What does a Computer Do?. What is a Computer? A computer is an electronic device, operating under...

What does a Computer Do?

What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules (process), produce results (output), and store the results (storage) for future use

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Essential Introduction to Computers: 6th Edition

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 4

Avoid hackers and viruses Protect your privacy Understand the real risks Use the Internet wisely Avoid online annoyances Maintain your computer Make good purchase decisions Integrate the latest

technology

Being a Savvy Computer User and Consumer

What does a computer do? Input – Receives information

Processes – Moves the information around

Storage – Saves the information

Output – Send the information out, printed form, monitor, email, sound, web page


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Input Devices Any hardware component that allows you to enter

data, programs, commands, and user responses into a computer

Examples

Keyboard Mouse

Despite all the clicking going on in the world the Keyboard is still the primary input device.


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System Unit

The motherboard, or system board, is the main circuit board of the system unit

The processor, also called the central processing unit (CPU), interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer

Memory, also called random access memory, or RAM, consists of electronic components that store data, instructions, and information, as needed by the processor


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The Front Panel

Power control Drive bays Memory card

reader Productivity

ports

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Output Devices

Hardware that conveys information to one or morepeople

Output Device Examples

Printer

Monitor


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Storage Devices

Used to store instructions, data, and information when they are not being used in memory


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Storage Devices

Magnetic disks use magnetic particles to store items on a disk’s surface Floppy disks Zip disks Hard disks

Provides greater storage capacity than floppy disk, zip disk or USB flash drive

Most are housed inside of the system unit


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Storage Devices

Optical discs CD-ROM DVD-ROM

USB flash drive Provides much greater

storage capacity than a floppy disk or zip disk

Small and lightweight enough to be transported on a keychain or in a pocket


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How Much Is a Byte?

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Communications Devices A communications device is a hardware component

that enables a computer to send (transmit) and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers

Communications occur over transmission media, such as telephone lines, cables, cellular radio networks, and satellites


One type is a modem

What is a Network? What is a network?

Enables a connection

between computers

Enables a connection

between computers

Cables

Cellular radio

Telephone lines

Satellites

Transmission Media

Transmission Media

Communications Device

Communications Device

Collection of computers and devices connected together

Discovering Computers 2006: A Gateway to Information

To shareTo share

What are the Reasons to network?

ResourcesResources

Hardware devices

Hardware devices

Software programs

Software programs

DataDataTo save

time and

money

To save time and

moneyInformationInformation


What is a Server?

A server manages the resources on a network

Clients access the resources on the server


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Computer Software

Operating System (OS)Operating System (OS)is a set of programs that coordinates all activities among computer hardware devices and allows users to run application software


Utility ProgramsUtility Programs allow the user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs







Computer Software What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?

Allows you to interact with the software using graphics and icons

Controls how you enter data and how the screen displays information


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Computer Software Application software consists of programs that tell a

computer how to produce information

Word processing software Spreadsheet software Database software Presentation Graphics software


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Computer Software


What is the Internet?

Worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals


Why do Users Access the Internet?

2. Information

3. Shopping

4. Banking and Investing

5. Classes

6. Entertainment

1. Communications


What is the Web?

A Web site is a collection of

related Web pages

A Web site is a collection of

related Web pagesA Web page contains text, graphics, sound,

video, and links to other Web pages

A Web page contains text, graphics, sound,

video, and links to other Web pages

You can share information by

creating Web pages or posting photos on

a photo sharingcommunity

You can share information by

creating Web pages or posting photos on

a photo sharingcommunity

Billions of documents, called Web pages, available to anyone connected to the Internet


Personal ComputersWhat are the two most popular series of personal computers?

PC and compatibles use the Windows operating system

Apple Macintosh uses the Macintosh operating system (Mac OS)


Personal Computers

What is a desktop computer? Designed so all of the components fit

entirely on or under a desk or table


Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices What is a notebook computer?

Portable, small enough to fit on your lap

Also called a laptop computer

Generally more expensive than a desktop computer


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Setting It All Up: Ergonomics

Ergonomics: minimizing injury or discomfort while using the computer

Steps to follow: Position monitor correctly Use adjustable chair Assume proper position while typing Take breaks Ensure adequate lighting

What does a Computer Do?. What is a Computer? A computer is an electronic device, operating under...

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