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LIBS 100 Mr. Ed Rossman. Essential Computing Concepts. Objectives. Describe components of a computer system Define microprocessor, memory, and auxiliary storage. Memory. Input. Central processing unit (CPU). Output. Auxiliary Storage. Auxiliary Storage. Auxiliary Storage.
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LIBS 100Mr. Ed Rossman Essential Computing Concepts
Objectives • Describe components of a computer system • Define microprocessor, memory, and auxiliary storage
Memory Input Central processing unit (CPU) Output Auxiliary Storage Auxiliary Storage Auxiliary Storage Any Computer System
The IBM PC • A combined effort between IBM (credibility and marketing), Microsoft (operating system), and Intel (microprocessor); introduced in 1981 • The PC was created as an ‘open’ machine enabling independent contractors to develop hardware and/or software to improve it • PC clones quickly followed and the market soon exploded; IBM has a fraction of the market it created
Inside the PC • All computers are based on the binary number system • 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
The Microprocessor • The central processing unit (cpu) or “brain” of the PC • Original chips were numbered • 8086, 80286, 80386, 80486 • Pentium is an Intel trademark • Clock speed (MHz or GHz) differentiates chips • higher number = faster processing speed
Megs, Gigs, etc. • Clock speed determines how many instructions per second the microprocessor can execute. • A MHz = megahertz; one million cycles/second • GHz = gigahertz; one billion cycles/second
Random Access Memory (RAM) • Transient (erased when power turned off) • 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
Auxiliary Storage • Floppy Disk • No longer standard • Hard (fixed) disk • 30 Gb and higher • Removable storage • CD-R/CD-RW • DVD/DVD-R/DVD-RW • Zip disks • Thumb/jump drives • Tape
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
Lower Resolution (800 x 600) Displays 20 rows and 8 columns
Higher Resolution (1024 x 768) Displays 28 rows and 12 columns
The Printer • Ink Jet • Today’s entry level • Laser • Top-of-the line • Four-in-one functionality • Printer, scanner, fax, copier • Network printer
Summary • Understand components of a computer system for usage • Begin familiarity with common acronyms and terms • Think about computer as tool for information gathering
References Grauer, Robert and Maryann Barber. Essential Computing Concepts. New Jersey: Person Prentice Hall, 2004. Internet Pioneers. http://www.ibiblio.org/pioneers/index.html Webopedia. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/H/HTTP.html