1. Basic introduction to computers
CHAPTER 1
Basic introduction to computers
SSK3000/SEMESTER /2015

2. Objectives Overview
Explain why computer literacy is vital to success in today’s world
Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and information
Describe the classification of computers
Describe the five components of a computer
Explain the computer history
See Page 3
for Detailed Objectives
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3. Discovering Computers: Chapter 1
A World of Technology
Because technology changes, you must keep up with the changes to remain digitally literate
Digital literacy involves having a current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the Internet, and related technologies
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Figure 1-1
Discovering Computers: Chapter 1

4. Computers
A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory
Accepts data (input)
Processing
Produces information (output)
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5. Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
What Is a Computer?
Input—entering data into the computer
Processing—performing operations on the data
Output—presenting the results
Storage—saving data, programs, or output for future use
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6. Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
What Is a Computer?
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7. Discovering Computers: Chapter 1
Data and Information
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Figure 1-11
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8. The Components of a Computer
A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware
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
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9. The Components of a Computer
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Figure 1-3
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10. The Components of a Computer
Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and the data needed by those instructions
A computer keeps data, instructions, and information on a storage media
A storage device records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media
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11. The Components of a Computer
Hardware
The physical parts of a computer
Can be internal (located inside the system unit) or external (located outside of the system unit)
Software
Programs or instructions used to tell the computer hardware what to do
Hardware
Software
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Figure 1-3
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12. Discovering Computers: Chapter 1
Programs and Apps
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
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Figure 1-28
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13. Discovering Computers: Chapter 1
Programs and Apps
Installing is the process of setting up software to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware
Once installed, you can run an application so that you can interact with it
You interact with a program or application through its user interface
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14. Discovering Computers: Chapter 1
Programs and Apps
A software developer, sometimes called an application developer or computer programmer, is someone who develops programs and apps or writes the instructions that direct the computer or mobile device to process data into information
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Figure 1-29
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15. Classification of Computers
Types of computers include:
Desktop and mobile computers
Servers and terminals
Smartphones, digital cameras, e-book readers and portable media players
Game devices
Embedded computers
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16. Desktops and Mobile Computers
A personal computer (PC) is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself and is intended to be used by one person at a time
A mobile computer is a portable personal computer, designed so that a user easily can carry it from place to place
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17. Desktops and Mobile Computers
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Figure 3-1
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18. Desktops and Mobile Computers
A desktop, or desktop computer, is a personal computer designed to be in a stationary location, where all of its components fit on or under a desk or table
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Figure 3-3
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19. Desktops and Mobile Computers
A laptop, also called a notebook computer, is a thin, lightweight mobile computer with a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base
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Figure 3-4
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20. Desktops and Mobile Computers
A tablet is a thin, lightweight mobile computer that has a touch screen
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Figure 3-5
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21. Desktops and Mobile Computers
A handheld computer is a computer small enough to fit in one hand
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Figure 3-7
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22. 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
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23. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Servers
A server is a computer dedicated to providing one or more services to other computers or devices on a network
Rack server
Blade server
Tower server
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Figure 3-8
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24. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Servers
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Table 3-1
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25. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Servers
A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful server that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously
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Figure 3-9
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Supercomputers
A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer — and the most expensive
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27. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Terminals
A terminal is a computer, usually with limited processing power, that enables users to send data to and/or receive information from a server, or host computer
A thin client is a terminal that looks like a desktop but has limited capabilities and components
Most retail stores use a POS terminal to record purchases, process credit or debit cards, and update inventory
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Figure 3-11
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28. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Terminals
An ATM (automated teller machine) is a self-service banking terminal that connects to a host computer through a network
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Figure 3-12
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29. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing refers to an environment of servers that house and provide access to resources users access through the Internet
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Figure 3-14
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30. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Mobile Devices
A smartphone is an Internet-capable phone that usually also includes a calendar, an appointment book, an address book, a calculator, a notepad, games, browser, and numerous other apps
Many smartphones have touch screens. Instead of or in addition to a touch screen, some have a built-in mini keyboard on the front of the phone or a keyboard that slides in and out from behind the phone
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31. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Mobile Devices
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Figure 3-15
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32. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Mobile Devices
A digital camera is a mobile device that allows users to take photos and store the photographed images digitally
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Figure 3-16
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33. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Mobile Devices
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34. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Mobile Devices
A portable media player, sometimes called a personal media player, is a mobile device on which you can store, organize, and play or view digital media
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Figure 3-19
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35. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Mobile Devices
An e-book reader (short for electronic book reader), or e-reader, is a mobile device that is used primarily for reading e-books and other digital publications
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Figure 3-20
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36. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Game Devices
A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games
A handheld game device is a small mobile device that contains a screen, speakers, controls, and game console all in one unit
Game controllers include gamepads, joysticks and wheels, dance pads, and a variety of motion-sensing controllers
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37. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Game Devices
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Figure 3-21
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38. Embedded Computers
An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product
Consumer electronics
Home automation devices
Automobiles
Process controllers and robotics
Computer devices and office machines
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39. Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
Embedded Computers
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Figure 3-22
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40. Putting It All Together
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Table 3-3
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41. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers
Speed
Reliability
Consistency
Storage
Communications
Health Risks
Violation of Privacy
Public Safety
Impact on Labor Force
Impact on Environment
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42. Digital Safety and Security
Green computing involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer
Strategies include:
Recycling
Using energy efficient hardware and energy saving features
Regulating manufacturing processes
Extending the life of computers
Immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers
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43. Computer Applications in Society
Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
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Figures 1-36 – 1-39
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44. Computer Applications in Society
Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing
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Figures 1-40 – 1-43
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45. Technology Users Home User Small/Home Office User Mobile User
Power User
Enterprise User
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46. Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Computer History
The computer that we use now is a fairly recent invention
The history of computers is often referred to in terms of generations, from pre-computers and early computers (before 1945) to fifth generation computers (now and the future)
Each new generation is characterized by a major technological development
Discovering Computers : Chapter 1

47. Computer History (cont’d)
The first calculating device, which was used 2000 years ago was called abacus
In  1833, Prof. Charles Babbage, the father of computer, developed a machine called analytical engine which was the base for the modern digital computer
Other early computing devices include the slide rule, the mechanical calculator, and Dr. Herman Hollerith’s Punch Card Tabulating Machine and Sorter
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48. Computer History (cont’d)
First - Generation Computers (approximately )
The electronic digital computers, which were introduced in 1950's, were using vacuum tubes
ENIAC
Was developed during World War II
UNIVAC
Released in 1951
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49. Computer History (cont’d)
Second - Generation Computers (approximately )
used transistors
A small device made of semiconductor material
Programming languages (FORTRAN and COBOL) were developed and implemented
Computers used by military, government and big business
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50. Computer History (cont’d)
Third - Generation Computers (approximately )
Introduction of integrated circuits (ICs)
Also know as chips
Keyboards and monitors were introduced for input and output
Magnetic disks were typically used for storage
Cheap, fast and reliable
Used by small business
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51. Computer History (cont’d)
Third - Generation Computers (approximately )
Introduction of integrated circuits (ICs)
Also know as chips
Keyboards and monitors were introduced for input and output
Magnetic disks were typically used for storage
Cheap, fast and reliable
Used by small business
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52. Computer History (cont’d)
Fourth - Generation Computers (approximately present)
The invention of the microprocessor in 1971
Contains the core processing capabilities of an entire computer on one single chip
Example: IBM PC and Apple Macintosh
Input - keyboard and mouse
Output – monitor and printer
Storage – magnetic disks and optical disks
The development of computer network, wireless technologies, and the internet
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53. Computer History (cont’d)
Fifth - Generation Computers (now and the future)
Will be based on artificial intelligence
Computers can learn, think and reasoning
Voice recognition
Become primary means of input
Optical computers
Process data using light instead of electrons
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54. Computer History (cont’d)
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55. Summary Basic computer concepts Classifications of computers
Components of computers
Uses of technology applications in society
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