1. Unit 1—Computer Basics Lesson 1 Understanding Computers and Computer Literacy

2. Computer Concepts BASICS - 2 Objectives Discuss the history of computers. Define the term computer and describe a computer system. Describe the five computer classification categories.

3. Computer Concepts BASICS - 3 Objectives (cont.) Describe the two types of computer software. Describe communications and networks. Identify how we use computers and technology in our daily lives

4. Computer Concepts BASICS - 4 Introducing Computers Computers are considered one of the most important conventions of the 20 th century. Their widespread use affects us individually and as a society.

5. Computer Concepts BASICS - 5 A Brief History of the Computer The first computers were developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s. In 1971, Dr. Ted Hoff developed the microprocessor. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak built the first Apple computer in 1976. The IBM PC was introduced in 1981.

6. Computer Concepts BASICS - 6 What Is a Computer? A computer is an electronic device that Receives data (input) Processes the data it receives Stores the data in memory or on some storage device, such as a disk or CD Outputs information on a device, such as a monitor or printer

7. Computer Concepts BASICS - 7 What Is a Computer System? A computer system includes hardware, software, data, information, and people. Hardware: The machine including the wires, transistors, and so on Software: Instructions or programs that control the computer Data: Text, numbers, sound, images, video Information: Output People: Users of the computer

8. Computer Concepts BASICS - 8 The Processing Cycle of a Computer This figure shows the typical processing cycle of a computer. Once it receives a set of data, the computer processes it and produces a result at the end of the cycle.

9. Computer Concepts BASICS - 9 Are Computers Intelligent? As complex as some computers may be, they all essentially perform two operations: Arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division Logical operations, such as comparing two values and taking some action based on the result of the comparison Greater than, less than, or equal to

10. Computer Concepts BASICS - 10 What Makes a Computer So Powerful? Although computers perform only basic operations, they Perform those functions very quickly Produce accurate and reliable results Store large amounts of data Provide versatility through various applications Share resources with other computers Are becoming more powerful and easier to use

11. Computer Concepts BASICS - 11 Classifying Computers Two categories of computers: Special purpose Used to control devices, such as radar detection or a microwave oven General purpose Five categories based on size, function, cost, and performance

12. Computer Concepts BASICS - 12 General-Purpose Computers Desktop: Personal computer in which all components fit on or under a desk Mobile: Personal computers, such as notebook computers and tablet PCs Mid-range server: Used by medium- sized companies; generally supports hundreds of users

13. Computer Concepts BASICS - 13 General-Purpose Computers (cont.) Mainframes: Large, very expensive machines that can support thousands of users; used by large corporations Supercomputers: Used for specialized operations requiring mathematical operations

14. Computer Concepts BASICS - 14 Types of Personal Computers Desktop Computer Notebook Handheld

15. Computer Concepts BASICS - 15 Computer Software Two basic types Application: Performs specific tasks for users (example: word processing) System: Software that controls the computer’s operating system (example: Microsoft Windows)

16. Computer Concepts BASICS - 16 Electronic Communications Electronic communication is the technology that allows computers to talk to each other and to other devices.

17. Computer Concepts BASICS - 17 Electronic Communications (cont.) The four components of electronic communication are Sender: The computer sending a message Receiver: The computer receiving the message Channel: The media that carries the message Protocol: The rules that govern the processing of a message between computers

18. Computer Concepts BASICS - 18 Electronic Communication Components Computer A sends a message to Computer B. The message travels via the channel, following the rules defined by the protocol being used so that each computer can understand the message.

19. Computer Concepts BASICS - 19 Network Systems A network consists of multiple computers connected to each other to share data and resources. Data and software programs usually are stored on a central computer called a server. When network computers are located in the same general area, such as the same building or a department, it is called a local area network.

20. Computer Concepts BASICS - 20 A Typical Network Layout In a typical network layout, the client or user computers are connected to a hub, which also is connected to the server. Client or user computers Data and programs are stored on the server. All clients can access data and pro- grams through the server and can access the printer attached to the server. Hub

21. Computer Concepts BASICS - 21 Other Types of Networks Some other types of networks in common use today are as follows: Intranet: This is a network that may be set up for employees of a business or students at a university that is not accessible to users outside of those institutions. Extranet: This typically is an intranet that allows certain users, such as suppliers or customers, to access the internal network.

22. Computer Concepts BASICS - 22 The Internet The Internet evolved from a government research project that enabled the military and scientists around the world to share information. Today, it is the largest network in the world. Millions of people use it daily. It is a critical and valuable business tool used by businesses of all sizes.

23. Computer Concepts BASICS - 23 Technology for Everyday Life Examples of the ways in which our lives are affected by computers daily: Electronic security systems Games Government research operations Computerized appliances

24. Computer Concepts BASICS - 24 Computers in Our Future Computers of the future will be Less expensive More powerful More people will work from home. Wireless devices will be commonplace.

25. Computer Concepts BASICS - 25 Summary Computers have been around for more than 60 years. A computer is an electronic device that receives data, processes data, and produces information. A computer derives its power from its speed, reliability, accuracy, storage, and communications capability.

26. Computer Concepts BASICS - 26 Summary (cont.) Computer classifications include personal computers (desktop and notebook), mobile devices, mid-range servers, mainframes, and supercomputers. The two basic types of software are application software and system software. Electronic communications enable computers to communicate with each other and other devices.

27. Computer Concepts BASICS - 27 Summary (cont.) A network is a group of two or more connected computers, an intranet is a closed network within an organization, and an extranet is a closed network for an organization and its customers and suppliers. The Internet is the world’s largest network.

28. Computer Concepts BASICS - 28 Summary (cont.) Computers and technology affect almost every facet of our daily lives. Computers in our future will be more powerful and less expensive. Computer literacy is the ability to use a computer and its software to accomplish practical tasks.