Computing Fundamentals IC3 Computers and Computer Systems Computing Fundamentals 1 Major Unit Concepts Understand the importance of computers. Define computers and computer systems. Classify computers. Use computer systems. Identify system components. Identify types of storage devices. Explore computers in your future. Computing Fundamentals 2 Vocabulary arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) central processing unit (CPU) circuit board computer control unit Data hard disk hardware information memory mobile device motherboard notebook computer Computing Fundamentals 3 Vocabulary random access memory (RAM) read-only memory (ROM) server software supercomputer tablet PC USB flash drive Computing Fundamentals 4 Understanding the Importance of Computers The computer is one of the most important inventions of the past century. You find computers and computer technology everywhere—from businesses and financial organizations, to home electronics and appliances, to personal applications. Computing Fundamentals 5 Understanding the Importance of Computers (continued) Computers are used everyday: Educational institutions use computers to enhance instruction and learning. Video game systems are computerized. Banks use ATM’s so you can withdrawal money from you bank account in almost any location in the world. Computers are used by television and at the movies. Mobile computing, text messaging, or email allow you to communicate with people almost everywhere. Computing Fundamentals 6 Understanding the Importance of Computers (continued) Computers have been around for more than 60 years. A Brief History of the Computer: The first computers were developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s for use by the military and government. In 1971, Dr. Ted Hoff developed the microprocessor. The first Apple computer was built in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. The IBM PC was introduced in 1981 by Bill Gates. He worked with IBM to develop the first Disk Operating System. Computing Fundamentals 7 Defining Computers and Computer Systems A computer is an electronic device that receives data (input), processes data, stores data, and produces a result (output). A computer system includes hardware, software, data, and people. Computing Fundamentals 8 Defining Computers and Computer Systems (continued) The actual machine—wires, transistors, and circuits—is called hardware. Software consists of instructions or programs for controlling the computer. Data is text, numbers, sound, images, or video. The computer receives data through an input device, process the data, produces the output (or information), and stores the data and information on a storage device. Computing Fundamentals 9 Defining Computers and Computer Systems (continued) Computers perform only 2 operations: Arithmetic Computations: addition, subtraction, multiply, divide, and comparisons. Logical Operations: AND, OR, and NOT Computing Fundamentals 10 Classifying Computers Special-purpose computers are used mostly to control something else. General-purpose computers are divided into categories, based on their physical size, function, cost, and performance: Desktop and notebook computers Server Mobile devices Tablet PC Mainframe computer Computing Fundamentals Supercomputer Embedded computers Portable players Calculators Computer game systems Electronic book readers 11 Using Computer Systems Computers are used for all kinds of tasks. They take raw data and change it into information. An example of the procedure: You enter programs and data with some type of input device. The computer uses instructions to process the data and to turn it into information. You send the information to some type of output device. You store it for later retrieval. Computing Fundamentals 12 Using Computer Systems (continued) Computer components Computing Fundamentals 13 Identifying System Components The motherboard is a circuit board that contains integral components—central processing unit, memory, connectors, and expansion ports and slots. Computing Fundamentals 14 Identifying System Components (continued) The Central Processing Unit: The central processing unit (CPU) is the brains of the computer. The CPU has two primary sections: the arithmetic/logic unit and the control unit. Computing Fundamentals 15 Identifying System Components (continued) The Arithmetic/Logic Unit: The arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) performs arithmetic computations and logical operations. The Control Unit: The control unit coordinates all of the processor’s activities. You communicate with the computer through programming languages. The computer uses machine language, or binary code, which contains only 1s and 0s. Computing Fundamentals 16 Identifying System Components (continued) Recognizing How a Computer Represents Data: In machine language, the control unit sends out necessary messages to execute the instructions. A single zero or a single one is a bit. A byte is a single character. Each bit is equal to 1 byte. Computing Fundamentals 17 Identifying System Components (continued) Memory Memory is where data is stored on the motherboard. Memory can be short term or long term. When you want to store a file or information permanently, you use secondary storage devices such as the computer’s hard drive or a USB drive. You might think of this as long term memory. Computing Fundamentals 18 Identifying System Components (continued) Random Access Memory The memory on the motherboard is short term, called random access memory (RAM). Data, information, and program instructions are stored temporarily on a RAM chip and disappear when the computer is turned off. Computing Fundamentals 19 Identifying System Components (continued) Random Access Memory (cont) The instruction cycle is the amount of time it takes to retrieve instructions to perform a specified task and complete the command. The execution cycle refers to the amount of time it takes the CPU to execute the instruction and store the results in RAM. Computing Fundamentals 20 Identifying System Components (continued) Random Access Memory (cont) Together, the instruction cycle and one or more execution cycles create a machine cycle. Computing Fundamentals 21 Identifying System Components (continued) Random Access Memory (cont): For every instruction, a processor repeats a set of four basic operations, which compose a machine cycle: 1. Fetching is the process of obtaining a program instruction or data item from RAM 2. Decoding refers to the process of translating the instruction into signals the computer can execute. 3. Executing is the process of carrying out the commands. 4. Storing, in this context, means writing the result to memory (not to a storage medium). Computing Fundamentals 22 Identifying System Components (continued) Random Access Memory (cont): Computing Fundamentals 23 Identifying System Components (continued) Read-Only Memory: Another type of memory found on the motherboard is read-only memory (ROM). ROM chips store specific instructions that are needed for computer operations. These instructions remain on the chip even when the power is turned off. The more common of these is the BIOS ROM, containing instructions to start the system when you turn on the computer. Computing Fundamentals 24 Identifying Types of Storage Devices To keep a permanent copy of data, you must store it on a storage device. Magnetic Storage Devices: Data is stored in numbered Tracks. Tracks are labeled and kept in a special log on the disk called a file allocation table (FAT). Types of magnetic storage media include hard disks, magnetic, tape, 3 ½ -inch disks and zip disks. Computing Fundamentals 25 Identifying Types of Storage Devices Hard Disks: Also called hard drives Store date inside the computer Can be internal or external Internal hard disks advantages: speed and capacity Size measured in gigabytes or terabytes. Computing Fundamentals 26 Identifying Types of Storage Devices (continued) Optical Storage Devices: Use laser technology to read and write data on plastic platters that contain a metal layer, like CDs and DVDs. CD-R - Can be ready only by CD-ROM drive. After it is written, it cannot be changed. CD-RW- Rewritable type that allows you to write on it several times. Blu-Ray – Provides more than 5 times the storage capacity of traditional DVD’s. Can hold up to 50 GB and was developed for HD videos. Computing Fundamentals 27 Identifying Types of Storage Devices (continued) Solid-State Storage Media Removable medium that uses integrated circuits, such as a USB flash drive. Processed electronically and contains no mechanical devices. Can be used in cameras, smart phones, and computers. USB flash drive is most popular removable storage device. Computing Fundamentals 28 Identifying Types of Storage Devices (continued) Network Drives Hard drive or tape drive connected to a network server and is available to and shared by multiple users. Located on a computer other than the local user’s computer. Remote storage is used to extend disk space on a server and to eliminate the addition of more hard disks or other storage devices. Computing Fundamentals 29 Caring for Storage Media Keep away from magnetic fields. Avoid extreme temperatures. Remove media from drives and store them properly when not in use. When handling DVDs and other optical discs, hold them at the edges. Never try to remove the media from a drive when the drive indicator light is on. Keep discs in a sturdy case when transporting. Computing Fundamentals 30 Exploring Computers in Your Future A major focus of new types of computers is connectivity, or the ability to connect with other computers. Wireless and mobile devices are now as common as wired desktop machines. Computer literacy, which is the knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses, will become even more important. Computing Fundamentals 31 Assignments TIC-TAC-TOE Directions: Chose activities in a tic-tac-toe design. When you have completed the activities in a row— horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—or in the 4 corners, you made decide to be finished. Or you may decide to keep going and complete more activities. Star the activities you plan to complete. Color in the box when you finish the activity. Discuss and provide Feedback to TIC-TAC-TOE Review Take end of section quiz Computing Fundamentals 32 Continue on to next section Computing Fundamentals 33 Computing Fundamentals IC3 Input, Output, and Processing Computers and Computer Systems 34 Major Unit Concepts Identify and describe standard and specialized input devices. Identify and describe standard and specialized output devices. Connect input and output devices to a computer. Consider computer performance factors. Computing Fundamentals 35 Vocabulary audio input biometrics digital camera expansion slot FireWire inkjet printer input keyboard laser printer modem monitor mouse output plug and play Computing Fundamentals 36 Vocabulary (continued) pointing device port printer scanner trackball Universal Serial Bus (USB) Computing Fundamentals 37 Standard Input Devices Input , which is data , must be entered into computer and then stored on a storage media device. To turn the data into information, CPU (Central Processing Unit) processes the data. After data is processed, it is “presented” to the user through an output device. Computing Fundamentals 38 Standard Input Devices (continued) Input devices allow you to enter data and commands. A modem is a device that allows one computer to talk to another. Keyboards The keyboard is the most commonly used input device for entering text and numbers into a computer. Computing Fundamentals 39 Standard Input Devices (continued) Keyboards (continued): Ergonomic Cordless/wireless Specialized Security Foldable/flexible Laser/virtual Computing Fundamentals 40 Standard Input Devices (continued) Pointing Devices: A pointing device is an input device you use to position the pointer on the screen. The most common pointing device for personal computers is the mouse. Mechanical Optomechanical Optical Wireless Trackball mouse Radio frequency Foldable mouse Computing Fundamentals 41 Standard Input Devices (continued) Pointing Devices (continued): The trackball works like a mouse turned upside down; the ball is on top of the device. A common feature on laptop computers is the touchpad, with a specialized surface that can convert the motion and position of your fingers to a relative position on screen. Computing Fundamentals 42 Standard Input Devices (continued) Pointing Devices (continued): Some notebook computers contain a pointing stick, a pressure-sensitive device that looks like a pencil eraser and is located on the keyboard, generally between the G, H, and B keys. Audio input is sound entered into a computer. Computing Fundamentals 43 Standard Output Devices Output is data processed into a useful format. Monitors: Desktop computers typically use a monitor as their display device, including CRT, LCD, and gas plasma. Computing Fundamentals 44 Standard Output Devices (continued) Printers: Printers produce a paper copy, or hard copy, of processing results. A laser printer produces high-quality output. An inkjet printer provides good-quality color printing for less expense. Speakers: Speakers and headsets generate sound. Computing Fundamentals 45 Specialized Input Devices Digital Cameras: The pictures you take are stored digitally and then transferred to the computer’s memory. Computing Fundamentals 46 Specialized Input Devices (continued) Game Controllers: You use joysticks and wheels most often for games. Computing Fundamentals 47 Specialized Input Devices Scanners/Bar Code Readers: Scanners are devices that can change images into codes for input to the computer. Image scanners Bar code scanners Magnetic scanners Wireless scanners Optical character recognition (OCR) and optical mark recognition (OMR) scanners Computing Fundamentals 48 Specialized Input Devices (continued) Touch Display Screen: A special screen that reacts to direct touches within the display area, usually from a person’s finger or hand. Computing Fundamentals 49 Specialized Input Devices (continued) Stylus: A stylus and digital pen are pen-like writing instruments used to enter information by writing on a screen on a mobile device or using the pen as a pointer. Computing Fundamentals 50 Specialized Input Devices (continued) Environmental Probes and Sensors: Workers can view information such as the temperature and humidity of a remote environment, smoke detector readings, and pollution control readings. Remote Controls: Used to manage devices such as televisions, lights, and fans. Computing Fundamentals 51 Specialized Input Devices (continued) Security Devices: Biometrics is an authentication technique using automated methods of recognizing a person based on a physiological or behavioral characteristic. Enrollment Submission Verification Computing Fundamentals 52 Specialized Input Devices (continued) Virtual Devices: Use the synchronized positioning of lightemitting and sensing devices to detect user input. Computing Fundamentals 53 Specialized Input Devices (continued) Touch-Sensitive Pads: On a portable device, enables you to scroll through a list, adjust the volume, play music, view videos or pictures, and customize settings. Input Devices for the Physically Challenged: A variety of special input devices are available for the physically challenged. Computing Fundamentals 54 Specialized Output Devices Projectors Fax machines and fax modems Multifunction printer Control devices/robots Specialized Printers: Thermal Mobile Label and postage Plotters/large-format Computing Fundamentals 55 Specialized Output Devices (continued) Output Devices for the Physically Challenged: Screen magnifiers Screen readers Voice synthesizers Computing Fundamentals 56 Connecting Input and Output Devices to a Computer Ports and Connectors: A port, also called a jack, is an interface to which a peripheral device attaches to or communicates with the system unit or other peripheral devices. A Universal Serial Bus (USB) port can connect up to 127 peripheral devices with a single connector and transfer data at rates of up to 200 million bits per second (Mbps). Plug and play refers to the ability of a computer system to configure expansion boards and other devices automatically. Computing Fundamentals 57 Connecting Input and Output Devices to a Computer (continued) Ports and Connectors (continued): Another type of external bus is FireWire, which supports data transfers up to 400 Mbps and can connect up to 63 external devices. Special-purpose ports are: SCSI IrDA Bluetooth Expansion slots are openings on the motherboard where an expansion board can be inserted. Computing Fundamentals 58 Connecting Input and Output Devices to a Computer (continued) Hardware Installation: For most hardware devices to work, they need a set of instructions that communicates with the computer’s operating system. This set of instructions is called a driver. If the operating system already contains the driver, it performs an automatic plug and play, installation for newly connected devices. Computing Fundamentals 59 Considering Computer Performance Factors A variety of factors can affect a computer’s performance. Microprocessor: The higher the generation, the faster and better the processing speed. Random Access Memory (RAM): Helps to speed up the processing cycle. Hard disk: The bigger and faster the hard drive, the faster it can process data. Video: Need adequate video memory. Computing Fundamentals 60 Assignments TIC-TAC-TOE Directions: Chose activities in a tic-tac-toe design. When you have completed the activities in a row— horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—or in the 4 corners, you made decide to be finished. Or you may decide to keep going and complete more activities. Star the activities you plan to complete. Color in the box when you finish the activity. Discuss and provide Feedback to TIC-TAC-TOE Review Take end of section quiz Computing Fundamentals 61 Continue to the Next Section: Computing Fundamentals 62 Computing Fundamentals IC3 Computer Protection Computers and Computer Systems 63 Major Unit Concepts Protect from hardware from theft. Data Protection Identify environmental factors that can damage computers. Identify common hardware problems. Computing Fundamentals 64 Vocabulary backup uninterruptible data theft power supply driver (UPS) encryption humidity ping power spikes surge suppressor Computing Fundamentals 65 Protecting Computer Hardware from Theft and Damage In addition to the capital loss of equipment and the related down time until it is replaced, losing sensitive and confidential information through theft or damage could have long-term consequences. One safeguard you can use to prevent theft in the workplace is to physically secure equipment, especially items such as notebook computers, handheld devices, cell phones, and other transportable devices. Computing Fundamentals 66 Protecting Computer Hardware from Theft and Damage (continued) In addition, apply the following safeguards to help protect computer hardware from theft: Use security locks and/or tabs to secure the equipment to the desk or other furniture. Attach an alarm that will sound if the equipment is moved from its designated location. Mark all equipment with an identification tag or symbol that can be traced. Insure the equipment. Use a designated schedule to back up data to a separate system. Computing Fundamentals 67 Protecting Computer Hardware from Theft and Damage (continued) Another type of theft that is sometimes overlooked involves employees accessing in a company’s computer for personal use. Computing Fundamentals 68 Safe Guarding Data Data Thieves steal laptops and servers, they can access company’s network and bypass companies security measures. Data theft can occur when older systems are discarded and the data is not completely deleted. Computing Fundamentals 69 Safeguarding Data In most instances, hardware can be replaced when it is stolen or damaged. Data, on the other hand is a critical component of most businesses and is not easily replaced. The risk and severity of data theft is increasing due to four predominant factors: The value of data stored on computers. Massive amounts of confidential data being stored. Increased use of mobile devices outside a secure network. Increased proficiency of data hackers and thieves. Computing Fundamentals 70 Safeguarding Data (continued) Many businesses and organizations use data encryption to protect their data. Encryption is a secure process for keeping confidential information private. The data is scrambled mathematically with a password or a password key and is unreadable until it is decrypted. Computing Fundamentals 71 Safeguarding Data (continued) Data Backup: Even saved data can be lost or corrupted by: Equipment failure Software viruses Hackers Fire or water damage Power irregularities Because data is so valuable, you must back up important files regularly to removable disks or some other independent storage device. Computing Fundamentals 72 Safeguarding Data (continued) A hard disk crash can result in serious loss of data if not properly backed up. Backup procedures should place priority on files that would be difficult or impossible to replace or reconstruct if they were lost, such as a company’s financial statements, important projects, and works in progress. Computing Fundamentals 73 Identifying Environmental Factors that Can Damage Computers Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and electrical fields also can contribute to hardware and software damage. Temperature: A temperature range of 68 to 75 degrees is optimal for system reliability. You should not operate computer equipment in a room where the temperature exceeds 85 degrees. Computing Fundamentals 74 Identifying Environmental Factors that Can Damage Computers (cont.) Humidity: A high level of humidity can cause computers to short circuit, resulting in the loss of data and damage to hardware. Components to rust. For optimal performance, the relative humidity of the computer room should be above 20 percent and below the dew point. Environments that require high reliability should have a humidity alarm. Computing Fundamentals 75 Identifying Environmental Factors that Can Damage Computers (cont.) Water Damage: Modern computer systems contain a cut-off device that is triggered if sprinklers turn on. If a computer suffers water damage, make sure it is completely dry before restoring the power. Storage devices and printouts can be damaged or destroyed by water. Water damage may also occur from flooding or broken pipes. Computing Fundamentals 76 Identifying Environmental Factors that Can Damage Computers (cont.) Magnetic Fields and Static Electricity: A single spark from static electricity can damage the internal electronics of a computer. Grounding prevents damaging a computer with a static electrical spark. Computer rooms should have tile floors and antistatic carpet to reduce static electricity. Hard drives are sensitive to magnetic fields. Do not store magnets directly on a computer. Computing Fundamentals 77 Identifying Environmental Factors that Can Damage Computers (cont.) Physical Damage: Prevent damage to desktop computers by arranging equipment so it is stable and cannot fall or be knocked over. Notebook computers are more prone to physical wear and tear because they are portable. Most portable systems are insulated with shock absorbing material. Transport devices with care, such as in padded cases. Computing Fundamentals 78 Identifying Environmental Factors that Can Damage Computers (cont.) Poor Maintenance: One of the best ways to cut down on computer repair is through preventive maintenance. Follow a monthly maintenance schedule to keep computer devices in good working order. Computing Fundamentals 79 Protecting Computers from Power Loss and Fluctuation An unexpected power outage can wipe out any data that has not been properly saved. Secure electric cords so that they cannot be disconnected accidentally. Protect computers from power spikes with a surge suppressor. Computing Fundamentals 80 Protecting Computers from Power Loss and Fluctuation An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can prevent data loss due to power outages. A UPS contains a battery that temporarily provides power if the normal current is interrupted. Computing Fundamentals 81 Identifying Common Computer Hardware Problems Computer equipment and stored data are subject to computer hardware issues. “Crashed” hard drive-caused by software corruption or hardware defects. Damaged media Printer and monitor problems Loss of network or Internet connectivity General failure You can solve many problems on your own, while others may require a professional. Computing Fundamentals 82 Identifying Common Computer Hardware Problems (continued) Crashed Hard Drive: Hard drives can stop working if they become overheated, are dropped or shaken, become worn out, or are infected with a virus. To evaluate the condition of the drive: Use a boot disk to determine if the drive is readable. Use diagnostic and data recovery programs to locate and recover bad sectors. Use a data recovery service. Computing Fundamentals 83 Identifying Common Computer Hardware Problems (continued) Damaged Media: Hard drives and other media eventually fail. In many instances, you can recover data. First, move the damaged media to a secure environment. Second, inspect or test the media to determine what type of damage has occurred. The type of damage determines the type of recovery method to use. Another option is to locate a disaster data recovery company to recover data from the computer. Computing Fundamentals 84 Identifying Common Computer Hardware Problems (continued) Printer Problems: Paper jams stop printers from printing a file. Using the wrong paper or using wrinkled or torn paper can cause a paper jam. Always pull the paper in the direction of the paper path. Computing Fundamentals 85 Identifying Common Computer Hardware Problems (continued) Printer Problems (continued): If ink or toner comes off the paper when touched, the fuser assembly might be damaged or need to be replaced; the toner cartridge could be defective; or some toner may have spilled into the printer. If the printed image is faded, the toner might be low, the print density set too low, or economy mode printing is turned on. Computing Fundamentals 86 Identifying Common Computer Hardware Problems (continued) Display Problems: The hardware of a display consists of the monitor and the video card. To troubleshoot a display problem: Check that the power cord is plugged in and the monitor cable is connected to the computer. Verify that the monitor is turned on and settings are correct. Update the video driver. Computing Fundamentals 87 Identifying Common Computer Hardware Problems (continued) Inoperable Hardware Devices: When a hardware device does not work, it could be a software problem, an electrical problem, or a mechanical problem. A small program called a driver instructs the operating system on how to operate specific hardware. Other causes are incorrect installation of the software or hardware failure. Computing Fundamentals 88 Identifying Common Computer Hardware Problems (continued) Loss of Network or Internet Connectivity: Common causes of connectivity problems: The network provider’s system is not working properly. Network adapters and switch ports do not match. The network adapter is incompatible with the motherboard or other hardware components. Computing Fundamentals 89 Identifying Common Computer Hardware Problems (continued) Loss of Network or Internet Connectivity (continued): Troubleshooting options: Use the DOS ping command to test connectivity and isolate hardware problems and mismatched configurations. Computing Fundamentals 90 Identifying Common Computer Hardware Problems (continued) Loss of Network or Internet Connectivity (continued): Computing Fundamentals 91 Identifying Common Computer Hardware Problems (continued) Loss of Network or Internet Connectivity (continued): Verify that other computers on the same network and those plugged into the same switch are also experiencing network connectivity problems. Restart the router. Check the computer’s network card or board and verify it is using appropriate settings as indicated by the manufacturer. Computing Fundamentals 92 Identifying Common Computer Hardware Problems (continued) Loss of Network or Internet Connectivity (continued): Try another network cable. If you are using a wireless router within a home, beware of signal interference from other home appliances. Computing Fundamentals 93 Assignments TIC-TAC-TOE Directions: Chose activities in a tic-tac-toe design. When you have completed the activities in a row— horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—or in the 4 corners, you made decide to be finished. Or you may decide to keep going and complete more activities. Star the activities you plan to complete. Color in the box when you finish the activity. Discuss and provide Feedback to TIC-TAC-TOE Review Take end of section quiz Computing Fundamentals 94 References Computer Literacy BASICS: A Comprehensive Guide to IC3, 4th Edition, Morrison / Wells Computing Fundamentals 95