1. Chapter 1 : INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
COMPUTERS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING (CSC134)
Chapter 1 : INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

2. Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and information.
Describe the five components of a computer.
Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each category
Describe the uses of computer in society.
Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

3. A World of Computers
Computers are everywhere : at work, at school, and at home

4. Today’s Technology
Because technology changes, you must keep up with the changes to remain digitally literate
Computer literacy, or Digital literacy involves having a current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web, and related technologies

5. Learning Objective #1
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and information.
Describe the five components of a computer.
Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each category
Describe the uses of computer in society.
Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

6. Produces information (output)
What is a Computer?
A 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.
Information processing cycle is the series of input, process, output, and storage activities.
Produces information (output)
Processing
Collects data (input)

7. Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
What is a Computer?
Computers process data into information.
Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video.
Information conveys meaning and is useful to people.
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

8. Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
What is a Computer?
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

9. Learning Objective #2
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and information.
Describe the five components of a computer.
Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each category
Describe the uses of computer in society.
Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

10. The Components of a Computer
Hardware
Software
Computer

11. The Components of a Computer
A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware
Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer
Input Device
Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people
Output Device
Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data
System Unit
Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media
Storage Device
Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices
Communications Device

12. The Components of a Computer

13. 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
General-purposed
Specialized
Apps

14. Computer Software
Installing is the process of setting up software to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware.

15. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers
Speed
Reliability
Consistency
Storage
Communications
Health Risks
Violation of Privacy
Public Safety
Impact on Labor Force
Impact on Environment

16. Advantages of Using Computers
Speed
data, instructions, and information flow along electronic circuits in a computer at incredibly fast speeds.
Reliability
dependable and reliable because they rarely break or fail.
Consistency
produce the same results — consistently, generate error-free results
Storage
store enormous amounts of data and make this data available for processing anytime it is needed.
Communications
computers can communicate with other computers, often wirelessly, and allow users to communicate with one another.

17. Disadvantages of Using Computers
Violation of Privacy
not protected properly, individuals have found their privacy violated and identities stolen.
Public Safety
computer users have fallen victim to crimes committed by dangerous strangers.
Impact on Labor Force
created an entire industry with hundreds of thousands of new jobs, the skills of millions of employees have been replaced by computers.
Health Risks
prolonged or improper computer use can lead to health injuries or disorders - computer addiction and technology overload.
Impact on Environment
computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are depleting natural resources and polluting the environment.

18. 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

19. Networks and the Internet
A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communications devices and transmission media

20. Networks and the Internet
The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals

21. Networks and the Internet
People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:
Communicate
Research and Access Information
Shop
Bank and Invest
Online Trading
Entertainment
Download Videos
Share Information
Web Application

22. 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
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

23. Learning Objective #3
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and information.
Describe the five components of a computer.
Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each category
Describe the uses of computer in society.
Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

24. Types of Computer Supercomputers Mainframe computers
Midrange computers
Personal computers

25. Mobile Computers & Mobile Devices
Types of Computers
Computer Types
Supercomputers
Mainframe Computers
Midrange Computers
Personal Computers
Mobile Computers & Mobile Devices
Game Consoles
Embedded Computers

26. Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
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
Figure 1-27
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

27. Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Mainframe Computers
A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously
occupy specially wired, air-conditioned rooms and capable of great processing speeds and data storage
Page 25
Figure 1-26
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

28. Midrange Computers
A midrange computers or servers are computers with processing capabilities less powerful than a mainframe computer yet more powerful than a personal computer.
controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network
provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information

29. Personal Computers
A personal computer can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself.
There are five types of personal computers: desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and wearables.

30. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Personal computer you can carry from place to place
Examples include notebook computers, laptop computers, netbooks, ultra-thins, and Tablet PCs
Mobile Computer
Computing device small enough to hold in your hand
Examples include smart phones and PDAs, e-book readers, handheld computers, portable media players, and digital cameras
Mobile Device

31. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Notebook computer
Tablet PC
Smart phones and PDAs
E-book reader

32. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Handheld computer
Portable media player
Digital camera
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

33. Game Consoles
A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games

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

35. Embedded Computers

36. Types of Computers

37. Learning Objective #4
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and information.
Describe the five components of a computer.
Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each category
Describe the uses of computer in society.
Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

38. Examples of Computer Usage
Home User
Personal financial management
Web access
Communications
Entertainment
Small Office/Home Office User
Look up information
Send and receive messages
Make telephone calls
Mobile User
Connect to other computers on a network or the Internet
Transfer information
Play video games
Listen to music
Watch movies

39. Examples of Computer Usage
Power User
Work with multimedia
Use industry-specific software
Enterprise User
Communicate among employees
Process high volumes of transactions
Blog

40. Computer Applications in Society
Education
Finance
Government
Health Care

41. Computer Applications in Society
Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing

42. Learning Objective #5
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and information.
Describe the five components of a computer.
Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each category
Describe the uses of computer in society.
Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

43. Elements of an Information System
Hardware
includes keyboard, mouse, display, system unit, tablets, smartphones, and other devices.
Software
provides step-by step instructions for computer hardware.
Data
consists of unprocessed facts including text, numbers, images, and sounds.
People
are end users who use computers to make themselves more productive
Procedures
specify rules or guidelines for computer operations.
Internet
allows computers to connect to people and other computers.

44. Elements of an Information System

45. Learning Objective #6
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and information.
Describe the five components of a computer.
Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each category
Describe the uses of computer in society.
Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

46. Computer Support Specialist Network Administrator
Careers in IT
Develops and maintains websites and web resources
Webmaster
Analyzes users’ needs and creates application software
Software Engineer
Provides technical support to customers and other users
Computer Support Specialist
Repairs and install computer components and systems
Computer Technician
Prepares instruction manuals, technical reports, and other scientific or technical documents
Technical Writer
Creates and maintains computer networks
Network Administrator

47. Security, Privacy & Ethics
A Look to the Future
Using and Understanding Information Technology
Internet & Web
browse the Web, communicate with others, locate Information, etc.
Powerful Software
create professional looking documents, analyze massive amounts of data, create dynamic multimedia pages, and more.
Internet & Web - browse the Web, communicate with others, locate Information, etc.
Powerful Software - create professional looking documents, analyze massive amounts of data, create dynamic multimedia pages, and more.
Powerful Hardware – more powerful & robust, new technologies such as wireless networks & their impact to connect, equipment can be dynamic vs. essential features of devices remain unchanged
Security, Privacy & Ethics – need to be careful of the negative potential effect.
Organizations – rely on quality and flexibility to stay competitive
Changing Times – fast paced era and rapid change
Powerful Hardware
more powerful & robust, new technologies such as wireless networks & their impact to connect, equipment can be dynamic vs. essential features of devices remain unchanged
Security, Privacy & Ethics
need to be careful of the negative potential effect.
Organizations
rely on quality and flexibility to stay competitive
Changing Times
fast paced era and rapid change

48. Chapter Summary Basic computer concepts Components of computers
Types of computers
Uses of technology applications in society
Elements of information system
Career, opportunities, and future in IT.

49. References
Shelly, Gary B. and Misty E. Vermaat, Discovering Computers - Fundamentals 2012: Your Interactive Guide to the Digital World, Course Technology, Cengage Learning, 2012
O’Leary, Timothy and Linda O’Leary, Computing Essentials 2014 – Complete Edition, McGraw Hill, 2013