Introduction to Computer Special Thanks S.W.A.ShahNIST

You will learn about: Hardware including: Input devices. Processor or central processing unit (CPU).Processor or central processing unit (CPU). Output devices. Memory. Software Definitions of basic computer terms

Computer Hardware: A computer consists of both hardware (physical parts of the computer) and software working together to help you accomplish tasks.

Hardware consists of: Input devices Processor or central processing unit (CPU)Processor or central processing unit (CPU) Memory

Input devices: Input devices are machines that communicate with the computer. Examples of input devices are the keyboard and the mouse. keyboard mouse. Input devices are controlled by the user.

For example, typing on the keyboard or clicking on a mouse button.

Processor or CPU: CPU is short for Central Processing Unit. The CPU is a microchip inside the computer.microchip The box that the processor resides in is commonly referred to as the CPU.

Processor or CPU: The translation or processing of your input takes place in the CPU.input Processing is the thinking that the computer does - the calculations, comparisons, and decisions. The box contains the microchip, the floppy disk drive, the CD-ROM drive, and memory.floppy disk driveCD-ROM drive memory

Output devices: Output devices are machines that display information from the computer (CPU).

Output devices are controlled by the computer. After the processor translates the information from the input devices, the output devices deliver the information to the user.

Memory: The cycle (input - processing - output) would not be possible without a holding place for the instructions and data that the processor (CPU) can easily reach. This holding place is known as memory. There are three basic types of memory:

types of memory RAM - Random Access Memory ROM - Read Only Memory Storage Devices

RAM: The primary memory that holds data and instructions while the computer is in use. Can be thought of as the memory the computer uses to obey instructions. Can be written to and read from. Important to remember that if you do not save the information in RAM to a storage device (such as a floppy disk or hard drive) before turning off the computer the information will be lost

ROM: ROM is more straight forward. ROM is built in memory that permanently stores instructions and data. The instructions and data in ROM are created when it is manufactured and it cannot be changed.

ROM (BIOS CHIP)

Storage Devices: A storage device is a place to store data. Although there are several types of disks, for the purposes of this tutorial, only the following types will be discussed:

Hard Drive: A permanent data storage device built into PCs that permits you to save and retrieve information. Also, stores the computer's operating system and other software.operating system The size of a hard drive is usually expressed in terms of megabytes and gigabytes.

Floppy Disk: Floppy disks allow information to be transported easily from one computer to another. Floppy disks have limited storage capacity, generally 1.44 MB. Saving and retrieving information from a floppy disk is slower than on a hard drive. They are more susceptible to physical damage and viruses than the hard drive.

CD ROM: CD ROMs are read only storage medium. Typically, a CD ROM holds up to 650 MB of information. While information retrieval is faster than from a floppy disk, it is still not as fast as from the hard drive.

CD-RW: A CD-RW allows you to read, write, erase and write again. Writing takes place in a single pass of the focused laser beam. This is sometimes referred to as direct overwriting and can be repeated several thousand times per disc.

Computer Software: Software is: What makes the computer work. Software consists of an organized list of instructions that causes the computer to behave in a predetermined manner. For work, for play, for kids, and for adults. A computer game you play or a word processing program.

Often divided into two categories: system software and application software. System software includes the operating system, compilers and utilities that enable the computer to function.operating systemcompilersutilities

Application software includes programs that perform specific tasks (e.g., games, word processors, spreadsheets, and databases). Figuratively speaking, application software sits on top of system software because the computer is unable to run without the operating system and system utilities.

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