Multimedia and Computers Introduction to Computers.

Multimedia and ComputersMultimedia and Computers

Introduction to Computers

Why Study Computers and Why Study Computers and Application Software?Application Software?

The Answer is:The Answer is:

• Knowing how to use a computer is a basic skill necessary to function effectively in society and business.

• The use of computer technology is widespread in the world, is an integral part of Web productions, and continues to grow.

What Is a Computer?What Is a Computer?

• A electronic device

• Under the control of instructions stored in it’s own memory unit

• Accepts data (input)

• Manipulates the data (processes)

• Produces information (output)

• Stores the data (storage)

What is a computer system?What is a computer system?

• A combination of man, machine, instructions, and data.

• A computer system consists of four parts:

• A user

• Hardware

• Software

• Data

Personal Computers (PCs)Personal Computers (PCs)

• PCs are computers that can be:

• Used by individuals at home, work, or school

• Desktop models or portable laptop models

• Connected to a server in a network

Computer ServersComputer Servers

• A server is a powerful computer that is used to share resources with other computers.

• It can store operating and application systems, as well as files, web pages and other information for all to use.

What is input?What is input?

• Input is any information put into a computer.

Input DevicesInput Devices

• Common input devices are:• Keyboards and keypads• Mice, trackballs, and touchpads• Microphones, digital recorders, synthesizers, and

musical keyboards• Digital still cameras, digital camcorders, and Web

cams• Graphics tablets and scanners• Game controllers

Output DevicesOutput Devices

• Output is any information that a computer produces.

•Common output devices are:

•CRT or LCD monitors

•Touch screens, plasma displays, LED displays, and projectors

•Ink-jet or laser printers

•Speakers

Storage DevicesStorage Devices

• Digital storage devices allow you to save your work. Common storage devices are:• Hard drives, which are built in the

computer• Removable storage disks

• CDs• DVDs• floppy disks

• Zip disks• memory

cards

Processing ComponentsProcessing Components

• Processing includes all the calculations and other operations a computer performs. It depends on:

• Microprocessors, or chips

• A central processing unit (CPU)

• Random-access memory (RAM)

The Operating SystemThe Operating System

• When working with Web Design, the operating system is perhaps the most important, the most complex, and the least visible software that your computer uses.

What are operating What are operating systems?systems?

• Operating systems enable computers to run software and perform basic tasks.

• The Operating system has four major areas of responsibilities:• Task Management• Memory Management• Input and Output Management• User Interface

PC Operating SystemsPC Operating Systems

• One of the principal differences among computers is the operating system.

• Most personal computers use Windows or Macintosh (Mac OS) operating systems.

• Windows and Mac OS operating systems are not compatible.

The Four Layers of a The Four Layers of a ComputerComputer

• Your computer is a system of four interdependent layers:• Hardware• BIOS • Operating System• Application

Software

What do the four layers do?What do the four layers do?

• Hardware activates the BIOS• BIOS (basic input/output system) starts

the operating system• Operating System loads drivers,

networking services, and application software into the computer’s RAM

• Application Software allows you to create your Web project

What are programming What are programming languages?languages?

• Programming languages provide instructions to operating systems.

Graphical User Interface Graphical User Interface (GUI)(GUI)

• Microsoft Windows • Created in 1985• The most used PC operating system• Runs a huge number of applications

• Apple Mac OS • Derived from the first PCs to use GUI• Preferred by many designers and multimedia

producers• Applications are often not compatible with

Windows

Web Design SoftwareWeb Design Software

• Web pages are written in a markup language such as HTML or XML.• Web design programs allow you to create Web

pages without learning markup languages.• Many current word processing and desktop

publishing programs let you convert their files to HTML for use in Web pages.

• Web browsers are needed to view and use the Web pages on the Internet.

Computer NetworksComputer Networks

• In order to exchange files and share resources, computers:

• Require special input and output devices

• Must be part of a network, such as:

• The Internet

• Local area networks (LANs)

• Wide area networks (WANs)

Connecting to NetworksConnecting to Networks

• Computers can be linked to the Internet or a network through:

• A dial-up or broadband connection using a modem

• A network interface card (NIC)

• A router