Chapter 1

1. Chapter 1 Introduction to the World of Computers Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

2. Learning Objectives • Explain why it's essential to learn about computers today. • Discuss several ways computers are integrated into our business and personal lives. • Define a computer and describe its four primary operations. • List some important milestones in computer evolution. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

3. Learning Objectives, Cont’d. • Identify the major parts of a computer system, including input, processing, output, storage, and communications hardware. • Describe the purpose of a network and what the Internet is. • List the five basic types of computers, giving at least one example of each type of computer and stating what that computer might be used for. • Discuss the societal impact of computers, including some benefits and risks related to their prominence in our society. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

4. Overview • This chapter covers: • What computers do and how they work • Computer terminology • Different categories of computers • Societal impacts of computers Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

5. Computers in Your Life • Computers are prevalent in the home, in the school, in the workplace, and on the go. • Most professional jobs and skilled trades heavily depend on the creation, collection, evaluation and dissemination of information. • Uses of computers include word processing, e-mail exchange, shopping, research, investments management, playing games and many other applications. • Knowledge of computers assists the consumer to purchase the right computer, save money on repairs and use the computer to maximum benefit. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

6. What Is a Computer and What Does It Do? A computer is a programmable electronic device that accepts data and performs operations on that data. • Input—entering data into the computer. • Processing—performing operations on the data. • Output—presenting the results. • Storage—saving data, programs, or output for future use. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

8. Computers Then and Now • The computer as we know it is a fairly recent invention. • The history of computers is often referred to as generations, from pre-computers and early computers (before 1945) to fifth generation computers (now and the future). • Each new generation is characterized by a major technological development. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

9. Hardware • The physical parts of a computer are collectively known as hardware. • Internal hardware is located within the main box (system unit)of the computer. • External hardware is located outside the system unit and plug into connectors called ports located on the exterior of the system unit. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

10. Hardware, Cont’d. • An input device isused to input data into the computer. • A processing device performs calculations and comparisons necessary for processing. The main processing device is the central processing unit (CPU). • An output device presents the results to the user. • Storage devices are used to save data, programs or output. • Communication devices allow the user to communicate with others and access remote information. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

12. Software • The programs or instructions used to tell the computer hardware what to do. • System software allows a computer to operate and run application software. • Application software performs specific tasks or applications. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

14. Data and Information • Data = raw, unorganized facts. • Can be in the form of text, graphics, audio, or video. • Information = data that has been processed into a useful form. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

15. Computer Users and Professionals • Computer users, or end users, are the people who use a computer to obtain information. • Programmers are computer professionals whose job it is to write the programs that computers use. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

16. Computer Networks and the Internet • A computer network links computers together so that users can share hardware, software, and data, as well as electronically communicate with each other. • Network servers manage resources on a network. • Clients are computers on the network that access resources via the network server. • Computer networks are commonly found in businesses, schools, and homes. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

18. The Internet • The Internet is the largest and most well-known computer network in the world. • Individuals connect to the Internet using an Internet service provider (ISP). • E-mail and accessing Web pages are two of the most common Internet activities. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

19. Accessing a Network • Need a modem or network adapter to connect to the network. • Software (often built into the operating system) allows you to log on to the network and access resources. • Need an ISP and Web browser to access Internet resources. • Many networks and Internet connections require a user ID and password to log on to the network. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

20. Computers to Fit Every Need • Five basic categories • Mobile devices • Personal computers • Midrange servers • Mainframe computers • Supercomputers Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

21. Mobile Devices • Very small computing devices. • Usually based on a wireless phone or pager. • Many can be used to access e-mail and Web pages. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

22. Personal Computers • Microprocessors allow for the creation of computers small enough to fit on a desk or lap. • PC compatible—based on the original IBM PC; typically run the Windows operating system. • Macintosh—a type of personal computer manufactured by Apple. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

23. Personal Computers, Cont’d. • Desktop computers—small enough to fit on or next to a desk. Can use: • Desktop case • Tower case • All-in-one case Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

24. Personal Computers, Cont’d. • Portable PCs—designed to be carried around. • Notebook computers • Tablet PCs (either slate or convertible) • Handheld computers (pocket computers) Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

25. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

26. Personal Computers, Cont’d. • PCs designed for just network use are referred to as network computers (NCs) or thin clients. • Devices designed just for Internet access are called Internet appliances. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

27. Midrange Servers • Medium-sized computers, also called minicomputers or midrange computers. • Fall between microcomputers and mainframes in processing power. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

28. Mainframe Computers • Standard choice for most large organizations. • Specialize in high-volume processing of business transactions. • Also called high-endservers or enterprise-class servers. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

29. Supercomputers • Used for applications that have extraordinary demands for processing power. • Offer very fast speeds and extreme degrees of accuracy. • Commonly created today by connecting hundreds of smaller computers to form a supercomputing cluster. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

30. Computers and Society • The information age = the prominence of information technology. • There are many benefits of a computer-oriented society, including making many tasks in our lives go much faster. • Risks include health, security, ethical, and privacy concerns. Understanding Computers, Ch. 1

31. Summary Slide • Computers in your life • What is a computer and what does it do? • Computers networks and the Internet • Computers to fit every need • Computers and society Understanding Computers, Ch. 1