What does a Computer Do?

What is a Computer?

 A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules (process), produce results (output), and store the results (storage) for future use Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition 3

Being a Savvy Computer User and Consumer

        Avoid hackers and viruses Protect your privacy Understand the real risks Use the Internet wisely Avoid online annoyances Maintain your computer Make good purchase decisions Integrate the latest technology © 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

4

What does a computer do?

 Input – Receives information  Processes – Moves the information around  Storage – Saves the information  Output – Send the information out, printed form, monitor, email, sound, web page Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition

Input Devices

 Any hardware component that allows you to enter data, programs, commands, and user responses into a computer  Examples   Keyboard Mouse Despite all the clicking going on in the world the Keyboard is still the primary input device.

Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition 6

System Unit

 The motherboard, or system board, is the main circuit board of the system unit  The processor, also called the central processing unit (CPU), interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer  Memory, also called random access memory, or RAM, consists of electronic components that store data, instructions, and information, as needed by the processor Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition 7

The Front Panel

    Power control Drive bays Memory card reader Productivity ports 8

Output Devices

 Hardware that conveys information to one or more people  Output Device Examples  Printer  Monitor Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition 9

Storage Devices

 Used to store instructions, data, and information when they are not being used in memory Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition 10

Storage Devices

 Magnetic disks use magnetic particles to store items on a disk’s surface  Floppy disks   Zip disks Hard disks   Provides greater storage capacity than floppy disk, zip disk or USB flash drive Most are housed inside of the system unit Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition 11

Storage Devices

 Optical discs   CD-ROM DVD-ROM  USB flash drive   Provides much greater storage capacity than a floppy disk or zip disk Small and lightweight enough to be transported on a keychain or in a pocket Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition 12

How Much Is a Byte?

13

Communications Devices

 A communications device is a hardware component that enables a computer to send (transmit) and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers  Communications occur over transmission media, such as telephone lines, cables, cellular radio networks, and satellites 14 Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition

What is a Network?

 What is a network?

Collection of computers and devices connected together

Communications Device Transmission Media

Enables a connection between computers One type is a modem Cables Telephone lines Cellular radio Satellites Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

What are the Reasons to network?

To share

Resources Hardware devices Software programs Data Information

To save time and money

Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

What is a Server?

 A server manages the resources on a network  Clients access the resources on the server Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

Computer Software

Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information 18

Computer Software

 What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?

 Allows you to interact with the software using graphics and icons  Controls how you enter data and how the screen displays information Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

Computer Software

 Application software consists of programs that tell a computer how to produce information     Word processing software Spreadsheet software Database software Presentation Graphics software Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition 20

Computer Software

Essential Introduction to Computers: 6 th Edition 21

What is the Internet?

 Worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

Why do Users Access the Internet?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Communications Information Shopping Banking and Investing Classes Entertainment Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

What is the Web?

 Billions of documents, called Web pages, available to anyone connected to the Internet A

Web site

is a collection of related Web pages A

Web page

contains text, graphics, sound, video, and links to other Web pages You can share information by creating Web pages or posting photos on a

photo sharing community

Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

Personal Computers

 What are the two most popular series of personal computers?

PC and compatibles use the Windows operating system Apple Macintosh uses the Macintosh operating system (Mac OS) Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

Personal Computers

 What is a desktop computer?

 Designed so all of the components fit entirely on or under a desk or table Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

 What is a notebook computer?

   Portable, small enough to fit on your lap Also called a laptop computer Generally more expensive than a desktop computer Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

Setting It All Up: Ergonomics

  Ergonomics: minimizing injury or discomfort while using the computer Steps to follow:   Position monitor correctly Use adjustable chair   Assume proper position while typing Take breaks  Ensure adequate lighting 28