Essential

Computer
Concepts

FIRST COURSE
Objectives XP

• Compare the types of computers

• Describe the components of a computer system
• Describe input and output peripheral devices
• Examine data representation and the ASCII code
• Define memory and storage
• Identify the hardware and software that are used for
data communications and to establish a network
connection

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Objectives XP

• Explain how Internet access, e-mail, and the

World Wide Web affect the use of computers
• Describe potential security threats to computers
and protection methods
• Discuss the types of system software and their
functions
• Identify popular application software
• Describe how data is shared among different
types of application software
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What Is a Computer? XP

• A computer is an electronic device that accepts

information and instructions from a user,
manipulates the information according to the
instructions, displays the information in some
way, and stores the information for retrieval
later

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Types of Computers XP

• Personal computers (PCs)

• Desktop computers
• Notebook (laptop) computers
• Tablet PCs
• Handheld computers
• PDA (personal digital assistant)
• MP3 players
• Mainframe computers
• Supercomputers
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Types of Computers XP

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Computer Systems XP

• Includes computer hardware and software

– Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer
– Software refers to the intangible components of a computer
system, particularly the programs, or lists of instructions, the
computer needs to perform a specific task
• The design and construction of the hardware of a
particular computer is referred to as its architecture or
configuration
• The technical details about each component are called
specifications

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Processing Hardware XP

• The motherboard is the

main electronic
component of the
computer
– Circuit board
• The microprocessor is
one of the most
important pieces of
processing hardware on
the motherboard
• Cards are removable
circuit boards
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Input and Output XP

• The data or instructions you type into the

computer are called input
• The result of the computer processing your input
is referred to as output
• Peripheral devices accomplish input and output
functions

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Input Devices XP

• You use an input device, such as a keyboard or a mouse,

to input data and issue commands
– Keyboard
• Ergonomic
– Pointing device
• Controls the pointer
• Mouse
– Scroll wheel
• Trackball
• Touch pad
• Pointing stick
– Scanner

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Output Devices XP

• Output devices show you

the results of processing
data
– Monitor
• Flat panel
• LCD
• CRT
– Printer
• Laser
• Inkjet
• Dot matrix

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Data Representation XP

• Binary digits (bits)

• A series of eight bits is called a byte
– Kilobyte (KB or K)
– Gigabyte (GB)
– Terabyte (TB)
• ASCII
– American Standard Code for Information Interchange

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Memory XP

• Random access memory (RAM)

– Volatile memory
– SDRAM
• Cache memory (RAM cache or CPU cache)
• Virtual memory

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Memory XP

• Read-only memory (ROM)

– BIOS
– Nonvolatile memory
• Complementary metal oxide semiconductor
memory (CMOS)
• Semipermanent memory

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Storage Media XP

• A computer file is a named collection of stored

data
• An executable file contains the instructions that
tell a computer how to perform a specific task
• A data file is created by a user

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Storage Media XP

• Magnetic media
– Hard disk

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Storage Media XP

– Tape
– Floppy disk
• Optical storage device
– CD
– DVD
– CD-R
– CD-RW
– CD-ROM

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Storage Media XP

• Flash memory
– Flash memory cards
– USB flash storage device
– USB drive (flash drive)

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Data Communications XP

• The transmission of text, numeric, voice, or video

data from one computer to another or to a
peripheral device is called data communications
– Sender and receiver
– Channel
– Protocol
– Device driver (driver)

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Data Bus XP

• This path between the microprocessor, RAM,

and peripherals is called the data bus
• Controller card
• Expansion card
• Expansion slot

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Networks XP

• A network connects one computer to other

computers and peripheral devices, enabling you
to share data and resources with others
• Network interface card (NIC)
• LAN
• WAN
• WLAN
• PAN
• WiMax

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Telecommunications XP

• Telecommunications means communicating

over a comparatively long distance using a phone
line or some other data conduit
– Modem
• Digital and analog signals
– DSL

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The Internet XP

• The Internet is the largest

network in the world,
connecting millions of
people
– Electronic mail
– World Wide Web
• Web page
• Web site

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Security Threats on Your Computer XP

• Security refers to the steps a

computer owner takes to
prevent unauthorized use of
or damage to the computer
– Malware
• Viruses
– Antivirus software
• Spyware
• Adware
• Firewall
• Phishing
• Pharming

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System Software XP

• System software
manages the
fundamental operations
of your computer
– Operating system
• System resource
• Multitasking
– Utilities
– Programming Languages

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Application Software XP

• Application software enables you to perform

specific computer tasks, such as document
production, spreadsheet calculations, and
database management
– Document production software

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Application Software XP

– Web site creation and management software

– Spreadsheet software
– Database management software

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Application Software XP

• Presentation software

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Application Software XP

• Photo editing software

• Multimedia authoring software
• Accounting software
• Information management software

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