Discovering computers 2006
----A gateway to information
Chapter 1 Introduction to Computers
Chapter 1 Objectives
Recognize the importance of computer literacy Identify the various types of software Define the term computer and identify its components Describe the categories of computers Explain why a computer is a powerful tool Recognize the purpose of a network Discuss the uses of the Internet and the World Wide Web Recognize the difference between installing and running a program
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Determine how the elements of an information system interact Identify the various types of computer users Discuss computer applications in society
A World of Computers
What is computer literacy?
Knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses
Computers are everywhere
What Is a Computer?
How is a computer defined?
Electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory
The computer
first, Accepts data such as raw facts, figures, and symbol then, Processes data into information (Data that is organized, meaningful, and useful ) finally, Produces and stores results
What is the information processing cycle?
Input Process
Output
Storage
Communication
The Components of a Computer
What is an _____ input device?
Hardware used to enter data and instructions
The Components of a Computer
What is an ______ output device?
Hardware that conveys information to a user
The Components of a Computer
What is the system unit?
Box-like case containing electronic components used to process data
What is the magical inside the black box?
Memory card
Video Card
Power Supply
Sound Card 9
The Components of a Computer
What are two main components on the motherboard?
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Also called a processor Carries out instructions that tell computer what to do
Memory
Temporary holding place for data and instructions
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The Components of a Computer
What is 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
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Storage device
What is a floppy disk?
Thin, circular, flexible disk enclosed in rigid plastic shell
A Zip disk looks similar but has much greater storage capability (=170 floppy disk)
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The Components of a Computer
What is a hard disk?
Provides much greater storage capacity than a floppy disk or Zip disk Housed inside the system unit
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The Components of a Computer
What is a compact disc?
Flat, round, portable metal disc
CD-ROM CD-RW Capacity: 673~768 MB
DVD-ROM DVD+RW
Capacity:4.7 ~ 17.1 GB
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The Components of a Computer
What is miniature storage media?
Portable, thin memory cards used in:
Digital cameras
Handheld computers
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Why Is a Computer So Powerful?
What makes a computer powerful?
Speed Reliability
Accuracy
Storage
Communications
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Networks and the Internet
What is a network?
Collection of computers and devices connected together
Communications Device
Communications Media
Cables Telephone lines Cellular radio Satellites
Enables a connection between computers One type is a modem
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Networks and the Internet
Why do we need network?
To share
Resources Hardware devices
Software programs
To save Data time Information and money
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Networks and the Internet
What is a server?
Manages the resources on a network A client accesses the resources on the server
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Networks and the Internet
What is the Internet?
Worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of computers
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Networks and the Internet
Why do users access the Internet?
1. Communications 2. Information 3. Shopping 4. Banking and Investing 5. Classes
6. Entertainment
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Networks and the Internet
What is the World Wide Web (WWW)?
Billions of documents, called Web pages, available to anyone connected to the Internet
A Web site is a collection of related Web pages
A Web page contains text, graphics, sound, video, and links to other Web pages
You can share information by creating Web pages or posting photos on a photo community
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Computer Software
How do you install and run a software program?
A program is a series of instructions that tells the computer what to do
Step 2. Install the
software program by instruction in the disc, then run the program
Step 1.
Insert the program disc into the CD-ROM drive
Step 3. The program executes
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Computer Software
What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?
Allows you to interact with the software using graphics and icons
Controls how you enter data and how the screen displays information
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Computer Software
What is system software?
Programs that control the operations of the computer and its devices
Operating System (OS)
is a set of programs that coordinates all activities among computer hardware devices and allows users to run application software
Utility Programs allow the user to
perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs
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Computer Software
What is application software?
Programs that perform specific tasks for users
Suite
Popular software applications bundled together as a single unit
Word Processing Database Spreadsheet Presentation Graphics
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Computer Software
What is a programmer?
Someone who develops application or system software
Programmer writes instructions to direct computer to process data into information
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Categories of Computers
What are the categories of computers? Personal computers (desktop) Mobile computers and mobile devices Midrange servers Mainframe computers Supercomputers
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Personal Computers
What are the two most popular series of personal computers?
PC and compatibles use the Windows operating system
Apple Macintosh uses the Macintosh operating system (Mac OS)
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Personal Computers
What is a desktop computer?
Designed so all of the components fit on or under a desk or table
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Personal Computers
What is a notebook computer?
Portable, small enough to fit on your lap(2 lbs to 9 lbs ) Also called a laptop Generally more expensive than a desktop computer
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Handheld Computers
What is a tablet PC?
Resembles a letter-sized slate Allows you to write on the screen using a stylus Smaller version is the modular computer
What are Web-enabled handheld computers?
Allow you to check e-mail and access the Internet Web-enabled telephone is a smart phone
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Handheld Computers
What is a personal digital assistant (PDA)?
Provides personal organizer functions
Calendar Appointment book Address book Calculator Notepad
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Servers
What types of servers are there?
Midrange server Powerful, large computer that supports up to a few thousand computers 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
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Elements of an Information System
What are information system elements ?
People Procedures Data Software Hardware
Step 1. People develop procedures for processing data
Step 2. People use software to enter data into computer (hardware)
Step 3. Software processes data and directs hardware to store and or output information
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Examples of Computer Usage
What are five categories of computer users?
Home
Small Office/ Home Office (SOHO)
Mobile
Large Business
Power
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Examples of Computer Usage
What software is available for a home user?
Web access
Entertainment Communications Personal finance management
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Examples of Computer Usage
What software is available for a small office/home office (SOHO) user?
Local area network (LAN)
Productivity software Specialty software Web usage E-mail
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Examples of Computer Usage
What is available for a mobile user?
Notebook computers
Hardware
Software
Productivity Presentation Personal information manager
Handheld computers
Web-enabled cellular phones
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Examples of Computer Usage
What are the needs of the large business user?
Web access Public kiosk Telecommuting Network Productivity software Scheduling
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Examples of Computer Usage
What are the needs of a power user?
Speed and large amounts of storage Types of power users
Engineers Architects Desktop publishers Graphic artists
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Computer Applications in Society
What are some examples of computer applications in society?
Education Finance Government Healthcare Science Publishing Travel Industry
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