Computing Essentials Module 1

Computing Essentials

What is a Computer System? A personal computer system is made up of a central processing unit (CPU) and any attached equipment or hardware. has hardware and software that work together to turn data into information in a process called the information processing cycle.

Information Processing Cycle uses a basic information processing cycle that follows these steps: The user enters data using an input device such as a keyboard or touch screen. The CPU processes the data into information and stores it in the internal memory. Information is sent to the computer’s screen or another output device such as a printer. Information is stored on a flash drive or other storage medium for future use.

Computer Hardware Input Devices These hardware items, such as a mouse or keyboard, allow you to enter commands and data into your computer.

Computer Hardware Processing Component The CPU performs the mathematical operations and coordinates the functions of the computer system. In a personal computer, the CPU is typically a microprocessor and is located on the motherboard, the main circuit board of the computer.

Computer Hardware Output Devices The job of output devices is to display information from your computer in a variety of forms.

Computer Hardware Storage Devices You use storage devices for saving data that you want to use again.

Storage Devices Storage devices are sold based on the size of data they can hold 3.5” floppy drive 1.44 MB (Megabytes) (MB is 1,000 bytes) CD Rom 700 MB (Megabytes) DVD 4.7 GB (Gigabytes) (GB is 1,000 MB) SD card – up to 64 GB Flash Drive 1 Giga byte – 64 GB External Hard Drive – up to 2 TB (Terabytes) (TB is 1,000 GB) Internal Hard Drive – up to 3 TB

Information Processing Cycle

How Does It Work? The Motherboard The motherboard is a thin sheet of fiberglass or other material with electrical pathways that connect these key components of the information processing cycle: Microprocessor/CPU Memory chips Expansion slots for holding expansion cards

How Does It Work? (Continued) The Microprocessor The CPU of your computer is a microprocessor (also called a processor) located on the motherboard. It is a thin wafer or chip containing an integrated circuit that processes your requests. © Paradigm Publishing, Inc.

How Does It Work? (Continued) Memory Two kinds of memory are part of your computer, and they are provided on tiny silicon chips etched with electrical circuits: permanent memory, called read-only memory, or ROM, which contains start-up instructions and other permanent instructions, and (2) temporary memory, called random access memory, or RAM, which holds data while your computer is on.

How Does It Work? (Continued) Expansion Slots You can add expansion cards to your motherboard to add capabilities such as increased processing power and enhanced video and audio.

Networked Computer A Computer Network A network is a combination of hardware, software, and communication media. Two types of networks are: Wired – Computers in a business or home are connected normally by CAT 5 cables Wireless – Computers in a business or home are connected using a wireless access point

Wireless Network

Wireless Network Individual Computer Devices You can connect various computing devices to each other and to the Internet via a network. Networks require a communications medium, such as a wireless signal or a cable. Printer Hard Drives (Network Attached Storage) Mobile Devices (IPAD, Smart Phone, Cameras) Access other computers on network

Operating Systems Software The Computer’s Operating System or OS is the set of instructions that tells your computer what to do. the most important piece of software used on a personal computer system. The OS performs several key functions: Manages the operations of the CPU and the computer’s hardware devices Provides a user interface that allows a person to interact with the computer Supports operations initiated from within application programs, such as opening and closing programs and saving and printing documents.

Operating Systems Software For a PC Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8

Applications Software Application Software is the name for the group of programs you use to get your computer-based projects done. includes: Spreadsheets Word processors Presentation software Database software And much more, such as games, tax preparation, Web design, desktop publishing and audio and video programs

Questions?