Chapter 1 Describe the purpose, components, and use of a computer system.

Objective 1.01 Describe the purpose, components, and use of computer hardware and software.

Basic Hardware and Software Hardware The physical components that make up the computer and other devices connected to the computer. This includes monitor, disk drives, cables, printers, keyboards, etc.

Application Software Computer programs designed to perform specific tasks such as calculating total fundraising sales for FBLA. Wordprocessing software, database software, spreadsheet software, and speech recognition software are examples of applications software System Software Computer programs designed to manage basic operations such as starting and shutting down the computer and saving and printing files. System software is divided into operating software, utility programs and language translators. Examples include: WIN95, WIN98, or Windows XP for IBM computers and System 7, System 8 or Rhapsody software for Macintosh.

Application Software Word Processing-Write and format memos, letters, and tables (Microsoft Word, Corel, Word Perfect) Spreadsheet-Prepare financial statements and other accounting functions (Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, Corel Quattro Pro) Database Management-Organize, manage, sort, search and store data (Microsoft Access, Corel Paradox)

Application Software Presentation-Create slideshows for speeches and other presentations (Microsoft Powerpoint) Graphics-Produce drawings (Paint) Communications-Send over the Internet Speech Recognition-Voice input to create letters, memos, tables, etc. (Dragon Naturally Speaking 7.0, Microsoft Office XP Voice Recognition)

Hardware Vocabulary The four main types of hardware are: Input Device-used to enter information into the computer. Examples are keyboard, joystick, modem, mouse, scanner, voice recognition, touch screen, microphone, and light pen. Output Device-displays or prints information produced by a computer. Printers and monitors are examples of output devices. A printer produces a hard copy output while a monitor produces a soft copy output. Processor-the device that processes data into information Storage-the device that saves data so it can be used again. Disk drives are used to store data on disks.

Parts of the Computer CPU Monitor Keyboard Mouse Speakers Disk Drive

Comparing Sizes of Computers Tower Laptop Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) Pocket PC Palm Device Desktop

Input Devices Keyboard Mouse Hand Scanner Flatbed scanner

Alternative Input Devices

Output Devices CRT Monitor LCD Monitor Speakers Dot Matrix Printer Laser Printer Inkjet Printer

Computer Storage 3.5” Disk (Magnetic) USB Flash MemoryCompact Disc (Optical) Zip Drive Smart MediaFlash Memory Memory Stick Hard Drive (Magnetic)

Computer Care Keep food and drinks away from the computer. Avoid dusty locations. Avoid bright sunny locations. Do not move the computer while it is in use. Always exit programs using the manual instructions.

Diskette Care 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 heat and sunny locations. Make a back-up copy of your programs and work.

Objective 1.02 Describe operating system functions

Operating System Functions Supervises other components Manages input and output Provides software and hardware management Manages essential file operations, including formatting disks and copying, renaming and deleting files. Multitasking capability

The System Software Controls the operation of a computer. Is the BOSS of the computer system.

System Software Tasks Booting the computer Formatting disks Creating folders or directories Saving and retrieving files Moving and copying files Example of an Operating System is MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)

Objective 1.03 Discuss the security and confidentiality issues and ethics- related to data, hardware, and software.

Classifying Software Commercial Software –Considered to be proprietary software –Copyrighted by an individual or business –Permission needed in order to copy –Software is usually disabled after a specified number of uses if not registered Shareware –Copyright protected –Distributed free on a trial basis –Payment by the honor system for satisfied users –Owner retains the copyright

Classifying Software Freeware –Given away free of charge –Owner retains the copyright –Program cannot be sold or altered without permission –Not necessarily free to copy and distribute Public Domain Software –Not copyrighted –Donated for public use –Free to copy and distribute

Types of Viruses Bomb-Destructive computer code or virus designed to activate at a specific time. Hoax-A program intended to scare users into thinking they have a virus. Phage-A program that modifies other programs, operating systems, and databases. Trojan Horse-A virus designed as a useful piece of software. Virus-A computer program designed to cause damage to computer files. Worm-Destructive computer program that bores its way through a computer network.

Safe Computing Tips Make back-up copies of all files on a regular basis. Don’t share disks from other computers. This will increase the chance of catching a virus. Don’t boot from a floppy disk. Write-protect your disks. Use an anti-virus program to scan your files on a regular basis.

Safe Computing Tips Use caution when downloading files from the Internet-many are virus infected. Use an anti-virus program that will automatically detect viruses downloaded from the Internet. File sharing on a local area network (LAN) may also expose your files to a virus. Change passwords frequently. Do not use common names; instead use a combination of text, numbers, and symbols for passwords. Use encryption (scrambling) software