Chapter 1 Introduction to Computers

A World of Computers Notable Technology Prognostications “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM, 1943 “Computers in the future may weigh no more than one and a half tons.” Popular Mechanics, 1949 “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” Ken Olson, President of DEC, 1977

Overview Explain Computer Literacy Define Computer Identify Computer Components Differentiate Computer Platforms Advantages and Disadvantages

A World of Computers What is computer literacy? Knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses Dynamic definition p. 4-5 Fig. 1-1 Next

Literacy The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn. Alvin Toffler Born 1923 –technology and its impact

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 Produces and stores information Data that is organized, meaningful, and useful p. 6 Next

How Computers Work I use this slide to explain that the term computer can also refer to the CPU itself. It’s an old slide, but I want to show students that even though the hardware changes, the way a computer basically works doesn’t.

Hardware Input Devices Used to Enter Data & Instructions Keyboard Mouse Scanner Digital Camera Video Camera Microphone

Hardware Output Devices Conveys Information to User Monitor Printer Speakers

Hardware System Unit Box-like Device that contains electronic components Connected to Motherboard How does a tower differ?

Hardware Storage Holds Data & Instructions for Future Use Media Device Physical Material Device Reads / Writes Data

Microcomputers What are the two most popular styles of desktop computers? PC and compatibles use the Windows operating system Apple Macintosh usually uses the Macintosh operating system (Mac OS X) Click to view Web Link, click Chapter 1, Click Web Link from left navigation, then click Personal Computers below Chapter 1 p. 19 Figs. 1-15–1-16 Next

Computer Platforms Platform Size Users Price Microcomputer (PC) Desk 1 < $5,000 Mobile Lap / Hand Game Console 1 – 2+ < $1,000 Embedded Miniature Included in Item Price Server Cabinet 2 – 1,000 $1,000 - $1,000,000 Mainframe Room 100 – 1,000+ $300,000 - $1,000,000+ Sabre = 14000/s Supercomputer $1,000,000 + Kasparov Embedded – user has no control; microprocessor that works in larger product such as home automation devices; cars; office machines 13

Platforms Mobile Computers Notebook Formerly Laptop Tablet

Platforms Mobile Computers PDA Smart Phone Handheld i-Phone

Game Consoles What are game consoles? Mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games Next

Servers What types of servers are there? A network server controls access to network resources and provides centralized storage Mainframe Very powerful, expensive computer that supports thousands of connected users Supercomputer The fastest, most powerful, most expensive computer. Used for applications requiring complex mathematical calculations Next

Embedded Computers What is an embedded computer? A special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product component component larger product component p. 24 Fig. 1-26 Next

Embedded Computers Page 26 Figure 1-28

Software Programs Series of Instructions Tells Computer What to Do

Data and Programs Data $ 90.52 Program $ Information 2 . 5 9

AUDIO TEXT Types of Data GRAPHICS VIDEO characters or numbers any sound including speech and music TEXT characters or numbers VIDEO GRAPHICS Computer-generated images Motion images

Advantages Computer Advantages Speed Reliability Consistency Storage Communications

Disadvantages Computer Disadvantages Violation of Privacy Crime Impact on Labor Force Health Risks Impact on Environment

Industry Applications Education Distance Learning Finance Online Banking & Investing, Tax Prep Government 911 Dispatching, FBI Healthcare Electronic Patient Records, telemedicine

Industry Applications Publishing E-books, PDF Manuals, MP3s Travel Navigation Systems, Reservations, E-tickets Manufacturing Production, Inventory, Quality Control

Examples of Computer Usage What software is available for a home user? Personal finance management Web access Communications Entertainment Click to view Web Link, click Chapter 1, Click Web Link from left navigation, then click Women in Technology below Chapter 1 Click to view Web Link, click Chapter 1, Click Web Link from left navigation, then click Minorities in Technology below Chapter 1 Next p. 26 Fig. 1-28

Examples of Computer Usage What software is available for a small office/home office (SOHO) user? Productivity software Specialty software Web usage E-mail p. 28 Fig. 1-30 Next

Examples of Computer Usage What is available for a mobile user? Hardware Notebook computers Tablet PCs Internet-enabled PDAs Smart phones Software Word processing Spreadsheet Presentation graphics software p. 29 Fig. 1-31 Next

Examples of Computer Usage What are the needs of a power user? Speed and large amounts of storage Types of power users Engineers Scientists Architects Desktop publishers Graphic artists p. 29 Fig. 1-32 Next

Examples of Computer Usage What are the needs of the large business user? Payroll Inventory E-commerce Desktop publishing p. 30 Figs. 1-33 Next

Summary of Introduction to Computers Basic computer concepts The uses of the Internet The term, computer Computer software The components of a computer Categories of computers The advantages and disadvantages of using computers Types of computer users The purpose of a network Computer applications in society Chapter 1 Complete