Computer and
Internet Basics
Unit A
1
Objectives
Define Computers
Explore Computer Functions
Categorize Computers
Examine Personal Computer
Systems
Explore Data, Information, and
Files
2
Objectives
Introduce Application and System
Software
Define Internet Basics
Connect to the Internet
Understand World Wide Web
Basics
Use Browsers
Understand E-mail Basics
3
A Computer is a device that
accepts input
processes data
stores data
produces output
(all according to a series of stored instructions)
4
Computer system consists of:
Hardware:
microprocessor
Peripheral devices:
input and output
Software:
programs
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6
7
Computer Network
Two or more
computers that are
connected and
share data and
programs
LAN is a local area network
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Computer Functions
Words, symbols, numbers, sound,
Input
Input pictures, program instructions
Program calculates, sorts modifies data
Process
Process
Uses microprocessor or CPU
Results of processing
Output Reports, graphs, documents, pictures
Output
Printer or monitor
Memory is temporary holding area (RAM)
Store
Store Storage is permanent (disk)
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Categorizing Computers
Cost
Cost
Usage
Usage
Size
Size
Capability
Capability
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Computers to Fit Every Need
Five basic categories
Mobile devices
Personal computers
Midrange servers
Mainframe computers
Supercomputers
12
Mobile Devices
Very small computing devices.
Usually based on a wireless phone
or pager.
Many can be used to access e-mail
and Web pages.
13
Less Powerful Computers
Handheld
Handheld computer/PDA
computer/PDA
PC/microcomputer
PC/microcomputer
Workstations
Workstations
Videogame
Videogame console
console
Sony
SonyPlayStation
PlayStation
14
More Powerful Computers
Server
Supplies network computers with data
Mainframe
Large, expensive, powerful, many users
Reliability, data security, central control
important
Supercomputer
Fastest and most powerful
15
Personal Computers, Contd.
Desktop computerssmall
enough
to fit on or next to a desk. Can use:
Desktop case
Tower case
All-in-one case
16
Personal Computers, Contd.
Portable PCsdesigned to be
carried around.
Notebook computers
Tablet PCs (either slate or convertible)
Handheld computers (pocket computers)
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Personal Computers, Contd.
PCs designed for just network
use are referred to as network
computers (NCs) or thin clients.
Devices designed just for Internet
access are called Internet
appliances.
19
Midrange Servers
Medium-sized computers, also
called minicomputers or midrange
computers.
Fall between microcomputers and
mainframes in processing power.
20
Mainframe Computers
Standard choice for most large organizations.
Specialize in high-volume processing of
business transactions.
Also called high-end
servers or enterprise-
class servers.
21
Supercomputers
Used for applications that have extraordinary
demands for processing power.
Offer very fast speeds and extreme degrees of
accuracy.
Commonly created today by
connecting hundreds of
smaller computers
to form a
supercomputing
cluster.
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Computer System
Peripherals
Computer + input devices + output devices + storage devices
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System Unit
Power Supply
Storage Devices
Circuit Boards
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Input/Output Devices
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Modem
Printer
Speakers/sound card
25
Storage Devices
Floppy disk drive
Hard disk drive
CD-ROM drive
DVD drive
CD writer
DVD writer
26
Data vs. Information
Data (symbols) used by computers
Information (meaningful) used by people
27
Software
The programs or instructions
used to tell the computer
hardware what to do.
System software allows a
computer to operate and run
application software.
Application software performs
specific tasks or applications.
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Data and Information
Data = raw, unorganized facts.
Can be in the form of text, graphics,
audio, or video.
Information = data that has
been processed into a useful
form.
30
Computer Users and
Professionals
Computer users, or end users,
are the people who use a
computer to obtain information.
Programmers are computer
professionals whose job it is to
write the programs that
computers use.
31
Data
Binary number
system to define
electronic data
0 or 1
Bit
Byte (8 bits)
32
Files
Collection of data on a storage
medium
Data file (passive)
Executable file (active)
Filename and extension
Image.jpg
Image.jpg Word.exe
Word.exe Resume.doc
Resume.doc
33
System Software
Helps the computer monitor itself
in order to function efficiently
Operating system
Master controller of all computer
activities
Popular operating systems
PCs: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
Handhelds: Windows CE and Palm OS
Servers: Linus and UNIX
34
Platform
Microprocessor + Operating system
Mac and PC compatibility is an
issue
Apple computer = Mac platform
Original IBM computer =
Windows or PC platform
35
Application Software
Microsoft
Microsoft Excel
PowerPoint
Designed
to carry out
a particular
task
36
Internet Basics
Internet is a
collection of local,
regional, national
and international
computer networks
that are linked
together to
exchange data and
distribute
processing tasks.
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Internet Terminology
Backbone: defines main Internet
routes
Constructed and maintained by major
telecommunications companies
TCP/IP:
Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet
Protocol
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Internet Terminology
Server software
IP Address: unique
number for each Internet
computer
Packets: small chunks of
data ready to travel the
Internet
Router: helps send along
the packets to correct
destination
39
Internet Resources
Internet Telephony
Usenet
E-commerce
Instant Messaging
Web Sites
E-mail
Internet Radio
Download Or Upload
Chat Groups
P2P file sharing 40
Modem Internet Connections
Dial-up connection via modem
(56K)
Cable modems
Network card and cable modem required
Always-on and 25 times faster than dial-up
41
Faster Internet Connections
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital
Network)
64K or 128K
Always-on and expensive
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
Up to 125 times faster than dialup
DSS (Digital Satellite Service)
500K
Need proximity to a telephone switching station
42
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Provides internet access to businesses,
organizations and individuals
Provides telecommunications
equipment
User ID and password required
Connects you to backbone
E-mail account monthly fee
Should have local access telephone
numbers
43
World Wide Web Basics
Files interconnected via hypertext
Web pages make up a web site
Home Page
Links or hyperlinks
Web servers
44
World Wide Web Basics
URL
No spaces and Case sensitive
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
HTML (Hypertext Markup
Language)
.htm or .html file extension
http://www.cnn.com/showbiz/movies.htm
Web Web Document name
protocol server Folder and filename
standard name name extension45
Search Engines
Keywords
Keywords
46
Using Browsers
Can type URLs
HTML tags tell browser how to display web
page data
Back, forward and stop buttons
Setting a home page
Print and copy options
History list
Favorites and bookmarks
Edit and Find
Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator
47
E-mail Basics
Account = Mailbox
Message userid@computer
Attachment
Most use HTML format
Netiquette
48
E-mail System
E-mail servers
Store-and-forward technology
Types
POP (Post Office Protocol) used via ISP
IMAP (Internet Messaging Access
Protocol)
Web-based like Hotmail
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E-mail System
50
Computer and
Internet Basics
End
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