Introduction to Computers

1. Introduction to Computers Ms. Armour

2. Today’s Agenda • Define Computer • Computer care • Disk care • Identify the main parts of a computer • Terms to remember

3. What is a Computer? An electronic device that accepts data, performs computations, and makes logical decisions according to instructions and data that have been given to it, and it produces meaningful information in a form that is useful to humans.

4. Computer Care • No food or drinks • Avoid dusty areas • Avoid hot, sunny areas • Do not move computer while in use • Exit programs properly before turning off • Do not bang on keyboard

5. Disk Care • Avoid contact with magnets • Keep disk stored in clean, cool, dry place • Keep metal slider in place • Use virus check program

6. Disk drive Monitor CPU Central Processing Unit (“Brains”) Mouse Keyboard Parts of the Microcomputer

7. Terms to Remember • Hardware • Software • Input devices • Peripherals • Output devices

8. Hardware • The tangible, physical equipment of a computer • Monitor • Joystick • Disk drive • CD ROM • Mouse • Keyboard

9. Software • Electronic instructions that tell a computer what to do; programs entered into computer • Games (Solitaire, Oregon Trail) • Word processing (Microsoft Word) • Spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel) • Presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint) • Database software (Microsoft Access)

10. Accessories • Supplementary items • Mouse pad • Bookstand • Desk

11. Input device • Puts information into computer • Keyboard • Mouse • Scanner • Joystick • Touch-screen

12. Peripherals • External device such as a printer or modem that works in conjunction with a computer-Extras!

13. Output Device • Gives user information or feedback • Printer • Monitor • Fax Machine • Speakers

14. Hard Copy-printed information

15. Soft Copy • Information seen on monitor

16. Storage Devices • CD • 3.5 Floppy A Disk • Hard Disk (Hard drive- C Drive) • Tape • Network (G Drive) • Flash Drive

17. Programs & Programmers • Program-a series of step-by-step instructions that tell the computer precisely what actions to perform • Programmer-person who writes (creates) software

18. Memory • Internal memory (microchips) • ROM-Read Only Memory-cannot be changed • RAM-Random Access Memory-Temporary • External memory (diskettes & hard drives)

19. Central Processing Unit (CPU) • Also known as the “brain”, “heart” or “processor” • Processor-the computer chip that receives and carries out a series of instructions in a software program.

20. Data vs. Information • Data = Raw Facts • Information = Meaningful and useful data •  EXAMPLE: •  Data (Grades) 90, 100, 80 •  Information (Average of Grades) 90

21. Modem • Device that allows data to be converted to a format for transmission over telephone lines

22. Network • Network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communications devices and media • LAN- Local Area Network • WAN- Wide Area Network

23. Units of Computer Measurement

24. CPU Frequency Microprocessor frequency specifies the operating (internal) frequency of CPU's core. The higher the frequency is for a given CPU family, the faster the processor is. The CPU frequency is measured in Hertz. The frequency can also be expressed in: • Kilohertz, or kHz, equals to 1,000 Herts • Megahertz, or MHz, equals to 1,000,000 Herts or 1,000 kHz • Gigahertz, or GHz, equals to 1,000,000,000 Herts, or 1,000,000 kHz, or 1,000 MHz. • First microprocessors ran at frequencies close to 1 MHz. Modern microprocessors run at frequencies exceeding 3 GHz, or 3,000,000,000 Hertz.