Computer Systems/Applications

Introduction to Computers
p
Thomas Henaku
E-mail: thomashenaku@hotmail.co.uk

©Thomas Henaku 2010
Lesson 1 Objectives
Recognize the importance of
computer literacy

Distinguish between system software
and application software

Define the term, computer
Describe th categories of computers
D
ib the t
i
f
t
Identify the components
of a computer
Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of using computers

Identify the elements of
y
an information system
Describe the various types
yp
of computer users

Recognize the purpose of a network
Discuss the uses of the Internet and
World Wide Web

Discuss various computer
applications in society
A World of Computers
What is computer literacy?
Knowledge and understanding
K
l d
d d t di
of computers and their uses
Computers are everywhere
What Is a Computer?
How is a computer defined?
Electronic device
El t i d i operating under the control of
ti
d th
t l f
instructions stored in its own memory

Accepts data
Raw facts, figures, and
symbols

Processes data into
information
Data that is organized,
meaningful, and useful

Produces and stores results
What Is a Computer?
What is the information processing cycle?
Input
I
t
Process
Output
O t t
Storage
Communication
The Components of a Computer
What is an input device?
Hardware used
H d
d
to enter data
and instructions
The Components of a Computer
What is an output device?
Hardware th t
H d
that
conveys
information
to one or more
people
The Components of a Computer
What is the system unit?
Case
C
containing
electronic
components
p
used to process
data
The Components of a Computer
What are two main components on the motherboard?
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Also called a processor
The electronic component that interprets and carries
out the basic instructions that operate the computer
t th b i i t ti
th t
t th
t

Memory
Consists of electronic components that store
p
instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by
those instructions
The Components of a Computer
What is storage?
Holds d t i t ti
H ld data, instructions, and information
di f
ti
for future use
Storage media
Physical material on which data, instructions
data instructions,
and information are stored

Storage device
Records and retrieves items to and from
a storage medium
The Components of a Computer
What is storage media?
Digital
cameras

Portable, thin
memory cards
used in:

Handheld
computers
The Components of a Computer
What is a floppy disk?
Thin, i l
Thi circular,
flexible disk
enclosed in rigid
plastic shell
The Components of a Computer
What is a USB flash drive?
Provides
P id much
h
greater storage
capacity than a
floppy disk or
Zip® disk
Small and
lightweight enough
g
g
g
to be transported
on a keychain or
in a pocket
The Components of a Computer
What is a hard disk?
Provides
P id greater storage
t
t
capacity than a
floppy disk Zip disk, or
disk,
disk
USB flash drive
Most are housed inside
of the system unit
y
The Components of a Computer
What is a compact disc?
Flat,
Fl t round, portable metal disc
d
t bl
t l di
CD-ROM
DVD-ROM
The Components of a Computer
What is a communications device?
Hardware component that
p
enables a computer to
send and receive data, instructions,
and i f
d information
i
Occurs over cables telephone
cables,
lines, cellular radio networks,
satellites, and other
,
transmission media
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
What are the advantages of using computers?

Speed

Reliability

Storage
St

Consistency

Communications
C
i ti
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
What are the disadvantages of using computers?

Violation of
Privacy

Impact on
Labor Force

Health Risks

Impact on
Environment
Networks and the Internet
What is a network?
Collection f
C ll ti of computers and devices connected together
t
dd i
t d t th
Communications
Device
Enables a
connection
ti
between
computers

Transmission
Media
Satellites

Cables
Telephone
lines
One type is
a modem

Cellular
radio
Networks and the Internet
What are the reasons to network?
To share
Resources
Hardware
d
devices

Software
programs

To
T save
Data
time
Information
and
money
Networks and the Internet
What is a server?
A server manages
the resources on a
network
Clients access
the resources
on the server
Networks and the Internet
What is the Internet?
Worldwide ll ti
W ld id collection of networks that connects
f t
k th t
t
millions of businesses, government agencies,
educational institutions, and individuals
institutions
Networks and the Internet
Why do users access the Internet?
1. Communications
2. Information
3. Shopping
3 Sh
i
4. Banking and Investing
5. Classes
6. Entertainment
Networks and the Internet
What is the Web?
Billions of documents, called W b pages, available to
Billi
fd
t
ll d Web
il bl t
anyone connected to the Internet
A Web site is
a collection of
ll i
f
related Web pages
A Web page contains
text,
t t graphics, sound,
hi
d
video, and links to
other Web pages

You can share
information by
creating Web pages
g
p g
or posting photos on
a photo sharing
community
Computer Software
What is software?

Consists of a series
of instructions that
fi
i
h
tells the computer
what to do

Also ll d
Al called a
program
Computer Software
What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?
Allows you to
All
t
interact with the
software using
graphics and icons
Controls how you
enter data and how
t e sc ee d sp ays
the screen displays
information
Computer Software
What is system software?
Programs that control or maintain the operations of
P
th t
t l
i t i th
ti
f
the computer and its devices
Operating System (OS)
is a set of programs
that coordinates all
activities among
g
computer hardware
devices and allows
users to run
application software

Utility Programs allow the user to
perform maintenance-type tasks
usually related to managing a
computer, its devices or its programs
Computer Software
What is application software?
Programs that perform
P
th t
f
specific tasks for users
Word
Processing
g

Spreadsheet

Database

Presentation
Graphics
Computer Software
How do you install and run programs?
Computer Software
Who is a programmer?
Someone who d l
S
h develops
application or system
software
Programmer writes
instructions to
direct computer to
di
process data into
information

Resulting Internet application

Javascript program
Categories of Computers
What are the categories of computers?
Personal Computers
(
(desktop)
p)
Mobile Computers and
Mobile Devices
Midrange Servers
Mainframes
Supercomputers
Embedded Computers
Personal Computers
What are the two most popular series of personal
computers?
t ?
PC and compatibles
use the Windows
operating system

Apple Macintosh
uses the Macintosh
operating system
(Mac OS)
Personal Computers
What is a desktop computer?
Designed so all of the components fit entirely on
D i
d
ll f th
t
ti l
or under a desk or table
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
What is a notebook computer?
Portable,
P t bl small enough
ll
h
to fit on your lap
Also called a laptop
computer
Generally more
expensive than a desktop
computer
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
What is a Tablet PC?
Resembles a l tt
R
bl
letter-sized slate
i d l t
Allows you to write on the
screen using a digital pen
Especially useful for taking
notes
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
What are mobile devices?
Small
S ll enough t carry i a
h to
in
pocket
Internet-enabled
telephone is a “smart
p
phone”
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
What is a handheld computer?

Small
enough to fit
in one
hand

Used
by mobile
employees such as
meter readers and
delivery people
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
What is a personal digital assistant (PDA)?
Provides
P id personal organizer functions
l
i
f
ti
Calendar
Appointment b k
A
i
book
Address book
Calculator
Notepad
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
What are smart phones and smart watches?
A smart phone is
an Internet-enabled
telephone that usually
provides PDA capabilities

A smart watch is
an Internet-enabled
watch th t automatically
t h that t
ti ll
adjusts to time zone changes
and stores personal
information
Servers
What types of servers are there?
Midrange server Powerful, large
computer that supports up to a few
thousand computers
Mainframe Very powerful,
expensive computer that supports
thousands of computers
Supercomputer The fastest, most
powerful, most expensive
computer.
computer Used for applications
requiring complex mathematical
calculations
p. 23 Figs. 1-23–1-25
Embedded Computers
What is an embedded computer?
A special-purpose computer th t f
i l
t that functions as a
ti
component in a larger product
Elements of an Information System
What are information system elements?
Hardware
H d
Software
Data
People
Procedures
Examples of Computer Usage
What software is available for a home user?
Examples of Computer Usage
What software is available for a small
office/home office (SOHO) user?
Productivity
software
soft are
Specialty
software
Web usage
E-mail
Examples of Computer Usage
What is available for
a mobile user?
bil
?
Hardware
Notebook computers
PDAs
Smart phones

Software
Word
W d processing
i
Spreadsheet
Presentation graphics
software
Examples of Computer Usage
What are the needs of a power user?
Speed d large amounts of storage
S d and l
t f t
Types of power users
Engineers
Scientists
Architects
Desktop publishers
Graphic artists
Examples of Computer Usage
What are the needs of the large business user?
Computer Applications in Society
What are some examples
of computer applications
f
t
li ti
in society?
Education
Ed
ti
Finance
Government
Healthcare
Science
Publishing
Travel
Industry
Summary of Introduction to Computers
The importance of computer literacy
The term, computer

System software and
S t
ft
d
application software
Categories of computers
C t
i
f
t

The components of a computer
The advantages and disadvantages
of using computers

Elements of an information system
Types of computer users

The purpose of a network
The uses of the Internet
and World Wide Web

Computer applications in society

Lesson 1 introduction to computers

  • 1.
    Computer Systems/Applications Introduction toComputers p Thomas Henaku E-mail: thomashenaku@hotmail.co.uk ©Thomas Henaku 2010
  • 2.
    Lesson 1 Objectives Recognizethe importance of computer literacy Distinguish between system software and application software Define the term, computer Describe th categories of computers D ib the t i f t Identify the components of a computer Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using computers Identify the elements of y an information system Describe the various types yp of computer users Recognize the purpose of a network Discuss the uses of the Internet and World Wide Web Discuss various computer applications in society
  • 3.
    A World ofComputers What is computer literacy? Knowledge and understanding K l d d d t di of computers and their uses Computers are everywhere
  • 4.
    What Is aComputer? How is a computer defined? Electronic device El t i d i operating under the control of ti d th t l f instructions stored in its own memory Accepts data Raw facts, figures, and symbols Processes data into information Data that is organized, meaningful, and useful Produces and stores results
  • 5.
    What Is aComputer? What is the information processing cycle? Input I t Process Output O t t Storage Communication
  • 6.
    The Components ofa Computer What is an input device? Hardware used H d d to enter data and instructions
  • 7.
    The Components ofa Computer What is an output device? Hardware th t H d that conveys information to one or more people
  • 8.
    The Components ofa Computer What is the system unit? Case C containing electronic components p used to process data
  • 9.
    The Components ofa Computer What are two main components on the motherboard? Central Processing Unit (CPU) Also called a processor The electronic component that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer t th b i i t ti th t t th t Memory Consists of electronic components that store p instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions
  • 10.
    The Components ofa Computer What is storage? Holds d t i t ti H ld data, instructions, and information di f ti for future use Storage media Physical material on which data, instructions data instructions, and information are stored Storage device Records and retrieves items to and from a storage medium
  • 11.
    The Components ofa Computer What is storage media? Digital cameras Portable, thin memory cards used in: Handheld computers
  • 12.
    The Components ofa Computer What is a floppy disk? Thin, i l Thi circular, flexible disk enclosed in rigid plastic shell
  • 13.
    The Components ofa Computer What is a USB flash drive? Provides P id much h greater storage capacity than a floppy disk or Zip® disk Small and lightweight enough g g g to be transported on a keychain or in a pocket
  • 14.
    The Components ofa Computer What is a hard disk? Provides P id greater storage t t capacity than a floppy disk Zip disk, or disk, disk USB flash drive Most are housed inside of the system unit y
  • 15.
    The Components ofa Computer What is a compact disc? Flat, Fl t round, portable metal disc d t bl t l di CD-ROM DVD-ROM
  • 16.
    The Components ofa Computer What is a communications device? Hardware component that p enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and i f d information i Occurs over cables telephone cables, lines, cellular radio networks, satellites, and other , transmission media
  • 17.
    Advantages and Disadvantages ofUsing Computers What are the advantages of using computers? Speed Reliability Storage St Consistency Communications C i ti
  • 18.
    Advantages and Disadvantages ofUsing Computers What are the disadvantages of using computers? Violation of Privacy Impact on Labor Force Health Risks Impact on Environment
  • 19.
    Networks and theInternet What is a network? Collection f C ll ti of computers and devices connected together t dd i t d t th Communications Device Enables a connection ti between computers Transmission Media Satellites Cables Telephone lines One type is a modem Cellular radio
  • 20.
    Networks and theInternet What are the reasons to network? To share Resources Hardware d devices Software programs To T save Data time Information and money
  • 21.
    Networks and theInternet What is a server? A server manages the resources on a network Clients access the resources on the server
  • 22.
    Networks and theInternet What is the Internet? Worldwide ll ti W ld id collection of networks that connects f t k th t t millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals institutions
  • 23.
    Networks and theInternet Why do users access the Internet? 1. Communications 2. Information 3. Shopping 3 Sh i 4. Banking and Investing 5. Classes 6. Entertainment
  • 24.
    Networks and theInternet What is the Web? Billions of documents, called W b pages, available to Billi fd t ll d Web il bl t anyone connected to the Internet A Web site is a collection of ll i f related Web pages A Web page contains text, t t graphics, sound, hi d video, and links to other Web pages You can share information by creating Web pages g p g or posting photos on a photo sharing community
  • 25.
    Computer Software What issoftware? Consists of a series of instructions that fi i h tells the computer what to do Also ll d Al called a program
  • 26.
    Computer Software What isa graphical user interface (GUI)? Allows you to All t interact with the software using graphics and icons Controls how you enter data and how t e sc ee d sp ays the screen displays information
  • 27.
    Computer Software What issystem software? Programs that control or maintain the operations of P th t t l i t i th ti f the computer and its devices Operating System (OS) is a set of programs that coordinates all activities among g computer hardware devices and allows users to run application software Utility Programs allow the user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs
  • 28.
    Computer Software What isapplication software? Programs that perform P th t f specific tasks for users Word Processing g Spreadsheet Database Presentation Graphics
  • 29.
    Computer Software How doyou install and run programs?
  • 31.
    Computer Software Who isa programmer? Someone who d l S h develops application or system software Programmer writes instructions to direct computer to di process data into information Resulting Internet application Javascript program
  • 32.
    Categories of Computers Whatare the categories of computers? Personal Computers ( (desktop) p) Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices Midrange Servers Mainframes Supercomputers Embedded Computers
  • 33.
    Personal Computers What arethe two most popular series of personal computers? t ? PC and compatibles use the Windows operating system Apple Macintosh uses the Macintosh operating system (Mac OS)
  • 34.
    Personal Computers What isa desktop computer? Designed so all of the components fit entirely on D i d ll f th t ti l or under a desk or table
  • 35.
    Mobile Computers andMobile Devices What is a notebook computer? Portable, P t bl small enough ll h to fit on your lap Also called a laptop computer Generally more expensive than a desktop computer
  • 36.
    Mobile Computers andMobile Devices What is a Tablet PC? Resembles a l tt R bl letter-sized slate i d l t Allows you to write on the screen using a digital pen Especially useful for taking notes
  • 37.
    Mobile Computers andMobile Devices What are mobile devices? Small S ll enough t carry i a h to in pocket Internet-enabled telephone is a “smart p phone”
  • 38.
    Mobile Computers andMobile Devices What is a handheld computer? Small enough to fit in one hand Used by mobile employees such as meter readers and delivery people
  • 39.
    Mobile Computers andMobile Devices What is a personal digital assistant (PDA)? Provides P id personal organizer functions l i f ti Calendar Appointment b k A i book Address book Calculator Notepad
  • 40.
    Mobile Computers andMobile Devices What are smart phones and smart watches? A smart phone is an Internet-enabled telephone that usually provides PDA capabilities A smart watch is an Internet-enabled watch th t automatically t h that t ti ll adjusts to time zone changes and stores personal information
  • 41.
    Servers What types ofservers are there? Midrange server Powerful, large computer that supports up to a few thousand computers Mainframe Very powerful, expensive computer that supports thousands of computers Supercomputer The fastest, most powerful, most expensive computer. computer Used for applications requiring complex mathematical calculations p. 23 Figs. 1-23–1-25
  • 42.
    Embedded Computers What isan embedded computer? A special-purpose computer th t f i l t that functions as a ti component in a larger product
  • 43.
    Elements of anInformation System What are information system elements? Hardware H d Software Data People Procedures
  • 44.
    Examples of ComputerUsage What software is available for a home user?
  • 45.
    Examples of ComputerUsage What software is available for a small office/home office (SOHO) user? Productivity software soft are Specialty software Web usage E-mail
  • 46.
    Examples of ComputerUsage What is available for a mobile user? bil ? Hardware Notebook computers PDAs Smart phones Software Word W d processing i Spreadsheet Presentation graphics software
  • 47.
    Examples of ComputerUsage What are the needs of a power user? Speed d large amounts of storage S d and l t f t Types of power users Engineers Scientists Architects Desktop publishers Graphic artists
  • 48.
    Examples of ComputerUsage What are the needs of the large business user?
  • 49.
    Computer Applications inSociety What are some examples of computer applications f t li ti in society? Education Ed ti Finance Government Healthcare Science Publishing Travel Industry
  • 50.
    Summary of Introductionto Computers The importance of computer literacy The term, computer System software and S t ft d application software Categories of computers C t i f t The components of a computer The advantages and disadvantages of using computers Elements of an information system Types of computer users The purpose of a network The uses of the Internet and World Wide Web Computer applications in society