Learning the Computer BasicsLesson One

Lesson Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:

• Designate five things you can do with a computer

• Compare and contrast the five different types of a computer

• Designate six main computer parts

• Differentiate hardware from software

• Differentiate internal and external hardware

• Differentiate application and system software

5 Ways to Use a Computer

• Create documents (e.g. letters, memos, and reports)

• Store data (e.g. recipes, CDs, contact information)

• Budgeting & Saving

• Research (e.g. travel plans, genealogy, product reviews, homework)

5 Different Computer Types

• Desktop Computer- most common of computers

• The desktop comes with a mouse, keyboard, monitor, and a computer tower

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5 Different Computer Types

Notebook-

• Combines the tower & keyboard…

• In addition the monitor…

• Speakers and mouse into one

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5 Different Computer Types

Tablet PC

• Looks like a small notebook computer

• The screen moves horizontal or vertical

• A digital pen (e.g. a Stylus pen) is used

• Or you can user your fingers

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5 Different Computer Types

Handheld (PDA or Smartphone)

• Very small computer

• Sometimes a mobile phone

• Weighs less than 2lbs

• A.K.A. personal digital assistant (PDA)

• Stores schedules

• Check email

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5 Different Computer Types

Server-

• Powerful Computer

• Central Resource for other computers

• Computers connect to the server

• Includes terminals and Mainframes

• Run large scale operations

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6 Main Computer Parts

Computer Case

• AKA Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• System Unit

• Console

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6 Main Computer Parts

Monitor-

• AKA Screen

• Display

• Looks similar to a TV

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6 Main Computer Parts

Keyboard-

• Looks similar to a type writer

• Used to type information

• Enter instructions for computer

• More in Chapter 4

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6 Main Computer Parts

Mouse-

• Hand operated

• Pointing device

• Use to select or move items on monitor

• Provides instructions for computer

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6 Main Computer Parts

Printer-

• A device we use to print documents

• Some printers features an all in one device system

• It can copy, print, scan, or fax

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6 Main Computer Parts

Speakers-

• The output for audio or sound

• For music, narrations

• E.g. Headphones

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Hardware vs. Software

Hardware-

• Physical computer components

• E.g. parts, buttons, ports

• Devices such as a printer, keyboard, CPU

Software-

• Instructs the computer to perform

• Helps the computer complete tasks

• E.g. Microsoft Office; Windows 7

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Internal Hardware

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Internal Hardware-

• Hardware that is “inside” the computer

• Includes the CPU

• Memory Chips

• Disk Drives

• Circuit Boards

External Hardware

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External Hardware-

• AKA Peripherals

• The hardware that “connects” to the computer

• “Outside of the computer”

• E.g. Printer, Keyboard, Mouse

Application Software

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Application Software-

• Programs we interact with

• E.g. Microsoft Word/ Office

• E.g. Adobe Dreamweaver (Web design software)

System Software

System Software-

• The software that operates “behind the scenes”

• Helps your computer to run smoothly

• E.g. Operating System

• E.g. Windows XP, Vista, & Windows 7

All Images courtesy of Microsoft Clipart

Resources

McFedries, P. (2007). Chapter 1: Getting Familiar with

Computer Basics. In Simplified Computers. (7th ed.). (pp.

4-17). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc.

Image courtesy of Wiley Publishing Inc.