Computer and Internet Basics

Unit A

Objectives
Define Computers Explore Computer Functions Categorize Computers Examine Personal Computer Systems Explore data, information, and files

Objectives
Introduce Application and System Software Define Internet Basics Connect to the Internet Understand World Wide Web Basics Use Browsers Understand E-mail Basics

A Computer is a device that

accepts input processes data stores data produces output
(all according to a series of stored instructions)

Computer Organization Vs Architecture

Computer architecture refers to those attributes of system visible to programmer i.e have direct impact on the logical execution of a program the number of bits used to represent data types Computer organization refers to the operational units and their interconnections that realize the architectural specifications e.g memory technology used

Computer Structure Vs Computer Function Structure the way in which components are interrelated Function the operation of each individual component as part of the structure

Components of Computer system

Hardware: microprocessor Peripheral devices: input and output Software: programs

Computer System
Peripherals

Computer +

input devices + output devices + storage devices

System Unit

Power Supply

Storage Devices Circuit Boards

Input/Output Devices
Monitor Keyboard Mouse Modem Printer scanners Speakers/sound card

Storage Devices

Floppy disk drive Hard disk drive CD-ROM drive DVD drive CD writer

Computer Functions
Input

Words, symbols, numbers, sound, pictures, program instructions

Program calculates, sorts modifies data Process Uses microprocessor or CPU Results of processing Reports, graphs, documents, pictures Printer or monitor Memory is temporary holding area (RAM) Storage is permanent (disk)

Output

Store

Categorizing Computers

Cost Usage Size Capability

Less Powerful Computers

Handheld computer/PDA

PC/microcomputer Workstations Videogame console

Sony PlayStation

More Powerful Computers

Server
Supplies network computers with data

Mainframe
Large, expensive, powerful, many users Reliability, data security, central control important

Supercomputer
Fastest and most powerful

Computer Network
Two or more computers that are connected and share data and programs
LAN is a local area network

Data vs. Information

Data (symbols) used by computers

Information (meaningful) used by people

Data
Binary number system to define electronic data 0 or 1 Bit Byte (8 bits)

Files
Collection of data on a storage medium Data file (passive) Executable file (active) Filename and extension
Image.jpg Word.exe Resume.doc

System Software
Helps the computer monitor itself in order to function efficiently Operating system
Master controller of all computer activities

Popular operating systems

PCs: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS Handhelds: Windows CE and Palm OS Servers: Linus and UNIX

Platform
Microprocessor + Operating system

Mac and PC compatibility is an issue Apple computer = Mac platform Original IBM computer = Windows or PC platform

Application Software
Microsoft Microsoft PowerPoint Excel

Designed to carry out a particular task

Internet Basics (Cyberspace)

Internet is a collection of local, regional, national and international computer networks that are linked together to exchange data and distribute processing tasks.

Requirements to connect to Internet

Computer ISP Telecommunication lines Modems Internet software (web browser)

Internet Terminology
Backbone: defines main Internet routes
Constructed and maintained by major telecommunications companies

TCP/IP:
Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol

Internet Terminology
Server software IP Address: unique number for each Internet computer Packets: small chunks of data ready to travel the Internet Router: helps send along the packets to correct destination

Internet Resources
Internet Telephony Usenet E-commerce Instant Messaging WWW (the web) E-mail Telnet Download Or Upload Chat Groups

Modem Internet Connections

Dial-up connection via modem (56K) Cable modems
Network card and cable modem required Always-on and 25 times faster than dial-up

Faster Internet Connections

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital
Network)
64K or 128K Always-on and expensive

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and xDSL

Up to 125 times faster than dialup

DSS (Digital Satellite Service)

500K

Need proximity to a telephone switching station

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Provides internet access to businesses, organizations and individuals Provides telecommunications equipment User ID and password required Connects you to backbone Email account monthly fee Should have local access telephone numbers

World Wide Web Basics

Files interconnected via hypertext Web pages make up a web site Home Page Links or hyperlinks Web servers

World Wide Web Basics

URL
No spaces and Case sensitive HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

.htm or .html file extension

http://www.cnn.com/showbiz/movies.htm
Web protocol standard Web server name Folder name Document name and filename extension

Using Browsers
Can type URLs HTML tags tell browser how to display web page data Back, forward and stop buttons Setting a home page Print options History list Favorites and bookmarks Edit and Find
Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator

Search Engines

Keywords

E-mail Basics
Account = Mailbox Message userid@computer Attachment ASCII vs HTML format Netiquette

E-mail System
E-mail servers Store-and-forward technology Types
POP (Post Office Protocol) used via ISP IMAP (Internet Messaging Access Protocol) Web-based like Hotmail, Yahoomail, gmail

Tutorial
Compare at least five common search engines Discuss the various types of
System software Application software

Tutorial
1.

Briefly explain how computers are used in the following areas/sectors

Education Engineering Transport and Communication Health Recreation

2.

Describe the various types of computers according to their sizes.