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combs
Computers.pptxComputer Basics:
Introduction to Computers
Computer Literacy
Because technology changes, you must keep up with the changes to maintain digitally literate. In order to be digitally literate, you must have computer literacy.
Computer literacy involves the understanding and knowledge of computers, the Internet , and any other technologies.
It is vital in today’s world because computers have become a part of everyday life.
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, which operates under the control of instructions stored in its own memory. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer to type documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.
Watch the video below to learn about different types of computers.
The Relationship Between Data and Information
Computers process data(input) into information(output) and often store the data resulting information for future use.
THE FOUR MAIN FUNCTIONS OF A COMPUTER:
ACCEPT data
PROCESS data
PRODUCE results
STORE results
Data is a collection of unprocessed items such as text, numbers, images, audio or video.
Information conveys meaning to users.
Hardware vs. software
Before we talk about different types of computers, let's talk about two things all computers have in common: hardware and software.
Everything you do on your computer will rely on both hardware and software. For example, right now you may be viewing this lesson in a web browser (software) and using your mouse (hardware) to click from page to page. As you learn about different types of computers, ask yourself about the differences in their hardware. As you progress through this tutorial, you'll see that different types of computers also often use different types of software.
Hardware vs. software
Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the keyboard or mouse. It also includes all of the computer's internal parts, which you can see in the image below.
Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how to do it. Examples of software include web browsers, games, and word processors. Below, you can see an image of Microsoft PowerPoint, which is used to create presentations.
Five Components of a Computer
INPUT DEVICES: any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into the computer (ex. scanner, keyboard, mouse)
OUTPUT DEVICES: any hardware component that conveys information to one or more people (ex. printer, monitor, speakers)
SYSTEM UNIT: a case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data (ex. motherboard)
STORAGE DEVICE: holds data, instructions, and information for future use (ex. USB flash drive, memory cards)
COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE: 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 (ex. modem)
What are the different types of computers?
When most people hear the word computer, they think of a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop. However, computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform many different functions in our daily lives. When you withdraw cash from an ATM, scan groceries at the store, or use a calculator, you're using a type of computer.
Desktop computers
Many people use desktop computers at work, home, and school. Desktop computers are designed to be placed on a desk, and they're typically made up of a few different parts, including the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Laptop computers
The second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop computer, commonly called a laptop. Laptops are battery-powered computers that are more portable than desktops, allowing you to use them almost anywhere.
Tablet computers
Tablet computers—or tablets—are handheld computers that are even more portable than laptops. Instead of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. The iPad is an example of a tablet.
Servers
A server is a computer that serves up information to other computers on a network. For example, whenever you use the Internet, you're looking at something that's stored on a server. Many businesses also use local file servers to store and share files internally.
Other types of computers
Many of today's electronics are basically specialized computers, though we don't always think of them that way. Here are a few common examples.
Smartphones: Many cell phones can do a lot of things computers can do, including browsing the Internet and playing games. They are often called smartphones.
Wearables: Wearable technology is a general term for a group of devices—including fitness trackers and smartwatches—that are designed to be worn throughout the day. These devices are often called wearables for short.
Game consoles: A game console is a specialized type of computer that is used for playing video games on your TV.
PCs and Macs
This type of computer began with the original IBM PC that was introduced in 1981. Other companies began creating similar computers, which were called IBM PC Compatible (often shortened to PC). Today, this is the most common type of personal computer, and it typically includes the Microsoft Windows operating system.
The Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984, and it was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey), which is an interface that gives benefits of windows, icons, and buttons. All Macs are made by one company (Apple), and they almost always use the Mac OS X operating system.
Personal computers come in two main styles: PC and Mac. Both are fully functional, but they have a different look and feel, and many people prefer one or the other.
