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Computers:Computers:Tools for an Information AgeTools for an Information Age
Chapter 1Chapter 1
Computers: Tools for an Information AgeComputers: Tools for an Information Age
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ObjectivesObjectives
Describe the three fundamental Describe the three fundamental characteristics of computerscharacteristics of computers
Describe at least four areas of society in Describe at least four areas of society in which computers are usedwhich computers are used
Identify the basic components of a Identify the basic components of a computer system: input, processing, computer system: input, processing, output, and storageoutput, and storage
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ObjectivesObjectives
List some common input, output, and List some common input, output, and storage media storage media
Distinguish data from informationDistinguish data from information
Describe the significance of networkingDescribe the significance of networking
Explain the significance of the InternetExplain the significance of the Internet
Explain the various classifications of Explain the various classifications of computerscomputers
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Forging a Computer-Based Forging a Computer-Based SocietySociety
Traditional Cornerstones Traditional Cornerstones of Economy:of Economy: LandLand LaborLabor CapitalCapital
New Economic Element:New Economic Element: InformationInformation
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What Is Computer Literacy?What Is Computer Literacy?
AwarenessAwareness
KnowledgeKnowledge
InteractionInteraction
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Fundamental CharacteristicsFundamental Characteristics
SpeedSpeed
ReliabilityReliability
Storage CapabilityStorage Capability
By-productsBy-products
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Computer System ComponentsComputer System Components
HardwareHardware Equipment associated with the systemEquipment associated with the system
SoftwareSoftware Instructions that tell the hardware what to doInstructions that tell the hardware what to do
PeoplePeople Computer programmer: writes softwareComputer programmer: writes software User: purchases and uses softwareUser: purchases and uses software
Often called end-userOften called end-user
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Hardware: The Basic Components Hardware: The Basic Components of a Computerof a Computer
What is a Computer?What is a Computer?
Four primary Four primary components:components: Input devicesInput devices ProcessorProcessor Output devicesOutput devices StorageStorage
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Peripheral DevicesPeripheral Devices
All hardware devices attached to the All hardware devices attached to the computercomputer Includes all input, output, and storage devicesIncludes all input, output, and storage devices
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NetworkingNetworking
Network: a system that uses Network: a system that uses communications equipment to connect communications equipment to connect computers and their resourcescomputers and their resources
Common network tools:Common network tools: Local Area Network (LAN)Local Area Network (LAN) ModemModem Electronic mailElectronic mail
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The InternetThe Internet
The largest and most far-flung networkThe largest and most far-flung network Connects users worldwideConnects users worldwide Not actually a network, but a collection of Not actually a network, but a collection of
thousands of networksthousands of networks
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Getting ConnectedGetting Connected
To access the Internet, connect to a To access the Internet, connect to a server computercomputer Server receives, processes, and transmits Server receives, processes, and transmits
informationinformation
Computers use a Computers use a standardstandard to communicate to communicate
Need an Need an Internet Service Provider Internet Service Provider (ISP)(ISP)
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Getting Around the InternetGetting Around the Internet
Began as a means for Department of Began as a means for Department of Defense and its research institutions to Defense and its research institutions to share informationshare information Information was text-onlyInformation was text-only Commands to navigate were obscureCommands to navigate were obscure
Now, much more visually basedNow, much more visually based Use Use browserbrowser to explore the Internet to explore the Internet World Wide WebWorld Wide Web
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Classification of ComputersClassification of Computers
Personal ComputersPersonal Computers
Notebook ComputersNotebook Computers
Handheld ComputersHandheld Computers
Midrange ComputersMidrange Computers
MainframesMainframes
SupercomputersSupercomputers
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Personal Computer SystemPersonal Computer System