Fundamentals

What is a ComputerFunctions of Computer Input Device of a ComputerOutput Device of a ComputerSystem Unit of a Computer Components of a ComputerStorage of a Computer

Floppy Disc Hard Disc of a Computer Compact Disc of a Computer

Why is a Computer So Powerful?

Contents

What is a Computer A computer is an electronic machine that accepts

data, stores and processes data into information. The computer is able to work because there are instructions in its memory directing it.

The parts of the computer that you can see and touch, such as the keyboard, monitor and the mouse are called hardware. The instructions that direct the computer are called software or computer program.

Data which is raw facts that you the user enter into the computer is called input. This includes; words, numbers, sound and pictures. When the data is entered into the computer, the computer processes the data to produce information which is output. For example, you enter 2+2 into the computer as data, the computer processes it and the result is 4 which is information.

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Functions of Computer

InputProcessOutputStorage

ProcessorControl Unit/Arithmetic

Logic Unit

Memory

Storage Devices

Input Device

s

Output Device

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Input Device of a Computer

What is an input device? Hardware used

to enter dataand instructions

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Output Device of a Computer What is an

output device? Hardware that

conveys information to a user

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System Unit of a Computer

What is the system unit? Box-like case

containingelectroniccomponentsused to processdata

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Components of a Computer

What are two main components on the motherboard?

Central Processing Unit (CPU)Also called a processorCarries out instructions that tell computer what to do

MemoryTemporary holding place for data and instructions

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Storage of a Computer

What is storage?Holds data, instructions, and information

for future use

Storage mediaPhysical material on which data, instructions, and information are stored

Storage mediaPhysical material on which data, instructions, and information are stored

Storage deviceRecords and retrieves items to and from a storage medium

Storage deviceRecords and retrieves items to and from a storage medium Back

Floppy Disc

What is a floppy disk?Thin, circular,

flexible disk enclosed in rigid plastic shell

A Zip disk looks similar but has much greater storage capability

(=170 floppy disk) Back

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Hard Disc of a Computer

What is a hard disk?Provides much

greater storage capacity than a floppy disk or Zip disk

Housed inside the system unit

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Compact Disc of a Computer

What is a compact disc?Flat, round, portable metal disc

CD-ROM CD-RWCapacity: 673~768 MB

DVD-ROM DVD+RW

Capacity:4.7 ~ 17.1 GB

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Why is a Computer So Powerful?

Speed

Reliability

Accuracy

Storage

Communications

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Thank you