Introduction to Computers Computer Applications

What is a Computer? An electronic machine that can  Receive data  Process data  Produce results  Store the results for future use

Vocabulary Data - a collection of raw unprocessed facts, figures and symbols Information - data that is organized Input - any data the user enters into the computer Output - data that has been processed into information (comes out) Storage - area that can hold data for future use

Input, Output, or Storage?  Speaker  Monitor  Keyboard  Hard disk drive  Microphone  Digital Camera  Printer  Scanner  PDA/Smartphone

Types of Computers  Personal Computers (microcomputer or desktop computer)  first in 1977  Notebook computers  Handheld computers (iPad, tablet)  Mainframes  Supercomputers  Internet Appliances (Net Books)

Computer System/Information System  Hardware  Equipment that can be touched  Keyboard, mouse, monitor  Software  Programs that give computer directions  Word, Windows, PowerPoint  Data  Information that goes into the computer—text, graphics, numbers  User

Hardware Components of a Computer System Unit (processing, memory and storage) Also called a chassis or CPU Keyboard Monitor

Types of Software System Controls the operation of the computer and its devices (OS) Interface between the user and the computer Application Programs that perform specific tasks for users Utility Fix computer problems Virus protection

Ways to Store Information  Floppy Disk (1.44 MB)  Zip ( MB)  CD-RW (700 MB)  CD-R (700 MB)  DVD ( GB)  Hard Disk (40 GB  )  Thumb/Flash Drive (256 MB  )

Data Communications  Computers transmitting data from one to another  Sender  Computer sending message  Receiver  Computer getting message  Channel  Way the message is carried (phone line, cable…)  Protocol  Rules or language of the transfer  (

Networks  Collection of computers connected to share information and resources  LAN - Local Area Networks  Our room or Our school district  WAN – Wide Area Network  Internet

Internet  ARPANET (Predecessor of the Internet)  Developed by government  Largest network in the world  Terms to know:   Electronic Mail  Intranet  Private for a company or organization’s internal use  Extranets  applications that allow select outsiders to use an Intranet

Application Software File Extensions Word processing (Word).doc 2007.docx Spreadsheet (Excel).xls 2007.xlsx Database (Access).mdb 2007.accdb Presentation graphics (PowerPoint).ppt 2007.pptx

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Elements