Chapter 1-introduction-to-computers3165

Chapter 1Introduction to Computers

Chapter 1 ObjectivesChapter 1 Objectives

Explain the importance of computer literacy

Define the term computer

Identify the components of a computer

Explain why a computer is a powerful tool

Differentiate among the various categories of software

Discuss the uses of the Internet and the World Wide Web

Describe the categories of computers and their uses

Explain the purpose of a network

Identify the various types of computer users

Understand how a user can be a Web publisher

p. 1.2

p. 1.2 Fig. 1-1

The Digital Revolution

Where can you find computers?

Computers are everywhere

Next

The Digital Revolution

What is computer literacy? If you are computer literate, you have

knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses

p. 1.4

Next

What Is a Computer?

What is a computer? An electronic machine,

operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory• accepts data• manipulates the data

according to specified rules

• produces results• stores the results for

future use

p. 1.4

Next

DataCollection of raw

unprocessed facts, figures, and symbols

InformationData that is organized,

meaningful, and useful

What is a Computer?

What are data and information?

p. 1.4 Fig. 1-2

Next

What is a Computer?

Who is a user? Someone that

communicates with a computer

Someone who uses the information it generates

p. 1.4

Next

SoftwareThe series of

instructions that tells the hardware

how to perform tasks

HardwareThe electric,

electronic, and mechanical equipment

that makes up a computer

What is a Computer?

What are hardware and software?

p. 1.4

Next

InputAny data or

instructions you enter into a computer

OutputData that has

been processed into informationStorage

Area in a computer that can hold data

and information for future use

CommunicationThe capability of communicating

with other computers

What is the information processing cycle?

What is a Computer?

ProcessManipulate the input (data) to

produce output (information)

p. 1.5

Next

The Components of a Computer

What are common computer hardware components?

printer

scanner

speakerPC camera

microphonedigital camera

system unit

keyboard

modem

speaker

monitor

mouse

p. 1.5 Fig. 1-3

Next


What is an input device? Any hardware component that allows a user to

enter data and instructions into a computer

scanner

microphone

keyboard

mouse

PC camera

digital camera

Click to view Web Linkthen clickInput Devices

p. 1.5 Fig. 1-3

Next


What is an output device? Any hardware component that can convey

information to a user

Click to view Web Linkthen click Output Devices

printer

monitor speakers

p. 1.6 Fig. 1-3

Next


What is the system unit ? Sometimes called a

chassis A box-like case made

from metal or plastic that protects the internal electronic components of the computer from damage

Circuitry in the system unit usually is part of or is connected to a circuit board called the motherboard

hard disk drive

CD-RW drive

CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive

Zip® disk drive floppy

disk drive

p. 1.6 Fig. 1-3

Next

Memory• Temporary holding place for data

and instructions


What are two main components on the motherboard?

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Also called a processor

• Electronic device that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer

Click to view Web Linkthen click Processors

p. 1.6

Next


What is a chip? An electronic device that contains many

microscopic pathways that carry electrical currents Usually no

bigger than one-half inch square

Packaged so it can be attached to a motherboard

processor chip packaging

memory chip

p. 1.6 Fig. 1-4

Next

External Device

Also called a peripheral

Attaches to the system unit

Internal Component

Resides inside the system unit


What are internal components and external devices?

p. 1.6

Next


What is storage? Holds data, instructions, and information for future use

Storage Device

• Records and retrieves items to and from a storage medium

• Devices often function as source of input because they transfer items from storage into memory

Storage Medium

• Physical material on which a computer keeps the data, instructions and information

Click to view Web Linkthen click Storage Devices

p. 1.7

Next


CD-RW drive

hard disk drive

CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive

ZIP® drivefloppy disk drive

What are common storage devices or drives?

p. 1.7 Fig. 1-3

Next


What is a floppy disk?

A thin, circular, flexible disk enclosed in a plastic shell

Insert and remove a floppy disk into and from a floppy disk drive

A Zip® disk is a higher capacity disk

p. 1.7 Fig. 1-5

Next


What is a hard disk? Consists of several

circular platters that store items electronically

Disks are enclosed in an airtight, sealed case, which often is housed inside the system unit

Provides much greater storage capacity than a floppy disk

Some hard disks are removable

removable hard disk

self-contained hard disk

p. 1.7 Fig. 1-6 & 7

Next


What is a compact disc? A flat, round portable

medium that stores data using microscopic pits, which are created by a laser light • CD-ROM• CD-RW

– rewriteable CD

• DVD-ROM – tremendous storage

capacities

p. 1.8 Fig. 1-8

Next


What is miniature storage media? Used in devices such as digital cameras One popular type is called a card

miniature storage media

p. 1.8 Fig. 1-9

Next


What is a communications device? Enables computer users to communicate and to

exchange items such as data, instructions, and information with another computer

Allows you to establish a connection between two computers and transmit items over transmission media, such as cables, telephone lines, or satellites

modem

Click to view Web Linkthen click Communications Devices

One type is a modem

p. 1.8 Fig. 1-3

Next

SpeedBillions of

operations can be carried out

in a single second

Why Is a Computer So Powerful?

What characteristics make a computer powerful?

Storage

Enormous amounts of data can be stored and

made available for processing anytime it is

needed

Reliability

Dependable because components have a low failure rate so

they produce consistent results

Accuracy

If data is entered correctly and program works properly, the results are error-free —

garbage in, garbage out (GIGO) accuracy of output depends on accuracy of

input

Communications

Two connected computers can share

stored data, instructions, and information

p. 1.8

Next

Why Is a Computer So Powerful?

What is a network? Two or more

computers connected together via communications media and devices

The most widely known network is the Internet

p. 1.10 Fig. 1-10

Next

Technology Trailblazer

Bill Gates Microsoft’s chairman

and chief software architect

Co-founded Microsoft in 1975

Regarded as the most powerful person in the computer industry

Consistently anticipates technological developments and customer needs

Click to view Web Linkthen click Bill Gates

p. 1.9

Next

Click to view Web Linkthen click Computer Programs

Directs computer to perform alternative operations

Prints a report

Stores information on disk

Computer Software

What is a computer program? A series of instructions that tells the

hardware of a computer what to do

Allows you to input data and stores it in memory

Uses data in memory in calculations

Displays information on monitor

Compares values stored in memory

p. 1.10

Next

Computer Software

What is software installation? Some programs can be

loaded directly from purchased media, others must be installed

Install means part or all of the instructions are copied from the purchased media onto the computer's hard disk before the program can be used

p. 1.11 Fig. 1-11

Next

Step 1Step 1 Step 2Step 1 Step 2

Step 3

Computer Software

What happens when you run a program from a CD-ROM?

Step 1: Insert the CD-ROM that contains the program into the CD-ROM drive.

Step 2: If necessary, install the program on the hard disk. Then instruct the computer to run the program. Instructions transfer from the CD-ROM or hard disk to memory.

Step 3: The program executes and the screen displays graphics that allow you to create a greeting card.

p. 1.11 Fig. 1-12

Next

Computer Software

What is system software? Programs that control the operations of the

computer and its devices

Operating System (OS)

Set of programs containing instructions that coordinate all the

activities among computer hardware

devices

Utility program

Type of system software that performs a specific task, usually related to managing a computer, its devices,

or its programsp. 1.12

Next

Computer Software

What is the user interface? Determines how you

interact with software Used to control how

you enter data and instructions

Used to control how information displays on the screen

p. 1.12

Next

Computer Software

What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?

Allows you to interact with the software using visual images such as icons

An icon is a small image that represents a program, an instruction, or some other object

icons

icons

p. 1.12 Fig. 1-13

Next

Click to view Web Linkthen click Application Software

Computer Software

What is application software? Programs that perform specific tasks for users

Word processing

software

Spreadsheet software

Database software

Presentation graphics software

Suite

Collection of popular individual software

applications bundled together as a single unit

Spreadsheet software

Database software

Presentation graphics software

Word processing

software

p. 1.13

Next

Computer Software

What is packaged software?

Copyrighted retail software that meets the needs of a wide variety of users

Purchase from stores or companies on the Internet

p. 1.13 Fig. 1-14

Next

Computer Software

What is custom software? Written by a

programmer Tailor-made

program developed at a user’s request to perform specific functions

p. 1.14

Next

Public-Domain Software

• Freeware donated for public use

• No copyright restrictions

Computer Software

What are freeware, public-domain software, and shareware?

Freeware

• Software provided at no cost to a user by an individual or company

• Copyrighted

• Cannot resell it on your own

Shareware

• Copyrighted software that is distributed free for a trial period

• Send a payment to developer on honor system

p. 1.14

Next

Computer Software

What is an application service provider (ASP)?

Third-party company that manages and distributes software and services on

the Internet

You can run the programs from the

Internet

Both free and paid ASPs

p. 1.14

Next

Computer Software

Who designs and writes software? Computer programmer (or

programmer)

• Writes software programs

Systems Analyst

• Designs a program, working with both the user and the programmer to determine the desired output of the program

p. 1.14

Next

Computer Software

How are programs written? Programmers use a programming language

to write computer programs

p. 1.14 Fig. 1-15

Next

Communications Device

• Modem

Networks and the Internet

What is a network? Collection of computers and devices connected together via

communications devices and media When your computer connects to a network you are online

Communications Media

• Cables

• Telephone lines

• Cellular radio

• Satellitesp. 1.16

Next


What are the reasons to network?

Software programs

Hardware devices

Data

Information

To save time and money

To share resources

p. 1.16

Next


A network that connects computers in a limited geographic area such as a school computer laboratory, office or group of buildings

What is a local area network (LAN)?

p. 1.16 Fig. 1-16

Next

Next


What is a wide area network (WAN)? A network that covers a large geographical

area, such as one that connects offices across the country

p. 1.16 Fig. 1-17

Next


What is the Internet? A worldwide

collection of networks that links together millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals

Click to view Web Linkthen click Internet

p. 1.17

Next

E-mail

Information

Shopping

Meeting people

Entertainment

E-mail Information Shopping Meeting people Entertainment


Why do users access the Internet?

p. 1.17 Fig. 1-18

Next


How do users connect to the Internet?

Online Service Provider (OSP)

Provides access to the Internet, as

well as a variety of other specialized

content and services

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Company that supplies

connections to the Internet, usually for a monthly fee

p. 1.18

Next


What is the World Wide Web (WWW)? Billions of documents, called Web pages, that are

linked together on computers throughout the world

Web page

Contains text, graphics, sound, or

video and has connections to other

Web pages

Web site

Collection of related Web

pages

Web browser

Program used to access and view

Web pages

p. 1.18

Next

Step 1

Step 2

Step 1

Step 3

Step 2

Step 1Step 1

Step 2

Step 3Step 4

How do you connect to the Internet and display a Web page?


Step 4 : The Web browser locates the Web site for the entered address and displays a Web page on your screen

Step 3 : Enter the address of the Web site you wish to visit

Step 2 : A Web browser such as Internet Explorer displays a Web page on your screen

Step 1 : Use your computer to make a local telephone call to an online service

p. 1.18 Fig. 1-19

Next

Categories of Computers

What are the categories of computers?

p. 1.19 Fig. 1-20

Next

Two major categories

• Desktop

• Notebook

Microprocessor

The single chip that performs all the processing functions on a personal computer

Personal Computers

What is a personal computer? A computer that can perform all of its input, processing,

output, and storage activities by itself

Contains at least

• One Input device

• One output device

• One storage device

• Memory

• A processorp. 1.19

Next

Personal Computers

p. 1.19 Fig. 1-21 & 22 The PC and compatibles use the Windows operating system

The Apple Macintosh uses the Macintosh operating system (Mac OS)

What are the two most popular series of personal computers?

p. 1.19 Fig. 1-21 & 22

Next

Company on the Cutting Edge

Gateway

One of the world’s leading technology manufacturers

Manufactures built-to-order PCs

Consumers from around the world order more than 11,000 custom systems daily

Click to view Web Linkthen clickGateway

p. 1.21

Next

Personal Computers

What is a desktop computer?

Designed so the system unit, input devices, output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table

Click to view Web Linkthen click Personal Computers

p. 1.20 Fig. 1-23

Next

Personal Computers

What are some desktop computer variations?

Tower model

• Tall and narrow system unit that can sit on the floor vertically

p. 1.20 Fig. 1-23

Next

Personal Computers

What are some desktop computer variations? All-in-one computer

• Less expensive desktop that combines the monitor and system unit into a single device

p. 1.21 Fig. 1-24

Next

Personal Computers


Workstation

• More expensive and powerful desktop designed for work that requires intense calculations and graphics capabilities

Stand-alone

• Can perform the information processing cycle operations without being connected to a network

p. 1.21

Next

Personal Computers


Server• Powerful desktop that

manages the resources on a network

Clients or workstations• Other computers on

network that access the contents of the storage area on the servers

p. 1.22 Fig. 1-25

Next

Click to view video

Personal Computers

What is a notebook computer? Also called a laptop Portable, personal

computer small enough to fit on your lap

Generally more expensive than a desktop computer with equal capabilities

p. 1.22 Fig. 1-26

Next

Handheld Computers

What is a handheld computer?

Also called a palmtop computer

Small computer that fits in your hand

Click to view Web Linkthen click Handheld Computers

p. 1.23 Fig. 1-27

Next

Handheld Computers

How do you input data with a handheld computer?

Others use a stylus

• A stylus looks like a ballpoint pen, but uses pressure, instead of ink to write

Some have small keyboards

Some support voice input

p. 1.23

Next

Handheld Computers

What is a personal digital assistant (PDA)? One of the most

popular handheld computers in use today

Provides personal organizer functions • Calendar• Appointment book• Address book• Calculator• Notepad

p. 1.23 Fig. 1-28

Next

Handheld Computers

What are Web-enabled handheld computers? Allow you to access the Internet wirelessly

Web-enabled two-way pager

Web-enabled cellular telephone Web-enabled

handheld computer

p. 1.24 Fig. 1-29

Next

Internet Appliances

What is an Internet appliance or information appliance? Computer with

limited functionality whose main purpose is to connect to the Internet from home

p. 1.24 Fig. 1-30

Next

Internet Appliances

What is WebTV? An Internet

appliance in the form of a set-top box

Sits on top of or next to a television set and allows you to access the Internet on the TV

p. 1.25 Fig. 1-31

Next

Mid-Range Servers

What is a mid-range server? More powerful and

larger than a workstation computer

Supports up to 4,000 users

Often connected via a personal computer or terminal

Once known as a known as a minicomputerminicomputer

p. 1.25 Fig. 1-32

Next

Sometimes called dumb terminals• No processing

power

• Cannot stand alone

• Must be connected to a server to operate

Mid-Range Servers

What is a terminal?

Device with a monitor and keyboard used to access a server

p. 1.25

Next

Mainframes

What is a mainframe? Large, expensive,

very powerful computer

Can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously

Stores tremendous amounts of data, instructions, and information

p. 1.26 Fig. 1-33

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Company on the Cutting Edge

International Business Machines (IBM)

Incorporated in 1911

The first family of computers with interchangeable software and peripherals

World’s largest information technology company

Click to view Web Linkthen click IBM

p. 1.26

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Supercomputers

What is a supercomputer? Fastest, most powerful computer

Able to process more than 12 trillion instructions per second

p. 1.26 Fig. 1-34

Next

1. Hardware

2. Software

1. Hardware

3. Data

1. Hardware

2. Software

4a. People (IT personnel)

1. Hardware

2. Software

3. Data

4b. People (users)

1. Hardware

2. Software

3. Data

4a. People (IT personnel)

5. Procedures

1. Hardware

2. Software

3. Data

4a. People (IT personnel)4b. People (users)

Elements of an Information System

What is an information system?

Click to view Web Linkthen click Minorities in Technology

Click to view Web Linkthen click Women in Technology

For an information system to provide accurate, timely, and useful information, each element must be present and all of the elements must work together

p. 1.27 Fig. 1-35

Next

Large Business

Examples of Computer Usage

What are five categories of computer users?

HomeMobile

Small Office/Home Office

Power

p. 1.28 Fig. 1-36

Next

p. 1.29 Fig. 1-37


What software is available for a home user?

researchfinance and business management

Web accessentertainment

Next


How do computer companies accommodate children? Many

manufacturers design special hardware for children

p. 1.30 Fig. 1-38

Next


What is the digital divide? Idea that you can separate

people of the world into two distinct groups

• Those who have access to technology with the ability to use it

• Those who do not have access to technology or are without the ability to use itClick to view

video

p. 1.30

Next

Technology Trailblazer

Shawn Fanning As a 19-year-old

freshman computer science major, he developed the Napster software and company

Pioneering file-sharing concept has implications for all copyrighted digital information

Click to view Web Linkthen click Shawn Fanning

p. 1.30

Next

Web access

spreadsheet

What hardware and software is available for a small office/home office (SOHO) user?


Desktop usage Local Area

Network (Lan) Productivity

software Specialty

software Web usage

p. 1.31 Fig. 1-39

Next


What new computer trends concern a small office/home office (SOHO) user? E-mail

• Communicate with others E-commerce

• Conduct financial business on the Web

Web cam

• Allows a SOHO user to show the world a live view of some aspect of their business

p. 1.31

Next


What is a mobile user? Travel to and from a

main office to conduct business

Hardware

• Notebook computers

• Handheld computers

• Web-enabled cellular telephones

Software

• Productivity

• Presentationp. 1.32 Fig. 1-40

Next


What are the needs of the large business user?

p. 1.33 Fig. 1-41

Next

Network• Local area network (LAN)• Wide Area Network (WAN)

Large business Web site Sales management Accounting Desktop publishing Information systems

department Productivity software Scheduling Web access


What is a kiosk? A freestanding computer Usually has multimedia

capability and a touch screen

Used by a large business to provide information to the public

Click to view video

p. 1.34 Fig. 1-43

Next


What is telecommuting? A work

arrangement in which employees work away from a company’s standard workplace

Often communicate with the office using some communications technology

p. 1.34 Fig. 1-44

Next


What are the needs of a power user? Requires the capabilities of a workstation or other

powerful computer Types of power users

• Engineers• Architects• Desktop publishers• Graphic artists

Typically work with multimedia• Combines text,

graphics, sound, video, and other media elements into one application

p. 1.35 Fig. 1-45

Next

• Provide family information

• Provide information about business

• Provide a resume online

• Provide online courses called distance-learning courses

Computer User as a Web Publisher

What is Web publishing? Making a Web page available on the Internet A few reasons to publish Web pages

p. 1.36 Fig. 1-46

Next

Computer User as a Web Publisher

What are other ways to use the Web? Photo communities

• Allow you to create an online photo album Electronic storefronts

• Allow a small business to advertise and take orders directly at a Web site

Communicate with others• E-mail• Chat rooms• Instant messaging

Click to viewanimation

p. 1.37 Fig. 1-47

Next

Summary of Introduction to Computers The digital revolution

What is a computer? The components of a computer Why is a computer so powerful? Computer software Networks and the Internet Categories of computers Personal computers

Next

Summary of Introduction to Computers (cont.) Handheld computers

Internet appliances Mid-range servers Mainframes Supercomputers Elements of an information system Examples of computer usage Computer user as a Web publisher

Next

Chapter 1 CompleteChapter 1 Complete

Chapter 1-introduction-to-computers3165

Education

local area

view web link

small officehome

wide area

desktop computer

storage medium

viewweb link

floppy disk