Microcomputers are designed for individual use and are often called personal computers or PCs. The most commonly seen microcomputers are desktops and laptops. Computers communicate by receiving input from input devices like keyboards and mice, and sending output to output devices like monitors. A computer's motherboard holds all the components together and contains the CPU which processes data at a clock rate. Storage devices like hard drives store software and data, while RAM temporarily stores files and programs being used. Computers require power supplies to convert power to lower voltages and distribute it to components.
Microcomputers are designed for individual use and are often called personal computers or PCs. The most commonly seen microcomputers are desktops and laptops. Computers communicate by receiving input from input devices like keyboards and mice, and sending output to output devices like monitors. A computer's motherboard holds all the components together and contains the CPU which processes data at a clock rate. Storage devices like hard drives store software and data, while RAM temporarily stores files and programs being used. Computers require power supplies to convert power to lower voltages and distribute it to components.
Microcomputers are designed for individual use and are often called personal computers or PCs. The most commonly seen microcomputers are desktops and laptops. Computers communicate by receiving input from input devices like keyboards and mice, and sending output to output devices like monitors. A computer's motherboard holds all the components together and contains the CPU which processes data at a clock rate. Storage devices like hard drives store software and data, while RAM temporarily stores files and programs being used. Computers require power supplies to convert power to lower voltages and distribute it to components.
Microcomputers are designed for individual use and are often called personal computers or PCs. The most commonly seen microcomputers are desktops and laptops. Computers communicate by receiving input from input devices like keyboards and mice, and sending output to output devices like monitors. A computer's motherboard holds all the components together and contains the CPU which processes data at a clock rate. Storage devices like hard drives store software and data, while RAM temporarily stores files and programs being used. Computers require power supplies to convert power to lower voltages and distribute it to components.
1. Microcomputers, different from those giant mainframes and supercomputers, are designed for individuals. In fact, the microcomputer is often called the ____personal computer___or pc_______. 2. _____desktops___ and ___laptops_____ computers are the most commonly seen microcomputers. 3. Just like human beings, computers communicate through receiving and sending messages. We refer to those message receiving components as _input______ devices and those which send messages as ___output__ devices. 4. All keyboards are made up of the main _typing_____ area, the ___function___ keys and the ___control____ keys. Most desktop and some larger laptop computer keyboards contain a 10-key ____number___ pad. 5. Like a mouse, a touchpad is a pointing device. It features a ___tactile sensor________, which can translate the motion of your fingers to movement on screen. 6. LED monitors take advantage of the _____light emitting diodes___________ technology, which provides better quality images. 7. Many printers use a _______universal serial bus________, or USB cable to connect to the computer. 8. Once you open the computer, the first thing you see is a big board, which holds all the components together. We call it the _motherboard_______, or some times the _______mainboard_____. 9. Every computer contains an internal clock, which tells us how fast the CPU can process data. The higher the ____clock rate_____, the faster the CPU. 10. Once you open a file or a program, the software and data will load from the ____hard drive_______ back to the __RAM____. 11. On a PC, the __ROM___ stores the BIOS (Basic Input /Output System). 12. The _____Power supply_____converts power from the electrical outlet to the lower voltages your computer parts need. 13. We also have a ____network____ card and a ___wireless___card. Their job is to allow the computer to connect to the Internet. 14. _____power connectors_________ attach the power supply to the internal devices. Their job is to supply and distribute power to the computer components. 15. ______sotrage device cables_______, on the other hand, are responsible for transferring data between the motherboard and storage devices. 16. The computer's main hard drive is a(n) __internal software_________, because it is located inside the computer. 17. _____computer software__________ is a set of computer programs which instruct computers how to complete tasks. 18. _______progarmming_______ software assists you in writing computer programs or instructions which make a computer perform certain tasks. 19. During the ____planning___ stage, the software developer identifies the software's requirements, or what it should accomplish. 20. During the _____implementation________stage, the developer begins writing the code, or programming language, for the project. 21. During the __deployment________ stage, the software is released for distribution to those who will be using it. 22. Your new software might require a key or a(n) ______serial number______, which can usually be found either on the software instruction sheet or the back of the CD- or DVD-ROM case. 23. External devices, like printers and scanners, need a program called a ____driver____ to help the computer communicate with the device. 24. If you are unable to install the program or you get an error, start by making sure your computer meets the ____minimum requirements__________. 25. If you are a person who travels a lot, or if you have to use your computer in different places, a __laptop______ is a good choice. 26. Sometimes adding more __RAM___ can make more difference than upgrading the CPU. 27. Most computers come with a one year warranty. If you think this is not enough, you can choose to purchase an extended warranty from the manufacturer, the retailer, or a ___third party seller__________. 28. Because your computer will have many different electronic components, a(n) _power strip________ may be necessary in order to have enough outlets to power all of your computer hardware. 29. Most monitors connect to the computer through a ____dvi_________ connector. 30. The cord connecting your computer to the Internet is called a(n)__ethernet cable_____. It looks similar to a phone cord, with wider connectors on the ends. 31. In the event of a power surge, such as a lightning strike, the ____surge protector_____ will protect your computer electronics from massive electrical damage. 32. Hardware maintenance consists of keeping the physical parts of the computer _cool_____, ____clean__ and ___dry____. 33. Special cleaning solutions can be found at electronic stores. Never use __household_________ cleaners or ___water____, as these could ruin computer devices. 34. A ___computer virus_________ is a program which copies itself and spreads from one computer to another. 35. ___defraggin_______, also called defragmenting, works to clean up your hard drive. 36. There are certain things which may be beyond your ability. For example, upgrading your _cpu___ can be a tricky task. If it is not done correctly, your computer can be left useless. 37. Never open the ___power supply__________ to try to fix it, the electricity inside could seriously injure you.