Chapter 1

Introduction to
Computers

Chapter 1 Objectives
Explain the importance of
computer literacy

Explain the purpose of a

network

Define the term computer

Discuss the uses of the Internet

and the World Wide Web

Identify the components of a

computer

Describe the categories of

computers and their uses

Explain why a computer is a

powerful tool

Identify the various types of

computer users

Differentiate among the various

categories of software

Understand how a user can be a

Web publisher

p. 1.2

The Digital Revolution

Where can you find computers?

Next
p. 1.2 Fig. 1-1

Computers are everywhere

The Digital Revolution

What is computer literacy?

Next
p. 1.4

If you are computer literate, you have

knowledge and understanding of
computers and their uses

What Is a Computer?
What is a computer?

Next
p. 1.4

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

What is a Computer?
What are data and information?
Data
Collection of raw
unprocessed
facts, figures,
and symbols

Information
Next
p. 1.4 Fig. 1-2

Data that is
organized,
meaningful,
and useful

What is a Computer?
Who is a user?
Someone that
communicates
with a computer
Someone who
uses the
information it
generates

Next
p. 1.4

What is a Computer?
What are hardware and software?
Hardware
The electric,
electronic, and
mechanical equipment
that makes up a
computer

Next
p. 1.4

Software
The series of
instructions that
tells the hardware
how to perform
tasks

What is a Computer?
What is the
information
processing
cycle?

Process
Input
Any data or
instructions you
enter into a
computer

Manipulate the
input (data) to
produce output
(information)

Output
Communication
The capability of
communicating
with other
computers
Next
p. 1.5

Storage
Area in a
computer that
can hold data
and information
for future use

Data that has

been processed
into information

The Components of a
Computer

What are common computer hardware components?

speaker

PC camera

system unit

printer
speaker
monitor
keyboard
modem
scanner

mouse

Next
p. 1.5 Fig. 1-3

microphone

digital camera

The Components of a
Computer
What is an input device?

Any hardware component that allows a user to

enter data and instructions into a computer

microphone

PC camera
keyboard

scanner

mouse

Click to view
Web Link
then click
Input Devices
Next
p. 1.5 Fig. 1-3

digital
camera

The Components of a
Computer
What is an output device?

Any hardware component that can convey

information to a user
monitor

printer

Click to view Web Link

then click Output Devices
Next
p. 1.6 Fig. 1-3

speakers

The Components of a
Computer
What is the system unit ?

Next

Sometimes called a
CD-RW
chassis
drive
A box-like case made
Zip
from metal or plastic
disk
that protects the
drive
internal electronic
hard
components of the
disk
computer from damage drive
Circuitry in the system
unit usually is part of
or is connected to a
circuit board called the
motherboard

p. 1.6 Fig. 1-3

CD-ROM
or DVDROM
drive
floppy
disk
drive

The Components of a
Computer
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 Link
then click Processors
Next
p. 1.6

Memory

Temporary holding place for data

and instructions

The Components of a
Computer
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

Next
p. 1.6 Fig. 1-4

memory
chip

processor chip
packaging

The Components of a
Computer
What are internal components and external
devices?

Next
p. 1.6

Internal
Component

External Device

Resides inside the

system unit

Also called a
peripheral
Attaches to the
system unit

The Components of a
Computer
What is storage?

Holds data, instructions, and information for future use

Storage Device
Storage Medium

Physical material
Click to view
Web Link
then click
Storage Devices
Next
p. 1.7

on which a
computer keeps
the data,
instructions and
information

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

The Components of a
Computer
What are common storage devices or drives?

CD-RW drive
hard disk
drive

Next
p. 1.7 Fig. 1-3

CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM
drive

ZIP drive
floppy
disk
drive

The Components of a
Computer
What is a floppy disk?

Next
p. 1.7 Fig. 1-5

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

The Components of a
Computer
What is a hard disk?

Next

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

p. 1.7 Fig. 1-6 & 7

removable
hard disk

self-contained
hard disk

The Components of a
Computer
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
Next
p. 1.8 Fig. 1-8

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

miniature
storage media

Next
p. 1.8 Fig. 1-9

The Components of a
Computer
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
One type is a
modem

Click to view Web Link

then click Communications
Devices
Next
p. 1.8 Fig. 1-3

modem

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

Next
p. 1.8

Speed

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

Billions of
operations can
be carried out
in a single
second

Communications
Two connected
computers can share
stored data, instructions,
and information

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

Next
p. 1.10 Fig. 1-10

Technology Trailblazer
Bill Gates

Click to view
Web Link
then click
Bill Gates
Next
p. 1.9

Microsofts 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

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

Click to view Web Link

then click Computer Programs
Next
p. 1.10

Uses data in
memory in
calculations

Directs
computer to
perform
alternative
operations

Displays
information
on monitor

Compares
values stored
in memory

Prints a
report

Stores
information
on disk

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

Next
p. 1.11 Fig. 1-11

Computer Software
What happens when you run a program from a CDROM?
Step 1

Step 2

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.

Next
p. 1.11 Fig. 1-12

Step 3

Computer Software
What is system software?

Next
p. 1.12

Programs that control the operations of the

computer and its devices

Operating System
(OS)

Utility program

Set of programs
containing instructions
that coordinate all the
activities among
computer hardware
devices

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

Computer Software
What is the user interface?

Next
p. 1.12

Determines how you

interact with software
Used to control how
you enter data and
instructions
Used to control how
information displays
on the screen

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

Next
p. 1.12 Fig. 1-13

icons

icons

Computer Software
What is application software?

Programs that perform specific tasks for users

Suite

Word
processing
software
Click to view
Web Link
then click
Application Software
Next
p. 1.13

Collection of popular
individual software
applications bundled together
as a single unit

Spreadsheet
software

Database
software

Presentation
graphics
software

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
Next
p. 1.14

Both free and

paid ASPs

Computer Software
Who designs and writes software?

Next
p. 1.14

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

Computer Software
How are programs written?

Programmers use a programming language

to write computer programs

Next
p. 1.14 Fig. 1-15

Networks and the

Internet
What is a network?

Next
p. 1.16

Collection of computers and devices connected together

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

Communications Device

Communications Media

Modem

Cables
Telephone lines
Cellular radio
Satellites

Networks and the Internet

What are the reasons to network?

Hardware
devices

To share
resources

Software
programs

Information
Data

Next
p. 1.16

To save
time and
money

Networks and the

Internet
What is a local area network (LAN)?

Next

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

p. 1.16 Fig. 1-16

Networks and the Internet

What is a wide area network (WAN)?

Next
p. 1.16 Fig. 1-17

Next

A network that covers a large geographical

area, such as one that connects offices
across the country

Networks and the Internet

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 Link

then click Internet
Next
p. 1.17

Networks and the Internet

Why do users access the Internet?

E-mail
Information
E-mail
Shopping
Meeting people
Entertainment

Shopping

Next

Entertainment

p. 1.17 Fig. 1-18

Meeting
people
Information

Networks and the Internet

How do users connect to the Internet?
Internet Service
Provider (ISP)
Company that
supplies
connections to the
Internet, usually
for a monthly fee

Next
p. 1.18

Online Service
Provider (OSP)
Provides access to
the Internet, as
well as a variety of
other specialized
content and
services

Networks and the Internet

How do users use the Internet?
Using search engine
Using Browser
Google
Aol

Is app allow users

to access and view
info internet

Eg.Google chrome

Next
p. 1.18

Networks and the Internet

How do users use the Internet?
Using search engine
How it works ?

Next
p. 1.18

Using Browser

It points users on the

right direction of website

How it works ?

To get search engine we

use browser

It begins with url

like inputting
http ftp file etc.it
displays the
resources and
uses to access
info.

Networks and the

Internet
What is the World Wide Web (WWW)?

Next
p. 1.18

Billions of documents, called Web pages, that are

linked together on computers throughout the world

Web site

Web browser

Collection of
related Web
pages

Program used to
access and view
Web pages

Web page
Contains text,
graphics, sound, or
video and has
connections to other
Web pages

Networks and the Internet

How do you connect
to the Internet and
display a Web page?
Step 1 : Use
your computer
Step 2 : A Web
to make
a local
Step
4 : The
browser
such
telephone
call
Web
Step
browser
3 : Enter
as Internet
to
an
online
locates
the
address
the of
Explorer
service
Web
the
Web
site for
site
displays
a Web
the
you
entered
wish
to
page
on your
address
visit
screen and
displays a
Web page on
your screen
Next
p. 1.18 Fig. 1-19

Step 1

Step 2

Step 4

Step 3

Elements of an
Information System
What is an information
system?

Click to view
Web Link
then 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

1. Hardware
Hardware
1.

2. Software
Software
2.

3. Data
Data
3.
5. Procedures

Click to view
Web Link
then click
Minorities in Technology
Next
p. 1.27 Fig. 1-35

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

Examples of Computer Usage

What are five categories of computer users?
Home

Mobile

Large Business

Small Office/Home Office

Power

Next
p. 1.28 Fig. 1-36

Examples of Computer Usage

What software is available for a home user?

research
Web access

Next
p. 1.29 Fig. 1-37

finance and business

management
entertainment

Examples of Computer Usage

How do computer companies
accommodate children?

Many
manufacturers
design special
hardware for
children

Next
p. 1.30 Fig. 1-38

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

Provide family

Next

information
Provide information
about business
Provide a resume
online
Provide online courses
called distancelearning courses

p. 1.36 Fig. 1-46

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
Click to
view
animation Chat rooms
Next
Instant messaging

p. 1.37 Fig. 1-47

Chapter 1 Complete