C1- Computers: Tools for an Information Age We are in an information age.

C1- Computers: Tools for an Information Age

We are in an information age

CORNERSTONES OF OUR ECONOMYHAS CHANGED!

Land Labor

Capital Information

• Bank withdrawal• Supermarket• Drive the car

Where used?

• From physical to mental

• From muscle-power to brain-power

Jobs

Forging a Computer-Based Society:

Do I need a Personal Computer? Will I use a computer in my future

career?

Computer Literacy

Awareness

Importance

Versatility

Pervasiveness in our society

Knowledge

What are computers

How do computers work

Terminology

Interaction

Use some simple computer applications

THE NATURE OF COMPUTERS

Characteristics Speed Reliability Storage capability

Results Productivity Decision making Cost reduction

WHERE COMPUTERS ARE USED

• Graphs and charts• Animated graphics• Visual walk-through

Graphics

• Bar codes for pricing and inventory

• Shipping

Retailing

• National fingerprint files• National files on criminal• Computer modeling of DNA

Law Enforcement

• Teaching and testing aid• Learning by doing• Computer-based instruction

Education

• Locate oil, coal, natural gas, and uranium

• Monitor the power network• Meter reading

Energy

• Cars• Run rapid transit systems• Load containerships• Track railroad cars• Monitor air traffic

Transportation

WHERE COMPUTERS ARE USED

• Record keeping• Banking by phone• Credit cards

Money

• Forecast weather• Manage parks• Process immigrants• Social Security benefits• Taxes

Government

• Monitor patients• Electronic imaging• Diagnose illnesses

Health and Medicine

• Billing• Crop information• Feed combinations• Livestock breeding and performance

Agriculture

• Educational tool• Record keeping• Letter writing• Budgeting• Drawing and editing pictures• Newsletters• Connecting with others

Home

• Perform jobs that are dangerous for humans

• Factory work

Robotics

WHERE COMPUTERS ARE USED

The Sciences Research Simulation

Training Airline pilots Railroad engineers

Connectivity• Communication• Telecommuting

Paperwork• Junk mail• Term paper• Record keeping

Computers are all around!

Grocery store School Library Bank Mail

We interact with computers everyday!We interact with computers everyday!

Computer System

People Computer programmer – person who writes

programs Users or End-users – make use of the

computer’s capabilities Software/Programs

Set of instructions that directs the hardware to do a required task and produce the desired results

Hardware

HardwareBasic Components of a Computer

Computer

A machine that can be programmed to accept data (input), process it into useful information (output), and store it away (in secondary storage device) for safekeeping or later reuse

Process is directed by software but performed by the hardware

Function of Computer System

Data handling

I Input P Process O Output S Storage

Input devices

Accept data or commands and convert them to electronic form

Getting data into the computer Typing on a keyboard Pointing with a mouse Scanning with a wand reader or bar-code

reader Terminal

OUTPUT DEVICES

Monitor or screen Text Numbers Symbols Art Photographs Video

Printer Black and white Color

• Convert from electronic form to some other form

• May display the processed results• Usable information

The Processor

Central Processing Unit (CPU) Converts data to useful information Interpret and execute instructions Communicate with input, output and

storage

Two Types of Storage

Secondary storage long-term storage

Primary storage or memory temporary storage

STORAGE

Memory / Primary Temporary storage Holds input to be

processed Holds results of

processing Contains the

programs to control the computer and manipulate input into output

Volatile

Secondary Storage Long-term storage Non-volatile

Secondary Storage Examples

• Hard disk• Diskette

Magnetic disks – read and written by magnetic disk drive

• CD-ROM• DVD-ROM

Optical disks – read and written by optical disk drives

• Primarily used for back-up

Magnetic tape – read and written by magnetic tape drives

Computer System

Computer CPU Memory

Peripheral equipment Connected to the computer by a cable Input, output, storage

Network

Definition A system that uses communications equipment

to connect computers and their resources. Types

Local area network (LAN) – connects computers in close proximity

Metropolitan are network (MAN) – connect computers between buildings in the same geographic area

Wide are network (WAN) – connects computers over great distances

Home Connectivity

Connect home PC to other computers

Use modem to convert signals between electronic (computer) and analog (voice) formats

Internet

Collection of networks No ownership No central source for services available No comprehensive index of what

information is available

IndividualsBusinessesOrganizations

Libraries Research labsGovernment

Connects Everyone!

Getting Connected

User’s computer must connect to a server

Server must communicate using TCP/IP The user can purchase access to a

server from an ISP (Internet Service Provider)

Internet – What Can You Do?

WWW – World Wide Web FTP – File Transfer Protocol E-mail UseNet IRC – Internet Relay Chat Bulletin Boards

World Wide Web

• Browser – program that allows the user to move around and explore the Internet

• Use the mouse to point and click on text and graphics

• Web page• Web site• Home page

Classifications of Computers

Use the computer that fits your needs Based upon

Size Speed Cost Portability Number of simultaneous users supported Available software Typical use

Personal Computers

Other names PC Microcomputer Home computer

Categories Low-end functional Fully powered Workstations Net computer or net box (Web TV)

Desktop Models

Notebook Computers

Portable Lightweight Fits in a briefcase Battery operated

Laptop Larger Heavier

More expensive that desktop models

Handheld Computers

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) Scheduling Addresses Handwritten input May offer wireless e-mail and fax

Pocket More power than PDA Runs basic productivity software

Other Types of Computers

Mainframes High speed More expensive Used to process large amounts of data quickly Support multiple users Does server tasks

Supercomputers Fastest speed Most expensive

IOA

Objectives

Describe the three fundamental characteristics of computers

Describe at least four areas of society in which computers are used

Identify the basic components of a computer system: input, processing, output, and storage

List some common input, output, and storage media Distinguish data from information Describe the significance of networking Explain the significance of the Internet Explain the various classifications of computers

Contents

Information Age Computer Literacy Where Computers Are Used Computer System Network Classifications of Computers