Understanding Computers and Their Components

1. Computer Skills For Preparatory Programs "Applied1 Track" CS 051 Chapter 2 Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts

2. Chapter Topics • Functions of a computer • Data versus information • Bits and bytes • Input devices • Output devices • Processing • Storage • Ergonomics

3. What Does A Computer Do? • Computers are data processing devices. • Four major functions of a computer: • Gathers data (users input data). • Processes data into information. • Outputs data or information. • Stores data and information.

4. Data vs. Information • Data: • Representation of a fact, figure, or idea. • Information: • Organized, meaningful data

5. Binary Language The Language of Computers Binary Language consist of 2 digits 0 & 1. • Bit: • Binary digit. • 0 or 1. • Byte=8 bits. • Each letter, number, and character = a string of eight 0s and 1s • Bytes are the basic measurement for storage in a computer used to represent data or information 0000 1111

6. How Much Is a Byte?

7. Types of Computers • There are 2 Basic designs of computer: 1- Notebook Computer: also known as (laptops) is a portable computer that is powered by a battery and has keyboard, monitor..etc integrated into a single case. 2- Desktop Computer: Used at a single location (Stationary) and also known as personal computers (PC’s).

8. Types of Computers (conti.) Other Types: • Mainframe: - large, expensive computers that supports hundreds of users simultaneously. - used in insurance companies & Universities • Supercomputer: -specially designed computers that Performs complex calculations rapidly. Such as weather forecasting. • Embedded: Self-contained computer performing dedicated functions such as microwave, thermostat.

9. Computers Have 2 Main Parts

10. 1- Computer Software • Software: is a program that enables the hardware to perform different tasks Figure 1:Software Categories

11. Categories of Software • Application software: is the set of programs used on a computer to help carrying out tasks. • System software: is the set of programs that enables computer’s hardware devices and application software to work together.

12. 2- Computer Hardware • Hardware: • Any part of the computer you can touch. • Is the physical part of the computer system. • Computer equipment.

13. What Are The Primary Components Of A Computer ? Input devices. Output devices. System Unit . Memory. Storage devices.

14. 1- Input Devices • Input Devices: Enable the user to enter information or instructions into the computer. • The most common input devices are • Keyboard • Mouse • Other input devices: • Stylus • Scanner • Digital camera • Microphone

15. Keyboards • The QWERTY layout is standard on most PCs. • Enhanced keyboard features include number, function, and navigation keys.

16. Specialty Keyboards • Notebook keyboard. • PDA and Tablet PCs: • Input data through the use of stylus. • Wireless keyboard : • Send data to computer via Bluetooth

17. The Mouse • Is a pointing device which is used to control the movement of a mouse pointer on the screen to make selections from the screen. • There are 3 types: • Optical mouse • Trackball • Wireless • Touch pad • Track Point

18. 1- Optical mouse • Use Internal sensor or laser to detect mouse movements • Needs no mouse pad • Doesn’t need cleaning • Is more expensive 2- Trackball • Easier on wrists • Stays stationary on desk 3- Wireless • Uses radio or light waves

19. Laptops use: • touch pad: • a small touch sensitive area at the base of the keyboard. • track point : • a small joystick on the keyboard

20. Inputting Image • Scanners • Text • Images • Digital cameras • Images • Video • Webcam • Live video Flatbed scanner Handheldscanner Digital camera Camcorder Webcam

21. Inputting Sound • Microphones : used for: • Video-conferencing • Internet phone calls • Speech recognition