Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Chapter 2:Going with the Data Flow

Computer Literacy

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Introduction

• Computer’s Boot Process• Interacting with the Computer• Closing Programs and Shutting

Down

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Phase One: Start Me Up!

• Power-on– CPU– ROM-BIOS

• Hardware Test (POST)• Load OS

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Data Flow

• Interplay among CPU, RAM, Storage• Load from storage• RAM as CPU’s short-term memory

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Operating System Load

• CPU loads OS files from hard drive to RAM

• Creates a user interface

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Phase Two: the Dance

• Input• Process• Output Rinse and repeat

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Input Devices

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Installing Input Devices

• Physical connections– DIN ports

(keyboard and mouse)

– USB– FireWire

• Software support– Plug and play– Drivers

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Internal Processing

• Opening programs– Start menu– Double-click

• Transfers files from hard drive to RAM

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Internal Processing

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Output Devices

• Feedback devices– Monitor– Projectors– Speakers– Voice synthesizers

• Hardcopy– Printer

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Output Devices

• Storage Devices– RAM is temporary storage– Need some other device for long-term storage

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Magnetic Storage Devices

• Magnetic– Hard drive– Floppy disk

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Optical Storage Devices

• CD-media– CD-ROM– CD-R– CD-RW

• DVD-media– DVD-ROM– DVD-R– DVD±RW

• Blu-ray Discs– BD-R– BD-RE

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Flash Memory

• Solid state (stores without electricity)

• Rewritable• Multiple formats

– USB thumb drives– Compact Flash

(CF)– Secure Digital (SD)

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Connecting Output Devices

• Physical connections (color-coded)• Install support software (drivers)

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Closing Programs and Shutting Down

• Do it the right way:1. Save and close documents2. Close applications3. Log out4. Power down

• Avoid corrupting files• Maintain security• Save the planet

Computer Literacy Chapter 2: Going with the Data Flow

Summary

• Computer’s Boot Process• Interacting with the Computer• Closing Programs and Shutting

Down