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Lesson 2: Chapters 2 and 3. What Teachers Need To Know About Computers, Hardware, and Software. An Overview. Why does a teacher need to know about computers, hardware, and software? Basic Computer Literacy Software Hardware Storage Devices Basic Questions to Ask Before Buying.
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Lesson 2: Chapters 2 and 3 What Teachers Need To Know About Computers, Hardware, and Software
An Overview • Why does a teacher need to know about computers, hardware, and software? • Basic Computer Literacy • Software • Hardware • Storage Devices • Basic Questions to Ask Before Buying Brenda Linn-Miller
Teachers Need to Know • To do basic troubleshooting • To ask sensible questions • To make sensible requests for assistance • To make wise requests for new equipment Brenda Linn-Miller
Basic Computer Literacy Important Facts • Computers are machines made of metal, plastic, chips, and wire. • They are designed to perform tasks depending on instructions (programs). • The computer and all of its components make up a computer system. • Computer memory is a temporary storage space for short-term tasks or tasks too complex to do all at once. • Storage is permanent electronic space for storing data that can be used later. Brenda Linn-Miller
The Computing Cycle # 2 STORAGE # 3 OUTPUT Central Processing Unit # 1 INPUT # 4 MEMORY Brenda Linn-Miller
The Computer System • Storage • DVD Drive • CD-RW Drive • Floppy Drive • System Unit • CPU • RAM • Output Devices • Monitor • Printer • Input Devices • Mouse • Keyboard • Scanner • Trackball • Touchpad Brenda Linn-Miller
Software • Definition • Sets of computer instruction that tell a computer how to accomplish a given task • Types • Operating System Software • Controls the computer operations • Application Software • Tells the computer how to complete a unique task (such as key a letter using Microsoft WORD) • Includes word processing, electronic spreadsheets, drawing, and presentation software • Antivirus Programs • Detect and destroy computer viruses Brenda Linn-Miller
Hardware • Input Devices and Output Devices • Monitor resolution measured in pixels • Produces a soft copy • Printer resolution measured in DPI • Produces a hard copy • System Unit Brenda Linn-Miller
Storage Devices • Floppy Disk • Stores up to 1.44 MB • Useful to move data between computers • Hard Disk • Stores billions of bytes of information • Permanently mounted inside the computer • Usually called the C: drive Files are saved to or copied to floppy disks, hard drives, and USB Flash drives. Brenda Linn-Miller
More Storage Devices • USB Flash Drive • Stores up to 2 GB of information • Stores data on a flash memory chip • Information can be saved or retrieved • CD/DVD • CD stores up to 650 MB of information • DVD stores up to 17 GB of information • Can be read only or recordable Files and/or media are burned to CD’s and DVD’s. Brenda Linn-Miller
Other Storage Devices • Removable media • Portable hard disks and disk cartridges • Can store up to hundreds of GB of data • Convenient for transporting large multimedia files Brenda Linn-Miller
Relative Sizes of Stored Data • 1 BYTE = 1 alphanumeric character • 1 Kilobyte = Apr. 1,000 characters • 1 Megabyte = Apr. 1 million characters • 1 Gigabyte = Apr. 1 billion characters Why is this information important? • Files are measured in bytes. • Internet downloads are measured in bytes. • Programs (system requirements) are measured in bytes. Brenda Linn-Miller
Basic Care of Storage Devices AVOID • Water • Extreme heat • Magnets • Static electricity • Sources of computer viruses Brenda Linn-Miller
Basic Questions Teachers Should Ask About Hardware • CPU—how fast does it run? • Measured in MHz • RAM—how much temporary memory area? • Usually measured in MB • Inputdevices—what quality devices are included? • Monitor—what is the size and resolution? • Harddrive—what is the capacity? - Usually measured in GB Brenda Linn-Miller
More Questions About Hardware • Opticaldrives—CD-RW, DVD, or DVD-R? • Soundsystem—Upgradeable sound card? • Amplified speakers? • Ports—Includes all standard ports plus four or more USB ports, front loadable? • WarrantyandSupport—Phone? Online? Onsite? For how long? Brenda Linn-Miller
Important Considerationsfor Classroom Equipment • Easeofsetup—Go together easily? Step-by-step instructions included? • Easeofuse—Practice required? • Spacerequirement—Crowd the room? • Standardsconsistency—Matches school, district, and national standards? • Documentation—Clear? User-friendly? Brenda Linn-Miller
Important ConsiderationsContinued . . . • Compatibility—Fully compatible with existing hardware and software? • Technicalsupport—Free local help readily available? • Tutorials/TrainingAvailable—CD? Online? In-house? Free or minimal cost? • Warranty—Phone support? Extended warranty? Easy problem resolution process? Brenda Linn-Miller
Byte KB MB GB CD-R/CD-RW Virus Pixel DPI RAM Hardware Software Resolution Know These Terms • Menu • Icon • Command • Volatile • Hard Copy • Soft Copy Brenda Linn-Miller