1.00 Hardware and Software
Application software - software designed to meet the user’s need; performs a specific task.
CD-ROM - a compact disk that reads only memory.
Channel - the media that carries or transports the message. (telephone wire, coaxial cable, microwave signal, or fiber optic)
Computer - an electronic device that receives data, processes data, stores data, and produces a result.
Control Unit- the part of the computer that directs instructions.
CPU - Central Processing Unit; the brain of the computer.
Data - new facts entered into the computer to be processed, which consist of text, numbers, sounds, and images.
Desktop computer - designed to be used on a desktop.
Disk - a storage device.
Dot Matrix Printer - Uses a pattern of dots to form words and images on paper.
Ergonomics – the science of designing equipment and workspace for a comfortable and safe working environment
File - a document stored on a disk.
File server- the central computer where the data and software for local area network computers are stored.
Hard Copy - a printed copy of output.
Hard Disk/Drive- a device that holds information such as software and files.
Hardware - physical parts of a computer.
Information Processing Cycle - the interactions of humans and computers that consist of input, processing, output, and storage.
Inkjet printer- sprays ink through small holes to form words and images on paper.
Input - the process of entering information into a computer.
IPOS - input, processing, output, and storage.
Keyboard - contains numbers, letters, symbols, and function keys; looks like a typewriter.
Laptop computer- designed to be small enough and light enough to be used on your lap.
Laser Printer- uses light beams to form words and images on paper.
Local Area Networks (LAN) - computers connected together in a relatively close location such as in the same building or department.
Mainframes and minicomputers - used by business and government to process large amounts of information.
Microcomputer- a small computer in which the central processing unit or CPU is a single silicon chip.
Modem - Modulator – Demodulator. A device that connects the computer to a telephone line.
Network - when computers are connected to other computers that can share information and sometimes hardware (printers)
Notebook computer - designed to be used on a desktop but still small enough to be portable.
Output - Displays the results of processing.
PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) - a handheld device that is often used in conjunction with a desktop or other PC.
Personal computers - smaller and less powerful than the other types of computers.
Processing - executes instructions given to the computer.
Protocol - the rules that govern the orderly transfer of data sent.
RAM - random access memory; temporary storage.
Receiver - the computer receiving the message.
ROM - read only memory; Permanent storage.
Scanner - Prints copies like a photocopier.
Sender - the computer that is sending the message.
Service Technician - One who repairs hardware and software problems.
Soft Copy - output that is not in printed form; such as what is seen on the monitor.
Software - Programs that tell the computer what to do.
Storage - a device that holds data.
Supercomputer- most powerful computer used to do things like predict hurricanes and navigate satellites.
System software- controls the operation of a computer.
Virus Protection Software - a program that protects a computer from damaging computer viruses.
Web TV - provides easy access to the Internet without a having to have a traditional computer.
Wide Area Networks (WAN) - when local area networks are expanded to include several local area networks within a city, state, region, territory, country, continent, or the world.
A. Computer Basics
Unit Objectives: 1.01-1.04
What Is A Computer?
• An electronic device that receives data, processes data, stores data, and produces a result (output).
• A collection of electronic circuits, which can be on or off (open or closed).
These two states of the circuit are represented by two digits, 0 and 1.
• Called the binary system
• Combining bits (0 and 1), you can represent any character or number.
Benefits of Using Computers
• Error-free calculations
• Speed
• Flexibility
• Storage
• Consistency and repetition
What Is A Computer System?
• Hardware: the tangible, physical equipment that can be seen and touched such as:
– Computer Case
– Monitor
– Keyboard and Mouse
– Disk Drive
– Speakers
• Software: the intangible set of instructions that tell the computer what to do; known as programs or software programs.
– Two types: application and system software programs
• Data: information entered into the computer to be processed, which consists of the following:
– Text, numbers, sounds, and images
• People: the users of the computers who enter the data and use the output.
Types of Computers
• Supercomputer: most powerful
– Used to do things like predict hurricanes and navigate satellites
• Mainframes and minicomputers: used by business and government to process large of information
• Personal computers: smaller and less powerful than the other types of computers
Personal Computers
• Desktop computer: designed to be used on a desktop.
• Notebook/Tablet computer: designed to be used on a desktop but still small enough to be portable.
• Laptop computer: designed to be small enough and light enough to be used on your lap.
Additional Types of Computers
• PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants): a handheld device that is often used in conjunction with a desktop or other PC.
– May have a special keyboard, some use a pen or stylus for entering data
-Data can be transferred to a desktop or laptop computer
• Web TV: provides easy access to the Internet without having to have a traditional computer.
– Enables you to connect to the Internet and usually includes a keyboard or other device for entering and selecting data.
Data Communications
• The technology that enables computers to communicate
• The transmission of text, numeric, voice or video data from one machine to another.
• Popular examples:
– Internet, electronic messages (e-mail), faxes, and electronic or online banking
• Four components:
– Sender: the computer that is sending the message.
– Receiver: the computer receiving the message.
– Channel: the media that carries or transports the message. (telephone wire, coaxial cable,
microwave signal, or fiber optic)
– Protocol: the rules that govern the orderly transfer of the data sent.
Data Communications
• Network: when computers are connected to other computers
– They can share information and sometimes hardware (printers)
– Local Area Networks (LAN): computers connected together in a relatively close location such as in the same building or department.
• The data and software for these computers are stored on a central computer called the file server.
– Wide Area Networks (WAN): when local area networks are expanded to include several local area networks within a city, state, region, territory, country, continent, or the world.
System Components
• Central Processing Unit (CPU): the microprocessor, the brains of the computer.
– Housed on a tiny silicon chip
– Chip contains millions of switches and pathways that help your computer make important decisions.
• CPU knows which switches to turn on and which to turn off because it receives its instructions from computer programs (software).
– CPU has two primary sections:
• Arithmetic/logic unit
• Control unit
- Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU): performs arithmetic computations and
logical operations; by combining these two operations the ALU can execute complex tasks.
Arithmetic operations include addition, subtractions, multiplication, and division.
Logical operations involve comparisons.
• Control Unit: is the “boss” and coordinates all of the CPU’s activities.
– Uses programming instructions, it controls the flow of information through the processor by controlling what happens inside the processor.
• We communicate with the computer through programming languages.
– COBOL, C++, or VisualBasic.net, HTML, Java Script for example.
System Components
Memory: found on the motherboard; short term and long term.
– Random Access Memory (RAM): memory on the motherboard that is short term; where data, information, and program instructions are stored temporarily on a RAM chip or a set of RAM chips.
• When the computer is turned off or if there is loss of power, what ever is stored in RAM disappears.
• This memory know as the main memory and is considered volatile.
• The computer can read from and write to RAM.
– Read-Only Memory (ROM): memory on the motherboard that is long term; where the specific instructions that are needed for the computer to operate are stored.
• This memory is nonvolatile and your computer can only read from a ROM chip.
• The instructions remain on the chip regardless if the power is turned on or off.
• Most common is the BIOS ROM; where the computer uses instructions contained on this chip to boot or start the system when you turn on your computer.
System Components
• Basic Controllers: on the motherboard, a device that controls the transfer of data from the computer to a peripheral device and vice versa.
- Examples: keyboards, mouse, monitors, and printers.
- Generally stored on one single chip.
• Serial and Parallel Ports: used to connect our peripheral devices to the computer; usually one serial and one parallel port on a computer.
- Serial devices transmit data one bit at a time.
– A modem may be connected to this port.
• Parallel devices transfer several bits at a time.
– A printer may be connected to this port.
System Components
• Universal Serial Bus (USB): a new standard that supports data transfer rates of up to 12 million bits per second.
– A single USB port can be used to connect up to 127 peripheral devices
– Expected to replace serial and parallel ports in the near future.
• Expansion Slots: an opening on the motherboard where a circuit board or expansion board can be inserted.
– Examples: Additional Memory, video cards, modem cards, and sound cards.
How Does A Computer Process Data?
• PC system case – the metal and plastic case that houses the main system components of the computer.
• Central to all of this is the motherboard or system board that mounts into the case.
– Motherboard: is a circuit board (a thin plate or board that contains electronic components) that contains many integral components.
Data Representation
• ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange): the most popular and widely used standardized coding system
• Byte: eight bits or combinations of ones and zeros represent a character.
– MB-Megabyte or roughly 1 million bytes
– GB-Gigabyte or roughly one billion bytes
Input, Output, & Storage Devices
• Input device: hardware that allows you to communicate with your computer.
• Output device: hardware that allows your computer to communicate with the user
• Storage device: allows you to store or retrieve information
Computer Input Devices
• Keyboard
• Mouse/Trackball
• Joystick
• Light pen
• Pointing Stick
• Touchpad
• Touch screen
• Bar code reader
• Scanner
• Microphone
• Graphics Tablet
• Digital Cameras
Computer Output Devices
• Monitor: screen that display information such as text, numbers, and pictures.
– softcopy
• Printer: gives you information from the computer in printed form.
– Hardcopy
• Speakers: allow you to hear voice, music, and other sounds from your computer.
• Modem: allows you to use your computer to communicate with other computers.
Three Types of Printers
Dot Matrix – Gives a printed image in a pattern (matrix) of tiny ink
dots. • Less expensive and not as clear •
Inkjet Printer – Better quality of printed document •Machine uses an ink
cartridge and a printing element to print a finer image on the paper.
Laser – Best quality of printed documents • Laser beam and an ink toner
cartridge are used to produce the images. • More expensive • Quick
Storage Devices
• Magnetic storage devices use oxide-coated plastic storage media called mylar.
– As the disk rotates in the computer, an electromagnetic read/write head stores or retrieves data in circles called tracks.
• Tracks are numbered from the outside to the inside and as data is stored on the disk it is stored on one of these numbered track.
• Each track is labeled and the location is stored in a log on the disk known as a file allocation table (FAT).
• Hard Disk Drive: used to store data inside of the computer.
– Magnetic platter that holds a large amount of information in a form the computer can understand.
• Accessing data is faster
• Amount of data that can be stored is much more than what can be stored on a floppy disk.
• Size of Hard drive is measured in megabytes or gigabytes.
• Floppy Disk: flat circles of iron oxide-coated plastic enclosed in a hard plastic case.
– Most are 3 ½ inches and have a capacity to hold 1.44 MB or more of data.
• Zip Disk: capable of storing tremendous amounts of information
- They are only the size of a 3 inch disk but can hold as much as 1 gigabyte of data
• Magnetic Tape Drives: used for making backup copies of large volumes of data.
– Very slow
– Can be used to replace data that may have been lost on the hard drive
– look similar to audio tapes.
– Holds more than Floppy
▪ Optical discs: use laser technology to read and write data on silver platters.
– CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory) can store up to 800MB of information/data.
– You can only read data from a CD
– You can store data on a CD only if you have a CD Burner and writable CDs (CD-R or recordable CD-ROM)
– DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) is the size of a regular CD and can be played in a regular CD or in a DVD movie player.
Systems Software
• A group of programs that coordinate and control the resources and operations of a computer system.
– Enables all components of the computer system to communicate.
• Operating System (OS): provide an interface between the user or application program and the computer hardware.
– Win 95/98/2000
– Mac System 6/7
• Utility programs: help you perform housekeeping chores; complete specialized tasks related to managing the computer’s resources, file management, and so on.
• GUI (graphical user interface): graphical symbols (icons) represent files, disks, programs, and other objects.
Application Software
• Programs that work with the OS software to help you use your computer to do specific types of work.
• Categories:
– Business
– Communications
– Graphics and Multimedia
– Education and Reference
– Entertainment and Leisure
– Integrated Programs
Business Software
• Word Processing
– program that allows you to create, edit, and print text documents
• Report, flyer, memo
• Spreadsheet
– Numbered Rows and Lettered Columns
– Intersection of them = cell
• Grade book, financial info
• Database
– Lets you set up an electronic filing systems
– Enter text and numbers
• Find, search, and printer info in different ways
– Address book, Card Catalog
Software
• Communications Software
– Works with your modems or network hardware and allows your computer to communicate with other computers.
- Exchange computer files and email
• Graphics Software
– Uses pictures or images to help communicate messages.
• Multimedia Software: combines text, graphics, animation, video, and audio.
• Clip art Software: graphical images to be added to documents
• Desktop Publishing Software: uses both pictures and words to give you the ability to create documents
– Newsletters and brochures
Software
• Education & Reference
– Available on many topics
– Help
– Easier
– Quicker
• Examples: AR, Encyclopedia, etc.
• Entertainment & Leisure
– Fun
– Games and simulations
– Tests your skills
– interactive
Integrated Software
• Combines several software applications into one program. Includes:
– Word Processing
– Spreadsheet
– Database
– Communication
• Examples:
– MS Works
– MS OFFICE
– Lotus SmartSuite
Proper Computer Care
• Keep food and drinks away from the computer and keyboard.
• Avoid dusty locations.
• Use a surge protector.
• Keep magnets Away.
• Do not block vents on the CPU.
• Avoid bright sunny locations.
• Do not move the computer while it is in use.
• Always exit programs properly.
• Use a virus check program on a regular basis.
Proper Diskette Care
• Do not remove from drives while drive in running or light is on.
• Avoid contact with magnets and electromagnetic fields.
• Keep disks stored in a clean, cool and dry place with a protective cover.
• Keep protective metal slider in place.
• Use a virus check program on a regular basis.
• Avoid hot and cold locations.
• Make a back-up copy of your programs and files.
Proper CD ROM Care
• Keep CDs stored in a clean, cool and dry place with a protective cover.
• Avoid touching the back side of the CD; to avoid scratches.
• Avoid hot and cold locations.
• Make a back-up copy of your programs and files.
• Insert into CD ROM Drive properly; label facing up.
• Only write on CD’s with a CD Marking Pen on a label or the correct side of the CD.
Proper Care of Printers
• Avoid cold, hot, and dusty locations.
• Always use the correct ink or toner replacement.
• Always have the proper printer cable connected to your computer.
• Never pull paper out of a printer in motion.
• Do not turn off the printer while printing.
• Read the instruction manual before operating a printer.
• Always use the proper type of paper in your printer.
How to Maintain your Computer System
• Start a notebook of information on your system.
– Serial numbers
– Vendor support telephone numbers
– User IDs
– Date and vendor for each equipment and software purchase.
– Trouble log
• Periodically review disk directories and delete unneeded files.
• Make sure all plug-ins are secure at all times.
• Turn off the power and disconnect the equipment form the power source before you open the inside of you computer.
• Keep surrounding area dirt and dust free.
• Back up files and data regularly.
• Periodically defragment your hard disk.
• Protect your system from computer viruses
• Learn to use system diagnostic programs
Ergonomics
• The science of designing equipment for a comfortable and safe working environment.
• Proper Computer Ergonomics
– Sit up straight and lean forward slightly from the waist.
– Keep your feet flat on the floor.
– Your body should be about a hand’s length from the front of the keyboard and centered with the keyboard.
– Keep your fingers on the home row keys and curved.
– Keep your wrists up, not touching the keyboard or desk.
– Focus your eyes on the book, copy or screen.
– Place all materials you will type on the right side of the computer and supplies on the left side.
– Keep any items you are not using off your desk.
– Occasionally rest your eyes and take short breaks.
– Avoid lights that cause glare on the monitor.