Chapter One

Basic Introduction to Computers

Discovering Computers Fundamentals

Your Interactive Guide to the Digital World

Objectives Overview
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages that users experience when working with computers

Explain why computer literacy is vital to success in today's world

Describe the five components of a computer

Discuss the uses of the Internet and World Wide Web

Distinguish between system software and application software

See Page 1 for Detailed Objectives

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Chapter 1

Objectives Overview
Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each category Explain how home users, small office/home office users, mobile users, power users, and enterprise users each interact with computers

Discuss how society uses computers in education, finance, government, health care, science, publishing, travel, and manufacturing
See Page 1 for Detailed Objectives
Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Chapter 1

A World of Computers
Computers are everywhere

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Chapter 1

What Is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory
Collects data (input) Produces information (output)

Processing

Information Processing Cycle

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What Is a Computer?

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Chapter 1

The Components of a Computer

A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware
Input Device Output Device System Unit Storage Device Communications Device
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Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer

Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data Holds data, instructions, and information for future use

Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices
Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Chapter 1

The Components of a Computer

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers

Advantages of Using Computers Disadvantages of Using Computers

Speed Reliability
Consistency Storage
Communications
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Violation of Privacy
Public Safety Impact on Labor Force
Health Risks
Impact on Environment
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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Chapter 1

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers

Green computing involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer Strategies include:
Recycling Regulating manufacturing processes Extending the life of computers Immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers

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Networks and the Internet

A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communications devices and transmission media The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals

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Networks and the Internet

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Networks and the Internet

People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:

Communicate

Research and Access Information

Shop

Bank and Invest

Online Trading

Entertainment

Share Information

Download Videos

Web Application

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Networks and the Internet

A social networking Web site encourages members to share their interests, ideas, stories, photos, music, and videos with other registered users
Also called an online social network

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Computer Software
Software, also called a program, tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them
System Software
Operating system Utility program

Application Software

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Computer Software
Installing is the process of setting up software to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware

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Computer Software
A programmer develops software or writes the instructions that direct the computer to process data into information

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Categories of Computers
Personal computers

Mobile computers and mobile devices

Game consoles Servers Mainframes Supercomputers

Embedded computers
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Personal Computers
A personal computer can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself Two popular architectures are the PC and the Apple
Desktop computer

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Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Mobile Computer
Personal computer you can carry from place to place

Mobile Device
Computing device small enough to hold in your hand

Examples include notebook computers, laptop computers, netbooks, and Tablet PCs

Examples include smart phones and, PDAs, ebook readers, handheld computers, portable media players, and digital cameras

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Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Notebook computer Tablet PC Smart phones and PDAs E-book reader
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Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Handheld computer Portable media player Digital camera

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Game Consoles
A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games

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Servers
A server controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network
Provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information

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Mainframes
A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously

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Supercomputers
A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer
Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing more than one quadrillion instructions in a single second

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Embedded Computers
An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product
Consumer Electronics Home Automation Devices Automobiles Process Controllers and Robotics Computer Devices and Office Machines
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Embedded Computers

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Examples of Computer Usage

Home User
Personal financial management Web access Communications Entertainment

Small Office/Home Office User

Look up information Send and receive e-mail messages Make telephone calls

Mobile User
Connect to other computers on a network or the Internet Transfer information Play video games Listen to music Watch movies

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Examples of Computer Usage

Power User
Work with multimedia Use industry-specific software

Enterprise User
Communicate among employees Process high volumes of transactions Blog

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Computer Applications in Society

Education Finance

Government Health Care

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Computer Applications in Society

Science Publishing

Travel Manufacturing
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Summary

Basic computer concepts

Components of a computer

Networks, the Internet, and computer software

Many different categories of computers, computer users, and computer applications in society
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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Chapter 1

Chapter One

Basic Introduction to Computers

Discovering Computers Fundamentals

Your Interactive Guide to the Digital World

Chapter 1 Complete

Questions to work on
Have students name other output devices with which they are familiar (such as data projectors, computer output microfilm, and so on). Describe the functions and it is used for.

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Discussion
How many students have used each type of input device. What type of data was the device used to input? Encourage students to suggest other input devices (such as joysticks, touch screens, and so on).

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