Basic Computer Concepts PDF
Basic Computer Concepts PDF
CONCEPTS
What is a computer?
An electronic device, operating under the
control of instructions stored in its own
memory unit, that can accept data
(input), manipulate the data according to
specified rules (process), produce
information (output) from the
processing, and store the results for
future use.
Input
Process
Output
Storage
Input
Devices
Memory
Storage Devices
Output
Devices
Input Devices
Any hardware component that allows you
to enter data, programs, commands, and
user responses into a computer
Input Device
Examples
Keyboard
Mouse
Output Devices
Output devices make the information
resulting from processing available for use
Output Device Examples
Printers
Impact
Nonimpact
Photo
Display Devices
CRT
LCD
Storage Devices
Removable
Floppy disk, or diskette
Compact Disc CD-R, CD-RW,
CD-ROM
DVDs DVD-ROM, DVD-R,
DVD-RW, DVD-RAM
Zip disk
Flash disk/USB drive
Tape
Non-Removable
Hard disk
System Unit
Communications Devices
A communications device is a hardware
component that enables a computer to
send (transmit) and receive data,
instructions, and information to and from
one or more computers
Communications occur over transmission
media, such as telephone lines, cables,
cellular radio networks, and satellites
Types of Computers
Supercomputers
and Mainframes
Microcomputers
Desktops
Laptops
(Notebooks)
Handhelds
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
System software consists of programs to control
the operations of computer equipment
Instructions in the operating system tell the
computer how to perform the functions of loading,
storing, and executing an application program and
how to transfer data
When a computer is turned on, the operating
system is loaded into the computers memory from
auxiliary storage, a process called booting
Most computers use an operating system that has
a graphical user interface (GUI)
File Management
Files
Folder
System Maintenance
Defragment/Check Disk
Virus Check
System Monitoring
Application Software
Word Processing
Spreadsheet
Presentation Graphics
Database
Contact Management
Utility Software antivirus, data backup, and
file compression
Hardware
Operating
System
Software
Applications
NETWORKS
A network is a collection of computers
and devices connected together so
users can share data and resources
A local area network (LAN) connects
computers in a limited geographic area
A wide area network (WAN) covers a
large geographical area
Web Browsers
Internet Explorer built into Windows
Netscape the oldest browser; an allround communications package for the
Internet; free at http://www.netscape.com
Opera free version available at
http://www.opera.com
Uniform Resource
Locator (URL)
http://www.yahoo.com
COMMON
APPLICATIONS
E-mail--Send messages to other connected users
Shop for goods and services
Meet and converse with people around the world
Instant Messaging, such as ICQ, Windows (MSN)
Messenger, and AOL Instant Messenger
Web browser plug-ins, such as Macromedia Flash and
Shockwave
Access sources of entertainment and leisure, such as online
games, magazines, and vacation planning guides
Access information such as news, maps, airline schedules,
and stock market data
Electronic Commerce
When you conduct business activities
online, you are participating in electronic
commerce, also known as e-commerce
Business to consumer (B2C) involves
the sale of goods to the general public
Consumer to consumer (C2C) involves
one consumer selling directly to another
Business to business (B2B) provides
goods and services to other businesses
THE END