Application Tools in Business

Introduction to Computers (Lesson 1)

Learning Objectives ● These devices allow users to
● To know what is a computer; input data and commands
● The different components of into the computer.
computer; 5. Output Devices
● The characteristics of a computer; ● Output devices display or
● Explain the advantages and present the results of
disadvantages of a computer processed data to the user.
6. Motherboard
COMPUTER ● The motherboard is the main
● Are electronic devices capable of circuit board that connects
performing a wide range of tasks by and interconnects all the
processing and manipulating data computer’s components.
according to a set of instructions. 7. Expansion Cards
● These cards are inserted into
COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER slots on the motherboard to
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) add extra functionality to the
● The CPU is often referred to computer.
as the “brain” of the 8. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
computer. It performs the ● Provides electrical power to
actual processing of data and the components in the
instructions, executing computer.
calculations and managing 9. Cooling System
tasks. ● Computers generate heat
2. Memory: during operation, and cooling
● Random Access Memory systems (fans, heat sinks,
(RAM): is a type of volatile and sometimes liquid
memory that provides the cooling) are used to prevent
computer with fast and overheating.
temporary storage for data
that is currently being used CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERS
or processed. 1. Speed
● Read-Only Memory (ROM): ● Computers can execute
this is non volatile memory billions of instructions per
that stores firmware and second, enabling fast
essential system instructions. calculations and data
It retains data even when the processing. This speed is
computer is turned off. crucial for tasks that require
3. Storage Devices rapid analysis and response.
● Computers use various 2. Accuracy
storage devices to store data ● Computers are highly
persistently, even when the accurate in performing
power is turned off. calculations and executing
instructions, as they follow
4. Input Devices

IT 101
 Application Tools in Business
Introduction to Computers (Lesson 1)
predefined algorithms without 8. Consistency
human error or bias. ● Computers consistently
3. Versatility follow instructions, ensuring
● Computers can perform a that the same task executed
wide variety of tasks by multiple times yields the
running different software same results, which is
applications. They can crucial for tasks requiring
handle tasks ranging from precision.
word processing and graphic 9. Multitasking
design to scientific ● Modern computers are
simulations and data equipped with multitasking
analysis. capabilities, allowing them to
4. Storage run multiple applications and
● Computers can store vast processes simultaneously.
amounts of data, from 10. Connectivity
documents and images to ● Computers can communicate
videos and software. Storage with other devices and
capacities have continuously computers through networks,
increased over time with enabling data sharing,
advancements in technology. remote access, and
5. Diligence collaborative work.
● Computers can work 11. Scalability
tirelessly without getting ● Computers can be easily
fatigued or bored, making upgraded and expanded by
them ideal for repetitive and adding more memory,
time-consuming tasks. storage, or processing power
6. Automation to accommodate increasing
● Computers can automate demands.
complex tasks and 12. User Interaction
processes, reducing the ● Computers offer various user
need for manual intervention. interfaces, including
This is particularly useful in graphical user interfaces
industrial, manufacturing, (GUIs) and command-line
and data processing settings. interfaces (CLIs), enabling
7. Reliability users to interact with the
● When properly maintained, system and software.
computers are reliable tools. 13. Portability
However, they can be ● With the advent of laptops,
susceptible to hardware tablets, and smartphones,
failures and software computers have become
glitches, necessitating more portable, allowing users
backup systems and data to carry their computing
recovery plans. power with them.

IT 101
 Application Tools in Business
Introduction to Computers (Lesson 1)
14. Security Concerns IT will also change the functionality
● As computers are of computers and the way they serve the
interconnected and handle needs and expectations of users in various
sensitive data, security is a sectors like e-commerce, health, education,
critical concern. Security and government. IT is a complex web of
measures are implemented systems that store and send information,
to protect against and it requires educated professionals who
unauthorized access, data develop and implement it.
breaches, and cyberattacks.
15. Upgradability ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS
● Many components of a 1. Speed and Efficiency
computer can be upgraded, ● Computers can process
allowing users to improve information and perform
performance, replace tasks at incredibly high
outdated hardware, and keep speeds, far surpassing
up with technological human capabilities. This
advancements. leads to increased
16. Customizability productivity and faster
● Users can customize their decision-making.
computers with software, 2. Automation
applications, and settings to ● Computers enable
suit their specific needs and automation of repetitive
preferences. tasks, reducing human effort
17. Environmental Impact and minimizing errors. This is
● Computers consume energy especially useful in industries
and generate heat, like manufacturing, data
contributing to environmental entry, and customer service.
concerns. Energy-efficient 3. Storage Capacity
designs and responsible ● Modern computers can store
disposal practices are vast amounts of data,
important to minimize their ranging from documents to
ecological footprint. multimedia files. This data
can be easily accessed and
THE FUTURE OF INFORMATION organized, making
TECHNOLOGY information retrieval efficient.
It is about adding and adapting to 4. Data Processing
new capabilities that do more in faster ways, ● Computers can process large
in removing friction and providing strategic amounts of data and perform
business value. IT will involve smart robots, complex calculations quickly
biometrics and other technologies that use and accurately. This is
body measurements and statistical analysis essential for scientific
of people’s unique physical and behavioral research, financial modeling,
characteristics and data analysis.

IT 101
 Application Tools in Business
Introduction to Computers (Lesson 1)
5. Communication 10. Medical Advancements
● Computers facilitate ● Computers play a vital role in
communication through medical diagnostics, imaging,
various means, including research, and patient
email, social media, video management, leading to
conferencing, and instant more accurate diagnoses
messaging. They have and better patient care.
revolutionized how people
connect globally. DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS
6. Global Information Access 1. Dependency
● The internet allows ● Over Reliance on computers
computers to access can lead to difficulties when
information all over the world. systems fail, potentially
This access to a wealth of causing significant
knowledge benefits disruptions in various sectors
education, research, and like finance, transportation,
staying informed. and healthcare.
7. Multitasking 2. Health Concerns
● Modern operating systems ● Prolonged computer use can
enable computers to perform lead to health issues such as
multiple tasks eye strain, carpal tunnel
simultaneously. This is syndrome, and sedentary
crucial for productivity, as lifestyle-related problems.
users can switch between 3. Privacy and Security
various applications ● Computers store vast
seamlessly. amounts of personal and
8. Creativity and Entertainment sensitive data, making them
● Computers provide tools for susceptible to hacking,
digital art, music identity theft, and breaches
composition, video editing, of privacy
and more. They also offer 4. Job Displacement
entertainment through ● Automation driven by
gaming, streaming, and computers can lead to job
virtual experiences. loss in certain industries, as
9. Education and E-Learning machines replace human
● Computers have transformed workers in tasks like
education, offering online manufacturing and customer
courses, interactive learning service.
platforms, and digital 5. Environmental Impact
resources that enhance ● The production and disposal
learning experiences. of computers contribute to
electronic waste, which
poses environmental
challenges due to toxic

IT 101
 Application Tools in Business
Introduction to Computers (Lesson 1)
materials and inefficient
recycling practices.
6. Distraction and Addiction
● Computers can be a source
of distraction, leading to
decreased productivity and
addictive behaviors,
especially with excessive use
of social media and online
entertainment.
7. Cybercrime
● Computers are vulnerable to
various forms of cybercrime,
including phishing, malware,
ransomware, and online
scams, which can result in
financial losses and
compromised personal data.
8. Digital Divide
● Not everyone has equal
access to computers and the
internet, creating a digital
divide that can exacerbate
socioeconomic disparities.
9. Loss of Human Interaction
● Excessive use of computers
can lead to a decline in face-
to-face social interactions,
affecting communication
skills and interpersonal
relationships.
10. Ethical Concerns
● The rise of artificial
intelligence raises ethical
questions about issues like
bias in algorithms, job
displacement, and the ethical
use of autonomous systems
in various contexts.

IT 101