Chapter 1
Introduction to Using Computers

CHAPTER 1 OBJECTIVES

b Explain why it is important to be computer literate

b Define the term computer

b Identify the components of a computer

b Explain why a computer is a powerful tool

b Differentiate among the various categories of software

b Explain the purpose of a network

b Discuss the uses of the Internet and the World Wide Web

b Describe the categories of computers and their uses

COMPUTER LITERACY

b Computer literacy

• Knowing how to use a computer

WHAT IS A COMPUTER AND WHAT DOES IT DO?

An electronic machine, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data (input), manipulate data according to specified rules (process), produce results (output), and store the results for future use.

THE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

b Input Devices

b Output Devices

b System Unit

b Storage Devices

b Communications Devices

The Heart of the Computer

b CPU - Central Processing Unit

b Memory - Can rearrange/combine data

Computer Storage

b Primary Storage -- Memory

b Secondary Storage -- Floppy Disk, Hard Drive, CD

Organizing Data & Programs

b Systematic Organization

• Documents

• Folders

• Fields

• Records

• Files

• Databases

Hardware vs. Software

b Hardware

• CPU, System Unit

• Peripheral Devices (Printer, Scanner, etc.)

b Software

• Applications, Productivity Software

• Systems Software

WHY IS A COMPUTER SO POWERFUL?

b Speed

b Reliability

b Accuracy

b Storage

b Communications

b Use of Computers Animation

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

b Computer programs

• A series of instructions that tells the hardware of a computer how to perform tasks

• Installing programs

• Running programs

b System Software

• Operating system

• Utility programs

• User interface

– Graphical user interface (GUI)

– Microsoft Windows

b Application Software

• Packaged software

• Custom software

• Shareware

• Freeware and public-domain software

b Software Development

• Computer programmers

• Systems analyst

• Programming language

NETWORKS AND THE INTERNET

b Network

• Sharing resources

• Local area network - LAN

• Wide area network

b Internet

• E-mail

• Information

• Shopping

• Meeting people

• Entertainment

• Web page

• Web site

• Web browser

CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS

b Personal computers

b Minicomputers

b Mainframe computers

b Supercomputers

PERSONAL COMPUTERS

b Can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself

b Desktop Computers

• Tower model

• All-in-one computer

• Workstation

• Stand-alone

• Server

• Network computers and Web appliances

b Portable Computers

• Laptop computers

• Handheld computers

– Pen computers

– Office on your arm video

MINICOMPUTERS

b Support up to 4,000 users

b Often connected via a terminal

MAINFRAME COMPUTERS

b Large, expensive, very powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users

SUPERCOMPUTERS

b Fastest, most powerful computer

b Able to process more than 64 billion instructions per second

EXAMPLES OF COMPUTER USAGE

b Variety of users and uses

b Home User

• Home software

• Software for children

• Home use of the web

• Computer family video

b Small Business User

• Desktop users

• Productivity software

• Specialized software

• Web usage

• Small business web sites

b Mobile User

• Many types of mobile users

• Presentations

• Docking station

b Large Business User

• Order entry

• PDAs for organization

• Large business web site

• Kiosk

b Power User

• Engineers, architects, desktop publishers, graphic artists

• Specialized software

COMPUTER USERS AS INFORMATION PROVIDERS

b Web page authoring

b Photo communities

b Electronic storefronts

b Chat

SUMMARY OF INTRODUCTION TO USING COMPUTERS

b What a computer does

b The components of a computer

b Why is a computer so powerful?

b Computer software

b Networks and the Internet

b Categories of computers

TECHNOLOGY TRAILBLAZER

b Bill Gates

• Co-founder of Microsoft

• Wealthiest person in America

• Consistently anticipates technological developments and customer needs

COMPANY ON THE CUTTING EDGE

b Microsoft

• Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen

• MS-DOS

• Windows

• Most capitalized company in the world

Chapter 1 Complete