CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER What is a Computer?

In the present days, computers are everywhere, at home, at work and at school. Computers have changed our lifestyle over the centuries and they will change more in the coming future.

n the present days, computers are everywhere, at home, at work and at school. Every day, computers create impact to individuals who use them. The use of personal computers continues to increase day by day and it will continue for the next half of century. It is becoming more and more advanced, easier to access and available to almost everyone in the world. Computers are helping people to do their work faster, more accurately and in some cases, in ways that previously would not have been possible. A computer is an electronic device, operation under the control of instructions stored in its own memory that can accept data, manipulate the data according to specified rules, produce result and store the results for future use.

What does a Computer do?

PROCESSOR
CONTROL UNIT ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT(ALU)

Instruction s Data informatio n

INPUT DEVICE

Data

MEMORY

Information

OUTPUT DEVICE

Instruction s Data informatio n

STORAGE DEVICE
Figure 1. The six primary components of a computer are input devices, the processor (control unit and arithmetic / logic unit), memory, output devices, storage devices and communication devices.

Whether small or large, computers can perform four general operations. The four general operations are: 1. Input 2. Process 3. Output 4. Storage When these operations are put together in a series, it is known as the information processing cycle. All computers require data. Data is a collection of unprocessed items (raw facts), which include text, numbers, images, audio and video. Computers manipulate data to create information. Information is data that is organized, meaningful and useful to one or more people. Computer process input (data) into output (information). A computer often holds data, information and instructions in storage for future use. Instructions are the steps that tell the computer how to perform a particular task. People who use the computer directly or use the information it provides are called computer users, end users, or sometimes, just users.

The Components of a Computer

A computer contains many electric, electronic and mechanical components known as hardware. Hardware: input devices, output devices, system unit, storage devices & communication devices.

Input Devices
Allows data or instructions entered into the computer 6 widely used: keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, digital camera and PC video camera (web cam)

Output Devices
Conveys information to one or more people. 3 commonly used: monitor, speakers and printer. Monitor: Cathode-ray tube (CRT) and liquid crystal display (LCD)

System Unit
Box-like case containing electronic components of the computer that are used to process data. Motherboard is a circuit board that has many circuitry lines and components. 2 main components on motherboard: processor and memory.

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Processor is the electric component that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer. Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions. Most memory keeps data and instructions temporarily although some forms of memory are permanent.

Storage Devices
Holds data, instructions and information for future use permanently. Storage media: Floppy disks, Zip disks, USB flash drives, hard disk, CDs, DVDs and memory cards. Storage device records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media. Accept certain kind of storage media. E.g. CD drive (storage device) accepts a CD (storage media) not DVD (storage media). Often function as the source of input because they transfer item from storage into memory. Floppy disk consists of a thin, circular, flexible magnetic disk enclosed in a square-shaped plastic shell. Zip disk looks similar to floppy disk but has greater storage capabilities/capacities. USB flash drive is a portable storage device that has much greater storage capabilities than a floppy disk or Zip disk but small and lightweight. Currently the biggest capacity is 8GB. Hard disk provides much greater storage capacity than others. Some removable but most are enclosed in airtight, sealed case housed inside the system unit. CDs/DVDs are a type of optical storage media, which are flat, round, portable disc made of metal, plastic and lacquer. CD Compact Disc || DVD Digital versatile disc / digital video disc || MiniDisc

Communications Devices
A hardware component that enables a computer to send (transmit) and receive data, instructions and information to and from one or more computers. Most common device: Modem, short from a combination of modulate demodulate. Communications occur over cables, telephone lines, cellular radio networks, satellites, or other transmission media. Wireless communication means no physical lines or wires are used. E.g. satellites and cellular radio networks.

Why is Computer so Powerful?

Speed computes billions of operations in 1 second Reliability and consistency low failure rate. Higher reliability of components enables the computer to produce consistent results Accuracy error free results. Garbage in, garbage out Storage can transfer data quickly from storage to memory, process it, and store it again for future use. Available almost any time.
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Communications can communicate with other computers and devices. Can share any 4 information processing cycle input, process, output and storage.

Networks and the Internet

A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communications devices and transmission media. Allow sharing resources such as hardware, software, data and information. Sharing save time and money. Computer connects to a network is known as online 1 of many computers acts as server that controls access to resources on a network. Other computers on a network is known as client Server has more storage, power, space and reliable.

The Internet
The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions and individuals. Reasons to use the Internet: o Communicate with and meet other people around the world. o Access to a wealth of information, news and research findings o Shop for goods and services o Bank and invest o Take a class o Access sources of entertainment and leisure, such as online games, music, videos, books and magazines. Web short for World Wide Web (WWW) is 1 of the most popular services on the Internet. Web page is an online document that consists of text, graphics, audio and video.

Computer Software
Software or program is a series of instructions that tells the computer to do and how to do it. Usually program exists on storage media such as diskette, CDs and DVDs. Installing is the process of setting up the software to work with the computer and other hardware components. Run the program means to use it. Load the program means to call the program from storage media and place into memory. Execute the program means to carry out instructions. Graphical user interface (GUI, gooey) is the space where you interact with the software using text, graphics, and visual images such as icons.
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System Software
System software consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. Serves as the interface between the user, the application software and computers hardware. 2 types: operating system and utility program

Operating System
OS is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices. Contains instructions that allow users to run application software. A portion is loaded into the memory from hard disk. Used by users to communicate with the computer and other software. E.g. Windows, MAC OS, LINUX, etc.

Utility Program
Allows user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs. Usually OS provides common and important utility programs such as managing disk drives, printers, and other devices. Can be purchase off shelves or online to perform additional computer management functions. E.g. Norton Ghost, Norton Utilities, etc.

Application Software
Consists of programs that perform specific tasks for users. E.g. Web browser, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, presentation software, photo-editing software, etc. Bundle software consists of several related application software come in a single packaging box. E.g. Microsoft Office 2003. Can be purchase off shelves or online.

Software Development
A programmer is a person who develops application or system software. Programmers develop programs or write the instructions that direct the computer to process data into information. Programmers must be sure the program works properly so that the computer generates the desired results. Complex programs can require thousands to millions of instructions. Programming language or program development tool is used to create computer programs. E.g. C, C++, C#, Visual Basic .NET 2003, Java, etc

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Categories of Computer
Category Personal computer (desktop) Mobile computers and mobile devices Midrange servers Mainframe computers Supercomputers Physical Size
Fits on a desk Fits on your lap or in your hand Small cabinet Partial room to a full room of equipment Full room of equipment

No. Of Simultaneous Connected Users

Usually one (can be more if networked) Usually one Two to thousands Hundreds to thousands Hundreds to thousands

General Prize Range

Several hundred to several thousand dollars Several thousand dollars or less %5,000 to $850,000 $300,000 to several million dollars $500,000 to more than $85 million dollars

Personal Computers
A personal computer is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output and storage activities by itself. A personal computer contains a processor, memory, and 1 or more input, output and storage devices. 2 popular types of personal computer: PC and Apple. PC-compatible refers to any personal computer based on the original IBM (International Business Machines) personal computer design. Apple computers use the Macintosh operating system (Mac OS).

Desktop Computers
Is designed in a way that system unit, input devices, output devices and any other devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table. System unit can be (narrow) tower or flatbed. Some desktop computers are powerful enough to function as server on a network. Workstation is another expensive and powerful computer meant to perform tasks that require intense calculations and graphics capabilities.

Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Mobile computer is a type of personal computer that you can carry from place to place. Mobile device is a small computing device enough to fit on your hand.

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Notebook Computers Notebook computers also known as laptop computer, is a portable personal computer small enough to fit on your lap. Nowadays notebook computers are thin and lightweight yet as powerful as average desktop computers. Usually more expensive than desktop computers. Keyboard is on top of the system unit and monitor attached to the system unit with hinges. Operate on batteries or power supply or both. Tablet PC Slightly bigger than letter-sized slate Allows user to write, draw on the screen or give instructions to the Tablet PC using a digital pen Can attach a keyboard to Tablet PC Support voice input Mobile Devices Some are Web-enabled Usually do not have disk drives Storage programs, data and information permanently on memory inside the system unit or small storage media such as memory cards Can connect mobile device to PC to share/exchange information 3 popular types: handheld computers, PDAs and smart phones. Handheld Computer Handheld computer is a small computer enough to fit in 1 hand while the other hand operates it Primary input: a small keyboard Some handheld computers have a specialized keyboard PDA Known as Personal Digital Assistant Provides personal organizer functions such as calendar, appointment book, address book, calculator, and notepad Some have other application software such as word processing, spreadsheet, personal finance, and games Primary input of PDA is stylus that looks like a ballpoint pen but uses pressure instead of ink to write and draw Some PDAs support voice input Many PDAs are Web-enabled that allow users to check e-mail and access to the Internet 7 of 12

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Smart Phone It is a Web-enabled telephone Allows user to send and receive e-mail and access the Internet More expensive models have color screens, play music, and include built-in cameras

Midrange Servers
Midrange server is more powerful and larger than a workstation computer. Can support several hundreds to thousands of connected computers at the same time. Last time it was known as minicomputers It stores data and programs

Mainframes
Mainframe is a large, expensive, very powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously Stores tremendous amount of data, instructions and information Large companies use mainframes Can act as servers on a network environment

Supercomputers
Supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful and most expensive computer The fastest supercomputers are capable of processing more than 100 trillion instructions in a single second Can store more than 16,000 times data and information of an average desktop computer Applications requiring complex, sophisticated mathematical calculations use supercomputers

Elements of Information System

Information system consists of hardware, software, data, people and procedures. Hardware must be reliable and capable of handling expected workload Software must be developed carefully and tested thoroughly Data input into the computer must be accurate Incorrect data generates incorrect information (Garbage in, garbage out) IT staff from IT department of a company should be highly skilled and up-to-date on the latest technology IT staff also should train users so they understand how to use the computer properly IT applications should have readily available documented procedures. These procedures should address starting, operating and using the computer

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Examples of Computer Usage

User Home Hardware Desktop computer PDA Smart phone Software Small Office/Home Office Desktop computer PDA Shared network printer Business (e.g. word processing) Personal information manager Personal finance, online banking, tax preparation Web browser E-mail, instant messaging, and chat rooms Reference (e.g. encyclopedias, medical dictionaries, road atlas) Entertainment (e.g. games, music composition, greeting cards) Educational (e.g. tutorials, childrens math and reading software) Business (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, database) Personal information manager Company specific (e.g. accounting, legal reference) Network management Web browser E-mail Business (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, note taking, presentation graphics) Personal information manager Web browser E-mail Business (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation graphics)
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Mobile

Notebook computer equipped with a modem, or a Tablet PC Video projector Web-enabled PDA/smart phone

Large Business

Midrange server or mainframe Desktop or notebook computer

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Industry-specific handheld computer PDA Kiosk

Power

Workstation or other powerful computer with multimedia capabilities PDA

Personal information manager Accounting Network management Web browser E-mail Desktop publishing Multimedia authoring Computer-aided design Photo, audio and video editing Personal information manager Web browser E-mail

Table 1: Example of computer usage

Computer Applications in Society

Education
Process of acquiring knowledge Cost of computers , many schools and companies can afford to equip labs and classrooms with computers Students use software for learning and to complete assignments/works Vendors offer discounts to students purchasing software for education purposes Some learning takes place on the Web Digital divide is an invisible gap that divides two groups of people whereby one group has access to technology whereas the other group does not have The technology (mentioned in the above point) includes telephones, televisions, computers and the Internet Less fortunate people may not able to take advantage of the technology that prospers a country To overcome this problem, government set up community training centers and supplying teachers and students with necessary technology

Finance
People use finance software to balance checkbooks, pay bills, track personal income and expenses, manage investments and evaluate financial plans The software usually includes a variety of online services E.g. computer users can track investments, compare insurance rates from leading insurance companies and do online banking Online banking allows users to access account balances, pay bills and copy monthly transactions fro the banks computers (servers) Investors use online investing to buy and sell stocks and bonds without using a broker

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Government
Provides society with direction by making and administering policies Many government offices have Web sites to provide citizens up-to-date information These Web sites provide services such as paying taxes, apply for permits and licenses, pay parking tickets, buy stamps, report crimes, apply for financial aid and renew vehicle registrations and drivers licenses

Health Care
Almost every health care uses computers Purpose: o Hospitals and doctors use computers to maintain patient records o Computers monitor patients vital signs in hospital rooms and at home o Computers and computerized devices assist doctors, nurses, and technicians with medical tests o Doctors use the Web and medical software to assist with researching and diagnosing health conditions o Doctors use e-mail to correspond with patients o Pharmacists use computers to file insurance claims o Surgeons implant computerized devices, such as pacemakers that allow patients to live longer o Surgeons use computer-controlled devices to provide them with greater precision during operations such as for laser eye surgery and robot-assisted heart surgery Many Web sites provide up-to-date medical fitness, nutrition or exercise information Telemedicine is a long-distance health care whereby health-care professionals use computers to diagnose patients from a different location

Science
All branches of science such as biology, astronomy, meteorology, use computers to assist them with collecting, analyzing, and modeling data Scientists use the Internet to communicate with colleagues around the world Breakthroughs in surgery, medicine, and treatments often result from scientists use of computers Tiny computers imitate functions of the central nervous system, retina of the eye and cochlea of the ear Neural network is a system that attempts to imitate the behavior of the human brain Scientists create neural networks by connecting thousands of processors together much like the neurons in the brain are connected

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Publishing
Publishing is the process of making works available to the public These works include books, magazines, and newspapers Special software assists publishers in designing pages that include text, graphics, and photographs Journalists carry notebook computers, mobile devices and digital cameras to capture and record news as it occurs

Travel
Onboard navigation system can be found in many new and advanced vehicles today These systems have features such as: o Provide directions o Automatically call for help if the airbag deploys and you do not respond to voice contact o Provide emergency services as soon as you press the emergency button o Dispatch roadside assistance o Perform remote diagnostics if a warning light appears on the dashboard o Unlock the drivers side door if you lock the keys in the car o Track the vehicle if it is stolen o Honk the horn to help you locate the car in a parking lot Many vehicles today also include options such as screens with e-mail and Internet access, printers, and fax capability Airlines also provide online access Airplanes equipped with Internet connections allow passengers to connect their mobile computers or devices to the Web Some may even provide passengers with Web-enabled devices during the flights Reservation for travels/trips can be done on travel agency Web sites

Industry
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) refers to the use of computers to assist with manufacturing processes such as fabrication and assembly Industries use CAM to reduce product development costs, shorten a products time to market and stay ahead of the competition Usually robots carry out processes in a CAM environment CAM is used by a variety of industries such as oil drilling, automobile, manufacturing

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