Microsoft Word

•Drawing Tools
•Text box options

The first step in becoming computer literate is to become familiar with the equipment. It is therefore your first challenge to create the computer components and labels found in this diagram in a Microsoft Publisher document.

You should have 10 labeled items when you are done.

Question: Why we have to draw each of the parts of the computer when they already exist in the clipart and autoshapes galleries.

Answer: To review and/or acquaint you with basic computer hardware and to review and/or acquaint you with the drawing tools found in Microsoft Publisher.

A computer is a tool that allows access to vast amounts of information. Contrary to popular belief it is not a modern day game or stereo system. This technology has enhanced and perhaps even revolutionized the ways in which we communicate and learn. Resources formerly unavailable have become typical. Mail requiring days or even weeks to deliver can now be electronically sent and received in a matter of seconds. Yet, in order to fully utilize this technology a minimum degree of awareness is necessary. The first step in becoming computer literate is to become familiar with the hardware terminology.

CPU - Central Processing Unit - The place where the computer thinks (interprets and executes instructions). The faster a computer thinks, the quicker you're able to do things.

Monitor - the place where you look to see what's the computer is thinking about...

Keyboard - the typing pad you use to input data.

Disk Drive - the place where you store information until you need it.
•Floppy disk or a:\ drive - the 3 ½ inch slot in the front of your computer.
•Hard disk or c:\ drive - the drive in your computer that makes your operating system (usually Windows) go.
•CDROM or d:\ drive - the slightly larger mechanically operated rectangle (that looks like a cup holder).
•Network or h:\ drive - the network drive (in school) where you save things.

Printer - A device which allows you to put your work on paper (or envelopes or transparencies or T-shirts) so you can use it for work or school.

Modem - A machine that connects your computer to your telephone or cable line so you can access the internet.

Scanner - A machine used to transfer a picture to a computer.

Mouse - A device used to control system or program operations on a computer.

Sound Card - An extra computer card that you put into your PC so you can hear sound through speakers.

Operating System - software that controls how the computer operates both hardware and additional software. DOS, Windows, MAC and Linux are some examples of different types of operating systems.

ROM - Read Only Memory (BIOS) - an area where the computer looks to find instructions on how to do something (load a program, find a disk drive, etc.).

RAM - Random Access Memory - the computer's short term memory where it makes it's calculations and or changes to a file. All information in the RAM goes away when you turn off the computer. This is why if you don't SAVE things before you turn off the computer you lose it.

Bit - the smallest unit of computer storage either true or false… 8 bits make a byte.

Byte - may store a single letter or character… 1000 bytes make a kilobyte.

Kilobyte - used to store most files… 1000 kilobytes make a megabyte.

Megabyte - used to store big files and lots of data… 1000 megabytes make a gigabyte.

Gigabyte - used to measure the size of most hard disk drives… 1000 gigabytes make a terabyte.

Terabyte - used to measure the storage capacity of super computers.