Introduction to Using
Computers, Chapter 1
ITSC 1401: Introduction to Computers
Instructor: Glenda H. Easter
Website Information
 All lectures will be posted on the El Centro
College website and Electronic Reserve
 To access:
– http://www.ecc.dcccd.edu/busps/cis/glenda/easter.htm
 To access electronic Reserve:
– http://library.dcccd.edu
– Electronic Reserves
– Easter, ITSC 1401
 To access eCampus
– http://ecampus.dcccd.edu/
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Computer Literacy--What Is
It?
 It is knowledge of the types of systems.
 It is being familiar with computer
applications.
 It is being able to handle basic
troubleshooting needs.
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What is a Computer?
 A computer is an electronic device that can
be programmed.
 A program is a list of instructions telling
the computer what to do.
 Hardware is the actual machine and its
components.
 Software is the instructions that drive a
machine to perform useful functions.
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Introduction to the Computer
 Definition: A
programmable
electronic device -processes data and
outputs information
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Input Devices
 There are several commonly used input
devices for the computer.
 Some of those devices include:
–
–
–
–
The keyboard
The mouse
A microphone
A PC camera
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The System Unit
 The System Unit is a box-like case made from
metal or plastic that houses the computer
electronic circuitry.
 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) also called a
processor is the electronic device that interprets
and carries out instructions that operate the
computer.
 Memory temporarily holds data and instructions
while they are being processed by the CPU.
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Storage Devices
 Four common storage devices are:
– A floppy disk drive
• This includes a Zip Drive which is a higher capacity floppy
disk that stores the equivalent of about 70 standard floppy
disks.
– A hard disk drive
• A hard disk usually consists of several circular disks on which
data, instructions, and information are stored magnetically.
• Some hard disks are removable, much like a floppy disk.
– A CD-ROM drive
– A DVD-ROM drive
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The Five Elements of the
Computing Process
 Hardware
 Software
 Data
 People
 Procedure
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Some types of hardware devices.
Output
Processor
Memory
Input and
output
Storage
Input
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Communications Devices
 Communication devices enable computers
to communicate with other computers.
These devices can also exchange data,
instructions, and other information.
 These devices transmit over transmission
media such as telephone lines, cable, or
other media used to establish a connection
between two computers.
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Why Are Computers So
Powerful?
 They perform the IPOS Cycle with the following
characteristics:
– Speed: The speed occurs through electronic
circuits.
– Reliability to produce consistent results.
– Accuracy to prevent GIGO (garbage in,
garbage out)
– Storage to handle enormous amounts of data.
– Communications to communicate with other
computers to transmit data, files, or
information.
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The Four Basic Types of
Operations
 The performance of basic operations is
known as the IPOS Cycle.
 Input - Accepting data via input device.
 Processing - Performs operations to
transform data
 Output - Shows results of processing
data
 Storage - Stores the results
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Elements of the Computing
Process
IPOS Cycle
INPUT
PROCESSING
OUTPUT
STORAGE
ChapterIntroduction
1, Lesson to
A Slide
10
UsingNo.
a Computer,
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Computer Software
 Software is also called computer program or
program.
 It consists of:
– System Software
• Operating System
• Utility Programs
• User Interface
– Application Software
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Application and System
Software
 Application software and system
software -– work together to provide useful output.
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System Software
 There are three types of System Software:
– Operating System that contains the
instructions that coordinate all of the activities
of hardware devices.
• It contains the instructions that allow you to run
application software.
– Utility Programs that performs a specific task,
usually related to managing a computer, its
devices or its programs. An example would be
an uninstaller.
• There are several utility programs for managing disk
drives, printers, and other devices.
– User Interface is the part of the software with
which you interact, such as a GUI system.
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Application Software
 Application Software consists of programs
designed to perform specific tasks for users.
 Types of Application Software include:
– Packaged Software or commercial off-the-shelf
software.
– Custom Software which is a program developed at the
user’s request.
– Shareware is distributed free for a trial period.
– Freeware and Public-Domain Software is free and
has no copyright restrictions.
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Software Development
 People working with software development
include:
– Computer programmers or programmers
– Systems analysis
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A Network
 A network is a collection of computers and
devices connected together via
communications media and devices such as
cables, telephone lines, modems, or other
means.
 When computers are networked, they can
share resources such as hardware devices,
software programs, data, and information.
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The Internet
 The Internet allows the user to do a number
of things:
– Send messages using e-mail.
– Shop for goods and services.
– Access sources of entertainment and other
leisure activities.
– Access information such as maps, stock market
data, news, and airline schedules.
– Meet or converse with people around the world.
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Computer Categories
 There are four major categories of
computers:
–
–
–
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Personal computers (Microcomputers)
Minicomputers
Mainframe computers
Supercomputers
IBM AS400
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Types of Computers
 There are four types of computers:
– Supercomputer
– Mainframe
– Microcomputers
– Minicomputers
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Types of Computers
(Continued)
Supercomputer
Minicomputer
 Microcomputer
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Factors Determining Type of
Computer
 Technology
 Function
 Physical Size
 Cost
 Performance
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Four Types of Computers
 Mainframes:
Developed in the 1950s
by IBM.
 Supercomputers: Developed in the 1960s
 Minicomputers: Developed around 1968
 Microcomputers: Developed around 1975
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Microcomputers
 Desktop Computers (PCs)
 Types
– Apple
– IBM/Compatibles
 Workstations
 PowerPCs
 Multitasking
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Personal Computers
 PCs are frequently called microprocessor.
 This is a central processing unit (CPU) on a
single chip and is the basic building block
of a PC.
 There are two major categories of personal
computers:
– Desktop computers
– Portable computers
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Desktop Computers
 This is designed so that the system unit,
input devices, output devices, and other
devices fit entirely on or under a desk.
– A tower model is available in a variety of
heights.
 A less expensive desktop computer that
combines the monitor and system unit into a
single device is called an all-in-one
computer.
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Microcomputers and
Workstations
 Workstations and microcomputers are
single-user computers.
 They are designed to meet the computing
needs of an individual.
 These computers are small, but they’re too
big to carry around.
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Microcomputers and
Workstations
 Workstations also usually have security
software so that different users can use
them at different times without interfering
with each other’s work.
 Microcomputers were introduced at the cost
of approximately $50,000.
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Microcomputers
 Microcomputers offer buyers an option.
 Many medium sized companies were
squeezed out of the market because they
couldn’t afford the cost of the mainframe
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Workstations
 Workstations have a higher speed disk than
microcomputers and local area network
boards allow interconnection.
 Most workstations use systems software
than enable them to be time shared.
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Stand-Alone Computers
 This is a type of personal computer that is
not connected to a network and has the
capability of performing the IPOS cycle.
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Network Computers and Web
Appliances
 A Network Computer is specifically
designed to connect to a network.
 A Web appliance or Internet Appliance is
designed specifically to connect to the
Internet at home or on the road.
 WebTV sits on top of your television set
and allows you to access the Internet and
navigates Web pages.
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Computers On The Move
 Laptop Computers
 Notebook Computers
 Docking Station
 Palmtop Computers
 Smart Cards
SMART CARD
Bill Smith
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Computers on the Move
 The battery life of a portable computer is
determined partly by the type of its display
screen.
 If the hard disk is frequently used, it will
require a great deal of battery power.
 Portable Computers: They can be
plugged in and used anywhere. Docking
stations contain network, disk, and display
interfaces.
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Computers on the Move
(Continued)
 Palmtop Computers: These rarely
include a disk system.
 They use memory cards and can be
connected to a desktop system to exchange
data.
 Some PC-compatible palmtop computers
use MS-DOS.
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Computers on the Move
(Continued)
 Smart Cards: Incorporate a
microprocessor and memory chips. It is
used in France to pay for purchases and
tolls.
 Smart cards for medical history are
currently being tested.
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Those Smaller Computers
 Laptop Computers are designed for
mobility.
 They are often called notebook computers.
 Handheld Computers or palmtop
computer is a personal computer designed
to fit in your hand.
– They do not have disk drives.
– Their programs and data are stored on chips
inside the system unit.
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Those Smaller Computers
(Continued)
 Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) supports
personal information management (PIM).
 These applications include:
–
–
–
–
–
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Calendar
Appointment book
Calculator
Memo pad
Telephone services
Internet access
 Some PDAs use pen input.
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Computer Types
Minicomputers
 Multiuser Systems
 Comparison to Mainframes
– Slower
– Less Storage
– Slower Printers
 Mid-Range Computers
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Minicomputers
 Minicomputers were started in the late
1960s. The “mini” skirts weren’t the only
mini’s at that time.
 Minicomputers have terminals or devices
for input and output.
 Minicomputers’ input and output storage
devices look like those on mainframes.
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Minicomputers
(Continued)
 The distinction between these two
categories of computers are blurring as time
passes.
 Minicomputers are frequently referred to as
mid-range computers.
 They handle all input and output on their
own.
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Terminals
 A terminal is a form of input and output
that consists of a keyboard, a monitor, and a
communication link.
 There are three types of terminals:
 Dumb Terminals
 Smart Terminals
 Intelligent Terminals
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Dumb Terminals
 These are used to input and receive data
only.
 They cannot process data independently.
 An examples of a dumb terminal is a
terminal used by an airline reservation
clerk.
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Computer Types
Mainframes
 Like minicomputers, mainframes can act as
a server in a network environment.
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Mainframes
 Mainframes are synonymous with IBM. In
1964 IBM started the System 360
mainframes.
 Mainframes carries out processing for
multi-task uses.
 Mainframes use minicomputers for frontend processing.
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Computer Types
Supercomputers
 Supercomputers
obtain speed with
multiple processors.
 Cray dominates the
market with
supercomputers.
C
R
A
Y
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Supercomputers
 Supercomputer centers are located across the
United States, mostly at university and other
research centers.
 These machines cost between $500,000 - $35
million.
 Computer time is very expensive, but
research grants are frequently available.
 Supercomputers have less expensive time
available late at night.
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Computer Usage
 Home User
 Small Business User
– Computers aid small businesses in managing
their resources effectively.
 Mobile User
– Mobile users often have a laptop computer
equipped with a modem which enables them to
transfer information between their computer
and another computer.
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Computer Usage (Continued)
 Mobile User and a Docking Station
(Continued):
– A laptop can be transformed into a desktop
computer with a docking station.
– The docking station contains connections to
peripherals such as a keyboard, monitor, printer
and other devices.
– With a docking station, the mobile user can
enjoy the features of a full-sized keyboard and
monitor.
 Large Business Users
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Computer Usage (Continued)
 Power User
– This type of computer is frequently needed for
engineers, architects, desktop publishers, and
graphic artists.
– Workstations also are used by developers
working with multimedia to combine text,
graphics, sound and video into one application.
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Computers as a Provider of
Information
Hi
 Transferring Data between
Computers
 Linking Computers
 Web Page Design
Hi
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Embedded Computers
 Video Game Players
 Microwave Ovens
 VCRs
 Watches
 Thermostats
 Alarm Clocks
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Embedded Computers
 Embedded Computers: are found
everywhere, but especially in your home.
 Household devices that electronically time,
measure, or carry out complex tasks
probably use embedded computers.
 Your automobiles also have embedded
computers to perform certain tasks.
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