Computer Basics Terminology - Take Notes

What is a computer? well, what is the technical definition A computer is a machine that changes information from one form into another by performing four basic actions. well, what is the technical definition A computer is a machine that changes information from one form into another by performing four basic actions.

What are the 4 basic actions that a computer performs? Input Processing Output Storage Input Processing Output Storage Together, these actions make up the information cycle.

Input Input is the raw information, or data, that is entered into a computer. Bits of Data - bit is short for binary digit, a bit can only have two possible values - 0 or 1 Bits into Bytes - bits are combined into groups of eight or more called a byte (example: A is coded as ) Input is the raw information, or data, that is entered into a computer. Bits of Data - bit is short for binary digit, a bit can only have two possible values - 0 or 1 Bits into Bytes - bits are combined into groups of eight or more called a byte (example: A is coded as ) What are examples of input devices?

Processing Second step of the information processing cycle the computer does something to the data in this step computers can process data very rapidly Second step of the information processing cycle the computer does something to the data in this step computers can process data very rapidly

Output the output step displays the processed data to create output, the computer takes the bytes and turns them back into a form you can understand, such as an image on the screen or a printed document What are some examples of output devices? the output step displays the processed data to create output, the computer takes the bytes and turns them back into a form you can understand, such as an image on the screen or a printed document What are some examples of output devices?

Storage fourth step in which the computer saves the information temporary and permanent without storage, all work is lost fourth step in which the computer saves the information temporary and permanent without storage, all work is lost

What is computer hardware? Hardware is the physical parts of the computer. hardware helps with the information processing cycle (input, processing, output, storage) Lets take a look at the hardware inside the case! Hardware is the physical parts of the computer. hardware helps with the information processing cycle (input, processing, output, storage) Lets take a look at the hardware inside the case!

Inside the Case Motherboard - main circuit board of the computer, all other hardware devices inside the case connect to the motherboard Central Processing Unit (CPU) - the CPU is the device that processes the data in the information processing cycle Motherboard - main circuit board of the computer, all other hardware devices inside the case connect to the motherboard Central Processing Unit (CPU) - the CPU is the device that processes the data in the information processing cycle

CPU Processing speeds Processing speed is measured in Hertz. (Currently, you will see mostly Megahertz or Gigahertz.) Types of processors - Intel (Pentium or Celeron), AMD (Athlon or Sempron), and more Processing speed is measured in Hertz. (Currently, you will see mostly Megahertz or Gigahertz.) Types of processors - Intel (Pentium or Celeron), AMD (Athlon or Sempron), and more

Inside the Case Primary storage - Temporary RAM (Random Access Memory) - stores data and instructions while the computer is working Secondary storage - Permanent Hard Drive Floppy Drive, CD Drive, DVD Drive Primary storage - Temporary RAM (Random Access Memory) - stores data and instructions while the computer is working Secondary storage - Permanent Hard Drive Floppy Drive, CD Drive, DVD Drive

Storage Space Internal and removable storage Storage is measured in bytes. Byte = 8 or more bits Kilobyte = 1024 bytes Megabyte = approx. a million bytes (1,024,000) Gigabyte = approx. a billion bytes (1,024,000,000) Terabyte = approx. a trillion bytes (1,024,000,000,000) Internal and removable storage Storage is measured in bytes. Byte = 8 or more bits Kilobyte = 1024 bytes Megabyte = approx. a million bytes (1,024,000) Gigabyte = approx. a billion bytes (1,024,000,000) Terabyte = approx. a trillion bytes (1,024,000,000,000)

Storage Hard Drive - internal - 40GB, 80GB, 160GB, 200GB Removable Floppy disk MB CD - 700MB USB - various (64MB,128MB,512MB,1GB,2GB) DVD – 4.7GB Hard Drive - internal - 40GB, 80GB, 160GB, 200GB Removable Floppy disk MB CD - 700MB USB - various (64MB,128MB,512MB,1GB,2GB) DVD – 4.7GB

Outside the Case A peripheral is hardware that is separate but can be connected to the case. A cable connects the peripheral to the computer. Connectors Serial ports, Parallel ports, USB, and more A peripheral is hardware that is separate but can be connected to the case. A cable connects the peripheral to the computer. Connectors Serial ports, Parallel ports, USB, and more

What is computer software? Software includes all of the programs that tell a computer what to do and how to do it. Types of software: system and application Software includes all of the programs that tell a computer what to do and how to do it. Types of software: system and application

System Software System software includes the programs that help the computer work properly. 2 types of system software: operating systems and system utilities System software includes the programs that help the computer work properly. 2 types of system software: operating systems and system utilities

System Software Types Operating system (OS) - lets the hardware devices communicate with one another and keeps them running efficiently. (Macintosh OS and Windows OS) Compatibility - the ability of programs written for one operating system to run on a computer with a different operating system. System Utilities - programs that help the computer work properly (maintenance and repair jobs) Operating system (OS) - lets the hardware devices communicate with one another and keeps them running efficiently. (Macintosh OS and Windows OS) Compatibility - the ability of programs written for one operating system to run on a computer with a different operating system. System Utilities - programs that help the computer work properly (maintenance and repair jobs)

Application Software Application software are programs designed to help you do tasks such as writing a paper or making a graph. Four Main Categories: Productivity software Graphics software Communication software Home, education, and entertainment software Application software are programs designed to help you do tasks such as writing a paper or making a graph. Four Main Categories: Productivity software Graphics software Communication software Home, education, and entertainment software

Application Software Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Software

Summary