Chapter Summaries

Chapter 0 – Basics

PC Basics

- Computers come in all kinds of packages, from massive computers to tiny computers

- The following chapter will focus on the personal computer, or PC

PC Hardware Basics

- Every PC is built around a tiny microprocessor that controls the workings of the system

- This central processing unit, or CPU, is usually housed in a box, called the system unit

- The CPU is the brains of the computer, it controls the operation of the core computer components, like its memory and ability to perform mathematical operations

- Peripherals – external devices connected via cables to the system unit

- The system unit includes built-in memory, sometimes called RAM, and a hard disk for storage and retrieval of information. The CPU uses memory for instant access to information while it’s working. The built-in hard disk serves as a longer-term storage device for large quantities of information

- Removable media – are disks that can be separated from their drives, just as an audio CD can be removed from a stereo system

- Typical computers system includes

o CD-ROM drive – enables the computer to read audio CDs and CD ROMS

o CD-RW drive – can read CDs and also write, or burn, information onto CD media

o DVD drive can read (and sometimes burn) movies and high-capacity data DVDs as well as audio and data CDs

- Some computers contain a diskette drive (also known as a floppy disk drive), which enables the computer to store small amounts of information on pocket-sized plastic-covered magnetic diskettes.

- Disk drives that are included in the system unit are called internal drives. External drives can be attached to the system unit by a cable

- These are some common peripherals that aid in computer interactions:

o Keyboard – enables you to type text and numerical data into the computer’s memory

o Mouse – enables you to point to text, graphical objects, menu commands, and other items on the screen

o Monitor – (or display) displays text,...