Chapter 11-Business and Technology

11-1 Computer Systems COMPUTERS IN SOCIETY Computers in business are used to store, process, and report information. Nearly every business uses some type of computer.

A computer needs quick efficient processing to control operating costs, manage resources, and stay competitive. Each day in banks, stores, offices, factories, homes, and nonprofit organizations the use of computer systems is expanding.

Elements of a Computer System Computer systems- include an input device, processing unit, memory storage, and an output device Hardware- physical elements of a computer system Examples: keyboards, cameras, microphones, speakers, monitors, or printers

Hardware is constantly changing or expanding Example: In the past only large computers could handle sound, graphics, animation, and video. Now this capability is common for computers in small businesses and homes.

Software- instructions that run the computer system Businesses commonly use various types of software including: word processing, spreadsheet, communication, and presentation programs.

Computer Networks Computer network- computers linked together so users can share hardware, software, and data The Internet is the largest and best-known computer network in the world. The Internet is often used for two activities: The exchange of e-mail For accessing the world wide web (WWW) Allows computer users to access information on almost every topic. Uses text, images, hyperlinks, graphics, frames, animation, video and audio

Intranet- local computer network; an organization’s private computer network Smaller version of the Internet Only members or employees can utilize an intranet. Used to share information. Saves time and money for companies.

Checkpoint>> List the four main elements of a computer system. 1. 2. 3. 4.

INPUT AND PROCESSING Input: Getting Started Data is entered into a computer system with a data device Keyboard- common input device for letters and numbers Mouse- used to point to commands or images on the screen

Other examples of input devices: Touchpads built into laptops allow users to- point and click Controllers and joysticks for video games allow you to direct the actions of the game Touch screens allow your finger to contact the screen to enter data, give commands, or make selections Light pens used to draw on a computer screen

Scanners translate words and images into computer-readable forms Voice-activated systems allow words spoken into a microphone to be entered as data or translated into instructions or commands Microphones and cameras allow input of audio and video

Processing: Making Things Happen Processing- second major component of a computer system Central processing unit (CPU)- control center of the computer Known as the brain of the computer The most common way to give instructions to a computer is through a program.

Program- series of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tell the computer what functions to complete The most powerful computer programs are in formats that are difficult to understand. Computer language- system of letters, words, numbers, and symbols used to communicate with the computer

The two main types of computer programs are operating system software and application software. Operating system software- translates commands and allows application programs to interact with the computer’s hardware Application software- programs that perform specific tasks

Application software Word Processing- allows users to enter, store, revise, and print text Desktop Publishing- word processing activities are expanded to produce newsletters, brochures, or charts Database Software Database- organized collection of information with data items related to one another in some way Database marketing- software is used to maintain, analyze, and combine customer information files Using a database increases the chances of reaching potential customers willing to buy a product

Spreadsheet- program that formats data in columns and rows in order to do calculations Cell- location where a row and column intersect Spreadsheets are used to prepare payroll records, financial statements, and budgets What-if analysis- a manager might want to see the effect of different prices on profit. The worksheet automatically recalculates for each price Presentation software- creates slide shows including text, data, photos, and other visuals

Checkpoint>> What are common input devices?

MEMORY AND OUTPUT Memory and Storage: Saving for Later The third component of a computer system is memory. When in use, a program is stored in the computer’s memory Internal (or primary) storage- memory within the computer

Memory Capacity Bit Smallest unit Nibble 4 bits; a half byte Byte 8 bits Kilobyte 1,024 bytes Megabyte A million bytes Gigabyte A billion bytes Terabyte A thousand gigabytes

Primary storage cannot hold all of the programs and all of the data needed by computer users. External storage- not part of the memory but is available for storing both programs and data Examples of external storage include: CDs, DVDs, and flash drives

Output: Obtaining Results The final component of a computer system is output. Output devices present data in forms that can be retrieved later or communicated immediately

There are four common types of output: Text output- includes processing results displayed on a computer monitor or in a printed report Graphics output- which might include company logos, photos, drawings, scrolling messages, and animated graphics Audio output- which involves music and broadcast clips as well as presentations Video output- which may be in the form of training film, tv commercials, or news reports

Checkpoint>> How do internal and external memory differ?

Assessment Questions Complete the three assessment questions found on the last page of the packet.