FATMA ISMED

FATMA ISMED / 12232

OVERVIEW OF COMPUTERS

Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input

from the user and processes these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives the result

(output) and saves output for the future use.

MAIN COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

Monitor Keyboard

MouseHard Disc Drive

The monitor or display screen: This displays what is going on inside the computer and whatever you type at the keyboard.

The keyboard: Much the same as a typewriter, the keyboard enables you to input commands to control the computer and, for example, to type text with the aid of a word-processing program.

The mouse: A standard component of modern computers. A pointing device that enables you to select from choices displayed on the monitor and to help you control the computer's actions.

The hard disc drive: All computers have at least one internal hard disc drive for the storage of programs and data.

RAM AND ROM

RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is a sort of working area in which the computer stores the programs it runs, performs its calculations and stores intermediate results.

The important thing that you need to know is how much RAM your computer has, as this determines whether a particular piece of software will run on your computer.

ROM Key programs that enable the computer to operate are stored in another set of microchips

SOUNDCARD

A soundcard is an electronic circuit board that is mounted inside the computer to

control sound output to speakers or headphones and sound input from a

microphone. Soundcards are essential for multimedia applications.

LOUDSPEAKERS / HEADPHONES

Loudspeakers or headphones are essential for listening to sound recordings. When purchasing speakers it is worthwhile checking that they have their own inbuilt amplification system.

Headphones can be integrated with a microphone - the so-called pilot's headset that is used in language laboratories. Stereo speakers or headphones are advisable for most multimedia applications.

MICROPHONE

For good quality sound recordings the language teacher needs a 600 Ohm low impedance microphone with a 3.5 mm jack plug, as used in many popular audiocassette recorders. Alternatively, microphones are available that plug into computer's USB port.

PERIPHERAL DEVICES

Printer Modem Scanner

Interactive whiteboard (IWB)

A peripheral device - or simply peripheral - is any piece of hardware that can be connected to a computer.

PRINTER

Nowadays most people use ink-jet printers. These printers can produce output in any language or alphabet and also produce graphics in full color.

Printers need cartridges that contain the ink, and these need to be renewed regularly.

Some printers can act as a printer and as a scanner - and as a photocopier too!

MODEM

Modem is an acronym standing for modulator/demodulator. This is a device which converts computer data to a signal that can be transmitted over a telephone line. It can also reconvert a signal coming into a computer via a telephone line so that it can be understood by the computer. Modems are used to connect computers with the Internet

SCANNER

A scanner is a device that copies hard copy information (printed page, graphic image, photograph etc) into digital data, translating the information into a form a computer can store as a file. Thus it is possible to make a digitised copy of a printed page, graphic image or photograph.

INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD (IWB)

An interactive whiteboard is a a kind of "intelligent" screen, used in conjunction with a data projector attached to your computer. You can "write" on the whiteboard with a special "pen" or with your finger. You can also tap the whiteboard screen in order to make something happen - i.e. instead of clicking with the mouse

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