Computer Skills 6 & 7

Basics of Computer Hardware, Software, Peripherals, and Information Processing

Mr. King Spring 2014
Slide 1

Applying Computer Basics

Computer: a machine that follows a set of instructions and makes calculations Computers can: guide telescopes, control lighting, control air conditioning, run security systems, make calls, store phone numbers, send text messages, share music & video, play games, run programs, animate movies
Lesson 1

Slide 2

Sizing up Hardware
Hardware: the parts of a computer that you can touch with your hands Microprocessors: a small circuit board inside of a computer that controls the work a computer does; the brains of the computer. Digital: the binary code of 0s and 1s (01011101) with which microprocessors store and calculate.
Lesson 1 Slide 3

DigiTools
Short for "digital communication tools" Computers of all types are called DigiTools Also called digital devices, electronic devices, and consumer electronics

Personal Computers
Personal Computer (PC): designed for individual use multimedia desktop, laptop, tablet

CPU: Central Processing Unit microprocessor

Lesson 1 Slide 5

Hardware

Motherboard - the main electronic board that connects the parts of the computer including the CPU, the RAM, the disk drives (CD, DVD, or hard disk) as well as any peripherals via expansion card slots.

Hardware

RAM - Random-access memory is a form of data storage memory directly usable by a CPU. Expansion cards - a circuit board that can be inserted into a motherboard to connect peripherals. Slide 7

Hardware
Optical disc drive - a storage device that uses laser light such as with CD players, DVD players and DVD recorders. Hard disk drive - a data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information using rapidly rotating fixed disks.
Slide 8

Peripherals

Peripherals: devices that work with a computer

Printers, video cameras, overhead projector, scanners, and headsets (speech recognition)
Slide 9

Hardware & Peripherals

Monitor - an electronic visual display for a computer. Mouse - a pointing device that controls the motion of cursor on computer monitor. Keyboard - a typewriter-style letter, number and symbol input device for computer.
Slide 10

Software
Software: Instructions computers need to work properly. Three types:
1. Operating system (OS) Controls communication with hardware. Controls interaction with user. Examples: Windows XP, NT, RT, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Mac iOS 6, Mac OS X Mountain Lion
Lesson 1 Slide 11

Software
Software continued:
2. Application
Allows you to complete a specific task Generally installed on a local computer Examples: Word, Excel, PowerPoint

3. Online web-based
Also lets you complete specific tasks Runs over the Internet inside a web browser Examples: Google Sites, Typing Web, Survey Monkey, Edmodo, Prezi
Lesson 1 Slide 12

Information Processing
Information Processing: interaction with computers using a 5-step process
Putting data into forms we can use & understand

Data: words, pictures, numbers

Lesson 1

Slide 13

5 Steps of Information Processing

Lesson 1

Slide 14

Information Processing
Input: putting data into a computer
Touchscreen, keyboard, electronic pen, speech headset, scanner, camera, etc.

Processing: changing or manipulating data using software in computer

Add numbers, sort lists, alter colors

Output: getting data from your computer

Read a text message, print report, view photos on monitor
Lesson 1 Slide 15

Information Processing
Distribution: sharing information with people who want it
Post a blog, build website, use phone to send picture

Storage: saving data for later use

Local hard drive (C:\\), flash drive, internet/ cloud, network server

Lesson 1

Slide 16