Chapter 1: Applying Computer Basics – Lesson 1© 2010, 2006 South-Western, Cengage Learning

Applying Computer Basics

• Computer: a machine that follows a set of instructions and makes calculations– What would our world be like without

computers?– Computers can: guide telescopes, control

lighting, air conditioning, security systems, make calls, store phone numbers, sent text messages, share music & video, play games, run programs, animate movies

Lesson 1 Slide 2

Sizing up Hardware

• Hardware: all parts you can touch with your hands

• Microprocessors: a small circuit board inside a computer that controls all the work a computer does (digital)

• Processors: most important parts! Brains of the computer

• Digital: microprocessors that calculate with 0s & 1s called binary code. (01011101)

Lesson 1 Slide 3

DigiTools• Short for "digital communication tools"• Computers of all types are called DigiTools

Lesson 1 Slide 4

Personal Computers

• Personal Computer (PC): designed for individual use – multimedia desktop, laptop, tablet

• CPU: Central Processing Unit – microprocessor

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Peripherals

• Peripherals: devices that work with a computer– Printers, digital tablets, scanners, and

headsets (speech recognition)

• Computers & Peripherals are digital communication tools – DigiTools!– Also called digital devices, electronic

devices, and consumer electronics

Slide 6

Software

• Software: instructions computers need to work properly. Three types:– Operating system (OS)

• Controls communication with hardware• Controls interaction with user. Windows Vista,

Windows XP,

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Software

• Software continued: – Application

• Allows you to complete a specific task• Generally installed on a local computer. Word,

Excel, PowerPoint

– Online app• Also lets you complete specific tasks• Runs over the Internet inside a web browser

Google gadgets

Lesson 1 Slide 8

Information Processing

• Information Processing: interaction with computers using a 5-step process– Putting data into forms we can use &

understand

• Data: words, pictures, numbers

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5 Steps of Information Processing

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Information Processing

• Input: putting data into a computer– Touchscreen, keyboard, electronic pen,

speech headset, scanner, camera, etc.

• Processing: changing or manipulating data using software– Add numbers, sort lists, alter colors

• Output: getting data from your computer– Read a text message, print report, view

photos on monitor Lesson 1 Slide 11

Information Processing

• Distribution: sharing information with people who want it– Post a blog, build website, use phone to

send picture

• Storage: saving data for later use– Local hard drive (C:\\), flash drive, Internet,

Network (Z:\\)• Our network is Leaddog. You save to your

folder on the network (Your name)

Lesson 1 Slide 12