Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 Fundamentals − Illustrated Unit A: Understanding Essential Computer Concepts 1 Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 Fundamentals

Microsoft Office for Mac 2011Microsoft Office for Mac 2011Fundamentals − IllustratedFundamentals − Illustrated

Unit A: Understanding Essential Computer Unit A: Understanding Essential Computer ConceptsConcepts

1Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 Fundamentals Illustrated

ObjectivesObjectives

Investigate types of computers

Examine computer systems

Investigate data representation

Understand memory

Understand storage media

Examine input devices

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Objectives (cont’d.)Objectives (cont’d.)

Examine output devices

Explore data communications

Learn about networks

Learn about security threats

Understand system software

Understand application software

Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 Fundamentals Illustrated 3

Investigating Types of ComputersInvestigating Types of Computers

Personal computers (PCs) Used in home or office for general tasks Desktop Notebook (laptops): e.g., MacBook Tablet Subnotebook (ultraportable or mini

notebooks): e.g., Netbooks Slate: e.g., iPad


Investigating Types of Computers Investigating Types of Computers (cont’d.)(cont’d.)

Handheld computers Palm-sized, and more limited than PCs

• Smartphones: e.g., iPhone• MP3 players

Mainframe computers Handle large amounts of business and

government data

Supercomputers Largest and fastest, for use by large

corporations and government agencies5

Investigating Types of Computers Investigating Types of Computers (cont’d.)(cont’d.)

Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 Fundamentals Illustrated

Figure A-3:Apple IPhone

Figure A-2: Apple iPad6

Examining Computer SystemsExamining Computer Systems

Hardware Physical components

Software Intangible components, particularly the

programs (instructions)

Operating system Controls input and output, manages

storage space, maintains security, and detects equipment failure


Examining Computer Systems Examining Computer Systems (cont’d.)(cont’d.)

Components checklist Architecture or configuration Data Motherboard

• Circuits (electrical paths)• Microprocessor (processor or central

processing unit (CPU) )• Cards



Components checklist (cont’d.) Input and output

• Peripheral devices

Input device• Keyboard or mouse

Output device• Monitor or printer




Figure A-6: Intel microprocessor (CPU)10

Investigating Data RepresentationInvestigating Data Representation

Data processing Computers represent data as distinct or

separate numbers, known as binary digits, or bits

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) Personal computers commonly use

“ASK-ee” to represent character data• Each “ASK-ee” number represents an

English character


Investigating Data Representation Investigating Data Representation (cont’d.)(cont’d.)

Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 Fundamentals IllustratedTable A-1: Table measurements

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Understanding MemoryUnderstanding Memory

Memory Computer hardware that stores

instruction and data• Random access (RAM)• Cache• Virtual• Read only (ROM)• Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor

(CMOS)


Types of MemoryTypes of Memory

Random access memory (RAM) Temporarily holds programs and data

Cache memory (RAM or CPU cache) Stores frequently/recently accessed data

Virtual memory Simulated RAM on storage devices

Read-only memory (ROM) Stores set of instructions a computer uses

to check system componentsMicrosoft Office for Mac 2011 Fundamentals Illustrated 14

Types of Memory (cont’d.)Types of Memory (cont’d.)

Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor memory (CMOS) Activated in boot process, and identifies

where essential software is stored Changes when hardware is added or

removed Saves content when computer is shut off Stores date and time


Understanding Storage MediaUnderstanding Storage Media

Storage device Receives data from RAM and stores as a

computer file Magnetic storage media

• Hard disk

Optical storage devices• CD, DVD, Blu-ray discs

Flash memory (solid state storage) USB flash storage device (USB drive or

flash drive)


Types of Storage MediaTypes of Storage Media


Figure A-9: Storage devices and RAM

Figure A-10: USB flash storage device

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Examining Input DevicesExamining Input Devices

Input devices Enter data and commands into a

computer Keyboard Pointing device

• Mouse, scroll wheel, trackball, trackpad

Touchscreen Scanner Microphones Wireless devices


Types of Keyboard DevicesTypes of Keyboard Devices


Figure A-11: Keyboards

Figure A-12: Personal computer pointing devices

Figure A-13: Multi-touch trackpad 19

Examining Output DevicesExamining Output Devices

Output devices Display the results of data processing

Types of output devices Monitor

• Displays the output from a computer

Printer• Produces a paper copy, often called a hard copy,

of text or graphics processed by a computer

Speakers• Allow you to hear sounds from a computer


Examining Output Devices Examining Output Devices (cont’d.)(cont’d.)

Components of a monitor Flat panel

• LCD (liquid crystal display)• LED (light emitting diode)

Screen size Graphics display

• Pixels, resolution, dot pitch (DP)• Graphics card (video display adapter or video

card)• Graphics processor (built-in graphics card)



Printer categories Laser printers

• Toner

Inkjet printers Dot matrix printers




Figure A-15: iMac

Figure A-14: LED monitor

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Exploring Data CommunicationsExploring Data Communications

Data communications Transmission of data from one computer

to another, or to a peripheral device Communications components

• Sender• Channel• Receiver• Protocols• Device driver (driver)


Ways Computers CommunicateWays Computers Communicate

Components Data bus External peripheral device

• Expansion port and cable/controller card/expansion slots

USB (Universal Serial Bus) port• USB connector

FireWire (IEEE 1394 interface) HDMI, DVI, and VGA PS/2 ports Ethernet port


Learning about NetworksLearning about Networks

Network Connects computers and peripheral

devices to share data

Network components Network interface card (NIC) Network software Servers


Learning about Networks (cont’d.)Learning about Networks (cont’d.)

Types of networks Client/server Peer-to-peer Local area network (LAN) Wide area network (WAN) Wireless local area network (WLAN) Personal area network (PAN) Worldwide interoperability for microwave

access (WiMax)


Learning about Security ThreatsLearning about Security Threats

Malware (harmful) programs Viruses Spyware Spoofed site Phishing Pharming

Security steps Antivirus software (virus protection) Antispyware software Firewall


Understanding System SoftwareUnderstanding System Software

Key components Operating systems

• System resource• Operating environment (graphical user

interface (GUI)

Utilities Device drivers Programming languages


Understanding Application Understanding Application SoftwareSoftware

Application software programs Many allow use of data created by one

application in a document created by another application• Object linking and embedding• Integration


Understanding Software Understanding Software ApplicationsApplications

Typical application software Document production Spreadsheet Database management Graphics and presentation Photo-editing and video-editing Multimedia authoring Information management Web site creation and management


SummarySummary

Personal computers vary in size, portability and use

Computer systems comprise hardware, software and operating systems

Computers represent characters as binary digits, or bits

Computer memory may be temporary, permanent, or virtual

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Summary (cont’d.)Summary (cont’d.)

Input devices enter data and output devices display data

Networks connect computers to share data

Security steps should be taken to protect computers against harmful malware

Application software programs share source data via integration

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Documents

Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 Fundamentals − Illustrated Unit A: Understanding Essential Computer Concepts 1 Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 Fundamentals