INTRODUCTION TOCOMPUTERS Parts of the Computer System Parts of the Computer System 1B- 2 Computer systems have four parts Hardware Software Data User (Peopleware) Parts of the Computer System 1B- 3 1. Hardware Mechanical devices in the computer Anything that can be touched 2. Software Tell the computer what to do Also called a program Parts of the Computer System 1B- 4 Data Pieces of information stored in computers Computer organize and present data Users (Peopleware) People operating the computer Most important part of computer systems Tell the computer what to do Information Processing Cycle 1B- 5 Steps followed to process data Input Processing Output Storage Computer Hardware 1B- 6 Computer Hardware 1B- 7 MONITOR A computer monitor is an electronic device that shows pictures. Monitors often look similar to televisions. The main difference between a monitor and a television is that a monitor does not have a television tuner to change channels. Monitors often have higher display resolution than televisions. Computer Hardware 1B- 8 KEYBOARD A computer keyboard is an important device that allows a person to enter symbols like letters and numbers into a computer. It is the main input device for most computers. There are different types of keyboards. The most popular type is the QWERTY design, which is based on typewriter keyboards. Computer Hardware 1B- 9 MOUSE A computer mouse is an input device that is most often used with a personal computer. Moving a mouse along a flat surface can move the on-screen cursor to different items on the screen. Items can be moved or selected by pressing the mouse buttons (called clicking). Computer Hardware 1B- 10 PRINTER A printer is an external hardware device responsible for taking computer data and generating a hard copy of that data. Printers are one of the most used peripherals on computers and are commonly used to print text, images, and photos. Computer Hardware 1B- 11 COMPUTER CASE A computer case also known as a "computer chassis", "tower", "system unit", "base unit" or simply "case" and sometimes incorrectly referred to as the "CPU" or "hard drive", is the enclosure that contains most of the components of a computer. Inside Computer Case 1B- 12 Computer Hardware 1B- 13 POWER SUPPLY A power supply unit (PSU) converts mains AC to low- voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer. Modern personal computers universally use a switched-mode power supply. Some powersupplies have a manual selector for input voltage, while others automatically adapt to the supply voltage. Computer Hardware 1B- 14 VIDEO CARD The video card is an expansion card that allows the computer to send graphical information to a video display device such as a monitor, TV, or projector. Computer Hardware 1B- 15 SOUND CARD An expansion board that enables a computer to manipulate and output sounds. Sound cards are necessary for nearly all CD-ROMs and have become commonplace on modern personal computers. Sound cards enable the computer to output sound through speakers connected to the board, to record sound input from a microphone connected to the computer, and manipulate sound stored on a disk. Computer Hardware 1B- 16 LAN CARD A network card (also called a Network Adapter or Network Interface Card, or NIC for short) acts as the interface between a computer and a network cable. The purpose of the network card is to prepare, send, and control data on the network. Computer Hardware 1B- 17 MOTHERBOARD A motherboard (somet imes alternatively known as the mainboard, system board, planar board or logic board, or colloquially, a mobo) is the main printed circuit board (PCB) found in computers and other expandable systems. Computer Hardware (STORAGE DEVICES) 1B- 18 CPU (brain/brain of computer) Central Processing Unit (CPU) (formerly also referred to as a central processor unit ) is the hardware within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. Computer Hardware (STORAGE DEVICES) 1B- 19 CD/DVD DRIVE Computer Hardware 1B- 20 MEMORY The computer memory is a temporary storage area. It holds the data and instructions that the Central Processing Unit (CPU) needs. Before a program can be run, the program is loaded from some storage medium into the memory. This allows the CPU direct access to the program. Computer Hardware 1B- 21 RAM Random Access memory (RAM) is a form of computer data storage. A random- access memory device allows data items to be read and written in roughly the same amount of time regardless of the order in which data items are accessed. Computer Hardware 1B- 22 ROM Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of storage medium that permanently stores data on personal computers (PCs) and other electronic devices. Because ROM is read-only, it cannot be changed; it is permanent and non- volatile, meaning it will also hold its memory even when power is removed. By contrast, random access memory (RAM) is volatile; it is lost when power is removed. Computer Hardware 1B- 23 HARD DISK Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information using rapidly rotating disks (platters) coated with magnetic material. An HDD retains its data even when powered off. Computer Software 1B- 24 Essential Computer Hardware 1B- 25 Input and output devices Allows the user to interact Input devices accept data Keyboard, mouse Output devices deliver data Monitor, printer, speaker Some devices are input and output Touch screens Essential Computer Hardware 1B- 26 Storage devices Hold data and programs permanently Different from RAM External Hard Drive USB Flash Drive Uses a magnet to access data Optical storage CD and DVD drives Uses a laser to access data Software Runs The Machine 1B- 27 Tells the computer what to do Reason people purchase computers Two types System software Application software Software Runs The Machine 1B- 28 System software Most important software Operating system Windows 8 Network operating system (OS) Windows Server 2003 Utility Avast Antivirus, Clean Master, Software Runs The Machine 1B- 29 Application software Accomplishes a specific task Most common type of software MS Word MS Excel MS PowerPoint Covers most common uses of computers Computer data 1B- 30 Fact with no meaning on its own Stored using the binary number system Data can be organized into files Computer users 1B- 31 Role depends on ability Setup the system Install software Mange files Maintain the system “Userless” computers Run with no user input Automated systems INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS , PETER NORTON MCGRAW-HILL. 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