Introduction+to+Computers


 * Computer Tour video on HowStuffWorks
 * How do computers work? on FactMonster.com
 * Input and Output Devices
 * Computer Glossary on Factmonster.com


 * Read the websites above to learn the definitions of the terms below.**


 * (Image from** http://rdupdates.com/)

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monitor (output device) keyboard (input device) If I type this. How can you see it? Hi I am typing on a keyboard printer (output device) scanner (input device) mouse (input device) joystick (input device) speakers (output device) camera (input device)
 * Know the following terms:**
 * Input = putting information into the computer**
 * Output = getting information out of the computer**
 * Process - The Central Processing Unit (CPU) organizes all of the information in the computer**
 * Storage Device - stores information on hardrive, flashdrive, DVD or others**
 * Hardware - is the machine and all of the parts**
 * Software - are programs or instructions that tells the computer what to do**

program script application program operating system software (Apple mac OS, Windows) boot CPU (Central Processing Unit) hard drive (storage device) RAM (Random Access Memory) ROM (Read Only Memory)


 * RAM**: "Every time you open a [|program], it gets loaded from the [|hard drive] into the RAM. This is because reading data from the RAM is much faster than reading data from the hard drive. Running programs from the RAM of the computer allows them to function without any lag time. The more RAM your computer has, the more data can be loaded from the hard drive into the RAM, which can effectively speed up your computer. In fact, adding RAM can be more beneficial to your computer's performance than upgrading the [|CPU]."


 * ROM**: "ROM is memory containing hardwired instructions that the computer uses when it boots up, before the system software loads."

The central processor of a computer is also known as the [|CPU], or "central processing unit." This processor handles all the basic system instructions, such as processing [|mouse] and [|keyboard] input and running [|applications]."
 * Processor**: "A processor, or "microprocessor," is a small chip that resides in [|computers] and other electronic devices. Its basic job is to receive [|input] and provide the appropriate [|output]. While this may seem like a simple task, modern processors can handle trillions of calculations per second.