Essential Computing Concepts

1. Essential Computing Concepts

2. Memory Input Central processing unit (CPU) Output Auxiliary Storage Auxiliary Storage Auxiliary Storage Any Computer System

3. The PC Today

4. Inside the PC • A bit or binary digit has one of two values, zero or one • A byte is the smallest addressable unit of memory (8 bits) • ASCII provides for 256(or 28) characters • 01000001 – A • 01000010 – B • etc. On Off

5. The Microprocessor • Intel trademarked its chip as the Pentium • Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium IV • Clock speed (MHz or GHz) differentiates chips • The central processing unit (cpu) or “brain” of the PC

6. Memory • Transient (erased when power turned off) • Consider a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) • Measured in bytes • 1 Kilobyte = 210 characters (~1,000 bytes) • 1 Megabyte = 220 characters (~1,000,000 bytes) • 1 Gigabyte = 230 characters (~1,000,000,000 bytes) • Need 256Mb or 512Mb of RAM • Keep multiple programs & data files in memory • Graphic-intensive programs demand a lot of memory • The Original PC had 16Kb of memory

7. Auxiliary Storage • Floppy Disk • No longer standard • Hard (fixed) disk • 30 Gb and higher • Removable storage • CD-ROM • CD-R/CD-RW • DVD/DVD-R/DVD-RW • Zip disks • Tape

8. Input Devices

9. The Monitor • Resolution is expressed in picture elements or pixels; (800 x 600 or 1024 x 768) • The higher the resolution, the more you can see at one time. • Larger monitors enable you to you run at higher resolutions; e.g., 19” to run 1024 x 768 comfortably • A graphics card speeds processing

10. Lower Resolution (800 x 600) Displays 20 rows and 8 columns

11. Higher Resolution (1024 x 768) Displays 28 rows and 12 columns

12. The Printer • Ink Jet • Today’s entry level • Laser • Top-of-the line • Four-in-one functionality • Printer, scanner, fax, copier • Network printer

13. Software • System Software – Microsoft Windows • Windows XP Home Edition • Windows XP Professional Edition • What Windows does not have - File Compression, Antivirus, Graphical FTP • Application Software – Microsoft Office • Core applications – Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint • Personal Information Manager – Outlook • Other applications – FrontPage and Publisher • New to Office 2003 - OneNote and InfoPath

14. Disk and File Management • A file is a set of instructions or data • Program file: Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel • Data File: Document or workbook • Copy, move, rename or delete a file • A folder allows us to organize our files • May contain files and/or other folders • A back up strategy is critical • What (data), When (whenever it changes), Where (off site), How (Windows Explorer), and Who (you)

15. Windows Explorer - Sign indicate object is expanded Milestones in Communication is selected file Homework is the active folder

16. Maintaining Your System Windows update takes place automatically Double click to install a printer Double click to add new user

17. Antivirus Software • A computer virus is an actively infectious program that can erase data and/or alter the way your computer works • Worms and Trojan horses are other types of infectious programs, but all are bad • Computer viruses are spread through email, and/or infected floppy disks • Windows does not include an antivirus program; i.e., you must buy it separately and update it frequently

18. File Transfer Protocol Graphical FTP is not part of Windows Where you will FTP the file Click to upload Selected file to FTP

19. File Compression • Create a self-extracting file from the archive that does not require supporting software • Use WinZip (or compatible) program to create a compressed file or archive

20. Introduction to Networks • Most people work in a network environment • Home network • Local Area Network (LAN) • Wide Area Network (WAN) • The physical structure includes: interface cards, cables, hubs, switches, and routers • Protect your password!

21. From LAN to WAN (a) Home Network (b) Local Area Network

22. From LAN to WAN (continued) (c) Wide Area Network

23. The Internet Network of networks Began in 1969 as a government project Original network had 4 computers; No central authority and thus impossible to know the exact size The World Wide Web A subset of the Internet consisting of computers that store hypertext documents Invented by Tim Berners Lee who wanted to share notes with colleagues at the European Particle Physics Laboratory (CERN) in Switzerland The Internet and World Wide Web

24. A message travels the Internet All that matters is the beginning and ending address

25. Acronyms Abound • HTTP – HyperText Transfer Protocol is used to transmit Web documents • HTTPS – Secure protocol for confidential transactions • HTML – The language in which all Web documents are displayed • TCP/IP – A suite of protocols that allows multiple platforms to communicate • ISP – Internet Service Provider

26. The Exploring Office Web Site Internet Explorer is the browser Web address (or URL) HTTP protocol

27. E-Mail (Electronic Mail) • E-mail is simply a means of sending messages via computer • There should be no expectation of privacy • Every e-mail address is unique and consists of two parts, a username and a host computer; e.g. johndoe@anyschool.edu • You can obtain an account at school, pay for an account through an ISP such as AOL, or get free email accounts at sites like www.hotmail.com or www.yahoo.com

28. The Mail Folders • Inbox – new messages as well as messages that have been read • Outbox – messages not yet sent • Sent items – messages that have been sent (moved here from outbox) • Deleted items – messages deleted from any folder • Custom folders – additional folders created by the user

29. Additional E-mail Capabilities • Address Book • Contains the e-mail addresses of frequent contacts • Enables you to enter an alias (e.g., “Bob” instead of the complete address) • Distribution List • A set of e-mail addresses stored under one name • Ideal for your professor to e-mail the class

30. Parts of the E-mail Message Subject Recipients Attachment Message text