Discovering

Computers 2012
Your Interactive Guide
to the Digital World
Objectives Overview

Define the term,

Explain why computer computer, and describe Describe the five
literacy is vital to the relationship components of a
success in today’s world between data and computer
information

Discuss the advantages

Define the term,
and disadvantages that Discuss the uses of the
network, and identify
users experience when Internet and World
benefits of sharing
working with Wide Web
resources on a network
computers

See Page 3 2
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
for Detailed Objectives
Objectives Overview

Distinguish between system Differentiate among types, Describe the role of each
software and application sizes, and functions of element in an information
software computers in each category system

Explain how home users,

Discuss how society uses
small office/home office
computers in education,
users, mobile users, power
finance, government, health
users, and enterprise users
care, science, publishing,
each interact with
travel, and manufacturing
computers

See Page 3 3
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
for Detailed Objectives
A World of Computers

• Computers are everywhere

Pages 4 - 5 4
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-1
What Is a Computer?

• A computer is an electronic device, operating

under the control of instructions stored in its own
memory

Collects Produces
data Processing information
(input) (output)

Information Processing Cycle

Page 6 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 5

What Is a Computer?

Page 6 6
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-2
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
Advantages of Disadvantages of
Using Computers Using Computers

Speed Health Risks

Reliability Violation of Privacy

Consistency Public Safety

Storage Impact on Labor Force

Communications Impact on Environment

Pages 9 - 10 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 7

Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
• Green computing involves reducing the electricity
consumed and environmental waste generated when
using a computer
• Strategies include:
– Recycling
– Regulating manufacturing processes
– Extending the life of computers
– Immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers

Page 10 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 8

The Components of a Computer

Page 7 9
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-3
The Components of a Computer

• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and

mechanical components known as hardware
Input Device • Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer

Output Device • Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people

• Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that

System Unit are used to process data

• Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage

Storage Device media

Communications • Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and

Device information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices

Pages 6 - 8 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 10

What Is Input?

• Input is any data and instructions entered into the

memory of a computer

Pages 258 – 259 11

Figure 5-1
What Is Input?

• Instructions can be entered into the computer in the

form of programs, commands, and user responses
A program is a series of related
instructions that tells a computer what
tasks to perform and how to perform
them

Programs respond to commands that a

user issues

A user response is an instruction a user

issues by replying to a question
displayed by a program

Pages 258 - 259 12

What Are Input Devices

An input device
is any hardware
component that
allows users to
enter data and
instructions into
a computer

Page 260 13
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
The Keyboard

• A keyboard is an input device that contains keys

users press to enter data and instructions into a
computer

Page 260 14
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Figure 5-2
The Keyboard

Wired Wireless
Keyboards Keyboards

USB port Bluetooth

IrDA

Page 262 15
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
The Keyboard

• An ergonomic keyboard has a design that reduces

the chance of wrist and hand injuries
• Ergonomics incorporates comfort, efficiency, and
safety into the design of the workplace

Page 262 16
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Figure 5-4
Mouse

• A mouse is a pointing device that fits under the

palm of your hand comfortably
– Most widely used pointing device on desktop
computers
• A mouse can be wired or wireless

Pages 263 – 264 17

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Figures 5-6 and 5-7
Mouse

• Mouse operations

Point Click Right-click Double-click

Rotate
Triple-click Drag Right-drag
wheel

Free-spin Press thumb

Press wheel Tilt wheel
wheel button

Page 264 18
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Figure 5-8
Other Pointing Devices
Trackball

Touchpad

Pointing Stick
• A trackball is a • A touchpad is • A pointing
stationary a small, flat, stick is a
pointing rectangular pressure-
device with a pointing sensitive
ball on its top device that is pointing
or side sensitive to device shaped
pressure and like a pencil
motion eraser that is
positioned
between keys
on a keyboard

Pages 265 – 266 19

Figures 5-9 – 5-11 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Touch Screens and Touch-Sensitive Pads

• A touch screen is a touch-sensitive display device

Page 266 20
Figures 5-12 – 5-13 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Touch Screens and Touch-Sensitive Pads

Microsoft Surface Touch-sensitive pads

Page 267 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5 21

Figures 5-14 – 5-15
Pen Input

• With pen input, you touch a stylus or digital pen on a flat

surface to write, draw, or make selections

Page 268 22
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Figure 5-16
Game Controllers

• Video games and computer games use a game controller

as the input device that directs movements and actions
of on-screen objects

Joysticks and
Gamepads Light guns
Wheels

Motion-
Dance pads sensing
controllers
Pages 270 - 271 23
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Digital Cameras

• A digital camera is a mobile device that allows

users to take pictures and store them digitally

Studio cameras

Field cameras

Point-and-shoot camera
Page 272 24
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Digital Cameras

• Two factors affect the quality of digital camera photos:

• Resolution is the number of horizontal
and vertical pixels in a display device
Resolution • A pixel is the smallest element in an
electronic display

Number of bits • Each pixel consists of one or more bits of

data
stored in each • The more bits used to represent a pixel,
the more colors and shades of gray that
pixel can be represented

Page 273 25
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Scanners and Reading Devices

• Optical character recognition (OCR) involves reading

characters from ordinary documents
• A turnaround document is a document you return to the
company that creates and sends it

Page 279 26
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Figures 5-29 – 5-30
Scanners and Reading Devices

• Optical mark
recognition (OMR)
reads hand-drawn
marks such as small
circles or rectangles
• An OMR device scans
the documents and
matches the patterns of
light

Page 279
Figure 5-31 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5 27
Scanners and Reading Devices

• A bar code reader, also

called a bar code
scanner uses laser
beams to read bar
codes

Page 280
Figure 5-32 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5 28
Scanners and Reading Devices

• RFID (radio frequency identification) uses radio signals to

communicate with a tag placed in or attached to an object
• An RFID reader reads information on the tag via radio waves
• RFID can track:

Tracking times of
Tracking location Employee Checking lift
runners in a Airline baggage
of soldiers wardrobes tickets of skiers
marathon

Gauging pressure
Managing Checking out Tracking toll
and temperature
inventory library books payments
of tires

Page 280 29
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Scanners and Reading Devices

• Magnetic stripe card readers read the magnetic

stripe on the back of cards such as:
Credit cards

Entertainment cards

Bank cards

Other similar cards

Page 281 30
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Figure 5-34
Scanners and Reading Devices

• MICR (magnetic ink character recognition) devices read text

printed with magnetized ink
• An MICR reader converts MICR characters into a form the
computer can process
• Banking industry uses MICR for check processing

Page 281 31
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Figure 5-35
Biometric Input

• Biometrics authenticates a person’s identity by

verifying a personal characteristic
Face Hand
Fingerprint
recognition geometry
reader
system system

Voice Signature
Iris recognition
verification verification
system
system system

Retinal
scanners

Pages 282 - 283 32

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Biometric Input

hand
geometry
system

iris
recognition
system
fingerprint
reader

Pages 282 – 283 33

Figures 5-37 – 5-39 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
Terminals

• A terminal is a computer that allows users to send data to

and/or receive information from a host computer

A POS terminal An automated A DVD kiosk is a

records purchases, teller machine self-service DVD
processes (ATM) allows users rental machine
payment, and to access their
updates inventory bank accounts

Pages 284 – 285 34

Figures 5-40 – 5-42 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 5
What Is Output?

• Output is data that has been processed into a

useful form

Pages 304 – 305 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 6 35

Figure 6-1
What Is Output?

• An output device is any type of hardware

component that conveys information to one or
more people

Speakers,
Display devices Printers headphones, Data projectors
and earbuds

Force-feedback
Interactive
game Tactile output
whiteboards
controllers

Page 305 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 6 36

Storage

Storage holds data, instructions, and

information for future use

A storage medium is the physical

material on which a computer keeps
data, instructions, and information
Pages 352 - 353 37
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Storage

Pages 352 – 353 38

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Figure 7-1
Storage

• Capacity is the number of bytes a storage medium

can hold

Page 354 39
Figure 7-2
Storage

• A storage device is the computer hardware that

records and/or retrieves items to and from
storage media
Reading is the process
of transferring items
from a storage medium
into memory

Writing is the process of

transferring items from
memory to a storage
medium
Page 354 40
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Storage

• Access time measures:

– The amount of time it
takes a storage device to
locate an item on a
storage medium
– The time required to
deliver an item from
memory to the
processor

Page 355 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7 41

Figure 7-4
Hard Disks

• A hard disk contains one or more inflexible, circular platters

that use magnetic particles to store data, instructions, and
information

Page 355 42
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Figure 7-5
Hard Disks

• Hard disks can

store data using
longitudinal
recording or
perpendicular
recording

Page 356 43
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Figure 7-6
Hard Disks

Page 359 44
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Figure 7-12
Hard Disks

• RAID (redundant array of independent disks) is a

group of two or more integrated hard disks
• A network attached storage (NAS) device is a
server connected to a network with the sole
purpose of providing storage

Page 360 45
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Figure 7-13
Hard Disks

An external hard disk is a separate free-

standing hard disk that connects to your
computer with a cable or wirelessly

A removable hard disk is a hard disk that

you insert and remove from a drive

Internal and external hard disks are available

in miniature sizes (miniature hard disks)
Pages 360 – 361 46
Figures 7-14 – 7-15 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Hard Disks

• Formatting is the process of dividing the disk into tracks

and sectors so that the operating system can store and
locate data and information on the disk

Page 357 47
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Figure 7-7
Hard Disks

• A head crash occurs when a read/write head

touches the surface of a platter
• Always keep a backup of your hard disk

Pages 358 – 359 48

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Figure 7-11
Hard Disks

• A disk controller consists of a special-purpose chip and

electronic circuits that control the transfer of data,
instructions, and information from a disk to and from the
system bus and other components of the computer

SATA EIDE

SCSI SAS
Pages 361 - 362 49
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Flash Memory Storage

• A memory card is a removable flash memory

device that you insert and remove from a slot in a
computer, mobile device, or card reader/writer
Secure Digital
CompactFlash Secure Digital
High Capacity microSD
(CF) (SD)
(SDHC)

xD Picture Memory Stick

microSDHC Memory Stick
Card Micro (M2)

Page 364 50
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Flash Memory Storage

Pages 364 – 365 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7 51

Figures 7-18 – 7-19
Flash Memory Storage

• Flash memory chips are a type of solid state

media and contain no moving parts
• Solid state drives (SSDs) have several advantages
over magnetic hard disks:

Generate less heat and

Faster access time Faster transfer rates Last longer
consume less power

Pages 362 - 363 52

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Flash Memory Storage

• USB flash drives plug into a USB port on a

computer or mobile device

Page 367 53
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Figure 7-21
Flash Memory Storage

• An ExpressCard module
is a removable device
that fits in an
ExpressCard slot
• Developed by the
PCMCIA
• Commonly used in
notebook computers

Page 367 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7 54

Figure 7-22
Cloud Storage

• Cloud storage is an Internet service that provides

storage to computer users

Page 368 55
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Figure 7-23
Cloud Storage

Page 368 56
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Figure 7-24
Cloud Storage

• Users subscribe to cloud storage for a variety of

reasons:
Access files from any computer

Store large files instantaneously

Allow others to access their files

View time-critical data and images immediately

Store offsite backups

Provide data center functions

Page 369 57
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Optical Discs

• An optical disc consists of a flat, round, portable

disc made of metal, plastic, and lacquer that is
written and read by a laser
• Typically store software, data, digital photos,
movies, and music
• Read only vs. rewritable

Page 370 58
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 7
Figure 7-25
Networks and the Internet

• A network is a
collection of computers
and devices connected
together, often
wirelessly, via
communications
devices and
transmission media

Pages 10 - 11 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 59

Figure 1-6
Networks and the Internet

• The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that

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

Page 11 60
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-7
Networks and the Internet

• People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:

Communicate Research and Shop Bank and Invest Online Trading

Access Information

Entertainment Download Videos Share Information Web Application

Pages 12 - 13 61
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-8
Networks and the Internet

• A social networking Web site encourages

members to share their interests, ideas, stories,
photos, music, and videos with other registered
users

Page 14 62
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-9
Computer Software

• Software, also called a program, tells the

computer what tasks to perform and how to
perform them
System Software
• Operating system
• Utility program

Application Software

Pages 15 - 16 63
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-10 - 1-11
Application Software

• Application software consists of programs

designed to make users more productive and/or
assist with personal tasks
To make business activities more efficient

To assist with graphics and multimedia projects

To support home, personal, and educational tasks

To facilitate communications
Page 142 64
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 3
Application Software

Page 142 65
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 3
Figure 3-1
Application Software

• Available in a variety of forms:

Packaged Custom Web
software software application

Open source
Shareware Freeware
software

Public-domain
software

Pages 142 – 143 66

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 3
Application Software

• System software serves as the interface between

the user, the application software, and the
computer’s hardware
– Utility programs

Page 143 67
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 3
Figure 3-2
Business Software

• Business software is application software that

assists people while performing business activities
Word
Spreadsheet Database Presentation
Processing

Personal Business Business

Note Taking Information Software for Software
Manager Phones Suites

Enterprise
Project Document
Accounting Computing
Management Management
Software
Page 146 68
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 3
Graphics and Multimedia Software

Page 159 69
Figure 3-19
Computer Software

• Installing is the process of setting up software to

work with the computer, printer, and other
hardware

Pages 16 - 17 70
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-12
Computer Software

• A programmer develops
software or writes the
instructions that direct
the computer to
process data into
information

Page 18 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 71

Figure 1-13
Operating Systems

• An operating system (OS) is a set of programs containing

instructions that work together to coordinate all the
activities among computer hardware resources
Start and shut
Provide a user Manage Manage
down a
interface programs memory
computer

Establish an
Coordinate Configure Monitor
Internet
tasks devices performance
connection

Provide Automatically Control a Administer

utilities update network security

Pages 398 - 399 Discovering Computers 2012: 72

Operating System Functions

• The process of starting or restarting a computer is

called booting
Cold boot Warm boot

• Turning on • Using the

a computer operating
that has system to
been restart a
powered off computer
completely

Page 400 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 8 73

Figure 8-2
Operating System Functions

A boot drive is the drive from

which your computer starts
•You can boot from a boot disk
•A recovery disk contains a few system
files that will start the computer
Page 402 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 8 74
Operating System Functions

• An operating system includes various shut down

options

Sleep mode saves any open

documents and programs to Hibernate saves any open
RAM, turns off all unneeded documents and programs to
functions, and then places a hard disk before removing
the computer in a low- power from the computer
power state

Page 402 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 8 75

Categories of Computers
Personal computers

Mobile computers and mobile devices

Game consoles

Servers

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Page 19 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 76

Personal Computers

• A personal computer can perform all of its input,

processing, output, and storage activities by itself
• Two popular architectures are the PC and the
Apple
– Desktop computer

Pages 19 - 20 77
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-15 - 1-16
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Mobile Mobile
Computer Device
Personal computer you Computing device small
can carry from place to enough to hold in your
place hand

Examples include smart

Examples include
phones and PDAs, e-
notebook computers,
book readers, handheld
laptop computers,
computers, portable
netbooks, ultra-thins,
media players, and
and Tablet PCs
digital cameras

Pages 20 - 23 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 78

Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Notebook computer

Tablet PC

Smart phones and PDAs

E-book reader

Pages 20 - 22 79
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-17 – 1-20
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Handheld computer

Portable media player

Digital camera

Pages 22 - 23 80
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-21 – 1-23
Game Consoles

• A game console is a
mobile computing
device designed for
single-player or
multiplayer video
games

Page 24 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 81

Figure 1-24
Servers

• A server controls access

to the hardware,
software, and other
resources on a network
– Provides a centralized
storage area for
programs, data, and
information

Page 25 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 82

Figure 1-25
Mainframes

• A mainframe is a large,
expensive, powerful
computer that can
handle hundreds or
thousands of connected
users simultaneously

Page 25 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 83

Figure 1-26
Supercomputers

• A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful

computer
– Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing
more than one quadrillion instructions in a single
second

Page 25 84
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-27
Embedded Computers

• An embedded computer is a special-purpose

computer that functions as a component in a
larger product
Consumer Home Automation Process Controllers Computer Devices
Automobiles
Electronics Devices and Robotics and Office Machines
• Mobile and digital • Thermostats • Antilock brakes • Remote monitoring • Keyboards
telephones • Sprinkling systems • Engine control systems • Printers
• Digital televisions • Security modules • Power monitors • Faxes
• Cameras monitoring systems • Airbag controller • Machine • Copiers
• Video recorders • Appliances • Cruise control controllers
• DVD players and • Lights • Medical devices
recorders
• Answering
machines

Page 26 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 85

Embedded Computers

Page 26 86
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-28
Elements of an Information System

Hardware Software Data

People Procedures

Page 27 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 87

Elements of an Information System

Page 27 88
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-29
Examples of Computer Usage

Home User Small Office/Home Mobile User

• Personal financial Office User • Connect to other computers
management • Look up information on a network or the Internet
• Web access • Send and receive e-mail • Transfer information
• Communications messages • Play video games
• Entertainment • Make telephone calls • Listen to music
• Watch movies

Pages 28 – 31 89
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-30 – 1-32
Examples of Computer Usage

Power User Enterprise User

• Work with multimedia • Communicate among
• Use industry-specific employees
software • Process high volumes
of transactions
• Blog

Pages 31 – 32 90
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-33 – 1-34
Computer Applications in Society

Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
Pages 34 - 36 91
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-36 – 1-39
Computer Applications in Society

Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing
Pages 36 - 38 92
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-40 – 1-43
Summary

Basic computer Components of a

concepts computer

Many different
categories of
Networks, the Internet,
computers, computer
and computer software
users, and computer
applications in society
Page 39 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 93
Discovering
Computers 2012
Your Interactive Guide
to the Digital World
Chapter 1 Complete