Chapter 1

Introduction to Computers

Chapter 1 Objectives
Recognize the importance of
computer literacy
Identify the various types of software
Define the term computer and identify
its components

Describe the categories of computers

Explain why a computer is a
powerful tool

Determine how the elements of an

information system interact

Recognize the purpose of a network

Discuss the uses of the Internet and the
World Wide Web

Identify the various types of

computer users
Discuss computer applications in society

Recognize the difference between

installing and running a program
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A World of Computers
What is computer literacy?

Knowledge and understanding

of computers and their uses
Computers are everywhere

What Is a Computer?
How is a computer defined?

Electronic device operating under the control of

instructions stored in its own memory

The computer
first, Accepts data such as raw facts, figures, and symbol
then, Processes data into information (Data that is
organized, meaningful, and useful )
finally, Produces and stores results

What is the information processing cycle?

Input
Process
Output

Storage

Communication

The Components of a Computer

What is an _____
input device?

Hardware used
to enter data
and instructions

The Components of a Computer

What is an ______
output device?

Hardware that
conveys
information
to a user

The Components of a Computer

What is the system unit?

Box-like case
containing
electronic
components
used to process
data

What is the magical inside the black box?

Memory
card

Video
Card

Power
Supply

Sound
Card
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The Components of a Computer

What are two main components on the
motherboard?

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Also called a processor
Carries out instructions
that tell computer what to do

Memory
Temporary holding place for data
and instructions
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The Components of a Computer

What is 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

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Storage device
What is a floppy disk?

Thin, circular,
flexible disk
enclosed in rigid
plastic shell

A Zip disk looks

similar but has
much greater
storage capability
(=170 floppy disk)
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The Components of a Computer

What is a hard disk?

Provides much
greater storage
capacity than a
floppy disk or
Zip disk
Housed inside the
system unit

13

The Components of a Computer

What is a compact disc?

Flat, round, portable metal disc

CD-ROM
CD-RW
Capacity: 673~768 MB

DVD-ROM
DVD+RW

Capacity:4.7 ~ 17.1 GB

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The Components of a Computer

What is miniature storage
media?

Portable, thin
memory cards
used in:

Digital
cameras

Handheld
computers
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Why Is a Computer So Powerful?

What makes a computer powerful?

Speed

Reliability

Accuracy

Storage

Communications

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Networks and the Internet

What is a network?

Collection of computers and devices connected together

Communications
Device

Enables a
connection
between
computers

Communications
Media
Satellites

Cables
Telephone
lines

Cellular
radio

One type is
a modem
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Networks and the Internet

Why do we need network?
To share
Resources
Hardware
devices

Software
programs

To save
Data
time
Information
and
money
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Networks and the Internet

What is a server?

Manages the
resources on
a network

A client accesses
the resources
on the server

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Networks and the Internet

What is the Internet?

Worldwide collection of networks that connects

millions of computers

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Networks and the Internet

Why do users access the Internet?
1. Communications
2. Information

3. Shopping
4. Banking and Investing
5. Classes
6. Entertainment

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Networks and the Internet

What is the World Wide Web (WWW)?

Billions of documents, called Web pages, available to

anyone connected to the Internet
A Web site is
a collection of
related Web pages

A Web page contains

text, graphics, sound,
video, and links to
other Web pages

You can share

information by
creating Web pages
or posting photos on
a photo community
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Computer Software
How do you install and run a software program?

A program is a series of instructions that tells the

computer what to do
Step 2. Install the

Step 1.
Insert the program disc
into the CD-ROM
drive

software program by
instruction in the disc,
then run the program

Step 3.
The program executes
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Computer Software
What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?

Allows you to interact with the software

using graphics and icons

Controls how you enter data and how the

screen displays information

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Computer Software
What is system software?

Programs that control the operations of the computer

and its devices

Operating System (OS)

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

Utility Programs allow the user to

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

25

Computer Software
What is application software?

Programs that perform specific tasks for users

Suite
Popular software applications
bundled together as a single unit
Word
Processing

Spreadsheet

Database

Presentation
Graphics

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Computer Software
What is a programmer?

Someone who develops

application or system software

Programmer writes instructions to

direct computer to process data
into information

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Categories of Computers
What are the categories of computers?
Personal computers (desktop)
Mobile computers and mobile devices
Midrange servers
Mainframe computers
Supercomputers

28

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)

29

Personal Computers
What is a desktop computer?

Designed so all of the components fit on or under

a desk or table

30

Personal Computers
What is a notebook computer?

Portable, small enough to fit on

your lap(2 lbs to 9 lbs )

Also called a laptop

Generally more expensive than

a desktop computer

31

Handheld Computers
What is a tablet PC?

Resembles a letter-sized slate

Allows you to write on the screen
using a stylus
Smaller version is the modular
computer

What are Web-enabled handheld computers?

Allow you to check e-mail and access the Internet

Web-enabled telephone is a smart phone
32

Handheld Computers
What is a personal digital assistant (PDA)?

Provides personal organizer functions

Calendar
Appointment book
Address book
Calculator
Notepad

33

Servers
What types of servers are there?
Midrange server Powerful, large
computer that supports up to a few
thousand computers
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
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Elements of an Information System

What are information system elements ?

People
Procedures
Data
Software
Hardware

Step 1.
People develop
procedures for
processing data

Step 2.
People use software to
enter data into computer
(hardware)

Step 3.
Software processes data
and directs hardware to
store and or output
information
35

Examples of Computer Usage

What are five categories of computer users?

Home

Large Business

Small Office/
Home Office (SOHO)

Mobile

Power
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Examples of Computer Usage

What software is available for a home user?

Web access

Entertainment

Communications

Personal finance management

37

Examples of Computer Usage

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

Local area network (LAN)

Productivity software

Specialty software

Web usage

E-mail

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Examples of Computer Usage

What is available for
a mobile user?

Hardware

Software

Productivity
Presentation
Personal
information
manager

Notebook
computers

Handheld computers

Web-enabled
cellular phones
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Examples of Computer Usage

What are the needs of the large business user?

Web access
Public kiosk
Telecommuting
Network
Productivity software
Scheduling

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Examples of Computer Usage

What are the needs of a power user?

Speed and large amounts of storage

Types of power users

Engineers
Architects
Desktop publishers
Graphic artists

41

Computer Applications in Society

What are some examples
of computer applications
in society?

Education
Finance
Government
Healthcare
Science
Publishing
Travel
Industry

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