Basic concept of Computer

Microsoft Office 2007 – Illustrated Introductory,
Premium Video Edition
Understanding Essential Computer
Concepts

2Microsoft Office 2007-Illustrated Introductory, Premium Video Edition
• Investigate types of computersInvestigate types of computers
• Examine computer systemsExamine computer systems
• Examine input devicesExamine input devices
• Examine output devicesExamine output devices
• Investigate data processingInvestigate data processing
• Understand memoryUnderstand memory
ObjectivesObjectives

• Understand storage mediaUnderstand storage media
• Explore data communicationsExplore data communications
• Learn about networksLearn about networks
• Learn about security threatsLearn about security threats
• Understand system softwareUnderstand system software
• Understand application softwareUnderstand application software
ObjectivesObjectives

Defining ComputersDefining Computers
AA computercomputer is an electronic deviceis an electronic device
that:that:
• accepts inputaccepts input
• processes dataprocesses data
• stores datastores data
• produces outputproduces output

Investigating Types ofInvestigating Types of
ComputersComputers
The categories of computers are:The categories of computers are:
• Personal computersPersonal computers
• DesktopDesktop
• Notebook (Laptop)Notebook (Laptop)
• Tablet PCTablet PC
• Hand-heldsHand-helds
• PDAsPDAs
• MP3 playersMP3 players
• Cell phonesCell phones
• MainframesMainframes
• SupercomputersSupercomputers

Investigating Types ofInvestigating Types of
ComputersComputers
PersonalPersonal computerscomputers are used for general computing tasks.are used for general computing tasks.
Hand-heldHand-held computerscomputers fit in the palm of your hand and runfit in the palm of your hand and run
on batteries.on batteries.
MainframesMainframes are used by companies to provide centralizedare used by companies to provide centralized
storage, processing, and management for large amounts ofstorage, processing, and management for large amounts of
data.data.
SupercomputersSupercomputers are the largest and fastest of computers,are the largest and fastest of computers,
and can process an enormous volume of data.and can process an enormous volume of data.

Investigating Types of ComputersInvestigating Types of Computers
• NotebookNotebook
computercomputer
• also referred toalso referred to
as a laptopas a laptop
computercomputer
• smallsmall
• lightweightlightweight
• portableportable

• PDAsPDAs
• Personal DigitalPersonal Digital
AssistantsAssistants
• generally used to
maintain an
electronic
appointment book,
address book,
calculator, and
notepad

SupercomputersSupercomputers are the largest and fastest ofare the largest and fastest of
computers, and can process an enormouscomputers, and can process an enormous
volume of data.volume of data.

Understanding TerminalsUnderstanding Terminals
• TerminalTerminal
• has a keyboard for inputhas a keyboard for input
• monitor for outputmonitor for output
• processes little or no data on its ownprocesses little or no data on its own
• Terminal emulatorTerminal emulator
• personal computer, workstation, or serverpersonal computer, workstation, or server
• uses special software to imitate a terminaluses special software to imitate a terminal
• allows the PC to communicate with heallows the PC to communicate with he
mainframe or supercomputermainframe or supercomputer

Examining Computer SystemsExamining Computer Systems
AA computer systemcomputer system is made up of:is made up of:
• HardwareHardware—the physical components—the physical components
• SoftwareSoftware—the programs or lists of—the programs or lists of
instructionsinstructions

• ArchitectureArchitecture oror configurationconfiguration is theis the
design of the computer.design of the computer.
• As in, what does the computer consistAs in, what does the computer consist
of?of?
• SpecificationsSpecifications are the technical detailsare the technical details
about each component.about each component.
• As in, how big is the monitor?As in, how big is the monitor?

• Data
• The words, numbers, figures,
sounds, and graphics that
describe people, events, things,
and ideas
• Processing
• Modifying data

• MotherboardMotherboard
• where processing
tasks occur
• located inside the
computer
• the main electronic
component of the
computer
• contains the CPU

• The data you type into the computer is calledThe data you type into the computer is called
inputinput..
• The result of the computer processing yourThe result of the computer processing your
input is calledinput is called outputoutput..
• Peripheral devicesPeripheral devices accomplish the input,accomplish the input,
output, and storage functions.output, and storage functions.

• MicroprocessorMicroprocessor
• a silicon chipa silicon chip
designed todesigned to
manipulate datamanipulate data
• its speed isits speed is
determined by:determined by:
• Clock speedClock speed
• Word sizeWord size
• Processor typeProcessor type

Examining Input DevicesExamining Input Devices
Some input devices are:Some input devices are:
• KeyboardKeyboard
• MouseMouse
• TrackballTrackball
• Touch padTouch pad
• Pointing stickPointing stick
• ScannerScanner
• MicrophonesMicrophones
Cordless mouseCordless mouse

Using Assistive DevicesUsing Assistive Devices
• People who cannot use their arms or
hands instead can use foot, head, or
eye movements to control the pointer.
• People with poor vision can use
keyboards with large keys for input,
screen enlargers to enlarge the type
and images on the monitor, or screen
readers to read the content of the
screen aloud.

Examining Output DevicesExamining Output Devices
• MonitorsMonitors andand printersprinters are commonare common
output devices.output devices.
• CRT monitorsCRT monitors andand flat panel monitorsflat panel monitors
are two types of monitors.are two types of monitors.

Examining OutputExamining Output
DevicesDevices
Factors that influenceFactors that influence
a monitor’s qualitya monitor’s quality
are:are:
• Screen SizeScreen Size
• ResolutionResolution
• Dot PitchDot Pitch

Examining Output DevicesExamining Output Devices
Types of printersTypes of printers
• LaserLaser
• Dot MatrixDot Matrix
• InkjetInkjet
InkjetInkjet printerprinter

Investigating Data ProcessingInvestigating Data Processing
• A computer file is a named collection
of stored data.
• An executable file contains the
instructions that tell a computer how
to perform a specific task; for
instance, the files that are used while
the computer starts are executable.
• A data file is created by a user,
usually with software.

• Computers interpret every signal asComputers interpret every signal as
“on” or “off.”“on” or “off.”
• 1 (“on”) and 0 (“off”) are referred to as1 (“on”) and 0 (“off”) are referred to as
bitsbits..
• Eight bits is aEight bits is a bytebyte. Each byte. Each byte
represents a unique character.represents a unique character.

• KilobyteKilobyte ((KBKB) = one thousand) = one thousand
bytesbytes
• MegabyteMegabyte ((MBMB) = one million bytes) = one million bytes
• GigabyteGigabyte ((GBGB) = one billion bytes) = one billion bytes
• TerabyteTerabyte ((TBTB) = one trillion bytes) = one trillion bytes

• Each ASCII number
represents an English
character
• Computers that run
the Windows
operating system use
the set of Extended
ASCII definitions
defined by the
American National
Standards Institute
(ANSI).
ANSI standard sample ASCII codeANSI standard sample ASCII code

Understanding MemoryUnderstanding Memory
• ComputerComputer memorymemory is a set of storageis a set of storage
locations on the motherboard.locations on the motherboard.
• There are five types of memory:There are five types of memory:
• Random access memory (RAM)Random access memory (RAM)
• Cache memoryCache memory
• Virtual memoryVirtual memory
• Read-only memoryRead-only memory
• Complementary metal oxideComplementary metal oxide
semiconductor memory (CMOS)semiconductor memory (CMOS)

• RAMRAM
• Temporary memory that is constantlyTemporary memory that is constantly
changing while the computer is on.changing while the computer is on.
• Also calledAlso called volatile memoryvolatile memory andand
temporary memorytemporary memory..
• Cache memoryCache memory
• Special high-speed memory chip on theSpecial high-speed memory chip on the
motherboard or CPUmotherboard or CPU
• Stores frequently and recently accessedStores frequently and recently accessed
data and commands.data and commands.

• Virtual memoryVirtual memory is extra memory thatis extra memory that
simulates RAM if more is needed.simulates RAM if more is needed.
• Read-only memory (ROM)Read-only memory (ROM) is the permanentis the permanent
storage location for a set of instructions thestorage location for a set of instructions the
computer uses.computer uses.
• CMOSCMOS memory is semi-permanentmemory is semi-permanent
information about where essential software isinformation about where essential software is
stored.stored.

Understanding Storage MediaUnderstanding Storage Media
• Magnetic storage devices
• Store data as magnetized
particles on mylar, which is then
coated on both sides with a
magnetic oxide coating

• Common magnetic storage
devices
• hard disks—several magnetic oxide
covered metal platters usually sealed in
a case inside the computer
• tape—inexpensive, slow, archival
storage for large companies who need
to back up large quantities of data.
• floppy disks—flat circles of
magnetic oxide-coated mylar enclosed
in a hard plastic case; almost obsolete

• Optical storage devices
• polycarbonate discs coated with a
reflective metal on which data is
recorded using laser technology
as a trail of tiny pits or dark spots
in the surface of the disc
• the data that these pits or spots
represent can then be “read” with
a beam of laser light

• Types of optical storage devicesTypes of optical storage devices
• CD—can store 700 MB of dataCD—can store 700 MB of data
• DVD—can store between 4.7 andDVD—can store between 4.7 and
15.9 GB of data15.9 GB of data
• Blu-ray discs and HD-DVD can storeBlu-ray discs and HD-DVD can store
between 15 and 50 GB of databetween 15 and 50 GB of data

• Flash memory—similar to ROM except
that it can be written to more than once.
• Flash memory cards
• small, portable cards encased in hard
plastic to which data can be written and
rewritten
• used in digital cameras, handheld
computers, video game controllers, and
other devices

• USB flash storage
device (USB drive, flash
drive)
• popular type of flash
memory
• available in a wide
range of sizes from 32
MB to 16 GB
• plug directly into the
USB port of a
personal computer
• are about the size of a
pack of gum and often
have a ring that you
can attach to your key
chain.

Erasing and Rewriting onErasing and Rewriting on
CDs and DVDsCDs and DVDs
• CD-ROMCD-ROMs are for “read-only” access.s are for “read-only” access.
• CD-RCD-R drives allow you to record data on adrives allow you to record data on a
CD-R disk.CD-R disk.
• CD-RWCD-RW drives allow you to write data on adrives allow you to write data on a
CD-RW disk and access and modify data.CD-RW disk and access and modify data.
• DVD-RDVD-R andand DVD+RDVD+R are recordable.are recordable.

Exploring Data CommunicationsExploring Data Communications
Data communicationsData communications is the transmission of text,is the transmission of text,
numeric, voice, or video data from one computer tonumeric, voice, or video data from one computer to
another.another.
The four essential components of data communicationsThe four essential components of data communications
are:are:
• SenderSender
• ChannelChannel
• ReceiverReceiver
• ProtocolsProtocols

• AA sendersender is the computer that originates theis the computer that originates the
message.message.
• TheThe messagemessage is sent over a channel, such as ais sent over a channel, such as a
telephone.telephone.
• TheThe receiverreceiver is the computer at the message’sis the computer at the message’s
destination.destination.
• ProtocolsProtocols are the rules that establish theare the rules that establish the
transfer of data between sender and receiver.transfer of data between sender and receiver.

• Device driver (or simply driver)
• handles the transmission protocol between a
computer and its peripheral devices
• a computer program that can establish
communication because it contains
information about the characteristics of your
computer and of the device
• Data bus
• the data path between the microprocessor,
RAM, and the peripherals along which
communication travels

Components needed to connect a printer to a computerComponents needed to connect a printer to a computer

PCs have several types of ports:PCs have several types of ports:
• ParallelParallel
• SerialSerial
• SCSISCSI
• USBUSB
• MIDIMIDI
• EthernetEthernet

• Parallel port—Parallel port—transmits data eight bits at atransmits data eight bits at a
timetime
• Serial portSerial port—transmits data one bit at a time—transmits data one bit at a time
• SCSISCSI (small computer system interface,
pronounced “scuzzy”) port—port—provides anprovides an
interface for one or more peripheral devicesinterface for one or more peripheral devices
at the same portat the same port
• USBUSB (Universal Serial Bus) port—port—a high-a high-
speed serial port which allows multiplespeed serial port which allows multiple
connections at the same portconnections at the same port

• Sound card port—usually includes jacksSound card port—usually includes jacks
for speakers and a microphone, which arefor speakers and a microphone, which are
designed to work with adesigned to work with a MIDIMIDI ((MusicalMusical
Instrument Digital InterfaceInstrument Digital Interface, pronounced, pronounced
“middy”)“middy”) cardcard
• Ethernet port—Ethernet port—used to connect toused to connect to
another computer, a LAN, a modem, oranother computer, a LAN, a modem, or
sometimes directly to the Internet; allowssometimes directly to the Internet; allows
data to be transmitted at high speeds.data to be transmitted at high speeds.

Exploring DataExploring Data
CommunicationsCommunications
Computer ports and connectionsComputer ports and connections
Power connection
Mouse port
FireWire port
Network port
Phone line
connection
Speaker and
microphone
connections
USB ports
Monitor port
Audio
connection
Keyboard port

Learning about NetworksLearning about Networks
• NetworkNetwork
• connects one computer to other computers andconnects one computer to other computers and
peripheral devicesperipheral devices
• Network interface cardNetwork interface card ((NICNIC))
• creates a communications channel between thecreates a communications channel between the
computer and the networkcomputer and the network
• a cable connects the NIC port to the networka cable connects the NIC port to the network
• Network softwareNetwork software
• establishes the communications protocols that willestablishes the communications protocols that will
be observed on the networkbe observed on the network
• controls the traffic flow of data traveling throughcontrols the traffic flow of data traveling through
the networkthe network

• ServerServer
• acts as the central storage location for programs
• provides mass storage for most of the data used on the
network
• ClientClient—computers on a network dependent on a—computers on a network dependent on a
serverserver
• Client/server networkClient/server network—a network with server that—a network with server that
acts as the central storage locationacts as the central storage location
• Peer-to-peer networkPeer-to-peer network
• a network without a servera network without a server
• all of the computers are equalall of the computers are equal

• Standalone computerStandalone computer—a—a personal
computer that is not connected to a
network
• WorkstationWorkstation—a—a personal computer
that is connected to a network
• NodeNode—any device connected to the—any device connected to the
networknetwork

Network configurationNetwork configuration
Workstation
Workstation
Your local workstation
Server Printer

• LANLAN ((local area networklocal area network))
• computers and peripherals located close to eachcomputers and peripherals located close to each
otherother
• WANWAN ((wide area networkwide area network))
• more than one LAN connected together
• the Internet is the largest example of a WAN
• WLANWLAN ((wireless local area networkwireless local area network))
• computers and peripherals that use high-
frequency radio waves instead of wires to
communicate and connect in a network
• Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) describes WLANs
connected using a standard radio frequency
established by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

• PANPAN ((personal area networkpersonal area network)—)—a network that
allows two or more devices located close to each
other to communicate or to connect a device to
the Internet
• infrared technologyinfrared technology——uses infrared light waves to
beam data from one device to another
• BluetoothBluetooth——uses short range radio waves to connect a
device wirelessly to another device or to the Internet
• WiMAXWiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for
Microwave Access)
• allows computers to connect over many miles to a LAN
• a WiMAX tower sends signals to a WiMAX receiver built
or plugged into a computer

Using modems to send and receive dataUsing modems to send and receive data
Sending site
Digital
signal
Modem
Analog
signal
Modem
Digital
signal
Receiving site

Learning about Security ThreatsLearning about Security Threats
• Security
• refers to the steps a computer
owner takes to prevent
unauthorized use of or
damage to the computer

• Malware
• describes any program that is intended to
cause harm or convey information to others
without the owner’s permission
• Viruses
• harmful programs that instruct your computer
to perform destructive activities, such as
erasing a disk drive
• Antivirus software (virus protection
software) searches executable files for the
sequences of characters that may cause harm
and disinfects the files by erasing or disabling
those commands

• Spyware
• programs contained with other programs that track a
computer user’s Internet usage and send this data back
to the company or person that created it
• usually installed without the computer user’s permission
or knowledge
• Anti-spyware software detects spyware and deletes
them
• Adware
• software installed with another program usually with the
user’s permission
• generates advertising revenue for the program’s creator
by displaying targeted ads to the program’s user

• Firewall
• prevents other computers on the Internet
from accessing a computer and prevents
programs on a computer from accessing
the Internet without the computer user’s
permission
• can be either hardware or software
• router
• a device that controls traffic between network
components
• usually has a built-in firewall.
• software firewalls track all incoming and
outgoing traffic

• Spoofed site
• a Web site set up to look like another Web site, but
which does not belong to the organization portrayed in
the site
• the URL (address on the Web) looks similar to a URL
from the legitimate site
• usually set up to try to convince customers of the real
site to enter personal information
• Phishing
• the practice of sending e-mails to customers or
potential customers of a legitimate Web site asking
them to click a link in the e-mail
• the link leads to a spoofed site
• Pharming
• when a criminal breaks into a DNS server (a computer
responsible for directing Internet traffic) and redirect
any attempts to access a particular Web site to the
criminal’s spoofed site

Protecting Information withProtecting Information with
PasswordsPasswords
• Logging inLogging in
• signing in with a user name andsigning in with a user name and
passwordpassword
• Strong passwordStrong password
• at least eight charactersat least eight characters
• consists of upper- and lowercase lettersconsists of upper- and lowercase letters
and numbersand numbers
• does not include common personaldoes not include common personal
informationinformation

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