Computer Basics  A computer is an electronic machine that takes information, processes it,and stores it.  Computers are made up of hardware ( monitor, tower, keyboard, mouse, printer) and software (programs that tell the computer what to do, Ex. Microsoft Excel, Word, etc.)

INPUT  Input Devices allow us to send information to the CPU (TOWER) to tell the Computer what to do.  Some TYPES of Input: 1. Keyboard 2. Mouse 3. Disk with data (a game) 4. Scanner

OUTPUT  Output devices receive information from the CPU (TOWER), then make it into sounds or pictures that we can understand.  Types of OUTPUT: 1. Speaker 2. Monitor 3. Printer 4. A disk to store data

Peripherals AAny Hardware not inside the computer case. PPeripherals connect to the TOWER EXAMPLES: WWeb cam SSpeakers KKeyboard MMouse HHeadphones PPrinter

Types of Computers Types of Computers

Supercomputer  Fastest and most expensive computers in the World  Used by NASA, the military and large universities

PDA  Developed as an electronic organizer.  Now available with mini versions of the Office software, e.g. Microsoft Word.  Can synchronize with a desktop PC and even surf the web.

Laptop  Were traditionally more expensive when compared to a similar desktop PC. However, with the growing demand for laptops and cheaper production methods, they are now a similar price.

Personal Computer  A computer designed for general use by a single person.  Takes up a lot of space

Mainframe  They are slower than a supercomputer but far less expensive. Mainframes can perform billions of tasks per second and can process large amounts of data at once. They are usually connected to a large number of peripherals e.g. printers, disk drives etc.

Inside the TOWER  Power Supply/FAN  ROM –Hard Disk  MotherBoard  RAM  CPU  BIOS EXPANSION SLOTS:  Sound Card  Graphics Card  Network Interface Card or Modem

CPU or Microprocessor  A tiny powerful silicon chip that contains the entire central processing unit of the computer. (Computers for Kids)  Pentium is one type, produced by INTEL  INTEL produced the first chip in 1971

Motherboard  Motherboard is found at the bottom of a desktop case (side of a tower).  The largest circuit board that holds expansion cards like the sound card and video card.  Passes data between components and peripherals mp- les2.html&h=320&w=440&sz=9&tbnid=4P9HWPui23yGeM:&tbnh=92&tbnw=127&prev=/images %3Fq%3Dimages%2Bof%2BINSIDE%2BOF%2BCOMPUTER%2BKABOOSE&zoom=1&q=imag es+of+INSIDE+OF+COMPUTER+KABOOSE&usg=__JL0aNvF- 6G_BiSezYMPDI2Te3nY=&sa=X&ei=_siSTLShK8WHnQem7YSsBw&ved=0CB4Q9QEwAA

RAM and ROM  RAM – Random Access Memory  Can write to RAM but it erases everything when computer is turned OFF ---- WHY WE SAVE!!!!  ROM – Read Only Memory  Remembers even when computer is turned off but can’t be written to.

BIOS  Basic Input and Output System  When computer is off and turned back on lets the computer know what Peripherals are attached.  Why you must turn off machine if mouse is not connected for it to work.