Computer Basics 1

Computer Basic 1 includes two lessons:

Lesson 1: Introduction to Computers

Lesson 2: Common Computer Terminology

Lesson 1 – Introduction to Computer
Objectives
After completing lesson 1, you will be able to:

 Describe the importance of computers in

today’s world.

 Identify the main parts of a computer.

 Identify the steps for starting a computer.

 Identify the different groups of keys on a

keyboard.

 Perform different tasks by using a mouse.

 The Role of Computers

 In Business and Industry

 In Publication Field
 In Education Field
 In Government Organizations
 In Medical Field
 In Science Field
 In Entertainment Field
 Parts of a Computer

1. Input Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, etc.)

2. Output Devices (Monitor, Speakers, etc.)

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU) and memory

4. Motherboard (Circuit Board)

5. Expansion Cards (Video Card, Sound Card,

or NIC)

6. Hard Drive Ports and Connections (USB,

Firewire, etc.)
 Parts of a Computer
Input Devices

 Mouse

 Keyboard

 Microphone

 Scanner

 Webcam
 Parts of a Computer
Output Devices
 Monitor

 Printer

 Speaker/Headphone
 Parts of a Computer
Central Processing Unit (CPU)

 A device that interprets and runs the

commands that you give to the computer.

 Also referred to as the processor.

 Two major brands are Intel and AMD.

 Examples: Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Turion X2

 Parts of a Computer
Memory

 Memory is where information is stored and

retrieved by the CPU.

 There are two main types of memory:

 Random Access Memory (RAM): It is the
main memory and allows you to
temporarily store commands and data.

 Read Only Memory (ROM): It is the

memory that retains its contents even
after the computer is turned off.
 Parts of a Computer
Motherboard
o Is the main circuit board inside the computer.

o Has tiny electronic circuits and other components

on it.

o Connects input, output, and processing devices

together (CPU, Memory, Hard Drive, DVD Drive)

o Tells the CPU how to run.

 Parts of a Computer
Expansion Cards

 Video Card – is connected to the computer

monitor and is used to display information
on the monitor.

 Network Interface Card (NIC) – is connected

to other computers so that information can
be exchanged between them.

 Sound Card– converts audio signals

(microphone or audio tape) which can be
stored as a computer audio file.
 Parts of a Computer
Storage Devices

 Hard Disk

 Flash Drive

 CD-ROM

 DVD-ROM
 Parts of a Computer
Ports and Connections

 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port

 FireWire (similar to USB but faster)
 Network Port (Ethernet)
 Parallel Port and Serial Port
 Display Adapter
 Power
 Using a Computer

 To turn on a computer, press the power

button on the system unit.

 Log on to the operating system by your user

name and password.

 Computers allow you to create, modify, and

save files.

 To shut down a computer, click Start, and

then, at the bottom of the Start menu, click
Shut Down.
Using a Keyboard
 Using a Mouse

 A mouse is a small device that you can use

to move, select, and open items displayed
on your monitor.

 Most mouse devices have at least two

buttons, left and right.

 Mouse’s action:
o Point
o Double Click
o Left Click
o Right Click
o Click-and-Drag or Drag-and-Drop
 Using a Mouse (cont.)

Different types of mouse devices available in

the market:
o Regular mouse
o Trackball mouse
o Optical mouse
Questions
Lesson 2 – Common Computer Terminology
Objectives
 Identify the primary hardware components
of a computer.

 Define an operating system and its role.

 Define the term program.

 Explain what is meant by data.

 Define the term network, and identify the

benefits of networking.

 Define the term Internet.

 Hardware

 Refers to all the physical components of

a computer.
 Includes all input devices, processing
devices, storage devices, and output
devices.
 Examples of hardware are:
o keyboard
o mouse
o motherboard
o monitor
o hard disk
o cables
o printer
 Operating Systems
 Is the most important software on the computer
 Controls and manages the hardware connected to
your computer
 Provides an interface that helps you to interact
with the computer
 Ensures that your computer is functioning
properly
 Windows XP is an example of the operation
system.
 Can be either text-based or graphics-based.
 Graphics-based operating system help you install
hardware or software with easy-to-use interface.
 Programs

o The hardware and the operating system

together are referred to as a platform.
o Programs, also called applications, use this
platform to perform tasks.
o There are many types of programs:
o Some programs allow you to perform tasks
such as writing letters, doing calculations, or
sending e-mail messages.
o Other programs allow you to create
illustrations, play games, watch movies, or
communicate with other computer users.
 Data

o Programs process data that you provide as input

to your computer.
o Data can be in the form of text, graphics, audio,
or video depending on the type of program.
o Program processes the data and displays the
output on the screen.
o You can save this output in a file.
o The file can be an audio file, a text file, a
graphics file, or a video file.
 Networks

 Is a group of computers and associated

devices that are linked together to
facilitate sharing information.
 Can also be used to share data and
devices such as printers.
 A typical network has the following three
components:
o Server
o Workstation
o Communication channel
 Networks
LAN

 Connects devices within a limited area

(home or a small group of offices)

 Commonly includes computers and

shared resources (printers and scanners)
 Networks
WAN
 Is a network that connects devices in
geographically separated areas.

 Is used to connect networks across

different countries.

 The Internet is an example of a WAN.

 Internet

 Internet is a worldwide collection of public

networks that are linked to each other for
information exchange.
 Internet offers a range of services to its
users (file transfers between Internet users
and electronic mail)
 The World Wide Web (WWW), or the Web,
is another service that the Internet
provides.
 An intranet is similar to the Web but is
accessible only to authorized users of the
organization.
Questions
 Practices

Lesson 1:
 Practice typing by visiting www.powertyping.com

 Practice using the mouse at www.mouseprogram.com

Lesson 2:
Suggestion:
 Bring a box of computer hardware (mother board, video
card, hard drive, CD/DVD drive, etc.)
 Ask students to name them.
 Next Class

Computer Basic 2

Includes two lessons:

 Lesson 3: Computer Performance and Features
 Lesson 4: Computer Operation Systems