Introduction to Computer

What are computers?

Problem solving tools that:
1.Accept data
2.Process data
3.Store data
4.Present results

Why is a computer so powerful?
1.Speed
2.Accuracy (GIGO)
3.Reliability
4.Storage
5.Communications

What is Computing Literacy?

Learning how to use computer to benefit your life or work.

Required by most occupations.

Functions of a Computer
1.Arithmetic - add, subtract, multiply, divide
2.Comparisons - greater than, less than, equal
3.Storage and retrieval

What Computers Can Do?
1.Data processing
2.Control
3.Design and Development
4.Data Communication

What Computers Cannot Do?
1.Cannot identify a problem to be solved.
2.Cannot identify and collect data.
3.Cannot design software.
4.Cannot identify the output needed to solve a problem.
5.Cannot interpret and use information to solve a problem.

Elements of an Information System
1.Hardware
2.Software
3.Data
4.People
5.Procedures

Hardware

Equipment associated with computer
1.System unit
2.Communication device
3.Storage
4.Input devices
5.Output devices

Example
Keyboard, monitor, speaker

Software

• Set of instructions that a computer understand (program)
• Types of software
• Application softwar
• System software

Application software
Programs designed to perform specific tasks for users.
1.Packaged software
2.Custom software
3.Shareware (distributed free for a trial period)
4.Freeware (copyright)
5.Public domain software

System Software
Interface = Programs that control the operations of the computer and its devices.

• Operating system
• Instructions that coordinate activities of hardware devices
• Instruction to run application software
• Utility programs
• Perform a specific task.
• Uninstaller, anti virus.

User Interface

Controls how data and instructions are entered and how information is presented in the screen.

GUI allows interaction between users and software using visual images such as icons or button.

Software Development
1.Computer programmers
2.System analyst
3.Programming language

Users
5 categories of computer users:
1.Home Users
2.Mobile Users
3.Large Business Users
4.Small Office/Home Office Users
5.Power Users

Common Computer Hardware Components - Monitor

Output device

Also called VDU (visual display unit).

Common Computer Hardware Components - Keyboard and Mouse

Common Computer Hardware Components - System Unit


Common Computer Hardware Components - Printer

Output device

Common Computer Hardware Components - Speaker and modem

SPEAKER

MODEM

Categories of Computer

Personal Computer ( Microcomputer)

Handheld Computer

Internet Appliance

Mid Range Server

Mainframe

Supercomputers

Personal Computer (Microcomputer)
Types:
1.Desktop

2 most popular series : IBM compatible and Apple Macintosh
2.laptop/notebook

Portable, small enough to fit on your lap

Generally more expensive than a desktop computer

Handheld Computer

• Small computer that fits in your hand
• Also called a palmtop or pocket computer
• How do you input data with a handheld computer?
• Stylus
• Speech recognition
• Handwriting recognitionld computer?

What is a personal digital assistant (PDA)?

Provides personal organizer functions

1.Calendar
2.Appointment book
3.Address book
4.Calculator
5.Notepad

Internet Appliance



What is an Internet appliance?

Computer whose main purpose is to connect to Internet from home.

Web TV is one example.

Mid Range Server

• Use in medium-sized organizations
• Cheaper than mainframe
• Process faster than microcomputer
• When it is uneconomical to use mainframes.
• Organizations that use minicomputer:
• Airlines
• Domestic Banks
• Examples:
• IBM AS/400
• NEC Astra

Mainframe

Huge computer

Can process large volume of data per second

Faster than minicomputer

More expensive than minicomputer

Can do intensive computational task

Supercomputer

Most powerful computer (very fast)

Most expensive

Used for running applications requiring complex and sophisticated mathematical calculations and applications.

Process several billions of instructions per seconds (bips)

Sensitive to temperature, humidity and dust.