Introduction to Computers

Introduction to Computers

TC2-Computer LiteracyMr. Sencer

February 3, 2010

A World of Computers

Computers have become an essential part of our daily lives.

Computers are found at work, at home and at school.

Computers come in all shapes and forms.


Desktops, Laptops, Netbooks are all types of computers.

Some mobile phones or Smartphone's are also considered computers.

Computers are a method of communication for billions of peopleworldwide.


Computers allow for instant communication by using email or instant messaging software.

Through computers, society has instant access to information from around the globe.

Information such as news, weather reports, sports scores, airline schedules, telephone directories, maps and directions, job listings, and other countless items are always accessible.


Computers in our daily lives: Banks use ATMs (automated teller

machines) so customers can deposit and withdraw funds anywhere at anytime.


Grocery stores use computers to track purchasing, calculating the amount due for a purchase, and even generates coupons based on buying patterns.


Cars use onboard navigation systems that provide directions, assistance in emergency situations, and allow the vehicle to be tracked the vehicle if it is stolen.

Computer Literacy

As technology continues to advance, computers become a larger part of our lives.

Computer literacy is having a current knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses. also known as digital literacy

Since computers and technology change so rapidly you must keep up with these changes to be computer literate.

What is a computer?

A computer is: An electronic device operating under the

control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce results, and store the results for future use.

Data and Information

Computers process data into information.

What is Data? Data is a collection of unprocessed items,

such as text, numbers, images, audio, and video.

What is Information? Information is processed data and is

usually useful to people. What’s the difference?Data Informatio

n

An Example of Data and Information

In this example, the item ordered, item price, quantity ordered, and amount received all represent data. The computer processes the data to produce the cash register receipt (information).

As shown, computers process several data items to print information in the form of a cash register receipt.

Information Processing Cycle Computers process data (input) into

information (output). Computers carry out processes using

instructions. Instructions are the steps that tell the

computer how to perform a particular task. Some people refer to the series

of input, process, output, andstorage activities as the information processing cycle.

Input

Process

Output

Storage

The Components of a Computer

A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware.

These components include: input devices output devices a system unit storage devices communications devices

Some Common Computer Components

Input devices

An input device is any hardware that allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer.

Five common input devices: Keyboard Mouse Microphone Scanner Web cam

Output devices

An output device is any hardware that transmits information to one or more people.

Three common output devices: Printer Monitor Speakers

A System Unit

The system unit is a case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data.

The main circuit board of a computer is found in the system unit. It is called the motherboard.

Motherboard Inside the System Unit

Two main components located on the motherboard are the processor and memory.

The processor, also called a CPU (central processing unit), is the electronic component that interprets and carries out the instructions that operate the computer.

The memory consists of electronic components

that store the instructions and data needed.

Storage Devices

Storage holds data, instructions, and information for future use by the computer.

A computer keeps data, instructions, and information on storage media

Storage Media

Examples of storage media: USB flash drives hard disks Optical discs memory cards

Storage Devices

A storage device records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media.

Storage devices often classified as an input because they transfer items from storage to memory.

Communications Devices

Communications devices are hardware that enables a computer to send (transmit) and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices.

A common communications device is a modem.

Introduction to Computers

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