Hardware and Multimedia Chapter 4

4 Personal Computers (PCs) PCs are computers that can be: Used by individuals at home, work, or school Desktop models or portable laptop models Connected to a server in a network

4 What are operating systems? Operating systems enable computers to run software and perform basic tasks.

4 PC Operating Systems One of the principal differences among computers is the operating system. Most personal computers use Windows or Macintosh (Mac OS) operating systems. Windows and Mac OS operating systems are not compatible.

4 What is input? Input is any information put into a computer.

4 Input Devices Common input devices are: Keyboards and keypads Mice, trackballs, and touchpads Microphones, digital recorders, synthesizers, and musical keyboards Digital still cameras, digital camcorders, and Webcams Graphics tablets and scanners Game controllers

4 Output Devices Output is any information that a computer produces. Common output devices are: CRT or LCD monitors Touch screens, plasma displays, LED displays, and projectors Ink-jet or laser printers Speakers

4 Storage Devices Digital storage devices allow you to save your work. Common storage devices are: Hard drives, which are built in the computer Removable storage disks CDs DVDs floppy disks Zip disks memory cards

4 Processing Components Processing includes all the calculations and other operations a computer performs. It depends on: Microprocessors, or chips A central processing unit (CPU) Random-access memory (RAM)

4 Computer Networks In order to exchange files and share resources, computers: Require special input and output devices Must be part of a network, such as: The Internet Local area networks (LANs) Wide area networks (WANs)

4 Connecting to Networks Computers can be linked to the Internet or a network through: A dial-up or broadband connection using a modem A network interface card (NIC) A router