Definition of a ComputerA computer is an electronic device used to process data, converting the data into information that is useful to people

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Computers Consist of Four Parts

Hardware

Software

Users

Data

HardwareMechanical devices that make up the computer

ProcessingThe procedure that transforms raw data into useful information is called processingThe processor and memory perform this transformation

ProcessorThe computer’s brain, which organizes and carries out instructions from either the user or the software

MotherboardRigid rectangular card containing the circuitry that connects the processor to the other hardware

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Circuit board

Motherboard is an example of a circuit board

Attached to the motherboard are many smaller circuit boards that house many internal devices

Central Processing Unit (CPU)Refers to a computer’s processor

MemoryWhen you launch a program, it is loaded into and run from memory

Random Access Memory (RAM)Determines a computer’s speed and power

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Memory Measurements

Kilobyte (KB)

Megabyte (MB)

Gigabyte (GB)

Terabyte (TB)

Input DevicesAccept data and instructions from the user or from another computer system

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Most Common Input Devices

Keyboard

Mouse

Output DevicesReturn processed data to the user or to another computer system

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Most Common Output Devices

Monitor

Printer

StorageHolds data permanently

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Storage Terms

Magnetic disk

Read/write heads

Disk drive

Hard disk or hard drive

Diskette drive

Diskettes or floppy disks

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Storage Terms Continued

CD-ROM drive

Compact disks (CDs)

Compact Disk-Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM)

CD-Recordable (CD-R)

CD-ReWritable (CD-RW)

Digital Video Disk (DVD)

SoftwareA set of electronic instructions consisting of complex codes, or programs, that make the computer perform tasks

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Examples of Software

System software

Application software

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Five Computer Categories

Supercomputers

Mainframe computers

Minicomputers

Workstations

Microcomputers, or personal computers