Computer Systems Objective 2.01: To be able to identify the purpose and parts of a computer system.

What Is A C omputer? An electronic device that receives data, processes data, stores data, and produces a result (output). Uses hardware and software Comes in different types

Types of Computers Desktop computer: designed to be used on a desktop; has a tower this is either upright, lays flat on the desk, or is attached to the back of the monitor

Tablet computer: a portable computer smaller than a laptop, but larger than a Smart Phone; has touch screen and virtual keyboard instead of standard keyboard

Laptop computer: designed to be small enough and light enough to be used on your lap; uses a touchpad (aka trackpad) instead of a mouse

Hardware Hardware is the physical components of a computer system It is any part of the computer that you can actually touch!

Computer Case--the metal and plastic case that houses the main system components of the computer

CPU (Central Processing Unit): The “brains” of the computer; inside the computer case; about the size of a stamp

Hard Disk or Hard Drive— device for receiving and storing computer data

Monitor--a device that displays text and graphics generated by the computer

Keyboard--used to enter information into the computer; it contains numbers, letters & symbols

Mouse--a hand-held device that controls the cursor to point, click, and drag icons on the monitor; it is a tool used for operating the computer

Printer--a device that produces a paper copy of information from your computer; printers can print in black and white AND color

Scanner--a device that translates information it sees on a page into a format a computer can use

Classifications of Hardware Hardware can be classified four ways: Input Device Output Device Processing Device Storage Device

Input Devices Input Devices include hardware that you use to put information INTO the computer. They allow the user to communicate with the computer Examples: Keyboard Mouse Scanner Touch Screen Joystick

Output Devices Output Devices include hardware that displays the result of processing. They allow the computer to communicate with the user. Examples: Printer Speakers Monitor

Processing Device The Processing Device is the part of the computer that “works” on the information the user has inputted into the computer. There is only one! The CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Storage Devices Storage Devices are the pieces of hardware that allow you to save information. Examples: Hard disk, CD-ROM, Flashdrive/Jump drive

Computer Software The intangible set of instructions that tells the computer what to do Two Types: Application Operating System

Operating System Software Sets the rules for how computer hardware and application software work together, controls the operation of the computer. Example: Windows 7, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS 5

Application Software Lets you accomplish specific tasks based on your needs. Examples: Internet Explorer, Safari, MicroType, Word, Excel, Madden NFL, Super Mario Brothers, Wii Sports, Angry Birds, PowerPoint