1. An Overview of Using Computers
Chapter 1
An Overview of Using Computers

2. Knowing how to use a computer
Computer Literacy
Knowing how to use a computer

3. Knowing how to find, analyze, and use information
Information Literacy
Knowing how to find, analyze, and use information

4. Internet WWW-World Wide Web
Global network of computers that houses information on millions of subjects

5. Computer
An electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory unit.

6. Basic Computer Parts Input Devices System Unit Output Devices
Storage Devices

7. Input Devices Keyboard Mouse Scanner Joystick Touch Screen Light Pen
Digital Camera
Flash Drive

8. System Unit Box-like case that contains the electronic circuits
Motherboard
CPU (central processing unit)
RAM & ROM (memory)

9. Central Processing Unit The “Brain” of the Computer
Contains two units:
control unit - executes the instructions that guide the computer through a task
arithmetic/logic - performs math and logic ( Yes & No) operations

10. The main circuit board to which all processing equipment is attached
Motherboard
The main circuit board to which all processing equipment is attached
The “BRAIN”

11. RAM Random Access Memory
Temporarily stores data and instructions when they are being used

12. ROM
Read Only Memory
Always running in the computer to operate the system

13. Output Devices
Printer
Monitor
Speakers
Headphones
Projector

14. Storage Devices Hard disk drive or C:
CD-ROM drive or D: (uses a low powered laser light to read data)
Jump drive or E:

15. Communication Devices
Modem (connects computers over telephone lines or cable)
Network (group of computers connected together using a network interface card)

16. Information Processing Cycle
Input - data (raw facts)
Process
Output
Storage

17. Data (raw facts) are accepted into the computer
Input Phase
Data (raw facts) are accepted into the computer

18. Computer manipulates and organizes data to create information
Process Phase
Computer manipulates and organizes data to create information

19. A series of instructions that tells the computer what to do
Computer Software
The key to productive use of computers
Computer Program
A series of instructions that tells the computer what to do
Application Software: tells computer how to produce information ( # 29)
System Software: controls the actual operations of the computer equipment

20. Graphical User Interface
Determines how you will interact with the computer
Graphical User Interface
Provides visual clues like small pictures or icons
Microsoft Windows is the most widely used GUI for personal computers

21. Any device connected to the system unit (hardware)
Peripheral Devices
Any device connected to the system unit (hardware)

22. Combining text, graphics, video, and sound
Multimedia
Combining text, graphics, video, and sound

23. Personal Computer Servers Mainframe Computers Supercomputers
Category
Description
Personal Computer
Personal Assistant
 or a cell phone
Laptop computer
Desktop computer
Network computers
Servers
Mainframe Computers
Supercomputers
Calendar, address files, Internet access, pictures, etc.
Weighs between 3-10 lbs. Can be carried around.
Most common type of PC
Low-cost computer designed to work directly to a network, or as a stand-alone computer.
Designed to support a computer network that allows you to share files, software, and hardware.
Can handle 100’s of users. Require special environment including ac, cooling, and power. Cost several thousands to millions of dollars.
Most powerful. Used for weather forecasting, space explorations, military, etc. The most expensive computer.