GPPS!

GPP???? - General Purpose Package
Multi tasks - can do more than one things with it (write a letter in spreadsheets?!)

Word Processing
Databases
Graphics
Expert Systems
Spreadsheets
Presentation
Web Page Creation
Desktop Publishing (DTP!)

We communicate by using the HCI
- Human Computer Interface

What type of interface do most computers use?
WIMP!!!
Windows Icons Menus Pointer

Operating System (Mummy!)

5 jobs the OS does!?

Error Reporting
Controls Security
Controls where items are saved in memory
Schedules Tasks
Controls the input and output devices

Types of Access

Sequential and Random/Direct Access

Sequential is slower and you must go through each memory location in turn to get to the one we require - Magnetic Tape

Random/Direct - can skip straight to the memory location you require e.g - CD (Rom, R, RW) DVD(Rom, RW, R)

MAIN MEMORY

There are two types of Main Memory

ROM & RAM

Read only Memory

Random Access Memory

ROM - is permanent

RAM - erased on power off (temporary!)

Lesson 1 The Processor

The Processor - The Brain of the Computer System

Input Devices - send information to the processor to control ...

microphone, mouse, keyboard, web cam, scanner, track ball, graphics tablet, camera

Output Devices - to display information

headphones, monitor, printer, projector, speakers,

Backing Storage Devices - used to store information

floppy disk, hard drive, SD Card, Pen Drive, Tape Drive, DVD Drive, External Hard Drive, USB Pen, CD (ROM, RW, R) DVD (RW, ROM, R) Magnetic Tape