1. Computers Are Your Future
Chapter 1
Computers & You
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

2. What You Will Learn . . .
Define the word computer and name the four basic operations
Describe the main components of a computer
Hardware
Software
Provide examples of hardware devices
Explore the information-processing cycle
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3. What You Will Learn . . .
Major categories of computers and various types of computers
Two general types of software
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4. Computers & You
Workers with computer and Internet skills tend to make more money and have more satisfying careers than workers without such skills.
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5. Understanding the Computer: Basic Definitions
Computer – A machine that performs the four basic operations of the information-processing cycle:
input
processing
output
storage
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6. Understanding the Computer: Basic Definitions
Software
Hardware
Computer system – A collection of related components that are designed to work together
A system includes hardware and software.
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7. Understanding the Computer: Basic Definitions
Program – A list of instructions that tell the computer how to perform the four basic operations to accomplish a task
Computers use algorithms to solve a problem.
Algorithms are step-by-step procedures.
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8. Hardware Hardware is the computer’s physical components.
The components include:
Input devices– Enable users to enter data into the computer for processing.
Processing circuitry– Components located in the system’s case that transform data into information.
Output devices– Peripherals that show the results of processing.
Storage devices– Used to store all the programs and data that the computer uses.
Communication Devices– Used to move data between computers.
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9. Input: Getting Data into the Computer
Data – Unorganized raw materials made up of words, numbers, images, or sounds
The first operation: input
Input devices enable the user to enter data into the computer.
The computer accepts data.
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10. Input Devices Mouse – pointing device Keyboard
Microphone – speech-recognition
Digital Cameras
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11. Processing: Transforming Data into Information
INFORMATION OUT
The second operation: processing
Computers transform data into information.
Processing circuitry:
Central processing unit (CPU)
Random access memory (RAM)
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12. Processing Devices Motherboard Expansion Card
Central Processing Unit – CPU
Random Access Memory– RAM
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13. Output: Displaying Information
The third operation: output
The computer shows the results of the processing operation in a way people can understand.
Output devices show the results of processing operations.
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14. Output Devices
Monitor
Printer
Speakers
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15. Storage: Holding Programs and Data for Future Use
The fourth operation: storage
The computer saves the data or output so that it can be used again later.
Storage devices hold all programs and data that the computer uses.
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16. Storage Devices CD/DVD Drive Hard Drive Floppy Disk Drive Zip Drive
Micro Drive
Tape Drive
Jaz Drive
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17. Communications: Moving Data between Computers
A fifth operation: communications
Moving data within the computer or between computers
Communications devices – Enable computers to connect to a computer network
Network – Two or more computer systems that are connected
Modem – A device that enables the computer to access other computers
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18. Communications Devices
Modem
Network Interface Card – NIC
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19. The Information Processing Cycle In Action
Input – You enter text in a word processing program.
You run the program’s spell checker program.
Processing – The computer checks and compares all words entered with a list of correctly spelled words.
Output – The computer provides a list of apparent misspellings.
You correct the spelling in your document.
Storage – You save the revised document to a disk.
Compoters
A computer is a machine that perfirms four basic operations: input, processing, output, and storage. Together, these four operations are called the information proceesing cycle.
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20. Personal Digital Assistant
Types of Computers
Computers for Individuals
Workstation
Personal Digital Assistant
Desktop – PC, iMac
Notebook – Laptop
All-in-One
Internet Appliance
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21. Types of Computers Computers for Organizations
Servers are not designed for individuals. They make programs available for network users.
Minicomputers (mostly obsolete term) handle the computing for small corporations.
Mainframes handle gigantic processing jobs for large corporations or agencies.
Supercomputers are ultra-fast and handle huge amounts of scientific data.
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22. Understanding the Computer: Basic Definitions
Software – All the programs that give the computer its instructions
Two categories of software:
System software Application software
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23. Introducing Software
Software consists of the programs that give the computer’s hardware its step-by-step instructions.
Software is created by programmers using a programming language.
Programs contain units called files.
Transferring a program into the computer’s memory is called loading.
Once loaded into memory the program’s instructions are carried out or executed.
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24. Types of Software System software Application software
System software– All programs that help the computer function properly.
Application software– All the programs you use to perform a task such as writing a letter or browsing the World Wide Web.
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25. System software is divided into two categories: The operating system:
Provides support for running application software.
Coordinates the various functions of the computer’s hardware.
System utilities:
Are programs for optimizing computer performance.
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26. Types of Operating Systems
Command-line interface– Users type instructions at the keyboard, one line at a time. Examples: MS-DOS, PC DOS, UNIX
Graphical user interface (GUI)– Users choose items from menus by using a pointing device to click on icons which represent resources and commands. Examples: Windows, Mac OS
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27. Command-Line Interface
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28. Graphical User Interface (GUI)
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29. Application Software
Application software includes all programs that enable us to use the computer in a useful way.
Custom software is developed for specific needs.
Packaged software is produced for the mass market.
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30. Software Suite MS EXCEL MS POWERPOINT MS WORD MS ACCESS MS FRONT PAGE
A collection of full-featured standalone programs that usually share a common command structure and have similar interfaces.
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