Unit 1- Computer Flashcards
What is a computer?
A computer is a device that accepts data, performs computations and produces meaningful information
IT UNDERSTANDS Pulses of electricity
First computer was made in the 1805.
Types of computers
Super computers
Large fast most expensive
Users include the space program, weather forecasters and nuclear weapon researchers
Main frame computer
Very large computer that is capable of processing very large volumes of data
Used for business (insurance companies, banks , government , tax)
Micro computer
Found in homes and small business.( laptops, netbooks, handheld, tablets, notebook)
Parts of the computer
( video card/creates images on moniter)
( power supply)
Circuit board
Contains metal tracks that electricity flows , electronic devices and transistors
CPU
( central processing unit)
Also called the microprocessor this is the computer chip that processes instructions, processes data and the flow of information. This is the brain of the computer.
Hard drive
A disk drive that holds , reads from and writes to the hard disk which is the memory storage space in the computer. It is used to store files. This is where your files are stored for everyday use.
Storage devices
Spaces in the computer where disk drives are housed. Storage devices allow you to save your work. ( CD ROMS or DVDS
RAM ( RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY)
Also called user memory. This is temporary that stores information for the length of time a program is running. The data while using your computer is here. Once the computer turns off, any information is lost Unless it is saved
ROM ( READ ONLY MEMORY)
Also called factory memory. This is computer memory on which information has been stored at the time of manufacture ( ex. Instructions)
Peripheral devices ( parts connected to the computer through cables)
Moniter ( visual )
Keyboard ( type In info)
Modems ( devices that allow a computer to transmit data over telephone lines)
Printers( allows you to have a hard copy and prints text or pictures)
MODEM ( modulator-demodulator)
Used to convert digital information into modulation and to convert information back ( demodulation)
Networks
LAN ( local area network)
Computer network that
connects computers in a smaller area ( classroom)
WAN ( wide area network)
Computer network that connects computers in a large area ( peel)
Input and output devices
Input devices( digital microphone,keyboard, mouse,) Output device(CRT monitor,speakers , headphones,) Storage units( digital camera , media player, RAM, case , cooling fans) System unit - CPU
How the internet might be for your health RECAP
It shrinks your brain up to 20%. Expensive. Can cause depression. Cyber bullying occurs for the teens and kids using this. Lack of sleep. Bad posture.
Keyboarding techniques
Curled fingers, feet flat, fingers on home row, use pinkey for enter. Look at screen. Rythme. Relaxed shoulders.
Memory and storage
Memory is short term , allows the computer to remember something
Storage saves the information for long term
Hertz
Calculations per second
Bits and bytes
A bit stores just a 0 or 1
This is the smallest unit of storage
Group 8 bits into a byte
A byte can store one letter( ex.a
Hardware and software
Hardware is the physical parts of the computer and software are the things installed on your computer.
Domain names
WWW is World Wide Web
URL is Uniform Resource Locator
DNS is Domain Name System
Http is hyper text transfer protocol.
Pixel
A pixel is a picture element.
Functions of a microprocessor
Fetch
Decode
Executes
