LESSON 1: Introduction to Computers

Learning Objectives:

Learn how computers affect our lives and works.

Discover the advantages and disadvantages of using the computers.

Desktop computers are common tools in all areas of our daily lives, secretaries’ type letters,
artists draw pictures, engineers and architects designs using their computers, scientists and
mathematicians solve problems and equations using the computer as well. Students,
teachers, businessmen and even ordinary individuals do all these and much more. Today,
communication has also evolved tremendously through the use of computers and the
internet together with related gadgets and devices called computer peripherals.

Computer All Around Us

Computers fill the lives of most people. They are everywhere; home, at school, at work and
even at play. Our day to day activities involve the use of computers. We get information
from computers.

Computers have become a medium of communication for people around the globe and
have expanded the scope in great magnitude in terms of the ability to reach other people,
access to information and share ones expertise, and experiences. One important aspect that
contributed to the wide spread use of computers is the relatively low price of operation
considering its many capabilities.

Computers come in a variety of sizes, types and for a whole range of use. Computers occupy
a desk, others fill one room and many are small enough to carry around and everywhere.
 

Computers connected to the internet can be used to make a telephone call, meet new
friends, search for old acquaintances, shares one ideas and opinions, book a flight, read the
latest news in business, sports and weather, to research and study, to purchase a book or
movie, play an on – line games and a lot more.

As time progresses and technology advances, computers have become part of everyday life
and it’s important to have knowledge and expertise about computers to be successful in the
world today.

What Is A Computer?

A computer is a programmable electronic machine which has a capacity to execute,

manipulate and respond to specific and prerecorded lists of instructions or programs in an
efficient, well defined manner. Its ability to store a huge amount of data and execute lists of
instructions called programs make the computer exceptionally versatile and handy to use.

Computers however can only carry out this instruction with the aid of a user which could be
a programmer, teacher or a student. Since computers don’t have a brain like a human being,
a user must tell the computer to perform or carry out several tasks by speaking the
computer language.

More often than not, the programmers are the ones who are capable to speak the computer
language and use this to write programs that command the computer what to do. On one
hand, normal users or the so called end users are the ones who use the programs that
programmers design.

Thus, computers are able to do anything from solving complex mathematical problems to
enjoyable stuff such as listening to music, watching a movie and writing reports and
assignments.
 

Computer Data Processing System

A computer is a data processing piece of electronic device that process input data into
useful information. It is a system since it is composed of six important elements (people,
procedure, hardware, software, data and connectivity) that work together to achieve results.
Computers usually hold data, programs or instructions and information in its storage for
present and future use.

Computer needs input data and commands from the user to work. Input data and
commands are commonly entered into the computer using the keyboard and mouse. When
you type letters and numbers using the keyboard that is a kind of input. When you click the
mouse that is an input. INPUT is defined as the data and command entered into the
computer.

The computer then works on these data and command input. This step is called PROCESS.
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is where the process takes place. The CPU is called the
brain of the computer. The CPU does its processing very fast. PROCESS is defined as the
work done by the computer to input data and commands. The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
and the Control Unit of the CPU process the input data using the program used.

The result displayed on the monitor after the data is processed is called output. OUTPUT is
defined as the result of the data processing. The processed data is now called information.
This information will be transmitted through an output an output device. Output devices
include the monitor, printer, and speaker.

Processed information and raw data are usually needed by the user and other people for
present and future use. Computer storage us data retention which requires that data is still
present even when power is off. Computer storage is an important function of modern
computer. Today, it refers to hard disks, optical discs, memory cards and flash drives.
 

Elements Of A Computer System

There are six elements that make up computer system: people involve or the user, the
procedure or instructions to follow, the software, the hardware, the data and last but not the
least, connectivity all working together for the whole system. Each of these elements is
essential to the system itself.

The following are the vital elements of a computer system:

PEOPLE. People are the most important element of a computer system. They use and
operate the computer. People use computers for a variety of applications. Computer
engineers study computer hardware design and they build and improve computers.
Computer programmers write the programs to come up with desired output from a set of
input data.

SOFTWARE. Software is programs or instructions that a computer must follow to do its

task. The purpose of software is to process data into useful information for people. Software
gives flexibility to computers. Computers become a tool for typing using a word processing
program; they become a drawing tool with graphics program and music or video player
with a media player program.

HARDWARE. Hardware is the physical equipment that you can feel and touch. Hardware
includes the CPU, mouse, keyboard, printer, speaker, microphone and the monitor. The
hardware needs software to function properly. Hardware comes in a variety of shapes, size,
price and computing power.

DATA. Data or computer data is information required by the computer to be able to

operate, run programs, store system configuration information such as text files, numbers,
sounds, images, or other files that are associated with the program. Raw data are normal
inputs entered into the computer. The software that the user decides to operate on them
determines largely the resulting output. Processed data are called information and they are
useful to people.

CONNECTIVITY. Connectivity usually refers to maintaining a connection to the Internet and

the World Wide Web. Connectivity also allows you and others to perform different tasks
simultaneously. For instance, you can send and receive e-mail messages while your sister
download free MP3’s and your brother surf the Internet. Using the internet, people can
share and access data and greatly expands ones capability and reach.

PROCEDURES. They are steps or set of instructions to follow when handling and using
various data, software and hardware. These procedures are normally written in manuals of
software and hardware manufacturers. The instruction and procedures are carefully
explained to guide the users in every step they will make. These are written by computer
specialists and are shipped together with the computer product in printed or electronic
form.

Advantages of Using Computers

There are advantages and disadvantages of using computer. Among the advantages of
using the “wonder box” is the following:

You can easily access information on all subject matters that you want to know. This allows
you to look up for facts directly instead of searching through books.

You can do easily do a week’s work or an assignment in one day.

Computers provide a fast, efficient form of communication through email and chat rooms.

Computers help you back up copies of work without having to re-write everything.

Computers also allow some parents to work from home and spend more quality time with
their families.
Computers are great tools to people with disabilities. By using software mute people can
communicate by typing words through the computer.

Computers can be used by teachers to provide audio and video presentation of their
lectures.

Computers are also a means for teachers to have more lecture notes because there’s a lot of
websites available that they can use to supplement their lesson plans.

Computers allow young mothers to explain to their children how something works simply
by locating animations and 3-D teaching modules in the internet.

Students like you and children really enjoy using computers probably because the majority
of computer software has a high fun factor.

Computers contain many programs that allow you to present a piece of work in a
specialized manner.

Its internet accessibility puts knowledge at the fingertips of the users.

Disadvantage of Using Computers

Computers rely on electricity, thus limiting their reliability.

Prolonged exposure to computer use can cause eyesight disorders.

Computers have too much information that It’s difficult to know and validate which is true
and which is false.

Computers are also addictive that students sometime just sit, play and chat the whole day
neglecting their assignments.

Some people spend all their time alone in their rooms on the computers which give them a
leeway to surf unnecessary stuff.

Computers at some point do not help develop the analytical thinking of students because
sometimes they can find the sources online, thus copying them as they are.
Computers are sometimes detrimental to some businesses, like illegal downloading of music
and movies.

Bank records can be hacked, harvesting vital information of bank deposits that can be used
to withdraw money or use credit cards without account owners knowing about the
transaction.

It allows the old way of learning like handwriting to be forgotten.

Its fun programs like the computer online games are big distraction to the user.

The internet provides easy access to certain things that shouldn’t be seen, especially to
young children like you.