Basic Computer Components Unit 2 What is a

Basic Computer Components Unit 2

What is a computer? o A computer is an electronic device that accepts raw data and processes it into information that is useful.

Parts of a Desktop Computer

Parts of a Laptop Computer Monitor Keyboard Speakers Touchpad

Information Processing Cycle o The Cycle has four main functions: n n Input Processing Output Storage

Input o Devices used to enter data into the computer o Examples of Input devices n n n Keyboard Mouse Scanner Joystick Microphone

Processing o A hardware device that processes data into useful form. o Also called CPU (Central Processing Unit) – This is the “brain” of the computer.

Output o A hardware device that lets the user see the data being input. o Examples of output devices n n Monitor Printer Speakers Headphones

Storage o A hardware device that stores large amounts of information. o Examples of storage devices. Hard Drive Flash Drive Disk CD-ROM

Combined Input & Output Devices o There are devices that are both input & output. o Examples n Smartphones n Tablets

Memory o Memory is where data and instructions are stored. o Two types of Memory n RAM – (Random Access Memory) memory that is lost when the power is off. n ROM – (Read-only memory) memory that is Not lost when power is off.

Bytes o A unit of measurement of memory o Four types of bytes n n Kilobyte – (KB) 1 thousand bytes Megabyte – (MB) 1 million bytes Gigabyte – (GB) 1 billion bytes Terabyte – (TB) 1 trillion bytes

Data o Numbers, words, symbols, or alphabetic characters that are put into the computer.

Hardware o Computer equipment that can be seen or touched. o Examples n Keyboard n Monitor n printer

Software o Programs or instructions that tell the computer what to do. o Examples n Microsoft Power. Point n Micro. Type Pro n Video games