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Introduction to Computers

What Is a Computer ?

Electronic Device - Instructions – Results

 What Does a Computer Do?

 How Does a Computer Know What to Do?

Software - set of instructions

Components of a Computer

Input Devices

Keyboard, Mouse

Processor Unit

CPU Microprocessor Memory RAM, ROM

• Byte One storage position (Character)
• Kilobyte 1000 bytes
• Megabyte 1 million bytes
• Gigabyte 1 billion bytes

Output Devices

• CRT Soft Copy Pixel
• Printers Hard Copy
• Impact Printer
  • Dot matrix printer
• NonImpact printers
  • Ink jet printer
  • Laser printer

Auxiliary Storage

CD-Rom 600 million bytes 300,000 pages of text
nCD-R and CD-RW CD-R (compact disc-recordable) write once read many CD-RW (compact disc-rewritable) erasable write on multiple times
DVD-Rom (digital video disk) 4.7GB to 17 GB
Diskettes density Track Sector
Hard Disk

  Computer Software

System Software DOS Windows (GUI) graphical user interface

• Application Software

  Word Processing
  Spreadsheets
  Database
  Presentation Graphics

What Is Communications?

• MSN, America On-Line
• Bulletin Board
• Transmission media
  • twisted pair wire
  • coaxial cable
  • fiber optics
  • microwave, satellite transmission

INTERNET

Internet - network of World-Wide Computers World Wide Web (WWW) subset of Internet allows users to visit sites with text, graphics, video, sound, and hyperlinks Browsers - allow users to access information from the internet Microsoft Internet Explorer Netscape Navigator

nE-commerce – conduct business activities online 3 types of e-commerce 1.B2C (Business to consumer) – sale of goods to general public 2.C2C (Consumer to consumer) – one consumer selling directly to another 3.B2B (Business to business) – provides goods and services to other businesses

Communications Equipment

• Modem - converts digital signals (computer) to analog signals (phone)
• Baud Rate (300 - 56K bits per second)
• Fax - Modem (28.8 baud)

Communication Networks

• Local Area Network (LAN) (radius 50 miles)
• Wide Area Network (WAN) - microwave, satellite

Advantages: Hardware, Information Resource sharing

How to Purchase a Computer System

Determine the specific software you want to use on your computer Look for bundled software Avoid buying the least powerful computer available Consider upgrades to the mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer, microphone, and speakers Determine whether you want to use the telephone lines or broadband (cable or DSL) to access the Internet nIf you are using a dial-up or wireless connection to connect to the Internet, then select an ISP or OSP Use a worksheet to compare computers, services, and other considerations If you are buying a new computer, consider your several purchasing options If you are buying a used computer, stay with name brands such as Dell, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, and Apple If you have a computer and are upgrading to a new one, then consider selling or trading in the old one Be aware of hidden costs Consider more than just price Avoid restocking fees Use a credit card to purchase your new computer Consider purchasing an extended warranty or service plan

END
Introduction to Computers

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