The Computer

COMPUTER DECIMAL TO BINARY CONVERTER BINARY TO DECIMAL CONVERTER INPUT OUTPUT MEMORY LOGIC ARITHMETIC

Computer u Primary memory unit Magnetized core 1 or 0, + or - u Secondary memory unit Disc packs, magnetic tape, metal disks, chips, CD, hard drive

Computer u Logic - The computer can tell whether a number is higher, equal or lower than another number. u Arithmetic - The computer can only add, but it can do it very quickly. It multiplies by repetitive addition. Subtraction is accomplished by adding complements. Division is done by repetitive subtraction.

Central Processing Unit u The central processing unit (cpu) is the brain of the computer. Processors labeled “286”, “386” and “486” are commonly found in IBM based computers. The “pentium” is the latest cpu chip.

Central Processing Unit

Memory u Memory stores information to be processed by the cpu. Memory is measured in bytes. –Byte = 1 character –Kilobyte = 1000 bytes –Megabyte = 1,000,000 bytes

Memory Types u Random access memory - RAM is temporary memory. It is used to store and retrieve information during a work session. u Read only memory - ROM is permanent memory. It is used to store information for the computer’s “boot-up” process.

Disk Drives u These devices store information permanently inside the system unit. u Floppy disk - These disks are 5.25”, 3.5”, Or 2.5” In size and usually hold from.36 To 2.88 Megabytes of information. u Hard disk - These disks are high capacity and high speed drives inside the system unit. The average size for hard drives is over 1 gigabytes.

Monitor Types u Monochrome - Displays information in one color. u Color - Displays information in multiple colors.

Keyboard and Mouse u Keyboard - These devices are the primary mode of communication with the computer. They come in a variety of styles and configurations. u Mouse - This device is a secondary mode of communication with the computer. They provide a graphical (pointer) interface with the computer.

Printer Types u Laser u Ink jet (bubble jet) u Dot matrix

Applications u Word Processing –Microsoft Word for Windows –Lotus Ami-Pro –Wordperfect

Applications u Spreadsheet –Microsoft Excel –Lotus 1-2-3

Applications u Presentation Graphics –Microsoft Powerpoint –Lotus Freelance Graphics –Harvard Graphics

Applications u Desktop Publishing –Aldus Pagemaker –Microsoft Publisher

Applications u Database –Microsoft Access –Claris Filemaker Pro –Dbase –Paradox