Learning Targets

• Identify the external parts of the computer

• Identify examples of input devices

• Identify examples of output devices

• Define basic computer terms

Introduction to Computers

• Active Window: The last window you clicked in.

• Alias: An icon that points to a particular file, folder or application in the Macintosh OS.

• Application: A program designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in some cases, for another application.

• Bit (Binary Digit): The smallest unit of information in a computer.

• Boot Up: To load an operating system into the computer's RAM (Random Access Memory).

• Byte (Binary Term): A unit of storage capable of holding 8 bits.

• CD-R: one time recordable compact disc.

Definitions

• CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory): A read-only storage medium. CD-ROMs contain up to 650MB of information.

• CD-ROM Drive: A device that can read data from a CD-ROM.

• CD-RW: Allows you to read, write, erase,and write again.

• Central Processing Unit (CPU) or Processor: A microchip containing the logic circuitry that responds to and processes instructions that drive the computer.

• Click and Drag: Press and hold down the left mouse button. Move the mouse pointer to your desired location then release the mouse button.

• Desktop: The main GUI generated by the operating system.

Definitions - Continued

• File name extension: Comes after the period in a file name and indicates the type of information stored in a file.

• Floppy Disk: A portable magnetic storage medium for computer data. Floppy disks typically hold 1.44 MB of information.

• Floppy Disk Drive: A device that reads data from and writes data to a floppy diskette.

• Gigabyte: A measure of electronic holding space. One gigabyte equals 1,073,741,824 bytes.

• Graphical User Interface (GUI): A program interface that takes advantage of the computer's graphics capabilities to make the program easier to use.

• Hard Drive: The primary storage location on the computer.

Definitions - Continued

• Hardware: The physical components of the computer system.

• Hierarchical File System: A file system that is organized in the shape of a pyramid.

• Icon: A picture or symbol used to represent a file, folder or application/program.

• Input Device: Any device that generates input for the computer.

• Keyboard: An input device used to submit data to the computer.

• Kilobyte: A measure of electronic holding space. One kilobyte equals 1,024 bytes.

• Megabyte: A measure of electronic holding space. One megabyte equals 1,048,576 bytes.

Definitions - continued

• Memory: The electronic holding place for instructions and data that your computer's microprocessor can reach quickly.

• Menu: A list of options from which you can execute commands.

• Monitor: A video or computer display device.

• Mouse: A small hand-controlled input device that relays signals to the computer, which moves a corresponding pointer on the monitor screen.

• Operating System: An application that manages other applications and devices.

• Output Device: Any device that displays information from the computer.

Definitions - continued

• Program: The Windows OS term for an application (see definition above).

• Random Access Memory (RAM): Primary working memory that holds data and instructions while the computer is in use.

• Read Only Memory (ROM): Built in memory that permanently stores instructions and data. (The instructions and data in ROM are created when it is manufactured and cannot be changed.)

• Reboot: To restart a computer.

• Right-click: click and release the right mouse button.

• Shortcut: An icon that points to a particular file, directory or application in Windows OS.

Definitions - continued

• Shutting Down: Clears the computer’s RAM, disengages all peripheral devices, and turns the power off.

• Speaker: A device that translates computer signals into sound.

• USB Flash Drive: A rewritable storage medium which is plugged directly into a computer through a USB port.

• Wildcard: A symbol that allows the user to perform unrestricted find routines in Windows OS.

• Window: A resizable viewing area on a computer display screen in a system that allows multiple viewing areas as part of a graphical user interface (GUI).

• Write-Protected Disk: Physically altering the disk so that changes cannot be made to the files contained on it.

Definitions - concluded

Parts of a Computer

• Computer consists of• Hardware and software working

together to accomplish tasks• Hardware – physical components• Input devices• Output devices• Processor or central processing unit

(CPU)• Memory

Parts of a Computer

Input Devices

• Operation, program or device that transfers date to the computer

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Controlled by the user

Input Devices

Processor

• Translation of signals

• Microchip which contains the logic circuitry that responds to and processes instructions that drive the computer

• The box is commonly referred to as the CPU• Contains microchip• Memory• Removable storage• Additional components

Processor (CPU)

Output Devices

• Machines displaying information from the computer

• Monitor

• Speakers

• Printers

• Controlled by the computer

Output Devices

• Information from input devices

• Output devices deliver the information to the user

• Word on the screen

• Information to the printer to print

• Sound from the speaker

Processor Translations

• Input devices feed information into the computer

• CPU processes the information – the brains of the computer• Limited understanding• Recognizes two digits – the “0” (zero) and

“1”• Binary language• All data stored as 0’s and 1’s

• Output devices translate information back to the user in an easily understood format

How Computers Work

Binary Numbers – Bits & Bytes• 0’s and 1’s are

referred to as bits – the smallest unit of information on a computer

• A byte is a combination of 8 bits

• Bits – like 8 individual building blocks scattered on the floor

• Byte – 8 bits stuck together

• Multiple bytes combined form more complex units of information• Kilobyte (KB) – 1,024 bytes• Megabyte (MB) – 1,048,576 bytes• Gigabyte (GB) – 1,073,741,824 bytes

Building Blocks

• Amount of electronic holding places available for instructions or data

• 16MB of memory – 16,777,216 bytes or 134,217,728 bits

• Hard drives today are sold in gigabyte or terabyte increments

Memory Capacity

Memory

• The computer cycle would not be possible without a holding place for information - MEMORY• Input process output

• Memory – electronic holding place for instructions and data that the microprocessor can easily reach

• Types• RAM – Random Access Memory• ROM – Read Only Memory

Memory

• RAM - Primary working memory that holds data and instructions while the computer is in use• Can be written to and read from • Temporary memory – can be lost if

not saved, can be changed/updated• ROM – built in memory that

permanently stores instructions and data• Cannot be changed

RAM vs ROM

• A place to store data

• Types• Hard drive• USB Flash drive• Compact Disk/DVD

Disks and Storage

• Storage space for documents, old email, and applications

• Protecting the Hard Drive• Never move a computer while it is

on• The hard drive is spinning and

movement could cause the magnetic disks to become scratched

• Shut down computer properly• Regularly perform diagnostic tests

Hard Drive

• CD ROM – read only storage medium, holds 650MB of information• CD-R – one time recordable compact

disk, holds 700MB• CD-RW – allows you to read, write, erase,

and write again, holds 650MB of data• Can be rewritten up to 1000 times;

but the more it is rewritten the less reliable it becomes

Compact Disks/DVD

• Rewritable storage medium which is plugged directly into a computer through a USB port

• Can hold 128MB to 16GB or more of data

USB Flash Drive

• Input devices feed information into the computer

• The CPU process the information

• The output devices translate this information back to the user

• Process would not be possible without the holding place called memory

SUMMARY

Complete the Skyward online assignment related to Introduction to Computers – use the image on the next slide to answer questions

A

B

EB

C

D