This document discusses computer hardware and software basics. It describes the main hardware components of a computer including the CPU, memory, input devices, output devices, and storage. Specific hardware such as monitors, printers, and scanners are explained. Computer software is summarized as operating systems, which interface with the user and computer, and application software programs used for tasks like word processing. Examples of application software include Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and web logging software.

1. ELCL605
Heejung An
Week 2
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2. What to do:
Discussion Question for weeks 1-2
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3. Computer Basics
Hardware
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4. Hardware
Hardware includes all of the computer
components and devices that are
physical pieces or equipment, like the
computer machine itself, the monitor,
keyboard, printer, mouse, and
speakers.
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5. Hardware
Hardware consists of five main components.
 Central Processing Unit (CPU).
 Memory: This is very fast temporary storage
used to hold data.
 Input devices: Mouse, Keyboard, Microphone,
etc.
 Output devices: Printer, Speakers, Monitor, etc.
 Storage: Hard-drive, Floppy drive, Jump drive,
CD-ROM Drive, DVD Drive.
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6. Hardware: CPU
Central Processing Unit
(CPU) or Microprocessor
chip: the brain of the
computer.
 Fast processor = better =
fast response time. (800
MHz is faster than 400
MHz)
 Speed is measured in
(e.g., Intel Pentium 4
processor chip)
MHz (megahertz). http://www.intel.com/
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7. Hardware: Memory
ROM (Read only memory) for booting up.
RAM (Random Access Memory):
 Acts as the “workspace” – The bigger the space,
the more work the CPU can get done at any point
in time. RAM is where data is stored while being
used and processed.
 Measured in mega bytes (MB) or GB (gigabytes).
 Some programs require lots of RAM (e.g.,
Photoshop), and the computer will run very slow if
you don’t have much RAM.
 Remember- More RAM is better. 128 MB is better
than 64 MB.
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8. Determining your computer’s
CPU & RAM
Start >
Control Panel >
System
Processor type
Amount of RAM
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9. Hardware: Input Devices
Pieces of hardware
that allow you to enter
data into the
computer.
 e.g.) Keyboard,
Mouse, Stylus,
Microphone,
Scanner, Digital
Camera, etc.
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10. Scanner
Allows you to capture and then
translate printed copies or images into
digital data.
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11. Hardware: Output Devices
Pieces of hardware that
move information off of
the computer :
 e.g.)
Monitor (soft copy)
Printer (hard copy)
Speaker, SmartBoard,
Projector
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12. Monitor
The screen size refers
to the number of inches
measured diagonally
across the screen.
e.g.) 15’’, 17’’, 24’’ ….
Resolution refers to the
clarity and crispness of
the images
. on the monitor screen.
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13. What is Smart Board?
It is an interactive whiteboard that is
connected to a computer and a data
projector. Once the computer image is
projected on the board, the Smart
Board can be used as a computer. By
just using your finger you can control
the computer.
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14. Hardware: Storage -
Hard (Disk) Drive
Where all of the programs (including the
operating system and applications) are
stored. And, where you save your
personal files.
 Usually C: on PCs.
 Readable / writable
 Size measured in gigabytes (GB).
 Bigger hard drive (more GB) is better (more
space to store/save programs and your
files) 14

15. Hard Drive Status - Windows PC
Start >
My computer >
Right click on
the C drive (C:)
> Properties
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16. Hardware:
Removable Storage Devices
Floppy disk: 1.44 DVD-ROM (digital
MB versatile discs): 4.7
GB
Zip disk: 100, 250,
and 750 MB CD-ROMs
(compact-disc-read-
USB Flash Drive only memory): 650
(called jump drives MB
or keychain drives): CD-Rs (recordable)
128 MB to 2 GB CD-RWs (rewritable)
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17. Accessing Drives: Windows PC
“My Computer” will indicate all of the drives
that are currently connected to your
computer.
Hard Drive- C:
Removable drive - E: (if you have two CD-
ROM drives, it might be F:)
CD-ROM drive - D:
Floppy drive - A:
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18. Accessing Drives: Windows PC
Hard Drive C:
Floppy Drive A:
CD-ROM Drive D:
Removable Drive E
or F:
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19. Display Properties in Windows
Right click in an
empty space on the
desktop >
Select Properties >
Click on the Settings
tab.
Also, you can change
the background, etc.
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20. Other emerging digital
technologies
Handheld Computers:
Known as PDAs (Personal Digital
Assistant):
 http://www.citejournal.org/vol7/iss1/science/
article1.cfm
 http://www.biokids.umich.edu/about/
 http://education.mit.edu/pda/overview.htm
Smartphones:
e.g.) iPhones or iPads: Educational
applications 20

21. Computer Basics
Software
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22. Software
Software: the name given to the
programs that you install on the computer
to perform certain types of activities.
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23. Operating System (OS)
• creates an interface
between the user and
computer (GUI –
Graphic User Interface).
• provides a software
platform on top of which
other programs,
called application
programs, can run. e.g.)
- Mac OS X for Apple
• tells the computer how to Macintosh,
- Windows and Linux OS for a
function and how to PC,
manage its own operations. 23
- The Palm OS for Palm Pilots.

24. Operating System (OS)
controls the computer by:
• managing the settings of the display, network
connections, time/date, other devices connected to
the computer, etc.
• installing and running other programs such as games,
word processing, browsers, etc.
• managing file space on the hard drive and other
removable drives that are connected to the computer.
• managing user accounts (if more than one), logins,
, etc.
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25. Application Software
(or Application Programs): A set of
instructions that tells the computer how
to complete a unique task.
e.g.)
- Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel.
- Adobe Photoshop.
- Macromedia Dreamweaver, Flash.
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26. Word Processor
A word processor is an application
that is used to produce easy to
read, professional-looking
documents:
 e.g., Microsoft Word, Microsoft
Works, Corel WordPerfect, etc.
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27. Presentation Software
Includes programs that are designed
for creating digital support materials
for presentations.
e.g.) - Microsoft PowerPoint
- Apple Keynote
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28. Lab…continued
Technical aspects:
 Use a master slide
 Use animation effects somewhere in the
presentation
 Slide transitions – Optional
 Insert images
 Use actions buttons
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29. Google Docs
http://www.google.com
 choose “More > Documents”
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30. Web Logs (Blogs)
electronic journals
Blogs are “part web site, part journal,
part free-form writing spaces.”
 Top 100 Education Blogs:
http://oedb.org/library/features/top-100-education-blogs
Blogger:
https://www.blogger.com/
e.g.) http://makefilmpk.blogspot.com/
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