Your Interactive Guide to the Digital World Discovering Computers 2012

A World of Computers Computers are everywhere Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 2 Pages Figure 1-1

What Is a Computer? A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 3 Page 6 Collects data (input) Processing Produces information (output) Information Processing Cycle

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 4 Page 6 Figure 1-2

The Components of a Computer A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 5 Pages Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer Input Device Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people Output Device Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data System Unit Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media Storage Device Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices Communications Device

The Components of a Computer Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 6 Page 7 Figure 1-3

Networks and the Internet A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communications devices (e.g. router, modem, etc.) and transmission media (e.g. cable, Wi-Fi, etc.) Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 7 Pages Figure 1-6

Networks and the Internet The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 8 Page 11 Figure 1-7

Networks and the Internet People use the Internet for a variety of reasons: Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 9 Pages Figure 1-8 Communicate Research and Access Information Shop Bank and InvestOnline Trading EntertainmentDownload Videos Share Information Web Application

Computer Software Software, also called a program, tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 10 Pages Figures System Software Operating system Utility program Application Software

Computer Software Installing is the process of setting up software to work with the computer. Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 11 Pages Figure 1-12

Computer Software A programmer develops software or writes the instructions that direct the computer to what to do and how to do it. Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 12 Page 18 Figure 1-13

Categories of Computers Personal computers Mobile computers and mobile devices Game consoles Servers Mainframes Supercomputers Embedded computers Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 13 Page 19

Personal Computers Personal Computer (PC) can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself Two popular architectures are the PC and the Apple – Desktop computer Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 14 Pages Figures

Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices Personal computer you can carry from place to place Examples include notebook computers, laptop computers, netbooks, ultra- thins, and Tablet PCs Mobile Computer Computing device small enough to hold in your hand Examples include smart phones and PDAs, e-book readers, handheld computers, portable media players, and digital cameras Mobile Device Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 15 Pages

Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices Notebook computer Tablet PC Smart phones and PDAs E-book reader Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 16 Pages Figures 1-17 – 1-20

Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices Handheld computer Portable media player Digital camera Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 17 Pages Figures 1-21 – 1-23

Game Consoles A Game Console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 18 Page 24 Figure 1-24

Servers A Server Controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network. Provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 19 Page 25 Figure 1-25

Mainframes A Mainframe Is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 20 Page 25 Figure 1-26

Supercomputers A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer – Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing more than one quadrillion instructions in a single second Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 21 Page 25 Figure 1-27

Embedded Computers An Embedded Computer Is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 22 Page 26 Consumer Electronics Mobile and digital telephones Digital televisions Cameras Video recorders DVD players and recorders Answering machines Home Automation Devices Thermostats Sprinkling systems Security monitoring systems Appliances Lights Automobiles Antilock brakes systems ABS Engine control modules Airbag controller Cruise control Process Controllers and Robotics Remote monitoring systems Power monitors Machine controllers Medical devices Computer Devices and Office Machines Keyboards Printers Faxes Copiers

Embedded Computers Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 23 Page 26 Figure 1-28

Elements of a computer based system DataSoftwareHardware ProceduresConnectivityPeople Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 24 Page 27

25 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 Data is a collection of unorganised facts, unprocessed items, which can include: – Letters, numbers – Line thickness, magnetic strips Data is an input in the Information Processing Cycle Data

26 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 Information Information is data organised and given meaning, which can include: – The letter, report, essay or spreadsheet – The text printed on the sales docket DataProcessingInformation

27 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 Software Software also called program Software includes all the instructions that tell the computer what to do and how to do Software is the computer programming that makes the computer work

28 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 Hardware The physical things that make up a computer system: – System unit – Monitor – Keyboard and mouse – Cables – Printers – And so on

29 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 Procedures Procedures are the steps that must be followed to complete a particular computer related task such as: – Instructions – Manuals – On-line help

30 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 Connectivity So much business is now based upon networks. Networks enable Humans, computers, other devices connected, communicating and working together

31 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 People People involved in a computer based system There are broad categories such as: – Users/owners – Operators – System Managers – Technicians, technical support – Developers

Examples of Computer Usage Home User Personal financial management Web access Communications Entertainment Small Office/Home Office User Look up information Send and receive e- mail messages Make telephone calls Mobile User Connect to other computers on a network or the Internet Transfer information Play video games Listen to music Watch movies Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 32 Pages 28 – 31 Figures 1-30 – 1-32

Examples of Computer Usage Power User Work with multimedia Use industry-specific software Enterprise User Communicate among employees Process high volumes of transactions Blog Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 33 Pages 31 – 32 Figures 1-33 – 1-34