Computer Hardware and
Software Components
What is a computer?
• Hardware and software
• The information processing cycle
Introduction to Windows
• Start-up time
• The desktop
• Common features of programs
Saving our work
Introduction to the keyboard
• The keyboard (input)
• Keyboard skills
2
• Laptop • Desktop
• Smartphone
• Tablet
Multi-purpose
Electronic devices
Portable/mobile (left picture)
3
Hardware
Physical parts of a
computer that we
can touch and see
Mouse, monitor, keyboard, printer
and the parts inside the computer box
4
Software
• Specific instructions we give the computer to
get it to do something useful
• Multi-purpose tool: ability to run different types
of programs
5
Software
Why a smartphone can also be regarded as a ‘computer’
Apps enable it do much
more than just make
phone calls
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7
Introduction
Input
Output
Storage
Health and environmental issue
s
Test and improve
9
Instructions can be:
1
Keyboard is the most commonly used input
device.
Useful shortcuts:
F1
Help
Esc
Cancel choices
Windows key (),<E> File 1
Useful shortcut: Print
Screen key
•To take a ‘photo’ of
everything that is Clipboard
displayed on the screen an area in memory
at that moment where text and
•‘Screen capture’ is other objects that
copied as an image to have been copied
the clipboard are temporarily
stored
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Mouse
action Use
Click Select an option or an object.
Double- Start a program or open a file or folder.
click
Right-click Open a pop-up menu that gives you options or
actions.
Drag Select and drag an object.
Scroll Use the mouse wheel to scroll in lists, long
documents or web pages.
Keyboard
and mouse Pressing and holding Shift, Alt and Ctrl can
combinati change the meaning of a mouse click. 1
Ports: sockets used
to connect peripherals
to the computer
Plug-and-play: operating system automatically
detects and configures a device plugged into the
computer, so the device can be used almost
immediately.
1
Use short range radio waves (usually Bluetooth) to
communicate with the computer.
Advantages of wireless devices
•Less clutter (as no cables)
•Wider range of movement
Disadvantages / limitations of wireless devices
•Require batteries (to send wireless signal)
•Slightly more expensive than wired devices
•Can easily be removed, so easily stolen
•Can sometimes be interference with the wireless
signal
1
What the computer produces as the results of its
processing
1
Size Resoluti
on
Measured diagonally in
Number of pixels (small dots)
inches, from one corner to
used to form the screen image
the other
1
Graphics
card
Image is
generated by
specialized
circuitry – the
graphics card
A separate, high end graphics card is better for graphics
intensive tasks such as video editing and games.
1
Response Connecting
time monitors
The time it takes to VGA (old standard)
change a pixel from one
HDMI
colour to another –
measured in DisplayPort
milliseconds. Thunderbolt
USB (for specialised
monitor)
2
Inkjet Laser
printers printers
• work like a photo-copier
•spray microscopic dots of ink
• more expensive to buy
onto the paper
• cheaper to run when
• relatively cheap to buy
printing large volumes
• more expensive to run
• faster than inkjet printers
• good quality colour prints
• slightly slower than laser
printers
2
Connecting and using
printers
Printer installation
USB port Default printer
2
Printer queues
You can cancel, pause or restart the
printing here
2
Storage has a much larger capacity than memory because it has to
keep all your data and programs – even the ones you are not using
right now.
Storage device
(CD/DVD-drive)
Storage
medium
(CD/DVD)
2
Storage capacities
1 kilobyte (KB) = 1024 bytes
1 megabyte (MB) = 1024 KB
1 gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB
1 terabyte (TB) = 1024 GB
2
Hard drive in case:
•stores all programs and
data
•measured in GB or TB
External/portable hard
drive:
•USB connected
•gets power from PC
2
Use electronic memory to
store data; powered via
USB port
Simply plug into USB port
Listed as ‘Removable
Disk’
2
Health concerns
RSI: Repetitive Strain
Injury
Using ergonomically
designed keyboards can
help prevent RSI
Ergonomics – the study and design of the workplace
and the equipment used in the workplace for the
comfort and safety of people in their work
environments.
2
Health tips for using computers
• Use ergonomically designed equipment
• Sit correctly
• Adjust height of seat and table
• Lighting must be adequate
• Ventilation / air circulation must be
adequate
• Mouse and keyboard must be in easy
reach
• Monitor at correct level and distance
from eyes 2
Green computing
Switch off computers and devices you are not using
Avoid wasting paper – proofread before you print, print ‘2 on 1’, etc.
Try to repair or upgrade old or broken hardware
Recycle or return used ink and toner cartridges
Consider refilling and reusing ink and toner cartridges
3
Summary – concepts, terms and tips
31
Note:
meaning of the word ‘specification’:
The exact description of an item or the parts it is made up
of.
32
Example: adding a contact to your smartphone
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Used to input data
34
Input on smartphone
Keyboard is displayed
by software on screen –
can display letters
alphabetically rather
than in qwerty layout
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Keyboard skills
Touch typing
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Application versus system sof
tware
The operating system
Application software
Test and improve
38
Application software
Group of programs that perform specific
tasks for us as users
Word processing programs
Typing Tutor software
Gaming software
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System software
Software that is intended to control,
support or operate the computer
Operating system
Utility software
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Software which controls all activities
that
take place inside the computer
Windows 8, Windows 10
Apple’s macOS Sierra
Apple’s IOS
Linux (Ubuntu)
Android
Windows for smartphones
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Functions of the operating
system
Managing all the hardware and software on
the computer
Maintaining security (with the use of
passwords, etc.)
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Graphical User Interface
desktop
menus
Shortcu
t keys
43
Other Windows components
Textbox
dialogu
Spinner
e box
Radio button
Command button
44
Other Windows components – continued
Tab in dialog
Combo and List box
dialogu
e box
Check box
45
Utilities
Snipping Tool Calculator
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Office suite
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49
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TEST AND IMPROVE
Useful
programs
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