The document provides an overview of basic computer concepts. It defines 5 things that can be done with computers, including creating documents, storing data, budgeting, research, and 5 types of computers - desktop, notebook, tablet, handheld, and server. It also outlines 6 main computer parts - case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, and speakers. Finally, it distinguishes between hardware and software, internal and external hardware, and application and system software.

1. Learning the Computer Basics
Lesson One

2. Lesson Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:
• Designate five things you can do with a
computer
• Compare and contrast the five different
types of a computer
• Designate six main computer parts
• Differentiate hardware from software
• Differentiate internal and external hardware
• Differentiate application and system
software

3. 5 Ways to Use a
Computer
• Create documents (e.g.
letters, memos, and reports)
• Store data (e.g. recipes, CDs, contact
information)
• Budgeting & Saving
• Research (e.g. travel
plans, genealogy, product
reviews, homework)

4. 5 Different Computer
Types
• Desktop Computer- most common of
computers
• The desktop comes with a
mouse, keyboard, monitor, and a
computer tower
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

5. 5 Different Computer
Types
Notebook-
• Combines the tower & keyboard…
• In addition the monitor…
• Speakers and mouse into one
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

6. 5 Different Computer
Types
Tablet PC
• Looks like a small notebook computer
• The screen moves horizontal or vertical
• A digital pen (e.g. a Stylus pen) is used
• Or you can user your fingers
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

7. 5 Different Computer
Types
Handheld (PDA or Smartphone)
• Very small computer
• Sometimes a mobile phone
• Weighs less than 2lbs
• A.K.A. personal digital assistant (PDA)
• Stores schedules
• Check email
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

8. 5 Different Computer
Types
Server-
• Powerful Computer
• Central Resource for other computers
• Computers connect to the server
• Includes terminals and Mainframes
• Run large scale operations
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

9. 6 Main Computer
Parts
Computer Case
• AKA Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• System Unit
• Console
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

10. 6 Main Computer
Parts
Monitor-
• AKA Screen
• Display
• Looks similar to a TV
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

11. 6 Main Computer
Parts
Keyboard-
• Looks similar to a type writer
• Used to type information
• Enter instructions for computer
• More in Chapter 4 
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

12. 6 Main Computer
Parts
Mouse-
• Hand operated
• Pointing device
• Use to select or move items on monitor
• Provides instructions for computer
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

13. 6 Main Computer
Parts
Printer-
• A device we use to print documents
• Some printers features an all in one
device system
• It can copy, print, scan, or fax
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

14. 6 Main Computer
Parts
Speakers-
• The output for audio or sound
• For music, narrations
• E.g. Headphones
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

15. Hardware vs.
Software
Hardware-
• Physical computer components
• E.g. parts, buttons, ports
• Devices such as a printer, keyboard, CPU
Software-
• Instructs the computer to perform
• Helps the computer complete tasks
• E.g. Microsoft Office; Windows 7
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

16. Internal Hardware
Internal Hardware-
• Hardware that is “inside” the computer
• Includes the CPU
• Memory Chips
• Disk Drives
• Circuit Boards
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

17. External Hardware
External Hardware-
• AKA Peripherals
• The hardware that “connects” to the
computer
• “Outside of the computer”
• E.g. Printer, Keyboard, Mouse
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

18. Application Software
Application Software-
• Programs we interact with
• E.g. Microsoft Word/ Office
• E.g. Adobe Dreamweaver (Web design
software)
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

19. System Software
System Software-
• The software that operates “behind the
scenes”
• Helps your computer to run smoothly
• E.g. Operating System
• E.g. Windows XP, Vista, & Windows 7
All Images courtesy of
Microsoft Clipart

20. Resources
McFedries, P. (2007). Chapter 1: Getting Familiar with
Computer Basics. In Simplified Computers. (7th ed.). (pp.
4-17). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Image courtesy of Wiley
Publishing Inc.