Computer Basics

CIS 113-01Bladen Community College

August 21, 2009

OBJECTIVES• In basic terms, define the word computer .• Discuss various ways computers can be

categorized.• Identify six types of computers designed for

individual use.• Explain the importance of computers in

today’s society.• Describe how computers are used in various

sectors of our society.

What is a Computer?

• A computer is an electronic device that processes data, converting it into information that is useful to people.

• A computer is controlled by programmed instructions, which give the machine a purpose and tell it what to do.

• Earliest computers were analog systems.• Today we have digital computers.

How Can Computers Be Categorized?

• Some computers are designed to be used by one person, groups of people, or by no people at all.

• Can be categorized by their power (speed at which they operate and the types of tasks they can handle)

• Can also be subcategorized by price, types of hardware they contain, and software they run on.

Computers for Individual Users

• Desktop computers• Workstations• Notebook computers• Tablet computers• Handheld computers• Smart phones

Desktop Computers

• The most common personal computer• Designed to sit on (or under) a desk or table• Can be found in schools, homes, and offices• Desktop computers can be used for learning,

work, and play

Workstations

• Single-user computer that has more power and features than a standard desktop PC.

• Are popular among scientists, engineers, and animators

• They often have large, high-resolution monitors and accelerated graphics-handling capabilities

Notebook Computers

• Are called laptops• They are lightweight• Portable• Can operate on alternating current or special

batteries

Handheld PCs

• Small enough to fit in your hand• The most popular handheld is the PDA

(Personal Digital Assistant)• Is used for taking notes, displaying telephone

numbers and addresses, and keeping track of dates or agendas.

• Can be used to access the Internet

Smart Phones

• Cellular phones that offer advanced features– Web and e-mail access– Special software such as personal organizers– Special hardware such as digital cameras or music

players.– Some break in half to reveal a miniature keyboard

Why Are Computers Important?

• Computers are important because they store and process information that is important and essential to our lives.

Why Are Computers Important? (cont.)

• Home– Communications (e-mail)***– Business work done at home– Schoolwork– Entertainment– Finances

• Schools– Computer skills are being taught to students at a young age– Computers are being incorporated into student’s daily work

assignments

Why Are Computers Important? (cont.)

• Small Business– Enables small businesses to operate more

efficiently by allowing workers to do a wider variety of tasks

• Industry– Design– Shipping– Process Control

Why Are Computers Important? (cont.)

• Government– Population– Taxes– Military– Police

• Health Care– Managing schedules– Handling billing– Making patient diagnoses– Performing complex surgery

Lets Review

• What is a computer?• Explain a few of the different ways in which

computers can be categorized.• List six types of computers that are designed for use

by a single user.• What is the most popular use for home computers?• How are computer technologies used by the military?• How are computer technologies being used to train

surgeons.