Chapter 1
Introduction to the World of
Computers
Understanding Computers, 10th Edition, Enhanced
Chapter 1
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Learning Objectives
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Explain why it's essential to learn about
computers today.
Discuss several ways computers are integrated
into our business and personal lives.
Define a computer and describe its four primary
operations.
List some important milestones in computer
evolution.
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Learning Objectives, Cont’d.
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Identify the major parts of a computer system,
including input, processing, output, storage, and
communications hardware.
Describe the purpose of a network and what the
Internet is.
List the five basic types of computers, giving at least
one example of each type of computer and stating
what that computer might be used for.
Discuss the societal impact of computers, including
some benefits and risks related to their prominence in
our society.
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Overview
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This chapter covers:
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What computers do and how they work
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Computer terminology
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Different categories of computers
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Societal impacts of computers
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Computers in Your Life
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Computers are prevalent in the home, in the school, in the
workplace, and on the go.
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Most professional jobs and skilled trades heavily depend on
the creation, collection, evaluation and dissemination of
information.
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Uses of computers include word processing, e-mail
exchange, shopping, research, investments management,
playing games and many other applications.
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Knowledge of computers assists the consumer to purchase
the right computer, save money on repairs and use the
computer to maximum benefit.
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What Is a Computer and What Does
It Do?
A computer is a programmable electronic device that
accepts data and performs operations on that data.
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Input—entering data into the computer.
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Processing—performing operations on the data.
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Output—presenting the results.
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Storage—saving data, programs, or output for future use.
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Computers Then and Now
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The computer as we know it is a fairly recent
invention.
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The history of computers is often referred to as
generations, from pre-computers and early
computers (before 1945) to fifth generation
computers (now and the future).
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Each new generation is characterized by a major
technological development.
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Hardware
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The physical parts of a computer are collectively
known as hardware.
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Internal hardware is located within the main box
(system unit) of the computer.
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External hardware is located outside the system unit
and plug into connectors called ports located on the
exterior of the system unit.
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Hardware, Cont’d.
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An input device is used to input data into the computer.
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A processing device performs calculations and comparisons
necessary for processing. The main processing device is the
central processing unit (CPU).
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An output device presents the results to the user.
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Storage devices are used to save data, programs or output.
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Communication devices allow the user to communicate with
others and access remote information.
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Software
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The programs or instructions used to tell the
computer hardware what to do.
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System software allows a computer to operate and
run application software.
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Application software performs specific tasks or
applications.
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Data and Information
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Data = raw, unorganized facts.
 Can be in the form of text, graphics, audio, or
video.
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Information = data that has been processed into a
useful form.
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Computer Users and Professionals
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Computer users, or end users, are the people who
use a computer to obtain information.
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Programmers are computer professionals whose job
it is to write the programs that computers use.
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Computer Networks and the Internet
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A computer network links computers together so that
users can share hardware, software, and data, as well as
electronically communicate with each other.
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Network servers manage resources on a network.
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Clients are computers on the network that access
resources via the network server.
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Computer networks are commonly found in businesses,
schools, and homes.
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The Internet
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The Internet is the largest and most well-known
computer network in the world.
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Individuals connect to the Internet using an Internet
service provider (ISP).
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E-mail and accessing Web pages are two of the most
common Internet activities.
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Accessing a Network
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Need a modem or network adapter to connect to the
network.
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Software (often built into the operating system) allows you
to log on to the network and access resources.
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Need an ISP and Web browser to access Internet
resources.
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Many networks and Internet connections require a user ID
and password to log on to the network.
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Computers to Fit Every Need
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Five basic categories
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Mobile devices
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Personal computers
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Midrange servers
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Mainframe computers
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Supercomputers
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Mobile Devices
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Very small computing devices.
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Usually based on a wireless phone
or pager.
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Many can be used to access e-mail
and Web pages.
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Personal Computers
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Microprocessors allow for the creation of computers
small enough to fit on a desk or lap.
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PC compatible—based on the original IBM PC;
typically run the Windows operating system.
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Macintosh—a type of personal computer
manufactured by Apple.
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Personal Computers, Cont’d.
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Desktop computers—small enough
to fit on or next to a desk. Can use:
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Desktop case
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Tower case
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All-in-one case
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Personal Computers, Cont’d.
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Portable PCs—designed to be carried around.
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Notebook computers
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Tablet PCs (either slate or convertible)
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Handheld computers (pocket computers)
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Personal Computers, Cont’d.
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PCs designed for just network use are referred to as
network computers (NCs) or thin clients.
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Devices designed just for Internet access are called
Internet appliances.
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Midrange Servers
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Medium-sized computers, also called minicomputers
or midrange computers.
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Fall between microcomputers and mainframes in
processing power.
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Mainframe Computers
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Standard choice for most large organizations.
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Specialize in high-volume processing of business
transactions.
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Also called high-end
servers or enterpriseclass servers.
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Supercomputers
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Used for applications that have extraordinary demands for
processing power.
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Offer very fast speeds and extreme degrees of accuracy.
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Commonly created today by
connecting hundreds of
smaller computers
to form a
supercomputing
cluster.
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Computers and Society
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The information age = the prominence of information
technology.
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There are many benefits of a computer-oriented
society, including making many tasks in our lives go
much faster.
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Risks include health, security, ethical, and privacy
concerns.
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Summary Slide
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Computers in your life
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What is a computer and what does it do?
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Computers networks and the Internet
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Computers to fit every need
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Computers and society
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