1. Chapter 1
Introduction to
Computers
p. 6

2. What Is a Computer? How is a computer defined?
Electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory
Accepts data
Raw facts, figures, and symbols
Processes data into information
Data that is organized, meaningful, and useful
Produces and stores results
p. 6
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3. What Is a Computer? What is the information processing cycle? Input
Output
Storage
Communication
p. 6 Fig. 1-2
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4. The Components of a Computer
What is an input device?
Hardware used
to enter data
and instructions
Click to view Web Link, click Chapter 1, Click Web Link from left navigation,
then click Input Devices below Chapter 1
p. 7 Fig. 1-3
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5. The Components of a Computer
What is an output device?
Hardware that
conveys information to a user
Click to view Web Link, click Chapter 1, Click Web Link from left navigation,
then click Output Devices below Chapter 1
p. 8 Fig. 1-3
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6. The Components of a Computer
What is the system unit?
Box-like case
containing
electronic
components
used to process
data
p. 8 Fig. 1-3
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7. 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
p. 8
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8. 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
p. 8
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9. The Components of a Computer
What is storage media?
Digital cameras
Portable, thin memory cards used in:
Handheld computers
p. 8
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10. The Components of a Computer
What is a floppy disk?
Thin, circular, flexible disk enclosed in rigid plastic shell
A USB flash drive is portable, and has much greater storage capacity
p. 8 Fig. 1-4
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11. The Components of a Computer
What is a flash drive?
Provides much greater storage capacity than a floppy disk or Zip® disk
Small and lightweight enough to be transported on a keychain or in a pocket
p. 9 Fig. 1-5
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12. The Components of a Computer
What is a hard disk?
Provides much greater storage capacity than a floppy disk or USB flash drive
Housed inside the system unit
p. 9 Fig. 1-6
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13. The Components of a Computer
What is a compact disc?
Flat, round, portable metal disc
CD-ROM
CD-RW
DVD-ROM
DVD+RW
p. 9 Fig. 1-7
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14. Networks and the Internet
What is a network?
Collection of computers and devices connected together
Communications Device
Communications Media
Cables
Satellites
Enables a connection between computers
Cellular radio
Telephone lines
One type is a modem
p. 10
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15. Networks and the Internet
What are the reasons to network?
To share
Resources
Hardware devices
Software programs
To save time and money
Data
Information
p. 10
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16. Networks and the Internet
What is a server?
Manages the resources on a network
A client accesses the resources on the server
p. 10 Fig. 1-8
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17. Networks and the Internet
What is the Internet?
Worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of computers
Click to view Web Link, click Chapter 1, Click Web Link from left navigation,
then click Internet below Chapter 1
p. 11 Fig. 1-9
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18. Networks and the Internet
Why do users access the Internet?
Communications
Information
Shopping
Banking and Investing
Classes
Entertainment
p. 12 Fig. 1-10
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19. Networks and the Internet
What is the Web?
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
p. 13
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20. Computer Software How do you install a software program?
A program is a series of instructions that tells the computer what to do
Click to view Web Link, click Chapter 1, Click Web Link from left navigation,
then click Computer Programs below Chapter 1
p. 14 Fig. 1-13
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21. 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
p. 14 Fig. 1-14
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22. 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
p. 15
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23. Presentation Graphics
Computer Software
What is application software?
Programs that perform specific tasks for users
Word Processing
Spreadsheet
Database
Presentation Graphics
Click to view Web Link, click Chapter 1, Click Web Link from left navigation,
then click Application Software below Chapter 1
p. 16 Fig. 1-15
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24. Computer Software What is a programmer?
Javascript program
Someone who develops application or system software
Programmer writes instructions to direct computer to process data into information
Resulting Internet application
p. 17 Fig. 1-16
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25. Categories of Computers
What are the categories of computers?
Personal computers (desktop)
Mobile computers and mobile devices
Midrange servers
Mainframe computers
Supercomputers
p. 18
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26. Personal Computers
What are the two most popular series of personal computers?
Apple Macintosh uses the Macintosh operating system (Mac OS)
PC and compatibles use the Windows operating system
Click to view Web Link, click Chapter 1, Click Web Link from left navigation,
then click Personal Computers below Chapter 1
p. 19 Figs. 1-18–1-19
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27. Personal Computers What is a desktop computer?
Designed so all of the components fit on or under a desk or table
p. 19 Fig. 1-18
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28. Personal Computers What is a notebook computer?
Portable, small enough to fit on your lap
Also called a laptop computer
Generally more expensive than a desktop computer
Click to view Web Link, click Chapter 1, Click Web Link from left navigation,
then click Notebook Computers below Chapter 1
p. 20 Fig. 1-20
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29. Handheld Computers What is a tablet PC? Resembles a letter-sized slate
Allows you to write on the screen using a digital pen
Especially useful for taking notes
p. 20 Fig. 1-21
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30. Handheld Computers What are Web-enabled handheld computers?
Allow you to check and access the Internet
Web-enabled telephone is a “smart phone”
p. 21 Fig. 1-23
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31. Handheld Computers What is a handheld computer?
Small enough to fit in your hand
Used by mobile employees such as meter readers and delivery people
p. 21
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32. Handheld Computers What is a personal digital assistant (PDA)?
Provides personal organizer functions
Calendar
Appointment book
Address book
Calculator
Notepad
Click to view video
p. 21 Fig. 1-23
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