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Contents
Information Age Computer Literacy Where Computers Are Used Computer System Network Classifications of Computers
Information Age
The current age will be characterized by the ability of individuals to transfer information freely, and to have instant access to knowledge that would have been difficult or impossible to find previously.
Jobs
Forging a Computer-Based Society:
Computer use
Where used?
Bank withdrawal Supermarket Drive the car
Computer Literacy
Awareness
Importance Versatility (doing many things at the same time) Pervasiveness (general applicability)
Knowledge
What are computers How do computers work Terminology
Interaction
Use some simple computer applications
Results
Benefits of Computers
Productivity
Workers use computers to do their jobs faster and better Many processes can be more efficiently controlled by computers
Decision Making
Helps decision makers sort out financial, geographical, and logistical factors
Cost Reduction
Helps hold down costs of labor, energy and paperwork
Cars Run rapid transit systems Load containerships Track railroad cars Monitor air traffic
Forecast weather Manage parks Process immigrants Social Security benefits Taxes
Educational tool Letter writing Budgeting Drawing and editing pictures Newsletters Connecting with others
The Sciences
Research Simulation
Connectivity
Communication Telecommuting (work from home)
Computer System
A machine that can be programmed to accept data, process it into useful information, and store it away
People
Computer programmer person who writes programs Users or End-users make use of the computers capabilities
Software
Programs
Set
of instructions that directs the hardware to do a required task and produce the desired results
Computer
A machine that can be programmed to accept data (input), process it into useful information (output), and store it away (in secondary storage device) for safekeeping or later reuse Process is directed by software but performed by the hardware
Input devices
Accept data or commands and convert them to electronic form Getting data into the computer
Typing on a keyboard Pointing with a mouse Scanning with a wand reader or bar-code reader Terminal (telephones, fax, network devices - printers, work stations, routers in a VoIP network )
Output devices
Convert from electronic form to some other form May display the processed results Usable information Monitor or screen
Printer
The Processor
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Converts data to useful information Interpret and execute instructions Communicate with input, output and storage
Primary
Secondary Storage
Long-term storage Non-volatile
Screen (monitor): can display text, numbers, photographs, even video, in full color Printer: produces printed reports as instructed by a program
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Network
Definition
A system that uses communications equipment to connect computers and their resources.
Types
Local area network (LAN) connects computers in close proximity Metropolitan area network (MAN) connect computers between buildings in the same geographic area Wide are network (WAN) connects computers over great distances
Home Connectivity
Connect home PC to other computers Use modem to convert signals between electronic (computer) and analog (voice) formats
Modem
A device that allows users to communicate with other computers over telephone lines
Required when you dont have a digital connection such as DSL or a cable modem
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Internet
As of 2009, an estimated quarter of Earth's population uses the services of the Internet.
Collection of thousands of networks No ownership No central source for services available No comprehensive index of what information is available
Connects Everyone!
Individuals Businesses Organizations Libraries Research labs Government
Getting Connected
Server must communicate using TCP/IP The user can purchase access to a server from an ISP (Internet Service Provider)
Computer Protocols
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Classifications of Computers
Use the computer that fits your needs Based upon
Size Speed Cost Portability Number of simultaneous users supported Available software Typical use
Classification of Computers
Personal Computers Notebook Computers Handheld Computers Midrange Computers Mainframes Supercomputers
Personal Computers
Desktop computers
Also known as PCs, microcomputers, or home computers
Network computer
Central processing unit and minimal memory Designed to be used on a network
PC Categories
Low-end computers
Fine for home users, word processing, simple games, Internet access
Workstations
Very high-end computers used by engineers, financial traders, and graphic designers
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Notebook Computers
Handheld Computers
Pocket PC
Offers capabilities of PDAs, plus the ability to run stripped-down versions of software such as word processing and spreadsheets
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Midrange Computers
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Mainframes
Supercomputers
Objectives
Describe the three fundamental characteristics of computers Describe at least four areas of society in which computers are used Identify the basic components of a computer system: input, processing, output, and storage List some common input, output, and storage media Distinguish data from information Describe the significance of networking Explain the significance of the Internet Explain the various classifications of computers