1. Intro to Computers Computer Applications

2. What is a Computer? Initially the term computer referred to an individual whose job it was to perform mathematical computations. Today, it refers to an electronic device that accepts data (input), then processes that data producing information (output).

3. What is a Computer A computer is just a machine. It does not think thus has no intelligence. It only knows what we tell it. It follows our instructions precisely.

4. Information Processing Cycle We use computers as a tool to assist users in converting data into information. User: Anyone who communicates with a computer or uses its information Data: Raw facts, figures, numbers, words, images Information: data that has been processed into a form that is more meaningful & useful

5. Information Processing Cycle

6. The computer’s hardware operates under detailed sets of instructions, software, that control every aspect of its operation. Hardware: a computer’s electronic and mechanical equipment Software: instructions that tell the hardware how to perform

7. Information Processing Cycle Software controls: – How the screen appears – How to accept the user’s commands – How commands are interpreted & executed – How the output is to be presented

8. Information Systems The computer’s hardware and software work together to form an information system.

9. Information Systems Primary components 1.People 2.Input Devices 3.System Unit 4.Output Devices 5.Communication Devices 6.Storage Units 7.Software People input data into the computer and receive the processed information.

10. Input Devices These are devices that allow users to enter data and instructions. Primary input devices include: – Keyboard – Mouse – Microphone – Scanners – Digital cameras

11. Output Devices Output Devices convey information to the user. Primary output devices include: – Monitors – Printers – Speakers

12. System Unit The case containing the internal components. The System Unit is composed of two primary parts: 1.The Central Processing Unit (CPU) 2.Main Memory or RAM

13. Central Processing Unit The CPU contains the circuitry that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer. – It is known as the “brain” of the computer. The CPU is designed into a chip, often referred to as the microprocessor.

14. Central Processing Unit The CPU is comprised of two parts: – The control unit Controls the signal between the ALU, Main Memory, & the input/output devices – The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) Performs all arithmetic & logical operations

15. Main Memory Main Memory or Random Access Memory (RAM) RAM is a buffer where all data must be temporarily stored before processing. Main Memory is measured in megabytes.

16. Main Memory Together, the CPU and the RAM make up the computer’s system unit and help dictate a computer’s capacity. The more instructions the CPU processes per second, the faster information can be processed. The more memory a computer contains, the more information can be stored and the faster information can be processed.

17. Which would be faster Computer 1 512MB RAM Computer 2 1000MB RAM

18. Hard Drive “Long-term Memory” A hard drive stores a computer’s written data and information.

19. Storage Units Storage Units provide permanent storage for both software and data. Primary storage devices include: – Floppy Disks – Zip Disks – CD-Roms – Hard Disks – USB Flash Drives

20. Software Software provides the instruction sets needed by a computer. Computers use two types of software: 1.Application Software 2.System Software

21. Software Application Software – Software designed to perform specific tasks.

22. Software System Software – Controls the operation of the computer and its devices. – It is the interface between the user, applications and hardware. – There are two types of system software: 1.Operating System (Windows) 2.Utility Programs (Virus Scan, Volume Control)