1. What’s out there and who’s using it
Computer Basics
What’s out there and who’s using it

2. What is a Computer???
In its most basic form a computer is a machine that you use to run programs to produce a result or accomplish a task.

3. Types of Computers Super Computers
Are the most powerful computers made
Used to process very large amounts of information
Usually devoted to one specific task
Examples:
Satellite images
Predict natural disasters (hurricanes)
Military war scenarios
Stock market calculations
Supercomputers can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second

4. Types of Computers Mainframes Mini-Computers
Allow several users access to the same computer.
Performs hundreds of different tasks at once
Roughly the size of a refrigerator
Cost about $1M
Mini-Computers
Less expensive that a mainframe
Any computer smaller than a mainframe
Largely been replaced by Servers and Workstations
Both computers are used by governments and business to process large amounts of information.

5. Types of Computers Single user computers Personal Computer Workstation
Similar to a minicomputer but less expensive and fits at a desk
Personal Computer
Dedication to one user
Smaller and less powerful than others
Commonly used in schools, homes and small business

6. Types of Computers Variations of a Personal Computer (PC) Desktop
Laptop
Tablet
Hand Held

7. Types of Computers Special purpose: Navigation Climate control
Mechanical assistance

8. What is Hardware?
Hardware represents all the physical parts of the computer including anything inside or outside of the computer.
From the smallest microchip to the metal box that holds it all together. The System Unit refers to the computer itself and everything inside it.
Peripherals are separate devices that may be connected inside or outside of the system unit, but are not part of the computer itself.

9. Computer Peripherals Input components –
Any device that allows you to enter data and instructions into the computer.
Keyboard
Mouse
Web cam
Scanner

10. Computer Peripherals Output devices –
Any hardware component that conveys information to one or more people.
Printer
Monitor
Speakers

11. Computer components System Unit –
The system unit is a case that contains the electronic components and circuitry to process data.
The system unit contains:
Motherboard
CPU
Memory (RAM)
CPU/Processor: The brain of the computer. A silicon chip that performs most of the calculations in a computer. The speed is measured in calculations per millisecond (MHz)
System Unit: Main part of the computer that holds all of the internal hardware.
Monitor: Device to visually display output.
Motherboard: Large circuit board that connects all the individual components inside the system unit.
Optical Drive: is a disk drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves within or near the visible light spectrum as part of the process of reading or writing data to or from optical discs.
CD-ROM: Compact Disc Read Only Memory (type of optical reader)
CD-R: Compact Disc Recordable. Data can be recorded only once onto the disc
CD-RW: Compact Disc ReWritable. Data can me erased and the disc used again
DVD: Digital Video Disc
RAM: Random Access Memory is short term memory. Temporarily holds data, the more RAM the more programs can be run simultaineously
Sound Card: Allows sound or music to be played on the computer
Modem: MOdulator DEModulator converts data from digital to analog data
Network interface card: A compenent used to connect a computer to a network
Where is your handout?

12. Computer components Storage devices –
Holds data, instructions and information for future use.
USB flash drive
Card reader
External hard disk
Optical drive

13. Computer communication (Networks)
Computers can communicate thru cables, telephone lines, cellular radio networks and satellites.
Modems are widely used in computers for various types of communication.
Networks are any computer system that links two or more computers
Local Area Network (LAN) – frequently used in small businesses
Intranet
Wide Area Network (WAN) – used by companies, governments and organizations to communicate over large distances (globally)
Internet

14. Computer communication (Networks)
An Intranet is a network for sharing information and files internal to an organization.
Schools
Small businesses
An Extranet is the same as an intranet, but one that also allows external access to its resources via the Internet.
Universities
Laboratories
The Internet is the largest computer network in the world. Millions of people connect to it everyday to find information, exchange and communicate with people and businesses all over the globe.
WWW (World Wide Web)

15. What is Software
Software consists of the programs that run on the computer, including applications, which perform necessary tasks and the operating system.

16. Computer Software Software –
A series of related instructions, organized for a common purpose that tells a computer what task to perform and how to do it.
Categories
System Software
Operating System
Utility Program
Application Software
Word processor
Spreadsheet
Database
Presentation
Web browser
Image editing

17. System Software
The operating system (OS) is the most important program on the computer. It communicates between the computer hardware and the applications you are using.
Windows - The most widely used operating system for desktop and laptop computers. Developed by Microsoft, Windows primarily runs on x86-based computers (PC)
Mac - Mac OS is a series of graphical user interface– based operating systems developed by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh line of computer systems. 
Linux - The Linux open source operating system, or Linux OS, is a freely distributable, cross-platform operating system based on Unix that can be installed on PCs, laptops, netbooks, mobile and tablet devices, video game consoles, servers, supercomputers and more.