COMPUTERS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING (CSC134)

Chapter 1 :
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
 A World of Computers
• Computers are everywhere : at work, at school, and at home

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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

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 What is a Computer?
• A computer is an electronic device,
operating under the control of Produces
instructions stored in its own memory, information
that can accept data, process the data (output)
according to specified rules, produce
results, and store the results for future
use.
• Information processing cycle is the Processing
series of input, process, output, and
storage activities.

Collects
data
(input)

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 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 5

The Components of a Computer

Hardware Software Computer

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 The Components of a Computer

• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and

mechanical components known as hardware
Input Device • Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer

Output Device • Hardware component that conveys information to one or more 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

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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

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Computer Software

• Installing is the process of

setting up software to work with
the computer, printer, and other
hardware.

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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

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 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

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Networks and the Internet

• A network is a
collection of computers
and devices connected
together, often
wirelessly, via
communications
devices and
transmission media

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Networks and the Internet

• The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks

that connects millions of businesses, government
agencies, educational institutions, and individuals

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 Networks and the Internet
• 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

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 Networks and the Internet
• A social networking Web site encourages members to share their
interests, ideas, stories, photos, music, and videos with other registered
users

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 15

Types of Computer

Mainframe
Supercomputers
computers

Midrange Personal
computers computers

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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

• Page 25 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 18

• 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

• Page 25 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 19

• Figure 1-26
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

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 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,
laptops, tablets, smartphones, and wearables.

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Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Mobile Mobile
Computer Device
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, e-
notebook computers,
book readers, handheld
laptop computers,
computers, portable
netbooks, ultra-thins,
media players, and
and Tablet PCs
digital cameras

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Game Consoles

• A game console is a mobile

computing device designed for
single-player or multiplayer
video games

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 Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as
a component in a larger product.

Computer Devices
Consumer Home Automation Process Controllers
Automobiles and Office
Electronics Devices and 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

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Computer Applications in Society

Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
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Computer Applications in Society

Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing
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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
including text, numbers, images, to make themselves more
and sounds. productive

Procedures Internet
• specify rules or guidelines for • allows computers to connect to
computer operations. people and other computers.

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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