Course A Introduction to Computing
Multi-campus Modular Non-major Curriculum in Computing

Goals

• Recognize the difference between hardware and software
• Determine relationship between bit measuring terms (bit, byte, K, Meg)
• Be able to decipher the code words in a computer advertisement
• Distinguish between input and output devices
• Identify the major hardware components in a desktop computing system

Prerequisite Skills

• Knowledge of the STAIR problem solving process
• Understanding of essentials of computing

Contents

• Deciphering an Ad
• Hardware and Software
  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Firmware
• The Bit and its offspring...
  • The Bit
  • The Byte
  • The Kilobyte
  • The Megabyte
  • The Gigabyte
• The CPU
  • Processor
  • Speed
  • Choosing a CPU
• Input Devices
  • Read Only Memory (ROM)
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • CD-ROM
  • Other Input-Only devices
• Output Devices
  • Printer
  • Monitors
    • Size
    • Dot Pitch and DPI
    • Video Controller Card
• Devices that do Input AND Output
  • Random Access Memory (RAM)
  • Disk Drives
    • Floppy Drives
    • Hard Drives
    • Fancier kinds of drives
    • Drive Controller Cards
  • Network Card
  • Modem
  • Sound Card
• Buying a computer
• Deciphering the ad
• Laboratory Assignment
• Summary