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
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)

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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

What is a Computer?

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 6

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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The Components of a Computer

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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 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 error-

Consistency 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.

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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.

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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 19

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 22

• 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 23

• 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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Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices
Notebook computer

Tablet PC

Smart phones and PDAs

E-book reader
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Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices

Handheld computer

Portable media player

Digital camera
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 28
 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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Embedded Computers

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Types of Computers

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 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

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 Examples of Computer Usage

Power User Enterprise User

• Work with multimedia • Communicate among
• Use industry-specific employees
software • Process high volumes of
transactions
• Blog

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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 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.

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 Elements of an Information
System

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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

 A Look to the Future
Using and Understanding Information Technology
browse the Web, communicate with others,
Internet & Web locate Information, etc.

create professional looking documents, analyze massive

Powerful Software amounts of data, create dynamic multimedia pages, and
more.

more powerful & robust, new technologies such as wireless

Powerful Hardware networks & their impact to connect, equipment can be
dynamic vs. essential features of devices remain unchanged

need to be careful of the negative potential

Security, Privacy & Ethics effect.

rely on quality and flexibility to stay competitive

Organizations

fast paced era and rapid change

Changing Times
 Chapter Summary

Basic computer Components of Types of

concepts computers computers

Uses of technology Career,

Elements of
applications in opportunities, and
information system
society future in IT.
 References
• Shelly, Gary B. and Misty E. Vermaat,
Discovering Computers - Fundamentals 2012:
Your Interactive Guide to the Digital World,
Course Technology, Cengage Learning, 2012
• O’Leary, Timothy and Linda O’Leary,
Computing Essentials 2014 – Complete
Edition, McGraw Hill, 2013

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