Microsoft Office 2007
Essential Introduction to Computers
and How to Purchase a
Personal Computer
Objectives
• Define the term computer and discuss the four basic
computer operations: input, processing, output, and
storage
• Define data and information
• Explain the principal components of the computer
and their use
• Describe the use of magnetic disks, USB flash drives,
and other storage media
• Discuss computer software and explain the
difference between system software and application
software
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Objectives
• Identify several types of personal computer
application software
• Discuss computer communications channels and
equipment and the Internet and World Wide
Web
• Define e-commerce
• Explain how to purchase a personal computer
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What Is a Computer?
• An electronic device, operating under the control
of instructions stored in its own memory, that
can:
– Accept data (input)
– Process the data according to specified rules
(process)
– Produce results (output)
– Store the results for future use (storage)
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What Is a Computer?
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What Does a Computer Do?
• Information Processing Cycle = 4 basic
operations: input, processing, output, storage
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What Are the Components of a
Computer?
• 6 primary components (hardware) :
– Input devices
• Examples: keyboard, mouse, stylus, touchpad
– Processor (CPU)
• Control unit and arithmetic/logic unit
– Memory
• Measured in bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes
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What Are the Components of a
Computer?
– Output devices
• Printers (impact and non-impact)
• Monitors (flat panel (LCD) and CRT)
– Storage devices
• Magnetic disks, optical discs, tape, miniature mobile
– Communications devices
• Modem, wireless
• The processor, memory, and storage devices are
housed in a box-like case called the system unit
What are the Components of a
Computer?
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System Software
• System software consists of programs to control
the operations of computer equipment
– Operating system
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•
•
•
Microsoft Windows Vista
Microsoft Windows XP
Apple Mac OS X
Linux
– Booting
– Graphical user interface (GUI)
• Icon
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Application Software
• Application software consists of programs
designed to make users more productive and/or
assist them with personal tasks
– Word processing (Microsoft Word)
– Spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel)
– Database (Microsoft Access)
– Presentation graphics (Microsoft PowerPoint)
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Application Software
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Networks
• Network - a collection of computers and devices
connected together, often wirelessly
– Local area network (LAN)
– Wide area network (WAN)
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The Internet
• Internet - the world’s largest network; a
worldwide collection of networks that connects
millions of businesses, government agencies,
educational institutions, and individuals
– Internet service provider (ISP) – example: Frontier
– Online service provider (OSP) – example: AOL
– Wireless Internet service provider (WISP) – example:
Cingular
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The Internet
• The World Wide Web contains
billions of documents called
Web pages
– Web site
– Web browser
– Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
– Hypertext transfer protocol
(http://)
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E-Commerce
• When you conduct business activities online, like
shopping or banking, you are participating in
electronic commerce, also known as e-commerce
– Business to consumer (B2C)
– Consumer to consumer (C2C)
– Business to business (B2B)
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How to Purchase a Personal Computer
• When should you choose a Desktop Computer
vs. a Mobile Computer
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Considerations when Purchasing a
Desktop Computer
• Determine the specific software you want to use
on your computer
• Know the System Requirements of the Operating
System
• Look for bundled software
• Avoid buying the least powerful computer
available
• Consider upgrades to the mouse, keyboard,
monitor, printer, microphone, and speakers
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Considerations when Purchasing a
Desktop Computer
• Determine whether you want to use telephone
lines or broadband (cable or DSL) to access the
Internet
• If you are using a dial-up or wireless connection
to connect to the Internet, then select an ISP or
OSP
• Use a worksheet to compare computers,
services, and other considerations
• If you have a computer and are upgrading to a
new one, then consider selling or trading in the old one
• If you are buying a used computer, stay with
name brands such as Dell, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, and Apple
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Considerations when Purchasing a
Desktop Computer
• If you are buying a new computer, you have
several purchasing options: buying from your school
bookstore, a local computer dealer, a local large retail store, or
ordering by mail via telephone or the Web
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•
•
•
•
Be aware of hidden costs
Consider more than just price
Avoid restocking fees
Use a credit card to purchase your new computer
Consider purchasing an extended warranty or
service plan
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Summary
• Define the term computer and discuss the four basic
computer operations: input, processing, output, and
storage
• Define data and information
• Explain the principal components of the computer
and their use
• Describe the use of magnetic disks, USB flash drives,
and other storage media
• Discuss computer software and explain the
difference between system software and application
software
Microsoft Office 2007: Introductory Concepts and Techniques
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Summary
• Identify several types of personal computer
application software
• Discuss computer communications channels and
equipment and the Internet and World Wide
Web
• Define e-commerce
• Explain how to purchase a personal computer
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Microsoft Office 2007
Essential Introduction to Computers
Complete