Hardware Lesson 1 Understanding Computers

What is a Computer? “A computer is an electronic device (hardware), operating under the control of instructions (software) stored in its own memory, than can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules (process), produce results (output), and store the results (storage) for future use” MS Office 2007, Shelly Cashman“A computer is an electronic device (hardware), operating under the control of instructions (software) stored in its own memory, than can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules (process), produce results (output), and store the results (storage) for future use” MS Office 2007, Shelly Cashman OR A machine that uses instructions to do jobs.A machine that uses instructions to do jobs.

What is a computer? An electronic device that inputs, processes and stores information

Types of computers: Personal computer (PC)Personal computer (PC) –Desktop –Laptop –One person at a time MainframeMainframe –Use dumb terminals –Many people at the same time SupercomputerSupercomputer –Customized –Large and very expensive

Using computers: Personal ComputersPersonal Computers –In school –At home –In business MainframesMainframes –Businesses –Banks SupercomputersSupercomputers –Weather, NASA, international banks research

Review Questions: 1.What is a computer? It’s a ______________ that uses _____________ to do _________. It’s a ______________ that uses _____________ to do _________. 2.How is a PC different from a mainframe? How are they alike? 3.In what ways do computers play a part in your everyday life? machine instructions jobs

4 functions of a computer Input: Entering data, graphics, etc. –Keyboard and mouse, Scanner, Microphone Process: What the CPU does, including calculations and drawing images for output Storage: Save files (remember, they must have a NAME) Output: Includes what you see on the screen and what comes out through a printer, speakers, etc. –Speakers, Monitor, Printer

Computers include … HardwareHardware SoftwareSoftware –Application software –Utility software –System software Memory (for another lesson)Memory (for another lesson) Storage (for another lesson)Storage (for another lesson)

Hardware Is anything you can touch.Is anything you can touch. –Computer –Monitor –Mouse and Keyboard –Other parts and components

Parts of a Computer: CPU (Central Processing Unit) or ProcessorCPU (Central Processing Unit) or Processor Memory: holds your open filesMemory: holds your open files Storage: Hard disk drive, portable disksStorage: Hard disk drive, portable disks Input Devices: Keyboard and Mouse, Microphone, ScannerInput Devices: Keyboard and Mouse, Microphone, Scanner Output Devices:Output Devices: Printer, Monitor, Printer, Monitor, Speakers Speakers

Software: Application Software (create and modify documents): Word, Excel, Photoshop, Games, Windows Movie MakerApplication Software (create and modify documents): Word, Excel, Photoshop, Games, Windows Movie Maker Utility Software (other software): WinZip, Windows Media Player, Internet Browsers (Internet Explorer, Netscape), antivirus or spyware, etc.Utility Software (other software): WinZip, Windows Media Player, Internet Browsers (Internet Explorer, Netscape), antivirus or spyware, etc. System Software (controls hardware) = Operating SystemsSystem Software (controls hardware) = Operating Systems –Microsoft Dos, Windows –Apple OS –Unix, Linux

Review Questions Finish answering the questions on the review sheet.Finish answering the questions on the review sheet. We’ll go over them when everyone is finished.We’ll go over them when everyone is finished.

Hardware Lesson 1 Understanding Computers