Chapter 1 Flashcards
What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data. Think of it as a machine that follows instructions (called programs) to help you do tasks like sending emails, watching videos, or playing games.
Example: A laptop you use to browse the web or a desktop computer in an office.
Types of Computers: Personal Computers (PCs)
Personal Computers (PCs) are common computers used at home or in small businesses. They are affordable and relatively simple to use.
Example: A desktop PC you might have at home for personal use.
Types of Computers: Laptops
Laptops are portable computers that can be carried around easily. They have a built-in screen and keyboard and are powered by a battery.
Example: A MacBook or Dell laptop used for schoolwork.
Types of Computers: Handheld Devices
Handheld Devices are smaller devices that can fit in your hand and still perform many of the same tasks as a computer. An example is a smartphone (like an iPhone or Android phone) or a tablet (like an iPad).
Types of Computers: Mainframe Computers
Mainframe Computers are large, powerful machines used by big organizations like banks or governments to process large amounts of data very quickly.
Example: The computers that manage credit card transactions or airline bookings.
Computer Networks
Networks are groups of computers connected together to share resources like files, printers, or the Internet. Computers can connect using wires or wirelessly.
Example: The computers in a school or office are often connected in a network so they can share a printer.
Hardware
Hardware is the physical part of the computer, like the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and the actual computer case. Inside the case, you’ll find components like the processor, memory, and hard drive.
Example: Your computer’s keyboard, the monitor you look at, and the CPU (Central Processing Unit) inside the computer case are all hardware.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is often called the ‘brain’ of the computer. It processes and calculates data. The speed of the CPU is measured in gigahertz (GHz). A faster CPU can do more work in a shorter amount of time.
Example: An Intel Core i7 processor in a gaming computer.
Memory: RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is temporary memory where data is stored while you’re using it. When you turn off your computer, the data in RAM is lost. More RAM allows your computer to run more programs at the same time without slowing down.
Example: If your computer has 8 GB of RAM, it can handle more programs at once than a computer with 4 GB of RAM.
Memory: Hard Disk
The Hard Disk is permanent storage, like your computer’s long-term memory. It stores all your files, programs, and even the operating system.
Example: Your 1 TB hard drive stores your photos, documents, and applications like Microsoft Word or games like Minecraft.
Storage Units
Data is measured in bits and bytes. The smallest unit is a bit (either a 0 or 1). Larger units include kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), and gigabytes (GB).
Example: A typical photo might be 2 MB in size, while a movie could be 2 GB or more.
Software
Software refers to programs and instructions that tell the computer what to do. Software can be divided into two main types: Operating System (OS) and Application Software.
Software: Operating System (OS)
The Operating System (OS) is the software that manages the entire computer. It handles communication between your programs and the hardware.
Example: Windows 10, macOS, Linux, or Android.
Software: Application Software
Application Software are programs designed to perform specific tasks, such as writing a document or editing a photo.
Examples: Microsoft Word (for word processing), Google Chrome (for web browsing), and Adobe Photoshop (for photo editing).
Operating Systems (OS)
The Operating System is the software that makes your computer run. It controls everything from managing files to running programs and even how the computer communicates with devices like printers.
Example: If you’re using a PC, you might be using Windows 11. On a Mac, you would use macOS Monterey. On a phone, it could be iOS for iPhones or Android for Samsung phones.
Application Software: Word Processing
Word Processing software allows you to type and format text, create documents, and save or print them. These programs help with tasks like writing letters, essays, and reports.
Example: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Notepad.
Application Software: Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheets allow you to organize data into tables of rows and columns, do calculations, and create charts. They are especially useful for managing data and performing financial or mathematical calculations.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The GUI is the visual part of a computer that lets you interact with it using icons, windows, and menus instead of typing commands.
Example: When you use your smartphone and tap on an app’s icon to open it, that’s a GUI.