Chapter 1
Basic Introduction to Computers
Discovering
Computers 2012
Your Interactive Guide
to the Digital World
Objectives Overview
See Page 3 2
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
for Detailed Objectives
Objectives Overview
See Page 3 3
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
for Detailed Objectives
A World of Computers
• Computers are everywhere
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-1
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
Page 6 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 5
data and 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 6
What Is a Computer?
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-2
The Components of a Computer
• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and
mechanical components known as hardware
Pages 6 - 8 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 8
The Components of a Computer
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-3
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
Advantages of Disadvantages of
Using Computers Using Computers
Pages 9 - 10 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 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
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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
Pages 10 - 11 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 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
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-7
Networks and the Internet
• People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
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
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-9
Computer Software
• Software, also called a program, tells the
computer what tasks to perform and how to
perform them
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-10 - 1-11
Computer Software
• System software
– control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices.
– interface between the user, the application software, and the
computer’s hardware.
– Operating system
• coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices.
– Utility program
• user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to
managing a computer, its devices, or its programs
• Application software
– consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/ or assist
them with personal task
17
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 18
Computer Software
• Installing is the process of setting up software to
work with the computer, printer, and other
hardware
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-12
Computer Software
• A programmer develops
software or writes the
instructions that direct
the computer to
process data into
information
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Figure 1-13
Categories of 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 PC and the Apple
– Desktop computer
• Two types of personal computers are desktop computers
and notebook computers.
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-15 - 1-16
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Pages 20 - 23 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 23
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Pages 20 - 22 24
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-17 – 1-20
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-21 – 1-23
Game Consoles
• A game console is a
mobile computing
device designed for
single-player or
multiplayer video
games
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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
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Figure 1-25
Mainframes
• A mainframe is a large,
expensive, powerful
computer that can
handle hundreds or
thousands of connected
users simultaneously
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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
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-27
Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a
larger product
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Embedded Computers
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-28
Computer Applications in Society
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-36 – 1-39
Computer Applications in Society
Pages 36 - 38 33
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-40 – 1-43
Summary
Page 39 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 34
Chapter 1
Basic Introduction to Computers
Discovering
Computers 2012
Your Interactive Guide
to the Digital World
Chapter 1 Complete
Resources
• Video lectures:
1.
[Link]
s
2. [Link]
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 36
