1. Introduction to Computer Systems
Section 1A

2. Objectives List the four parts of a computer system
Identify four types of computer hardware
List four units of measure for computer memory
Provide two examples of input and output devices

3. Objectives (cont.) Name and describe three types of storage devices
Differentiate the two main categories of computer software
List at least four specific types of application software.
Describe the five key categories of computers in use today

4. Computer
Electronic Device that processes data, converting it into information that is useful to people.
It is controlled by programmed instructions, which give the machine a purpose and tell it what to do

5. The Parts of a Computer System
Hardware
Software
Users
Data

6. Types of Computer Hardware
Processor
Memory
Input and Output Devices
Storage
The computer itself – the hardware – has many parts, but the critical components fall into four categories

7. The Processor The processor is like the brain of the computer
Consist of one or more microprocessors
Microprocessor is plugged in the computer’s motherboard or circuit board
The computer’s processor is also referred to as the central processing unit (CPU)
The processor is like the brain of the computer, it organizes and carries out instructions that comes from either the user or the software

8. Memory
The most common type of memory is called random access memory (RAM)
RAM is volatile, so it needs a constant supply of power.
Memory is like an electronic scratch pad inside the computer
The most common type of memory is called random access memory (RAM)
As a result, the term memory is commonly used to mean RAM data is both written to and read from this memory
RAM is volatile, so it needs a constant supply of power.
When you turn the computer off everything in RAM disappears

9. Input and Output Devices
Input Device – accepts data from user
Keyboard
Mouse
Scanners, digital cameras & microphone
Output Device – returned data to the user
Monitor
Printer
Touch Screen
Communication device
Communication devices – device that can perform input and output functions

10. Storage The purpose of storage is to hold data permanently
Types of storage devices
Tape drives
Optical drives (CD & DVD)
Removable hard drives
Magnetic disks (most common)
A computer can function with only processing, memory, input and output devices. To be really useful, however, a computer also needs a place to keep program files and related data when they are not in use.

11. Distinction between Memory and Storage
There is more room in storage than in memory
Contents are retained in storage when the computer is turned off, the data in memory disappears when you shut down the computer
Storage is very slow compared to memory, but it is much cheaper than memory

12. Self Check
A(n) __________ is an electronic device that processes data.
There is more room in storage than in ________ in a computer.
A device that holds a disk is called a(n) ____________.
Computer
memory
Disk drive

13. Types of Computer Systems
Supercomputers
Mainframe computers
Minicomputers
Workstations
Microcomputers or personal computers
Supercomputers are the most powerful computer made and physically they are some of the largest. They can process huge amounts of data, the fastest can perform more than 1 trillion calculations per second.
Mainframe computers are used in large corporations where many people need access to the same data. In the tradition setting, the user accesses the resources through a device called a terminal.
The minicomputer got their name because of the size compared to the computers of the day. The capabilities are somewhere between mainframes and personal computers. Minis can serve the input & output needs of hundreds of users at a time.
Workstations are single-user computers with many of the features of a personal computer but with the processing power of a minicomputer. They are popular among scientist, engineers and animators who need a great deal of number-crunching power.
Microcomputer and personal computer are interchangeable. This type of computer system is designed for use by a single person. These include desktop, notebook, handheld and palmtop computers and more recently the tablet PC

14. Importance of Computer Literacy
Increased Employability
Greater Earnings Potential
Greater Access to Resources
Greater Control of Assets
With computing touching nearly every facet of our lives the issue of computer literacy becomes important. Just as we depend on cars for transportation to work each day, we rely on computers as tools to help us in our work.
It helps with
Increased employability
Greater Earnings potential
Greater access to resources
Greater control of assets
Information is considered to be an extremely valuable comodity
Those who control important information, or simply know how to access and use it, are key players
Computer literacy and skills are essential for success in this society, not only in our workinglives but also in the way we learn, manage our finances and improve our standard of living.

15. Please complete the following
Key Term Quiz
Multiple Choice
Review Questions
Pages 20-21