Chapter 1: Introducing Computer Systems

Lesson 1A: Exploring Computers and Their Uses

Lesson 1B: Looking Inside the Computer System

• Reference Textbook: P. Norton, Peter Norton's Introduction to

Computers, 6th Ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, 2006.

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 McGraw-Hill Technology Education Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
McGraw-Hill Technology Education Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
 Chapter 1A

Introducing Computer
Systems

McGraw-Hill Technology Education Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
 The Computer Defined
• Electronic device
• Converts data into information
• Modern computers are digital
– Two digits combine to make data (0, 1)

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 The Computer Defined
• Older computers were analog
– A range of values made data

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 The Computer Defined
• Older computers were analog
– A more manageable type -- the
old-fashioned slide rule

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 Take a Break

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 Computers for Individual Use
• Computers can
be shared by
multiple users
but can be used
by only one
person at a time.

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 Computers for Individual Use
• Although PCs are used by individuals,
they also can be connected together to
create networks.

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 Computers for Individual Use
• Desktop computers
– The most common type of computer
– Sits on the desk or floor
– Performs a variety of tasks

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 Computers for Individual Use
• Desktop computers
– Different design types

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 Computers for Individual Use
• Workstations
– Specialized computers
– Optimized for science or graphics
– More powerful than a desktop

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 Computers for Individual Use
• Notebook computers
– Small portable computers
– Weighs between 3 and 8 pounds

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 Computers for Individual Use
• Notebook computers
– About 8 ½ by 11 inches
– Typically as powerful as a desktop
– Can include a docking station

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 Computers for Individual Use
• Tablet computers
– Newest development
in portable computers
– Input is through
a pen
– Run specialized
versions of office
products

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 Computers for Individual Use
• Handheld computers, palm computer
– Very small computers
– Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)
– Note taking or contact management
– Data can synchronize with a desktop

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 Computers for Individual Use
• Smart phones
– Hybrid of
cell phone
and PDA
– Web surfing,
e-mail access

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 Take a Break

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 Computers for Organizations
• Network servers
– Centralized computer
– All other computers connect

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 Computers for Organizations
• Network servers
– Provides access to network resources
– Multiple servers are called server farms
– Often simply a powerful desktop: Google

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 Computers for Organizations
• Network servers
– Flexibility to different kinds of tasks

Computers for Organizations

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 Computers for Organizations
• Network servers
– Users use the Internet as a means of
connecting even if away from the offices.

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 Computers for Organizations
• Mainframes
– Used in large organizations
– Handle thousands of users
– Users access through a terminal

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 Computers for Organizations
• Mainframes
– Large and powerful systems

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 Computers for Organizations
• Minicomputers
– Called midrange computers
– Power between mainframe and desktop
– Handle hundreds of users
– Used in smaller organizations
– Users access through a terminal

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 Computers for Organizations
• Supercomputers
– The most powerful
computers made
– Handle large and
complex calculations
– Process trillions of
operations per
second
– Found in research
organizations

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 Take a Break

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 Computers in Society
• More impact than any other invention
– Changed work and leisure activities
– Used by all demographic groups
• Computers are important because:
– Provide information to users
– Information is critical to our society
– Managing information is difficult

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 Computers in Society
• Impact of computers
– Like the Impact of automobile

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 Computers in Society
• The benefits of using computers
– As varied as users

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 Computers in Society
• Computers at home
– Many homes have multiple computers
– Most American homes have Internet
– Computers are used for
• Communication

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 Computers in Society
• Computers at home
– Computers are used for
• Business
• Entertainment
• Schoolwork
• Finances

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 Computers in Society
• Computers in education
– Computer literacy required at all levels

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 Computers in Society
• Computers in small business
– Makes businesses more profitable
– Allows owners to manage

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 Computers in Society
• Computers in industry
– Computers are
used to design
products
– Assembly
lines are
automated

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 Computers in Society
• Computers in government
– Necessary to track data for population
• Police officers

• Tax calculation and collection

– Governments were the first computer users

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 Computers in Society
• Computers in health care
– Revolutionized health care
– New treatments possible
– Scheduling of patients has improved
– Delivery of medicine is safer

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 Review Questions
1. What is a computer?
2. Explain a few of the different ways in which
computers can be categorized.
3. List six types of computers that are
designed for use by a single person.
4. Describe the two common designs for
desktop computers.
5. How much do notebook computers typically
weigh?
6. List four types of computers that are
designed for use by organizations, and are
commonly used by multiple people at the
same time.
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 Review Questions
7. Why are mainframe systems usually
limited in the number of tasks they
perform?
8. What is the most popular use for
home computers?
9. How are computer technologies used
by the military?
10. How are computer technologies
being used to train surgeons?
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 Chapter 1A

End of Chapter

McGraw-Hill Technology Education Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.