A Look at Your Computer

Business Computer Information Systems I

Created by: Mrs. E. Kelley

Revised: April 19, 2023

Learning Objectives

To learn the difference between hardware and software.

To learn the most important parts of your computer.

To learn how computers work:– Input– Output– Processing– Storage

Hardware vs. Software

Hardware is any part of a computer system you can see or touch.

What do you see?

Answer: A Printer

Hardware vs. Software

Software is a set of electronic instructions that tell a computer what to do. You cannot see or touch software, but you can see and touch the packaging it comes in.

What software do you see?

Answer: Microsoft Office XP

Application Software

Lets you accomplish specific tasks. Popular software include:

Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft Powerpoint Microsoft Access

Application Suite

Operating System Software

Controls the overall activity of a computer. Most computers come with the following systems:

Windows 95Windows 98Windows MeWindows XP

WINXP

Identifying Parts of the Computer

MonitorCPUKeyboardMouse

A typical computer system consist of several parts.

Monitor

A monitor is a device that displays text and images generated by the computer.

CPU

The main chip in a computer. Processes instructions, performs calculations and manages the flow of information through computer.

Keyboard

A keyboard is a device that lets you type information and instructions into a computer.

Mouse

A mouse is a hand-held device that lets you select and move items on the screen.

How Computers Work

InputOutputProcessingStorage

A computer collects, processes, stores and outputs information.

Input

An input device lets you communicate with a computer. You can use input devices to enter information and issue commands.

Examples include: keyboard, mouse, trackball, pointing stick, touchpad, touch screen, graphics tablet, scanner, digital camera and joystick.

Output

An output device lets a computer communicate with you. These devices display information on a screen, create printed copies or generate sound.

Examples include: a monitor, printer, headphones, plotter, projection unit, and speakers.

Processing

The CPU is the main chip in a computer. It processes instructions, performs calculations and manages the flow of information.

Communicates with input, output and storage devices to perform tasks.

Store

A storage device holds information. The computer uses information stored on these devices to perform tasks.

Examples include: hard drive, floppy disk, zip cartridge, DVD-ROM and CD-ROM.

Lesson Checkup

Let’s test your knowledge. . . .

Lesson Checkup

What is the difference between hardware and software?

any part of a computer system you can see or

touch.

Answer:

Hardware

electronic instructions that tell the computer what

to do.

Software

Lesson Checkup

Identify the following parts of the computer:

Monitor

Mouse

Keyboard

CPU

1.

2.

4.

3.

Lesson Checkup

Which part is called “The Brain”?

CPU

1.

2.

4.

3.

Lesson Checkup

Which one of the following lets the computer communicate with you?– Storage– Input– Processing– Output

Lesson Checkup

Which one of the following holds information?– Storage– Input– Processing– Output

Lesson Checkup

Which one of the following lets you communicate with the computer?– Storage– Input– Processing– Output

Lesson Checkup

Which one of the following processes and manage the flow of information.– Processing– Input– Storage– Output

Lesson Checkup

Match the device to the example:

–Processing

–Input

–Storage

–Output

–Monitor

–Floppy Disk

–CPU

–Keyboard