Introduction to Computer Studies Computer Concepts Introduction to Computer Studies

What Is A Computer? A computer is simply a: "Machine"

What Does A Computer Do? Computers manipulate/process data (information) very quickly according to “preset instructions”

Input Computer Storage "B u z z" Process Words Output

Cycle of Activity Input Computer accepts data Storage Process Output Computer accepts data Computer stores the data Computer “manipulates” (processes / changes) data in some way Example: Reads Data, Performs Calculations Computer presents data “after” processing Example: Screen Display, Printed Report

Computerware (Three Components) Hardware Physical Components of the Computer Screen, Printer, Mouse, Keyboard, Processor Software Programs (ie. Set of instructions) which tells the computer “step-by-step” what to do Word, Excel, All the Right Type, Games You Play Operating System Special Program that “organizes” and “stores” the computer’s software Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98, DOS

Input Devices Keyboard Mouse The “SCREEN” is used with these input devices, BUT, it is not an input device.

Input Devices Continued Hand-held Scanner Computerized Cash Register “Retail Environment” Flat-bed Scanner

Input Devices Continued Cd’s and Dvd’s Disks Memory Stick

Input Devices Continued Cameras Microphone

Input Devices move information inside the computer for “processing”

SubUnits of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) Arithmetic / Logic Unit Control Unit Storage Unit Performs Calculations Makes “Decisions” Directs Instructions into and out of the Computer It is the “Traffic Cop” Stores Programs and Data

Once information is processed, the computer presents the information back to you as “output”

Output Devices Screen / Terminal Printer Screen Display “Softcopy” Paper Printout “Hardcopy”

Tapes and Disks (Cd’s and Dvd’s) More Output Devices Tapes and Disks (Cd’s and Dvd’s) Speakers Burners

Summary of Computer Operations and Equipment - Accepts data Input CPU - Calculations - Traffic Cop - Stores Info Arithmetic / Logic Unit Control Unit Storage Unit Process - Displays Info - Prints Reports -- Stores Data Output

Computer Classifications and Sizes Two popular criteria you must consider when buying a computer are: Price Size (Memory) (Power and speed of the computer) These criteria help to define a computer’s “classification”.

Computers: Types and Sizes Mainframes (Maxicomputers) Minicomputers Microcomputers Portable Computers (Laptop / Pocket / Notebook Computers) Handheld Computers (Palm, Blackberry, PDA’s (Personal Digital Assistants)

Mainframes (Maxicomputers) Used by the government, weather bureau, armed forces, police departments, NASA, TSE Huge memory capacity, and very fast processing speeds Most powerful and most expensive computer systems

Minicomputer Used by LARGE corporations (The Bay, TDSB, Canadian Tire) Computers are normally “networked” throughout the organization

Microcomputers Used by schools, small businesses, and at home for personal use Also called “PC” (Personal Computer) Does not normally require “special wiring” The price is “affordable” May also be “networked”. (If networked, special wiring is needed.)

Portable Computers Includes “laptop”, “pocket”, and “notebook” computers Used by “travelling” business people and university / college students

Handheld Computers Includes “Palm”, “Blackberry”, “PDA’s” (Personal Digital Assistants) Used by “travelling” business people Due to “high costs” these computers are normally used by Management-level business people

Using Your Computer All computers today have the capability of becoming sophisticated All computers are adequate but the “application” should determine the “choice” of computer needed

Computers Jobs Success Money Promotion

Business Courses Computer Skills and Business Knowledge will help you get a GOOD job and keep a GOOD job !!

Good-bye For Now