After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

1 Explain why computer literacy is vital to success in today's world 6 Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers
in each of these categories: personal computers (desktop),
2 Describe the five components of a computer: input devices, output
mobile computers and mobile devices, game consoles, servers,
devices, system unit, storage devices, and communications devices
mainframes, supercomputers, and embedded computers
3 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages that users experience
7 Explain how home users, small office/home office users, mobile
when working with computers
users, power users, and enterprise users each interact with computers
4 Discuss the uses of the Internet and World Wide Web
8 Discuss how society uses computers in education, finance,
5 Distinguish between system software and application software government, health care, science, publishing, travel, and
manufacturing
 A World of Computers
Computers are everywhere: at work, at school, and at home (Figure 1-1). Mobile devices, such as
many cell phones, often are classified as computers. Computers are a primary means of local and
global communication for billions of people. Employees correspond with clients, students with
classmates and teachers, and family with friends and other family members.
Through computers, society has instant access to information from around the globe. Local
and national news, weather reports, sports scores, airline schedules, telephone directories, maps
and directions, job listings, credit reports, and countless forms of educational material always are
accessible. From the computer, you can make a telephone call, meet new friends, share photos and
videos, share opinions, shop, book flights, file taxes, take a course, receive alerts, and automate your
home.
In the workplace, employees use computers to create correspondence such as e-mail messages,
memos, and letters; manage calendars; calculate payroll; track inventory; and generate invoices.
At school, teachers use computers to assist with classroom instruction. Students use computers to
complete assignments and research. Instead of attending class on campus, some students take entire
classes directly from their computer.

Figure 1-1 People use all types and sizes of computers in their daily activities.
 People also spend hours of leisure time using a computer. They play games, listen to music or
radio broadcasts, watch or compose videos and movies, read books and magazines, share stories,
research genealogy, retouch photos, and plan vacations.
Many people believe that computer literacy is vital to success. Computer literacy, also known as
digital literacy, involves having a current knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses.
Because the requirements that determine computer literacy change as technology changes, you must
keep up with these changes to remain computer literate.
This book presents the knowledge you need to be computer literate today. As you read this first
chapter, keep in mind it is an overview. Many of the terms and concepts introduced in this chapter
will be discussed in more depth later in the book.

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.

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4 Chapter 1 Introduction to Computers

I

Data and Information

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.
As shown in Figure 1-2, for example, computers process several data items to print information in
the form of a cash register receipt.
DATA
2 Medium Sodas $1.49 each
1 Small TUrkey SUb $3.49 each
1 caesar Salad $4.49 each
1 Bag of Chi ps $0.99 each
3 Cookies $0.39 each
INFORMATION
.Am:Junt Received $20.00
Arrow Deli
10 Park Street
Maple River, DE 20393
• Computes each item's total price by multiplying (734) 555-2939
the quantity ordered by the item price
(i.e., 2 * 1.49 = 2.98). QTY ITEM TOTAL
• Organizes data. 2 Medium Sodas 2.98
• Sums all item total prices to determine order total 1 Small Turkey Sub 3.49
due from customer (13.12). 1 Caesar Salad 4.49
1 Bag of Chips 0.99
• Calculates change due to customer by subtracting
3 Cookies 1.17
the order total from amount received
(20.00 - 13.12 = 6.88). Total Due 13.12
Amount Received 20.00
Change 6.88
Thank You!

Figure 1-2 A computer processes data into information. In this simplified example, the item ordered, item price,
quantity ordered, and amount received all represent data. The computer processes the data to produce the cash register
receipt (information).

Information Processing Cycle

Computers process data (input) into information (output). Computers carry out processes using
instructions, which are the steps that tell the computer how to perform a particular task. A col­
lection of related instructions organized for a common purpose is referred to as software. A com­
puter often holds data, information, and instructions in storage for future use. Some people refer
to the series of input, process, output, and storage activities as the information processing cycle.
Recently, communications also has become an essential element of the information processing cycle.

The Components of a Computer

A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware.
These components include input devices, output devices, a system unit, storage devices, and
communications devices. Figure 1-3 shows some common computer hardware components.

Input Devices
An input device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into
a computer. Five widely used input devices are the keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, and Web
cam (Figure 1-3).
 A computer keyboard contains keys you press to enter data into the computer. A mouse is a small
handheld device. With the mouse, you control movement of a small symbol on the screen, called
the pointer, and you make selections from the screen.
A microphone allows a user to speak into the computer. A scanner converts printed material (such
as text and pictures) into a form the computer can use.
A Web cam is a digital video camera that allows users to create movies or take pictures and store
them on the computer instead of on tape or film.

Output Devices
An output device is any hardware component that conveys information to one or more people.
Three commonly used output devices are a printer, a monitor, and speakers (Figure 1-3).
A printer produces text and graphics on a physical medium such as paper. A monitor displays text,
graphics, and videos on a screen. Speakers allow you to hear music, voice, and other audio (sounds).

monitor
(output device)
printer
(output device)

microphone
(input device)
USB flash drive
(storage device)

card reader/writer
(storage device)

external hard disk modem

(storage device) (communications device)
memory cards
(storage device) ...:;..___---;_,.

Figure 1-3 Common computer hardware components include the keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, Web cam, printer,
monitor, speakers, system unit, hard disk drive, external hard disk, optical disc drive(s), USB flash drive, card reader/writer, memory
cards, and modem.
System Unit
The system unit is a case that contains electronic components of the computer that are used to
process data (Figure 1-3 on the previous page). The circuitry of the system unit usually is part of or
is connected to a circuit board called the motherboard.
Two main components on the motherboard are the processor and memory. The processor, also
called the CPU (central processing unit), is the electronic component that interprets and carries
out the basic instructions that operate the computer. Memory consists of electronic components that
store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions. Most memory keeps
data and instructions temporarily, which means its contents are erased when the computer is shut off.

Storage Devices
Storage holds data, instructions, and information for future use. For example, computers can store
hundreds or millions of customer names and addresses. Storage holds these items permanently.
A computer keeps data, instructions, and information on storage media. Examples of storage
media are USB flash drives, hard disks, optical discs, and memory cards. A storage device records
(writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media. Storage devices often function as a
source of input because they transfer items from storage to memory.
A USB flash drive is a portable storage device that is small and lightweight enough to be trans­
ported on a keychain or in a pocket (Figure 1-3). The average USB flash drive can hold about 4
billion characters.
A hard disk provides much greater storage capacity than a USB flash drive. The average hard disk
can hold more than 320 billion characters. Hard disks are enclosed in an airtight, sealed case. Although
some are portable, most are housed inside the system unit (Fi gure 1-4). Portable hard disks are either
external or removable. An external hard disk is a separate, freestanding unit, whereas you insert and
remove a removable hard disk from the computer or a device connected to the computer.
An optical disc is a flat, round, portable metal disc with a plastic coating. CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray
Discs are three types of optical discs. A CD can hold from 650 million to 1 billion characters. Some
DVDs can store two full-length movies or 17 billion characters (Figure 1-5). Blu-ray Discs can store
about 46 hours of standard video, or 100 billion characters.
Some mobile devices, such as digital cameras, use memory cards as the storage media. You can
use a card reader/writer (Figure 1-3) to transfer stored items, such as digital photos, from the
memory card to a computer or printer.

Figure 1-4 Most hard disks are Figure 1-5 A DVD in a DVD drive.
housed inside the system unit.

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.
A widely used communications device is a modem (Figure 1-3).
 Communications occur over cables, telephone lines, cellular radio networks, satellites, and
other transmission media. Some transmission media, such as satellites and cellular radio networks,
are wireless, which means they have no physical lines or wires.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers

Society has reaped many benefits from using computers. A user is anyone who communicates with
a computer or utilizes the information it generates. Both business and home users can make well­
informed decisions because they have instant access to information from anywhere in the world.
Students, another type of user, have more tools to assist them in the learning process.

Advantages of Using Computers

The benefits from using computers are possible because computers have the advantages of speed,
reliability, consistency, storage, and communications.
• Speed: \Vb.en data, instructions, and information flow along electronic circuits in a computer,
they travel at incredibly fast speeds. Many computers process billions or trillions of operations in
a single second.
• Reliability: The electronic components in modem computers are dependable and reliable
because they rarely break or fail.
• Consistency: Given the same input and processes, a computer will produce the same results -
consistently. Computers generate error-free results, provided the input is correct and the
instructions work.
• Storage: Computers store enormous amounts of data and make this data available for processing
anytime it is needed.
• Communications: Most computers today can communicate with other computers, often
wirelessly. Computers allow users to communicate with one another.

Disadvantages of Using Computers

Some disadvantages of computers relate to the violation of privacy, public safety, the impact on
the labor force, health risks, and the impact on the environment.
• Violation of Privacy: In many instances, where personal and confidential records stored on
computers were not protected properly, individuals have found their privacy violated and
identities stolen.
• Public Safety: Adults, teens, and children around the world are using computers to share publicly
their photos, videos, journals, music, and other personal information. Some of these unsuspecting,
innocent computer users have fallen victim to crimes committed by dangerous strangers.
• Impact on Labor Force: Although computers have improved productivity and created an entire
industry with hundreds of thousands of new jobs, the skills of millions of employees have been
replaced by computers. Thus, it is crucial that workers keep their education up-to-date. A sepa­
rate impact on the labor force is that some companies are outsourcing jobs to foreign countries
instead of keeping their homeland labor force employed.
• Health Risks: Prolonged or improper computer use can lead to health injuries or disorders.
Computer users can protect themselves from health risks through proper workplace design, good
posture while at the computer, and appropriately spaced work breaks. Two behavioral health risks
are computer addiction and technology overload. Computer addiction occurs when someone
becomes obsessed with using a computer. Individuals suffering from technology overload feel
distressed when deprived of computers and mobile devices.
• Impact on Environment: Computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are depleting
natural resources and polluting the environment. Green computing involves reducing the
t, Green Computing
For more information, visit
electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer. Strategies that scsite.com/dd2011/ch1/
support green computing include recycling, regulating manufacturing processes, extending the weblink and then click
life of computers, and immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers. Green Computing.
 QUIZ YOURSELF 1-1

Instructions: Find the true statement below. Then, rewrite the remaining false statements so that
they are true.
1. A computer is a motorized device that processes output into input.
2. A storage device records (reads) and/or retrieves (writes) items to and from storage media.
3. An output device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into
a computer.
4. Computer literacy involves having a current knowledge and understanding of computers and
their uses.
5. Three commonly used input devices are a printer, a monitor, and speakers.

6 Quiz Yourself Online: To further check your knowledge of pages 2 through 7, visit scsite.com/dcf2011/
ch1/quiz and then click Objectives 1 - 3.

Networks and the Internet

A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via
communications devices and transmission media. When a computer connects to a network, it is
online. Networks allow computers to share resources, such as hardware, software, data, and infor­
mation. Sharing resources saves time and money.
The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, govern­
ment agencies, educational institutions, and individuals (Figure 1-6). More than one billion people
around the world use the Internet daily for a variety of reasons, including the following: to com­
municate with and meet other people; to conduct research and access a wealth of information and
news; to shop for goods and services; to bank and invest; to participate in online training; to engage
� The Internet
in entertaining activities, such as planning vacations, playing online games, listening to music,
For more information, visit
scsite.com/dd2011/ch1/ watching or editing videos, and books and magazines; to share information, photos, and videos; to
weblink and then click The download music and videos; and to access and interact with Web applications. Figure 1-7 shows
Internet. examples in each of these areas.

Figure 1-6 The Internet is the largest

computer network, connecting millions of
computers and devices around the world.
 communicate

research and access information

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