COMPUTERS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING CSC 134 Chapter 1

COMPUTERS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING (CSC 134) 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. 2

A World of Computers • Computers are everywhere : at work, at school, and at home 3

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 4

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 device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce results, and store the results for future use. • Information processing cycle is the series of input, process, output, and storage activities. Produces information (output) Processing Collects data (input) 6

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 Hardware Software Computer 10

The Components of a Computer • A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware Input Device Output Device • Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer • Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people System Unit • Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data Storage Device • Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media Communications Device • Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices 11

The Components of a Computer 12

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 13

Computer Software • Installing is the process of setting up software to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware. 14

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers Advantages of Using Computers Disadvantages of Using Computers Speed Health Risks Reliability Violation of Privacy Consistency Public Safety Storage Impact on Labor Force Communications Impact on Environment 15

Advantages of Using Computers Speed data, instructions, and information flow along electronic circuits in a computer at incredibly fast speeds. Reliability dependable and reliable because they rarely break or fail. Consistency produce the same results — consistently, generate errorfree results Storage Communications store enormous amounts of data and make this data available for processing anytime it is needed. computers can communicate with other computers, often wirelessly, and allow users to communicate with one another. 16

Disadvantages of Using Computers Violation of Privacy not protected properly, individuals have found their privacy violated and identities stolen. Public Safety computer users have fallen victim to crimes committed by dangerous strangers. Impact on Labor Force created an entire industry with hundreds of thousands of new jobs, the skills of millions of employees have been replaced by computers. Health Risks prolonged or improper computer use can lead to health injuries or disorders - computer addiction and technology overload. Impact on Environment computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are depleting natural resources and polluting the environment. 17

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 18

Networks and the Internet • A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communications devices and transmission media 19

Networks and the Internet • The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals 20

Networks and the Internet • People use the Internet for a variety of reasons: Communicate Research and Access Information Entertainment Download Videos Shop Bank and Invest Share Information Online Trading Web Application 21

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. 23

Types of Computer Supercomputers Mainframe computers Midrange computers Personal computers 24

Types of Computers Personal Computers Midrange Computers Mainframe Computers Supercomputers Mobile Computers & Mobile Devices Game Consoles Computer Types Embedded Computers

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 Figure 1 -27 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 26

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 Figure 1 -26 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 27

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 28

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. 29

Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices Mobile Computer Mobile Device Personal computer you can carry from place to place Computing device small enough to hold in your hand Examples include notebook computers, laptop computers, netbooks, ultra-thins, and Tablet PCs Examples include smart phones and PDAs, ebook readers, handheld computers, portable media players, and digital cameras 30

Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices Notebook computer Tablet PC Smart phones and PDAs E-book reader 31

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 33

Embedded Computers • An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product. Consumer Electronics Home Automation Devices • Mobile and digital telephones • Digital televisions • Cameras • Video recorders • DVD players and recorders • Answering machines • Thermostats • Sprinkling systems • Security monitoring systems • Appliances • Lights Automobiles • Antilock brakes • Engine control modules • Airbag controller • Cruise control Process Controllers and Robotics • Remote monitoring systems • Power monitors • Machine controllers • Medical devices Computer Devices and Office Machines • Keyboards • Printers • Faxes • Copiers 34

Embedded Computers 35

Types of Computers 36

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. 37

Examples of Computer Usage Home User • Personal financial management • Web access • Communications • Entertainment Small Office/Home Office User • Look up information • Send and receive e-mail messages • Make telephone calls Mobile User • Connect to other computers on a network or the Internet • Transfer information • Play video games • Listen to music • Watch movies 38

Examples of Computer Usage Power User Enterprise User • Work with multimedia • Use industry-specific software • Communicate among employees • Process high volumes of transactions • Blog 39

Computer Applications in Society Education Finance Government Health Care 40

Computer Applications in Society Science Publishing Travel Manufacturing 41

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. 42

Elements of an Information System Hardware Software • includes keyboard, mouse, display, system unit, tablets, smartphones, and other devices. • provides step-by step instructions for computer hardware. Data People • consists of unprocessed facts including text, numbers, images, and sounds. • are end users who use computers to make themselves more productive Procedures Internet • specify rules or guidelines for computer operations. • allows computers to connect to people and other computers. 43

44 Elements of an Information System

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. 45

Careers in IT Webmaster • Develops and maintains websites and web resources Software Engineer • Analyzes users’ needs and creates application software Computer Support Specialist • Provides technical support to customers and other users Computer Technician • Repairs and install computer components and systems Technical Writer • Prepares instruction manuals, technical reports, and other scientific or technical documents Network Administrator • Creates and maintains computer networks

A Look to the Future Using and Understanding Information Technology Internet & Web browse the Web, communicate with others, locate Information, etc. Powerful Software create professional looking documents, analyze massive amounts of data, create dynamic multimedia pages, and more. Powerful Hardware more powerful & robust, new technologies such as wireless networks & their impact to connect, equipment can be dynamic vs. essential features of devices remain unchanged Security, Privacy & Ethics Organizations Changing Times need to be careful of the negative potential effect. rely on quality and flexibility to stay competitive fast paced era and rapid change

Chapter Summary Basic computer concepts Components of computers Types of computers Uses of technology applications in society Elements of information system Career, opportunities, and future in IT.

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, Mc. Graw Hill, 2013 49