Intro to Computers

1. Intro to Computers Computer Applications

2. What is a Computer? • Initially the term computer referred to an individual whose job it was to perform mathematical computations. • Today, it refers to an electronic device that accepts data (input), then processes that data producing information (output).

3. What is a Computer • A computer is just a machine. It does not think thus has no intelligence. It only knows what we tell it. It follows our instructions precisely.

4. Information Processing Cycle • We use computers as a tool to assist users in converting data into information. • User: Anyone who communicates with a computer or uses its information • Data: Raw facts, figures, numbers, words, images • Information: data that has been processed into a form that is more meaningful & useful

5. Information Processing Cycle

6. Information Processing Cycle • The computer’s hardware operates under detailed sets of instructions, software, that control every aspect of its operation. • Hardware: a computer’s electronic and mechanical equipment • Software: instructions that tell the hardware how to perform

7. Information Processing Cycle • Software controls: • How the screen appears • How to accept the user’s commands • How commands are interpreted & executed • How the output is to be presented

8. Information Systems • The computer’s hardware and software work together to form an information system.

9. Information Systems • Primary components • People • Input Devices • System Unit • Output Devices • Communication Devices • Storage Units • Software • People input data into the computer and receive the processed information.

10. Input Devices • These are devices that allow users to enter data and instructions. • Primary input devices include: • Keyboard • Mouse • Microphone • Scanners • Digital cameras

11. Output Devices • Output Devices convey information to the user. • Primary output devices include: • Monitors • Printers • Speakers

12. System Unit • The case containing the internal components. • The System Unit is composed of two primary parts: • The Central Processing Unit (CPU) • Main Memory or RAM

13. Central Processing Unit • The CPU contains the circuitry that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer. • It is known as the “brain” of the computer. • The CPU is designed into a chip, often referred to as the microprocessor.

14. Central Processing Unit • The CPU is comprised of two parts: • The control unit • Controls the signal between the ALU, Main Memory, & the input/output devices • The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) • Performs all arithmetic & logical operations

15. Main Memory • Main Memory or Random Access Memory (RAM) • RAM is a buffer where all data must be temporarily stored before processing. • Main Memory is measured in megabytes.

16. Main Memory • Together, the CPU and the RAM make up the computer’s system unit and help dictate a computer’s capacity. • The more instructions the CPU processes per second, the faster information can be processed. • The more memory a computer contains, the more information can be stored and the faster information can be processed.

17. Which would be faster Computer 1 512MB RAM Computer 2 1000MB RAM

18. Hard Drive • “Long-term Memory” • A hard drive stores a computer’s written data and information.

19. Storage Units • Storage Units provide permanent storage for both software and data. • Primary storage devices include: • Floppy Disks • Zip Disks • CD-Roms • Hard Disks • USB Flash Drives

20. Software • Software provides the instruction sets needed by a computer. • Computers use two types of software: • Application Software • System Software

21. Software • Application Software • Software designed to perform specific tasks.

22. Software • System Software • Controls the operation of the computer and its devices. • It is the interface between the user, applications and hardware. • There are two types of system software: • Operating System (Windows) • Utility Programs (Virus Scan, Volume Control)