Chapter 1Chapter 1Introduction to Introduction to

ComputersComputers

Chapter 1Chapter 1Introduction to Introduction to

ComputersComputers

What Is a Computer?

What is a computer?• An electronic machine,

operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory– accepts data– manipulates the data

according to specified rules

– produces results– stores the results for

future use

DataCollection of raw

unprocessed facts, figures, and symbols

InformationData that is organized,

meaningful, and useful

What are data and information?

What is a Computer?

Who is a user?• Someone that

communicates with a computer

• Someone who uses the information it generates

SoftwareThe series of

instructions that tells the hardware

how to perform tasks

HardwareThe electric,

electronic, and mechanical equipment

that makes up a computer

What are hardware and software?

InputAny data or

instructions you enter into a computer

OutputData that has

been processed into informationStorage

Area in a computer that can hold data

and information for future use

CommunicationThe capability of communicating

with other computers

What is the information processing cycle?

What is a Computer?Process

Manipulate the input (data) to

produce output (information)

What are common computer hardware components?

printer

scanner

speakerPC camera

microphonedigital camera

system unit

keyboard

modem

speaker

monitor

mouse

What is an input device?

• Any hardware component that allows a user to enter data and instructions into a computer

scanner

microphone

keyboard

mouse

PC camera

digital camera

What is an output device?

• Any hardware component that can convey information to a user

printer

monitor speakers

What is the system unit ?

• Sometimes called a chassis

• A box-like case made from metal or plastic that protects the internal electronic components of the computer from damage

• Circuitry in the system unit usually is part of or is connected to a circuit board called the motherboard

hard disk drive

CD-RW drive

CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive

Zip® disk drive floppy

disk drive

What is a chip?

• An electronic device that contains many microscopic pathways that carry electrical currents

Usually no bigger than one-half inch square

Packaged so it can be attached to a motherboard

processor chip packaging

memory chip

What is a floppy disk?

• A thin, circular, flexible disk enclosed in a plastic shell

• Insert and remove a floppy disk into and from a floppy disk drive

• A Zip® disk is a higher capacity disk

What is a hard disk?

• Consists of several circular platters that store items electronically

• Disks are enclosed in an airtight, sealed case, which often is housed inside the system unit

• Provides much greater storage capacity than a floppy disk

• Some hard disks are removable

removable hard disk

self-contained hard disk

What is a compact disc?

• A flat, round portable medium that stores data using microscopic pits, which are created by a laser light – CD-ROM– CD-RW

• rewriteable CD

– DVD-ROM • tremendous storage

capacities

What is a communications device?

• Enables computer users to communicate and to exchange items such as data, instructions, and information with another computer

• Allows you to establish a connection between two computers and transmit items over transmission media, such as cables, telephone lines, or satellites

modem

One type is a modem

SpeedBillions of

operations can be carried out

in a single second

Why Is a Computer So Powerful?

What characteristics make a computer powerful?

Storage

Enormous amounts of data can be stored and

made available for processing anytime it is

needed

Reliability

Dependable because components have a low failure rate so

they produce consistent results

Accuracy

If data is entered correctly and program works properly, the results are error-free —

garbage in, garbage out (GIGO) accuracy of output depends on accuracy of

input

Communications

Two connected computers can share

stored data, instructions, and information