Computer Fundamentals PDF

# TECHNOLOGY EXPERTISE, ACCESS & LEARNING FOR ALL TEXANS ## What is a computer? A computer is an electronic device that accepts data (input), manipulates the data (process), produces information based on the manipulation (output) and stores the results (storage). The computer performs 4 basic func...

# TECHNOLOGY EXPERTISE, ACCESS & LEARNING FOR ALL TEXANS ## What is a computer? A computer is an electronic device that accepts data (input), manipulates the data (process), produces information based on the manipulation (output) and stores the results (storage). The computer performs 4 basic functions which make up the information processing cycle: - Input - Process - Output - Storage ## Human Brain Analogy: - Input = eyes, ears, mouth & nose, skin - Processing = brain - Output = verbal & non-verbal reactions - Storage = you have control / important keep / not imp. Delete ## What types of things can you do, already do or want to do on the computer? Can we do these things without a computer? YES... so... The question is, "Why pay so much money for a machine that does things we can already do without the machine?" Why do we use computers to do things we have always been able to do without a computer? - **Speed:** Computers can process data much faster than we can. - **Accuracy/Reliability:** Computers don't get sick (without help!), they are accurate, not distracted by loving or hating you, they don't care what you look like etc... - **Memory:** Computers are able to store and retrieve huge amounts of data much faster than we can. # Introduction to a Computer ## Five Basic Components of a Computer: - **Input**: A device we use to put information into the computer. List as many as you can think of. - **Output**: A device we use to see the results of the computer's manipulation of the data we input. List as many as you can think of. - **Central Processing Unit (CPU=Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit):** - Control Unit interprets the instructions (traffic cop) - Arithmetic Logic Unit performs the arithmetic and logical functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, equals, not equal, equal to or greater than, equal to or less than, greater than, less than...) - **Memory: RAM (Random Access Memory)** This is where the computer holds data while it is needed for processing. It is volatile in that it loses its contents when the machine is turned off. - **ROM (Read Only Memory):** a set of chips that contain instructions that help a computer prepare for processing tasks. These instructions are permanent. The only way to change them is to remove the chips and replace them. - **Storage:** Hard Drive, Floppy Disk Drive, CD drive, Memory Sticks, etc... Discuss pros and cons of each storage method. ## Mother Board - It is the largest printed circuit board in the computer's chasis, distributing electricity and facilitating communication. - **Input** The input unit receives instructions from the user such as those entered using a keyboard, mouse, joystick, light pen. - **Output** The output unit receives instructions from the CPU, processes them and convert them into a user friendly format, such as, screen, - **Storage** - It is either internal storage system or auxiliary storage system such as Hard disk, Floppy Drive, CD drive. - **Central Processing Unit (CPU)** Contains the instruction set telling the computer what to do, receives instructions from the input unit. - **Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)** Performs the actual arithmetic operations, receiving instructions from the input. # Computer Programs - A computer program is a set of step-by-step instructions that tell the computer how to perform a specific task. Without computer programs your computer is merely a really expensive paper weight! - **System Software:** Software that works with the operating system to control the interaction between the user, software and hardware. - **Application Software:** Software the computer uses to carry out a task as specified by the user: - **Word Processing (Microsoft Word is a popular example of this):** enter, edit, format and print documents containing primarily, but not limited to text. - **Spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel is a popular example of this):** enter, edit, format, print, sort and calculate primarily numeric data. - **Communications:** email and the internet - **Education and Entertainment:** Tutorials, Testing, Simulation, and Games (multimedia) ## Input Devices - Mouse: - Click - Double Click - Right Click - Click and Drag - Drag and Drop - Keyboard: - QWERTY - Function Keys - Modifier Keys - Directional Keys.... - Numeric Keypad - Other Keys - Hot Keys / Shortcut Keys.