1. Introduction To Computers

2. 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.

3. What Does A Computer Do?
Computers perform four basic operations – input, process, output, and storage.
These operations are known as the information processing cycle.

4. How Does A Computer Work?
Computers must be given a detailed set of instructions that tells it exactly what to do.
These instructions are called a computer program, or software.

5. The Components of a Computer
There are SIX primary components of a computer.
Input devices
The processor
Memory
Output Devices
Storage Devices
Communications Devices

6. Input Devices
Any hardware component that allows you to enter data, programs, commands, and user responses
Keyboard
Mouse

7. Output Devices
Output devices make the information resulting from processing available for use.
Printers
Display Devices
A display device is an output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information
EXAMPLE: Monitor

8. Storage Devices
A storage device is used to store instructions, data, and information when they are not being used in memory.
Magnetic disks (Floppy Disks and Hard Disks)
Optical disks (CD)
Tape – used for long term storage
Miniature Mobile storage media (Flash Drive)

9. Communications Device
A communications device is a hardware component that enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers.
A widely used communications device is the telephone or cable modem

10. Processor and Memory
The processor also called the CPU interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer.
Memory, also called random access memory or RAM, consists of electronic components that temporarily store instructions and the results of information

11. Computer Software
System Software – consists of programs to control the operations of computer equipment.
An important part of system software is a set of programs called the operating system.
The instructions in the operating system tell the computer how to perform the functions of loading, storing, and executing an application program

12. Application Software Word Processing Software (WORD)
Spreadsheet Software (EXCEL)
Database Software (ACCESS)
Presentation Software (POWERPOINT)