Download Computer Parts Notes

Basic Computer
Vocabulary
TERMS TO KNOW
PERSONAL COMPUTER
CPU
BIT & BYTE
HARDWARE
INPUT & OUTPUT
RAM & ROM
STORAGE DEVICE
SOFTWARE
OPERATING SYSTEM
NETWORK
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
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A personal computer is used by one person at a time. Includes desktop and
laptop computers, MP3 players, PDA’s, etc.
•
PC = Microsoft Windows OS (made by IBM, Dell, Gateway...)
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Mac = Mac OS (made only by Apple)
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
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CPU= computer’s brain
The CPU performs
calculations and carries out
all the instructions you give
to your computer
CPU speed is measured in:
•
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Megahertz (MHz) millions of CPU cycles
per second
Gigahertz (GHz) - billions
of CPU cylcles per
second
BITS & BYTES
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Computers can only process two numbers: 1 and 0.
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A bit is the smallest unit of information, always either a 1 or a 0.
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Eight bits make a byte
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5 page paper = 40 KB (40,000 bytes)
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Movie on DVD = 5 GB (5 billion bytes)
HARDWARE
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Hardware is the
collection of physical
devices that make up
your computer
system. These
devices are also
called components.
INPUTS & OUTPUT PORTS
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• Input = user enters
information into a •
computer
•
• Output = computer
delivers
•
information back to
a user
Types of Ports:
USB
Firewire
Compact Flash
(CF Card)
Secure Disk (SD
Card)
Hmmm......
• Is it an input or output? • Q: What are 3
•
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keyboard
mouse
printer
scanner
speakers
digital camera
hardware
components that
you can see
outside the
computer and
what are 3
components
hidden inside the
computer?
RAM & ROM
•
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A computer mainly uses 2
kinds of memory: RAM or
ROM, depending on the task
ROM = permanent
information, long-term
memory
RAM computer chips
RAM = temporary
information, short-term
memory (erased when
computer turns off)
STORAGE
DEVICES
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Storage devices:
* hard drive
* flash drive
* CD’s, DVD’s, & Blueray
* floppy disk
A computer stores information in
3 main places: RAM, ROM, or
storage device
Before you save your work, the
data is stored in RAM. When you
save a file, you move the
information from RAM to a
storage device.
How is RAM like shortterm memory?
If you had a 1GB file,
where could you store it?
SOFTWARE
•
Software is a set of
instructions that
makes it possible for
your computer to
perform tasks. It
translates your
commands into the
language of binary
numbers. Software
can also be called a
program or an
application.
3 categories of software:
* Operating System (OS)
* Application
* Utility
Types of Software:
* web browsers
* email
* word processing
* spreadsheet
* database
* presentation
OPERATING SYSTEMS
•
The operating system
controls all the
software programs
and allows hardware
to work properly.
Types of operating systems:
Microsoft Windows
Mac OS
Linux
MS-DOS = text interface
(“old school” way of
input)
GUI = graphical user
interface that allows for
point and click
Handheld OS (PDA’s MP3’s,
Cell Phones, etc.
Name 6 types of application software and
describe what each one allows you to do.
What types of software program controls all
the other software on your computer?
NETWORK
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A computer network is a group of
computers connected together.
Networks allow people to share
information and resources such as
printers, storage devices, and
Internet connections.
A network server is a powerful
computer that lets users share
storage space and applications
In a computer network, what do you call the computer that provides shared storage space and
applications to other computers?
Why is it helpful for schools or companies to use a network?