Introduction to

Computers

The Digital Revolution

Where can you find computers?

p. 1.2 Fig. 1-1

Computers are everywhere

Objectives
Define the term computer
Identify the components of a
computer
Explain why a computer is a
powerful tool

p. 1.2

What Is a Computer?
What is a computer?

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 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
p. 1.5

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

Data that has

been processed
into information

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

p. 1.4

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

The Components of a
Computer

What are common computer hardware components?

speaker

PC camera

system unit

printer
speaker
monitor
keyboard
modem

scanner

p. 1.5 Fig. 1-3

mouse

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

Click to view Web Link

then click Input Devices
p. 1.5 Fig. 1-3

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

Click to view Web Link

then click Input Devices
p. 1.5 Fig. 1-3

mouse

digital
camera

The Components of a
Computer
What is an output device?

Any hardware component that can convey

information to a user

Click to view Web Link

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

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
p. 1.6 Fig. 1-3

speakers

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

Internal
Component

External Device

Resides inside the

system unit

Also called a
peripheral
Attaches to the
system unit

p. 1.6

The Components of a
Computer
What is storage?

Holds data, instructions, and information for future use

Storage Device

Records and
retrieves items to
and from a storage
medium

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

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

p. 1.8

Speed
Reliability
Dependable because
components have a
low failure rate so
they produce
consistent results

Billions of
operations can
be carried out
in a single
second

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

Activity

What additional (1) characteristic

do you think a
POWERFUL COMPUTER
must have?
5 minutes