handouts
Topic I – What is a Computer?
Computer - is an electronic device that manipulates information, or "data."
All types of computers consist of two basic parts:
Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure
Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do
Different Types of Computers
Desktop
Many people use desktop computers at work, home, school, or the library.
They can be small, medium, or large in style, and usually sit on a desk.
Laptop
Laptops are battery- or AC-powered personal computers that are more portable than desktop computers, allowing you to use them almost anywhere.
Servers
A server is a computer that "serves up" information to other computers on a network.
Many businesses have file servers that employees can use to store and share files.
Parts of the Computer
Case
the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer. It houses the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), the power supply, and more.
Monitor it works with a video card, located inside the computer case, to display images and text on the screen.
Keyboard is the primary way we communicate with the computer and enter data.
Mouse a peripheral that is known as a pointing device.
Processor is sometimes called the brain of the computer, and its job is to carry out commands.
Motherboard is the computer's main circuit board.
Power Supply converts the power from the wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer.
Random Access Memory is the system's short-term memory.
Hard Drive is the data center of the computer
Computer - is an electronic device that manipulates information, or "data."
All types of computers consist of two basic parts:
Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure
Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do
Different Types of Computers
Desktop
Many people use desktop computers at work, home, school, or the library.
They can be small, medium, or large in style, and usually sit on a desk.
Laptop
Laptops are battery- or AC-powered personal computers that are more portable than desktop computers, allowing you to use them almost anywhere.
Servers
A server is a computer that "serves up" information to other computers on a network.
Many businesses have file servers that employees can use to store and share files.
Parts of the Computer
Case
the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer. It houses the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), the power supply, and more.
Monitor it works with a video card, located inside the computer case, to display images and text on the screen.
Keyboard is the primary way we communicate with the computer and enter data.
Mouse a peripheral that is known as a pointing device.
Processor is sometimes called the brain of the computer, and its job is to carry out commands.
Motherboard is the computer's main circuit board.
Power Supply converts the power from the wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer.
Random Access Memory is the system's short-term memory.
Hard Drive is the data center of the computer