Chapter One

Basic Introduction to
Computers

Discovering
Computers
Your Interactive Guide
to the Digital World
Objectives Overview

Discovering Computers : Chapter 1 2

Objectives Overview

Discovering Computers : Chapter 1 3

A World of Computers

• Computers are everywhere

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-1
What Is a Computer?

• A computer is an electronic device, operating

under the control of instructions stored in its own
memory

Information Processing Cycle

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
What Is a Computer?

Page 6 6
Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-2
The Components of a Computer

• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and

mechanical components known as hardware

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
The Components of a Computer

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-3
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
Advantages of Disadvantages of
Using Computers Using Computers

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
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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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
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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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-6
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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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-7
Networks and the Internet

• People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-8
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

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-9
Computer Software

• Software, also called a program, tells the

computer what tasks to perform and how to
perform them

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figures 1-10 - 1-11
Computer Software

• Installing is the process of setting up software to

work with the computer, printer, and other
hardware

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-12
Computer Software

• A programmer develops
software or writes the
instructions that direct
the computer to
process data into
information

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-13
Categories of Computers

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Personal Computers

• A personal computer can perform all of its input,

processing, output, and storage activities by itself
• Two popular architectures are the PC and the
Apple
– Desktop computer

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figures 1-15 - 1-16
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figures 1-17 – 1-20
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figures 1-21 – 1-23
Game Consoles

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

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Figure 1-24 Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Servers

• A server controls access

to the hardware,
software, and other
resources on a network
– Provides a centralized
storage area for
programs, data, and
information

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-25
Mainframes

• A mainframe is a large,
expensive, powerful
computer that can
handle hundreds or
thousands of connected
users simultaneously

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-26
Supercomputers

• A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful

computer
– Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing
more than one quadrillion instructions in a single
second

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-27
Embedded Computers

• An embedded computer is a special-purpose

computer that functions as a component in a
larger product

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Embedded Computers

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-28
Elements of an Information System

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Elements of an Information System

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figure 1-29
Examples of Computer Usage

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figures 1-30 – 1-32
Examples of Computer Usage

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figures 1-33 – 1-34
Computer Applications in Society

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figures 1-36 – 1-39
Computer Applications in Society

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1
Figures 1-40 – 1-43
Summary

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Discovering Computers : Chapter 1