S O L U T I O N S

AN INTRODUCTION TO
COMPUTERS
DEFINITION S O L U T I O N S

• What is a Computer?
• com·put·er        Pronunciation key  (km-pytr)
n.
• A device that computes, especially a
programmable electronic machine that performs
high-speed mathematical or logical operations or
that assembles, stores, correlates, or otherwise
processes information.
• One who computes.
• (American Heritage Dictionary, 4th ed. Pub.
2000)
Binary Numbers 1 of 3
Computers
speak binary.
We humans prefer to think of
1's and 0's because it’s easier
than visualizing positive and
negative current flows which is
what actually happens inside
computers.
S O L U T I O N S
Binary language
consists of
combinations of 1's
and 0‘s.
A combination of eight bits
represents one character in our
language and is referred to as a
byte. (For example: 01000001 is
a byte that represents an
uppercase A; each 1 or 0 is a bit.)
Binary Numbers 2 of 3 S O L U T I O N S

Kilobytes, Megabytes, Gigabytes and more

If you understand that a byte is one character in our language, you’ve got it made because:

1024 bytes= 2^10 bytes = 1 kilobyte

1048576 bytes = 1024 kilobytes= 1 megabyte

1073741824 bytes=1024 megabytes=1 gigabyte

1024 gigabytes=1 terabyte

1024 terabytes=1 petabyte

1024 petabytes =1 exabyte

Binary Numbers 3 of 3 S O L U T I O N S

• Disk Capacity
• It’s important to know how large your files are because eventually you won’t
have enough space on your disk to hold more files. Knowing the total
capacity of your disk, how much space is left on your disk, and how large
the file is, you can make accurate decisions as to whether to save the file to
the current disk, or save the file to a different diskette with more disk
capacity.
• Keep in mind that a low density floppy diskette holds 720 kilobytes of data,
and a high density floppy diskette holds 1.44 megabytes of data. Put in
easier to understand terms, a low density disk can hold approximately 300
typed pages and a high density can hold approximately 600 typed pages.
Zip disks have 100 megabytes of disk capacity (about $10.00 each) or 250
megabytes of disk capacity (about $15.00 each). CD-ROMS have 650
megabytes of capacity (about $1.00 each) or 700 megabytes of capacity
(about $1.50 each). Super Disks have 120 megabytes of disk capacity
(about $12.00 each). Hard drives (disk drives inside of the computer) might
hold anywhere from 30 megabytes (old computers) to 80 gigabytes (new
computers) of data. Most computers today are sold with anywhere from a 5
gigabyte (portable/laptop computers) to a 120 gigabyte (desktop computers)
disk capacity.
Uses for a PC S O L U T I O N S

• Word Processing
• Desktop Publishing
• Database Management
• Spreadsheets
• Communication
• Finance
• Education
• Entertainment
• News and Information
Types of Computers & S O L U T I O N S

Computer Hardware
Basic Terminology S O L U T I O N S

Computer A device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and
●

produces output, all according to a series of stored instructions.

Hardware Includes the electronic and mechanical devices that process the
●

data; refers to the computer as well as peripheral devices.

Software A computer program that tells the computer how to perform

●

particular tasks.

Network Two or more computers and other devices that are connected, for the
●

purpose of sharing data and programs.

Peripheral devices Used to expand the computer’s input, output and storage
●

capabilities.
Basic Terminology S O L U T I O N S

Input Whatever is fed into a computer system.

Data Refers to the symbols that represent facts, objects, or ideas.

Processing Manipulation of the data in many ways.

Memory Area of the computer that temporarily holds data waiting to be processed, stored, or output.

Storage Area of the computer that holds data on a permanent basis when it is not immediately needed for processing.

Information The results of the computer storing data as bits and bytes; the words, numbers, sounds, and graphics.

Output Consists of the processing results produced by a computer.

 S O L U T I O N S

Types of Computers
 Microcomputer S O L U T I O N S

Provides
access to a
A personal wide variety
computer; of computing
designed to applications,
meet the such as word
computer processing,
needs of an photo
individual. editing, e-
mail, and
internet.
Desktop Microcomputer S O L U T I O N S

A microcomputer that fits on a

desk and runs on power from
an electrical wall outlet.

The CPU can be housed in

either a vertical or a horizontal
case.

Has separate components

(keyboard, mouse, etc.) that are
each plugged into the
computer.
Laptop Computer S O L U T I O N S

A portable, compact
computer that can run on an
electrical wall outlet or a
battery unit.

All components
(keyboard, mouse, etc.)
are in one compact unit.

Usually more
expensive than a
comparable desktop.

Sometimes called
a Notebook.
Workstation S O L U T I O N S

Powerful desktop computer designed for

specialized tasks.

Can tackle tasks that require a lot of

processing speed.

Can also be an ordinary personal

computer attached to a LAN (local area
network).
Server S O L U T I O N S

Purpose is to “serve.”

A computer that has the purpose of

supplying its users with data;
usually through the use of a LAN
(local area network).
Mainframe S O L U T I O N S

Large expensive
computer capable of
simultaneously
processing data for
hundreds or
thousands of users.

Usually Used to store,

manage, and
housed in a process large
closet amounts of data
that need to be
sized reliable, secure,
cabinet. and centralized.
Supercomputer S O L U T I O N S

Among the
fastest in the
world with
processing
capacity in
Exabyte.
Handheld S O L U T I O N S

PDA (Personal
Digital Assistant)
and Tablets.

A
A computer
computer that
that fits
fits into
into
a pocket, runs on
batteries, and is used
while holding the unit in
your hand.

Typically
Typically used
used as
as an
an
appointment book,
address book,
calculator, and notepad.

Can be synchronized
with a personal
microcomputer as a
backup.
Computer Hardware S O L U T I O N S
System unit S O L U T I O N S

Case that holds the power

supply, storage devices,
and the circuit boards
(including the motherboard).
 S O L U T I O N S

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Where the processing in a computer
takes place, often called the brain of
the computer.
 Input Devices S O L U T I O N S

●
Mouse
Units that
●
Keyboard
gather
information and
●
Touch Pad
transform that
information it
●
Tracking Ball
into a series of ●
Gesture
electronic
signals for the Recognition
computer. ●
Motion
Sensing
Keyboard S O L U T I O N S

An arrangement of letters, numbers,

and special function keys that act as
the primary input device to the
computer. Normally has 102 Keys.
Mouse S O L U T I O N S

An input device that allows the user

to manipulate objects on the screen
by moving the device along the
surface of a desk.
 S O L U T I O N S

Sound/Graphics Card
A circuit board that gives the computer the ability to manage audio/video
input/outputs.
Modem S O L U T I O N S

A device that sends and receives data to

and from computers over telephone lines.
 S O L U T I O N S

Output Devices

Devices that display, print, or

transmit the results of processing
from the computer’s memory.
Monitor S O L U T I O N S

Display device that forms an

image by converting electrical
signals from the computer into
points of colored light on the
screen.

Resolution: The Pixels: The smallest

density of the grid
unit in a graphic
used to display or
image; computer
print text and
display devices use
graphics; the greater
the horizontal and
a matrix of pixels to
vertical density, the display text and
higher the resolution. graphics.
Storage Devices S O L U T I O N S

●
Hard disk
Used to
●
Floppy or
keep data
when the
zip disks
power to ●
CD-Writer
the
computer is
●
Solid
turned off.
State
Devices
Printer S O L U T I O N S

Output device that produces

text or graphical images on
paper.
 Speakers S O L U T I O N S

Output devices that

receive signals from the
computer’s sound card
to play music, narration,
or sound effects.