Chapter 1 Introduction to Computer Application

What is Computer?
Computer an electronic machine, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can accept data (input), manipulate the data according to specified rules (process), produce results (output) and store the result for future use. Data a collection of unorganized facts, which can include words, numbers, images and sounds. Computers manipulate information. and process data to create

Information data that is organized, has meaning and is useful. Example; report, newsletter, receipt, picture, invoice, check. Input data entered into computer. Output the processed results.
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What is Computer? (cont.)

Storage an area to hold data and information for future use. Information processing cycle the cycle of input, process, output and storage. User a person that communicates with a computer or uses the information it generates. Hardware the electric, electronic and mechanical equipment that makes up a computer. Software the series of instruction that tells the hardware how to perform tasks. Hardware needs the instructions provided by software to process data into information.
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Components of a Computer
A computer consist of a variety of hardware components that work together with software perform calculation, organize data, communication with other computers. Hardware components include: Input device

Output device System unit Storage device Communication device

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Input Device
Allows a user to enter data and commands into the memory of a computer. Three commonly used input devices are the keyboard, the mouse and a microphone. Computer keyboard contains keys that allow user to type letters of the alphabet, numbers, spaces, punctuation marks and other symbols. Mouse a small handheld device that contains at least one button. Microphone allow user to speak to the computer in order to enter data and control the actions of the computer.

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Output Device
Used to convey information generated by a computer to the user. Three commonly used output devices are printer, monitor, and speaker. Printer produces text and graphics such as photographs, on paper or other hardcopy medium. Monitor used to display text and graphics. Speaker used to hear music, voice and other sound generated by the computer.

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System Unit
Is a box-like case made from metal or plastic that houses the computer circuitry. Contains: Central Processing Unit (CPU) - interprets and carries out the instructions that operate a computer, including computations. Memory - a series of electronic elements that temporarily holds data and instructions while the CPU is processing them. CPU and memory are chips; electronic device that contains many microscopic pathways designed to carry electrical current.
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System Unit (cont.)

Internal component component that located inside the system unit. Eg. Processor, memory. External component component that located outside the system unit. Eg. Keyboard, mouse, microphone, monitor, printer. Peripheral external device that attaches to the system unit.

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Storage Device
A mechanisms used to record and retrieve data, information, and instructions to and from a storage medium. As a source of input transfer item from storage into memory. Common storage devices are floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, CD-ROM drive, and DVD-ROM drive.

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Storage Device (cont.)

Floppy disk Stores data, instructions and information using magnetic patterns. Consists of a thin, circular flexible disk enclosed in a plastic shell.

Hard disk Provide much greater storage capacity than floppy disk. Consists of several circular disks on which data, instructions and information are stored magnetically. Enclosed in an airtight, sealed case (often is housed inside the system unit)

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Storage Device (cont.)

Some are removable can be inserted and removed from hard disk drive. enclosed in plastic or metal cartridges. advantage can be taken out from computer and transported and secured. Compact Disk Stores data using microscopic pits, which are created by a laser light. 2 types of compact disk is CD-ROM, DVD-ROM.

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Communication Device
Enable a computer to exchange items such as data, instructions, and information with another computer. It transmit these items over transmission media such as cables or telephone line, used to established a connection between two computers. Modem; enable computer to communicate via telephone line.

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Software
Also called a computer program/program; a series of instructions that tells the hardware of a computer what to do. Software can be categorized into two types: 1. System Software - controls the operation of the computer and its devices and serves as the interface between a user and the computers hardware. Two types of system software; Operating system - contains instructions that coordinate the activities of hardware devices. Utility programs - perform specific tasks usually related to managing a computer, its device or its programs.

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Software (cont.)
2. Application Software - performs specific tasks for users, such as creating documents, spreadsheets, databases, or presentation graphics. Word processing software create documents (eg. Letter, memo) Spreadsheet calculate number arranged in rows and columns. Often used for budgeting, forecasting, and other financial task. Database store data in organized fashion, retrieve, manipulate and display data in meaningful form. Presentation graphic create documents called slides for presentation. Other software application reference, education and entertainment; desktop publishing; photo and video editing; multimedia authoring; network, communication, electronic mail and web browser; accounting.
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Software (cont.)
Application software is available as packaged software, custom software, shareware, freeware and public-domain software. Packaged Software: Is designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of users, not just a single user or company. Also called commercial off-the-shelf software. Custom Software: Sometimes a user or organization cannot find packaged software that meets all of its needs. In this case, they can use custom software a program or programs developed at a users request to perform specific function.
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Software (cont.)
Shareware: Distributed free for a trial period. User need to send a payment to the person or company that developed the program to use the shareware beyond that period of time. The user can receive service assistance and updates. Freeware and Public-Domain Service: Provided at no cost to user by individual or company. Its copyright (cannot resell it as your own). Public-Domain software is free software that has been donated for public use and has no copyright restriction. Example of shareware, freeware and public-domain software utility program, graphic program and games.

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