Introduction to Computers
Computer Materials

Information



Words
Numbers
Pictures
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Computer Tools

Two kinds:

Hardware

Software
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Parts of the Computer
Case or Tower – the box either made from metal or
plastic that houses the floppy drive, motherboard
and the processor chip (CPU). The case keeps
them neat and safe together.
Monitor or Screen – the TV-type screen on which
you see the work you’re doing on the computer
Mouse – allows you to move, select and click on
objects
Parts of the Computer
Keyboard – used to type in information and
operate the computer.
Speakers – connected to the computer to hear
music and sound
Microphone – provide a way to talk through or to
the computer
Printer – a device that makes a printed copy of
your work on a sheet.
Computer Working Area

The work area of a computer is called
a window.
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Typical Window
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Component Functions

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Brains of a computer
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Computer Storage

Two main types:


Memory
Data Storage
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Memory


Where information is stored
Usually temporary (easily lost)
 RAM: Random Access Memory
- Stores programs and data as it is used.
- Information in the RAM is lost when
power is turned off
 ROM: Read Only Memory
- Stores start up and basic operating
information.
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Input/Output Devices






Keyboard – used to enter information from the user to
the computer.
Monitors – used to display information
Video Controller – a board in the computer that
controls the monitor. It translates the data in the video
memory into symbols on the monitor.
Parallel/Serial ports – allow the computer to send data
and receive data from printers, modems, etc.
Mouse and Joystick – used to input positional
information to the computer
Network Information Card – connects the computer to
a network. Networks are a high-speed method of
transferring data from one computer to another.
Data Storage

Information stored away for use later on

Usually long-term (safer)
May be stored on disks, CDs. DVDs, or
flash drives

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Storage Examples
Email, about a thousand characters
Picture of granddaughter,
about half a megabyte
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Disks

Where large amounts of information are stored,
even when the power is off.
 Floppy Disks – information can be written
and read from floppy disks. Can be
removed from the computer


Hard Disks – not removable like floppy disks
but hold more information
CD ROMs – Compact Disk Read Only Memory.
Useful in storing large amounts of data. Holds
about 650 MB data and is not removable
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Hard Disk



Main disk for
most
computers
Holds Windows,
software, and
most data
Usually don’t
see it because
it’s inside
computer.
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CD-ROM

Uses optical
(laser) technology
instead of
magnetic

Holds large
amount of data

Same technology
as a music disk.
Not available on
library computers

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DVD



Replacing CD-ROM
Holds much larger amount of
information (such as movie)
Also does not work on library
computers
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Flash Drive

Most recent widely used storage
system

Very portable, often worn like jewelry
128-512 Megabytes most common
sizes

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Measuring Information

Bytes




One character takes up about one Byte.
An email takes up a few (thousand
bytes) Kilobytes (thousands of bytes)
A picture may take up Megabytes
(millions of bytes)
All the information on a computer may
run into Gigabytes (billions of bytes)
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Exercise
Identify the Part of the computer.
End
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