Chapter 1

Introduction to Computer
 Objectives
• Define the term computer, and describe the
relationship between data and information.
• Describe the five components of a computer.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages that
users experience when working with computers
• Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions
of computers in each category
• Discuss how society uses computers in
education, finance, government, health care,
science, publishing, travel, and manufacturing
 1.1 What Is A Computer?
• A Computer is an electronic device, operating
under the control of instructions that can accept
data, process the data according to specified rules,
produce results/information, and store the
results /information for future use.

Produce
results
Accept
data Process

Store
results
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 Data and Information
• Computers process data (input) into
information (output).
• Data is a collection of unprocessed items,
which can include text, numbers, pictures,
audio and video.
• Information is processed data - has
meaning and is useful.
 Example

Sally Exam Results

Chinese 32 marks
Sally Malay 24 marks
32, 24, 32 English 32 marks
A computer processes data into information.
For example, the item ordered, item price,
quantity ordered and amount received – all
represent (INPUT).

The computer processes the data to produce

the receipt – (INFORMATION or OUTPUT) 6
 Example:
Using the ATM to withdraw RM100.00
verify pin, check account
bal, update bal

6 digit pin, cash,

withdrawal, receipt
100

date, time, account no, transaction type, place, etc

 1.2 The Components Of A
Computer
• A computer contains many electric, electronic,
and mechanical components known as
hardware.
• These components include:
1. Input devices
2. Output devices
3. System unit
4. Storage devices
5. Communication devices
 • HW components that allow you enter data/instruction into
the computer.
Input Device
• Examples: keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, digital
camera, PC video camera, etc.

• HW components that conveys info to one or more people.

Output Device
• Examples: printer, monitor, speakers, etc.

• Box-like case that contains the electronic components of the

System Unit
computer that are used to process data.

• Device that records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items

Storage Device to and from storage media.
• Examples, USB flash drives, hard disk, etc.

• HW components that enables a computer to send and

Communications receive data, instructions and info. to and from another
Device computer(s)
• Examples: Modem, router and network card.
Examples: Input devices

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 Example: Output Devices
display text, graphics,
video on a screen
user hear
music, voice,
and other
produce text and
audio
graphics on a paper

Monitor
Speakers
Printer 12
Example: System Unit
 Example: System Unit

The circuitry of the system unit is

connected to a circuit board called the
motherboard
Example: Storage Devices

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 Example: Storage Devices
CD/DVD Drive

Storage device
Records and retrieves items to
and from storage media

Storage media
Physical material on which data,
instructions, and information
CD/DVD
are stored
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Example: Communication
Devices

Wireless
Modem
USB
Broadband
Modem

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The 5 components of a computer
and their relationships
Communication
Devices

Input
System Unit Output
Devices
Devices

Storage
Devices
 Revision
What are the
Input FIVE
Devices components of a
computer?
Output
Devices

System
Unit

Storage
Communication
Devices
Devices
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 1.3 Advantages Of Using Computers
• Speed
– Computers can perform billions/trillions of calc/operations
per second. Example: Sorting no, calculating total and
sending e-mails.
• Reliability
- The electronic components in modern computers are
dependable and reliable because they have low failure rate
• Consistency
– Produce consistent result. Given the same input and
process, will produce the same results. This phrase called
“garbage in, garbage out”

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 1.3 Advantages Of Using Computers
• Storage
- Computer store huge amounts of data and make this data
available for processing anytime it is needed.

• Communication
– Communication is the exchanged of data/info between 2
parties. When computers are connected to each other
they can share data, instructions and info. These
computers can be located in the same room or thousands
of miles away from each other.

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Disadvantages Of Using Computers
• Privacy issues
– Nearly every life event is stored in a computer
e.g. medical records, credit records, tax
records and etc.
– Where personal and confidential records were
not protected properly, individuals have
found their privacy violated and identities
stolen
– Prevention: do not disclose identification
numbers, user names, passwords or other
personal security details
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Disadvantages Of Using Computers
• Public safety
– Users around the world share publicly
photos, music and other personal info.
– Some of these unsuspecting, innocent
computer users have fallen victim to crimes
committed by dangerous strangers.
– Prevention: Do not share information that
would allow others (i.e. strangers) to identify
or locate you, etc.

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 Disadvantages Of Using Computers
• Impact on labour force
– Millions of employees have been replaced
by computers.
– For example: HLA_AI

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 Disadvantages Of Using Computers
• Impact of environment
- Computer wastes are polluting the
environment.
- When computers are discarded in landfills, they
release toxic materials.

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 Disadvantages Of Using Computers
• Health risks
– Prolonged / improper computer use can lead
to injuries/disorders of the hands, wrists, neck,
back and eyes.
• Prevention: proper workplace design, good
sitting/standing posture and take regular break.

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 1.4 Categories of Computers
Category Physical Size
Personal computer Fits on desk
Mobile computer & mobile Fits on lap or in hand
devices
Game consoles Small box or handheld device
Servers Small cabinet
Mainframes Partial room to a full room of
equipment
Supercomputers Full room of equipment
Embedded computers Miniature
Terminal
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

• A personal computer can Mobile computers and

mobile devices
perform all of its input,
processing, output, and Game consoles
storage activities by itself.
• It is intended to be used by Servers

one person at a time.

Mainframes
• Two popular architectures are
the PC and the Apple. Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Terminal
Personal Computers
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

• A mobile computer is a Mobile computers and

mobile devices
portable personal computer,
designed so that a user can Game consoles
carry it from place to place.
• Example: laptop (notebook Servers

computer) and tablet.

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Terminal
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

• A mobile device is a Mobile computers and

mobile devices
computing device small
enough to hold in your hand. Game consoles
• The screens on mobile
devices are small — often Servers

between 3 and 5 inches.

Mainframes
• Some mobile devices are
Internet capable, meaning that Supercomputers
they can connect to the
Internet wirelessly. Embedded computers

Terminal
 Personal computer
1.4 Categories Of Computers
• Popular types of mobile devices are Mobile computers and
mobile devices
smartphones, digital cameras,
portable and digital media Game consoles
players, e-book readers, and
wearable devices.
Servers

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Terminal
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

• A game console is a mobile Mobile computers and

computing device designed for mobile devices
single-player or multiplayer video
games. Game consoles

• Gamers often connect the game

console to a television so that they Servers
can view their gameplay on the
television’s screen. Mainframes
• Many game console models are
Internet capable and also allow you Supercomputers
to listen to music and watch movies
or view photos. Embedded computers

Terminal
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

Mobile computers and

mobile devices

Game consoles

Servers

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Terminal
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

• A server is a computer dedicated to Mobile computers and

providing one or more services to mobile devices
other computers or devices on a
network. Game consoles

• Services provided by servers include

storing content and controlling Servers
access to hardware, software, and
other resources on a network. Mainframes
• A server can support from two to
several thousand connected Supercomputers
computers and devices at the same
time. Embedded computers

Terminal
1.6 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

• Servers are available in a variety Mobile computers and

of sizes and types for both small mobile devices

and large business applications.

Game consoles

Servers

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Terminal
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

• A mainframe is a large, expensive, Mobile computers and

powerful server that can handle mobile devices
hundreds or thousands of connected
users simultaneously. Game consoles
• Enterprises use mainframes to bill
millions of customers, prepare payroll Servers
for thousands of employees, and
manage millions of items in inventory.
Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Terminal
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

• A supercomputer is the fastest,

Mobile computers and
most powerful computer and the mobile devices
most expensive.
• Supercomputers are capable of Game consoles

processing many trillions of

instructions in a single second. Servers

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Terminal
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

• Applications requiring complex,

Mobile computers and
sophisticated mathematical calculations
mobile devices
use supercomputers.
• For example, large-scale simulations
Game consoles
and applications in medicine,
aerospace, automotive design, online
banking, weather forecasting, nuclear Servers

energy research, and petroleum

exploration use a supercomputer. Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Terminal
 1.4 Categories Of Computers
• Difference between Servers, Mainframes and
Supercomputer in terms of who uses them:
Servers Mainframes Supercomputer
Medium size Big companies Researchers and
companies (airlines, banks, Scientists
(colleges/universities, insurance company,
supermarkets, etc) etc)
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

• An embedded computer is a
Mobile computers and
special-purpose computer that mobile devices
functions as a component in a
larger product. Game consoles

• Embedded computers are

everywhere — at home, in your Servers

car, and at work.

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Terminal
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

• Examples of some of the many Mobile computers and

embedded computers in vehicles. mobile devices

Game consoles

Servers

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Terminal
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

• A terminal is a computer, usually with

Mobile computers and
limited processing power, that enables mobile devices
users to send data to and/or receive
information from a server, or host Game consoles
computer.
• The host computer processes the data
Servers
and then, if necessary, sends
information (output) back to the
terminal. Mainframes
• Terminals may
include a monitor Supercomputers
and/or touch screen,
keyboard, and memory. Embedded computers

Terminal
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

• Special-purpose terminals Mobile computers and

perform specific tasks and mobile devices
contain features uniquely
designed for use in a particular Game consoles

industry.
Servers
• Three widely used special-
purpose terminals are point-of-
Mainframes
sale (POS) terminals, ATMs, and
self-service kiosks.
Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Terminal
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

Mobile computers and

mobile devices

Game consoles

Servers

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Terminal
1.4 Categories Of Computers Personal computer

Mobile computers and

mobile devices

Game consoles

Servers

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Terminal
 Computer Applications in Society
• People interact directly with technology in fields such as:

Education Governmen Finance Retail Entertainment

t

Health care Science Travel Publishing Manufacturing

1.5 Computer Applications in Society

Students have notebook

Education computers on their desks
during classroom lectures

Many people and companies

use online banking or finance
software to pay bills, track
Finance personal income and expenses,
manage investments, and
evaluate financial plans
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 1.5 Computer Applications in Society

Health Medical staffs use computers

& computerized devices to
Care assist with medical tests

Law enforcement officials

have in-vehicle computers
Government & mobile devices to access
emergency, criminal records
in computer networks

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1.5 Computer Applications in Society
Scientists use computers to assist
Science them with collecting, analyzing, &
Modeling data.

Many magazine & newspaper

Publishing publisher make the content of their
Publications available online

GPS gives users prompted directions

Travel to a destination

Automobile factories use

Manufacturing Industrial robots to weld
car bodies
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 Summary
Data vs. Information Input devices
Information Processing Output devices
Cycle System Unit
What’s computer?
Communication
Education, business, devices
healthcare, etc. Storage devices
Computer
applications in Components of
business & a computer
society
Speed, reliable,
Personal Computer consistent, etc.
Mobile computer &
device Categories of
Advantages & Health risks,
disadvantages of using
Game console computers computer violation of
Server privacy, etc.
Mainframe
Supercomputer
Embedded computer
Terminal
The End..