it’s own memory unit Accepts data (input) Manipulates the data (processes) Produces information (output) Stores the data (storage)
What is a computer system? A combination of man, machine, instructions, and data. A computer system consists of four parts: A user Hardware Software Data
Personal Computers (PCs) PCs are computers that can be: Used by individuals at home, work, or school Desktop models or portable laptop models Connected to a server in a network
Computer Servers A server is a powerful computer that is used to share resources with other computers. It can store operating and application systems, as well as files, web pages and other information for all to use.
What is input? Input is any information put into a computer.
Input Devices Common input devices are: Keyboards and keypads Mice, trackballs, and touchpads Microphones, digital recorders, synthesizers, and musical keyboards Digital still cameras, digital camcorders, and Web cams Graphics tablets and scanners Game controllers
Output Devices Output is any information that a computer produces. Common output devices are: CRT or LCD monitors Touch screens, plasma displays, LED displays, and projectors Ink-jet or laser printers Speakers
Storage Devices Digital storage devices allow you to save your work. Common storage devices are: Hard drives, which are built in the computer Removable storage disks CDs DVDs floppy disks Zip disks memory cards
Processing Components Processing includes all the calculations and other operations a computer performs. It depends on: Microprocessors, or chips A central processing unit (CPU) Random-access memory (RAM)
The Operating System When working with Web Design, the operating system is perhaps the most important, the most complex, and the least visible software that your computer uses.
What are operating systems? Operating systems enable computers to run software and perform basic tasks. The Operating system has four major areas of responsibilities: Task Management Memory Management Input and Output Management User Interface
PC Operating Systems One of the principal differences among computers is the operating system. Most personal computers use Windows or Macintosh (Mac OS) operating systems. Windows and Mac OS operating systems are not compatible.
The Four Layers of a Computer Your computer is a system of four interdependent layers: Hardware BIOS Operating System Application Software
What do the four layers do? Hardware activates the BIOS BIOS (basic input/output system) starts the operating system Operating System loads drivers, networking services, and application software into the computer’s RAM Application Software allows you to create your Web project
What are programming languages? Programming languages provide instructions to operating systems.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) Microsoft Windows Created in 1985 The most used PC operating system Runs a huge number of applications Apple Mac OS Derived from the first PCs to use GUI Preferred by many designers and multimedia producers Applications are often not compatible with Windows
Web Design Software Web pages are written in a markup language such as HTML or XML. Web design programs allow you to create Web pages without learning markup languages. Many current word processing and desktop publishing programs let you convert their files to HTML for use in Web pages. Web browsers are needed to view and use the Web pages on the Internet.
Computer Networks In order to exchange files and share resources, computers: Require special input and output devices Must be part of a network, such as: The Internet Local area networks (LANs) Wide area networks (WANs)
Connecting to Networks Computers can be linked to the Internet or a network through: A dial-up or broadband connection using a modem A network interface card (NIC) A router