Introduction to Computers Chapter 1 Introduction to Computers

OBJECTIVES Recognize the importance of computer literacy Identify the components of a computer Discuss the uses of the Internet and World Wide Web Identify the categories of software Describe the categories of computers Identify the types of computer users Discuss various computer applications in society

A World of Computers What is computer literacy? Knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses

What Is a Computer? Electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory Processes data into information Data that is organized, meaningful, and useful Accepts data Raw facts, figures, and symbols Produces and stores results

Advantages of Using Computers Speed Reliability Consistency Storage Communications

Disadvantages of Using Computers Violation of Privacy Impact on Labor Force Health Risks Impact on Environment

Information processing cycle What is the information processing cycle? Input Process Output Storage Communication

The Components of a Computer Input Devices Output Devices System Unit Storage Devices Communication Devices

1. Input Devices Hardware used to enter data and instructions Widely used input devices: Keyboard Mouse Microphone Scanner Digital Camera PC Video Camera

2. Output Devices Hardware that conveys information to one or more people Common output devices: Printer Monitor Speakers

3. System Unit Case containing electronic components used to process data. Motherboard or Circuit Board. 2 Components of Motherboard: Central Processing Unit (CPU) Memory

CPU & Memory Processor Memory The electronic component that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer. Memory Consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions

4. 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 Examples Hard Disks USB Flash Drives CD DVD

5. Communications device Hardware component that enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information E.g.: Modem Occurs over cables, telephone lines, cellular radio networks (wireless), satellites (wireless), and other transmission media.

Networks and the Internet A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together. Allow computers to share resources: Hardware Software Data Information

Internet Worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals. Web Billions of documents, called Web pages, available to anyone connected to the Internet

Internet Uses? Communications Information Shopping Banking & Investing Education Entertainment Sharing information

Software Also called Program Consists of a series of instructions that tells the computer what to do. 2 Types: System Software Application Software

System Software Programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices Serve as interface between user, the application software & computer’s hardware 2 Types: Operating System Utility Program

Operating System is a set of programs that coordinates all activities among computer hardware devices and allows users to run application software. Examples of operating systems for personal computers include Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS , and Unix.

Utility Program allow the user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs Control Panel ISS Computer Management

Application Software Programs that perform specific tasks for users Example: Web browsers Word Processors Database Management Project management DTP Web Design

Computer Software System Software Application Software Operating System Utility Programs

Categories of Computers Personal Computers Mobile Computers/Devices Game Consoles Servers Mainframes Supercomputers Embedded Computers

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

Mobile Computers Notebooks/Laptops Tablet PC PDA Smart Phones

Game Consoles Mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games

Servers What types of servers are there? A server controls access to network resources and provides centralized storage 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

Embedded Computers A special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product

Computer Usage What are five categories of computer users? Home User Small Office/Home Office User Mobile User Power User Large Business User

Home User What software is available for a home user? Personal Finance Management Web access Communications Entertainment

Small Office User What software is available for a small office/home office (SOHO) user? Productivity software Specialty software Web usage E-mail

Mobile User Hardware Software Notebook computers PDAs Smart phones Tablet PCs Software Word processing Spreadsheet Presentation graphics software

Power User What are the needs of a power user? Speed and large amounts of storage Types of power users Engineers Architects Desktop publishers Graphic artists

Large Business Users What are the needs of the large business user? Payroll Inventory E-commerce Desktop publishing

Computer Applications in Society Education Finance Government Health Care Science Publishing Travel Manufacturing

Chapter Summary The computer and its components Categories of computers What is a network? Types of computer users The Internet and the World Wide Web Types of software

Questions?