CON - Computer Organization and Networking Overview

Computer Organization and Networking

Introduction

In this module you will:

  • Explore inside/outside of a computer
  • Learn functional components of computer
  • Explain how computers work
  • Explain the difference between hardware and software.

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

Computer Basics

You will learn what a computer is and the functional components that make up a computer.

Hardware and Software

Learn about hardware and software of a computer. You will also be able to distinguish between hardware and software.

Network Basics

Develop a basic vocabulary of networks. The vocabulary will be discussed in later modules.

Computer Processing Programming Commands

Learn the core concepts of how computers process programming commands.

Key Terms

Computer- a device that uses information or data, and carries out instructions. It takes input from input devices, runs code, and produces output through output devices.

InputConverts physical input to binary information.

OutputConverts information to physical output.

CPUCentral processing unit that calculates information.

MemoryStores information.

Storagea process through which digital data is saved within a data storage device by means of computing technology.

RAMmemory is temporarily stored; Also known as random access memory.

Computer Network- a group of computers connected with each other so that various devices can interact with each other through a network.

Internet- global network of computers that use protocols and data packets to exchange information.

Bandwidth- The amount of data that can be transmitted within a fixed time period.

WiFi-a wireless networking technology that allows computers and other devices to communicate over a wireless signal.

Packets-a basic unit of communication over a digital network.

Broadband- a high-speed electronic network that carries more than one type of communication (as Internet and cable television signals).

Firewall- Device or software that blocks unwanted Internet traffic while allowing legitimate traffic.

Hacking-the activities practiced by individuals, organizations, and nations, in order to gain unauthorized access to computer and technology dependent systems.

Cybersecurity-protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.

Encryption- the process of hiding readable information in a format that can't be read.

Local Area Network (LAN)- a group of computers connected to each other in a small area such as a building, office.

Wide Area Network (WAN)- a network that extends over a large geographical area such as states or countries.

OSI Model-a layered abstract description for communications and computer network protocol design.

Binary Language- zeros and ones; code arranged in ways that the computer can read, understand, act upon.

Sequence of Commands- The right commands in the right order.

Conditional Structures-Do certain things based on a true or false, yes or no decision.

Looping Structures- List of instructions to do more than once.

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