DISCOVERING COMPUTERS 2003STUDY GUIDE

C H A P T E R 1Introduction to Computers

Chapter Overviewhis chapter introduces basic computer concepts such as what a computer is, how it works, and what makes it a powerful tool. You also learn about the components of a computer. Next, the chapter discusses computer software,

networks, and the Internet. The many different categories of computers and computer users also are presented. This chapter is an overview. Many of the terms and concepts introduced are discussed further in later chapters.

TChapter ObjectivesAfter completing this chapter, you should be able to:

Explain the importance of computer literacy

Define the term computer Identify the components of a

computer Explain why a computer is a

powerful tool Differentiate among the various

types of software

Explain the purpose of a network Discuss the uses of the Internet and

the World Wide Web Describe the categories of computers

and their uses Identify the various types of

computer users Understand how a user can be a Web

publisher

Chapter OutlineI. The digital revolution [p. 1.02]

The digital revolution is upon us, as computers extend into more facets of daily living. Being computer literate means _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

II. What is a computer? [p. 1.04]A computer is __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1.1

1.2 CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

A. Data and information [p. 1.04] Data is ______________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________ Information is ________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________Computers process data to create information.A user is _______________________________________________________ Hardware is __________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________ Software is __________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________B. Information processing cycle [p. 1.05]

Input is ________________________________________________________Output is _______________________________________________________Computers process input ( _____________ ) into output ( ______________ ).Storage is ______________________________________________________The information processing cycle is _________________________________________________________________________________________________

III. The components of a computer [p. 1.05]A. Input devices [p. 1.05]

An input device is _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________Common input devices: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

B. Output devices [p. 1.06]An output device is ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________Common output devices: __________________________________________

C. System unit [p. 1.06]The system unit is _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________The system unit circuitry usually is part of or is connected to the motherboard. Two main components on the motherboard are the CPU and memory. The central processing unit (CPU) is ______________________________

____________________________________________________________

CHAPTER OUTLINE 1.3

Memory is _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D. Storage devices [p. 1.06]A storage device records and retrieves _______________________________________________________________________________________________A storage medium is the physical material on which a computer keeps the data, instructions, and information.Common storage devices:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

E. Communications devices [p. 1.08]Communications devices enable ___________________________________________________________________________________________________Communications devices: __________________________________________

IV. Why is a computer so powerful? [p. 1.08]A computer’s power is derived from its:A. Speed [p. 1.08]

_______________________________________________________________B. Reliability [p. 1.09]

_______________________________________________________________C. Accuracy [p. 1.09]

_______________________________________________________________The phrase garbage in, garbage out (GIGO) points out __________________________________________________________________________________

D. Storage [p. 1.09]_______________________________________________________________

E. Communications [p. 1.09]_______________________________________________________________

V. Computer software [p. 1.10]A computer program is _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________With some programs, you must install the program instructions on the computer’s hard disk. When the computer executes the program, the instructions are loaded from the hard disk into the computer’s memory.Two types of software are system software and application software.

1.4 CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

A. System software [p. 1.12]System software consists _________________________________________________________________________________________________________Two types of system software are the operating system and utility programs.1. Operating system [p. 1.12]

An operating system (OS) is ________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Utility programs [p. 1.12]A utility program is _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. User interface [p. 1.12]The user interface controls how you enter data and instructions and how information displays on the screen.With a graphical user interface (GUI) you interact _______________________________________________________________________________

B. Application software [p. 1.13]Application software consists ______________________________________________________________________________________________________Popular application software includes _______________________________________________________________________________________________Sources of application software:1. Packaged software [p. 1.13]

Packaged software is ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Custom software [p. 1.14]Custom software is ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Freeware, public-domain software, and shareware [p. 1.14] Freeware is _______________________________________________

_________________________________________________________ Public-domain software is ___________________________________

_________________________________________________________ Shareware is ______________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

CHAPTER OUTLINE 1.5

4. Application service provider [p. 1.15]An application service provider is ____________________________________________________________________________________________

C. Software development [p. 1.15]A computer programmer is _______________________________________________________________________________________________________A systems analyst designs ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

VI. Networks and the Internet [p. 1.16]A network is _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The Internet is ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________People use the Internet to _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

VII. Categories of computers [p. 1.19]Computer categories are based on size, speed, processing capabilities, and price.The six major categories of computers are: _________________________ _________________________ _________________________

_________________________ _________________________ _________________________

VIII. Personal computers [p. 1.19]A personal computer is ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Two popular series of personal computers are the PC and the Apple Macintosh.Major categories of personal computers:A. Desktop computers [p. 1.20]

A desktop computer is ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________A tower model has ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________An all-in-one computer is _________________________________________________________________________________________________________A workstation is ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1.6 CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

B. Notebook computers [p. 1.22]A notebook computer is __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IX. Handheld computers [p. 1.23]A handheld computer is ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________A PDA (personal digital assistant) is ______________________________________________________________________________________________________Some handheld computers are Web-enabled. Other Web-enabled devices: A Web-enabled cellular telephone allows _____________________________

_______________________________________________________________ A Web-enabled pager is ___________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

X. Internet appliances [p. 1.24]An Internet appliance is ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

XI. Mid-range servers [p. 1.25]A mid-range server is __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

XII. Mainframes [p. 1.26]A mainframe is _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

XIII. Supercomputers [p. 1.26]A supercomputer is ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

XIV. Elements of an information system [p. 1.27]An information system is comprised ______________________________________________________________________________________________________For an information system to be successful, all of these elements must be present and work together.

XV. Examples of computer usage [p. 1.28]Different categories of users rely on computers for a variety of purposes.

CHAPTER OUTLINE 1.7

A. Home user [p. 1.29]____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The digital divide is _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

B. Small office/home office user [p. 1.31]____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________E-commerce is __________________________________________________

C. Mobile user [p. 1.32]____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D. Large business user [p. 1.33]____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Telecommuting is ________________________________________________

E. Power user [p. 1.35]____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Multimedia combines _____________________________________________

XVI. Computer user as a Web publisher [p. 1.36]In addition to being a recipient of information on the Internet, users can provide information to other connected users around the world.Publishing a Web page is _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1.8 CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

Users publish Web pages for a variety of reasons: _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________Photo communities are _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SELF TEST 1.9

Self TestMatching

1. ____ input device

2. ____ output device

3. ____ system unit

4. ____ storage device

5. ____ communications device

6. ____ packaged software

7. ____ custom software

8. ____ freeware

9. ____ public-domain software

10. ____ shareware

a. copyrighted retail software that meets the needs of a wide variety of users

b. allows a user to enter data and instructions into a computer

c. writes the instructions necessary to process data into information

d. tailor-made programs developed at a user’s request to perform specific functions

e. free software donated for public use with no copyright restrictions

f. box-like case that protects a computer’s internal electronic components from damage

g. enables computer users to exchange items with another computer

h. collection of computers connected together via telephone lines, modems, or other means

i. copyrighted software provided by an individual or company at no cost

j. records and retrieves items to and from a medium

k. any component that can convey information to a user

l. copyrighted software distributed free for a trial period

True/False____ 1. Through computers, society has access to information from all around the

globe.

____ 2. Without software, most hardware is useless; hardware needs instructions from software to process data into information.

____ 3. A mouse contains keys that allow you to type letters of the alphabet, numbers, spaces, punctuation marks, and other symbols.

____ 4. A peripheral is any internal device that resides inside the system unit.

____ 5. Storage differs from memory in that it holds items only temporarily while the processor interprets and executes them, whereas memory can hold items permanently.

____ 6. When two or more computers are connected together via communications media and devices, they form a network.

____ 7. A computer program might load into memory from the hard disk each time you execute the program.

____ 8. Hardware is the key to productive use of computers.

____ 9. Most users connect to the Internet in one of two ways: through an Internet service provider or through an online service provider.

____ 10. Few SOHO (small office/home office) computer users communicate with each other through e-mail.

Multiple Choice

____ 1. How does information differ from data?a. information is a collection of raw unprocessed factsb. information can include words, numbers, images, and soundsc. information is organized, meaningful, and usefuld. information is processed to produce data

____ 2. What are examples of input devices?a. the keyboard and the mouseb. the central processing unit (CPU) and memoryc. the printer and the monitord. all of the above

____ 3. What component is not considered a peripheral?a. the keyboardb. the CPUc. a microphoned. a monitor

____ 4. Why is a computer so powerful?a. because it can perform the information processing cycle operations with

amazing speed, reliability, and accuracyb. because it can store huge amounts of datac. because it can communicate with other computersd. all of the above

____ 5. Word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation graphics software are what type of software?a. system softwareb. operating systemsc. application softwared. utility programs

____ 6. Instead of installing software on their computer, some people run programs

SELF TEST 1.11

from the Internet and opt to use what for their software needs?a. an Internet service provider (ISP)b. an online service provider (OSP)c. an application service provider (ASP)d. an executable service provider (ESP)

____ 7. Why do people use the Internet?a. to meet or converse with people around the worldb. to access sources of entertainment and leisurec. to shop for goods and servicesd. all of the above

____ 8. What is a workstation?a. a large, expensive, very powerful computer that can handle hundreds or

thousands of connected users simultaneouslyb. a mainframe computer powerful enough to function as a server on a

networkc. an expensive, powerful desktop computer designed for work that requires

intense calculations and graphics capabilitiesd. a popular type of handheld computer that often supports personal

information management applications

____ 9. What is the fastest, most powerful category of computers – and the most expensive?a. personal computersb. minicomputersc. mainframe computersd. supercomputers

____ 10. A local law practice, accounting firm, travel agency, and florist are examples of what type of computer user?a. mobile userb. small office/home office userc. power userd. large business user

Fill in the Blanks1. A(n) ____________________ is someone that communicates with a computer or

employs the information it generates.

2. During processing, a computer processor places instructions to be executed and data needed by those instructions into ____________________.

3. A graphical user interface uses visual images such as ____________________ that represent programs, instructions, or some other object.

4. You are considered ____________________ when your computer connects to a network.

5. The world’s largest network is the ____________________, a worldwide collection of networks that links together millions of computers.

6. A(n) ____________________ computer can perform the information processing cycle operations by itself without being connected to a network.

7. A(n) ____________________ is a computer that manages the resources on a network.

8. Users typically access a mid-range server via a(n) ____________________, which is a device with a monitor and a keyboard.

9. Some Web sites use a(n) ____________________, which is a video camera with output that can be displayed on a Web page.

10. A(n) ____________________ is a freestanding computer, usually with a touch screen that serves as an input device.

Complete the TableCategories of Computers

Category Physical sizeNumber of simultaneously connected users General price range

Personal computer(desktop or notebook)

Fits on a desk or on your lap

__________________________________________

________________________________

_______________ Fits in your hand

__________________________________________

Several hundred dollars or less

Internet appliance ____________________

Usually one ________________________________

_______________ ____________________

Two to thousands $5,000 to $850,000

Mainframe Partial to full room

__________________________________________

________________________________

_______________ ____________________

Hundreds to thousands Several million dollars and up

Things to Think About1. Do the four operations in the information processing cycle (input, process, output,

and storage) always have to be performed in order? Why or why not?

2. Why is each component of a computer system (input devices, system unit, output devices, secondary storage devices) important?

3. Why is software the key to productive use of computers?

4. Why do mobile users often have notebook computers equipped with a modem?

PUZZLE 1.13

PuzzleAll of the words described below appear in the puzzle. Words may be either forward or backward, across, up and down, or diagonal. Circle each word as you find it.

Interprets and carries out instructions

Allows interaction using visual images

Worldwide collection of networks

PC designed to connect to a network

Computer that can perform all information processing activities

Often supports PIM applications

Process data into information

Collection of unorganized facts

Software provided at no cost to a user

Electronic and mechanical equipment

Small image that represents a program

Organized, meaningful, useful data

Data entered into a computer

Freestanding computer, usually with a touch screen

Can handle thousands of connected users

Temporarily holds data and instructions

More powerful than a workstation

Combines text, graphics, sound, video, and other elements

Collection of connected computers

Result of processing data

People who write computer instructions

Manages network resources

Software distributed free for a trial period

Instructions to process data into information

Where data is held for future use

Fastest, most powerful computer

Box-like case housing computer circuitry

Device with a monitor and a keyboard

Communicates with a computer or uses the information it generates

Expensive and powerful desktop computer

SELF TEST ANSWERS 1.15

Self Test Answers

Matching True/False Multiple Choice Fill in the Blanks1. b [p. 1.05] 1. T [p. 1.03] 1. c[p. 1.04] 1. user [p. 1.04]

2. memory [p. 1.06]3. icons [p. 1.12]4. online [p. 1.16]5. Internet [p. 1.17]6. stand-alone [p.

1.21]7. server [p. 1.21]8. terminal [p. 1.25]9. Web cam [p. 1.31]

10. kiosk [p. 1.34]

2. k [p. 1.06] 2. T [p. 1.04] 2. a [p. 1.05]3. f[p. 1.06] 3. F [p. 1.05] 3. b [p. 1.06]4. j[p. 1.07] 4. F [p. 1.06] 4. d [p. 1.08]5. g [p. 1.08] 5. F [p. 1.06] 5. c[p. 1.13]6. a [p. 1.13] 6. T [p. 1.10] 6. c[p. 1.15]7. d [p. 1.14] 7. T [p. 1.10] 7. d [p. 1.17]8. i[p. 1.14] 8. F [p. 1.11] 8. c[p. 1.21]9. e [p. 1.14] 9. T [p. 1.18] 9. d [p. 1.26]

10. l[p. 1.14] 10. F [p. 1.31] 10. b [p. 1.31]

Complete the Table

Categories of Computers

Category Physical sizeNumber of simultaneously connected users General price range

Personal computer(desktop or notebook)

Fits on a desk or on your lap

Usually one, or many networked _________

Several thousand___dollars or less _____

Handheld computer Fits in your hand

Usually one__________________________

Several hundred dollars or less

Internet appliance Fits on a____countertop ___

Usually one Several hundred___dollars or less _____

Mid-range server_ Small cabinet___________

Two to thousands $5,000 to $850,000

Mainframe Partial to full room

Hundreds to thousands__________________

$300,000 to several_million dollars _____

Supercomputer___ Full room______________

Hundreds to thousands Several million dollars and up

Things to Think About

Answers will vary.

Puzzle Answer