Introduction to Computer Basics Ms. Scales 5th Grade

What Is A Computer? An electronic device that receives data, processes data, stores data, and produces a result (output). A collection of electronic circuits, which can be on or off (open or closed). These two states of the circuit are represented by two digits, 0 and 1, called a binary system.

What is Data? Data: People: information entered into the computer to be processed, which consists of the following: Text, numbers, sounds, and images People: the users of the computers who enter the data and use the output.

Data Communications Computer technology enables computers to communicate You can send text, numeric data, voice or video data from one machine to another. Popular examples: Internet Electronic messages (e-mail) Text Messages (SMS) Multimedia Messages (MMS) Istant Messages (IM) Faxes Electronic or online banking

Hardware Hardware: the tangible, physical parts of the computer equipment that can be seen and touched such as: The Computer itself Monitor Keyboard Mouse CD/DVD Drive Speakers

Parts of the Computer Central Processing Unit (CPU): the microprocessor, the brains of the computer. Chip contains millions of switches and pathways that help your computer make important decisions. The main chip that allows computer to do millions of calculations per second and makes it possible for users to use their computer however they need.

Computer Technology Hard Drive Network Drive Permanently storing files, programs, and other data on your computer’s hard drive, which is like computer’s “filing cabinet” Network Drive A Storage space on a network, such as school or work network.

Computer Memory Memory: found on the motherboard; short term and long term. Random Access Memory (RAM) memory on the motherboard that is short term; where data, information, and program instructions are stored temporarily on a RAM chip or a set of RAM chips. Read-Only Memory (ROM) memory on the motherboard that is long term; where the specific instructions that are needed for the computer to operate are stored.

Input, Output, & Storage Devices Input device: hardware that allows you to communicate with your computer. Output device: hardware that allows your computer to communicate with the user Storage device: allows you to store or retrieve information Some types of technology can be both an input and an output device!!!

Computer Input Devices Keyboard Mouse/Trackball Joystick Light pen Pointing Stick Touchpad Video Camera Touch screen Bar code reader Scanner Microphone Graphics Tablet Digital Cameras

Computer Input Devices Keyboard The hardware device used to enter letters, numbers, and commands into the computer Numeric Keyboard The portion of the keyboard, set up like a adding machine or calculator used to enter numbers and equations quickly into the computer Mouse A tool used to move the cursor and pointer around the screen

Computer Output Devices Monitor: screen that display information such as text, numbers, and pictures. softcopy Printer: gives you information from the computer in printed form. Hardcopy

Three Types of Printers Dot Matrix Gives a printed image in a pattern (matrix) of tiny ink dots. Less expensive and not as clear Inkjet Printer Better quality of printed document Machine uses an ink cartridge and a printing element to print a finer image on the paper. Laser Best quality of printed documents Laser beam and an ink toner cartridge are used to produce the images. More expensive Quick

Computer Output Devices VGA Port Allows you to display your Computer or Laptop on an external monitor or projector.

Computer Output Devices Speakers: allow you to hear voice, music, and other sounds from your computer. Modem: allows you to use your computer to communicate with other computers.

Types of Storage Devices Hard Disk Drive: used to store data inside of the computer. this holds a large amount of information in a form the computer can understand. Accessing data is faster Amount of data that can be stored is much more than what can be stored on a floppy disk. Size of Hard drive is measured in gigabytes(GB) mainly or megabytes(MB) in older computers

Types of Storage Devices Portable Storage Device Allows you to transport computer files from one location to another Ex. Flash/Jump Drive, CD, DVD, Floppy Disk, External Hard Drive

Software Software Two types: The Programs that give the computer instructions that allow you to accomplish certain tasks (this is what we use computers for!) such as: write letters analyze numbers sort files draw pictures play games, etc… Two types: Application System software programs

Operating System Operating System Software The software that allows your computer to start up, accept input, deliver output, connect to other computers, and generally execute the task on a computer. Ex. Vista, Windows XP, Mac Leopard

Software Application Application Software Program or Software The individual programs that carry out specific tasks on your computer that exist on the computer’s hard drive, this is what we use computers for. Ex. Microsoft Word, Photoshop, Solitaire Categories: Business Communications Graphics and Multimedia Education and Reference Entertainment and Leisure Integrated Programs

Business Software Database Word Processing Spreadsheet Lets you set up an electronic filing systems Enter text and numbers Find, search, and printer info in different ways Use Ex: Address book, Card Catalog Word Processing program that allows you to create, edit, and print text documents Use Ex: Report, flyer, memo Spreadsheet Numbered Rows and Lettered Columns Intersection of rows and columns = cells Use Ex: Grade book, financial info

Software Communications Graphics Software Clip art Desktop Publishing Works with your modems or network hardware and allows your computer to communicate with other computers. Exchange computer files and email Graphics Software Uses pictures or images to help communicate messages. Clip art graphical images to be added to documents Desktop Publishing uses both pictures and words to give you the ability to create documents Ex:Newsletters and brochures

Presentations Digital Presentation Software Presentation software that allows you to combine and present text, graphics, photos, videos, and other multimedia features. Ex. PowerPoint (like this one!!!), Windows Movie Maker Multimedia: combines text, graphics, animation, video, and audio.

Software Entertainment & Leisure Education & Reference Fun Games and simulations Tests your skills interactive Education & Reference Available on many topics Help Easier Quicker Examples: AR, Encyclopedia, etc.

More types of Software Freeware Shareware Probeware Software written and then donated to the public, so anyone is free to copy it and share it. Shareware Software that can be tried before you purchase it. Probeware Computer assisted data collection tools

Email E-mail (electronic mail) E-mail Attachments communicating electronically on the computer user can compose a message at one terminal that can be regenerated at the recipient's terminal E-mail Attachments Files attached to an e-mail message

Proper Computer Care Keep food and drinks away from the computer and keyboard. Avoid dusty locations. Use a surge protector. Keep magnets Away. Do not block vents on the CPU. Avoid bright sunny locations. Do not move the computer while it is in use. Always exit programs properly. Use a virus check program on a regular basis.

Computer Damage Virus Anti-Virus A computer program designed to damage computer files Anti-Virus A application designed to search for viruses and repair files on a computer

Proper Storage Device Care Do not remove from drives while drive in running or light is on. Avoid contact with magnets and electromagnetic fields. Keep storage device stored in a clean, cool and dry place with a protective cover. Always properly eject before taking it out of the USB drive Use a virus check program on a regular basis. Avoid hot and cold locations. Make a back-up copy of your programs and files.

Proper CD ROM Care Keep CDs stored in a clean, cool and dry place with a protective cover. Avoid touching the back side of the CD; to avoid scratches. Avoid hot and cold locations. Make a back-up copy of your programs and files. Insert into CD ROM Drive properly; label facing up. Only write on CD’s with a CD Marking Pen on a label or the correct side of the CD.

Proper Care of Printers Avoid cold, hot, and dusty locations. Always use the correct ink or toner replacement. Always have the proper printer cable connected to your computer. Never pull paper out of a printer in motion. Do not turn off the printer while printing. Read the instruction manual before operating a printer. Always use the proper type of paper in your printer.