Computers 101
Lesson 1
What is a Computer System?
Introduction
In this unit you are going to find out about:
 What a computer is!
 What can computers be used for?
 The different parts of a computer and what
they do
You will be using ‘Animation’ to present what
you have learned using ‘Serif DrawPlus’
Starter
First you need to open and save the
powerpoint presentation called “ Dummies
Guide to Computers”.
This presentation can be found by going to the
Marking area on the X drive.
I will show you how to find this now.
X/ICT/Key Stage 3/ Year 7/Computers 101
Learning Objectives:
o Understand what a computer system is and the different types
o Identify the different uses and users of computer systems
Excellence
I can explain the benefits / limitations of different computer systems for
different uses
Developing
I can discuss how different computer systems are used by different
people / situations
Secure
I can identify the main elements of a computer system, different
types, and some of their uses
Foundation
I can describe what a computer system is and some types
Today’s Task 1
Discuss the questions below with a partner.
 What is a computer system?
a) Now write your answer on slide 2 of
the “Dummies Guide to Computers”.
“I think a computer is…”
at thiswhat
word
b) Go and find a definitionLook
explaining
a
computer system is from the
internet
cloud
to help you
e.g. Search for “what is a computer system”
A computer system…
 Is complete working computer (it can do things!)
 Data can be ‘Input’
(What do you use to input things into a computer?)
 Data is processed (changed, used) in some way
 It has ‘Programs’ that run on it to do things
(What programs do you use?)
A computer system…
 Data can be ‘Output’
(What do you use to see things output or produced
by the computer?)
 It can save data using ‘Storage’
(Why would you need to save things?)
A computer system…
 Basically, as long as it can do these things, it is a
‘Computer System’!
There are quite a few different types of
computer systems!...
Computer
Servers
Can you think of any?
Desktop PC
Palmtop / PDA
Tablets
Laptop /
Notebook /
Netbook
Embedded Devices
?
These are all types of
computer system!
Today’s Task 2
Types of computer systems
• Make a list of the different types of computer
systems that you know / can remember
• Add an image for each
These are example, but what are they?
e.g. Laptop!
Completely stuck? Search for “types of computer systems” or
look at links on LearnCoombeDean
Extension!: What are they used for? Add label to explain!
Used for what? By who?
What can computers be used for?
- Hands up for ideas!
Who uses computers?
- Hands up for ideas!
You are now going to think about the different
uses of computers and the different people
who may use them.
Today’s Task 3
Find some images (and label them) to show:
 What you use a computer for
 What your friends/family use a computer for
 What the rest of the world uses a computer for
Put the images you find and label them on slide 3 of
the “Dummies Guide to Computers”.
Plenary
Computers can do some amazing things.
Here are some examples of what they can do:
Improving your social skills
http://www.fastcompany.com/3013037/fast-feed/new-computer-software-canhelp-improve-social-skills
Surface computing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFgEPAzgBpA
Humanoid robot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkBnFPBV3f0&feature=youtu.be
Computers used in training for surgeons
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-21648644
Nanotechnology used for cleaning
Power of Nanotechnology Video Blow Your Mind - YouTube