Computer Application #1 Basic Introduction To Computers

Computer Application (Chapter 1)

WHAT IS A COMPUTER ?

• A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instruction stored in its own memory

THE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware :

1. Input Device - Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer.
2. Output Device - Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people.
3. System Unit - Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data.
4. Storage Device - Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media.
5. Communication Device - Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one more computers or mobile devices.

• ADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS 

1. Speed 
2. Reliability 
3. Consistency 
4. Storage 
5. Communications 

• DISADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS

1. Health Risks 
2. Violation of Privacy 
3. Public Safety 
4. Impact on Labor Force 
5. Impact on Environment 

• Green computing involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer
• Strategies include:
  –Recycling
  –Regulating manufacturing processes
  –Extending the life of computers
  –Immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers
• NETWORK AND THE INTERNET

1. A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communications devices and transmission media.
2. The internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.
3. People use the internet for a variety of reasons such as communicating, research and access information, shopping online, bank and invest, online trading, entertainment, downloading videos, share information, and web application.
4. A social networking Web site encourages members to share their interests, ideas, stories, photos, music, and videos with other registered users.

• COMPUTER SOFTWARE 

1. Software, also called a program, tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them.
2. Installing is the process of setting up software to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware.
3. A programmer develops software or writes the instructions that direct the computer to process data into information. 

• CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS

1. Personal computers
2. Mobile computers and mobile devices
3. Game consoles
4. Servers
5. Mainframes
6. Supercomputers
7. Embedded computers

• PERSONAL COMPUTERS

1. A personal computer can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself.
2. Two popular architectures are the PC and the Apple.

• MOBILE COMPUTERS AND MOBILE DEVICES 

1. Mobile computer - Personal computer you can carry from place to place. For example, notebook computers, laptop computers, netbooks, ultra-thins,and Tablet PCs.
2. Mobile device - Computing device small enough to hold in your hand. For example, smart phones and PDAs, e-book readers, handheld computers, portablemedia players, and digital cameras.

• GAME CONSOLES

1. A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games. 

• SERVER

1. A server controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network.
2. Provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information.

• MAINFRAMES

1. A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously. 

• SUPERCOMPUTERS

1. A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer and capable of processing more than one quadrillion instructions in a single second.

• EMBEDDED COMPUTERS

1. An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a component inn a larger product such as consumer electronics, home automation devices, automobiles, process controller and robotics, and computer devices.

• ELEMENTS OF AN INFORMATION SYSTEM

1. Hardware 
2. Software
3. Data
4. People
5. Procedures

• COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN SOCIETY 

1. Education
2. Finance
3. Government
4. Health Care 
5. Science 
6. Publishing 
7. Travel
8. Manufacturing