Section 2.1• Identify hardware• Describe processing components• Compare and contrast input and output devices• Compare and contrast storage devices

Section 2.2• Identify and describe operating system software• Identify and describe application software• Summarize cross-platform issues

Section 2.3• Identify types of networks• Examine types of network connections• Identify network hardware and software

Section 2.4• Use a template• Save a Web site• Apply a theme• Format text• Insert a graphic

Computer HardwareGuide to Reading

Main Ideas

Computer systems are composed of users, hardware, software, and data. The four basic categories of computer hardware are processing components and input, output, and storage.

Key Terms

hardware

software

central processing unit (CPU)

random-access memory (RAM)

keyboard

mouse

monitor

printer

pp. 34-382.1

Computer HardwareComputers and the Computer System

A computer system consists of four parts:

• A user• Hardware• Software• Data

hardware The physical components of the computer. (p. 34)

software The set of instructions that tells the computer what to do. (p. 34)

pp. 34-382.1

Computer HardwareProcessing Components

central processing unit (CPU) The part of the computer where data is processed; sometimes referred to as the “brain” of the computer. (p. 34)

random-access memory (RAM) Where the computer stores data that it is currently processing. (p. 35)

pp. 34-382.1

Hard Drive

Storage Devices

RAMRAM MotherboardCPUCPU

Power Supply

Computer HardwareInput Devices

Different kinds of devices allow you to enter text, commands, images, or audio into your computer.

• KeyboardsKeyboards and Pointing Devices (like a mousemouse)• Graphic and Video Devices• Audio Devices

keyboard An input device that lets you enter text into the computer. (p. 35)

mouse The most common pointing device used to enter commands into the computer. (p. 35)

pp. 34-382.1

Computer HardwareOutput Devices

Output devices let users examine the results of processed data.

• MonitorsMonitors CRT LCD

• PrintersPrinters

• Speakers

monitor The part of the computer that shows the output in a quick, readable form; also known as a display screen. (p. 36)

printer A hardware device that produces hard copy, or output that is permanent. (p. 37)

pp. 34-382.1

2.1 Computer Hardware

There are several different types of storage devices available.

• Hard Drives

• Removable Storage Devices Floppy Disks Zip Disks Optical Disks Flash Memory Tape Backups

Storage Devices

pp. 34-38

Computer SoftwareGuide to Reading

Main Ideas

Operating system software allows users to give instructions to the computer and to execute applications. Applications are software packages that help users perform specific tasks.

Key Terms

basic input/output system (BIOS)

operating system (OS)

graphical user interface (GUI)

application software

multitasking

pp. 40-422.2

Computer SoftwareOperating System Software

The basic input/output basic input/output system (BIOS)system (BIOS) activates the operating systemoperating system.

The OS is divided into four major categories:

• Task management

• Memory management

• Input and output management

• Graphic user interfaceGraphic user interface

basic input/output system (BIOS) Small program that performs basic startup activities, such as activating the computer’s operating system. (p. 40)

operating system (OS) Software that specifies how the computer receives and processes input; acts as an interface between a user and the computer hardware. (p. 40)

graphical user interface (GUI) Type of interface that allows users to interact with software by selecting words, symbols, or graphics from a desktop. (p. 41)

pp. 40-422.2

Computer SoftwareOperating System Software

Here are examples of a Windows and a Mac OS.

pp. 40-422.2

Computer SoftwareApplication Software

Most of the time when you use a computer, you are using application application softwaresoftware.

Today’s operating systems are capable of multitaskingmultitasking. This allows you to work with more than one application or document at a time.

application software Computer programs that allow users to perform a specific task on the computer; also referred to as applications. (p. 41)

multitasking Working with more than one application or document at a time. (p. 41)

pp. 40-422.2

2.2 Computer Software

Your computer’s hardware, operating system, and application programs must all work together in order for your computer to function properly.

Cross-Platform Issues

pp. 40-42

NetworksGuide to Reading

Main Ideas

Networks allow computers to share information, messages, and software. Dial-up, broadband, and wireless are three types of network connections.

Key Terms

network

local area network (LAN)

wide area network (WAN)

server

client

network interface card (NIC)

modem

pp. 43-462.3

NetworksTypes of Networks

A networknetwork can connect two computers in a home or millions of computers around the world, as in the case of the Internet.

Networks can be divided into two basic categories:

• local area networkslocal area networks

• wide area networkswide area networks

network A system in which communication lines or wireless connections are used to connect computers together. (p. 43)

local area network (LAN) Type of network that connects computers in a single location, such as a single department within a company. (p. 43)

wide area network (WAN) Network that connects computers across a wide geographical area, such as a region of the United States. (p. 43)

pp. 43-462.3

2.3 Networks

• Dial-up Connections

• Broadband Connections Cable DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) ISDN, T1, T3 Lines

• Wireless Connections

Types of Connections

pp. 43-46

NetworksNetwork Hardware

For a network to function properly, all the hardware components must be compatible.

• Client/ServerClient/Server Networks

• Network Interface CardsNetwork Interface Cards

• ModemsModems

• Routers

server A powerful central computer that manages files and services for a network. (p. 45)

client In a network, the individual computers that are part of that network. (p. 45)

network interface card (NIC) Provides the place to plug the network cable into the computer, and it creates and sends the signal from one network component to another. (p. 45)

modem Hardware device that enables a computer to send and receive signals through telephone wires or cable. (p. 45)

pp. 43-462.3

2.3 Networks

In a client/server network, the server responds to the requests of client computers.

Network Hardware

pp. 43-46

2.3 Networks

Networks are controlled by a specific group of software called a network operating system, or NOS.

The NOS is responsible for managing network resources, controlling who can access different network components, and keeping the network running smoothly.

Network Software

pp. 43-46

Creating a One Page Web SiteGuide to Reading

Main Ideas

Templates provide frameworks on which to build Web pages and sites. Applying a theme to a Web site helps the pages look consistent. Text and graphics are the main content of most Web sites.

Key Terms

folder

subfolder

template

placeholder text

theme

font

pp. 48-542.4

Creating a One Page Web SiteCreating and Saving a Web Page

When saving your Web sites, you need a plan. Develop a system of foldersfolders and subfolderssubfolders to locate your Web pages easily.

FrontPage offers templatestemplates that simplify creating Web sites. Some templates contain placeholderplaceholder text that you simply replace with your own content.

pp. 48-542.4

folder An item that helps the user organize files. (p. 48)

subfolder A folder contained within a folder; used to further organize files. (p. 48)

template A reusable pattern that helps you place information quickly and efficiently on a Web page. (p. 49)

placeholder text Text often included in templates to indicate the type of content the user can put in a particular location. (p. 49)

2.4 Creating a One Page Web Site

To format Web text, follow the same basic rules that you would follow when creating a report in a word processor.

The Formatting toolbar contains buttons that allow you to format text quickly.

Adding Text to a Web Page

pp. 48-54

Alignment Buttons

Style

FontFont Size

Bold

Italic

Underline

2.4 Creating a One Page Web Site

One easy way to add graphics to a Web page is to use a pre-made graphic.

Adding Graphics to a Web Page

pp. 48-54

2.4 Creating a One Page Web Site

• Activity 2A – Using a Template and Saving Files (p. 49)• Activity 2B – Applying a Theme (p. 51)• Activity 2C – Inserting and Formatting Text (p. 52)• Activity 2D – Inserting Graphics (p. 53)

pp. 48-54

Chapter 2

For more resources on this chapter, go to the Introduction to Web Design Web site at webdesign.glencoe.com.

Resources