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Computers: Tools For An Information Age

This chapter introduces computers and their role in society. It describes the three characteristics of computers as speed, reliability, and storage capability. It outlines the basic components of a computer system as input, processing, output, and storage. It also discusses the significance of networking and the Internet in connecting computers. Finally, it classifies computers as personal computers, notebooks, handhelds, mainframes, and supercomputers based on their size, speed, cost and typical uses.

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Manuntun Manurung
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104 views51 pages

Computers: Tools For An Information Age

This chapter introduces computers and their role in society. It describes the three characteristics of computers as speed, reliability, and storage capability. It outlines the basic components of a computer system as input, processing, output, and storage. It also discusses the significance of networking and the Internet in connecting computers. Finally, it classifies computers as personal computers, notebooks, handhelds, mainframes, and supercomputers based on their size, speed, cost and typical uses.

Uploaded by

Manuntun Manurung
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computers: Tools for an

Information Age
Chapter 1
Objectives
Describe the three fundamental characteristics of
computers
Describe at least four areas of society in which computers
are used
Identify the basic components of a computer system:
input, processing, output, and storage
List some common input, output, and storage media
Distinguish data from information
Describe the significance of networking
Explain the significance of the Internet
Explain the various classifications of computers
Contents

Information Age
Computer Literacy
Where Computers Are Used
Computer System
Network
Classifications of Computers
Information Age
Evolving more rapidly than Industrial Age
Will continue into the current century
Cornerstones of our Economy

Forging a Computer-Based Society:

Land
Labor
Capital
Information
Jobs
Forging a Computer-Based Society:

From physical to
mental
From muscle-power to
brain-power
A Computer in Your Future
Where used?
Bank withdrawal
Supermarket
Drive the car

Do I need a Personal Computer?


Half of Americans have one at home
Many more use at work

Will I use a computer in my future career?


Almost every job will involve use of a computer
Computer Literacy
Awareness
Importance
Versatility
Pervasiveness in our society
Knowledge
What are computers
How do computers work
Terminology
Interaction
Use some simple computer applications
The Nature of Computers

Characteristics Results
Speed Productivity
Reliability Decision making
Storage capability Cost reduction
Where Computers Are Used
Graphics

Graphs and charts

Animated graphics

Visual walk-through
Where Computers Are Used
Education
Teaching and
testing aid
Learning by doing
Computer-based
instruction
Where Computers Are Used
Retailing

Bar codes for pricing


and inventory
Shipping
Where Computers Are Used
Energy
Locate oil, coal, natural gas, and uranium
Monitor the power network
Meter reading
Where Computers Are Used
Law Enforcement
National
fingerprint files
National files on
criminal
Computer
modeling of DNA
Where Computers Are Used
Transportation
Cars
Run rapid transit systems
Load containerships
Track railroad cars
Monitor air traffic
Where Computers Are Used
Money
Record keeping

Banking by phone

Credit cards
Where Computers Are Used
Agriculture
Billing Feed combinations
Crop information Livestock breeding and
performance
Where Computers Are Used
Government
Forecast weather
Manage parks
Process immigrants
Social Security benefits
Taxes
Where Computers Are Used
The Home
Educational tool
Record keeping
Letter writing
Budgeting
Drawing and editing
pictures
Newsletters
Connecting with others
Where Computers Are Used
Health and Medicine

Monitor patients

Electronic imaging

Diagnose illnesses
Where Computers Are Used
Robotics

Perform jobs that are dangerous for


humans
Factory work
Where Computers Are Used
The Human Connection

Assist the disabled

Assist athletes by
monitoring their
movements
Where Computers Are Used

The Sciences Connectivity


Research Communication
Simulation Telecommuting
Where Computers Are Used

Training Paperwork
Airline pilots Junk mail
Railroad Term paper
engineers Record keeping
Computers are all around!

Grocery store
School
Library
Bank
Mail

We interact with computers everyday!


Computer System

People

Software

Hardware
People

Computer programmer person who


writes programs

Users or End-users make use of the


computers capabilities
Software

Programs

Set of instructions that directs the


hardware to do a required task
and produce the desired results
Hardware
Basic Components of a
Computer
Computer

A machine that can be programmed to


accept data (input), process it into
useful information (output), and store it
away (in secondary storage device) for
safekeeping or later reuse

Process is directed by software but


performed by the hardware
Function of Computer System

Data handling

I Input
P Process
O Output
S Storage
Input devices

Accept data or commands and convert


them to electronic form
Getting data into the computer
Typing on a keyboard
Pointing with a mouse
Scanning with a wand reader or bar-code
reader
Terminal
Output devices
Convert from electronic form to some other
form
May display the processed results
Usable information
Monitor or screen Printer
Text Black and white
Numbers
Color
Symbols
Art
Photographs
Video
The Processor

Central Processing Unit (CPU)


Converts data to useful information
Interpret and execute instructions
Communicate with input, output and
storage
Two Types of Storage

Secondary storage
long-term storage

Primary storage or memory


temporary storage
Memory / Primary Storage
Temporary storage
Holds input to be processed
Holds results of processing
Contains the programs to control the
computer and manipulate input into
output
Volatile
Secondary Storage

Long-term storage
Non-volatile
Secondary Storage Examples
Magnetic disks read and written by magnetic
disk drive
Hard disk
Diskette
Optical disks read and written by optical disk
drives
CD-ROM
DVD-ROM
Magnetic tape read and written by magnetic
tape drives
Primarily used for back-up
Computer System

Computer
CPU
Memory

Peripheral equipment
Connected to the computer by a cable
Input, output, storage
Network
Definition
A system that uses communications equipment
to connect computers and their resources.

Types
Local area network (LAN) connects computers
in close proximity
Metropolitan are network (MAN) connect
computers between buildings in the same
geographic area
Wide are network (WAN) connects computers
over great distances
Home Connectivity

Connect home PC to other computers

Use modem to convert signals


between electronic (computer) and
analog (voice) formats
Internet
Collection of networks
No ownership
No central source for services available
No comprehensive index of what information
is available

Connects Everyone!
Individuals Libraries
Businesses Research labs
Organizations Government
Getting Connected

Users computer must connect to a server


Server must communicate using TCP/IP
The user can purchase access to a server
from an ISP (Internet Service Provider)
Internet What Can You Do?
WWW World Wide Web
FTP File Transfer Protocol
E-mail
UseNet
IRC Internet Relay Chat
Bulletin Boards
World Wide Web
Browser program that allows the user
to move around and explore the
Internet
Use the mouse to point and click on
text and graphics
Web page
Web site
Home page
Classifications of Computers
Use the computer that fits your needs
Based upon
Size
Speed
Cost
Portability
Number of simultaneous users supported
Available software
Typical use
Personal Computers
Other names
PC
Microcomputer
Home computer
Categories
Low-end functional
Fully powered
Workstations
Net computer or net box (Web TV)
Desktop Models
Notebook Computers
Portable
Lightweight
Fits in a briefcase
Battery operated

Laptop
Larger
Heavier

More expensive that desktop models


Handheld Computers
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
Scheduling
Addresses
Handwritten input
May offer wireless e-mail and fax

Pocket
More power than PDA
Runs basic productivity software
Other Types of Computers
Mainframes
High speed
More expensive
Used to process large amounts of data quickly
Support multiple users
Does server tasks

Supercomputers
Fastest speed
Most expensive

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