Computer and
Internet Basics
Unit A
Objectives
Define Computers
Explore Computer Functions
Categorize Computers
Examine Personal Computer
Systems
Explore data, information, and
files
Objectives
Introduce Application and System Software
Define Internet Basics
Connect to the Internet
Understand World Wide Web Basics
Use Browsers
Understand E-mail Basics
A Computer is a device that
accepts input
processes data
stores data
produces output
(all according to a series of stored instructions)
Computer system consists of:
Hardware:
microprocessor
(inside the tower or
base)
Peripheral devices:
input and output
Software:
programs
Computer Network
Two or more
computers that are
connected and
share data and
programs
LAN is a local area network
Computer Functions
•Words, symbols, numbers, sound, pictures, program instructionsInput
•Program calculates, sorts, modifies data
•Uses microprocessor or CPUProcess
•Memory is temporary holding area (RAM)
•Storage is permanent (disk)Store
•Results of processing
•Reports, graphs, documents, pictures
•Printer or monitor
Output
Less Powerful Computers
•Smart Phone
•Videogame consoles
•PC/microcomputer
•Laptops andChromebooks
Computer System
Computer + input devices + output devices + storage devices
Peripherals
System Unit
Power Supply
Storage Devices
Circuit Boards
Input/Output Devices
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Modem
Printer
Speakers, Sound card,
Graphics card
Storage Device Evolution
Floppy disk drive
Hard disk drive
CD-ROM drive
DVD drive
CD and/or DVD
writer
USB (Universal
Serial Bus
Data vs. Information
Data (symbols) used by computers
Information (meaningful) used by people
Data
Binary number
system to define
electronic data
0 or 1 (Bit)
Byte (8 bits or one
character on your
keyboard)
Files
Collection of data on a storage
medium
Data file (passive)
Executable file (active)
Filename and extension
examples:
Resume.docWord.exeImage.jpg
System Software
Helps the computer monitor itself in
order to function efficiently
Operating system (ex: Windows 98 or
Windows XP)
– Master controller of all computer activities
Popular operating systems– PCs: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
– Smart Phones: Android OS, Apple iOS,
Blackberry OS is virus immune
– Servers: Linus and UNIX
Platform
Mac and PC compatibility is still
an issue – Apple products tend to
talk to only Apple products
Apple computer = Mac platform
Original IBM computer =
Windows or PC platform
Microprocessor + Operating system
Application Software
Microsoft PowerPointMicrosoft Excel
Designed
to carry out
a particular
task
Internet Basics:
Cyberspace/The CloudInternet is a collection of
local, regional, national and international computer networks that are linked together to exchange data and distribute processing tasks.
Plain English: Nothing more than phone lines and towers connecting computer networks (infrastructure)
Internet Terminology
Server software
IP Address: unique number for each Internet computer
Packets: small chunks of data ready to travel the Internet
Router: helps send along the packets to correct destination – makes wifipossible
Internet Resources
E-commerce
Web Sites
Social Media
Internet Radio
Download Or Upload
Texting
Internet Connections
Cable modems– Network card and cable modem required
– Always-on and 25 times faster than dial-up
Satellite
Wifi
Faster Internet Connections
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital
Network)
– 64K or 128K
– Always-on and expensive
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and xDSL– Up to 125 times faster than dialup
DSS (Digital Satellite Service)
– 500K
Need proximity to a telephone switching station
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Provides internet access to businesses, organizations and individuals
Provides telecommunications equipment
User ID and password required
Connects you to backbone
Email account monthly fee
Copies of everything you send and receive
World Wide Web Basics
Files interconnected via hypertext
Web pages make up a web site
Home Page
Links or hyperlinks
Web servers
World Wide Web Basics
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)– No spaces and Case sensitive
– HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
HTML (Hypertext Markup
Language)– .htm or .html file extension
Document name
and filename
extension
Folder
name
Web
server
name
Web
protocol
standard
http://www.cnn.com/showbiz/movies.htm
Using Browsers
Can type URLs
HTML tags tell browser how to display web page data
Back, forward and stop buttons
Setting a home page
Print options
History list
Favorites and bookmarks
Edit and Find
Google Chrome Microsoft ®, Internet Explorer®
Firefox®, and more
Search Engines
Keywords
E-mail Basics
Account = Mailbox
Message
Attachment
ASCII vs HTML format
Netiquette
E-mail System
E-mail servers
Store-and-forward technology
Types– POP (Post Office Protocol) used via
your ISP Ex.: [email protected]
– Web-based like Gmail or Yahoo
– IMAP (Internet Message
Access Protocol)
E-mail System
TechTalk: Boot Process
Power up
ROM runs bootstrap (boot)
program
POST (Power-on self-test)– Identifies and checks peripherals
ROM loads operating system from
hard disk into RAM
Checks configuration and
customization startup routines– Safe Mode, if this process is not successful
Issue
How Private is E-Mail?