Chapter 1

Introduction to
Computers
 Chapter 1 Objectives

Explain the importance of Explain the purpose of a

computer literacy network

Discuss the uses of the Internet

Define the term computer and the World Wide Web

Identify the components of a Describe the categories of

computer computers and their uses

Explain why a computer is a Identify the various types of

powerful tool computer users

Differentiate among the various Understand how a user can be a

categories of software 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?

If you are computer literate, you have
knowledge and understanding of
computers and their uses

Next
p. 1.4
 What Is a Computer?

What is a computer?
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
Next
p. 1.4
 What is a Computer?

What are data and information?

Data
Collection of raw
unprocessed facts,
figures, and symbols

Information
Data that is
organized,
Next meaningful, and
p. 1.4 Fig. 1-2 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 Software
equipment that makes
The series of
up a computer
instructions that
tells the hardware
how to perform
tasks

Next
p. 1.4
 What is a Computer?
Process
What is the Input Manipulate the
Any data or input (data) to
information instructions you produce output
(information)
processing enter into a
computer
cycle?

Output
Communication Data that has
The capability of been processed
Storage into information
communicating
Area in a computer
with other that can hold data
computers and information
for future use
Next
p. 1.5
 The Components of a
Computer
What are common computer hardware components?
PC camera system unit
speaker
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

mouse
scanner
Click to view
Web Link
then click
Input Devices

Next
digital
p. 1.5 Fig. 1-3
camera
 The Components of a
Computer
What is an output device?
Any hardware component that can convey
information to a user
monitor speakers

printer

Click to view Web Link

then click Output Devices

Next
p. 1.6 Fig. 1-3
 The Components of a
Computer
What is the system unit ?
Sometimes called a CD-RW CD-ROM
chassis drive or DVD-
A box-like case made from ROM
Zip
metal or plastic that drive
protects the internal disk
electronic components of drive floppy
the computer from disk
hard
damage drive
disk
Circuitry in the system drive
unit usually is part of or is
connected to a circuit
board called the
motherboard
Next
p. 1.6 Fig. 1-3
 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
Memory
Temporary holding place for data
then click Processors

Next
p. 1.6
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- memory
half inch square chip
Packaged so it
can be attached
processor chip
to a
packaging
motherboard

Next
p. 1.6 Fig. 1-4
 The Components of a
Computer
What are internal components and external devices?

Internal
Component External Device
Resides inside the Also called a
system unit peripheral
Attaches to the
system unit
Next
p. 1.6
 The Components of a
Computer
What is storage?
Holds data, instructions, and information for future use

Storage Device

Storage Medium Records and

retrieves items to
Physical material and from a storage
on which a medium
computer keeps
Click to view
Web Link
then click
the data, Devices often
function as source of
Storage Devices

instructions and
input because they
Next information
p. 1.7
transfer items from
storage into memory
 The Components of a
Computer
What are common storage devices or drives?

CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM
CD-RW drive drive

hard disk ZIP drive

drive floppy
disk
drive

Next
p. 1.7 Fig. 1-3
 The Components of a
Computer
What is a floppy disk?
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

Next
p. 1.7 Fig. 1-5
 The Components of a
Computer
What is a hard disk?
self-contained
Consists of several
hard disk
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
Next
p. 1.7 Fig. 1-6 & 7 removable
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 Speed
Reliability
Enormous amounts of Billions of
data can be stored and Dependable because operations can
made available for components have a be carried out
low failure rate so in a single
processing anytime it is
they produce second
needed
consistent results

Accuracy
Communications
If data is entered correctly
and program works properly, Two connected
the results are error-free computers can share
garbage in, garbage out stored data, instructions,
Next (GIGO) accuracy of output and information
p. 1.8 depends on accuracy of
input
 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
Microsofts chairman
and chief software
architect
Co-founded Microsoft in
1975
Regarded as the most
powerful person in the
computer industry
Consistently anticipates
Click to view
Web Link
technological
developments and
then click
Bill Gates

customer needs
Next
p. 1.9
 Computer Software

What is a computer program?

A series of instructions that tells the
hardware of a computer what to do

Allows you
Uses data in Displays Compares
to input data
memory in information values stored
and stores it
calculations on monitor in memory
in memory

Directs
Click to view Web Link
then click Computer Programs
computer to Prints a Stores
perform report information
Next
p. 1.10 alternative on disk
operations
 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 CD-ROM?

Step 1 Step 2
Step 1: Insert the
CD-ROM that
contains
Step 2: If the
program into
necessary, the
install
CD-ROM
the programdrive.
on
Step 3: The
the hard disk.
program
Then instruct the
executes and the
computer to run
screen displays
the program.
graphics that
Instructions
allow you to
transfer from the
create a greeting
CD-ROM or hard
card.
disk to memory.
Next
p. 1.11 Fig. 1-12
Step 3
 Computer Software

What is system software?

Programs that control the operations of the
computer and its devices

Operating System
(OS) Utility program
Set of programs Type of system
containing instructions software that performs
that coordinate all the a specific task, usually
activities among related to managing a
computer hardware computer, its devices,
Next
p. 1.12
devices or its programs
 Computer Software

What is the user interface?

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

Next
p. 1.12
 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 icons
image that
represents a
program, an
instruction, or
some other object icons

Next
p. 1.12 Fig. 1-13
 Computer Software

What is application software?

Programs that perform specific tasks for users

Suite
Collection of popular
individual software
Word applications bundled
processing together as a single unit Presentation
software graphics
software
Click to view

Spreadsheet Database
Web Link
then click
Application Software

software software
Next
p. 1.13
 Computer Software
What is packaged software?

Copyrighted
retail software
that meets the
needs of a
wide variety
of users
Purchase
from stores or
companies on
Next
the Internet
p. 1.13 Fig. 1-14
 Computer Software

What is custom software?

Written by a
programmer
Tailor-made
program
developed at a
users request
to perform
specific
functions
Next
p. 1.14
 Computer Software
What are freeware, public-domain software, and
shareware? Shareware
Copyrighted software
that is distributed free
for a trial period
Send a payment to
developer on honor
Freeware system
Software provided at Public-Domain
no cost to a user by Software
an individual or
Freeware donated
company
for public use
Copyrighted No copyright
Next
p. 1.14 Cannot resell it on restrictions
your own
 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 Both free and

programs from the paid ASPs
Internet

Next
p. 1.14
 Computer Software

Who designs and writes software?

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

Next
p. 1.14
 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?
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
Next
Cellular radio
p. 1.16
Satellites
 Networks and the Internet

What are the reasons to network?

Hardware
To share To save
devices
resources time and
money

Software
programs Information

Data
Next
p. 1.16
 Networks and the
Internet
What is a local area network (LAN)?
A network that
connects
computers in a
limited
geographic
area such as a
school
computer
laboratory,
office or group
Next
of
p. 1.16 Fig. 1-16
buildings
 Networks and the Internet

What is a wide area network (WAN)?

A network that covers a large geographical
area, such as one that connects offices
across the country

Next
p. 1.16 Fig. 1-17

Next
 Networks and the Internet

What is the Internet?

A worldwide
collection of
networks that
links together
millions of
businesses,
government
agencies,
educational
institutions, and
Click to view Web Link
individuals
then click Internet

Next
p. 1.17
 Networks and the Internet

Why do users access the Internet?

E-mail
Information
E-mail Meeting people
Shopping
Information
Meeting people
Entertainment
Shopping

Next
Entertainment
p. 1.17 Fig. 1-18
 Networks and the Internet

How do users connect to the Internet?

Internet Service
Provider (ISP)
Online Service
Company that Provider (OSP)
supplies
connections to the Provides access to
Internet, usually the Internet, as
for a monthly fee well as a variety of
other specialized
content and
services
Next
p. 1.18
 Networks and the
Internet
What is the World Wide Web (WWW)?
Billions of documents, called Web pages, that are
linked together on computers throughout the world

Web browser
Web site
Program used to
Collection of
Web page access and view
related Web
Web pages
pages Contains text,
graphics, sound, or
video and has
Next connections to other
p. 1.18
Web pages
 Networks and the Internet

How do you connect to Step 1

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

What are the categories of computers?

Next
p. 1.19 Fig. 1-20
 Personal Computers

What is a personal computer?

A computer that can perform all of its input, processing,
output, and storage activities by itself

Contains at least
Microprocessor
Two major
One Input The single chip categories
device
that performs
Desktop
One output all the
device processing Notebook
functions on a
One storage personal
device computer
Next
Memory
p. 1.19
A processor
 Personal Computers

What are the two most popular series of

personal computers?

The Apple Macintosh uses

the Macintosh operating
system (Mac OS)

Next
p.p.1.19
1.19Fig.
Fig.1-21
1-21&&22
22
The PC and compatibles use the
Windows operating system
 Company on the Cutting
Edge

Gateway

One of the worlds

leading technology
manufacturers
Manufactures
Click to view
built-to-order PCs
Web Link
then click
Gateway

Consumers from around

the world order more
Next
p. 1.21 than 11,000 custom
systems daily
 Personal Computers

What is a desktop computer?

Designed so the
system unit, input
devices, output
devices, and any
other devices fit
entirely on or under a
desk or table

Click to view Web Link

then click Personal Computers

Next
p. 1.20 Fig. 1-23
 Personal Computers

What are some desktop

computer variations?
Tower model
Tall and
narrow system
unit that can
sit on the floor
vertically

Next
p. 1.20 Fig. 1-23
 Personal Computers

What are some desktop

computer variations?
All-in-one computer
Less expensive
desktop that
combines the
monitor and
system unit
into a single
device
Next
p. 1.21 Fig. 1-24
 Personal Computers

What are some desktop

computer variations?
Workstation
More expensive and powerful desktop
designed for work that requires intense
calculations
and graphics capabilities
Stand-alone
Can perform the information processing
cycle operations without being
connected to a network
Next
p. 1.21
 Personal Computers

What are some desktop

computer variations?
Server
Powerful desktop that
manages the
resources on a
network
Clients or workstations
Other computers on
network that access
the contents of the
storage area on the
Next
servers
p. 1.22 Fig. 1-25
 Personal Computers

What is a notebook computer?

Also called a laptop
Portable, personal
computer small
enough to fit on your
lap
Generally more
expensive than a
desktop computer
with equal
capabilities
Click to view video
Next
p. 1.22 Fig. 1-26
 Handheld Computers

What is a handheld computer?

Also called a
palmtop computer
Small computer that
fits in your hand

Click to view Web Link

then click Handheld Computers

Next
p. 1.23 Fig. 1-27
 Handheld Computers
How do you input data with a
handheld computer?

Some have small

keyboards
Others use a stylus
A stylus looks like a
ballpoint pen, but
uses pressure,
instead of ink to write
Some support voice
Next
input
p. 1.23
 Handheld Computers

What is a personal digital assistant (PDA)?

One of the most
popular handheld
computers in use
today
Provides personal
organizer functions
Calendar
Appointment book
Address book
Calculator
Notepad
Next
p. 1.23 Fig. 1-28
 Handheld Computers

What are Web-enabled handheld computers?

Allow you to access the Internet wirelessly
Web-enabled
Web-enabled
cellular telephone
handheld
Web-enabled
computer
two-way pager

Next
p. 1.24 Fig. 1-29
 Internet Appliances

What is an Internet appliance or information

appliance?
Computer with
limited
functionality
whose main
purpose is to
connect to the
Internet from
home
Next
p. 1.24 Fig. 1-30
 Internet Appliances

What is WebTV?
An Internet
appliance in the
form of a set-top
box
Sits on top of or
next to a
television set
and allows you
to access the
Internet on the
TV
Next
p. 1.25 Fig. 1-31
 Mid-Range Servers

What is a mid-range
server?
More powerful and
larger than a
workstation computer
Supports up to 4,000
users
Often connected via a
personal computer or
terminal
Once known as a
Next minicomputer
p. 1.25 Fig. 1-32
 Mid-Range Servers

What is a terminal?

Sometimes called
dumb terminals
Device with a No processing power
monitor and Cannot stand alone
keyboard used to Must be connected to
access a server a server to operate

Next
p. 1.25
 Mainframes

What is a mainframe?
Large, expensive,
very powerful
computer
Can handle
hundreds or
thousands of
connected users
simultaneously
Stores tremendous
amounts of data,
instructions, and
information

Next
p. 1.26 Fig. 1-33
 Company on the Cutting
Edge

International Business
Machines (IBM)
Incorporated in 1911
The first family of
computers with
interchangeable software
Click to view
Web Link
then click IBM
and peripherals

Next
Worlds largest
p. 1.26 information technology
company
 Supercomputers

What is a supercomputer?
Fastest, most powerful computer
Able to
process
more than 12
trillion
instructions
per second

Next
p. 1.26 Fig. 1-34
 Elements of an
Information System
What is an information 1. Hardware
1. Hardware
system?

For an information 2. Software

2. Software

system to provide
accurate, timely,
and useful
Click to view
Web Link
then click
Women in
Technology

3. Data
3. Data
information, each
element must be 5. Procedures
present and all of
the elements must
Click to view
Web Link
then click
Minorities in Technology

work together
Next
p. 1.27 Fig. 1-35

4b. People
4b. People (users)
(users) 4a.
4a. People
People (IT
(IT personnel)
personnel)
 Examples of Computer Usage

What are five categories of computer users?

Mobile
Home 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?

finance and business

research
management
Web access
entertainment

Next
p. 1.29 Fig. 1-37
 Examples of Computer Usage

How do computer companies

accommodate children?
Many
manufacturers
design special
hardware for
children

Next
p. 1.30 Fig. 1-38
 Examples of Computer Usage

What is the digital divide?

Idea that you can separate
people of the world into
two distinct groups
Those who have
access to technology
with the ability to use
it
Those who do not
have access to
technology or are
without the ability to
Click to view
video use it
Next
p. 1.30
 Technology Trailblazer

Shawn Fanning
As a 19-year-old
freshman computer
science major, he
developed the
Napster software
and company
Pioneering file-
sharing concept
has implications
for all copyrighted
digital information
Click to view Web Link
then click Shawn Fanning

Next
p. 1.30
 Examples of Computer Usage

What hardware and software is Web access

available for a small office/home

office (SOHO) user?
Desktop usage
Local Area
Network (Lan)
Productivity
software
Specialty
software
Web usage
Next
p. 1.31 Fig. 1-39

spreadsheet
 Examples of Computer Usage

What new computer trends concern a

small office/home office (SOHO) user?
E-mail
Communicate with others
E-commerce
Conduct financial
business on the Web
Web cam
Allows a SOHO user to
show the world a live view
of some aspect of their
Next business
p. 1.31
 Examples of Computer Usage

What is a mobile user?

Travel to and from a main
office to conduct business
Hardware
Notebook computers
Handheld computers
Web-enabled cellular
telephones
Software
Productivity
Presentation

Next
p. 1.32 Fig. 1-40
 Examples of Computer Usage

What are the needs of the

large business user?
Network
Local area network (LAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Large business Web site
Sales management
Accounting
Desktop publishing
Information systems department
Productivity software
Scheduling
Web access
Next
p. 1.33 Fig. 1-41
 Examples of Computer Usage

What is a kiosk?
A freestanding computer
Usually has multimedia
capability and a touch
screen
Used by a large business
to provide information to
the public

Click to view video

Next
p. 1.34 Fig. 1-43
 Examples of Computer Usage

What is telecommuting?
A work
arrangement in
which employees
work away from a
companys
standard
workplace
Often
communicate with
the office using
some
communications
Next technology
p. 1.34 Fig. 1-44
 Examples of Computer Usage

What are the needs of a power user?

Requires the capabilities of a workstation or other
powerful computer
Types of power users
Engineers
Architects
Desktop publishers
Graphic artists
Typically work with
multimedia
Combines text, graphics,
sound,
video, and other
Next media elements into one
p. 1.35 Fig. 1-45 application
 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
information
Provide information
about business
Provide a resume
online
Provide online courses
called distance-
Next learning 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
Click to
view
animation
E-mail
Chat rooms
Next
Instant messaging
p. 1.37 Fig. 1-47
 Summary of Introduction
to Computers
The digital revolution
What is a computer?
The components of a computer
Why is a computer so powerful?
Computer software
Networks and the Internet
Categories of computers
Personal computers

Next
 Summary of Introduction
to Computers (cont.)
Handheld computers
Internet appliances
Mid-range servers
Mainframes
Supercomputers
Elements of an information system
Examples of computer usage
Computer user as a Web publisher

Next
Chapter 1 Complete