IT Essentials Lecture Notes PDF

IT Essentials Section 1 General Concepts Lesson 1 Types of Computer Lesson 1 – Types of Computer Computer ◼ A computer is an electronic device used to process data, converting data into information that is useful to people. ◼ A computer is a machine that is used to store and process d...

IT Essentials Section 1 General Concepts Lesson 1 Types of Computer Lesson 1 – Types of Computer Computer ◼ A computer is an electronic device used to process data, converting data into information that is useful to people. ◼ A computer is a machine that is used to store and process data electronically. ◼ A computer is an electronic device which is used to store, retrieve and process data according to a set of instructions (program) given to it. Input Output Lesson 1 – Types of Computer Types of Computers ◼ Computers are of following types:  Personal Computer  Laptop computer  Handheld Devices ◼ PDA ◼ Mobile Phones & Smart phones  Multimedia Players  Networked computer  Server  Mainframe computer  Micro computer  Super-computer Lesson 1 - Types of Computers ◼ Personal Computer  In General, the term Personal Computer PC is used for any small computer.  Standard PC comprises a Casing/Box, a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse.  PC is cheap and easy to use.  PC is normally used by students, families and in small businesses. Lesson 1 - Types of Computers ◼ Laptop Computer  A laptop is a small computer which can be easily carried in a small bag/case.  In laptop, batteries are used for power.  Laptop has keyboard and a touchpad.  It is expensive than PC.  Laptop is almost equal in speed of a P C.  It is normally used by business people.  Lesson 1 - Types of Computers ◼ Handheld Devices  Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) ◼ It is a small computer which can be placed on the palm of hand. ◼ It has touch screen where we can use finger or digital pen. ◼ It can be used as a phone, Media Player, for internet. ◼ It is also used by businessmen.  Mobile phones & Smart Phones ◼ These are advanced phones with latest functions. ◼ We can use them as a phone and as a computer to use some software. Lesson 1 - Types of Computers ◼ Multimedia Players  These players can play and view many types of media files e.g. video, music and photos.  Example is Apple iPod  We can connect these players to internet or other network. Lesson 1 - Types of Computers ◼ Network Computers  A network is a collection or group of computers connected with each other via cables or wireless.  A network is used to share resources and information.  Network is used in large organisations, schools, hotels and offices. Server ◼ Purpose is to “serve.” ◼ A computer that has the purpose of supplying its users with data; usually through the use of a LAN (local area network). Pleasant Grove High School M. Guymon Spring 2003 Lesson 1 - Types of Computers ◼ Mainframe Computers  These are very big, powerful and very high speed computers.  They can do multiple tasks at high speed.  These are used by large organisations such an banks to control the entire business operation.  These are very expensive.  They are placed in a big room. Microcomputer ◼ A personal computer; designed to meet the computer needs of an individual. ◼ Provides access to a wide variety of computing applications, such as word processing, photo editing, e-mail, and internet. Pleasant Grove High School M. Guymon Spring 2003 Supercomputer ◼ A computer that was the fastest in the world at the time it was constructed. ◼ Can tackle tasks that would not be practical for other computers.  Typical uses ◼ Breaking codes ◼ Modeling weather systems Pleasant Grove High School M. Guymon Spring 2003 Lesson 2 Main Parts of a PC Lesson 2 – Main Parts of a PC Main Parts of a PC ◼ Keyboard ◼ Monitor ◼ Mouse ◼ Case/Box  CPU  HDD  Floppy disk drive  CD-ROM Drive ◼ Speakers ◼ Modem Lesson 2 – Main Parts of a PC Keyboard ◼ It is used to enter information in the computer. ◼ Its like a board having Keys (buttons) Mouse ◼ It is used to operate or control the computer. ◼ When mouse is moved then a cursor is moved on the computer screen. ◼ With mouse we can select menu options, drag & drop and point & click. Lesson 2 – Main Parts of a PC Monitor / VDU (Video Display Unit) ◼ It is used to view information or results from the computer. ◼ Monitors are of many sizes and qualities. ◼ LCDs are new shapes of monitors. System Unit/Case/Box ◼ It is a plastic or metal box. ◼ Box has many other parts of the computer like CPU, Motherboard, Hard disk, CD-ROM. ◼ Box may be Tower-top or Desk-top. Lesson 2 – Main Parts of a PC Hard Disk Drive (HDD) ◼ Hard disk is inside the computer box. ◼ It is used to store data and programs. ◼ Hard disk may be external or internal. Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) ◼ Floppy disk is used to transfer the data from one computer to other computer. ◼ New computers don’t have Floppy drives. Now we have Memory sticks/Flash drive. Lesson 2 – Main Parts of a PC CD-ROM Drive (CD-ROM) ◼ In CD-ROM, a CD is used to read information. ◼ CD may contain computer software, data or music. ◼ We can also write data/information on Writeable CDs. Speakers ◼ Speakers are used to play music or any audio. ◼ There are many types of speakers. Lesson 2 – Main Parts of a PC Modem ◼ Modem is used to connect to internet via a telephone line. ◼ Modem can be internal or external.