Introduction to Computers

Travel Brochure - Assigned on November 13, 2009
 
Directions: You will use Microsoft Word to complete the travel brochure. Click on the following hyperlink: travel brochure template to save the template to your USB. You will then use the Internet to research a country of your choice to complete the assignment. (The United States is excluded). The following information should be included in your country brochure:
  • Name of country
  • Flag of country
  • Geography (description of terrain)
  • Map of the country
  • Culture (religion, holidays/festivals, sports, foods, language)
  • Tourist attractions
  • Capital and main cities
    _________________________________________________________________
Computer Basics Lessons - Assigned October 20, 2009

You will use Microsoft Word to complete the following lessons. Type out the title before each lesson and type out the questions. Click on the following hyperlink to find answers to the questions in each of the exercises:

Computer Basics Lessons

Computer Basics 1 - Computer Types: Intro. (10/20/09)

  1. Define computer. 
  2. What are the four basic functions of computers?
  3. Define the following terms:

        Hardware 

         

        Software 

         

        Data 

         

        Information 

         

        Default 

         

4.    What three things make a computer powerful?

5.    List five different types of computers.

6.  Describe the following types of personal computers:

  • Desktop
  • Tower
  • Workstation
  • Handheld (HPC)
  • Tablet PC

7.    What is a mainframe?

8.    What is a Supercomputer?

9.    What is a server?

10.  What is a minicomputer?

11.  What is an application?

12.  What is the difference between a user-interface and a text interface?

13.  What is the definition of GUI?

Computer Basics 2 - Applications: Word Processing (Assigned October 21, 2009)
  1. Define word processing.
  2. Give three examples of word processing programs.
  3. What is a template?
  4. List the five steps to produce a document.
  5. How do you create a document?
  6. Define all of the following features/terms used in word processing:

Features/Terms:

        Word wrap -

 

        Cursor -

 

        Enter text-

 

        Scrolling -

 

        Select -

 

        Edit -

 

        Cut -

 

        Copy -

 

        Paste -

 

        Undo -

 

        Insert -

 

        Delete -

 

        Search -

 

        Replace -

 

        Template -

 

        Thesaurus  -

 

        Spelling check -

 

        Grammar check -

 
  1. What does it mean to format a document?
  2. Define the following Features/Terms:

Features/Terms:

Typeface -

 

Point size -

 

Font -

 

Margins -

 

Justification -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spacing -

 

Borders/shading -

 

Headers/footers -

 

Style sheets -

 

Columns -

 

Tables -

 

Graphics -

 

 

  1. Which two types of orientation can you print a document in?

Computer Basics 3: Input (Assigned October 22, 2009)

  1. Name and describe four types of input.
  2. List five different input devices.
  3. What is a terminal?
  4. Name and describe three types of terminals.
  5. Define multimedia.
  6. There are four different types of voice input systems; name and describe each one.
  7. Explain the process of changing voice to data.
  8. Name three video input devices.
  9. What are the two goals of data automation?
  10. Name three data automation devices.
  11. Name five special types of characters that are read with special devices.
  12. Define OCR software.
  13. What is meant by the term "GIGO?"
  14. What is a major task for any program that accepts data?
  15. Take the online quiz for Computer Basics 3 - Input. How well did you do?

Computer Basics 4 - Processing (Assigned October 23, 2009)

  1. Define processing.
  2. What is digital data?
  3. What is one bit and what is one byte?
  4. Name the three most common code sets and what they are used for.
  5. Define Parity.  
  6. What is an odd parity and what is an even parity?
  7. What is the CPU?
  8. What is main memory?
  9. Explain the machine cycle.
  10. What does ALU stand for and what does it do?
  11. What is the operating system?
  12. What are computer applications?
  13. What does multi-tasking mean?
  14. What is Input/Output storage?
  15. What does it mean if a computer crashes?
  16. What does MIPS stand for?
Computer Basics 4 - Processing: Memory Addresses
(Assigned October 26, 2009)
  1. What are memory addresses?
  2. Complete the following:
  • one kilobyte = 
  • one megabyte= 
  • one gigabyte=
  • one terabyte=

Computer Basics 4 - Processing: Processor Speed

  1. Define processor speed.
  2. The processor speed is affected by many different things such as the System clock rate; name and describe each one.

Computer Basics 4 - Processing: Physical Components

  1. There are several physical components of a computer that are directly involved in processing. Define each of the following components:

2.        Name three memory devices and define each one.

3.        What is RAM?

4.        What is a nanosecond?

5.        Take the Computer Basics 4 - Processing Quiz. How well did you do?

Computer Basics 5 – Output (Assigned on October 27, 2009)

 

  1. Define output.
  2. Name two types of output.
  3. What are the three categories of output? Give an example of each?
  4. What does WYSIWYG mean?
  5. Complete the following printer measurements:

6.         What are the two most common types of paper used in printers?

7.         What does the following print quality measurements stand for?

·         LQ = 

·         NLQ =

·         Draft =

8.         What is printer resolution?

9.         What is dpi?
10.       Give three examples of what a printer can print.

11.       What is the difference between a Serial cable, Parallel cable, and a USB cable?

12.       What are some advantages and disadvantages of using impact printers?

13.       Name some examples of impact printers.

14.       What are some advantages and disadvantages of using non-impact printers?

15.       Name some examples of non-impact printers.

16.       What are some things you should consider when choosing a printer?

 

 

Computer Basics 5 – Screen Features (Assigned on November 2, 2009)

 

1.      What are some various names used for computer screens?

2.      What is a CRT screen and what is it made of?

            3.      What is the RGB system?

4.      What does a shadow mask do?

5.      Describe an LCD screen.

 

6.      What is the CMYK system?

 

7.      What is the range of colors that can be displayed on a monitor?

 

8.      What are Plasma screens?

     

9.      Take the Computer Basics 5 – Output Quiz. How well did you do?

 

Computer Basics 6 - Storage (Assigned November 2, 2009)

 

1.                  Define storage.

2.                  What does main memory do?

3.                  What do we mean when we say the main memory is volatile?

4.                  What is RAM?

5.                  What do we mean when we say that auxiliary storage is nonvolatile?

6.                  What happens to a disk when it is formatted?

       7.        Formatted disks are divided into....?

8.                  What is the process of accessing data?

9.                  What can you do to protect data on hard disks and other devices without    a   switch?

10.                  What does it mean to Backup files?

11.              What are computer viruses?

12.              What does CD-ROM stand for?

13.              What does DVD stand for

14.              What does the letters (WORM) stand for?

15.              Define the following types of storage devices:

o        Flash Memory

o        USB Drive

o        Removable hard drive

o        Mass storage

o        Smart Cards

o        Optical cards

16.              Take the online quiz for Computer Basics 6 - Storage. How well did you do?

 

Computer Basics 7 - Computer to Computer: Intro (Assigned November 3, 2009)

 

1.                  What does computer communication mean?

2.                  Define the following types of communication:

o        Data communications  

o        Telecommunications 
    Teleprocessing

3.                  What is a communications channel?

4.                  What is transmission media?

5.                  Lesson 7 discusses three kinds of cable; name each one and give an advantage and a disadvantage for each one.

6.                  There are other forms of transmission media such as wireless, microwave, and satellites. Give an advantage and a disadvantage for each one.

7.                  Describe the two types of signals that are used for data transmissions.

8.                  What does a modem do?

9.                  What does the term "throughput" mean?

10.              How is the rate of digital transmission measured, and what are common rates for regular modems?

11.              How is analog transmission measured?

12.              Name the three physical types of modems, how they work, and list an advantage and a disadvantage for each one?

13.              Name and describe three types of digital modems.

14.              Define protocol.

15.              How does dialing software work?

16.              What does downloading mean?

17.              What does uploading mean?

18.              What does data encryption mean?

Computer Basics 7 - Computer to Computer: Networks (Assigned November 4, 2009)

 

1.                  What is a network?

 

2.                  What are some advantages and disadvantages of a computer network?

3.                  What is the job of the host computer?

4.                  Name one advantage and one disadvantage of the star pattern.

5.                  What does the bus pattern do? What is the advantage and disadvantage?

6.                  What does the ring pattern do? What is the advantage and the disadvantage?

 

7.                  Explain how the token ring network works?

8.                  Define the following connected networks:

o        Gateway

o        Bridge

o        Router

9.                  What is the difference between a file server and a client server?

10.              Take the online quiz for Chapter 7. How well did you do?

 Computer Basics 8 - System Software: Intro (Assigned November 5, 2009)

  1. What is system software?
  2. What is the operating system?
  3. What does BIOS stand for and what exactly is it?
  4. What is the command language interpreter?
  5. How does the config.sys operate?  
  6. What does the autexec.bat file do?
  7. Read the the Computer Basics DOS commands; this can help you analyze and attempt to fix problems you may encounter on your home computer.
 Computer Basics 8 - System Software: Types (Assigned November 5, 2009)
 
  1. Name the two basic types of operating systems and tell what each one does.
  2. What is time-sharing?
  3. What is multi-processing?
  4. What is a virtual machine?
  5. What does it mean if an operating system is proprietary?
  6. Name five common operating systems.

Computer Basics 8 - System Software: Utilities (Assigned November 6, 2009)

  1. What is a utility program?
  2. How are file management programs helpful?
  3. What does disk management programs do?
  4. How does memory management software work?
  5. What is the purpose of a backup program?
  6. What does a data recovery program do?
  7. What does data compression programs do?
  8. What is security software?
  9. Define all of the following:
    • Viruses
    • Trojans
    • Worms
    • Spyware
    • Zombie
    • Phishing
    • Spam
    • Browser Hijacking

10.   How does an anti-virus program work?

11.  How does anti-spyware programs work?

12. What does a firewall do?

13. Take the Computer Basics 8 - System Software online quiz. How well did you do?

 
HOMS 3-Column Newsletter - Assigned October 13, 2009; due October 15, 2009
(Handout in Class)
____________________________________________________________
Microsoft Word - Flyer Exercises

Directions: Click on each of the links and complete the exercises.

Word Basics Exercise 2 - Soccer Flyer - Assigned on October 1, 2009
Word Basics Exercise 3 - Computers Today Flyer - Assigned on October 2, 2009
Word Basics Exercise 4 - Your Own Flyer - Assigned on October 5, 2009
Word Basics Exercise 2 -  Letter Wizard - Soccer Info - Assigned on October 7, 2009
Coyote Letter (Handout)   Given in Class - Assigned on October 8, 2009
Word Basics Exercise 5 -  On Your Own Letter & Template - Assigned on October 9, 2009
 

 

By now, you all should have at least heard of Intel, the company that created the world's first microprocessor back in 1971. Intel offers seven educational lessons that briefly introduce the history of computers, as well as computer architecture.

After our in-class discussion on the presented topic, you will be asked to answer the questions presented below. For your convenience, I have grouped individual questions according to the lessons that they correspond to. You can always use Intel's website to find the appropriate answers to individual questions as I do not expect you to remember every little detail from our discussion. Lessons can be found on Intel's Website - Introduction to Computers. Be sure to read the instructions presented on the first page - they will help you to navigate the website with ease and you will answer the questions faster and better. Every underlined word allows you to click on it to access further information related to the particular word - so don't be afraid to do exactly that.
 

Directions: Using Microsoft Word, type out and answer the following questions in your own words. You are to use the Intel's Website - Introduction to Computers to help you with your answers. First, type the questions into your document. Only then access the Intel's website, and make sure you note the correct lesson number, otherwise you won't be able to answer the questions. Don't forget to type the proper heading in the upper right hand header of your document and the title of each lesson should be centered. COPYING AND PASTING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED!!!!!! YOU WILL NOT BE GIVEN CREDIT FOR WORK THAT HAS BEEN COPIED AND PASTED!!!
 

Questions

Lesson 1: History of Computers

  1. What was the earliest calculating machine and how long ago was it created?
  2. Who was the first to create the true ancestor of the first computer?
  3. What are the four components essential to modern computing?
  4. Define each component separately - what do we mean when we say input, output, processing and storage?
  5. Explain the difference between mechanical components and electronic components. Explain why are electronic components better?

  Lesson 2: Four Components of a Computer

  1. What are the similarities between a computer and a toaster?
  2. What are the differences between a computer and a toaster?
  3. What do we mean when we say hardware?
  4. What is software? Does a toaster have software?
  5. In several sentences describe the meaning of the microprocessor and what is it for?

Lesson 3: How Computers Get Input

  1. Define information processing?
  2. What are input devices?
  3. List four different input devices and describe how they enable us to input information?
     

Lesson 4: How Computers Store Information

  1. Give an example of a device storing information.
  2. What two kinds of storage does a computer use?
  3. What is temporary storage and what is RAM?
  4. What is long-term storage and what is ROM?
  5. List four different devices used for storing information.

Lesson 5: How Computers Process Information

  1. What is an embedded processor?
  2. What is the difference between embedded processors and microprocessors?
  3. What part of the computer processes information?
     

Lesson 6: How Computers Deliver Information

  1. List four different devices used for delivering information (getting output).
  2. Why would processing information not really matter if you couldn't get output?
  3. Define word download.
     

Lesson 7: Which is Smarter - Human Brain or Computer

  1. Who processes information faster - the human brain or computer?
  2. Who has better memory - the human brain or computer?
  3. Who is able to make well-reasoned decisions - the human brain or computer?
  4. Who has the ability to think original thoughts - the human brain or computer?
  5. What is artificial intelligence?

    INTEL ACTIVITIES

    Now that we are familiar with computer basics, we are ready to test our gained knowledge through Intel interactive activities. Again, I have grouped individual activity questions according to the activities they correspond to. Use Microsoft Word to type out and answer the questions presented below. Use Intel's activity pages to answer the questions below the horizontal line.

    Directions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions in your own words.

    Questions:

    Activity 1: Which does what?

    For this activity you will describe the roles that each individual device plays in computer processing. Intel has created activity 1 page that allows you to click on individual device in order to find out its role in computer processing. Don't just blindly copy the answers - try guessing before you actually click on the device. Fill in the blanks bellow - is the part designed to do INPUT, STORAGE, PROCESSING, or OUTPUT. Be careful with the last question...

    1. Speakers are designed to do ______________.
    2. Microphone is designed to do ______________.
    3. Monitor is designed to do _______________.
    4. Keyboard is designed to do _______________.
    5. Mouse is designed to do _______________.
    6. PC camera is designed to do ______________.
    7. Scanner is designed to do ______________.
    8. Printer is designed to do ______________.
    9. CD-ROM drive is designed to do ______________.
    10. Floppy drive is designed to do ______________.
    11. Hard drive is designed to do ______________.
    12. Microprocessor is designed to do ______________.
    13. Random Access Memory (RAM) is designed to do ______________.
    14. Read Only Memory (ROM) is designed to do ______________.
    15. Motherboard is designed to do ______________.

       

    Activity 2: Different kinds of storage media.

    For this activity you will explore 4 different computer storage media that we talked about in class. Those are floppy disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and hard drives. Intel has created activity 2 page that allows you to click on individual storage medium in order to find out how much information can it hold. Fill in the blanks bellow with corresponding numbers. Then, answer two last questions using the knowledge you've gained throughout the activity.

    1. Floppy disk can hold _____ MB (mega bytes) of information.
    2. Floppy disk can hold _____ text books of information.
    3. Floppy disk can hold _____ printed pages of information.
    4. CD-ROM can hold _____ MB (mega bytes) of information.
    5. CD-ROM can hold _____ floppy disks of information.
    6. CD-ROM can hold _____ text books of information.
    7. CD-ROM can hold _____ printed pages of information.
    8. DVD can hold _____ MB (mega bytes) of information.
    9. DVD can hold _____ floppy disks of information.
    10. DVD can hold _____ text books of information.
    11. DVD can hold _____ printed pages of information.
    12. Hard drive can hold _____ MB (mega bytes) of information.
    13. Hard drive can hold _____ floppy disks of information.
    14. Hard drive can hold _____ text books of information.
    15. Hard drive can hold _____ printed pages of information.
    16. What computer medium stores the least amount of information?
    17. What computer medium stores the largest amount of information?

    Due Date for Intel Lessons including Activities - September 18, 2009

 
Last Modified: Monday, Nov. 16, 2009
 
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