COMPUTERS AND INFORMATION

PROCESSING (CSC134)

Chapter 1 :
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
Learning Objectives
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and
information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each
category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software,
hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

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TOPICS
Computer Definition – data and information

Component of a computer

Types of computers

Computer in society

Information systems – Component, IS in Organization

IT Careers

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A World of Computers
• Computers are everywhere : at work, at school, and
at home

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Today’s Technology
• Because technology changes,
you must keep up with the
changes to remain digitally
literate
• Computer literacy, or Digital
literacy involves having a current
knowledge and understanding of
computers, mobile devices, the
web, and related technologies

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Learning Objective #1
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data
and information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each
category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software,
hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

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What is a Computer?
• A computer is an electronic
Produces
device, operating under the information
control of instructions stored (output)
in its own memory, that can
accept data, process the data
according to specified rules, Processing
produce results, and store
the results for future use.
• Information processing cycle
is the series of input, process, Collects
data
output, and storage activities. (input)

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What is a Computer?
• 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.

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 8

What is a Computer?

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 9

Learning Objective #2
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and
information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each
category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software,
hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

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The Components of a Computer

Hardware Software Computer

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The Components of a Computer
• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical
components known as hardware
Input Device • Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer

Output Device • Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people

• Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that

System Unit are used to process data

• Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage

Storage Device media

Communications • Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and

Device information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices

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The Components of a Computer

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Computer Software
• Software, also called a program, tells the computer what tasks to
perform and how to perform them

System Software
• Operating system
• Utility program

Application Software
• General-purposed
• Specialized
• Apps

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Computer Software
• Installing is the process of
setting up software to work with
the computer, printer, and other
hardware.

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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

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Advantages of Using Computers
data, instructions, and information flow along electronic
Speed circuits in a computer at incredibly fast speeds.

Reliability dependable and reliable because they rarely break or fail.

produce the same results — consistently, generate error-

Consistency free results

store enormous amounts of data and make this data

Storage available for processing anytime it is needed.

computers can communicate with other computers, often

Communications wirelessly, and allow users to communicate with one
another.

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Disadvantages of Using Computers
not protected properly, individuals have found their privacy
Violation of Privacy violated and identities stolen.

computer users have fallen victim to crimes committed by

Public Safety dangerous strangers.

created an entire industry with hundreds of thousands of

Impact on Labor Force new jobs, the skills of millions of employees have been
replaced by computers.

prolonged or improper computer use can lead to health

Health Risks injuries or disorders - computer addiction and technology
overload.

computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are

Impact on Environment depleting natural resources and polluting the environment.

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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

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Networks and the Internet
• A network is a collection of
computers and devices
connected together, often
wirelessly, via communications
devices and transmission media

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Networks and the Internet
• The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects
millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions,
and individuals

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Networks and the Internet
• People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:

Communicate Research and Access Information Shop

Bank and Invest Online Trading Entertainment

Download Videos Share Information Web Application

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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

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 23

Learning Objective #3
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and
information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each
category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software,
hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

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Types of Computers
Personal
MidrangeMobile Computers
Computers
Computers
Mainframe & Mobile Devices
Game Consoles
Computers
Embedded
Supercomputers
Computers
Computer
Types
Supercomputers
• A supercomputer is the
fastest, most powerful
computer
• Fastest supercomputers
are capable of processing
more than one quadrillion
instructions in a single
second
• For example, they are used
to analyze and predict
worldwide weather
patterns. IBM’s Blue Gene
supercomputer is one of
the fastest computers in
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the world.
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• Figure 1-27
Mainframe Computers
• A mainframe is a large,
expensive, powerful
computer that can handle
hundreds or thousands of
connected users
simultaneously
• occupy specially wired, air-
conditioned rooms and
capable of great processing
speeds and data storage
• For example, insurance
companies use
mainframes to process
information about millions
of policyholders.
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Midrange Computers
• A midrange computers or servers
are computers with processing
capabilities less powerful than a
mainframe computer yet more
powerful than a personal
computer.
• controls access to the hardware,
software, and other resources on a
network
• provides a centralized storage area
for programs, data, and
information
• today midrange computers are
most widely used to support or
serve end users for such specific
needs as retrieving data from a
database or supplying access to
application software.
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Personal Computers
• A personal computer can perform all of its
input, processing, output, and storage
activities by itself.
• There are five types of personal computers:
desktops and All-in-One, laptops, tablets,
smartphones, and wearables.

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Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices
Personal computer you can carry from place to place Computing device small enough to hold in your hand

Examples include smart phones and PDAs, e-book readers, handheld computers, portable media players, and
Examples include notebook computers, laptop computers, netbooks, ultra-thins, and Tablet PCs
digital cameras

Mobile Mobile
Computer Device

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Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices
Notebook computer

Tablet PC

Smart phones and PDAs

E-book reader

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Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices
Handheld computer

Portable media player

Digital camera

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1 32

Game Consoles
• A game console is a mobile
computing device designed for
single-player or multiplayer
video games

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Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a larger
product.
Computer Devices
Consumer Home Automation Process Controllers
Automobiles and Office
Electronics Devices and Robotics
Machines
• Mobile and digital • Thermostats • Antilock brakes • Remote • Keyboards
telephones • Sprinkling systems • Engine control monitoring • Printers
• Digital televisions • Security modules systems • Faxes
• Cameras monitoring • Airbag controller • Power monitors • Copiers
• Video recorders systems • Cruise control • Machine
• DVD players and • Appliances controllers
recorders • Lights • Medical devices
• Answering
machines

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Embedded Computers

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Types of Computers

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Learning Objective #4
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and
information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each
category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software,
hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

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Examples of Computer Usage

Home User Small Office/Home Mobile User

• Personal financial Office User • Connect to other
management • Look up computers on a
• Web access network or the
information
Internet
• Communications • Send and receive • Transfer
• Entertainment e-mail messages information
• Make telephone • Play video games
calls • Listen to music
• Watch movies

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Examples of Computer Usage

Power User Enterprise User

• Work with multimedia • Communicate among
• Use industry-specific employees
software • Process high volumes of
transactions
• Blog

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Computer in Society

Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
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Computer in Society

Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing
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Learning Objective #5
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and
information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each
category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software,
hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

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 Information Systems
• An information system is a set of hardware, software, data, people,
procedures and internet that work together to produce information.

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
Figure 12-4
Elements of an Information System
Hardware Software
• includes keyboard, mouse, display, • provides step-by step
system unit, tablets, smartphones, instructions for computer
and other devices. hardware.

Data People
• consists of unprocessed facts • are end users who use
including text, numbers, computers to make
images, and sounds. themselves more productive

Internet
Procedures
• allows computers to
• specify rules or guidelines
connect to people and other
for computer operations.
computers.

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 Elements of an
Information System

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 Information Systems in the
Enterprise
• Functional units within an enterprise might include:

Marketing
Manufacturing Sales
Engineering or Product
Distribution
Development
Human Resources Customer Service

Accounting and Finance Information Technology

Enterprise

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise
• Accounting software manages everyday transactions
• Billing software helps the company reconcile purchases with customer
payments
• Financial software helps managers budget, forecast, and analyze

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
Figure 12-6
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise
• A human resource information system
(HRIS) manages one or more human
resources functions
• Employee relationship management
systems manage communication
between employees and the business

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
Figure 12-7
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise
• Computer-aided design (CAD) uses a computer and special software to aid in
engineering, drafting, and design
• Computer-aided engineering (CAE) uses computers to test product designs
• Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the use of computers to control
production equipment

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise
• Computer-integrated
manufacturing (CIM) uses
computers to integrate the many
different operations of the
manufacturing process
• Material Requirements Planning
(MRP) uses software to help
monitor and control processes
related to production

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
Figure 12-8
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise

A quality control system helps an organization maintain or improve the quality of its
products or services

A marketing information system serves as a central repository for the tasks of a marketing
department

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise
• Sales force automation (SFA) software equips traveling salespeople with the
electronic tools they need to be more productive

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
Figure 12-9
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise
• Distribution systems perform the following functions:

Provide Manage and

forecasting for track shipping
inventory control of products

Provide information
and analysis on
inventory in a
warehouse
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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise
• Customer interaction management (CIM) software manages the day-to-day
interactions with customers

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise
• The information technology (IT) department makes technology decisions for
the enterprise
• Whether to build or buy new information systems
• When a computer or information system has outlived its useful life
• A chief information officer (CIO) is an executive position that oversees the IT
department

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise
• General purpose information systems generally fall into one of five categories

Office Transaction
Information Processing
System System

Management Decision
Page 473
Information Support
Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
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 Information Systems in the
Enterprise
• Batch processing vs. online transaction processing

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
Figure 12-10
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise
Management Information System Decision Support System

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
Figures 12-11 – 12-12
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
Figure 12-13
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise
Integrated Information Systems

Customer relationship
Enterprise resource planning Content management
management manages
provides centralized, systems are information
information about
integrated software to help systems that combine
customers, interactions with
manage and coordinate databases, software, and
customers, past purchases,
ongoing activities procedures
and interests

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
 Information Systems in the
Enterprise

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Discovering Computers Fundamentals, 2012 Edition Chapter 12
Figure 12-15
Learning Objective #6
• After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term, computer, and describe the relationship between data and
information.
2. Describe the five components of a computer.
3. Differentiate among types, sizes, and functions of computers in each
category
4. Describe the uses of computer in society.
5. Explain the parts of an information system: people, procedures, software,
hardware, data, and the Internet.
6. Discuss your future, careers and opportunities in information technology.

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Careers in IT
Webmaster •Develops and maintains websites and web resources

Software Engineer •Analyzes users’ needs and creates application software

Computer Support •Provides technical support to customers and other users

Specialist

Computer Technician •Repairs and install computer components and systems

•Prepares instruction manuals, technical reports, and other scientific

Technical Writer or technical documents

Network Administrator •Creates and maintains computer networks

References
• O’Leary, Timothy and Linda O’Leary, Computing Essentials 2021, 28th
Edition, McGraw Hill, 2021
• Shelly, Gary B. and Misty E. Vermaat, Discovering Computers
2018: Digital Technology, Data, and Devices, Cengage Learning, 2018

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