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–a programmable electronic device that can input, process, output, and store data
–takes data and converts it into information |
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| words, numbers, sounds, pictures |
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•processed data presented in a meaningful way |
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–The computer gathers data or enables a user to add data |
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| Data is converted into information |
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–The processed results are retrieved from the computer. |
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–Data or information is stored for future use. |
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–small, inexpensive computers designed for personal use
–the computers that most people typically use
•desktop, notebook, and tablet computers
•mobile devices |
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–manage network resources through the use of administrative software |
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–allow for multitasking
•Multitasking refers to performing more than one task at a time. |
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| large, powerful computers that perform specialized tasks |
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–components of large products that usually have a digital interface |
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•Hardware is the computer and any equipment connected to it (peripherals)—the physical components of the computer:
–monitor
–keyboard
–mouse
–printer |
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•The system unit consists of the components located inside the computer.
•One of the most essential components is the microprocessor chip, also known as the central processing unit (CPU). |
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•The CPU, located on the motherboard is the brain of the computer and is responsible for controlling the commands and tasks that the computer performs. It has two main parts:
–control unit
–arithmetic logic unit (ALU) |
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•The control unit is responsible for obtaining instructions from the computer’s memory.
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•The arithmetic logic unit, or ALU, performs all the arithmetic and logic functions for the computer. The ALU handles
–Addition and subtraction
–Multiplication and division
–Logical and comparison decisions. |
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–can’t be changed, removed, or rewritten
–is also known as nonvolatile memory because it retains its contents even if the computer is turned off |
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•RAM (Random Access Memory) |
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–acts as the computer’s short-term memory
–stores data temporarily as it is being processed
–is considered to be volatile because this memory is erased when the computer is turned off |
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Storage devices are used to store the data and information used by or created with the computer. Such storage is often referred to as permanent memory. |
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| REMOVEABLE STORAGE DEVICES |
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Definition
•Magnetic: tracks and sectors
•Optical: CD-ROM and DVD
•Flash memory
–memory stick
–compact flash
–multimedia card |
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A port acts as an interface between a system’s peripheral devices and the computer, enabling data to be exchanged once they are connected.
Serial and Parallel ports
Universal Serial Bus (USB) port
FireWire port
Ethernet and Modem ports |
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| Two categories of printers |
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–impact (for example, dot matrix)
–nonimpact
•ink-jet
•laser |
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–provides the instructions the computer needs to run
–contains the directions needed to start up the computer (known as the boot process)
–consists of two main types of programs: the operating system and utility programs |
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Application software is comprised of programs that enable you to accomplish tasks and use the computer in a productive manner.
–word processing
–spreadsheet
–database
–presentation
–communication and organization |
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•Networks are two or more connected computers, plus the various peripheral devices that are attached to them.
Each object connected to a network, whether it is a computer or a peripheral device, is known as a node |
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