The Computer Workstation

DIGITAL LITERACY UNIT *Credit: Mr. Spinelli *

AGENDA

THIS OR THAT?

HARDWARE

SOFTWARE

4 FUNCTIONS OF A COMPUTER

QUIZ

THIS OR THATHard Drive or CD-ROM?

THIS OR THATMotherboard or CPU

THIS OR THAT External Hard-Drive or RAM

THIS OR THATPower-supply or Modem

HARDWARE

Hardware is the generic term for any part of the computer that you can physically touch, pick up , hold, etc. In other words, hardware is the physical parts that make up the computer.

Examples of External Hardware: (outside the computer) Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Printer

Examples of Internal Hardware: (inside the computer) Harddrive, CP, Fan, Motherboard

What is inside a computer? ANATOMY OF A COMPUTER

SOFTWARE

The application and programming instructions that tell your computer what to do. This is what enables you to use your computer to play games, surf the internet, write an essay or listen to music.

There are two main types of software System software Application software

SYSTEM SOFTWARE

SYSTEM SOFTWARE: controls the way the computer works and tells it what to do. (Example: operating system)

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

APPLICATION SOFTWARE: use this to do work and have fun (Example: Microsoft Word, iTunes)

THE FOUR FUNCTIONS OF A COMPUTER

Computers work by carrying out four functions: 1. Input 2. Storage3. Processing4. Output

In order for a computer to be able to perform these functions, it must have hardware and software

Function 1:INPUT

The instructions that the user gives to the computer.

Data or commands that are entered into the computer system using an input device.

EXAMPLES OF INPUT DEVICES: Keyboard Mouse Touch screen Microphone

Function 2: STORAGE

The computer saves, or stores the data in its memory for use during processing.

EXAMPLES OF STORAGE HARDWARE: ROM (Read only memory- like a

CD) RAM (Random Access Memory) External Hard Drive USB

Function 3:PROCESSING

Processing is the stage where input data is manipulated in order to produce meaningful information.

Processing can include a number of stages such as: sorting, searching and calculating.

EXAMPLES: Search results that come up when you

“google” The results that SIRI gives when you

ask a question.

Function 4:OUTPUT

Output is the stage where information obtained through processing is presented to the user in a suitable format.

Most outputs involve converting data into a physical effect that the person can sense: (i.e. seeing the output being displayed on the monitor or printed, hearing the output via music or voice instructions)

EXAMPLES OF OUTPUT: A printout of information Searching something on Google and

seeing the results displayed on your monitor

INPUTSTORAGE/PROCESSIN

GOUTPUT

NETWORKS: WLAN vs. WAN

WLAN

Wireless Local Area Network: group of networked computers ALL IN ONE BUILDING

WAN

Wide Area Network: group of networked computers in a variety of locations over a large geographical area.

YOUR ASSESSMENT TASK

Download and complete the corresponding “Computer Workstation Quiz” and submit it to Mrs. Kaschak by the end of the period!

THIS WILL BE MARKED!