COMPUTERS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING (CSC134)

Chapter 1 :
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
 Learning Objectives
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship
between data and information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of
computers in each category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people,
procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in
information technology.

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 A World of Computers
• Computers are everywhere : at work, at
school, and at home

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 Today’s Technology
• Because technology
changes, you must keep
up with the changes to
remain digitally literate
• Computer literacy, or
Digital literacy involves
having a current
knowledge and
understanding of
computers, mobile
devices, the web, and
related technologies

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 Learning Objective #1
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the
relationship between data and information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of
computers in each category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people,
procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in
information technology.

5
 What is a Computer?
• A computer is an electronic
Produces
device, operating under the informatio
control of instructions stored n (output)
in its own memory, that can
accept data, process the data
according to specified rules,
Processing
produce results, and store the
results for future use.
• Information processing cycle
is the series of input, process, Collects
output, and storage activities. data
(input)

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 What is a Computer?
• Computers process data into information.

Data is a collection of
unprocessed items, which can
include text, numbers, images,
audio, and video.

Information conveys
meaning and is useful to
people.

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 7

What is a Computer?

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 8

 Learning Objective #2
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship
between data and information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of
computers in each category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people,
procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in
information technology.

9
The Components of a Computer

Hardwar Comput
Software
e er

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 The Components of a Computer
• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and
mechanical components known as hardware
Input Device • Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer

• Hardware component that conveys information to one or more

Output Device people

• Case that contains the electronic components of the computer

System Unit that are used to process data

• Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from

Storage Device storage media

Communication • Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and

information to and from one or more computers or mobile
s Device devices

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The Components of a Computer

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 Computer Software
• Software, also called a program, tells the
computer what tasks to perform and how to
perform them
System Software
• Operating system
• Utility program

Application Software
• General-purposed
• Specialized
• Apps

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 Computer Software
• Installing is the process
of setting up software
to work with the
computer, printer, and
other hardware.

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Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
Advantages of Disadvantages of
Using Computers Using Computers

Speed Health Risks

Reliability Violation of Privacy

Consistency Public Safety

Storage Impact on Labor Force

Communications Impact on Environment

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 Advantages of Using Computers
data, instructions, and information flow along
Speed electronic circuits in a computer at incredibly fast
speeds.

dependable and reliable because they rarely break or

Reliability fail.

produce the same results — consistently, generate

Consistency error-free results

store enormous amounts of data and make this data

Storage available for processing anytime it is needed.

Communication computers can communicate with other computers,

often wirelessly, and allow users to communicate with
s one another.

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Disadvantages of Using Computers
not protected properly, individuals have found their
Violation of Privacy privacy violated and identities stolen.

computer users have fallen victim to crimes committed

Public Safety by dangerous strangers.

Impact on Labour created an entire industry with hundreds of thousands

of new jobs, the skills of millions of employees have
Force been replaced by computers.

prolonged or improper computer use can lead to health

Health Risks injuries or disorders - computer addiction and
technology overload.

Impact on computer manufacturing processes and computer

waste are depleting natural resources and polluting the
Environment environment.

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 Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
• Green computing involves
reducing the electricity
consumed and environmental
waste generated when using a
computer
• Strategies include:
– Recycling
– Regulating manufacturing processes
– Extending the life of computers
– Immediately donating or properly
disposing of replaced computers

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 Networks and the Internet
• A network is a
collection of computers
and devices connected
together, often
wirelessly, via
communications
devices and
transmission media

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 Networks and the Internet
• The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks
that connects millions of businesses, government
agencies, educational institutions, and individuals

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 Networks and the Internet
• People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:

Communicate Research and Shop Bank and Invest Online Trading

Access
Information

Entertainment Download Share Web Application

Videos Information

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 Networks and the Internet
• A social networking Web site encourages
members to share their interests, ideas, stories,
photos, music, and videos with other registered
users

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 22

 Learning Objective #3
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship
between data and information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of
computers in each category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people,
procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in
information technology.

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Types of Computer

Supercompute Mainframe
rs computers

Midrange Personal
computers computers

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 Types of Computers
Personal
Computers
Mobile
Midrange
Computers &
Computers
Mobile Devices

Mainframe
Game Consoles
Computers

Supercomputer Comput Embedded

s Computers
er Types
 Supercomputers
• A supercomputer is the
fastest, most powerful
computer
– Fastest supercomputers
are capable of
processing more than
one quadrillion
instructions in a single
second

• Page 25 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 26

• Figure 1-27
 Mainframe Computers
• A mainframe is a large,
expensive, powerful
computer that can
handle hundreds or
thousands of connected
users simultaneously
– occupy specially wired,
air-conditioned rooms
and capable of great
processing speeds and
data storage

• Page 25 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 27

• Figure 1-26
 Midrange Computers
• A midrange computers or
servers are computers with
processing capabilities less
powerful than a mainframe
computer yet more
powerful than a personal
computer.
– controls access to the
hardware, software, and
other resources on a network
– provides a centralized
storage area for programs,
data, and information

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 Personal Computers
• A personal computer can perform all
of its input, processing, output, and
storage activities by itself.
• There are five types of personal
computers: desktops, laptops, tablets,
smartphones, and wearables.

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 Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices

Mobile
Mobile
Comput
Device
er Personal computer Computing device
you can carry from small enough to hold
place to place in your hand

Examples include
Examples include
smart phones and
notebook
PDAs, e-book
computers, laptop
readers, handheld
computers, netbooks,
computers, portable
ultra-thins, and Tablet
media players, and
PCs
digital cameras

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Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices
Notebook computer

Tablet PC

Smart phones and

PDAs

E-book reader
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Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices

Handheld computer

Portable media
player

Digital camera
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 32
 Game Consoles
• A game console is a
mobile computing
device designed for
single-player or
multiplayer video
games

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 Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a
larger product.
Home Process Computer
Consumer
Automation Automobiles Controllers and Devices and
Electronics
Devices Robotics Office Machines
• Mobile and • Thermostats • Antilock brakes • Remote • Keyboards
digital • Sprinkling • Engine control monitoring • Printers
telephones systems modules systems • Faxes
• Digital • Security • Airbag controller • Power monitors • Copiers
televisions monitoring • Cruise control • Machine
• Cameras systems controllers
• Video recorders • Appliances • Medical devices
• DVD players • Lights
and recorders
• Answering
machines

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Embedded Computers

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Types of Computers

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 Learning Objective #4
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship
between data and information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of
computers in each category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people,
procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in
information technology.

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 Examples of Computer Usage

Home User Small Office/Home Mobile User

• Personal financial Office User • Connect to other
management • Look up information computers on a network
• Web access • Send and receive or the Internet
• Communications e-mail messages • Transfer information
• Entertainment • Make telephone calls • Play video games
• Listen to music
• Watch movies

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 Examples of Computer Usage

Power User Enterprise User

• Work with multimedia • Communicate among
• Use industry-specific employees
software • Process high volumes of
transactions
• Blog

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Computer Applications in Society

Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
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Computer Applications in Society

Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing
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 Learning Objective #5
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship
between data and information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of
computers in each category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people,
procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in
information technology.

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Elements of an Information System

Hardware Software
• includes keyboard, mouse, display, • provides step-by step instructions
system unit, tablets, smartphones, for computer hardware.
and other devices.

Data People
• consists of unprocessed facts • are end users who use computers to
including text, numbers, images, make themselves more productive
and sounds.

Procedures Internet
• specify rules or guidelines for • allows computers to connect to
computer operations. people and other computers.

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 Elements of an Information
System

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 Learning Objective #6
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship
between data and information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of
computers in each category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people,
procedures, software, hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in
information technology.

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 Careers in IT
Webmaster • Develops and maintains websites and web resources

• Analyzes users’ needs and creates application

Software Engineer software

Computer Support • Provides technical support to customers and other

Specialist users

Computer Technician • Repairs and install computer components and systems

• Prepares instruction manuals, technical reports, and

Technical Writer other scientific or technical documents

Network Administrator • Creates and maintains computer networks

 A Look to the Future
Using and Understanding Information Technology
browse the Web, communicate with others,
Internet & Web locate Information, etc.

create professional looking documents, analyze massive

Powerful Software amounts of data, create dynamic multimedia pages, and
more.

more powerful & robust, new technologies such as

Powerful Hardware wireless networks & their impact to connect, equipment
can be dynamic vs. essential features of devices remain
unchanged
Security, Privacy & need to be careful of the negative potential
Ethics effect.

rely on quality and flexibility to stay

Organizations competitive

fast paced era and rapid change

Changing Times
 Chapter Summary

Basic computer Components of Types of

concepts computers computers

Uses of
Elements of Career,
technology
information opportunities,
applications in
system and future in IT.
society
 References
• Shelly, Gary B. and Misty E. Vermaat,
Discovering Computers - Fundamentals 2012:
Your Interactive Guide to the Digital World,
Course Technology, Cengage Learning, 2012
• O’Leary, Timothy and Linda O’Leary,
Computing Essentials 2014 – Complete Edition,
McGraw Hill, 2013

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