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

Information Processing Cycle

Page 6 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 5

What Is a Computer?

Page 6 6
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 7

The Components of a Computer

Page 7 8
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 9

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

Page 10 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 10

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 11

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

Page 11 12
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-7
Networks and the Internet

• People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:

Pages 12 - 13 13
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

• Installing is the process of setting up software to

work with the computer, printer, and other
hardware

Pages 16 - 17 16
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

Page 18 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 17

Figure 1-13
Categories of Computers

Page 19 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 18

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

Pages 19 - 20 19
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-15 - 1-16
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Pages 20 - 23 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 20

Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Pages 20 - 22 21
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-17 – 1-20
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Pages 22 - 23 22
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

Page 24 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 23

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

Page 25 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 24

Figure 1-25
Mainframes

• A mainframe is a large,
expensive, powerful
computer that can
handle hundreds or
thousands of connected
users simultaneously

Page 25 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 25

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

Page 25 26
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

Page 26 28
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-28
Elements of an Information System

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Elements of an Information System

Page 27 30
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figure 1-29
Examples of Computer Usage

Pages 28 – 31 31
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-30 – 1-32
Examples of Computer Usage

Pages 31 – 32 32
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-33 – 1-34
Computer Applications in Society

Pages 34 - 36 33
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-36 – 1-39
Computer Applications in Society

Pages 36 - 38 34
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Figures 1-40 – 1-43
Summary

Page 39 Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 35

 Chapter 1
Basic Introduction to Computers

Discovering
Computers 2012
Your Interactive Guide
to the Digital World
Chapter 1 Complete