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Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Computers. Essential Understanding of Computers and Computer Operations. Topics. The term “computer”  Four basic computer operations  Data and information  Principal components of computer  Data storage devices and usage  Software  The Internet & WWW .

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Introduction to Computers

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  1. Introduction to Computers Essential Understanding of Computers and Computer Operations

  2. Topics • The term “computer”  • Four basic computer operations  • Data and information  • Principal components of computer  • Data storage devices and usage  • Software  • The Internet & WWW 

  3. What is a Computer? • A programmable machine that inputs, processes, and outputs information • An electronic device for storing and processing data • Composed of hardware and software • Can exist in a variety of sizes and configurations

  4. Examples

  5. What Do Computers Do? • Input, Process, Output, & Store data Output Input Process Store Data

  6. Input, Processing, Storage, and Output Devices

  7. What is Data? • The raw material of information • Contain facts w/o interpretations • The information entered into, and stored within a computer or file • Used by applications to accomplish tasks • Unprocessed information • E.g. text, numbers, images, audio, & video

  8. What is Information? • Contains meaning, knowledge, instruction, communication, & representation of data • Result of processing, manipulating and organizing data in a way that adds to the knowledge of the person receiving it • The output of information systems

  9. Flow of Computing • Data Processing Information • Example Retrieve data Calculate weekly wage:$25 X 40 hours = $1000 Send information to output device Pat Brown1001 Jump StreetShoreline, WA 98123$25 per hour40 hours

  10. Principal Components of Computer • Input devices • System units • Storage (memory) devices • Importance of Saving • Output devices

  11. Input Devices • Keyboard, mouse, scanner, & etc

  12. System Units • CPU (Central Processing Unit) • Random Access Memory (RAM) • Secondary Storage Devices

  13. Central Processing Unit (CPU) • Main processor of a computer that makes everything work • Interprets & carries out the basic instructions • Performs all the instruction, logic, & mathematical processing

  14. Storage (memory) Devices • Two types: • Primary & Secondary • Primary: • Temporary memory for dynamic access by the processor (CPU) • RAM (Random Access Memory) • Secondary: • For large data storage, e.g. hard disk drive • RAM is much faster than disk drives for dynamically interacting with the processor

  15. Random Access Memory (RAM) – the Primary Memory • Temporarily stores instructions and data waiting to be processed by the processor • Memory units are measured in kilobytes, megabytes, or gigabytes • 1 kilobytes = 1,000 bytes = 1,000 memory locations ≈ 1,000 characters • 1 megabyte (MB) = 1 million memory locations • 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion memory locations • E.g. 512 MB = 512 million characters1 MB can hold approx. 500 pages of text

  16. Secondary Memory (Semi-permanent) • Magnetic Disks • Hard disks, floppy disks, zip disks • Optical Disks • CD-ROM, CD-R (Recordable), CD-RW, DVD • Flash Memory Cards • USB flash drive: Small, lightweight, & large storage capacity

  17. Importance of Saving and Saving Often • When using an application, data is stored in RAM temporarily • When the file, application, or computer closes, the data in the RAM is erased • Where do I save the files? • At the Lab: Removable disks such as floppy, zip, or USB. • At home: Hard drive (C:\) or any removable disk. • Never remove a disk while the light flashes • Saving on an existing file replaces the old data with new (Save vs. Save As)

  18. Importance of Data Backup • All secondary storage devices such as floppy and hard drive disks eventually fail, and you lose the data • Make backup files weekly, if not daily • If you have a computer, use the hard drive or a removable disk as your backup • Otherwise, use the second removable disk

  19. Output Devices • Printers • Monitors • and more

  20. Personal Computers • PC, Mac, and other microcomputers • Desktop, Laptop, PDA • Windows, Mac OS, Linux, etc. • Increasingly more capable, portable, affordable, and mobile

  21. System Software • Manages computer operations • Instructs computer how to perform functions of loading, storing, and executing an application software and how to transfer data • Examples: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, & etc.

  22. Application Software • Programs that tell a computer how to perform tasks and produce information • Categories: • Word processing • Spreadsheet • Database • Presentation graphics • Web and Internet access • Desktop publishing / image editing / multimedia editing

  23. The Internet and WWW • The Internet is the world’s largest network • Uses: • Send messages (e-mail) • Access a wealth of information • Electronic commerce • Online meeting • Access entertainment and multimedia • WWW (World Wide Web) • The more popular component of the Internet • Web page: A document containing text, hyperlinks, images, & other multimedia contents • Web site: A collection of Web pages

  24. Communications Devices • Modem • Network card • Router • Wireless modem, network card, & router

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