Computer Basics: Understanding Input, Process, Output, Storage, and Components, Lecture notes of Introduction to Computers

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Introduction to Computers Instructor : Ömer OKLU E-mail : omer.oklu@neu.edu.tr Objectives • Define the term computer and discuss the four basic computer operations: input, process, output, and storage • Define data and information • Identify the differences among desktop computers, notebook computers, and mobile devices • Explain the primary components of the computer and their use • Describe the use of hard disks, flash memory, optical discs, and other storage media What Is a Computer¢ ‘monitor (output device) inter optical dise drive ri (output device) (storage device) screen Web cam {input device) speakers {output device) ‘yystem unit {processr, memory, and storage devices) \ scanner (input device) memory cards| ; (storage device) microphone (input device) USB flash drive {storage device) card reader/writer (storage device) ‘external hard disk modem (storage device) (communications device) What Is a Computer?  Computer perform four basic operations Input Process Output Storage  These operations comprise the information processing cycle. What Is a Computer?  All computer processing requires data. Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio and video. Computers manipulate data to create information.Information conveys meaning and is useful to people. During the output operation, the information that has been created is put into some form, such as a printed report. The Components of a Computer pevices 72 i DEVICES lata information Personal Computers and Mobile Devices • A personal computer is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself • A mobile device is a computing device small enough to hold in your hand Personal Computers and Mobile Devices • Desktop computer • Notebook computer – Laptop computer – Netbook – Tablet PC • Mobile devices – Smart phone – Portable media player – Digital camera Inout Devices left mouse || wheel button button right mouse "2 button thumb touchpad buttons Input Devices  Mouse: A device that you use to interact with items displayed on the computer screen. A standard mouse has a left and a right button. You use the left button to select items and provide instructions by clicking an active area on the screen. You use the right button to display commonly used menu items on the screen.  Keyboard: A set of keys that resembles a typewriter keyboard. You use the keyboard to type text, such as letters or numbers into the computer. Microphone: A device that you can use to talk to people in different parts of the world. You can record sound into the computer by using a microphone. You can also use a microphone to record your speech and let the computer convert it into text.  Scanner: A device that is similar to a photocopy machine. You can use this device to transfer an exact copy of a photograph or document into a computer. A scanner reads the page and translates it into a digital format, which a computer can read. For example, you can scan photographs of your family using a scanner. Webcam: A device that is similar to a video camera. It allows you to capture and send the live pictures to the other user. For example, a webcam allows your friends and family to see you when communicating with them. Central Processing Unit (CPU)  A device that interprets and runs the commands that you give to the computer.  Also referred to as the processor.  Two major brands are Intel and AMD.  Examples: Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Turion X2 Memory Memory is where information is stored and retrieved by the CPU. There are two main types of memory.  Random Access Memory (RAM): It is the main memory and allows you to temporarily store commands and data. The CPU reads data and commands from RAM to perform specific tasks. RAM is volatile, which means it is available only while the computer is turned on. The contents of RAM must be copied to a storage device if you want to save the data in the RAM.  Read Only Memory (ROM): It is the memory that retains its contents even after the computer is turned off. ROM is nonvolatile, or permanent, memory that is commonly used to store commands, such as the commands that check whether everything is working properly. Output Devices  Output devices are hardware components that convey information to one or more people • A printer is an output device that produces text and graphics on a physical medium such as paper • Ink-jet printer • Photo printer • Laser printer • Multifunction peripheral (all-in-one device) Display Devices  A display device is an output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information  LCD monitors use a liquid crystal display to produce images on the screen Display Devices portable media player digital camera handheld game console Motherboard  Is the main circuit board inside the computer.  Has tiny electronic circuits and other components on it.  Connects input, output, and processing devices together (CPU, Memory, Hard Drive, DVD Drive)  Tells the CPU how to run. Storage Devices • An external hard disk is a separate freestanding hard disk that connects with a cable to a port on the system unit or communicates wirelessly • A removable hard disk is a hard disk that you insert and remove from a drive external hard disk Storage Devices • Flash memory is a type of memory that can be erased electronically and rewritten – Solid state media – A solid state drive (SSD) is a storage device that typically uses flash memory to store data, instructions, and information Storage Devices  An optical disc is a flat, round, portable metal disc with a plastic coating Storage Devices • Cloud storage is an Internet service that provides hard disk storage to computer users Communications Devices • A communications device is a hardware component that enables a computer to send (transmit) and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices – Transmission media Computer Software • Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks – Word processing – Presentation – Spreadsheet – Database – E-mail Computer Software Networks and the Internet  A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communications devices and transmission media  Local area network  Wide area network protocol domain name path Web page name Y y Y Y A~; A A A c Vv vw my http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvist/wildlifeviewing.htm yw.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/waldlitevie Address bar Ge Favorites gig @ Suggested Sites ~ ~ Get More Add-ons ~ g& Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Wildlife ... nps.gov hearer ee Cotes search go 2at Smoky Mountains © Search this park s Search nps.gov Dr rd Web page that is displayed after Web address is entered edule Of Events Black Bears Auto Touring Networks and the Internet  When you conduct business activities online, you are participating in electronic commerce, also known as e-commerce  Business to consumer (B2C)  Consumer to consumer (C2C)  Business to business (B2B) Searching the Web Step 1 > Step 2 Type the search engine's Web address (in tis case, google.com) in the Address bar in the Web browser. = | google.com Press the ENTER key. When the Google Web page is displayed, type Aspen Colorado ski resortsas the search text and then point to the Google Search button. Google Search button Step4 << Step 3 << Click the Aspen Snowmass link to display a Web page with a description and Click the Google Search button. When the results of the search are links to skiing in Aspen. displayed, scroll through the links and read the descriptions, Point to the Aspen Snowmass link. Seth) sommes results of search moan aay How to Purchase a Desktop Computer  Determine the specific software to use on your computer  Know the system requirements of the operating system  Look for bundled software  Avoid buying the least powerful computer available  Consider upgrades to the mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer, microphone, and speakers How to Purchase a Desktop Computer  Determine whether to use a broadband or dial-up connection to access the Internet  Use a worksheet to compare computers, services, and other considerations • If you are buying a new computer, you have several purchasing options: buying from a school bookstore, a local computer dealer, a local large retail store, or ordering by mail via telephone or the Web • If you are buying a used computer, stay with name brands such as Dell, Apple, HP, and Gateway • If you have a computer and are upgrading to a new one, then consider selling or trading in the old one How to Purchase a Desktop Computer  Be aware of hidden costs  Consider more than just price  Avoid restocking fees  Use a credit card to purchase a new computer  Consider purchasing an extended warranty or service plan How to Purchase a Notebook Computer • If you plan to use your notebook computer for long periods without access to an electrical outlet, purchase a second battery  Purchase a well-padded and well-designed carrying case  If you plan to connect your notebook computer to a video projector, make sure the notebook computer is compatible with the video projector  For improved security and convenience, consider a fingerprint scanner  Review the docking capabilities of the Tablet PC How to Purchase a Smart Phone • Choose a wireless carrier and plan that satisfies your needs and budget • Decide on the size, style, and weight of the smart phone that will work best for you • Determine whether you prefer a touch screen, keypad, or mini-keyboard • If you will be synchronizing your smart phone with a program on your computer, select a smart phone that is compatible with the program you wish to use How to Purchase a Smart Phone • Compare battery life • Make sure your smart phone has enough memory and storage • Check out the accessories How to Purchase a Digital Camera • Determine the type of digital camera that meets your needs • The digital camera with the highest resolution is not always the best • Consider size and weight • Different cameras require different memory cards • Photo editing features can save you time How to Purchase a Digital Camera • Make sure that you can see the LCD screen easily • Determine whether your pictures will require you to zoom • Price is important • Know your batteries • Purchase accessories Summary • Define the term computer and discuss the four basic computer operations: input, process, output, and storage • Define data and information • Identify the differences among desktop computers, notebook computers, and mobile devices • Explain the primary components of the computer and their use • Describe the use of hard disks, flash memory, optical discs, and other storage media