Computer parts.
- 1. Explore the Parts of a Computer Introduction Motherboard Hardware Storage Devices Software Peripherals Operating System CPU RAM ROM
- 2. What is a computer? A computer is an electronic device that executes the instructions in a program. The computer has four components: Input Storage Processing Output
- 3. Hardware The physical parts of the computer that you can actually touch. Camera Monitor Scanner Computer Microphone Keyboard Mouse
- 4. Software Software is a computer program that is made up of Adobe Reader certain instructions Excel or codes that tell your hardware, or computer, what to do. Software can be PowerPoint used to play games, Word write school papers, or even sort e-mail. Photoshop Mavis Beacon
- 5. Operating System (OS) The OS is a large program made up of many smaller programs that control how the CPU communicates with other hardware components. It also makes computers easier to operate by people because it puts a face to the computer. In other words, operating systems make computers user friendly. Different computer manufacturers use different operating systems. Apple computers use Macintosh OS Most PC’s commonly use the OS called Windows (XP, Vista, 7)
- 6. CPU (Microprocessor) Stands for Central Processing Unit, which is the brain of your computer. It does all the thinking for the computer and process all the information to be turned into files on your computer. The clock speed of the microprocessor in now measured in gigahertz (GHz). The higher the number; the quicker the information processed. The chip shown below can process up to 2.80 GHz.
- 7. How is computer memory measured? Computer memory is measured in Bytes, which is a unit of storage capable of holding a single character. Kilobyte = about 1000 bytes. Megabyte = about one million bytes. Gigabyte = about one billion bytes.
- 8. Storage Devices •Compact Disc Re-Writable (CD- RW) is a type of disk which enables you to write onto it several times. The storage capacity can vary, but it typically holds 700 MB of data. •Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) is a disk that enables you to write onto it once. These are typically used to save music or data that does not change. •Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is a type of disk that holds digital representations that combine sound and graphic.
- 9. Storage Devices A Hard drive is a large capacity, permanent storage used to hold programs and documents. This is stored inside your computer and holds the largest amount of data A Floppy Disk is a portable magnetic disk that can hold up to 1.44 MB of data. This holds the least amount of data. A USB or flash disk is a small, portable flash memory card that plugs into a computer’s USB drive and functions as a portable hard drive.
- 10. Peripherals These are devices that connect to your computer, but are separate from it. These devices can be categorized as either input or output. Input Devices: These are devices that input data into your computer such as: Mouse Keyboard Microphone Output Devices: These are devices that output data into forms which people can use such as: Monitor Scanner Printer Speakers