Chapter 1 Computers: Tools for an Information Age

Computer Literacy n 3 part definition –become aware of the importance, versatility, and pervasiveness of computers –learn what computers are and how they work –use popular application software n learning to write programs is not a requirement of becoming computer literate

What is a computer? n A computer is a machine that can be programmed to accept data, process it into useful information, and store it for later retrieval and use. –data - raw facts and figures (input) –information - data that has been manipulated in some way to make it useful (output) n basic hardware components - processor, primary memory, secondary storage, input and output devices

Computer Characteristics n speed n reliability n storage capacity

Where are computers used? n education n graphics n retailing n energy n law enforcement n transportation n money n agriculture n government n home n health and medicine n robotics n scientific research n connectivity n training n paperwork

Computer System Elements n hardware - physical equipment associated with the computer n software - sets of instructions (programs) that tell the hardware what to do n people - –end users use the hardware and software to complete tasks –programmers develop software

Classes of Computers n personal computers (PCs) - computers designed to a single user, can include –workstations, home computers, notebook computers, personal digital assistant (PDA) n mainframes - large, powerful, general purpose computers designed for many users n supercomputers - computers that use state of the art technology to achieve the fastest processing speeds currently available