Computer Basics
Study Guide for The Journey Inside On-Line Lessons
Name
Period
Instructions for completing the on- line lessons:
1. Start Internet Explorer.
2. Go to
http://educate.intel.com/en/TheJourneyInside/ExploreTheCurriculum/EC_IntroductionToComputers/
3. Add this site to your Favorites Menu. (Click Favorites- Add to Favorites). When you need to get to the online lessons from now on you can click Favorites- Intel® The Journey Inside.
I. Introduction to Computers
History of Computers
1. What was the first calculating machine?
2. What did Charles Babbage invent in the early 1800’s? What was the main problem with this invention?
3. What invention made modern computers possible?
The Four Components of a Computer
1. List the four components of computer processing.
2. The physical parts of a computer such as a keyboard and mouse are called what?
3. What does software give the computer the ability to do?
4. What does the microprocessor do?
How Computers Get Input
1. List 3 ways computers receive input.
How Computers Store Information
1. Computers use two basics kinds of storage, RAM and ROM.
*RAM stands for
and is
*ROM stands for
and is
2. Which type of memory is actively used for processing?
storage.
____
storage.
3. What are two other types of memory that are not actively used for processing?
How Computers Process Information
1. What are integrated circuits?
2. Why is a microprocessor more versatile than an embedded processor?
How Computers Deliver Information
1. Name 3 types of output.
Which is Smarter?
1. List some ways computers and the human brains are both similar and different.
II. Digital Information
1. What is a transistor?
What is Binary Code?
1. What is binary code and why is it used?
A Bit of This and a Bit of That
1. What is the only language a computer knows?
2. What is a bit?
How Computers Work With Pictures
1. In your own words, explain how computers work with pictures.
2. What is a pixel?
ASCII- An Alphabet for Computers
1. What is ASCII?
2.
What is your name in ASCII?
III. Microprocessors
Fetch, Decode, Execute
1. List and explain each of the three basic steps a computer goes through to process data.
The Best Things Come in Small Packages
1. About how many transistors will fit on the head of a pin?
How Do They Make Chips So Small?
1. In your own words, explain how microprocessor chips are made.
Recipe for a microprocessor
1. What is the primary material used to make microprocessors?
Building Skyscrapers on a Wafer
1. What is a wafer?
2. How long does it take to produce one microprocessor?
IV. Technology and Society
After completing this lesson write (on the back of this page) a paragraph about the following:
 What was the most interesting thing you read about?
 What do you think are some of the benefits of technology?
 Do you think technology always makes life easier?