Computer Computer BasicsBasics

What is a Computer?What is a Computer?

• ““A computer is an electronic device, A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, than can accept stored in its own memory, than can accept data (data (inputinput), process the data according to ), process the data according to specified rules (specified rules (processprocess), produce results ), produce results ((outputoutput), and store the results (), and store the results (storagestorage) for ) for future use” future use” MS Office 2007, Shelly CashmanMS Office 2007, Shelly Cashman

OR

• A A machinemachine that uses that uses instructionsinstructions to do to do jobsjobs..

What is a computer?

• An electronic device that inputs, processes and stores information

Functions of a Computer

• Input: Entering data, graphics, etc.

• Process: What the CPU does, including calculations and drawing images for output

• Storage: Saved files (remember, they must have a NAME)

• Output: Includes what you see on the screen and what comes out through a printer, speakers, etc.

Computers include …Computers include …

• HardwareHardware

• SoftwareSoftware– Application softwareApplication software– System softwareSystem software

• MemoryMemory

• StorageStorage

HardwareHardware

• Is anything you can touchIs anything you can touch– Computer Computer – MonitorMonitor– Mouse and KeyboardMouse and Keyboard– Microphone and speakersMicrophone and speakers– ScannerScanner

Software:Software:

• The programs, or tools, that allow you to The programs, or tools, that allow you to use a computer.use a computer.

– Microsoft WordMicrosoft Word– Browsers (Internet Explorer, Chrome)Browsers (Internet Explorer, Chrome)– Adobe PhotoshopAdobe Photoshop

• Computers must have system software, or Computers must have system software, or an operating systeman operating system

– Windows (PC based from Microsoft)Windows (PC based from Microsoft)– Linux (PC based Open Source)Linux (PC based Open Source)– Snow Leopard (Apple)Snow Leopard (Apple)

Memory

• Ram– Where open files sit until saved– Stored physical chips

• Video Memory– Allows intense graphics– CPU uses to draw images on the screen

Storage

• Saved files

• Internal– Hard disk drive

• External– Hard disk drive– Flash drive– CD/DVD

• Network drives

Peripheral Devices

• Expand the capabilities of the computer

2 main types of peripheral devices

• Input Devices

• Output Devices

Path of Information Through Path of Information Through a Computera Computer

Input Device

RAM

Output Device

Computer Computer BasicsBasics