Lecture 1

UGBS 102
Introduction to Computing

Lecturers:
Dr. Awuni Emmanuel
Dr. Owusu Acheampong
Dr. Emmanuel Owusu-Oware
Mr. Divine Agozie
1
Introduction to Computers

2
Objectives Overview

Define the term,

Explain why computer computer, and describe Describe the five
literacy is vital to the relationship components of a
success in today’s world between data and computer
information

Discuss the advantages

Define the term,
and disadvantages that Discuss the uses of the
network, and identify
users experience when Internet and World
benefits of sharing
working with Wide Web
resources on a network
computers

See Page 3 3
for Detailed Objectives
 Objectives Overview

Distinguish between system Differentiate among types, Describe the role of each
software and application sizes, and functions of element in an information
software computers in each category system

Explain how home users,

Discuss how society uses
small office/home office
computers in education,
users, mobile users, power
finance, government, health
users, and enterprise users
care, science, publishing,
each interact with
travel, and manufacturing
computers

See Page 3 4
for Detailed Objectives
A World of Computers
• Computers are everywhere

Pages 4 - 5 5
Figure 1-1
 What Is a Computer?
• A computer is an electronic device, operating
under the control of instructions stored in its own
memory

Collects Produces
data Processing information
(input) (output)

Information Processing Cycle

Page 6 6
 What Is a Computer?

Page 6 7
Figure 1-2
 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

Output Device • Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people

• Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that

System Unit are used to process data

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

Storage Device media

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

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

Pages 6 - 8 8
Page 7 9
Figure 1-3
 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

Pages 9 - 10 10
 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

Page 10 11
 Networks and the Internet
• A network is a
collection of computers
and devices connected
together, often
wirelessly, via
communications
devices and
transmission media

Pages 10 - 11 12
Figure 1-6
 Networks and the Internet
• The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that
connects millions of businesses, government agencies,
educational institutions, and individuals

Page 11 13
Figure 1-7
 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 Videos Share Information Web Application

Pages 12 - 13 14
Figure 1-8
 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

Page 14 15
Figure 1-9
 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

Pages 15 - 16 16
Figures 1-10 - 1-11
 System Software
• System software consists of the programs that control or
maintain the operations of the computer and its devices.
• System software serves as the interface between the user,
the application software, and the computer’s hardware.
• Two types of system software are the operating system
and utility programs.
– An operating system is a set of programs that coordinates all
the activities among computer hardware devices. Example:
Windows OS, Mac OS.
– A utility program allows a user to perform maintenance-type
tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its
programs. Example: Anti Virus, buck-up softwares, disk clean up
etc….
17
 Application Software
• Application software consists of programs designed
to make users more productive and/or assist them
with personal tasks.
• A widely used type of application software related to
communications is a Web browser, which allows users
with an Internet connection to access and view Web
pages or access programs.
• Other popular application software includes word
processing software, spreadsheet software, database
software, and presentation software.

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

Pages 16 - 17 19
Figure 1-12
 Computer Software
• A programmer develops
software or writes the
instructions that direct
the computer to
process data into
information

Page 18 20
Figure 1-13
 Categories of Computers
Personal computers

Mobile computers and mobile devices

Game consoles

Servers

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

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 Personal Computers
• A personal computer can perform all of its input,
processing, output, and storage activities by itself
• Two popular architectures are the IBM desktop PC
and the Apple
– Desktop computer

Pages 19 - 20 22
Figures 1-15 - 1-16
 Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

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

Examples include smart

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

Pages 20 - 23 23
 Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Notebook computer

Tablet PC

Smart phones and PDAs

E-book reader

Pages 20 - 22 24
Figures 1-17 – 1-20
 Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Handheld computer

Portable media player

Digital camera

Pages 22 - 23 25
Figures 1-21 – 1-23
Game Consoles
• A game console is a
mobile computing
device designed for
single-player or
multiplayer video
games

Page 24 26
Figure 1-24
 Servers
• A server controls access
to the hardware,
software, and other
resources on a network
– Provides a centralized
storage area for
programs, data, and
information

Page 25 27
Figure 1-25
 Mainframes
• A mainframe is a large, expensive,
powerful computer that can handle
hundreds or thousands of
connected users simultaneously
• They store huge amounts of data,
instructions, and information and
are used by major corporations for
business activities.
• With mainframes, enterprises are
able to bill millions of customers,
prepare payroll for thousands of
employees, and manage thousands
of items in inventory.
Page 25 28
Figure 1-26
 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 29
Figure 1-27
 Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a
larger product
Consumer Home Automation Process Controllers Computer Devices
Automobiles
Electronics Devices and Robotics and Office Machines
• Mobile and digital • Thermostats • Antilock brakes • Remote monitoring • Keyboards
telephones • Sprinkling systems • Engine control systems • Printers
• Digital televisions • Security modules • Power monitors • Faxes
• Cameras monitoring systems • Airbag controller • Machine • Copiers
• Video recorders • Appliances • Cruise control controllers
• DVD players and • Lights • Medical devices
recorders
• Answering
machines

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Page 26 31
Figure 1-28
 Elements of an Information System

Hardware Software Data

People Procedures

Page 27 32
Page 27 33
Figure 1-29
 Examples of Computer Usage

Home User Small Office/Home Mobile User

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

Pages 28 – 31 34
Figures 1-30 – 1-32
 Examples of Computer Usage

Power User Enterprise User

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

Pages 31 – 32 35
Figures 1-33 – 1-34
 Computer Applications in Society

Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
Pages 34 - 36 36
Figures 1-36 – 1-39
 Computer Applications in Society

Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing
Pages 36 - 38 37
Figures 1-40 – 1-43
 Summary

Basic computer Components of a

concepts computer

Many different
categories of
Networks, the Internet,
computers, computer
and computer software
users, and computer
applications in society
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Reference
• Shelly, G. B., & Vermaat, M. E. (2012). Discovering
Computers, Fundamentals: Your Interactive Guide to the
Digital World. Course Technology Press.
• Gaskin, S., Graviett, N., and Geoghan, D. (2017). Go! All in
One: Computer Concepts and Applications. 2 nd Edition,
Pearson Education, Limited.
• Parsons, J.J. and Oja, D. (2017). New Perspectives on
Computer Concepts 2014: Introductory. 16th Edition,
Cengage Learning.
• Evans, E. R., Martin, K. and Poatsy M. S. (2012). Technology
in Action. Prentice Hall

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