CPI105X

Chapter 1 Introduction to Computer literacy

Chapter 1 Objectives

• Recognize the importance of computer literacy

• Define the term computer and identify its components
• Explain why is computer a powerful tool
• Recognize the purpose of a network
• Identify the various types of software
• Describe the categories of computers
• Determine how the element of an information system interact
• Identify the various types of computer users
• Discuss computer applications in society
Knowledge about the
world of Computers
• Computer literacy
The knowledge and ability of using
computers and the related technology
efficiently.

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Computer

How is a computer defined?

• Electronic device that accept:
- Input,
- Process the input,
- Stores the results of the processing, and
- Provides Output.
Information processing cycle

input

Process

Output Storage

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under CC BY-SA-NC
Communication
Input/output device

• Input devises – It is used to

enter data and
instructions into a
computer,
• Output devise – Displays
the results of the entered
input.

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System unit
A case that contains electronic components of the
computer used to process data.
 Hard Drive – The central storage of data on a
computer,
 Random Access Memory (RAM) – It is a system memory
- stores and quickly access data( if Power turned off,
all information is lost),
 Processor (CPU) Central Processing Unit – It is referred
as the Central Brain of the computer; which is
responsible for all operations that is carried out on
the computer,
 Video Card - Converts the image in the computer’s
memory into a video signal for the monitor,
 Sound card – (attached to PCI slot on a Motherboard)
to enable the computer to input, process, and deliver
sound.
Two main components on the motherboard

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Also called a processor, which carries out instructions that tell a
computer what to do,
• Memory (RAM – Random Access Memory)
Temporary holding place for data and instructions
Storage

• Holds data, instructions, and information for future use,

Storage media
Physical material on which data, instruction, and information are
stored
Storage device
Records and retrieves items to and from a storage
Storage device

Floppy disk
• Thin, circular flexible disk enclosed in a
rigid plastic shell
• A Zip disk looks similar but has much
greater storage capability
Hard disk
• Provide much greater storage capacity
than a floppy disk or Zip disk
• Housed inside the system

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Compact disc

• Flat, round, portable metal disc

• CD-ROM
• CM-RW
Capacity: 673-768 MB

• DVD-ROM
• DVD+RW
Capacity: 4.7 – 17.1 GB
Why is the Computer
So Powerful
• What makes a computer powerful:
 Speed
 Reliability
 Accuracy
 Storage
 Communications
Networks and the internet

• What is a network
Collection of computers and devices connected together

Communications Communication Media

device

Cables
Satellites
One Telephone
Enables a connection Cellular
type is a lines
between computers radio
modem
Networks and the internet

Why do we need network

To
share
Hardware
devices
Resources

To save
Software time and
programs data Information money
Networks and the internet

• Server
 Manages the resources on the network
 A client accesses the resources on the server
• Internet
 Worldwide collection of networks that connects
millions of computers
Networks and the internet

Why do users
access the Communication Information Shopping
internet

Banking and
Classes Entertainment
investing
Networks and the internet

• What is the Worldwide Web (WWW)?

Billions of documents, called web pages, available to anyone
connected to the internet

A web page contains You can share

A web site is a text, graphics, sound information by
collection of video and links to creating web pages
related web pages other web pages or posting photos on
the photo community
Computer software

How do you install and run a software program?

• A program is a series of instructions that tells the computer what
to do

Step 1. Step 2. install the

Insert the program disc software program by
into the CD-ROM drive instruction in the disc
then run the program

Step 3. the program

executes
Computer software

Allows you to Controls how you

What is a graphical
interact with the enter data and how
user interface
software using the screen displays
(GUI)?
graphics and icons information
Computer software

• System software
Programs that control the operations of the computer and its
devices

Operating system (OS)

Is a set of programs
that coordinate all Utility Programs- allow the user to perform
activities among maintenance type task usually related to
computer hardware managing a computer, its devices or its
devices and allow users programs
to run application
software
Application software

Programs that perform specific taks for users

Suite

Computer Popular software application bundled together as a single

unit.

software Word Processing

Spreadsheet

Database

Presentation Graphics
Programmer

Computer Someone who develops

applications or system
software software

Programmer writes
instructions to direct
computer to process data into
information
What are the categories of
computer?

Personal computer (desktop)

Mobile computer and mobile

Categories of devices

computer Midrange servers

Mainframe computer

Supercomputer
Personal Computers

• What are two-most popular series of personal computers?

PC and compatibles using the windows operating system
Apple Macintosh uses the Macintosh operating system (MAC OS)

What is a desktop computer?

• Designed so all of the components fit on or under a desk or table
• Notebook computer?
 Portable, small enough to fit on your lap (2lbs to 9
lbs)
 Also called a laptop
 Generally more expensive than a desktop
computer
Personal
Table PC
Computers • Resembles a letter-sized slate
• Allows you to write on the screen using a stylus
• Smaller version is the modular computer
What are Web-enabled handheld computers?
• Allow you to check e-mail and access the internet
• Web-enabled telephone us a smart phone
Handheld Computers

Provides personal organizer

functions
What is a personal digital • Calendar
• Appointment book
assistant (PDA)? • Address book
• Calculator
• Notepad
Servers

• What types of servers are there?

Midrange server- Powerful, large computer that supports up to a
few thousand computers
Mainframe- A very powerful, expensive computer that supports
thousands of computers
Supercomputer is the fastest most powerful most expensive
computer. Used for applications requiring complex mathematical
calculations
Element of an information System

• What are information system elements

People
Step 1. Step 2.
Procedures People develop People use software to enter
procedures for data into computer
Data processing data (Hardware)
Software
Hardware
Step 3.
Software processes data and
directs hardware to store and
or output information
Example of
Computer Usage

• What are the Five categories of

computer users?
• Home
• Small Office/ home office (SOHO)
• Mobile
• Large business
• Power
Example of Computer
Usage
• What software is available for a home
user?
• Web access
• Entertainment
• Communications
• Personal finance management
Example of
Computer Usage

What software is available for a

small office/home office (SOHO)
USER?
 Local area network (LAN)
 Productivity Software
 Specialty software
 Web usage
 E-mail
Example of Computer Usage

What is available for a mobile user?

Notebook computers
• Hardware Handheld computers
Web-enabled cellular phones
• Software
Productivity
Presentation
Personal information manager
Example of Computer Usage

What are the needs of the large business user?

 Web access
 Public kiosk
 Telecommuting
 Network
 Productivity software
 scheduling
Example of Computer
Usage
What are the needs of a power user
• Speed and large amount of storage
• Type of power users
 Engineers
 Architects
 Desktop publishers
 Graphics artists
Computer Application in Society

What are some examples of computer applications in society?

 Education
 Finance
 Government
 Healthcare
 Science
 Publishing
 Travel
 Industry