Parts of the Computer SystemComputer systems have four partsHardwareSoftwareDataUser

Parts of the Computer SystemHardwareMechanical devices in the computerAnything that can be touchedSoftwareTell the computer what to doAlso called a programThousands of programs exist

Teaching tipSuggest to your students that the majority of people who purchase computers do so because of software. They want to email, or type letters. Nearly every reason given to purchase a computer is based on software needs.

Parts of the Computer SystemDataPieces of informationComputer organize and present dataUsersPeople operating the computerMost important partTell the computer what to do

Teaching tipA good exercise to relate the importance of making data meaningful is to list some random numbers on the board. Then ask what they mean. Without a title, the numbers have no meaning. Once a title is presented, the numbers make sense.

Information Processing CycleSteps followed to process dataInputProcessingOutputStorage

Teaching tipIt is helpful to walk through a simple program to demonstrate the cycle. I often use a simple arithmetic problem to show this cycle.

Essential Computer HardwareComputers use the same basic hardwareHardware categorized into four types

Essential Computer HardwareProcessing devicesBrains of the computerCarries out instructions from the programManipulate the dataMost computers have several processorsCentral Processing Unit (CPU)Secondary processorsProcessors made of silicon and copper

Teaching tipThe interaction between a CPU and secondary processors is much like the interaction between a boss and subordinate. The boss tells the subordinate what to do but not necessarily how to accomplish the task. The subordinate only bothers the boss when guidance or more data is needed.

Essential Computer HardwareMemory devicesStores data or programsRandom Access Memory (RAM)VolatileStores current data and programsMore RAM results in a faster systemRead Only Memory (ROM)Permanent storage of programsHolds the computer boot directions

Insider informationIntel, the manufacturer of popular CPUs, originally made RAM for mainframe and minicomputers. Today Kingston is a leading RAM manufacturer.

Chapter 5 discusses ROM and the BIOS. Refer your students to this chapter if they desire more information.

Essential Computer HardwareInput and output devicesAllows the user to interactInput devices accept dataKeyboard, mouseOutput devices deliver dataMonitor, printer, speakerSome devices are input and outputTouch screens

Teaching tipIt is helpful to have examples of input and output devices in class. Stories of obscure input output devices are typically well received by the students.

Essential Computer HardwareStorage devicesHold data and programs permanentlyDifferent from RAMMagnetic storageFloppy and hard driveUses a magnet to access dataOptical storageCD and DVD drivesUses a laser to access data

Insider informationA new CD technology is emerging. A shorter wavelength blue laser beam is being used to burn CDs. This allows more data to be saved on a disk. The technology is in its infancy but should be mature in the near future.

Chapter 11 of the text provides more detail regarding storage devices.

DVD writers are available for purchase. They have not been standardized yet. Several competing formats are vying for acceptance. Of these, the DVD+RW seems to have the strongest support.

Software Runs The MachineTells the computer what to doReason people purchase computersTwo typesSystem softwareApplication software

Software Runs The MachineSystem softwareMost important softwareOperating systemWindows XPNetwork operating system (OS)Windows Server 2003UtilitySymantec AntiVirus

Software Runs The MachineApplication softwareAccomplishes a specific taskMost common type of softwareMS WordCovers most common uses of computers

Computer dataFact with no meaning on its ownStored using the binary number systemData can be organized into files

Teaching tipChapter 5 in the text explores data processing in greater detail.

Figure 1B.5 shows data in binary format.

Computer usersRole depends on abilitySetup the systemInstall softwareMange filesMaintain the systemUserless computersRun with no user inputAutomated systems

Teaching tipMost computer problems are caused by user error. Given this fact, it is fun here to teach the student the acronym PEBKAC the Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair. A little humor can break up the lecture monotony.

Copyright 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.McGraw-Hill Technology Education

Chapter 1BEnd of Chapter

Teaching tipSuggest to your students that the majority of people who purchase computers do so because of software. They want to email, or type letters. Nearly every reason given to purchase a computer is based on software needs. Teaching tipA good exercise to relate the importance of making data meaningful is to list some random numbers on the board. Then ask what they mean. Without a title, the numbers have no meaning. Once a title is presented, the numbers make sense. Teaching tipIt is helpful to walk through a simple program to demonstrate the cycle. I often use a simple arithmetic problem to show this cycle. Teaching tipThe interaction between a CPU and secondary processors is much like the interaction between a boss and subordinate. The boss tells the subordinate what to do but not necessarily how to accomplish the task. The subordinate only bothers the boss when guidance or more data is needed.Insider informationIntel, the manufacturer of popular CPUs, originally made RAM for mainframe and minicomputers. Today Kingston is a leading RAM manufacturer.

Chapter 5 discusses ROM and the BIOS. Refer your students to this chapter if they desire more information. Teaching tipIt is helpful to have examples of input and output devices in class. Stories of obscure input output devices are typically well received by the students. Insider informationA new CD technology is emerging. A shorter wavelength blue laser beam is being used to burn CDs. This allows more data to be saved on a disk. The technology is in its infancy but should be mature in the near future.

Chapter 11 of the text provides more detail regarding storage devices.

DVD writers are available for purchase. They have not been standardized yet. Several competing formats are vying for acceptance. Of these, the DVD+RW seems to have the strongest support. Teaching tipChapter 5 in the text explores data processing in greater detail.

Figure 1B.5 shows data in binary format.Teaching tipMost computer problems are caused by user error. Given this fact, it is fun here to teach the student the acronym PEBKAC the Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair. A little humor can break up the lecture monotony.