Computer

(Four Basic Components)

CPU - Central Processing Unit Input Controllers Output Controllers Storage Media

Central Processing Unit

"Brain" of a computer Is the hardware within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system

Memory ROM - Read Only Memory RAM - Random Access Memory Read Only Memory Form of Permanent Storage Firmware Translate computer's high-level programming languages into machine languagess (Binary Codes) Memory storage is not erased even when the compouter is turned off.

Storage Media Devices

Hard Drive
It is a data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information using rapidly rotating discs (platters) coated with magnetic material.

Diskettes (Floppy disk)

Is a disk storage medium composed of a disk of thin and flexible magnetic storage medium, sealed in a rectangular plastic carrier lined with fabric that removes dust particles

CD-ROM
(Compact Disc Read-only memory)
Is a type of optical disk capable of storing large amounts of data

(Universal Serial Bus)

Is a type of connector which allows the user to attach peripheral devices to his computer

USB Disk

Input and Output Devices

Input Devices
The devices used to receive information from the outside world

Examples:

Keyboard
The set of typewriter-like keys that enables you to enter data into a computer

Mouse
A pointing device that functions by detecting two- dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface

Nursing Workstations:

Touch Screen
Is an electronic visual display that the user can control through simple or multi-touch gestures by touching the screen with one or more fingers

Lightpen
A device that connects to your computer It is the size of a regular writing pen and is used as a pointing device on your screen

Voice System

Scanner
Is a device that 'reads' or 'scans' an image and converts it to a digital format

Output Devices
the devices used to report the results from the computer into the outside world. can be in a form of text, data files, sound, graphics, or signals to other devices

Examples:

Monitor
Is an electronic visual display for computers

Printer
Is a peripheral which produces a representation of an electronic document on physical media such as paper or transparency film

Speaker An electromechanical device which produces sound

Headphones
Are a pair of small loudspeakers that are designed to be held in place close to a user's ears

Projector
A device that projects an image on a surface

Computer Power
Bits and Bytes refers to how the machine stores information at the lowest level possible.

Bits and Bytes

Bit - a unit data in a binary numbering system Byte - made up of nine bits

* There are 255 different combinations of 0 and 1 in an 8- character unit.