1. HOW IT WORKS …

2. Review: binary numbers
Decode this message

3. Review: binary numbers
Decode this message
(72 – H )
(69 – E )
(76 – L )
(79 – O )

4. WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
A computer is an electronic device for retrieving, storing and processing data according to a variable program
Computers are not as smart as we make them to be, they cannot function outside of what we tell them to do

6. What’s inside?
Motherboard: a circuit board which contains the principal components of a computer and ports for other circuit boards to be connected/slotted
A motherboard will function very similarly to a LEGO board

8. CPU Central processing unit
Basically functions as the “brain” of the computer
Everything goes through the processor
Functions:
1) input/fetches data
2) processes/decodes data
3) outputs/executes data
4) stores data

9. CPU (things to know)
Processing speeds, reads bits of information at a time
Hertz – pieces of information per second
Ex: 2.2 GHZ (2.2 billion “pieces” per second)
Multi-core processors

10. CPU (what’s inside of it?)
Transistors: basically switches that run and are programmed according to an electric current
Circuited in a way that represents a decision tree
ENIAC (1945)
Moore’s Law: the number of transistors in a space will double every two years

12. Memory (RAM) There are two types of memory: RAM vs. Long-Tem Storage
RAM (random access memory)
Comparative to “within arm’s reach” memory storage
“Random” because computer can access anything on RAM quickly, as opposed to finding it’s place like in your closet or on a shelf
Memory is lost when computer is shut down, dependent on electricity, constant current
More ram, generally means faster computer (512 mb, 4 gb)

13. Memory (hard drives)
Storage memory: long-term data storage, comparative to bookshelves, closets
Runs on electricity but data is not erased when it is powered off, “permanently written”
Much bigger capacity, but much slower speeds
Generally more than 256 GBs, 500 GBs, 1 TB

14. Memory (hard drives)
HHD (mechanical) vs SSD (no moving parts – random access)
Both through the SATA port
*SSD stores data in transistors called FGMOSFET (Floating Gate Metal Oxide Surface Field Effect Transistor)

16. Input devices
Input devices allow us to communicate with our computers by converting information into a format that the computer can understand (1’s and 0’s)
Keyboard, mouse, microphone, touch screen, webcams, etc.

17. output devices
Output devices allow computers to communicate with us in a way that we would understand
Monitors, speakers, printers, etc.

18. Hardware vs. software
Hardware is rigid, and cannot perform tasks that were not originally designed for the device
Software is fluid and can be easily change
Software is a set of instructions that tell the hardware of the computer how to behave