understanding computers & computer literacy computer concepts basics lesson 1
TRANSCRIPT
Understanding Computers & Computer Literacy
Computer Concepts BASICS
Lesson 1
Introducing Computers
Computers are most important invention of this past century!
Where do we use computers?School & learningVideo gamesTV, movies (instant replays & special effects!) IM, E-mail, Video-conferencing
History of the Computer
1st Computers: invented in 1940s & 1950s Great big machines (as big
as small buildings and cost millions of $$$)
Names: UNIVAC, ENIAC Power: less power than your
typical pocket calculator Up through early 1970s, only
government & corporations used these computers
1971: 1st Microprocessor Steve Job & Steve Wozniak
applied this technology to personal computers
1976: 1st Apple computer (developed by both Steves)
1981: Bill Gates introduced IBM PC
What are a Computer and Computer System? Computer: an electronic device that
Receives data (input)Process dataStores dataProduces a result (output)
Computer System: includes Hardware, Software, Data, & People
Hardware: the actual machine, wires, transistors, circuits, monitors, & printers
Software: instructions or programs used for controlling the computer
Data: text, numbers, sound, images, video Information: Process of data going into
computer (input), is processed, stored data, and output produced.
Users: People who use computers
Examples of a Computer System Input (receives data): Customer name is
entered into computer, scans ISBN, types info, uses scanner
Process: Computer uses stored instructions to process data into information
Outputs Information: a monitor or printer displays information
Stores data: data & information are stored on a disk drive or other storage device
John Smith2358 Smithville Rd.•Movie 1•Movie 2
John Smith2358 Smithville Rd.Smithville, OH 45454
•Movie 1•Movie 2
A computer is not overly complicated. It only performs 2 operations:Arithmetic: add, subtract, multiply, divide and
comparisonsLogical: And, Or, Not
Did You Know?A computer won a
World Chess Championshipplaying against a human being
Are Computers Intelligent?
No. They can only do what we ask them to do. Are there any advantages to using a computer?
– Yes! Speed: can perform billions of calculations per
second Reliability: electronic components are dependable Accuracy: IF data is entered correctly, computers
generate error-free results Storage: can store/retrieve volumes of
data/information Communications: can communicate & share
resources with other computers
Classifying Computers
Computers are either Special Purpose or General Purpose computers.Special Purpose: used to control something
else. Tiny chips are embedded in devices such as: dishwashers, airport radar system, bathroom scale
General Purpose: divided into 5 categories based upon size, function, cost, performance
General Purpose Computers Desktop Computer: designed so all components fit
on/under desk. PC & Apple (Mac) are most popular Mobile Computer: personal computers such as
notebooks (laptops). Designed to be carried from one place to another. Mobile devices: fit into the palm of your hand (PDA, hand-
helds, smart-phones) Mid-range server: (minicomputer) used by small
companies that can support hundreds of users Mainframe computer: large & expensive computer that
can support hundreds/thousands of users Supercomputer: fastest type of computer. Used by
government & large corporations to process enormous amounts of data
Computer Software
2 types of software (programs):Application software: a set of programs that
perform tasks for users Word processing, spreadsheets, databases
System software: a set of programs that controls the operations of the computer
Windows or Mac system software
Graphical User Interface (GUI): what we see when we start up Windows. Includes icons
Icon: small image that represents file, command, or other function
Communications & Networks
Electronic Communication: technology that allows computers to communicate with each other & other devicesTransmission of text, numbers, voice, video
1969: 1st message sent via telephone from computer
Electronic communication requires: Sender: computer that is sending
message Receiver: computer receiving message Channel: media that carries/transports
message (phone wire, coaxial cable, microwave signal, fiber-optic cable)
Protocol: the rules that govern the transfer of data
Networks
Networks: a group of two or more computer systems linked together via communication devicesAllows computers to “share” printers, data,
information, & programs Nodes (Clients): computers on a network Servers: computers that allocate
resources on a network
Intranet & Extranet
Many companies have intranets in their organizations
Intranet: a network put together for just certain people (company, school, etc.)Reliable network, Secure network, no
outsiders can use Extranet: systems that allow outside
organizations to access company’s internal information
The Internet
Internet: world’s largest network.Originally a network that included only the
government & universities1990: Original network (called ARPANET)
was disbanded & the Internet was born
Technology & Everyday Life
Computers have affected the way we live our lives.
They have become a necessary tool in almost every activity & type of business.
How does it affect you?School, security, gaming, research, home
appliances, TV, etc.
Computers in our Future
The future is hard to predict, but we can assume that computers will be more powerful and less expensive.
Almost every type of job will somehow involve a computer
Connectivity will continue to evolve. What is the computer of the future?