1. Introduction to Computers
Business Technology Applications
Stanley
Introduction to Computers

2. Types of Computers
Computers are electronic devices that can perform tasks and calculations based on the instructions that have been given to it.
Personal Computers – small enough to fit on a desk, is relatively inexpensive and is designed for an individual user.
Laptop Computers (sometimes called notebooks) same as PC but portable
Tablet PC – special type of notebook computer that allows you to write or draw on the screen using a digital pen
combines the features of a traditional notebook computer with the simplicity of pencil and paper
And Mobile Devices that are small enough to carry with you such as smart phones, PDAs, handheld computers, portable media players (iPod), and digital cameras

3. Other Computers
Supercomputer – the fastest type of computer. It can store data and perform numerous tasks simultaneously at incredible speeds.
Mainframe – less powerful and less expensive than supercomputers but are still capable of storing and processing large amounts of data.
Minicomputer – (also called a server) smaller than a mainframe, larger than a microcomputer and can support multiple users with their own terminals at the same time

4. Data and Information
Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio and video.
Information conveys meaning and is useful to people.
Computers process DATA into INFORMATION

5. Components of a Computer
hardware is the physical components that make up a computer.
These include: input devices, storage devices, and communication devices.
Common hardware components include: keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, web cam, printer, monitor, speakers, hard disk drive.

6. Components of a Computer
Input Device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer.
Five common input devices include:
Keyboard – contains the keys you press to enter data into the computer
Mouse – small handheld device that allows you to control the movement of a small symbol on the screen called a pointer and you make selections on the screen
Microphone – allows you to speak into the computer
Scanner – converts printed material into a form the computer can use
Web cam – digital video camera that allows you to create movies or take pictures and store them on the computer instead of on tape or film

7. Components of a Computer
Output Device is any hardware component that conveys information to one ore more people. Three commonly used output devices are:
printer – produces text and graphics on a medium such as paper
monitor – displays text, graphics, and videos on a screen
speakers – allows you to hear music, voice, and other audio

8. Components of a Computer
System Unit - case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data
Inside the system unit is the motherboard which has two main components
the processor
memory

9. Components of a Computer
Central Processing Unit (CPU) – the main chip that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer.
Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions
The number of memory locations is stated in terms of BYTES
A byte is a unit of storage capable of holding a single character

10. Memory A byte is equal to 8 bits.
A kilobyte (KB) is equal to 1,025 bytes or 103.
A megabyte (MB) is equal to 1,048,576 bytes or 106 .
A gigabyte (GB) is equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes or 109 .
Terabyte(TB) 1012, petabyte(PB) 1015, exabyte (EB) 1018, and so on.

11. Networks and the Internet
Network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, which allows computers to share information, programs, printers, or scanners. When a computer connects to a network, it is online.
Internet is a worldwide network of smaller computer networks all linked together by unique Internet Protocol addresses. It is the largest computer network, connecting millions of computers and devices around the world.
World Wide Web – a system of extensively interlinked hypertext documents: a branch of the Internet – it is one of the more popular services on the Internet
Web contains billions of documents called Web Pages – contain text, graphics, animation, audio, and video
HTML- HyperText Markup Language: the standard protocol for formatting and displaying documents on the World Wide Web

12. Computer Software Software also called a program
consists of a series of related instructions, organized for a common purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them

13. Two Types of Software:
Operating Software - software that manages the computer’s files and programs that provides a means for users to communicate with the computer and other software.
Many of today’s computers use Micorsoft’s Windows or Mac OS
Application Software – designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks
Type of Application Software related to communication is a Web browser
Others include word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software

14. Word Processing Software
Software that is used to create and print documents such as letters, memos, and reports.

15. Spreadsheet Software
Software used for analysis and reporting of statistical or numerical data.

16. Database Software
Software that allows the user to collect, store, organize, modify, and extract data.

17. Test Your Knowledge Creating a birthday card for a friend
Balancing your checkbook
Printing a mailing list
Practicing math facts
Keeping an address book
Writing an essay about your vacation
Making a school newsletter
Writing a story about basketball
Word
Processing
Spreadsheet
Database
Desktop
Publishing

18. Test Your Knowledge Item Keyboard Microsoft Word Windows 7 Modem
Input(Hardware)
Output(Hardware)
Operating Software
Application Software
Keyboard
Microsoft Word
Windows 7
Modem
Scanner
Solitaire
Speakers
Mac OS X Snow Leopard
Printer
Greeting Card Maker