computer basics

Computer BasicsTechnology Literacy

HardwareSoftware

Operating Systems

Introduction to Computers

Help us perform tasks efficiently and quickly

Are used in almost every field/industry

Made of various parts› Input devices› Output devices› Processing devices› Storage devices

Computer Basics

Hardware› “Refers to all the

physical components connected to a computer” (microsoft.com)

Hardware

Input Devices Mouse Keyboard Microphone Scanner Webcam Stylus Digital Camera

Output Devices Monitor Printer Speakers Headphones Projector

Hardware

Processing Devices CPU Memory Motherboard Video Card Network Interface

Card Sound Card

Storage Devices Hard Drive Floppy Disk CD-ROM DVD-ROM Jump Drive

HardwareCPU (Central Processing

Unit) This is the brain of

your computer. It interprets and runs

the commands you give the computer.

A processor these days can have several "cores," each of which is similar to an independent processor.

Hardware Memory

RAM (Random access

memory) › Main memory› Temporary› Only available when

computer is on

Where information is stored and retrieved by the CPU.

ROM (Read only memory)› Permanent› Used to store

commands› Remains even when

computer is off

HardwareMotherboard

A large circuit board inside a computer

Connects input, output and processing devices and tells the CPU how to run. 

Hardware Video Card

Used to process graphics

Because most of today's programs are graphically oriented, the video card can help almost any program run more efficiently.

Hardware Network Interface Card

(NIC) Hardware that allows a

computer to be connected to other computers (a network) so information can be exchanged between them.

Hardware Sound Card

Converts audio signals to digital signals that can be stored as a audio file.

Converts audio signals to electrical signals to play through speakers or headphones.

Hardware Optical Drive (CD/DVD/BR) An input and output

device that can receive and burn data.

Hardware Hard Drive

Main storage device on a computer

Stores the operating system, the programs and all of your documents.

When your computer powers down, the data on a hard drive remains intact.

Hardware Portable Storage

CD-ROM› Commonly stores

music or pictures DVD-ROM

› Can store more data than a CD-ROM

› Commonly stores movies and videos

USB Flash Drive› “Jump drive”› Various sizes (4GB,

8GB, 16GB)› Stores files,

pictures, videos, etc.

Computer Basics

Software› A collection of computer

programs and related data that provide the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it.

SoftwareSystem Software

Provides the basic functions for computer usage and helps run the computer hardware and system. › Device drivers› Operating systems› Servers› Utilities› Window systems

SoftwareProgramming Software

Provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs, and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. › Compilers› Debuggers› Interpreters› Linkers› Text Editors

SoftwareApplication Software

Developed to aid in any task that benefits from computation. It is a broad category, and encompasses software of many kinds, including:› Business Software (QuickBooks, etc.)› Databases› Spreadsheets› Video Games› Productivity Programs (Word,

PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)

SoftwareOperating System

The most important software on the computer.

Every computer must have an operating system to run other programs.

Controls and manages the hardware connected to the computer.

Helps organize and manage files and folders.

SoftwareOperating Systems

Open (free) Ubuntu Linux

Closed ($$$) Windows 8 Windows 7 Windows XP Windows Vista Snow Leopard

Software: Operating Systems

Windows 7 Desktop

DESKTOP- Icons, Wallpaper, Task Bar, System Tray

START MENU TASK BAR SYSTEM TRAY

Operating Systems: Windows 7

Windows 7 Start Button (Menu)

Recently used programs

Files, Settings & Features

Expand All Programs

Shut down, Log Off

Operating Systems: Windows 7

All Programs

Expanded list of programs

Operating Systems: Windows 7

Click Control Panel

Operating Systems: Windows 7

Control Panel

Operating Systems: Windows 7

My Computer

Operating Systems: Windows 7

My Computer