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Intro to Computers & Operations

This document defines a computer and its basic components and operations. It explains that a computer accepts data as input, processes it, produces output, and stores results. The four basic operations are input, processing, output, and storage. It provides examples of hardware components for each operation, including input devices, the processing unit, output devices, storage devices, and communications devices. The document also distinguishes between system software, which controls the computer, and application software, which users employ to perform tasks. Finally, it outlines different categories of computers including mainframes, supercomputers, workstations, personal computers, portable computers, and special-purpose computers.

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ocamp2007
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370 views22 pages

Intro to Computers & Operations

This document defines a computer and its basic components and operations. It explains that a computer accepts data as input, processes it, produces output, and stores results. The four basic operations are input, processing, output, and storage. It provides examples of hardware components for each operation, including input devices, the processing unit, output devices, storage devices, and communications devices. The document also distinguishes between system software, which controls the computer, and application software, which users employ to perform tasks. Finally, it outlines different categories of computers including mainframes, supercomputers, workstations, personal computers, portable computers, and special-purpose computers.

Uploaded by

ocamp2007
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What You’ll Learn...

 Define computer and name the four basic operations in


the information processing cycle
 Give an example of the information processing cycle in
action
 Explain why responsible computer use involves ethical
considerations
 Give examples of hardware devices for input,
processing, output, and storage
 Distinguish between system software and application
software
 Distinguish between the different types of computers
Basic Computer Components
Living Without Computers

What would we
do without
computers in
our personal
and
professional
lives?
Definition of computer
• A computer is an electronic device,
operating under the control of
instructions stored in its own memory,
that can accept data, process the data
according to specified rules, produce
results, and store the results for future
use.
Data Vs. Information
• Is Data and Information the
same thing?
Discuss!!!!!!!!!!
Data Vs. Information
• Computers process data into
information.
• Data is a collection of unprocessed
items, which can include text,
numbers, images, audio, and video.
• Information conveys meaning and is
useful to people.
Components of an Information
System

people

data
Information-Processing Machine

Input Process Print


documents data materials
Computer System

• Hardware: The physical components of the


computer.
• Software: The programs that run on the
computer
Function of Computer System
A computer can:
– Accept data (Input)
– Manipulate data (Processing)
– Produce results (output) from the processing
– Store the data and results for future use (storage)
Data handling
I Input
P Process
O Output
S Storage
The Physical Components
• Input devices

• Processing

• Output devices

• Storage devices

• Communications devices
Peripheral Devices
These are any device which is attached to the
system unit.
Software
Hardware alone, without software is no good. This is the
computer program.

– May be created new


– May purchase an existing program
Computer Program

A list of instructions, written in


a programming language, that
tells the computer what to do.
Software Program Types
System Software: all the programs that help the
computer function.
This software is usually called operating system
(OS) since it controls the hardware and how all other
software works.

Application Software: all the programs you can use


to perform a task
 Productivity software e.g Word processing
and special-purpose programs are all application
software.
Categories of Computer
• Mainframes
• Supercomputers
• Workstations
• Personal Computers
• Portable Computers
• Embedded Computers
• Special-Purpose
Computers
Multi-User Computers

• Mainframes
many users can access
computer resources
simultaneously
• Supercomputers…
the fastest, most powerful
computers
Multi-User Computers

•Minicomputers
smaller and less expensive than
mainframes
•Server
very compact
Single-User Computers

• Workstations
– High-end desktop computer
Servers provide software
and
other resources to
computers
over a network
Single-User Computers

Personal Computers (PC)

– Dedicated to serving one


user

– Computing power for word


processing, accounting and
other common applications
Portable Computers
Laptop
– lightweight, battery-operated Hand-held or Palmtop
computers with flat screens,  computers designed for
communications and computing
Special-Purpose Computers
• Special-Purpose
– often attached to sensors to measure
and/or control the environment.
– programs etched in silicon so they
can’t be altered. (firmware)

• Embedded
– enhance consumer goods
– control a variety of hardware devices,
including robots.

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