Class notes: Introduction to DOS

Week: 1

Review Syllabi

Go over class format

BREAK

Overview:

• What is a
  computer
  
  

• Differences
  between hardware and software
  
  

• Types of
  computers
  
  

• Major
  Functions of a Computer
  
  

Software
Examples

Essential Computer Concepts

What is a computer? – Electronic tool that automates tasks by performing
operations at fast speeds. EC 4

Hardware vs. Software – EC 4

Operating System – EC 4

Types of Computers

• Microcomputer (PC)
• Laptop
• Notebook – is there a difference?
• Mini-Computer (Workstation)
• Mainframe – EC 5
• Supercomputer

Differing types of Personal Computers – Mac vs. WinTel

Major Functions of a Computer – EC 8

• Input
• Processing
• Storage
• Output

Input Devices

Mouse

Keyboard – EC 10

Scanner – EC 12

Etc (specialty items)

Output Devices – EC 17

Monitor

• LCD
• CRT

Printer – EC 18

• Laser vs. Ink Jet vs. dot-matrix
• Different font styles – EC 19

Storage Media

• Hard Drives – EC 21
• Floppy Disk – EC 20
• Tape

Memory – EC 12, 13

• Bits
• Bytes
• ROM
• RAM
• Binary Math

Processing Hardware – EC 13

System Unit – EC 15

AKA System Board, AKA Mother board

System Software (OS) – EC 24

OS History

• DOS
• Windows 3.1
• Windows NT/200
• Windows 95/98/Me

Application Software

• Office
• Games
• Etc