Understanding the Computer

Understanding the Computer: Pretending to Build Your Own PC

A. How Computers Work: Three Key Concepts

1. The purpose of a computer is to process data into information
2. The difference between hardware and software
3. Five basic computer operations:
a) Input
b) Processing
c) Storage
d) Output
e) Communications
B. Pretending to Build a Desktop Computer
C. Input Hardware
1. Keyboard
2. Mouse
D. Processing & Memory Hardware: Inside the System Cabinet
1. Case (system cabinet) and power supply
2. Processor chip
3. Memory chips
4. Motherboard
E. Storage Hardware
1. Floppy drive
2. Hard drive
3. CD-ROM drive
F. Output Hardware
1. Video & sound cards
2. Monitor
3. Speakers
4. Printer
G. Communications Hardware: Modem
H. Software
1. System software
2. Application software
I. Is Building Your Own PC Worth the Effort?

http://www.ateneonline.it/informatica/sawyer/docenti/demo_man.pdf