Introduction to Computers
What is a computer?
A computer is a functional unit constituting of hardware which is operated by software.
Components of a computer
There are two components of a computer: hardware and software.
Hardware
Hardware is a term used to describe all tangible parts (that is, parts that can be seen and touch) of a computer.
There are mainly five general category of hardware.
 Input devices are used to put in data into the computer e.g. mouse and keyboard.
 Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer which handles all the processing. It is being assisted by the Control Unit (CU) and the Arithmetic and Logic Unit. The CU, however, directs the flow of data through the computer while the ALU performs rapid calculations.
 Output devices are used to put out or display data after being processed e.g. monitor, speaker and printer.
 Memory is used to temporary stored data and instructions while the computer is on.
 Storage devices are used to read information from storage medias such as CD-ROM drives, DVD-ROM drives and tape drives while others allows you to read as well as write (save) information. These include floppy drives and USB flash drives.
Peripheral devices are situated exterior of the CPU but are controlled by it e.g. input and output devices.
Software
Software is a term used to describe computer programs.
Computer programs are instructions written in a language understood by computers.
Not only hardware is divided into categories, software is divided into two broad categories. They are system software and application software.
System software, best known as operating system (OS) software, is essential since it manages and controls all aspects of the computer; without it the computer would just not function.
Application software is not essential to a computer because it can still function even though there is none. Application software instructs the computer to carry out specific task.
Yes Kathy! Correcto
Yes Kathy! Correcto! Windows is a systems software and photoshop is an application software. Also Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Access, all are application programs.
Re: application software
Hi Toney, an interesting issue that I was curious about. Do you know how many browser applications there are available? I know of three graphic browswers: Internet Explorer, Firefox(which I love and use all the time) and Opera.
The only text based browser that I know of is Lynx. Do you know of any other graphical browser applications?
Browser Application
Hey Kathy: Sorry, I do not know how many browser applications that are available but hey, I got one more. It's Netscape.
Oh yeah, Netscape..
You know, I forgot about them? Shame on me. And you know what else I forgot? Google put out its own browser Google Chrome. I haven't even the foggiest idea what's up with Chrome. Do you know how it's working? If you do give me a review or send me a review link.
Okay, so we have 5 graphical browser applications and counting. If you find anymore, let me know and we can add them to the list.
Re: Netscape
It's very good that you've point out this topic. Out of the five mentioned, I only know about three. I surely will keep you up to date if I come accross with any.
Sorry, I don't have any idea how that software works but I am always facinated about researching and learning new things about computers. I will conduct a research and see what I can do.
Ah Ha!
Ah Ha! Let's see what wiki have to say about Google Chrome. The link is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Chrome. This is my best for now. Hope this helps.
Any questions Guys!
Hey Guys:
Need help in Information Technology! Please post your questions here and I with others would assist you. I just love the topic that I am willing to assist. Remember, I am not a professional so I may not have answers to some of your questions but I will try my best.
Another browser
Hey Toney! I found another browser application that we forgot to include, what about the Safari for Mac users? That brings us to how many browsers now? six? let's see...
1) Firefox
2) Internet Explorer
3) Opera
4) Google Chrome
5) Netscape (no longer supported) instead there is Flock: a new social web browser.
6) Safari
I kinda like this. If you think of any more, we can expand our list.
Re: Another browser
Great Kathy! Now we have six! Hey friends, do you know of any also. If you do, please consider adding them here.
Good question
Admanda! Good question! SQL (Structured query language) is a special query language that may be required from time to time in database system. An example of SQL is
SELECT ALL FROM INVENTORY WHERE
Cost = "5"
Hope this helps!
Web browsers here
Hi Kathy: Wikipedia has done a review on the list of web browsers. It's a bunch of them so smile... You'll be amazed. The link is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_web_browsers
Re: Browser list
Thanks Toney! This is a good resource. I skimmed it and it seems to have everything we talked about and more. I will go through it in detail later today. How have you been? Good I hope.
Google Chrome
When i just started using this browser it was very cool until. There are a number or problems with this browser. Jus to name one for now... For some reason, it cant compose messages from the HOTMAIL site. it does not allow you to type in the message box.
programming
can u help with programs plz i dnt kno how to write an algorithm an the for loop while loop all of that. i cant write a proper program to save my life if theres any1 good with this ur help will be appreciated
Re: programming
Hi mughead, Toney is no longer with the group so you may have to work with someone else.
Nice intro
to the subject Toney! for those of us who are non-technical and may not know anything about IT you are providing a pretty clear and easy intro to the subject.
So Windows is a systems software and photoshop is an application software right?