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Peter Norton - Introduction To Computers Part 1

This document provides an overview of computers and their components. It defines a computer as an electronic device that processes data. A computer system consists of hardware, software, data, and people. Hardware refers to the physical parts like the processor, memory, storage, and input/output devices. Software includes operating systems and application programs that provide instructions to the computer. Computers are used across many professions like medicine, education, engineering, and music. The four main types of computers are supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, and microcomputers, each suited for different tasks.

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3K views18 pages

Peter Norton - Introduction To Computers Part 1

This document provides an overview of computers and their components. It defines a computer as an electronic device that processes data. A computer system consists of hardware, software, data, and people. Hardware refers to the physical parts like the processor, memory, storage, and input/output devices. Software includes operating systems and application programs that provide instructions to the computer. Computers are used across many professions like medicine, education, engineering, and music. The four main types of computers are supercomputers, mainframes, minicomputers, and microcomputers, each suited for different tasks.

Uploaded by

jony
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Peter Norton’s Introduction to Computers

Chapter 1
The Amazing Computer
WOW!
Learning Objectives:
• List at least five professions in which computers are routinely
used, and describe at least on of the ways computers have
affected the work of people in those professions.
• List the four parts of a computer system.
• Identify four kinds of computer hardware.
• List the two major categories of software and explain the purpose
of each.
• List the four most common types of computers available today
and describe what kind of job each does best.
Computer - an electronic device
used to process data.

abcde
Computer System:
• Hardware - physical parts of the computer
• Software - instructions to the computer
• Data - raw facts the computer can manipulate
• People - also known as users
Computer Hardware - any part
of the computer you can touch.
• Processor
• Memory
• Input and Output Devices
• Storage Devices
Some types of hardware devices.

Output
Processor
Memory

Input and
output Storage
Input
Software - electronic instructions to
the computer. Also referred to as a
“program.”
Two types:
• System Software
• Application Software
System Software:
• Operating Systems
• Windows 95
• Windows 98
• OS/2
• Disk Utilities
Application Software:
• Word Processing • Entertainment
• Spreadsheets • Educational
• Graphics • Communications
• Databases • Presentation
Application software and system software
work together to provide useful output.
Software brings a computer to life.
Types of Computers:
• Supercomputer
• Mainframe
• Minicomputer
Mainframe computer
• Microcomputer
Microcomputer
Supercomputer

Minicomputer
Who Uses Computers?
• Military • Musicians
• Doctors • Filmmakers
• Educators • Attorneys
• Engineers • Bankers
• Architects • Architects
A medical team using “robodoc” to assist in surgery.
Musicians can use MIDI technology
to compose and edit their work.
Learning Objectives:
Chapter 1 Review
• List at least five professions in which computers are routinely
used, and describe at least on of the ways computers have
affected the work of people in those professions.
• List the four parts of a computer system.
• Identify four kinds of computer hardware.
• List the two major categories of software and explain the purpose
of each.
• List the four most common types of computers available today
and describe what kind of job each does best.

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