CSC134 Chapter 1

COMPUTERS AND INFORMATION
PROCESSING (CSC134)
Chapter 1 :
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
Learning Objectives
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data
and information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each
category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software,
hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.
2
TOPICS
Computer Definition – data and information
Component of a computer
Types of computers
Computer in society
Information systems – Component, IS in Organization
IT Careers
3
A World of Computers
• Computers are everywhere : at work, at school, and
at home
4
Today’s Technology
• Because technology changes,
you must keep up with the
changes to remain digitally
literate
• Computer literacy, or Digital
literacy involves having a
current knowledge and
understanding of computers,
mobile devices, the web, and
related technologies
5
Learning Objective #1
and information.
category
6
What is a Computer?
• A computer is an electronic
Produces
device, operating under the information
control of instructions stored (output)
in its own memory, that can
accept data, process the data
according to specified rules,
Processing
produce results, and store the
results for future use.
• Information processing cycle is
the series of input, process, Collects
output, and storage activities. data
(input)
7
What is a Computer?
• Computers process data into information.
Data is a collection of unprocessed

items, which can include text,
numbers, images, audio, and video.
Information conveys meaning

and is useful to people.
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 8

What is a Computer?

and information.
category
10
The Components of a Computer
Hardware Software Computer
11
• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical
components known as hardware
Input Device • Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer
• Hardware component that conveys information to one or more

Output Device people
• Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that

System Unit are used to process data
• Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage

Storage Device media
Communications • Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and

Device information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices
12
13
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
• General-purposed
• Specialized
• Apps
14
Computer Software
• Installing is the process of
setting up software to work with
the computer, printer, and other
hardware.
15
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
Advantages of Disadvantages of
Using Computers Using Computers
Speed Health Risks
Reliability Violation of Privacy
Consistency Public Safety
Storage Impact on Labor Force
Communications Impact on Environment
16
Advantages of Using Computers
data, instructions, and information flow along electronic
Speed circuits in a computer at incredibly fast speeds.
Reliability dependable and reliable because they rarely break or fail.
produce the same results — consistently, generate

Consistency error-free results
store enormous amounts of data and make this data

Storage available for processing anytime it is needed.
computers can communicate with other computers, often

Communications wirelessly, and allow users to communicate with one
another.
17
Disadvantages of Using Computers
not protected properly, individuals have found their privacy
Violation of Privacy violated and identities stolen.
computer users have fallen victim to crimes committed by

Public Safety dangerous strangers.
created an entire industry with hundreds of thousands of

Impact on Labor Force new jobs, the skills of millions of employees have been
replaced by computers.
prolonged or improper computer use can lead to health

Health Risks injuries or disorders - computer addiction and technology
overload.
computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are

Impact on Environment depleting natural resources and polluting the environment.
18
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
19
Networks and the Internet
• A network is a collection of
computers and devices
connected together, often
wirelessly, via communications
devices and transmission media
20
• The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects
millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions,
and individuals
21
• People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:
Communicate Research and Shop Bank and Invest Online Trading

Access Information
Entertainment Download Videos Share Information Web Application
22
• A social networking Web site encourages members
to share their interests, ideas, stories, photos, music,
and videos with other registered users

and information.
category
24
Types of Computers
Personal
Computers
Mobile
Midrange
Computers &
Computers
Mobile Devices
Mainframe
Game Consoles
Computers
Supercomputers
Computer Embedded
Computers
Types
Supercomputers
• A supercomputer is the
fastest, most powerful
computer
• Fastest supercomputers
are capable of processing
more than one quadrillion
instructions in a single
second
• For example, they are used
to analyze and predict
worldwide weather
patterns. IBM’s Blue Gene
supercomputer is one of
the fastest computers in
• Page 25
the world.
26
• Figure 1-27
Mainframe Computers
• A mainframe is a large,
expensive, powerful
computer that can handle
hundreds or thousands of
connected users
simultaneously
• occupy specially wired,
air-conditioned rooms and
capable of great
processing speeds and data
storage
• For example, insurance
companies use
mainframes to process
information about millions
of policyholders.
27
Midrange Computers
• A midrange computers or
servers are computers with
processing capabilities less
powerful than a mainframe
computer yet more powerful
than a personal computer.
• controls access to the
hardware, software, and
other resources on a network
• provides a centralized storage
area for programs, data, and
information
• today midrange computers
are
most widely used to support
or serve end users for such
specific needs as retrieving
data from a database or
supplying access to
application software.
28
Personal Computers
• A personal computer can perform all of
its input, processing, output, and storage
activities by itself.
• There are five types of personal
computers: desktops and All-in-One,
laptops, tablets, smartphones, and
wearables.
29
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Mobile
Mobile
Compute
Device
r Personal computer you Computing device small
can carry from place to enough to hold in your
place hand
Examples include smart

Examples include
phones and PDAs,
notebook computers,
e-book readers,
laptop computers,
handheld computers,
netbooks, ultra-thins,
portable media players,
and Tablet PCs
and digital cameras
30
Notebook computer
Tablet PC
Smart phones and PDAs
E-book reader
31
Handheld computer
Portable media player
Digital camera
Game Consoles
• A game console is a mobile
computing device designed for
single-player or multiplayer
video games
33
Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a larger
product.
Process Computer Devices
Consumer Home Automation
Automobiles Controllers and and Office
Electronics Devices
Robotics Machines
• Mobile and digital • Thermostats • Antilock brakes • Remote • Keyboards
telephones • Sprinkling • Engine control monitoring • Printers
• Digital televisions systems modules systems • Faxes
• Cameras • Security • Airbag controller • Power monitors • Copiers
• Video recorders monitoring • Cruise control • Machine
• DVD players and systems controllers
recorders • Appliances • Medical devices
• Answering • Lights
machines
34
Embedded Computers
35
Types of Computers
36
and information.
category
37
Examples of Computer Usage
Home User Small Office/Home Mobile User

• Personal financial Office User • Connect to other
management • Look up information computers on a network
• Web access • Send and receive e-mail or the Internet
• Communications messages • Transfer information
• Entertainment • Make telephone calls • Play video games
• Listen to music
• Watch movies
38
Examples of Computer Usage
Power User Enterprise User

• Work with multimedia • Communicate among
• Use industry-specific employees
software • Process high volumes of
transactions
• Blog
39
Computer in Society
Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
40
Computer in Society
Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing
41
and information.
category
42
Information Systems
• An information system is a set of hardware, software, data, people,
procedures and internet that work together to produce information.
Pages 468 - 469

43
Figure 12-4
Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
Elements of an Information System
Hardware Software
• includes keyboard, mouse, display, • provides step-by step instructions
system unit, tablets, smartphones, for computer hardware.
and other devices.
Data People
• consists of unprocessed facts • are end users who use computers to
including text, numbers, images, make themselves more productive
and sounds.
Procedures Internet
• specify rules or guidelines for • allows computers to connect to
computer operations. people and other computers.
44
Elements of an Information
System
45
Information Systems in the Enterprise
• Functional units within an enterprise might include:
Marketing
Manufacturing Sales
Engineering
or Product Distribution
Development
Human Customer
Resources Service
Accounting Enterpris Information

and Finance e Technology
Page 469 46
• Accounting software manages everyday transactions
• Billing software helps the company reconcile purchases with customer
payments
• Financial software helps managers budget, forecast, and analyze
Page 470
47
Figure 12-6
• A human resource information system
(HRIS) manages one or more human
resources functions
• Employee relationship management
systems manage communication
between employees and the business
Pages 470 - 471

48
Figure 12-7
• Computer-aided design (CAD) uses a computer and special software to aid in
engineering, drafting, and design
• Computer-aided engineering (CAE) uses computers to test product designs
• Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the use of computers to control
production equipment
Page 471 49
• Computer-integrated
manufacturing (CIM) uses
computers to integrate the many
different operations of the
manufacturing process
• Material Requirements Planning
(MRP) uses software to help
monitor and control processes
related to production
Page 471
50
Figure 12-8
A quality control system helps an

organization maintain or improve the
quality of its products or services
A marketing information system

serves as a central repository for the
tasks of a marketing department
Pages 471 - 472 51
• Sales force automation (SFA) software equips traveling salespeople with the
electronic tools they need to be more productive
Page 472
52
Figure 12-9
• Distribution systems perform the following functions:
Provide forecasting Manage and track

for inventory shipping of
control products
Provide information
and analysis on
inventory in a
warehouse
Page 472 53
• Customer interaction management (CIM) software manages the day-to-day
interactions with customers
Pages 472 - 473 54

• The information technology (IT) department makes technology decisions for
the enterprise
• Whether to build or buy new information systems
• When a computer or information system has outlived its useful life
• A chief information officer (CIO) is an executive position that oversees the IT
department
Page 473 55
• General purpose information systems generally fall into one of five categories
Office Transaction Management

Information Processing Information
System System System
Decision
Support Expert System
System
Page 473 56
• Batch processing vs. online transaction processing
Page 474
57
Figure 12-10
Management Information System Decision Support System
Pages 474 – 475

58
Figures 12-11 – 12-12
Page 476
59
Figure 12-13
Integrated Information
Systems
Customer relationship
Enterprise resource
management manages Content management
planning provides
information about systems are
centralized, integrated
customers, information systems
software to help
interactions with that combine
manage and
customers, past databases, software,
coordinate ongoing
purchases, and and procedures
activities
interests
Pages 477 - 478 60

Page 478
61
Figure 12-15
and information.
category
62
Careers in IT
Webmaster • Develops and maintains websites and web resources
Software Engineer • Analyzes users’ needs and creates application software
Computer Support • Provides technical support to customers and other users

Specialist
Computer Technician • Repairs and install computer components and systems
• Prepares instruction manuals, technical reports, and other

Technical Writer scientific or technical documents
Network Administrator • Creates and maintains computer networks

References
• O’Leary, Timothy and Linda O’Leary, Computing Essentials 2021, 28th
Edition, McGraw Hill, 2021
• Shelly, Gary B. and Misty E. Vermaat, Discovering Computers
2018: Digital Technology, Data, and Devices, Cengage Learning, 2018
64

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COMPUTERS AND INFORMATION

Information systems – Component, IS in Organization

Data is a collection of unprocessed

Information conveys meaning

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 8

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 9

Hardware Software Computer

• Hardware component that conveys information to one or more

• Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that

• Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage

Communications • Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and

Reliability Violation of Privacy

Consistency Public Safety

Storage Impact on Labor Force

Communications Impact on Environment

Reliability dependable and reliable because they rarely break or fail.

produce the same results — consistently, generate

store enormous amounts of data and make this data

computers can communicate with other computers, often

computer users have fallen victim to crimes committed by

created an entire industry with hundreds of thousands of

prolonged or improper computer use can lead to health

computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are

Communicate Research and Shop Bank and Invest Online Trading

Entertainment Download Videos Share Information Web Application

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 23

Examples include smart

Smart phones and PDAs

Portable media player

Home User Small Office/Home Mobile User

Power User Enterprise User

Pages 468 - 469

Accounting Enterpris Information

Pages 470 - 471

A quality control system helps an

A marketing information system

Provide forecasting Manage and track

Pages 472 - 473 54

Office Transaction Management

Pages 474 – 475

Pages 477 - 478 60

Software Engineer • Analyzes users’ needs and creates application software

Computer Support • Provides technical support to customers and other users

Computer Technician • Repairs and install computer components and systems

• Prepares instruction manuals, technical reports, and other

Network Administrator • Creates and maintains computer networks

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