Computers

Introduction to Computers

What is a computer

A computer is a machine which processes data, which is input, and produces a result (called output)

The computer processes input based on a set of instructions which usually are provided by “software”

Types of computers

Desktop Laptop Notebook (laptop

but smaller PDA Tablet

Components of a Computer

CPU CD/DVD drive Floppy drive Hard drive Keyboard/Mouse RAM Modem/Wireless Ports Printer Monitor Scanners

Software – The Instructions

Software instructs the computer what to do, or how to process inputted information

Examples of Software include:-Games-Document creation and editing-Multimedia

Operating Systems

Operating systems are the computers primary software which runs the basic operations of the computer

All computers require an operating system in order to be used, and all computers purchased come with some form of operating system

Examples:MS Windows, Apple OS, Linux

Turning the Computer On and Off

Turning a computer ON-press the circular button with the icon of a circle with a line through it

Turning the computer OFF-With mouse, place pointer over the start icon on the bottom left of the screen, click the left button. Move pointer to button or command ‘Turn off computer’ or ‘Shut Down’. Choose option to shut down, stand by, or logoff.

CTRL-ALT-DELETE

Using the mouse

Practice, Practice, Practice Left click = selection or make choice Right click = shortcut menu