 What
is a computer?
A
general purpose machine that can:
write
a letter
keep accounts
play
games
play films
produce
publications
search
for information
communicate
with others. |
Computers
are Programmable. Respond
to instructions
Switch
on switch off
Instructions
are programmable
Programs
are written by programmers
Different
programs make the computer work in different ways. |
Input
- Process - Output. Instructions are entered into
the computer
These are then processed by the computer
The computer outputs
the results
The results may also be stored on the computer. 
|
Hardware
and Software.  Hardware
– all the parts of the computer that you can see and touch, even what is
hidden inside the case.
 Software
– is the programmes or the instructions that the computer needs to tell the
hardware what to do.
In a human analogy the Brain
is the hardware, and the thoughts are the software.
|
Different
types of Computer. Mainframe:
very big, very complex, very expensive, very powerful, used by the biggest businesses
and governments.
Minicomputer:
used by smaller organisations and departments within big business, they have great
processing power and storage capacity.
Microcomputer:
(Personal Computer) PC: the normal desktop computers used by small business and
individuals, uses a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor etc. laptops are portable microcomputers.
Network
Server Computer: Administer, support and protect the security of
a network.
Network users access shared data and programs from the server. Workstations
on the network usually have their own local processing and storage facilities. |
Do's
and Dont's of Computer Hardware. Do: - Give
the computer enough room to have an airflow around it, the monitor gives out heat
and computers are prone to overheating.
- Keep the
computer dry, as electricity and water are a lethal combination for the user as
well as the computer.
- Keep the air vents clean and
free from dust.
- Use an anti-static cloth to clean
the monitor screen.
- Close the computer down correctly
by saving your work first, closing down other applications, and using the Operating
System procedure to close: Start > Shutdown and switching off.
Dont:
- Block the airvents by stacking coats, bags, and
books in front or on them.
- Eat or drink near the computer, crumbs will clog
the keyboard, and drinks can permanently damage the computer.
- Expose the computer to temperatures that are
very high or very low.
- Switch off or pull the plug without closing down
properly.
- Move the computer whilst in operation as it may
damage the Hard Drive.
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|
Mathstutor
2003-07