1 Objectives Discuss reasons for taking this course on computers Outline the scope of this course Define the computer Differentiate between hardware and software Parts of the Computer: –Describe the main hardware components –Explain how computers work –Describe how information is stored –Care for external storage devices (CDs, DVDs and Memory Keys)

2 What are the many ways that you use computers today? Reasons for taking this course

3 Scope of this Course Computer Hardware Computer Software MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint Internet File Management MS PowerPoint MS Excel

4 Definition of the Computer How is a computer defined? Electronic machine operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory Accepts data Manipulates data Produces results Stores results

5 What does it consists of ? Software Instructions that tell hardware how to perform tasks Hardware Physical Equipment (Electronic and mechanical equipment) Definition of the Computer

6 Parts of the Computer What are the input components? scanner microphone keyboard PC camera digital camera Hardware used to enter data and instructions Turns information into a series of electronic pulses that the computer can understand. mouse

7 Parts of the Computer What are the output components? Hardware that conveys information to a user The series of electronic pulses are passed from the CPU and turned into something that we can see and/or hear through the output devices. printer monitorspeakers

8 processor (RAM) memory modules Parts of the Computer Where is the CPU or Central Processing Unit? It is contained in the systems unit. Box-like device containing electronic components connected to motherboard. Systems Unit

9 processor hard disk CD or DVD drive (RAM) memory modules USB drive Brains of the Computer! Parts of the Computer What is the CPU or Central Processing Unit? Hardware used to process the data & instructions. Carries out instructions that tells the computer what to do sound card

10 Parts of the Computer Data is Stored in Two ways: Memory: Permanent = Hard Disks, USB keys, CDs RAM = Random Access Memory ROM = Read Only Memory RAM is fast, but it is expensive, and when you turn the power off….poof! RAM = You cannot write to it or change it. Storage is the cheapest, but it is slower. Storage: Stores the information being used by the computer while it is turned on. Stores information that may be used again later.

11 What is a hard disk? Provides much greater storage capacity than a CD, DVD or Flash Memory Key Reads and writes information on non-removable disks. Holds a great deal of information (e.g., many gigabytes GB). removable hard disk self-contained hard disk p. 1.7 Fig. 1-6 & 7 Next Parts of the Computer External memory or storage KB = exactly 1,024 bytes MB = one million bytes GB = one billion bytes (1000 MB)

12 What is a CD or DVD? Portable storage media Compact Disks: – CD-R (Recordable) – CD-RW (Rewritable) Digital Video Discs: – DVD-ROM (Read Only Memory) – DVD+RW (Rewritable) p. 1.8 Fig. 1-8 Next Parts of the Computer External memory or storage

13 p Fig How do you care for a compact disc? Next 1: Do not expose to excessive heat or sunlight 2: Do not eat, smoke, or drink near a disc 3: Do not stack 4: Do not touch underside 5: Store in jewel box when not in use 6: Hold disc by its edges Parts of the Computer

14 Parts of the Computer How does a USB key store information? It uses electically erasable programmable read-only memory or EEPROM chips. These chips retain data even when there is no power to the chip. External memory or storage The EEPROM chip is on the other side of the circuit board. The controller chip is the “brain” that controls the reading and writing of the data.