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Computer and Its Terminologies

The document discusses different types of computers and computer hardware. It covers topics like microcomputers, desktops, laptops, workstations, supercomputers, mainframes, servers, handheld devices, and computer components like the system unit, CPU, input devices, output devices, storage devices, printer, and speakers.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
1K views26 pages

Computer and Its Terminologies

The document discusses different types of computers and computer hardware. It covers topics like microcomputers, desktops, laptops, workstations, supercomputers, mainframes, servers, handheld devices, and computer components like the system unit, CPU, input devices, output devices, storage devices, printer, and speakers.

Uploaded by

javs1525
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Types of Computers &

Computer Hardware

Computer Technology
Day 1

Pleasant Grove High


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Basic Terminology
 Computer  Software
 A device that accepts input,  A computer program that
processes data, stores data, tells the computer how to
and produces output, all perform particular tasks.
according to a series of
stored instructions.  Network
 Two or more computers and
 Hardware other devices that are
 Includes the electronic and connected, for the purpose
mechanical devices that of sharing data and
process the data; refers to programs.
the computer as well as
peripheral devices.  Peripheral devices
 Used to expand the
computer’s input, output and
storage capabilities.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Basic Terminology
 Input
 Whatever is put into a computer system.
 Data
 Refers to the symbols that represent facts, objects, or ideas.
 Information
 The results of the computer storing data as bits and bytes; the words,
numbers, sounds, and graphics.
 Output
 Consists of the processing results produced by a computer.
 Processing
 Manipulation of the data in many ways.
 Memory
 Area of the computer that temporarily holds data waiting to be
processed, stored, or output.
 Storage
 Area of the computer that holds data on a permanent basis when it is
not immediately needed for processing.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Types of Computers

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Microcomputer
 A personal computer;
designed to meet the
computer needs of an
individual.
 Provides access to a
wide variety of
computing applications,
such as word
processing, photo
editing, e-mail, and
internet.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Desktop Microcomputer
 A microcomputer that
fits on a desk and runs
on power from an
electrical wall outlet.
 The CPU can be
housed in either a
vertical or a horizontal
case.
 Has separate
components (keyboard,
mouse, etc.) that are
each plugged into the
computer.
Pleasant Grove High School
M. Guymon Spring 2003
Laptop Computer
 A portable, compact
computer that can run
on an electrical wall
outlet or a battery unit.
 All components
(keyboard, mouse, etc.)
are in one compact unit.
 Usually more expensive
than a comparable
desktop.
 Sometimes called a
Notebook.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Workstation
 Powerful desktop computer designed for
specialized tasks.
 Can tackle tasks that require a lot of
processing speed.

 Can also be an ordinary personal computer


attached to a LAN (local area network).

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Supercomputer
 A computer that was the fastest in the world
at the time it was constructed.
 Can tackle tasks that would not be practical
for other computers.
 Typical uses
 Breaking codes
 Modeling weather systems

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Mainframe
 Large expensive
computer capable of
simultaneously
processing data for
hundreds or thousands
of users.
 Used to store, manage,
and process large
amounts of data that
need to be reliable,
secure, and centralized.
 Usually housed in a
closet sized cabinet.
Pleasant Grove High School
M. Guymon Spring 2003
Server
 Purpose is to “serve.”
 A computer that has the
purpose of supplying its
users with data; usually
through the use of a
LAN (local area
network).

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Handheld
 Also called a PDA (Personal
Digital Assistant).
 A computer that fits into a
pocket, runs on batteries,
and is used while holding the
unit in your hand.
 Typically used as an
appointment book, address
book, calculator, and
notepad.
 Can be synchronized with a
personal microcomputer as a
backup.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Computer Hardware

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
System unit
 Case that holds the power supply, storage devices,
and the circuit boards (including the motherboard).

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
CPU (Central Processing Unit)

 Where the processing in a computer takes place,


often called the brain of the computer.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Input Devices
 Units that gather information and transform
that information it into a series of electronic
signals for the computer.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Keyboard

 An arrangement of letters, numbers, and special


function keys that act as the primary input device to
the computer.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Mouse
 An input device that allows the user to manipulate
objects on the screen by moving the device along the
surface of a desk.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Sound Card

 A circuit board that gives the computer the ability to


accept audio input, play sound files, and produce
audio output through speakers or headphones.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Modem

 A device that sends and receives data to and from


computers over telephone lines.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Output Devices
 Devices that display, print, or transmit the
results of processing from the computer’s
memory.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Monitor

 Display device that forms an image by converting electrical signals from the
computer into points of colored light on the screen.
 Resolution
 The density of the grid used to display or print text and graphics; the greater

the horizontal and vertical density, the higher the resolution.


 Pixels
 The smallest unit in a graphic image; computer display devices use a matrix

of pixels to display text and graphics.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Storage Devices
 Used to keep data when the power to the computer is turned off.
 Different forms
 Hard disk
 Floppy or zip disks
 CD-Writer

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Printer
 Output device that produces text or graphical images
on paper.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Speakers

 Output devices that receive signals from the


computer’s sound card to play music, narration, or
sound effects.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003
Resource
Parsons, June Jamrich, and Dan Oja. Computer
Concepts. Boston: Course Technology -
Thompson Learning, 2002.

Pleasant Grove High School


M. Guymon Spring 2003

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