what is computer
What is a computer:
A computer is an electronic device that executes the instructions in a program.
A device that accepts data, processes the data in accordance with the stored program, generates results and usually consists of input, output, storage, Airthmatic logic and control units.
A computer has four functions:
a. accepts data
Input: Data or information written into the computer by user
The Information Processing Cycle
b.processes data
Processing: The calculations performed according to the given instructions
c. produces output
Output: Results produced or generated by the computer
d. stores results
Storage: Place where data and instructions are stored/placed within the computer
Some Beginning Terms
Hardware
the physical parts of the computer.
Software
the programs (instructions) that tell the computer what to do
Data
individual facts like first name, price, quantity ordered
Information
data which has been massaged into a useful form, like a complete mailing address
What makes a computer powerful?
Speed
A computer can do billions of actions per second.
Reliability
Failures are usually due to human error, one way or another. (Blush for us all!)
Storage
A computer can keep huge amounts of data.
The Parts a Computer
The Monitor
The Computer Monitor is the computer user's window into the workings of the computer. It consists of a television picture tube that had been modified to accept the type of video signal created by the computer's electronics
The Keyboard
The Keyboard is the primary input device used to communicate with the computer. A computer keyboard closely resembles a conventional typewriter keyboard with the addition of numerous keys that are used specifically for computing functions.
The Mouse
The Floppy Diskette Drive
The CD-ROM Drive
Peripherals
Computer peripherals are any electronic devices that can be connected to
A computer is an electronic device that executes the instructions in a program.
A device that accepts data, processes the data in accordance with the stored program, generates results and usually consists of input, output, storage, Airthmatic logic and control units.
A computer has four functions:
a. accepts data
Input: Data or information written into the computer by user
The Information Processing Cycle
b.processes data
Processing: The calculations performed according to the given instructions
c. produces output
Output: Results produced or generated by the computer
d. stores results
Storage: Place where data and instructions are stored/placed within the computer
Some Beginning Terms
Hardware
the physical parts of the computer.
Software
the programs (instructions) that tell the computer what to do
Data
individual facts like first name, price, quantity ordered
Information
data which has been massaged into a useful form, like a complete mailing address
What makes a computer powerful?
Speed
A computer can do billions of actions per second.
Reliability
Failures are usually due to human error, one way or another. (Blush for us all!)
Storage
A computer can keep huge amounts of data.
The Parts a Computer
The Monitor
The Computer Monitor is the computer user's window into the workings of the computer. It consists of a television picture tube that had been modified to accept the type of video signal created by the computer's electronics
The Keyboard
The Keyboard is the primary input device used to communicate with the computer. A computer keyboard closely resembles a conventional typewriter keyboard with the addition of numerous keys that are used specifically for computing functions.
The Mouse
The Floppy Diskette Drive
The CD-ROM Drive
Peripherals
Computer peripherals are any electronic devices that can be connected to