Discovering
Computers
Your Interactive Guide
to the Digital World
A World of Computers
• Computers are everywhere
What Is a Computer?
• A computer is an electronic device, operating
under the control of instructions stored in its own
memory
Collects Produces
data Processing information
(input) (output)
Information Processing Cycle
What Is a Computer?
The Components of a Computer
• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and
mechanical components known as hardware
Input Device • Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer
Output Device • Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people
• Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that
System Unit are used to process data
• Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage
Storage Device media
Communications • Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and
Device information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices
The Components of a Computer
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
Advantages of Disadvantages of
Using Computers Using Computers
Speed Health Risks
Reliability Violation of Privacy
Consistency Public Safety
Storage Impact on Labor Force
Communications Impact on Environment
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
Networks and the Internet
• A network is a
collection of computers
and devices connected
together, often
wirelessly, via
communications
devices and
transmission media
Computer Software
• Software, also called a program, tells the
computer what tasks to perform and how to
perform them
System Software
• Operating system
• Utility program
Application Software
Computer Software
• Installing is the process of setting up software to
work with the computer, printer, and other
hardware
Computer Software
• A programmer develops
software or writes the
instructions that direct
the computer to
process data into
information
Categories of Computers
Personal computers
Mobile computers and mobile devices
Game consoles
Servers
Mainframes
Supercomputers
Embedded computers
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
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Mobile Mobile
Computer Device
Personal computer you Computing device small
can carry from place to enough to hold in your
place hand
Examples include smart
Examples include
phones and PDAs, e-
notebook computers,
book readers, handheld
laptop computers,
computers, portable
netbooks, ultra-thins,
media players, and
and Tablet PCs
digital cameras
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Notebook computer
Tablet PC
Smart phones and PDAs
E-book reader
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Handheld computer
Portable media player
Digital camera
Game Consoles
• A game console is a
mobile computing
device designed for
single-player or
multiplayer video
games
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
Mainframes
• A mainframe is a large,
expensive, powerful
computer that can
handle hundreds or
thousands of connected
users simultaneously
Supercomputers
• A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful
computer
– Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing
more than one quadrillion instructions in a single
second
Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a
larger product
Consumer Home Automation Process Controllers Computer Devices
Automobiles
Electronics Devices and Robotics and Office Machines
• Mobile and digital • Thermostats • Antilock brakes • Remote monitoring • Keyboards
telephones • Sprinkling systems • Engine control systems • Printers
• Digital televisions • Security modules • Power monitors • Faxes
• Cameras monitoring systems • Airbag controller • Machine • Copiers
• Video recorders • Appliances • Cruise control controllers
• DVD players and • Lights • Medical devices
recorders
• Answering
machines
Embedded Computers
Elements of an Information System
Hardware Software Data
People Procedures
Examples of Computer Usage
Home User Small Office/Home Mobile User
• Personal financial Office User • Connect to other computers
management • Look up information on a network or the Internet
• Web access • Send and receive e-mail • Transfer information
• Communications messages • Play video games
• Entertainment • Make telephone calls • Listen to music
• Watch movies
Examples of Computer Usage
Power User Enterprise User
• Work with multimedia • Communicate among
• Use industry-specific employees
software • Process high volumes
of transactions
• Blog
Computer Applications in Society
Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
Computer Applications in Society
Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing
Networks and the Internet
• The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that
connects millions of businesses, government agencies,
educational institutions, and individuals
Networks and the Internet
• People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:
Communicate Research and Shop Bank and Invest Online Trading
Access Information
Entertainment Download Videos Share Information Web Application
Pages 12 - 13
Discovering Computers 2012: 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
