Introduction to using
computers and IT
Chapter 1
Introduction to
Computers
Topic & Structure of the lesson
The components of a computer
The categories of computers
Elements of an Information System
Categories of users
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Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lecture, YOU should be able to :
Explain the importance of computer literacy
Identify the various types of computer users
Define computer
Explain what is a information process cycle
Identify the components of a computer
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
using computers
Describe the categories of computers
Discuss computer applications in society
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Key Terms you must be able to use
If you have mastered this topic, you should be able to
use the following terms correctly in your assignments
and exams:
User
Data
Information
Hardware
Software
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Personal computers
Mobile computers
Mid-range servers
Mainframes
Supercomputers
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
Information System
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Computer Literacy
What is computer literacy?
Knowledge and understanding
of computers and their uses
Computers are everywhere
Next
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What Is a Computer?
How is a computer defined?
Electronic device operating under the control of
instructions stored in its own memory
Computer:
Accepts data
Raw facts, figures,
and symbols
Processes data into
information
Data that is organized,
meaningful, and useful
Produces and stores results
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What Is a Computer?
What is the information processing cycle?
Series of input, input, process, output and
storage activities performed by a computer
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Input : Any data or instructions you enter into a computer
Process :Manipulate the input (data) to
produce output (information)
Output : Data that has been processed
into information
Storage : Area in a computer that can hold
data and information for future use
Communication :The capability of communicating
with other computers
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The Components of a Computer
What are Hardware and Software ?
Hardware
Electric, Electronic and Mechanical
components contained in a computer
Software
Series of instructions that tells
computer what to do and how to do
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Advantages Using Computers
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Disadvantages Using
Computers
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Networks and the Internet
What is a network?
Collection of computers and devices connected
together
Used
Used to
to share
share
Resources
Resources
Hardware
Hardware
devices
devices
Software
Software
programs
programs
Data
Data
Saves
Savestime
timeand
and money
money
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Information
Information
Networks and the Internet
Internet:
Worldwide collection of
networks that connects
millions of businesses,
government agencies,
educational institutions, and
individuals
Why do users access
the Internet?
1. Communications
2. Information
3. Shopping
4. Banking and Investing
5. Classes
6. Entertainment
7. Download Music
8. Share Information
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Networks and the Internet
What is the Web?
Billions of documents, called Web pages,
available to anyone connected to the Internet
AAWeb
Website
siteisis
aacollection
collectionof
of
related
relatedWeb
Webpages
pages
You
Youcan
canshare
share
information
informationon
onaasocial
social
networking
networkingWeb
Website
siteor
or
aaphoto
photosharing
sharing
community
community
AAWeb
Webpage
pagecontains
contains
text,
text,graphics,
graphics,audio,
audio,
video,
video,and
andlinks
linksto
to
other
otherWeb
Webpages
pages
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AApodcast
podcastisis
recorded
recordedaudio
audio
stored
storedon
onaaWeb
Website
site
that
thatcan
canbe
be
downloaded
downloaded
AAblog
blogconsists
consistsof
oftimetimestamped
stampedarticles
articlesinin
aajournal
journalformat
format
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Computer Software
Graphical user interface (GUI)?:
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Allows you to interact with the software
using text, graphics, and visual images
such as icons
Controls how you enter data and
instructions and how the screen displays
information
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Computer Software
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Categories of Computers
What are the categories of computers?
PersonalComputers
(desktop)
MobileComputersand
MobileDevices
GameConsoles
Servers
Mainframes
Supercomputers
EmbeddedComputers
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Personal Computers
What are the two most popular styles of
personal computers?
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PC and
compatibles use
the Windows
operating system
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Apple Macintosh
usually uses the
Macintosh operating
system (Mac OS X)
Personal Computers
What is a desktop computer?
Designed so all of the components fit
entirely on or under a desk or table
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Mobile Computers
What is a notebook computer?
Portable, small enough to
fit on your lap
Also called a laptop
computer
Usually more expensive
than a desktop computer
with equal capabilities
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What is a Tablet PC?
Resembles a
letter-sized slate
Allows you to write on
the screen using a
digital pen
Especially useful for
taking notes
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Mobile devices
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Game Consoles
What are game consoles?
Mobile computing device designed
for single-player or multiplayer video
games
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Servers
What types of servers are there?
A server controls access to
network resources and provides
centralized storage
Mainframe Very powerful,
expensive computer that supports
thousands of connected users
Supercomputer The fastest, most
powerful, most expensive
computer. Used for applications
requiring complex mathematical
calculations
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Embedded Computers
What is an embedded computer?
A special-purpose computer that functions as
a component in a larger product
Use in
Consumer electronics
Home automation devices
Automobiles
Process controller and
robotics
Computer devices and
office machines
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Elements of an Information System
What are information system elements?
Hardware
Software
Data
People
Procedures
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Categories of users
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Examples of Computer Usage
What software is available for a home user?
Personal finance
management
Web access
Communications
Entertainment
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Examples of Computer Usage
What software is available for a small
office/home office (SOHO) user?
Productivity
software
Specialty
software
Web usage
E-mail
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Examples of Computer Usage
What is available for
a mobile user?
Hardware
Notebook computers
Tablet PCs
Internet-enabled PDAs
Smart phones
Software
Word processing
Spreadsheet
Presentation graphics
software
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Examples of Computer Usage
What are the needs of a power user?
Speed and large amounts of
storage
Types of power users
Engineers
Scientists
Architects
Desktop publishers
Graphic artists
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Examples of Computer Usage
What are the needs of the large business user?
Payroll
Inventory
E-commerce
Desktop publishing
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Computer Applications in Society
What are some examples
of computer applications
in society?
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Quick Review Question
1) Define the term computer literacy
2) Define the term a user
3) Differentiate between data and information
4) List the categories of computers
5) Differentiate between notebook and desktop
computers
6) Define handheld computers
7) List the five elements in an Information
System
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Slide 33 (of 57)
Summary of Main Teaching Points
Basic computer concepts
The components of a computer
The categories of computers
The advantages and disadvantages of
using computers
Types of users
Elements of an Information System
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Slide 34 (of 57)
Question and Answer Session
Q&A
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Slide 35 (of 57)
What we will cover next
Chapter 2
The Internet and WWW
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