Introduction to

Computers
Instructor : Ömer OKLU
E-mail : [email protected]
Objectives

• Define the term computer and discuss the four basic

computer operations: input, process, output, and
storage
• Define data and information
• Identify the differences among desktop computers,
notebook computers, and mobile devices
• Explain the primary components of the computer
and their use
• Describe the use of hard disks, flash memory,
optical discs, and other storage media
Objectives

• Discuss computer software and explain the

difference between system software and application
software
• Identify several types of application software
• Discuss the Internet and World Wide Web
• Describe various types of Internet and network
attacks and how to protect against them
• Explain how to purchase computers and mobile
devices
What Is a Computer?

 An electronic device, operating under the control of

instructions stored in its own memory, that can:
 Accept data (input)
 Process the data according to specified rules (process)
 Produce results (output)
 Store the results (storage) for future use
What Is a Computer?
What Is a Computer?

 Computer perform four basic operations

Input
Process
Output
Storage
 These operations comprise the information
processing cycle.
What Is a Computer?

 All computer processing requires data. Data is a

collection of unprocessed items, which can include
text, numbers, images, audio and video. Computers
manipulate data to create information.Information
conveys meaning and is useful to people. During the
output operation, the information that has been
created is put into some form, such as a printed
report.
What Is a Computer?
The Components of a
Computer
 The six primary components of a computer are input
devices, the processor (control unit and
arithmetic/logic unit), memory, output devices,
storage devices, and communications devices
 The processor, memory, and storage devices are
housed in a box-like case called the system unit
• A peripheral is a device that connects to the system
unit and is controlled by the processor in the
computer
The Components of a
Computer
Personal Computers
and Mobile Devices
• A personal computer is a computer that can perform
all of its input, processing, output, and storage
activities by itself
• A mobile device is a computing device small enough
to hold in your hand
Personal Computers
and Mobile Devices
• Desktop computer
• Notebook computer

– Laptop computer
– Netbook
– Tablet PC
• Mobile devices

– Smart phone
– Portable media player
– Digital camera
Parts of a Computer

1. Input Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, etc.)

2. Output Devices (Monitor, Speakers, etc.)

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU) and memory

4. Motherboard (Circuit Board)

5. Expansion Cards (Video Card, Sound Card, or NIC)

6. Hard Drive Ports and Connections (USB, Firewire,

etc.)
Input Devices

• An input device is any hardware component that

allows you to enter data and instructions into a
computer
– A keyboard is an input device that contains keys users
press to enter data and instructions into the computer
 A stylus is a small metal or plastic device that looks
like a tiny ink pen, but uses pressure instead of ink
 A mouse is a pointing device that fits comfortably
under the palm of your hand
 Most notebook computers have a touchpad, a small,
flat, rectangular pointing device
Input Devices
Input Devices

 Mouse: A device that you use to interact with items

displayed on the computer screen. A standard mouse
has a left and a right button. You use the left button to
select items and provide instructions by clicking an
active area on the screen. You use the right button to
display commonly used menu items on the screen.
 Keyboard: A set of keys that resembles a typewriter
keyboard. You use the keyboard to type text, such as
letters or numbers into the computer.
 Microphone: A device that you can use to talk to
people in different parts of the world. You can record
sound into the computer by using a microphone. You can
also use a microphone to record your speech and let the
computer convert it into text.
 Scanner: A device that is similar to a photocopy
machine. You can use this device to transfer an
exact copy of a photograph or document into a
computer. A scanner reads the page and translates
it into a digital format, which a computer can read.
For example, you can scan photographs of your
family using a scanner.
 Webcam: A device that is similar to a video
camera. It allows you to capture and send the live
pictures to the other user. For example, a webcam
allows your friends and family to see you when
communicating with them.
System Unit

 The system unit is a case that contains electronic

components of the computer used to process data
 The processor (CPU) interprets and carries out the
basic instructions that operate a computer
 Arithmetic/logic unit

– Memory (RAM) consists of electronic components that

store instructions waiting to be executed and data
needed by those instructions
System Unit
Central Processing Unit
(CPU)
 A device that interprets and runs the commands
that you give to the computer.

 Also referred to as the processor.

 Two major brands are Intel and AMD.

 Examples: Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Turion X2

Memory

Memory is where information is stored and retrieved by the CPU.

There are two main types of memory.
 Random Access Memory (RAM): It is the main memory and
allows you to temporarily store commands and data. The CPU
reads data and commands from RAM to perform specific tasks.
RAM is volatile, which means it is available only while the
computer is turned on. The contents of RAM must be copied to
a storage device if you want to save the data in the RAM.
 Read Only Memory (ROM): It is the memory that retains its
contents even after the computer is turned off. ROM is
nonvolatile, or permanent, memory that is commonly used to
store commands, such as the commands that check whether
everything is working properly.
Output Devices

 Output devices are hardware components that

convey information to one or more people
• A printer is an output device that produces text and
graphics on a physical medium such as paper
• Ink-jet printer
• Photo printer
• Laser printer
• Multifunction peripheral (all-in-one device)
Output Devices
 Monitor: A device that is similar to a television. It is
used to display information, such as text and
graphics, on the computer.
 Printer: A device that you use to transfer text and
images from a computer to a paper or to another
medium, such as a transparency film. You can use a
printer to create a paper copy of whatever you see
on your monitor.
 Speaker/Headphone: Devices that allow you to
hear sounds. Speakers may either be external or
built into the computer.
Display Devices

 A display device is an output device that visually

conveys text, graphics, and video information
 LCD monitors use a liquid
crystal display to produce
images on the screen
Display Devices
Motherboard

 Is the main circuit board inside the computer.

 Has tiny electronic circuits and other components on

it.

 Connects input, output, and processing devices

together (CPU, Memory, Hard Drive, DVD Drive)

 Tells the CPU how to run.

Storage Devices

• A storage device is the computer hardware

that records and/or retrieves items to and
from storage media
• A hard disk is a storage device
that contains one or more
inflexible, circular platters that
use magnetic particles to store
data, instructions, and
information
– Sectors
– Tracks
Storage Devices

• An external hard disk is a

separate freestanding hard disk
that connects with a cable to a
port on the system unit or
communicates wirelessly
• A removable hard disk is a hard
disk that you insert and remove
from a drive
Storage Devices

• Flash memory is a type of

memory that can be erased
electronically and rewritten
– Solid state media
– A solid state drive (SSD) is a storage
device that typically uses flash
memory to store data, instructions,
and information
 Storage Devices
• A memory card is a
removable flash memory
device, usually no bigger
than 1.5 inches in height
or width, that you insert
and remove from a slot
in a computer, mobile
device, or card
reader/writer
 Storage Devices
• A USB flash drive,
sometimes called a
thumb drive, is a flash
memory storage device
that plugs into a USB
port on a computer or
mobile device
• An ExpressCard module
is a removable device
mobile device that fits
in an ExpressCard slot
 Storage Devices
 An optical disc is a flat, round,
portable metal disc with a plastic
coating
Storage Devices

• Cloud storage is an Internet service that provides

hard disk storage to computer users
Communications Devices

• A communications device is a hardware component

that enables a computer to send (transmit) and
receive data, instructions, and information to and
from one or more computers or mobile devices
– Transmission media
Computer Software

• Software, also called a program, consists of a series

of related instructions, organized for a common
purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to
perform and how to perform them
– Graphical user interface
– Web application
 System software consists of programs to control the
operations of computer and its devices
• Operating system
• Utility program
Computer Software
Computer Software

• Application software consists of programs designed

to make users more productive and/or assist them
with personal tasks
– Word processing
– Presentation
– Spreadsheet
– Database
– E-mail
Computer Software
Networks and the Internet

 A network is a collection of computers and devices

connected together, often wirelessly, via
communications devices and transmission media
 Local area network
 Wide area network
Networks and the Internet

• The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks

that links millions of businesses, government
agencies, educational institutions, and individuals
– Internet service provider (ISP)
 Online service provider (OSP)
 Wireless Internet service provider (WISP)
Networks and the Internet

 The World Wide Web contains billions of documents

called Web pages
 Web page
 Web site
 Web browser
 Web address
 Hypertext transfer protocol
Networks and the Internet

 When you conduct business activities online, you

are participating in electronic commerce, also
known as e-commerce
 Business to consumer (B2C)
 Consumer to consumer (C2C)
 Business to business (B2B)
Searching the Web
Computer Viruses
and Other Malware
• Computer virus
• Worm
• Trojan horse
• Rootkit
• An antivirus program protects a computer against
viruses by identifying and removing any computer
viruses found in memory, on storage media, or on
incoming files
Computer Viruses
and Other Malware
How to Purchase a Desktop
Computer
 Determine the specific software to use on your
computer
 Know the system requirements of the operating
system
 Look for bundled software
 Avoid buying the least powerful computer available
 Consider upgrades to the mouse, keyboard,
monitor, printer, microphone, and speakers
How to Purchase a Desktop
Computer
 Determine whether to use a broadband or dial-up
connection to access the Internet
 Use a worksheet to compare computers, services,
and other considerations
• If you are buying a new computer, you have several
purchasing options: buying from a school bookstore,
a local computer dealer, a local large retail store, or
ordering by mail via telephone or the Web
• If you are buying a used computer, stay with name
brands such as Dell, Apple, HP, and Gateway
• If you have a computer and are upgrading to a new
one, then consider selling or trading in the old one
How to Purchase a Desktop
Computer
 Be aware of hidden costs
 Consider more than just price
 Avoid restocking fees
 Use a credit card to purchase a new computer
 Consider purchasing an extended warranty or
service plan
How to Purchase a
Notebook Computer
 Determine which computer fits your mobile computing
needs
 Purchase a notebook computer with a sufficiently
large screen
 Experiment with different keyboards, pointing devices,
and digital pens
 Make sure the notebook computer you purchase has
an optical disc drive
 If necessary, upgrade the processor, memory, and
disk storage at the time of purchase
 The availability of built-in ports and slots and a USB
hub on a notebook computer is important
How to Purchase a
Notebook Computer
• If you plan to use your notebook computer for note-
taking at school or in meetings, consider a
convertible Tablet PC
• If you purchase a Tablet PC, determine whether you
require multi-touch technology
• Purchase a notebook computer with an integrated
Web cam
• Check with your wireless carrier to see if it offers
netbooks for sale
• Purchase a notebook computer with a built-in
wireless network connection
How to Purchase a
Notebook Computer
• If you plan to use your notebook computer for long
periods without access to an electrical outlet,
purchase a second battery
 Purchase a well-padded and well-designed carrying
case
 If you plan to connect your notebook computer to a
video projector, make sure the notebook computer
is compatible with the video projector
 For improved security and convenience, consider a
fingerprint scanner
 Review the docking capabilities of the Tablet PC
How to Purchase a Smart
Phone
• Choose a wireless carrier and plan that
satisfies your needs and budget
• Decide on the size, style, and weight of the
smart phone that will work best for you
• Determine whether you prefer a touch
screen, keypad, or mini-keyboard
• If you will be synchronizing your smart
phone with a program on your computer,
select a smart phone that is compatible
with the program you wish to use
How to Purchase a Smart
Phone
• Compare battery life
• Make sure your smart phone has enough memory
and storage
• Check out the accessories
How to Purchase a
Portable Media Player
• Choose a device with sufficient storage capacity
• Determine which file formats your new portable
media player should support and how you will add
files to your library
• Consider a portable media player that can play
video
• Read reviews about the sound quality on the
portable media players you are considering
How to Purchase a
Portable Media Player
• Select a size and style that works best for you
• Check out additional memory cards
• Consider rechargeable batteries
• Stay within your budget
How to Purchase a Digital
Camera
• Determine the type of digital camera that meets
your needs
• The digital camera with the highest resolution is not
always the best
• Consider size and weight
• Different cameras require different memory cards
• Photo editing features can save you time
How to Purchase a Digital
Camera
• Make sure that you can see the LCD screen easily
• Determine whether your pictures will require you to
zoom
• Price is important
• Know your batteries
• Purchase accessories
Summary

• Define the term computer and discuss the four basic

computer operations: input, process, output, and
storage
• Define data and information
• Identify the differences among desktop computers,
notebook computers, and mobile devices
• Explain the primary components of the computer
and their use
• Describe the use of hard disks, flash memory,
optical discs, and other storage media
Summary

• Discuss computer software and explain the

difference between system software and application
software
• Identify several types of application software
• Discuss the Internet and World Wide Web
• Describe various types of Internet and network
attacks and how to protect against them
• Explain how to purchase computers and mobile
devices
Introduction to
Computers
Thank You ;)