Chapter 1 Lesson Plan
Page 1.1
Discovering Computers 2000
CHAPTER ONE
NOTES
OBJECTIVES
After completing this chapter, students will be able to:
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Explain why it is important to be computer literate
Define the term computer
Identify the components of a computer
Explain why a computer is a powerful tool
Differentiate among the various categories of software
Explain the purpose of a network
Discuss the uses of the Internet and the World Wide Web
Describe the categories of computers and their uses
Chapter 1 Lesson Plan
Page 1.2
COMPUTER LITERACY
Our society is advancing so rapidly in the technology field that computers or computer
related devices are affecting most every aspect of our daily lives today. Computers are
being used as tools to assist us in performing more efficiently in our society. Because
computer vocabulary is being used all around you, it is essential that everyone attain
some level of computer literacy, a knowledge and understanding of computers and their
uses.
WHAT IS A COMPUTER AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
A computer is an electronic machine, operating under the control of instructions stored in
its own memory, that can accept data (input), manipulate the data according to specified
rules (process), produce results (output), and store the results for future use.
Data is a collection of unorganized facts, which can include words, numbers, images, and
sounds. Computers require data to be input so that a computer program can process the
data and create information. An example of data or input for a payroll program would be
an employee's social security number, his/her name, number of hours worked, rate of pay,
etc.
Information is data that is organized, has meaning, and is useful. This is the result of
processing the raw data. Examples of information are a payroll check, a receipt, a letter,
or a report.
Storage is an area where data and information may be saved indefinitely to be used in
future applications.
Input, in the form of data, goes into a computer. The data is processed or manipulated in
some way, and output is produced in the form of information. The cycle that
manipulates data into information is referred to as the information processing cycle,
which consists of input, process, output, and storage.
A user is a person that communicates with a computer or uses the information it
produces.
Hardware is the physical electronic and mechanical components of a computer system.
Software is the instructions that tells the hardware how to process the data. Hardware is
useless without software.
THE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER