Chapter 1
Introduction to Computers and
the Internet
Learning Objectives
• LO1.1: Explain what computers do
• LO1.2: Identify types of computers
• LO1.3: Describe computer networks and
the Internet
• LO1.4: Understand how computers
impact society
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
2
LO1.1: What is a Computer?
• Topics Covered:
– Data vs. Information
– Hardware and Software
– Computer Users and
Professionals
– Cloud Computing
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
3
LO1.1: What is a Computer?
• A computer is a programmable, electronic device that does
the following:
– Accepts data
– Performs operations on data
– Presents the results
– Stores data or results as needed
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
4
LO1.1: What is a Computer?
• The primary four operations of a computer are:
– Input
– Processing
– Output
– Storage
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
5
LO1.1: What is a Computer?
• Today’s computers also typically perform communications
functions, such as sending or retrieving data via the Internet,
accessing information located in a shared company database,
or exchanging email messages.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
6
Data vs. Information
• A user inputs data into a computer, and then the computer
processes it.
• When data is modified, or processed, into a meaningful form,
it becomes information.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
7
Hardware and Software
• The physical parts of a computer (the parts you can touch) are
called hardware.
• The term software refers to the programs or instructions used
to tell the computer
hardware what to do
and to allow people
to use a computer
to perform specific
tasks
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
8
Computer Users and Professionals
• Computer users, often called end users, are the people who
use computers to perform tasks or obtain information.
• Programmers, on the other hand, are computer professionals
who write the programs that computers use.
• Other computer professionals include:
– Systems analysts
– Computer operations personnel
– Security specialists
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
9
Cloud Computing
• In general, cloud computing refers to data, applications, and
even resources stored on computers accessed over the
Internet—in a “cloud” of computers—rather than on users’
computers, and you access only what you need when you
need it.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
10
LO1.2: Types of Computers
• Topics Covered:
– Embedded Computers
– Mobile Devices
– Computers Then and Now
– Personal Computers
– Midrange Servers
– Mainframe Computers
– Supercomputers
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
11
Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a tiny computer embedded into a product
designed to perform specific tasks or functions for that product.
• Examples include:
– Dishwashers
– Microwaves
– Ovens
– Coffee makers
– Thermostats
– Answering machines
– Treadmills
– Sewing machines
– DVD players
– TVs
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
12
Mobile Devices
• A mobile device is loosely defined as a very small
communications device, such as a mobile phone, that has
built-in computing or Internet capability.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
13
Computers Then and Now
• Before 1946: Precomputers and Early
Computers
• Approx. 1946-1957: First-Generation
Computers
• 1958-1963: Second-Generation Computers
• 1964-1970: Third-Generation Computers
• Approx. 1971-Present: Fourth-Generation Computers
• Now and the Future: Fifth-Generation Computers
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
14
Personal Computers (PCs)
• A personal computer (PC) is a small
computer designed to be used by
one person at a time.
• Conventional personal computers that are designed to fit on
or next to a desk are often referred to as desktop computers.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
15
Personal Computers (PCs)
• Portable computers are computers that are designed to be
carried around easily, such as in a briefcase or pocket,
depending on their size.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
16
Personal Computers (PCs)
• Network computers or other devices designed primarily for
accessing Web pages and/or exchanging email are called
Internet appliances.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
17
Midrange Servers
• A midrange server (sometimes called a minicomputer) is a
medium-sized computer used to host programs and data for a
small network.
• One trend involving midrange
servers, as well as the
mainframe computers, is
virtualization.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
18
Mainframe Computers
• A mainframe computer is
a powerful computer used
in many large
organizations that need to
manage large amounts of
centralized data.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
19
Supercomputers
• Supercomputers are the most powerful and most expensive
type of computer available.
• To reduce the cost, supercomputers are often built by
connecting hundreds of
smaller and less expensive
computers into a
supercomputing cluster
that acts as a single
supercomputer.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
20
LO1.3: Computer Networks and the
Internet
• A network is a collection
of computers and other
devices that are
connected to share
hardware, software, and
data.
• Topics Covered:
– The Internet and the
World Wide Web
– Accessing a Network
or the Internet
– Surfing the Web
– Email
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
21
The Internet and the World Wide
Web
• The Internet is the
largest and most wellknown computer
network in the world.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
22
Accessing a Network or the
Internet
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
23
Accessing a Network or the
Internet
• A uniform resource locator
(URL) uniquely identifies a
specific Web page by specifying
the protocol being used to
display the Web page, the Web
server hosting the Web page, the
name of any folders on the
server in which the Web page
file is stored, and finally, the Web
page’s filename if needed.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
24
Accessing a Network or the
Internet
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
25
Accessing a Network or the
Internet
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
26
Accessing a Network or the
Internet
• To contact people using the Internet, you most often use their
email addresses.
• An email address consists of a username followed by the @
symbol, followed by the domain name for
the computer that will be handling that
person’s email.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
27
Surfing the Web
• Once you have an Internet connection, you are ready to
begin surfing the Web.
– The first page that your Web browser displays when it is
opened is your browser’s starting page or home page.
• To navigate to a new Web page for which you know the
URL, type that URL in the appropriate location for your
Web browser and press the Enter key.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
28
Surfing the Web
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
29
Email
• Email is the process of
ex- changing messages
between computers
over a network—
usually the Internet.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
30
LO1.4: Computers and Society
• Topics Covered:
– Benefits and Risks of a Computer-Oriented Society
– Understanding Intellectual Property Rights
– Computers and Health
– Environmental Concerns
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
31
Benefits and Risks of a ComputerOriented Society
• Benefits:
– Virtually designing, building, and testing products helps
create safer products
– Earlier diagnosis and more effective medical treatments
– Ability to shop, pay bills, research products, participate in
online courses at any time
– Increased efficiency in routine tasks
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
32
Benefits and Risks of a ComputerOriented Society
• Risks:
– Stress and health concerns
– Security and privacy
– Legal and ethical dilemmas
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
33
Understanding Intellectual
Property Rights
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
34
Understanding Intellectual
Property Rights
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
35
Ethics
• Ethics refers to standards of moral conduct.
• Ethics with respect to the use of computers are referred to as
computer ethics.
• Business ethics are the standards of conduct that guide a
business’s policies, decisions, and actions.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
36
Computers and Health
• Common physical conditions caused by computer use include
eyestrain, blurred vision, fatigue, headaches, backaches, and
wrist and finger pain.
• Some conditions are classified as repetitive stress injuries
(RSIs), in which hand, wrist, shoulder, or neck pain is caused by
performing the same physical movements over and over again.
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
37
Workspace Design
• Ergonomics is the science of fitting a work environment to the
people who work there
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
38
Environmental Concerns
• Green computing refers to the use of
computers in an environmentally friendly
manner.
Eco-labels
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
39
Environmental Concerns
• In order to reduce e-trash in
landfills, consider other
options for disposing of old
computer equipment:
– Bring to recycling centers
– Send to manufacturers’
programs
– Recycle via GreenDisk
– Repurpose
– Donate
CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet
40