CSET 04101

Computer Basics
What is a Computer
 A computer is a device that accepts input,
processes data, and produces an output
according to a series of stored instructions.
 Computers are made of 2 main parts –
hardware and software.
 Hardware is the physical pieces of a computer
 Software is a program or operating system that
an be installed on a computer
Data vs. Information
 Data vs. information – data refers to symbols
that represent facts or ideas…these really don’t
mean anything until they are processed, or put
in some sort of context. Then they become
information…so data is raw and information is
processed.

 CPU – central processing unit – main processing

chip within a computer…called the “brain”

 Memory – RAM – stores data before while it is

being processed by the CPU.
Input and Output Devices
 Input devices  Output devices
 scanner  monitor
 keyboard  printer
 mouse  speakers
 microphone
 joystick
 Peripheral Devices
 Peripheral devices – an optional piece of
equipment that can be added to a computer
to enhance functionality
 Joystick
 Graphics Tablet
 Speakers
 Wireless USB
 Bluetooth headphones
 Etc.
Files and Software
 Types of files – data files – store
information, executable files – do something
 
 Types of software
 system software – includes O/S and other
utilities
 application software – includes applications like
office, and browser
Data Representation
 Data Representation – the process of transforming
data into a form that computers can use for
processing.
  
 Digital vs. Analog
 Digital data is represented by distinct pulses that
stand for 1s and 0s.
 Analog data is represented by a continuous wave of
information.


Main Computer Components
Main components – Motherboard, processor
(CPU), Memory (RAM), Storage (CD ROM,
Hard Drive, Floppy), Expansion Cards (NIC,
Sound, Video)
 
CPU – Central Processing Unit
 CPU – made up of the control unit and the
ALU.
 Speed is measured in Gigahertz today.
 Word Size – how many bits can be
processed at a time (either 32 or 64)
 Cache – high speed memory for the
processor…similar to ram
 CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) or
RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer)
 Most popular brands = AMD and Intel
RAM, ROM and CMOS
 RAM – Random Access Memory – “The processors
waiting room”
 Volatile – requires the computer to be one in order
to store info.
 Virtual memory – hard drive space can appear as
RAM to your Operating System.
 DIMM – Dual Inline memory module.
 ROM – Read Only Memory – a type of memory that
is built in the mother board that contains a BIOS
software – BIOS = Basic Input Output System
 
 CMOS – Complementary metal oxide semiconductor
memory – used to store initial and configured
settings in the BIOS.
Storage devices
 Storage is where data / information is
stored in a semi-permanent way. There are
3 main categories of storage
 Magnetic Storage
 Optical Storage
 Solid State Storage
Magnetic Storage
 Uses magnets to raise and lower tiny
particles which represent 1s and 0s on a
surface
 Hard Drive
 Read-Write Head
 Platters (Hard Disks)
 Floppy disk
 Magnetic Film
 Tape Back Up
 Sequential Storage
 Magnetic Film
Optical Storage
 CDs and DVDs
 These uses pits and
lands to reflect light.
The pits and lands
make distinct density
changes which
represent 1s and 0s.
Solid State Storage
 No moving parts, therefore faster!
 Flash memory sticks
 Secure Digital
 USB Thumb Drives
 Etc.
Questions?