Computer Basic - A

8/11/2019 Computer Basic - A

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A. Computer Basics

Unit Objectives:

1.01-1.04

1.00 Examine the Role of

Hardware and Software.

Updated 08/2009 - BH


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What Is A Computer?

An electronic device that receives data,processes data, stores data, and

produces a result (output).

A collection of electronic circuits, which

can be on or off (open or closed).


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These two states of the circuit arerepresented by two digits, 0 and 1.

o Called the binary system.

o Combining bits (0 and 1), you can

represent any character or number.


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Benefits of Using Computers

Error-free calculations

SpeedFlexibility

Storage

Consistency and repetition


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What Is AComputer System?

Hardware: the tangible, physicalequipment that can be seen and

touched such as: Computer Case Monitor Keyboard and Mouse Disk Drive Speakers


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o Software: the intangible set of

instructions that tells thecomputer what to do; know asprograms or software programs.

oTwo types of softwareApplication

System Software


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Types of Computers

Supercomputer: most powerful -Used to do things like predict

hurricanes and navigate satellites Mainframes and Minicomputers:

Used by business and government toprocess large amounts of information


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Personal Computers

Desktop computer: designed to beused on a desktop.

Notebook/Tablet computer:

designed to be used on a desktop butstill small enough to be portable.

Laptop computer: designed to be

small enough and light enough to beused on your lap.


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Web TV: provides easy access tothe Internet without having to have

a traditional computer. Enables you to connect to the

Internet and usually includes a

keyboard or other device forentering and selecting data.

Additional Types of Computers


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PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) ahandheld device that is often usedin conjunction with a desktop orother PC.

May have a special keyboard, someuse a pen or stylus for enteringdata

- Data can be transferred to adesktop or laptop computer


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Data Communications

The technology that enables computersto communicate.

The transmission of text, numeric,voice or video data from one machine toanother.

Popular examples: Internet, electronic

messages (e-mail), faxes, and electronicor online banking


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Four components: Sender: the computer that is

sending the message. Receiver: the computer receiving

the message.

Channel: the media that carries ortransports the message. (telephonewire, coaxial cable, microwave signal,or fiber optic)

Protocol: the rules that govern theorderly transfer of the data sent.


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When computers are connected toother computers

They can share information andsometimes hardware (printers)

Two Types: Local-Area and Wide-Area

Network


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The microprocessor, the brains of thecomputer. Referred to a CPU orprocessor

Housed on a tiny silicon chip

Chip contains millions of switches and

pathways that help your computermake important decisions.

Central Processing Unit


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CPU knows which switches to turnon and which to turn off becauseit receives its instructions fromcomputer programs (software).

CPU has two primary sections:

Arithmetic/logic unit

Control unit


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Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU):

- Performs arithmetic computations andlogical operations; by combining thesetwo operations the ALU can execute

complex tasks.- Arithmetic operations includeaddition, subtractions, multiplication,

and division.

- Logical operations involvecomparisons.


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Control Unit: is the boss andcoordinates all of the CPUs activities.

Uses programming instructions, itcontrols the flow of information

through the processor by controllingwhat happens inside the processor.

We communicate with the computer

through programming languages.

Examples: COBOL, C++,

HTML, Java Script or


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Memory

Found on the motherboard

Short termRandom Access Memory (RAM)

Long term

Read Only Memory (ROM)


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Random Access Memory (RAM)

Memory on the motherboard that isshort term; where data, information,and program instructions are stored

temporarily on a RAM chip or a set ofRAM chips. Known as the main memory.

This memory is considered volatile.

The computer can read fromand write to RAM.


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When the computer is turned offor if there is loss of power, whatever is stored in RAM disappears.

Temporary Memory Short Term


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Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Memory on the motherboard thatis long term; where the specificinstructions that are needed for

the computer to operate arestored.

This memory is nonvolatile andyour computer can only readfrom a ROM chip.


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Basic Controllers:

On the motherboard, a device thatcontrols the transfer of data from the

computer to a peripheral device andvice versa.

Generally stored on one single chip.

Examples: keyboards, mouse,monitors, and printers


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Universal Serial Bus (USB)

A new standard that supports datatransfer rates of up to 12 million bitsper second.

A single USB port can be used toconnect up to 127 peripheral devices

Expected to replace serial and parallel

ports in the near future.


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Expansion Slots

An opening on the motherboard wherea circuit board or expansion board can

be inserted.

Examples: Additional Memory, video

cards, modem cards, and soundcards.


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How Does A Computer

Process Data?PC system casethe metal and plastic

case that houses the main system

components of the computer.

Central to all of this is the

motherboard or systemboard that mounts into the case.


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Motherboard

Is a circuit board (a thin plate or

board that contains electroniccomponents) that contains manyintegral components.


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Byte

Eight bits or combinations of ones andzeros represent a character.

Example: 00000001 =1 or 00001010 - 10

KB-Kilobyte roughly 1 thousand bytesMB-Megabyte roughly 1 million bytes

GB-Gigabyte roughly 1 billion bytesTB-Terabyte roughly 1 trillion bytes


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Input, Output, & StorageDevices

Input device:hardware that

allows you tocommunicate withyour computer.

Output device:hardware that allows

your computer tocommunicate withthe user

Input/Output - Storage device:hardware that allows you tostore or retrieve information


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Computer Input Devices

Keyboard

Mouse/Trackball

Joystick Light pen

Pointing Stick

Touchpad

Touch screen

Bar code reader

Scanner Microphone

Graphics Tablet

Digital Cameras


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Computer Output Devices

Monitor:screen thatdisplay informationsuch as text, numbers,

and pictures-softcopy.Printer: gives you

information from the

computer in printedform hardcopy.

Speakers: allowyou to hear voice,music, and othersounds from yourcomputer.

Modem: allows youto use your

computer tocommunicate withother computers.


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Three Types of Printers

Dot Matrix Gives a printed image in a pattern

(matrix) of tiny ink dots.

Less expensive and not as clear

Inkjet Printer

Better quality of printed document Machine uses an ink cartridge anda printing element to print a finerimage on the paper.


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Laser

Best quality of printed documents

Laser beam and an ink toner

cartridge are used to producethe images.

More expensive

Quick


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Tracks are numbered from theoutside to the inside and as data isstored on the disk it is stored onone of these numbered track.

Each track is labeled and thelocation is stored in a log on the

disk known as a file allocationtable (FAT).


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Types of Storage Devices

Hard Disk Drive

Used to store data inside of the computer

Magnetic platter that holds a largeamount of information in a form the

computer can understand.


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Floppy DiskFlat circles of iron oxide-coated

plastic enclosed in a hard plastic

case.

Most are 3 inches and have acapacity to hold 1.44 MB or more ofdata.


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Zip DiskCapable of storing tremendousamounts of information

They are only the size of a 3 inchdisk but can hold as much as 1

gigabyte of data


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Types of Storage Devices

Magnetic Tape DrivesUsed for making backup copies of largevolumes of data.

Very slow

Can be used to replace data that may

have been lost on the hard driveLook similar to audio tapes.

Holds more than Floppy


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Optical Discs

Use laser technology to read and writedata on silver platters

Compact Disk (CD) can store 650MB

to 800MB of information and data.CD-ROM (Read Only Memory) can onlyread data from a CD-ROM.

You can store data on a CD only if youhave a CD Burner and CD-R (writable)or CD-RW (rewritable) CD.


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DVD(Digital Versatile Disk) is thesize of a regular CD and can be

played in a regular CD or in a DVDmovie player.

DVD can store 4.8GB to 8.0GB ofinformation and data. DVD-ROM isreadable only (a movie DVD).

You can store data on a DVD only ifyou have a DVD Burner andDVD+R/DVD-R

(writable) or DVD-RW

(rewritable) DVD.

f


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Systems Software

A group of programs that coordinateand control the resources andoperations of a computer system.

Enables all components of thecomputer system to communicate.

Operating System, Utility Programs,and Graphic User Interface (GUI).


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Systems Software

Operating System (OS):

Provide an interface between the user

or application program and thecomputer hardware.

Win 95/98/2000/XP/Vista

Mac System 6/7/8/9


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Utility Programs

Help you perform housekeeping chores;complete specialized tasks related tomanaging the computers resources, filemanagement, and so on.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)Interface between the operating system

and the user. Graphical symbols (icons)

represent files, disks, programs, andother objects.


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Application Software

Programs that work with the operatingsystem software to help you use

your computer to do specific typesof work.


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Application SoftwareCategories

Business

Communications

Graphics and Multimedia

Education and Reference

Entertainment and Leisure

Integrated Programs


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Business Software

SpreadsheetManipulate NumericData

Intersection of row

and column is a cellGrade Book, Financial

Report

DatabaseLets you set up an

electronic filingsystems

Sort and Search

Address book, CardCatalog

Word ProcessingCreate, edit, and print text documentsReport, flyer, memo


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Communications

Works with your modems or networkhardware and allows your computer tocommunicate with other computers.

Exchange computer files and email

Graphics Software

Uses pictures or images to helpcommunicate messages.

M lti di


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Multimedia

Combines text, graphics, animation,

video, and audio.

Clip art

Graphical images to be added todocuments

Desktop Publishing

Uses both pictures and words to giveyou the ability to create documents.

Newsletters and brochures


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Education &

ReferenceAvailable on

many topics

Easier

Quicker

AR, CCC, &Encyclopedia

Entertainment

& LeisureFun

Games andsimulations

Tests your skills

Interactive


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Integrated Software

Combine several software applicationsinto one program.

Include: Work Processing, Spreadsheet,Database, & Communication

Examples: MS Works, MS OFFICE, &Lotus SmartSuite


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Proper Computer Care

Keep food and drinks away from thecomputer and keyboard.

Avoid dusty locations.Use a surge protector.

Keep magnets Away.


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Do not block vents on the CPU.

Avoid bright sunny locations.

Do not move the computer while it is inuse.

Always exit programs properly.

Use a virus check program on a regular

basis.


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Proper Diskette Care

Do not remove from drives while drivein running or light is on.

Avoid contact with magnets andelectromagnetic fields.

Keep disks stored in a clean, cool and

dry place with a protective cover.


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Keep protective metal slider in place.

Use a virus check program on a regularbasis.

Avoid hot and cold locations.

Make a back-up copy of your programs

and files.


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Make a back-up copy of your programs

and files on CD or DVD.Insert into CD or DVD Drive properly;

label facing up.

Only write on CDs or DVD;s with aproper marking Pen on a label or the

correct side of the CD or DVD.


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Proper Care of Printers

Avoid cold, hot, and dusty locations.

Always use the correct ink or toner

replacement.

Always have the proper printer cableconnected to your computer.


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Never pull paper out of a printer inmotion.

Do not turn off the printer whileprinting.

Read the instruction manual beforeoperating a printer.

Always use the proper type of paper in

your printer.

H t M int in


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How to Maintain yourComputer System

Start a notebook of information on yoursystem.

Serial numbersVendor support telephone numbersUser IDs

Date and vendor for eachequipment and software purchase.Trouble log


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Periodically review disk directories &

delete unneeded files.Make sure all plug-ins are secure at all

times.

Turn off the power and disconnect theequipment form the power sourcebefore you open the inside of you

computer.


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Keep surrounding area dirt and dustfree.

Back up files and data regularly.

Periodically defragment your hard disk.

Protect your system from computerviruses

Learn to use system diagnostic programs

Ergonomics


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ErgonomicsThe science of designing equipment for a

comfortable and safe working environment.Proper Computer Ergonomics

Sit up straight and lean forward slightly fromthe waist.

Keep your feet flat on the floor.

Your body should be about a hands length

from the front of the keyboard andcentered with the keyboard.


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Place all materials you will type on the right

side of the computer and supplies on theleft side.

Keep any items you are not using off your

desk.

Occasionally rest your eyes and take shortbreaks.

Avoid lights that cause glare on the monitor.


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Keep your fingers on the home row keys and

curved.Keep your wrists up, not touching the keyboard

or desk.

Focus your eyes on the book, copy or screen.

Q i f h D


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Questions of the Day

1. Definition of Hardware

2. Definition Of Software

3. Definition of CPU

4. Definition of RAM5. Information Processing Cycle

Documents

Computer Basic - A