Lesson One: Learning the Computer Basics

Learning the Computer BasicsLearning the Computer Basics

Lesson One

Lesson Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:

• Designate five things you can do with a computer

• Compare and contrast the five different types of a computer

• Designate six main computer parts• Differentiate hardware from software• Differentiate internal and external

hardware• Differentiate application and system

software

5 Ways to Use a Computer

• Create documents (e.g. letters, memos, and reports)

• Store data (e.g. recipes, CDs, contact information)

• Budgeting & Saving• Research (e.g. travel plans,

genealogy, product reviews, homework)

5 Different Computer Types

• Desktop Computer- most common of computers

• The desktop comes with a mouse, keyboard, monitor, and a computer tower

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5 Different Computer Types

Notebook- • Combines the tower & keyboard…• In addition the monitor…• Speakers and mouse into one

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5 Different Computer Types

Tablet PC• Looks like a small notebook

computer• The screen moves horizontal or

vertical• A digital pen (e.g. a Stylus pen) is

used• Or you can user your fingers

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5 Different Computer Types

Handheld (PDA or Smartphone)• Very small computer• Sometimes a mobile phone• Weighs less than 2lbs• A.K.A. personal digital assistant

(PDA)• Stores schedules• Check email

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5 Different Computer Types

Server-• Powerful Computer• Central Resource for other computers• Computers connect to the server• Includes terminals and Mainframes• Run large scale operations

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6 Main Computer Parts

Computer Case• AKA Central Processing Unit (CPU)• System Unit• Console

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6 Main Computer Parts

Monitor-• AKA Screen• Display• Looks similar to a TV

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6 Main Computer Parts

Keyboard-• Looks similar to a type writer• Used to type information• Enter instructions for computer• More in Chapter 4

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6 Main Computer Parts

Mouse-• Hand operated• Pointing device• Use to select or move items on

monitor• Provides instructions for computer

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6 Main Computer Parts

Printer-• A device we use to print documents• Some printers features an all in one

device system • It can copy, print, scan, or fax

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6 Main Computer Parts

Speakers-• The output for audio or sound• For music, narrations• E.g. Headphones

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Hardware vs. Software

Hardware-• Physical computer components• E.g. parts, buttons, ports• Devices such as a printer, keyboard,

CPUSoftware-• Instructs the computer to perform• Helps the computer complete tasks• E.g. Microsoft Office; Windows 7

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Internal Hardware

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Internal Hardware-• Hardware that is “inside” the

computer• Includes the CPU• Memory Chips• Disk Drives• Circuit Boards

External Hardware

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External Hardware-• AKA Peripherals• The hardware that “connects” to the

computer• “Outside of the computer”• E.g. Printer, Keyboard, Mouse

Application Software

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Application Software-• Programs we interact with• E.g. Microsoft Word/ Office• E.g. Adobe Dreamweaver (Web

design software)

System Software

System Software-• The software that operates “behind

the scenes”• Helps your computer to run smoothly• E.g. Operating System• E.g. Windows XP, Vista, & Windows 7

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Resources

McFedries, P. (2007). Chapter 1: Getting Familiar with Computer Basics. In Simplified Computers. (7th ed.). (pp. 4-17). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc.

Image courtesy of Wiley Publishing Inc.