1. WORD PROCESSING BASICS Introduction to Computers

2. OVERVIEW • The Computer System • Types of Computers • Computer Memory • Processing Power • Hardware • Software • Networks • Your Responsibility As a Computer User

3. THE COMPUTER SYSTEM Computer: an electronic device that can perform tasks and calculations based on the instructions that have been given it.

4. TYPES OF COMPUTERS • Personal Computer (PC) – most common type used in homes, offices, and schools • Supercomputer – the fastest type of computer. Used for weather forecasting

5. TYPES OF COMPUTERS • Mainframe – several hundred people can use at the same time • Minicomputer – smaller than mainframe; also called a server

6. COMPUTER MEMORY • Byte – a unit of storage capable of holding a single character. Equal to 8 bits. • kilobytes: 1,024 bytes • megabytes: 1,048,576 bytes • gigabytes: 1,073,741,824 bytes

7. COMPUTER MEMORY • Random Access Memory (RAM) – temporary memory. Lost when computer is turned off. • Read-Only Memory (ROM) – Data can only be read and cannot be deleted. Need to have to start up a computer.

8. PROCESSING POWER A computer’s processing speed is measured in ________ or ________.

9. HARDWARE • Input Devices • keyboard • mouse • Processing Unit (CPU) • “brains” of the computer

10. HARDWARE • Output Devices • printers • monitor • Storage Devices • floppy disk • hard drive

11. SOFTWARE • Operating System Software • manages the computer’s files and programs • Application Software • provides the tools needed to complete a task

12. NETWORKS • Linked group of computers • Intranet – refers to an internal network • Internet – communication outside the office

13. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY • Keep passwords and/or codes private! • Keep confidential computer/customer information just that: confidential • It is a criminal offense to retrieve or view information from a private or limited-access computer or database without permission.

14. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY It is illegal to make copies of software programs. Information provided on the WWW is usually copyrighted and protected. Violators are subject to prosecution and imprisonment. IN THIS CLASS, A “F” FOR THE ASSIGNMENT/TEST ETC. AND AN “U” FOR THE TERM WILL BE GIVEN FOR CHEATING!

15. THE END!