AN INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

THIS CLASS IS DESIGNED AS A BEGINNERS CLASS IN COMPUTING

OBJECTIVES
Learn Basic Computer Terminology Difference Between Hardware and Software Understanding Computer Components Basic Keyboard and Mouse Usage Proper Care For your PC

PREREQUISITES

There are no prerequisites.

DEFINITION
What is a Computer? computer Pronunciation key (km-pytr) n. A device that computes, especially a programmable electronic machine that performs high-speed mathematical or logical operations or that assembles, stores, correlates, or otherwise processes information. One who computes. (American Heritage Dictionary, 4th ed. Pub. 2000)

THE LANGUAGE OF COMPUTERS

Binary Numbers

Binary Numbers 1 of 3
Computers speak binary. Binary language consists of combinations of 1's and 0's that represent characters of other languages (in our case the English language). Dont make the mistake of thinking that little 1's and 0's are running around inside of the computer. We humans prefer to think of 1's and 0's because its easier than visualizing positive and negative current flows or open and closed circuits which is what actually happens inside computers. A combination of eight bits represents one character in our language. One character in our language (eight bits) is referred to as a byte. (For example: 01000001 is a byte that represents an uppercase A; each 1 or 0 is a bit.)

Binary Numbers 2 of 3
Kilobytes, Megabytes, and Gigabytes If you understand that a byte is one character in our language, youve got it made because: 1000 bytes = 1 kilobyte (1,000 characters = 1 kilobyte) 1,000,000 bytes = 1 megabyte (1,000,000 characters = 1 megabyte) 1,000,000,000 bytes = 1 gigabyte (1,000,000,000 characters = 1 gigabyte)

Binary Numbers 3 of 3
Disk Capacity Its important to know how large your files are because eventually you wont have enough space on your disk to hold more files. Knowing the total capacity of your disk, how much space is left on your disk, and how large the file is, you can make accurate decisions as to whether to save the file to the current disk, or save the file to a different diskette with more disk capacity. Keep in mind that a low density floppy diskette holds 720 kilobytes of data, and a high density floppy diskette holds 1.44 megabytes of data. Put in easier to understand terms, a low density disk can hold approximately 300 typed pages and a high density can hold approximately 600 typed pages. Zip disks have 100 megabytes of disk capacity (about $10.00 each) or 250 megabytes of disk capacity (about $15.00 each). CD-ROMS have 650 megabytes of capacity (about $1.00 each) or 700 megabytes of capacity (about $1.50 each). Super Disks have 120 megabytes of disk capacity (about $12.00 each). Hard drives (disk drives inside of the computer) might hold anywhere from 30 megabytes (old computers) to 80 gigabytes (new computers) of data. Most computers today are sold with anywhere from a 5 gigabyte (portable/laptop computers) to a 120 gigabyte (desktop computers) disk capacity.

THIS IS A FEW OF THE

DIFFERENT TYPES of COMPUTERS
Desk top
computer computer

Hand Held Computer

Lap Top computer

DEFINITION

Hardware Vs. Software If you can touch it, its hardware

Examples of Hardware

The Programs that are on the disks are software

Definition of User

Uses for a PC
Word Processing Desktop Publishing Database Management Spreadsheets Communication Finance Education Entertainment News and Information Doorstop

Tips for Beginners

Explore Your Computer Mistakes wont Kill You EDIT/ UNDO is your Friend Be persistent Apply what you Learn Dont try to learn too fast Walk away if you get frustrated Have Fun

Why Learn This Stuff?

Buying a PC Having Your PC Serviced Calling For Support Be able to talk to Friends & Grandchildren Its Fun

Hardware Overview
PC Versus MAC

Examples of PC computers

Examples of MAC computers

SYSTEM COMPONENTS CPU/PROCESSOR

The CPU refers to the microprocessor chip. Sometimes the Tower is called the CPU. Its speed is measured in Megahertz (MHZ) (Millions of cycles per second) or Gigahertz (GHZ) Billions of cycles per second.
(A cycle is the time required for the CPU to execute an instruction step).

SYSTEM COMPONENTS Ram Random Access Memory

Ram is the memory used by the computer to run programs. The amount of Ram available will determine how fast a program will run and how many windows can be open at one time. Ram memory is considered Volatile because it disappears when the power is turned off.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS Hard Drive

The Hard Drive is the computers main, long term storage. It is referred to as non-volatile storage, because it does not disappear when the power is turned off. The size of the Hard Drive is measured in Gigabytes. (Billions of Bytes).

RAM VERSUS HARD DRIVE

If we use the analogy of a desk: Then the work we are doing on the desk top would be using the RAM and the work we store in the file drawers would be on the HARD DRIVE.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Mother Board
(This is where most of the electronics is located).

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Case
(Tower,Chassis,Box)

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Modem (Modulator Demodulator).
(Used for internet access with phone line).

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Power Supply 250 500 Watts DO NOT OPEN
(This is the power source that makes everything go).

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Audio Card
This is the voice of your system).

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Floppy Drive 1.44 MB
(This item is fast becoming obsolete).

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Network Card
(Used to connect to high speed internet access e.g. Cable or DSL lines).

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Tape Drive Can store Gigabytes of data.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Video Card
(Provides visual images to the monitor. Also used in computer games, to provide additional memory for visual effects).

PERIPHERALS
Monitors CRT Vs LCD

PERIPHERALS
Printers
(Might be Ink Jet, Bubble Jet, Laser or whatever the manufacturers invent tomorrow).

PERIPHERALS
Video Cameras (Also called webcams)

POWER PROTECTION
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) 280 VA 400 VA (Essentially a battery back-up in case of a power failure)

KEYBOARD
The Keyboard (This is the primary input device)

KEYBOARD
Alphanumeric Keys

KEYBOARD
Numeric Keypad

KEYBOARD
Enter (Return) Key

KEYBOARD
Spacebar

KEYBOARD
Modifier keys: CTRL, ALT, SHIFT

KEYBOARD
State keys: Caps, Scroll, Numlock

KEYBOARD
Windows keys

MOUSE
Holding the mouse Grip between thumb and ring finger (Right handed grip shown, Lefties use other hand)

MOUSE
Mouse Pointer

MOUSE
Left Clicking

MOUSE
Right clicking

MOUSE
Double clicking (Use the left side, Click twice)

MOUSE
Click and drag