{

Parts of a computer

What makes up a computer?

Fast Accurate (when given correct data)

Store masses of information in small space

Work 24hrs a day Design and Test e.g. aircraft and cars saving money

Why use Computers?

Replaced people in certain types of employment

Not always secure, confidential information can be misused

Computers can break! Staff need to be trained to use them

Any disadvantages?

There are four basic parts of a computer system:

HARDWARE BACKUP STORAGE SOFTWARE OPERATING SYSTEM

Basic parts of a computer

Hardware can be classified according to what it does for the computer system.

There are 4 main types of Hardware.

Input devices (input peripherals) Output devices (output peripherals) Processing components Backing stores

Hardware

Input devices (input peripherals)Input Devices are used by the computer system to gather data into the computer system.

Output devices (output peripherals)Output devices are used by the computer system to send data out of the computer system.

Processing componentsThese devices are used to handle the data and run the programs.

Backing stores, store data when the computer is switched off.

Backing stores

The parts of the computer that store information when the computer is turned offBACKUP STORAGE

(Also called Backing Storage)

Name Size DescriptionFloppy disk 1.4 Mb Small portable magnetic

disk

Zip disk 250 Mb Small portable magnetic disk

CD-ROM 650 Mb Optical disk.CD-R and

CD-RW can be written on.

Jaz drive 2000 Mb A larger and faster version of a Zip disk

DVD 4700 Mb Digital Versatile disk.Similar to CD-Roms but

stores 7 times more data.

Hard Drive 10 000 Mb The C drive on computers. A magnetic store.

Tape Streamer   Used to back up hard drives.

Application software Uses Examples

Word processor (WP)Production of text.Editing of text.Printing text.

Microsoft WordCreative Writer

Desk top publisher (DTP) Importing pictures and text.Organising pictures and text.

MS Publisher

SpreadsheetStoring dataPerforming calculationsDrawing graphs

MS ExcelLotus 123

DatabaseStoring dataSearchingSorting

MS AccessKey Plus

Computer controlSensingMaking decisionOutput of control signals

 

Data logging SensingStoring data

 

Art package Drawing picturesEditing pictures.

PaintbrushCorel Draw

OS have four main functions:

To allow the application software to communicate with the hardware correctly

To manage the transfer of data to and from the peripherals

To manage the computer system

To manage system securityOPERATING SYSTEM

MS-DOS - now out of date, but still used on most computers

Windows 98 - used on single computers

Windows NT - like windows 98, but is used on computer networks

Examples of OS

The central processing unit of the computer is part of the hardware of a computer system. The CPU does the actual processing of the data.

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

1. Explain how the buttons and icons in Word make it easy to use?

2. What is the difference between OS and application software?

3. Why does the school network back up the H drive onto a Tape Streamer every night?

4. Which part of the computer manages the peripherals?

5. Give three examples of input peripherals.

6. Give three examples of output peripherals.

7. Give one advantage of using a DVD instead of a CD-ROM.

8. Why should floppy disks not be left near magnets?

9. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

Review and Research