Office 2003Introductory Concepts and

Techniques, 2nd Edition

M i c r o s o f t

Essential Introduction to Computers

Mrs. BryantComputer Information Systems

Essential Introduction to Computers, 6th Edition

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

Essential Introduction to Computers, 6th Edition

What makes a computer so powerful?

SPEED A computer can do billions of actions per secondRELIABILITY Failures are usually due to human error, one way or anotherSTORAGE A computer can keep huge amounts of data and is easily organized

Essential Introduction to Computers, 6th Edition

What Are the Components of a Computer?

1.Input2.Memory

3.Storage

4.Processor

5.Output

Input

Memory

Storage

Processor

Output

I need 3

volunteers!

Essential Introduction to Computers, 6th Edition

Information Processing Cycle (4 basic functions of a computer)

• Input

• Processing

• Output

• Storage

• Example: Report Card

Essential Introduction to Computers, 6th Edition

Input Devices

• Any hardware component that allows you to enter data, programs, commands, and user responses into a computer

• Examples??

Essential Introduction to Computers, 6th Edition

Processor

• Also called CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• Interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer

• 2 parts– Control unit interprets instructions– Arithmetic/logic unit performs arithmetic and

logical processes

Essential Introduction to Computers, 6th Edition

Output Devices

• Output devices make the information resulting from processing available for use

• Output Device Examples??

Essential Introduction to Computers, 6th Edition

Storage Devices

• Used to store instructions, data, and information when they are not being used in memory– Floppy disk– Hard disk– CD/DVD (ROM, R, RW)

– Tape– Flash drive

Essential Introduction to Computers, 6th Edition

Memory

• Also called RAM (Random Access Memory)

• Temporarily stores instructions waiting to be executed by the processor, data needed by those instructions, and the results of processed data

• Kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte

• Byte = 1 memory location ex. the letter A

Essential Introduction to Computers, 6th Edition

System Unit

Let’s See!!

Video Link!!

Essential Introduction to Computers, 6th Edition

Computer Mobile Devices

• PDA (personal digital assistant)

• Notebook computer

• Smartphone

• Pocket PC

Essential Introduction to Computers, 6th Edition

It’s Your Turn! Find a partner.

• Computers are everywhere. Watching TV, driving a car, using a charge card, ordering fast food, and typing a term paper all involve interactions with computers. Make a list of every computer you and your partner can recall that you encountered over the past week.

• Create a timeline of at least 10 milestones/major advances in computer technology.

• Who were some of the major contributors to computer technology (individuals, organizations, corporations)? List at least 4 and describe what they did.

• How have businesses and our personal lives been affected by computer technology?