CMPF 112 : COMPUTING SKILLS

Chapter 1

Introduction to Computers

Objectives

• At the end of the lesson, you should be able to :–Define term of computer– Identify the components of a computer–Distinguish between system software

and application software–Discuss the advantages and

disadvantages of using computers

Objectives–Recognize the purpose of a network–Discuss the uses of the Internet and

World Wide Web–Describe the categories of computers–Describe the various types of computer

users

Computer Literacy

• Def.: Knowledge and understanding about a computer and their uses.

What is a COMPUTER?

• Def. : electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory.

can accept DATAprocess the data

INFORMATIONproduce & STORE

the results

Components of a Computer

INPUT UNIT

SYSTEM UNIT

OUTPUT UNITSTORAGE UNIT

COMMUNICATION UNIT

1. Input Unit

• consist of hardware used to enter data and instructions

• e.g.:

2. System Unit

• Case containing electronic components used to process data

• E.g.:

System Unit

• There are 2 main components on a motherboard:

CPU MEMORY

System Unit

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)

also called a processor electronic component that

interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer

• MEMORY (RAM)

electronic component that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions

3. Output Unit

• Hardware that conveys information to one or more user

• E.g.:

4. Storage Unit

• Storage Media

- physical material on which a computer keeps data, instructions & information

• Storage Device - computer hardware that

records an/or retrieves items to and from storage media.

Def. : Holds data, instructions, and information for future use.

Storage Unit

• Storage DeviceCard readerCD-ROM Drive/

DVD-ROM Drivehard disk/driveExternal/removable

hard diskUSB flash drive

• Storage Mediamemory cardOptical Disc

(CD-ROM/DVD-ROM )hard diskUSB flash driveSmart cardCloud storage

5. Communication Unit

• Def: hardware component that enables a computer to send (transmit) and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers.

• E.g.: modem

(digital modem-cable, isdn, wireless modem, wireless access points)

SOFTWARE

• Also called a program• Def.: series of instructions that tells a

computer what to do.

System softwareApplication software

• consist of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal task.

• E.g. : Word Processing, database, Photo Editing, Entertainment

• consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices.

• serves as the interface between the user, the application software and the computer’s hardware.

• E.g. : operating systems & utility programs

System softwareApplication software

Application Software

System Software

Operating System• is a set of programs that

coordinates all activities among computer hardware devices and allows users to run application software

• E.g. Windows 8, Mac OS X, LINUX

Utility Program• Programs that allows a user

to perform maintenance-type tasks, usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs.

• E.g.: Managing file, removing unwanted files, defragmenting disks, restoring backed up files

ADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS

CLASS ACTIVITY• Discuss with your friend in 10 minutes.• Then, we will discuss the answer together.

DISADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS

CLASS ACTIVITY• Discuss with your friend in 10 minutes.• Then, we will discuss the answer together.

NETWORK

• Def. : collection of computers and devices connected together, via communications devices and transmission media.

• Transmission media:

• What can we share using network?

Cable Wireless

Microwaves Satellite

Consist of materials capable of carrying one or more signals.

NETWORK - Architecture

INTERNETDef. : worldwide collection of networks that links millions of business, government agencies, educational institutions and individuals.

NETWORK & INTERNET

• Why do users access the internet?

Communications

Information

ShoppingBanking & Investing

WEBSITE

Website

Web page

Web page

Web page

Web page

collections of related web pages

contains text, graphics,

audio, video, and link to other web

pages.Example of website?

Categories of Computers• Personal Computers• Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices• Game Consoles• Servers• Mainframes• Supercomputers• Embedded Computers

Personal Computers

• A computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output and storage activities by itself.

• It contains:- A processor- Memory - Input devices- Output devices- Storage devices

• 2 types of personal computers are desktop computers and notebook computers

Personal Computers• Desktop computers

– Also known as PCs, microcomputers, or home computers

• Broken down into three categories:– Low-end computers– Fully-powered personal computers– Workstations

• Network computer– Central processing unit and minimal

memory– Designed to be used on a network

• Sometimes called thin client

PC Categories• Low-end computers

– Fine for home users, word processing, simple games, Internet access

• Fully powered computers– Good for heavy use of graphics,

programming, or action-oriented games• Workstations

– Very high-end computers used by engineers, financial traders, and graphic designers

Mobile Computers & Mobile Devices

• Mobile computer – personal computer you can carry from place to place. Eg: notebook, netbook, tablet PCs

• Mobile device – computing device small enough to hold in your hand. Eg: PDA, e-book readers, handheld computer, portable media players- Can connect a mobile device to a personal computer

to exchange information- Internet-enabled

Mobile Computer: Notebook Computers

• Also called a laptop computer• A portable, designed to fit on your lap• Small, lightweight computers• Capabilities approach that of desktop

computers– Similar processing and memory– Most have hard disk, and diskette or CD-ROM

drive

Mobile Computer:Notebook Computers

• Netbook – type of notebook which is smaller, lighter, and often not as powerful as a traditional notebook computer

• Tablet PCs – type of notebook computer that you can interact with by touching the screen with finger or digital pen- Useful especially for taking notes in lectures, at

meetings, conferences, forums

Mobile devicesSmart phones• Internet-enabled phone that usually provides personal

information management functions such as calendar, appointment book, address book calculator, notepad

• Offer variety of application software:- Word processing- Spreadsheet- Games- Capable of conducting live video conference

Mobile devices

PDA• Often looks like smart phone• Also provides personal information management

functions such as calendar, appointment book, address book calculator, notepad

• Differ from smart phone in a way:- Does not provide phone capabilities- Does not support voice input, built-in camera,

portable media player

Mobile devices

Handheld computer• Small enough to fit in one hand• Communicate wirelessly with other devices• Include digital pen of stylus for input

Portable Media Player• Mobile device which you can store, organize and play

digital media

Game Consoles

• Mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiple player video games

• Standard game consoles use:o Input – handheld controllero Output – television screen o Storage – hard disk, optical discs, memory card

• Eg: Xbox 360, Ninetendo’s Wii, Sony’s Playstation 3

Servers

• Control access to the hardware, software and other resources on network

• Provides a centralized storage area for programs, data and information

• It can support from two to several thousand connected computer at the same time

Mainframes• Large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle

hundreds or thousands of connected user simultaneously.• Store tremendous amounts of data, instructions and

information.• Most major corporations use mainframes for business

activities:o To bill millions of customerso Prepare payroll for employeeso Manage thousands od items in

inventory

• Can act as servers in network environment

Supercomputers• The fastest, most powerful and

most expensive computers– Capable of processing more than

one quadrillion of instructions per second

• Used for very sophisticated applications requiring mammoth data manipulation:– Weather forecasting– Weapons research– Nuclear energy research– Application in medicine– Automotive design

Embedded Computer

• Special purpose computer that functions as a component in larger product.

• E.g. Built-in GPS in car, smart rice-cooker, washing machine.

• Other example?