Think Inside the Box Computer Applications MRS CANFIELD
Think Inside the Box Computer Applications MRS. CANFIELD
Types of Computers ● Desktop Computer ● ● ● Usually less expensive More durable / reliable Easy to upgrade and customize Large, bulky, not easily moved All-In-One Computer ● ● ● Simple set up Requires less desk space Difficult to customize or upgrade
Types of Computers ● Laptop ● ● ● Portable Don’t need an electrical outlet Tablet ● ● Small and very portable Limited connections and abilities
MAC VS PC
Main Parts of the Computer ● What is inside the computer? ● ● ● Hard Drive Power Supply Motherboard ● ● ● Other Drives ● ● RAM Microprocessor CD/DVD USB Ports (Flash Drive) Modem Video / Sound Card
HARD DRIVE This is where long term information is stored ●Usually measured in Gigabytes ●Common today to find 500+ GB hard drives in most computers ●What is a Gigabyte? ● A unit of measurement for storage capacity ●
Power Supply ● ● ● Device that converts electricity to usable power for the computer’s components Different sizes for different computers Also helps determine battery life for laptops and tablets
MOTHERBOARD Determines how fast a computer works ●Includes the processor and RAM ●Processor ● Usually a Pentium or AMD Athlon Measured in Gigahertz (GHZ) Dual / Quad core technology allows for multiple programs to be running without slowing down ● ● RAM (Random Access Memory) Measured in Megabytes or Gigabytes (Larger the faster) ●
Portable Storage Devices ● CD/DVD Drive ● ● ● Allows user to watch movies or play many games Most computers have CD/DVD writers to allow the user to make their own CDs and DVDs Flash Drive Most popular form of portable storage Plugged in through the USB Port Easy and fast way to transfer information Larger than CD/DVD ● ●
Modem ● ● ● Allows the user to connect to the Internet All new computers have them Might require a special modem if you want high speed Internet
VIDEO / SOUND CARD Determines the quality of sounds and graphics ●Important to “gamers” or graphic designers ●Can be expensive, however easy to upgrade ●
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ● Monitor New monitors are flat panel Size is anywhere from 15 inches to big screens Wide screen vs. traditional ● ● USB Ports Allows for cameras, printers, scanners, and portable storage devices to be connected The more the better Are they in a convenient location? ● ● Mouse and Keyboard Will come with computer, might want to go wireless for extra money ●
Other Considerations ● ● ● Printer Scanner Digital Camera Warranty / Technical Support Software ● ● ● Anti-Virus Program Microsoft Office Games?
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