Basic computer information about the functions of components. Descriptions of systems and how they work together.

1. COMPUTER Presented by Bob Behm

2. Basic Computer Components CPU (motherboard), Power Supply, Main Memory (RAM), Hard Drive, CD/DVD, Keyboard, Monitor, External Hard Drives, Printer, Scanner, Etc.

3. How these Components Work Together Bus Human Interface Devices – Mouse, Keyboard, Touch Screen, Scanner Monitor, Printer Bus Hard drive, CD/DVD, Floppy Drive, Zip Drive, Flash Memory

4. An inside view – the Motherboard Card Slots – Sound, Network, Modem, Video. Etc. Processor Slot Memory Card Slots

5. An inside view – Hard Drive & Bus cables Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment Serial Advanced Technology Attachment

6. An inside view – Hard Drive

7. CPU – Central Processing Unit works with memory to execute arithmetic and logic processes User hits the # ‘2’ key - then ‘enter’ Output # ‘4’ displays on the screen The performance of the CPU is dependant on both its speed and memory

8. 1.66GHz vs 6.0GHz..what’s a GHz? One GHz represents 1 billion cycles per second. The speed of microprocessors, called the clock speed, often is measured in gigahertz. For example, a microprocessor that runs at 200 GHz executes 200 billion cycles per second. Each computer instruction requires a fixed number of cycles, so the clock speed determines how many instructions per second the microprocessor can execute. To a large degree, this controls how powerful the microprocessor is.

9. Primary memory The performance of a computer is also dependent on the amount of Primary (Main) Memory – Random Access Memory (RAM) available. This memory temporarily stores information so that it’s readily available to the CPU. This includes the program(s) being executed and required data. If this memory is limited or slow – this will slow down the computer’s ability to process information.

10. What is ROM? ROM is an acronym for Read-Only Memory. It refers to computer memory chips containing permanent or semi-permanent data. Unlike RAM, ROM is non-volatile; even after you turn off your computer, the contents of ROM will remain. Almost every computer comes with a small amount of ROM containing the boot firmware. This consists of a few kilobytes of code that tell the computer what to do when it starts up, e.g., running hardware diagnostics and loading the operating system into RAM. On a PC, the boot firmware is called the BIOS. Data stored on ROM is either unchangeable or requires a special operation to change.

11. How does memory work? Physically computer memory is made up of transistors & capacitors - the only information they store is a magnetic charges (high & low) represented by a 0 or 1. Computer scientists combine a series of these transistor states to represent information - They turn information into a “binary” format so it can be easily stored as magnetic charges.

12. How is Information Stored in Memory? All data is represented by a string of 0’s and 1’s. Integers, Real Numbers, and characters are stored this way. They all are converted to a string of 0’s and 1’s in different ways. Integers are their base 2 equivalent Characters are converted via some standard (ASCII, Unicode, etc.) All information is translated by a set of instructions into this format and then processed.

13. Measuring memory Each 0,1- is called a bit 1 Byte is 8 bits 1 Kilobyte (KB) = 210 bytes (1111111111) ˜1000 bytes = 1x103 bytes 1 Megabyte (MB) = 220 bytes ˜1,000,000 bytes = 1x106 bytes 1 Gigabyte (GB) = 230 bytes ˜1,000,000,000 bytes = 1x109 bytes 1 MB of memory can hold approximately 500 pages of text.

14. SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR, RDRAM... SRAM Staic Random Access Memory doesn’t need to be “refreshed” – but like all RAM, is erased when the power is OFF CPU 5-10x slower DRAM (Dynamic RAM) is a type that is constantly refreshed or will loose its contents. SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM) – designed to work with the CPU to work faster than DRAM. DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM) works twice as fast as SDRAM

15. So how much memory do I need? It will depend on the type of computer you have older systems are not always compatible with newer memory types. Sometimes too much memory can cause problems with Windows. It will depend on the applications you wish to run Graphic and video applications require much more memory than simple word processing. Do you wish to have many applications running simultaneously?

16. Saving Data To save data for later use we can store data on Secondary (Auxiliary) Memory devices. Hard Drive - MB, GB and TB sizes (Auxiliary) Memory is cheaper/slower than Primary Memory but is not erased when the Power Supply is OFF. CD – 700MB & DVD – 4.7 GB External Hard Drive - MB, GB and TB sizes Flash Drive or Thumb Drive Up to 32GB Floppy Disks – 1.44MB

17. Hardware vs. Software For computer hardware to work it must follow a set of instructions that is supplied to it. These instructions or programs are referred to as software. These instructions are referred to as the Operating System Software, which control the basic input/output and memory operations of the computer. Application Software are programs that work with the operating system to perform specific tasks.

20. Spreadsheets

21. Database Management Systems

22. Web Design Software

23. Internet Access & E-mail

24. Graphic Packages

27. What about a monitor, mouse, speakers, etc?

29. Keyboard A device that has keys that enables the user to type text and issue commands to the computer. A set of switches that resembles a typewriter keyboard (QWERTY) and that conveys information from a user to a computer. A human interface device.

30. When buying peripherals consider the type of connections available on your system… and the price! USB 3.0 Connection – Newest Technology - fastest PS2 Connection – Newer Technology - Faster than serial Serial Connection – Oldest Technology - slow

31. A Monitor or LCD TV? The monitor Most systems do not come standard with a monitor unless buying a “complete package”. Consider the following when selecting a computer: Size 17", 19" or 21" screen sizes Monitor type CRT bigger but cheaper, LCD Display - Smaller but more expensive Dot/Stripe Pitch - The smaller the Dot Pitch the sharper the image Resolution – number of pixels that can be displayed – usually higher resolution gives a clearer image $200 - $2000+ To go with your fancy new monitor you’ll need a video card that is compatible The new LCD TV’s currently on the market have dropped in price. They have the ability to connect to a PC through the VGA connection. Plus you have the ability to watch TV programming without using the PC.

32. Speakers and Headphones Your new computer system may or may not come with speakers. Speakers vary based on Appearance, Subwoofer, 3D & HD-sound . Quality headphones are also available for private listening.

33. Printers The two most common printer types are: Laser Jet - faster, quieter. Can be single or duplex (print both sides), different sizes, multiple trays etc. Inkjet - cheaper Printers Black & White Color. Don’t forget the all-in-ones; printer, scanner and fax machine. Printer connections are the older serial, USB and now wireless!

35. Portable – able to take anywhere

36. More expensive than a desktop

38. More expensive than a desktop

39. Keyboard, mouse – not quite a easy to use

41. Least expensive and available with greatest speeds & memory.

43. The simplest communication is transmission of data over a communications channel between two computers A Modem (Modulator/demodulator) Connects your computer to the internet by modulating the digital signal from the computer to a carrier signal. Computer Modem Transmission Media Modem Computer

44. Networking – connecting a group of computers together LAN – Local Area Network WAN – Wide Area Network

45. And what about security? Virus Protection – get Anti-virus software and keep it up to date Firewall – Software/Hardware that denies entry to all incoming traffic except those specifically requested or allowed Spam Filters – Available on most email packages or by providers and can be “customized”

46. Computer Disposal http://www.ccsolidwaste.org/ There are five Recycling & Disposal sites to recycle computers with other electronics. Electronic equipment can NOT be disposed of with regular garbage. Working electronics should be donated or sold for Reuse, thereby prolonging their useful life. Nonfunctioning electronics should be recycled at any of the following facilities. Red Hill Transfer Station and Yard - 5314 Red Hill Road, Vallecito (209) 754-6403 Friday - Monday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Gambi Disposal – 968 Church Hill Road, San Andreas (209) 754-3130 Friday - Monday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Wilseyville Transfer Station and Yard – End of Blizzard Mine Road, Wilseyville (209) 754-6403 Friday - Monday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Rock Creek Solid Waste Facility – 12021 Hunt Road, Milton (209) 754-6403 Open Daily 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Avery Transfer Station – 4541 Segale Road, Avery (209) 754-6403 Open Friday – Tuesday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

47. A BIG THANK YOU TO PIZZA FACTORY FOR LETTING US USE THEIR FACILITY!

48. A copy of this slide show can be found at: http://www.slideshare.net/Beamer/computer-basics-7005869 "Any darn fool can make something complex; it takes a genius to make something simple." -Albert Einstein