introduction to computers principles of information technology lytle high school press enter or...

Introduction to Computers

Principles of Information TechnologyLytle High School

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This tutorial is designed to introduce you to some of the terminology associated with computers.

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Computers are one of the more common tools of the business office.

Businesses of all sorts consider this electronic tool to be essential to their day-to-day operations.


Categories of Computers

All computers fall into two basic categories.

1. There are “Dedicated” computers

2. There are “Programmable” computers


The Dedicated Computer

Most electronic devices today, are controlled by a computer microchip.

The microchip in this television is programmed to do one thing and one thing only, control the functions of the T.V.

The computer chip that controls this device is what makes it a dedicated computer.


Other Examples of Dedicated Computers

Following are examples of things we see every day.


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What do all of these things have in common?

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Dedicated Computers

The computer chip in these devices are programmed to do one and only one function, to control the device.

Dedicated computer chips cannot be programmed to do anything else.


The Programmable Computer

A programmable computer can be used to run a variety of computer programs like Games, Word Processors, Spreadsheet or presentation programs like Microsoft PowerPoint.

Dedicated computers are electronic devices that do only one thing.

A programmable computer is an electronic device designed to run all sorts of computer programs.


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Types of Computers

While all computers fall into two categories (dedicated and programmable), there are five types of programmable computers.


Types of Computers

LaptopUsed for portability.

MainframeUsed by banks and large companies and corporations. (Still in use by some companies)

DesktopThe computer you are using in this class is a desktop.


Types of Computers

Super-Computers

Used by scientists and government agencies where vast quantities of large numbers must be processed quickly.

Mini-ComputersWere used by small to medium sized companies to operate small computer networks. They are no longer manufactured. They were replaced by today’s desktop computers.


What makes a computer a computer?

All computer systems consist of two things that make them work.

HARDWAREAll the physical components of a computer you can physically touch.

SOFTWAREThe computer programs like WordPerfect, Excel or PowerPoint. These programs are what make computers the useful tools they have become.


Hardware of a Computer

There are 5 basic components that make up the computer’s hardware system.


The C P U(Central Processing Unit)

The first component of a computer system is the CPU or Central Processing Unit. It is the main component.

While the CPU is actually the main microprocessor chip inside the cabinet, many people refer to this cabinet as the CPU.

You will be introduced to the actual Central Processing Unit in the next lesson.


The Computer Monitor

The monitor is another component of the computer hardware system.

It displays the programs you are running and allows you to see what you are working on.

People may refer to the monitor as the Computer Screen, or the Video Display Unit.


The Computer KeyboardAnother component of computer hardware is the keyboard.

The keyboard is the most common input device.

It is used to input or key information and commands into the computer.


Computer KeyboardVs.

Typewriter Keyboard


Computers have many and various additional special keys not found on the older typewriter keyboards.

Special function keys are programmed to perform various tasks when working with various computer programs.

The Computer Disk Drives

Disk drives are another component. They are used to permanently save information on disk.

There are various kinds of storage drives where information is saved.

These drives are usually found in the CPU cabinet.


Computer Printers

The last component we will discuss in this lesson is the printer.

There are different types of printers to use with computers.

Printers are used to print letters, reports and other documents needed for home, school or business.


In Review

There are dedicated and programmable computers.

There are 5 types of programmable computers. Mainframe Computers Desktop Computers Laptop Computers Super Computers Mini Computers


In review

Computer systems consist of Hardware and Software.

The basic computer Hardware system consists of: The CPU Cabinet The Monitor The Keyboard The Disk Drives The Printer


CongratulationsYou have just completed your first computer lesson.

Now that your worksheet is completed, be prepared to share information in class as we review what you learned.


introduction to computers principles of information technology lytle high school press enter or...

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