Chapter 1

Introduction to Computers

OBJECTIVES

1. Recognize the importance of computer literacy2. Identify the components of a computer3. Discuss the uses of the Internet and World Wide

Web4. Identify the categories of software5. Describe the categories of computers6. Identify the types of computer users7. Discuss various computer applications in society

A World of ComputersWhat is computer literacy?• Knowledge and understanding of computers and their

uses

What Is a Computer?

• Electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory

Processes data into informationinformation

Data that is organized, meaningful, and useful

Produces and stores results

Accepts data

Raw facts, figures, and symbols

Advantages of Using Computers

• Speed• Reliability• Consistency• Storage• Communications

Disadvantages of Using Computers

• Violation of Privacy• Impact on Labor Force• Health Risks• Impact on Environment

Information processing cycle

What is the information processing cycle?

• Input• Process• Output• Storage• Communication

The Components of a Computer

1. Input Devices2. Output Devices3. System Unit4. Storage Devices5. Communication Devices

1. Input Devices

• Hardware used to enter data and instructions

• Widely used input devices:

1. Keyboard2. Mouse3. Microphone4. Scanner5. Digital Camera6. PC Video Camera

2. Output Devices

• Hardware that conveys information to one or more people

• Common output devices:

1. Printer2. Monitor3. Speakers

3. System Unit

• Case containing electronic components used to process data.

• Motherboard or Circuit Board.

• 2 Components of Motherboard:

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

2. Memory

CPU & Memory

• Processor– The electronic component that interprets and

carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer.

• Memory– Consists of electronic components that store

instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions

4. Storage• Holds data, instructions, and information for future use• Storage media

• Physical material on which data, instructions, and information are stored

• Storage device• Records and retrieves items to and from

a storage medium• Examples

– Hard Disks– USB Flash Drives– CD– DVD

5. Communications device

• Hardware component that enables a computer to

send and receive data, instructions, and information

• E.g.: Modem

• Occurs over cables, telephone lines, cellular radio

networks (wireless), satellites (wireless), and other

transmission media.

Networks and the Internet

• A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together.

• Allow computers to share resources:– Hardware– Software– Data– Information

Internet• Worldwide collection of networks that

connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.

• Web– Billions of documents, called Web pages, available

to anyone connected to the Internet

Internet Uses?

• Communications• Information• Shopping• Banking & Investing• Education• Entertainment• Sharing information

Software

• Also called Program• Consists of a series of instructions that tells

the computer what to do.• 2 Types:

• System Software• Application Software

System Software

• Programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices

• Serve as interface between user, the application software & computer’s hardware

• 2 Types:• Operating System• Utility Program

Operating System

• is a set of programs that coordinates all activities among computer hardware devices and allows users to run application software.

• Examples of operating systems for personal computers include Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS , and Unix.

Utility Program

• allow the user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs

• Control Panel• ISS• Computer Management

Application Software

• Programs that perform specific tasks for users• Example:

– Web browsers– Word Processors– Database Management– Project management– DTP– Web Design

Computer Software

System Software Application Software

Operating System

Utility Programs

Categories of Computers

• Personal Computers• Mobile Computers/Devices• Game Consoles• Servers• Mainframes• Supercomputers• Embedded Computers

Personal Computers•What are the two most popular series of personal computers?

PC and compatibles use the Windows operating system

Apple Macintosh uses the Macintosh operating system (Mac OS)

Mobile Computers

• Notebooks/Laptops• Tablet PC• PDA• Smart Phones

Game Consoles

Mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games

Servers• What types of servers are there?

•Mainframe Very powerful, expensive computer that supports thousands of computers

•Supercomputer The fastest, most powerful, most expensive computer. Used for applications requiring complex mathematical calculations

•A server controls access to network resources and provides centralized storage

Embedded ComputersA special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product

Computer UsageWhat are five categories of computer users?

•Home UserHome User•Small Office/Home Office UserSmall Office/Home Office User•Mobile UserMobile User•Power UserPower User•Large Business UserLarge Business User

Home User• What software is available for a home user?• Personal Finance Management• Web access• Communications• Entertainment

Small Office User

Productivity software

Specialty software

Web usage E-mail

•What software is available for a small office/home office (SOHO) user?

Mobile User

Hardware Notebook computers PDAs Smart phones Tablet PCs

Software Word processing Spreadsheet Presentation graphics

software

Power User• What are the needs of a power user?

Speed and large amounts of Speed and large amounts of storagestorage

Types of power usersTypes of power users EngineersEngineers ArchitectsArchitects Desktop publishersDesktop publishers Graphic artistsGraphic artists

Large Business Users• What are the needs of the large business user?

PayrollPayroll InventoryInventory E-commerceE-commerce Desktop Desktop

publishingpublishing

Computer Applications in Society

• Education• Finance• Government• Health Care• Science• Publishing• Travel• Manufacturing

Chapter Summary

The computer and its componentsThe computer and its components

What is a network?What is a network?

The Internet and the World Wide Web

The Internet and the World Wide Web

Types of softwareTypes of software

Categories of computersCategories of computers

Types of computer usersTypes of computer users

Questions?