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Te chnology in Action

Te chnology in Action. Chapter 2 Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts. Chapter Topics. Functions of a computer Data versus information Bits and bytes Input devices Output devices System unit Ergonomics. Computers Are Data Processing Devices. Computer’s four major functions:

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Te chnology in Action

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  1. Technology in Action Chapter 2Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts

  2. Chapter Topics • Functions of a computer • Data versus information • Bits and bytes • Input devices • Output devices • System unit • Ergonomics

  3. Computers Are Data Processing Devices • Computer’s four major functions: • Gathers data (users input data) • Processes data into information • Outputs data or information • Stores data and information

  4. Data vs. Information • Data: Representation of a fact or idea • Information: Organized, meaningful data

  5. Bits and Bytes: The Language of Computers • Bit • Binary digit • 0 or 1 • Byte • Eight bits • Each letter, number, and character = a string of eight 0s and 1s

  6. How Much Is a Byte?

  7. Computer Software • Software: Programs that enable hardware to perform different tasks • Application software • System software

  8. Computer Hardware

  9. Input Devices • Devices used to enter information or instructions into the computer • Keyboard • Mouse/pointing device • Microphone • Scanner • Digital camera • Stylus

  10. Keyboards • The QWERTY layout is standard on most PCs • Enhanced keyboard features include number, function, and navigation keys.

  11. Dvorak Keyboards • Puts the most commonly used keys on “home keys” • Reduces distance of finger stretches

  12. Specialty Keyboards • Notebook keyboard • PDA stylus • Tablet PCs • Wireless keyboard

  13. Mice • Optical mouse • Needs no mouse pad • Doesn’t need cleaning • Is more expensive • Trackball • Easier on wrists • Stays stationary on desk • Wireless • Use radio or light waves

  14. New Mouse Features • Instant viewer • Magnifier • Customizable buttons • Web search

  15. Other Input Devices • Scanners • Text • Images • Digital cameras • Images • Video Flatbed scanner Handheldscanner Digital camera Camcorder

  16. Other Input Devices • EPOS Digital Pen • Web Cam • Live video

  17. Inputting Sound • Microphones used for: • Podcasts • Video-conferencing • Internet phone calls • Speech recognition

  18. Input Devices for the Physically Challenged • Visual impairments • Voice recognition • Keyboards with large keys • On-screen keyboards • Motor control issues • Special trackballs • Head-mounted devices

  19. Output Devices • Send processed data out of the computer • Monitors • Printers • Output devices make: • Soft copies (video, sounds, control signals) • Hard copies (print)

  20. CRT Cathode Ray Tube Less expensive Use much more space Use more energy Offer better viewing angles Legacy technology LCD Liquid Crystal Display More expensive Use far less space More energy efficient Less viewable from an angle Monitor Types

  21. Key Monitor Features • Screens are grids made up of millions of pixels. • LCDs: Liquid crystal is sandwiched between two transparent layers to form images • CRTs: Pixels illuminated by electron beam that passes back and forth across screen

  22. LCD Quality Factors • Resolution • Passive vs. active matrix display • Viewing angle • Contrast ratio • Brightness • Response time

  23. LCD versus CRT • LCD monitors: • take up less space • are generally brighter • cause less eyestrain • use less energy • weigh less • CRT monitors: • used to offer more resolutions • used to produce better color and clarity

  24. Other Video Output • Touch-screen monitors • Double as both input and output devices • Data projectors • Project a computer image to a large screen for sharing with large groups

  25. Printers • Impact printers • Dot-matrix • Nonimpact printers • Inkjet • Laser • Specialty printers • Multifunction • Plotters • Thermal printers

  26. Inkjet Less expensive device Print high-quality color images cost effectively Laser More expensive device Faster printing speed Less expensive per page in B&W Color lasers are becoming less expensive Nonimpact Printers

  27. Choosing a Printer • Speed (ppm) • Resolution (dpi) • Color output • Memory • Use and cost • Cost of consumables

  28. Outputting Sound • Speakers and headphones

  29. The System Unit • Box that contains the central electronic components of the computer: • CPU/RAM/motherboard • Expansion cards • Power supply • Storage devices

  30. The Front Panel • Power control • Drive bays • Memory card reader • Productivity ports

  31. Power Controls • Power-on button: Turns onsystem, should not be usedto turn it off • Other options: • Sleep mode • Hibernation • Warm boot

  32. Drive Bays • Internal drive bays: • Cannot be access from outside the system • Reserved for internal hard drives • External drive bays: • Can be accessed from outside the system • CD or DVD drives • Floppy and Zip drives

  33. Hard Disk Drive • Permanent (nonvolatile) storage • Internal or external versions

  34. Flash Drives/Flash Memory • Flash drives (jump drives) • Newer storage alternative • Plug into USB ports • Flash memory cards • Slide into slots in the system

  35. Storage Media Capabilities

  36. On the Back • Ports for peripherals • Types of ports: • Serial and parallel • Audio and video • USB • FireWire • Connectivity • Ethernet • Modem

  37. Inside the System Unit • Essential electronic components used to process data • Types of components: • Power supply • Hard disk drive • Motherboard • CPU • Expansion cards

  38. The Motherboard • CPU • RAM • Expansion cards and slots • Built-in components

  39. Central Processing Unit (CPU) • Referred to as the “brains” of the computer • Controls all functions of the computer • Processes all commands and instructions • Can perform billions of tasks per second

  40. Memory Module • Random access memory (RAM) • Stores instructions and data • Temporary (volatile) storage • Operates in nanoseconds

  41. Expansion Cards • Add functions • Provide new connections for peripheral devices • Common types: • Sound • Modem • Video (VGA) • Network (NIC)

  42. Setting It All Up: Ergonomics • Ergonomics: minimizing injury or discomfort while using the computer • Steps to follow: • Position monitor correctly • Use adjustable chair • Assume proper position while typing • Take breaks • Ensure adequate lighting

  43. Chapter 2 Summary Questions • What exactly is a computer, and what are its four main functions?

  44. Chapter 2 Summary Questions • What is the difference between data and information?

  45. Chapter 2 Summary Questions • What are bits and bytes, and how are they measured?

  46. Chapter 2 Summary Questions • What devices do you use to get data into the computer?

  47. Chapter 2 Summary Questions • What devices do you use to get information out of the computer?

  48. Chapter 2 Summary Questions • What’s on the front of your system unit?

  49. Chapter 2 Summary Questions • What’s on the back of your system unit?

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