1. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Introduction to Computers
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

2. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
What Is A Computer ?
Computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data , process the data according to specified rules, produce results, and store the results for future use.
USER is anyone who communicates with a computer or utilizes the information.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

3. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Advantages
Speed.
Reliability.
Consistency.
Storage.
Communications.
Disadvantages
Violation of Privacy.
Impact on Labor Force.
Health Risks.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

4. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Information Processing Cycle:
Data is a collection of unprocessed item, which can include text, numbers, images, audio and video.
Information conveys meaning and useful to people.
Information processing Procedures that convert input data to output information.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

5. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Information Processing Cycle:
Computers read incoming data called input , process the data, and display outgoing information called output.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

6. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
components of computers:
1-Hardware-
A group of machines in a computer system.
2-Software (programs) –
The instructions that tell the computer what to do and how to do it.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

7. Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
The Components Of A Hardware:
Input Devices and Output Devices.
System Unit.
Storage Devices.
Communications Devices.
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8. Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
Chapter 1
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

9. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
The Components of Software:
There are two categories of software :
System Software: Consists of programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. It’s serves as interface between the user and the computer
Application software: consists of programs designed to assist users with personal tasks.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

10. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
System Software
Operating system
Utility Program
Is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer HW devices.
It provides a means for users to communicate with the computer and other SW
EX: windows XP, DOS
To perform maintenance-tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

11. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Application software
Custom programs
Packaged programs
Off-the-shelf
EX : Word, RealPlayer
Developed specifically for one user
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

12. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Categories Of Computers
Personal Computer
Mobile Computer And Mobile Devices
Game Consoles
Servers
Mainframes
Supercomputers
Embedded computers
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

13. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Personal Computers (PC)
It’s a computer that can perform all of its input,
processing, output and storage activities by itself.
There are 2 types of personal computer
Notebook Computers
-- Fits on your hand or lap.
Desktop Computers
-- Fits entirely on or under desk
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

14. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Mobile Computers And Mobile Devices
Mobile computers is a personal computer that you can carry from place to place.
Mobile Devices is a computing device, small enough to hold in your hand.
Usually store programs & data permanently on
memory inside the system unit
on small storage media such as memory card.
you can connect it to PC to exchange information.
Some Mobiles devices are Internet-enabled, its allow to connect to NET
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

15. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Mobile Computer
notebook computer
The most popular type of mobile computer is the notebook computer.
notebook computer (laptop): is a portable personal computer designed to fit on user lap.
Notebook computers are thin ,lightweight, and can be as powerful as PC.
Tablet PC
Is a special type of notebook computer that allow to write or draw on the screen using a digital pen.
Tablet PC are useful for taking notes in location where standard notebook computer is not practical.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

16. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Mobile Devices
Three types popular.
Handheld
Sometimes referred to as ultra personal computer (uPC) or handtop computer.
Is a computer small enough to fit in one hand
The screens are small.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

17. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
PDA (Personal digital assistant)
Is a mobile device that provide personal organizer functions such as a calendar, an appointment book, an address book, and calculator.
Offer a variety of other application SW such as word processor.
The primary input device of PDA is the stylus, which look like a small ballpoint pen.
Smart Phone
Is an internet-enabled telephone that usually also provides PDA capabilities
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

18. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Game Consoles
Designed for single-player or multiplayer video games.
Input device handheld controller
Output TV screen.
Storage Hard Disks, CDs, DVDs and memory cards.
2 popular models are
Microsoft's Xbox.
Sony’s Play station.
Handheld controller
Game console
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

19. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Game Consoles
Handheld game console. Fit in one hand.
The controls, screen and speaker built in.
Communicate wirelessly with other similar consoles.
Allow users to listen to music, watch movies and connect to Net
2 popular models
Nintendo’s Game Boy Micro
Sony’s PSP
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

20. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Servers
Controls access to HW, SW and other resources on a network.
Provides a centralized storage area for program, data, information.
Support from 2 to several thousand connected computers at the same time.
People use PC or terminals to access data, info., and programs on it.
Terminal is a device with monitor, keyboard and memory.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

21. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Mainframes
Is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected user simultaneously through a technique called Timesharing.
It store a huge amounts of data, instructions and information
ex. A timesharing system allows travel agents all over the country to make reservations using the same computer and the same flight information at the same time.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

22. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Mainframes
Most major corporations use mainframes for business activities.
Used by large organizations, such as banks and airlines, for big computing jobs.
Users communicate with a mainframe using a computer terminal.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

23. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Supercomputers
Is the fastest, most powerful computers and the most expensive.
Capable of processing more than 100 trillion instructions in a single second.
They are used mostly in scientific and industrial research, by the government, and by very large organizations for controlling their networks.
Weather forecasting, oil exploration, telephone network design,
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

24. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Embedded Computers
Special – purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product.
Usually are small & have limited hardware.
Functions depending on the requirements of the product in which they reside.
some of them designed to improve your safety, security and performance.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

25. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Embedded Computers
A variety of everyday products contain it:
Home automation devices.
Automobiles.
Computer devices and office machines.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University

26. Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1
Introduction to Computers
Questions Time
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King Saud University

27. Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
Checkpoint exercises
Chapter 1
complete
…. consist of a series of instructions that tell the computer what to do and how to do it.
A ……. is anyone who communicates with a computer.
A…. is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communications device and transmission media.
….. It’s serves as interface between the user and computer
A ….. Computer is a computer small enough to fit in one hand.
3 popular types of ….. Are handheld computers, PDAs, and smart phone.
…. Series of input, process, output and storage activities.
Copyright©2008 N.AlJaffan®KSU
King Saud University