LIVING IN THE I.T.

ERA
A period that has a particular quality or character. We are living in an era in which technology is
developing very rapidly.....
A World of Computers

• Computers are everywhere

Pages 4 - 5 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 4

Figure 1-1 Chapter 1
What Is a Computer?

• A computer is an electronic device, operating

under the control of instructions stored in its own
memory

Collects Produces
data Processing information
(input) (output)

Information Processing Cycle

Page 6 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 5

Chapter 1
What Is a Computer?

Page 6 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 6

Figure 1-2 Chapter 1
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
Advantages of Disadvantages of
Using Computers Using Computers

Speed Health Risks

Reliability Violation of Privacy

Consistency Public Safety

Storage Impact on Labor Force

Communications Impact on Environment

Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World

Pages 9 - 10 9
Chapter 1
Why do we use
computers?
•Efficiency of usage if computers focus more on what
we can do as a human with limited energy, speed and
capacity to think. The examples below are some of the
differences between manual and automated
(computerized) systems.

•
Speed
•The main difference between manual and
computerized systems is speed. Accounting software
processes data and creates reports much faster than
manual systems. Calculations are done automatically in
software programs, minimizing errors and increasing
efficiency. Once data is input, you can create reports
literally by pressing a button in a computerized system.
Why do we use
computers?
•Cost
•Another difference between manual and computerized systems is
cost. Manual accounting with paper and pencil is much cheaper
than a computerized system, which requires a machine and
software. Other expenses associated with accounting software
include training and program maintenance. Expenses can add up
fast with costs for printers, paper, ink and other supplies.

•Backup
•A third difference between manual and computerized systems is
the ease of backup of a computerized system. All transactions can
be saved and backed up, in case of fire or other mishap. You cannot
do this with paper records, unless you make copies of all pages--a
long and inefficient process.
 Why do we use computers?
Accuracy and Reliability of computers
are dependent on its users. Tasks will
always be dependent on how it was
programmed. When computers are
required to perform “straight forward”
calculations they are accurate. For
example, when adding up a series of
values they will get the correct answer,
but incorrect data, when processed may
result to incorrect output, as well as
incorrect programming will result to
incorrect output.
Why do we use computers?

•Communication by uses of
computer in communication in
different ways, for example,
online classing, meetings,
calling, messaging, email, file
transferring, uploading and
downloading documents and
other materials.
 Types of Computer Systems

Non-portable computers
• A desktop computer is a personal
computer in a form intended for
regular use at a single location, as
opposed to a mobile laptop or
portable computer.
• Most modern desktop computers
have separate screens and
keyboards.
Types of Computer Systems
Portable computers • As the size and weight of most portables decreased, they
became known as laptop computer and later as notebook
computer.
• A portable computer is a personal computer
• Today, larger transportable computers continue to be called
that is designed to be easily transported and portable computers. Most of these are special-purpose
relocated, but is larger and less convenient to computers - for example, those for use in industrial
transport than a notebook computer. The environments where they need to be moved about
frequently.
earliest PCs designed for easy transport were
called portables.
Types of Computer Systems

Mobile computing device

Refers to wireless communication system. Mobile computing produces better
environment that users can send any type of data from one location to other
location anywhere and anytime with using of mobile computing devices without
getting any physical connections.

Mobile computing devices are known as “Mobile Computer Devices” because

they allow users to make connection to internet with all parts of your mobile
devices. These devices are designed to be portable that means they are
comfortable on your lap, pocket or palm of your hand. So users can carry those
devices from one location to other location without any headache.
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Notebook computer

Tablet PC

Smart phone

PDA
Click to view Web Link,
click Chapter 1, Click Web
Link from left navigation,
then click Camera Phone
below Chapter 1
Pages 20 - 22 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 21
Figures 1-17 - 1-20 Chapter 1
Types of Computer Users
Alternatively referred to as an end
user, a user is any individual who is
not involved with supporting or
developing a computer or service.
For example, you are the end-user of
the computer you are using when
you call technical support for help.

Casual user or regular user

A user who has some computer experience
and can navigate and use the computer
without much assistance.
Types of Computer Users

Small Office/Home
Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Office User
Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) • Look up information
refers to small businesses that are • Send and receive e-mail
often run out of homes, or even
virtually. They typically have fewer messages
than 10 employees. • Make telephone calls
Types of Computer Users

Power User
• A user of computers, software and other
electronic devices, who uses advanced
features of computer hardware, operating
systems, programs, or websites which are
not used by the average user.
• A power user might not have extensive
technical knowledge of the systems they
use but is rather characterized by
competence or desire to make the most
intensive use of computer programs or
systems.
Types of Computer Users

•In enterprise systems, "Power User"

may be a formal role given to an
individual who is not a programmer, but
who is a specialist in business software.
Often these are people who retain their
normal user job role but also function in
testing, training, and first-tier support of
the enterprise software.
 Resources
• Difference Between Manual And Automated System - Manual System vs Automated System | PadaKuu.com
• Is computer analysis accurate? | DPA (dpadvantage.co.uk)
• 22 33 03 Desktop (non-portable) computers | AT Observatory (tecnoaccesible.net)
• Types of Mobile Computing | Examples of Mobile Computing Devices (digitalthinkerhelp.com)
• Power user - Wikipedia