Chapter 1
Introduction to Computers
Professor Michael J. Losacco
CIS 1110 – Using Computers
Overview
Chapter
1
Explain Computer Literacy
Define Hardware & Software
Identify Computer Components
Differentiate Various Software Types
Differentiate Computer Platforms
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A World of Computers
Chapter
1
Notable Technology Prognostications
“I think there is a world market for
maybe five computers.”
Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM, 1943
“Computers in the future may weigh no
more than one and a half tons.”
Popular Mechanics, 1949
“There is no reason anyone would want a
computer in their home.”
Ken Olson, President of DEC, 1977
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A World of Computers
Chapter
1
Computer Use
Everywhere
Impact Virtually Everyone
Creation, Collection, Dissemination
Price/Power
Competition
Computer Literacy
Understanding of Computers and Their Uses
Technical Knowledge Not Required
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What is a Computer?
Chapter
1
Definition
Electronic Machine
Controlled by Instructions in its Memory
Accepts Data
Raw Facts, Figures, & Symbols
Processes Data Into Information
Organized, Meaningful, and Useful
Produces & Stores Results
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What is a Computer?
Chapter
1
Information Processing Cycle
Input — Accepts Data
Processing — Manipulate Data
Output — Produce Result
Storage — Store Result
Communication — Send Result to Others
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Hardware
Chapter
1
Components & Equipment
Electronic
Mechanical
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Hardware
Chapter
1
Input Devices
Used to Enter Data & Instructions
Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Digital Camera
Video Camera
Microphone
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Hardware
Chapter
1
System Unit
Enclosed in a Case
Contains Electronic Components
Connected to Motherboard
Processes Data
Memory
Temporary Storage for Data & Instructions
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Carries Out Instructions
Tells Computer What to Do
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Hardware
Chapter
1
Output Devices
Conveys Information to User
Monitor
Printer
Speakers
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Hardware
Chapter
1
Storage
Holds Data & Instructions for Future Use
Media
Physical Material
Device
Reads / Writes Data
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Hardware
Chapter
1
Communications Devices
Send / Receive Data & Instructions
Establishes Connection Between Devices
Uses Telephone Lines, Cables, & Satellites
Modem
Converts Digital Signals to Analog & Vice Versa
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Hardware
Chapter
1
Networks
Connected Computers / Devices
Share Resources
Hardware
Software
Data & Information
Save Time & Money
Internet
Millions of Computers Linked Worldwide
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Software
Chapter
1
AKA Program
Series of Instructions
Tells Computer What to Do
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Software
Chapter
1
Systems Software
Controls Operations & Hardware
Operating System
Utility Programs
Application Software
Performs Specific Tasks for Users
Word Processing
Spreadsheet
Database
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Platforms
Chapter
1
Personal Computers
Desktops
PCs & Compatibles
Windows OS
Apple
Macintosh OS
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Platforms
Chapter
1
Mobile Computers
Portable
Notebook
AKA Laptop
Tablet
Stylus, Annotation
Netbook
Smaller, WI-FI, No DVD
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Platforms
Chapter
1
Mobile Devices
Smart Phone
Horizontal
Media Player
Digital Camera
Handheld
Vertical
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Platforms
Chapter
1
Game Console
Video Games
Embedded
Component in Larger Product
Phone, Thermostat, Security, Airbag
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Platforms
Chapter
1
Larger Systems
Servers
Networks
Mainframe
Supercomputer
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Platforms
Chapter
1
Comparison
Platform
Size
Users
Price
Microcomputer (PC)
Desk
1
< $5,000
Mobile
Lap / Hand
1
< $5,000
Game Console
Desk
1 – 2+
< $1,000
Embedded
Miniature
1
Included in Item Price
Server
Cabinet
2 – 1,000
$1,000 - $1,000,000
Mainframe
Room
100 – 1,000+
$300,000 - $1,000,000+
Sabre = 14000/s
Supercomputer
Room
100 – 1,000+
$1,000,000 +
Kasparov
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Industry Applications
Chapter
1
Education
Distance Learning
Finance
Online Banking & Investing, Tax Prep
Government
911 Dispatching, Squad Notebooks
Healthcare
Electronic Patient Records, PPID
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Industry Applications
Chapter
1
Science
Collect, Analyze, & Model Data
Publishing
E-books, PDF Manuals, MP3s
Travel
Navigation Systems, E-tickets
Manufacturing
Production, Inventory, Quality Control
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