Chapter 1
Introduction to Computers
1
What is IT?
IT: (Information Technology)
Definition:
The processing of data with the help of
technology.
The convergence of computer &
communication technology.
The transformation of information from one
place to another, within or outside organization.
2
What is IT?
Advantages:
1. Accuracy of information is improved
2. Access of information available to more people
3. Speed of information availability is high
4. Volume of information is increased
5. Workforce is freed up for more skilful and
judgmental work
3
What is IT?
Questions:
1. Other name of IT is? ICT (Information &
Communication Technology)
2. Why to link Computer & communication? To
share information
3. Why information is required? For decision
making in business
4. How we use IT in organization?
1. Management Level (Top, Mid, Low), 2.
Departmental Level
4
What is IT?
Terminologies:
Data:
Def: The fact & figures in raw form
Def: Data refers to images, sounds & videos
Information:
Def: The fact & figures in organized form
Def: The processed data
5
Some Basic Definitions
An organization is a group of people within some structure
who possess a common objective, usually expressed in a
mission statement.
Organizations may be:
for profit (frequently referred to as “firms”)
not-for-profit
A market is a place (real or virtual) where potential sellers
and buyers meet to exchange resources (which may be
money, products, services, etc.).
An industry is a group of organizations competing in a
predefined market under similar bases of competition
General Bases of Competition
A “basis of competition’ is a dimension upon which
companies choose to compete, e.g.,
Price
Quality
Delivery
Service
Innovation
Knowledge
Others?
Organization and Environment
An organization operates within an environment
that is in a constant state of change
Too often we hear of change and its effects, but
exactly what can change?
What Is a Computer?
How is a computer defined?
Electronic device operating under the control of
instructions stored in its own memory
The computer
first, Accepts data such as raw facts, figures, and symbol
then, Processes data into information (Data that is
organized, meaningful, and useful )
finally, Produces and stores results
9
What is the information processing cycle?
Input
Process
Output Storage
Communication
10
Basic Concepts of Computer Hardware
Primary Memory
Input CPU Output
Units (Central Processing Unit) Units
This model of the typical digital computer is often
called the von Neumann computer.
Programs and data are stored in the same
memory: primary memory.
11
The Components of a Computer
What is an _____
input device?
Hardware used
to enter data
and instructions
12
The Components of a Computer
What is an ______
output device?
Hardware that
conveys
information
to a user
13
The Components of a Computer
What is the system unit?
Box-like case
containing
electronic
components
used to process
data
14
What is the magical inside the black box?
Memory Video
card Card
Power
Supply
Sound
Card
15
The Components of a Computer
What are two main components on the
motherboard?
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Also called a processor
Carries out instructions
that tell computer what to do
Memory
Temporary holding place for data
and instructions
16
The Components of a Computer
What is storage?
Holds data, instructions, and information
for future use
Storage media
Physical material on which data, instructions,
and information are stored
Storage device
Records and retrieves items to and from
a storage medium
17
Storage device
What is a floppy disk?
Thin, circular,
flexible disk
enclosed in rigid
plastic shell
A Zip® disk looks
similar but has
much greater
storage capability
(=170 floppy disk)
18
The Components of a Computer
What is a hard disk?
Provides much
greater storage
capacity than a
floppy disk or
Zip® disk
Housed inside the
system unit
19
The Components of a Computer
What is a compact disc?
Flat, round, portable metal disc
CD-ROM
CD-RW
Capacity: 673~768 MB
DVD-ROM
DVD+RW
Capacity:4.7 ~ 17.1 GB
20
The Components of a Computer
What is miniature storage
media?
Digital
Portable, thin cameras
memory cards
used in:
Handheld
computers
21
Why Is a Computer So Powerful?
What makes a computer powerful?
Speed
Reliability
Accuracy
Storage
Communications
22
Networks and the Internet
What is a network?
Collection of computers and devices connected together
Communications
Device Communications
Media
Enables a Satellites
Cables
connection
Telephone Cellular
between
lines radio
computers
One type is
a modem
23
Networks and the Internet
Why do we need network?
To share
Resources
Hardware
devices
Software
programs To save
Data
time
Information and
money
24
Networks and the Internet
What is a server?
Manages the
resources on
a network
A client accesses
the resources
on the server
25
Networks and the Internet
What is the Internet?
Worldwide collection of networks that connects
millions of computers
26
Networks and the Internet
Why do users access the Internet?
1. Communications
2. Information
3. Shopping
4. Banking and Investing
5. Classes
6. Entertainment
27
Networks and the Internet
What is the World Wide Web (WWW)?
Billions of documents, called Web pages, available to
anyone connected to the Internet
A Web site is
a collection of
related Web pages
A Web page contains
text, graphics, sound,
video, and links to You can share
other Web pages information by
creating Web pages
or posting photos on
a photo community
28
Computer Software
How do you install and run a software program?
A program is a series of instructions that tells the
computer what to do
Step 2. Install the
Step 1. software program by
Insert the program disc instruction in the disc,
into the CD-ROM then run the program
drive
Step 3.
The program executes
29
Computer Software
What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?
Allows you to interact with the software
using graphics and icons
Controls how you enter data and how the
screen displays information
30
Computer Software
What is system software?
Programs that control the operations of the computer
and its devices
Operating System (OS)
is a set of programs
that coordinates all
Utility Programs allow the user to
activities among perform maintenance-type tasks
computer hardware usually related to managing a
devices and allows computer, its devices or its programs
users to run
application software
31
Computer Software
What is application software?
Programs that perform specific tasks for users
Suite
Popular software applications
bundled together as a single unit
Word
Spreadsheet
Processing
Presentation
Database
Graphics
32
Computer Software
What is a programmer?
Someone who develops
application or system software
Programmer writes instructions to
direct computer to process data
into information
33
Categories of Computers
What are the categories of computers?
Personal computers (desktop)
Mobile computers and mobile devices
Midrange servers
Mainframe computers
Supercomputers
34
Personal Computers
What are the two most popular series of personal
computers?
PC and compatibles Apple Macintosh
use the Windows uses the Macintosh
operating system operating system
(Mac OS)
35
Personal Computers
What is a desktop computer?
Designed so all of the components fit on or under
a desk or table
36
Personal Computers
What is a notebook computer?
Portable, small enough to fit on
your lap(2 lbs to 9 lbs )
Also called a laptop
Generally more expensive than
a desktop computer
37
Handheld Computers
What is a tablet PC?
Resembles a letter-sized slate
Allows you to write on the screen
using a stylus
Smaller version is the modular
computer
What are Web-enabled handheld computers?
Allow you to check e-mail and access the Internet
Web-enabled telephone is a “smart phone”
38
Handheld Computers
What is a personal digital assistant (PDA)?
Provides personal organizer functions
Calendar
Appointment book
Address book
Calculator
Notepad
39
Servers
What types of servers are there?
Midrange server Powerful, large
computer that supports up to a few
thousand computers
Mainframe Very powerful,
expensive computer that supports
thousands of computers
Supercomputer The fastest, most
powerful, most expensive
computer. Used for applications
requiring complex mathematical
calculations
40
Elements of an Information System
What are information system elements ?
People
Procedures
Data Step 1. Step 2.
Software People develop People use software to
Hardware procedures for enter data into computer
processing data (hardware)
Step 3.
Software processes data
and directs hardware to
store and or output
information
41
Examples of Computer Usage
What are five categories of computer users?
Home Small Office/ Mobile
Home Office (SOHO)
Large Business Power
42
Examples of Computer Usage
What software is available for a home user?
• Web access
• Entertainment
• Communications
• Personal finance management
43
Examples of Computer Usage
What software is available for a small
office/home office (SOHO) user?
Local area network (LAN)
Productivity software
Specialty software
Web usage
E-mail
44
Examples of Computer Usage
Notebook
What is available for computers
a mobile user?
Hardware
Software
Productivity
Presentation Handheld computers
Personal
information
manager
Web-enabled
cellular phones
45
Examples of Computer Usage
What are the needs of the large business user?
Web access
Public kiosk
Telecommuting
Network
Productivity software
Scheduling
46
Examples of Computer Usage
What are the needs of a power user?
Speed and large amounts of storage
Types of power users
Engineers
Architects
Desktop publishers
Graphic artists
47
Computer Applications in Society
What are some examples
of computer applications
in society?
Education
Finance
Government
Healthcare
Science
Publishing
Travel
Industry
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