Introduction to using
computers and IT
Chapter 1
Introduction to
Computers
Topic & Structure of the lesson
The components of a computer
The categories of computers
Elements of an Information System
Categories of users
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lecture, YOU should be able to :
Explain the importance of computer literacy
Identify the various types of computer users
Define computer
Explain what is a information process cycle
Identify the components of a computer
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
using computers
Describe the categories of computers
Discuss computer applications in society
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends Slide 3 (of 57)
Key Terms you must be able to use
If you have mastered this topic, you should be able to
use the following terms correctly in your assignments
and exams:
User Personal computers
Data Mobile computers
Information Mid-range servers
Hardware Mainframes
Software Supercomputers
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
Information System
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends Slide 4 (of 57)
Computer Literacy
What is computer literacy?
Knowledge and understanding
of computers and their uses
Computers are everywhere
Next
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
What Is a Computer?
How is a computer defined?
Electronic device operating under the control of
instructions stored in its own memory
Computer:
Processes data into
Accepts data
information
Raw facts, figures,
Data that is organized,
and symbols
meaningful, and useful
Produces and stores results
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
What Is a Computer?
What is the information processing cycle?
Series of input, input, process, output and
storage activities performed by a computer
Input : Any data or instructions you enter into a computer
Process :Manipulate the input (data) to
produce output (information)
Output : Data that has been processed
into information
Storage : Area in a computer that can hold
data and information for future use
Communication :The capability of communicating
with other computers
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
The Components of a Computer
What are Hardware and Software ?
Hardware
Electric, Electronic and Mechanical components
contained in a computer
Software
Series of instructions that tells a computer what to do and
how to do
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Advantages Using Computers
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Disadvantages Using
Computers
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Networks and the Internet
What is a network?
Collection of computers and devices connected
together
Used
Usedto
toshare
share
Hardware
Hardware Software
Software
Resources
Resources Data
Data Information
Information
devices
devices programs
programs
Saves
Savestime
timeand
and money
money
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Networks and the Internet
Internet:
Worldwide collection of
Why do users access
networks that connects
the Internet?
millions of businesses,
government agencies, 1. Communications
educational institutions, 2. Information
and individuals 3. Shopping
4. Banking and Investing
5. Classes
6. Entertainment
7. Download Music
8. Share Information
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Networks and the Internet
What is the Web?
Billions of documents, called Web pages,
available to anyone connected to the Internet
You
Youcan
canshare
share AApodcast
podcastisis
AAWeb
Website
siteisis information
informationon
onaasocial
social recorded
recordedaudio
audio
aacollection
collectionof
of networking
networkingWeb Website
siteor
or stored
storedononaaWeb
Website
site
related
relatedWeb
Webpages
pages aaphoto
photosharing
sharing that
thatcan
canbe
be
community
community downloaded
downloaded
AAWeb
Webpage
pagecontains
contains AAblog
blogconsists
consistsof
oftime-
time-
text,
text,graphics,
graphics,audio,
audio, stamped
stampedarticles
articlesinin
video,
video,and
andlinks
linksto
to aajournal
journalformat
format
other
otherWeb
Webpages
pages
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Computer Software
Graphical user interface (GUI)?:
• Allows you to interact with the software using text,
graphics, and visual images such as icons
• Controls how you enter data and instructions and
how the screen displays information
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Computer Software
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Categories of Computers
What are the categories of computers?
Personal Computers
(desktop)
Mobile Computers and
Mobile Devices
Game Consoles
Servers
Mainframes
Supercomputers
Embedded Computers
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Personal Computers
What are the two most popular styles of
personal computers?
PC and
Apple Macintosh
compatibles use usually uses the
the Windows Macintosh operating
operating system system (Mac OS X)
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Personal Computers
What is a desktop computer?
Designed so all of the components fit
entirely on or under a desk or table
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Mobile Computers
What is a notebook computer?
Portable, small enough What is a Tablet PC?
to fit on your lap Resembles a
Also called a laptop letter-sized slate
computer
Allows you to write
Usually more expensive
than a desktop on the screen using
computer with equal a digital pen
capabilities Especially useful for
taking notes
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Mobile devices
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Game Consoles
What are game consoles?
Mobile computing device designed
for single-player or multiplayer video
games
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Servers
What types of servers are there?
A server controls access to
network resources and provides
centralized storage
Mainframe Very powerful,
expensive computer that
supports thousands of
connected users
Supercomputer The fastest,
most powerful, most
expensive computer. Used for
applications requiring
complex mathematical
calculations
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Embedded Computers
What is an embedded computer?
A special-purpose computer that functions as a
component in a larger product
Use in
• Consumer electronics
• Home automation devices
• Automobiles
• Process controller and
robotics
• Computer devices and
office machines
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Elements of an Information System
What are information system elements?
Hardware
Software
Data
People
Procedures
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Categories of users
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Examples of Computer Usage
What software is available for a home user?
Personal finance
management
Web access
Communications
Entertainment
p. 26 Fig.
CT002-4-0 1-28 and IT
Computing Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Examples of Computer Usage
What software is available for a small
office/home office (SOHO) user?
Productivity
software
Specialty
software
Web usage
E-mail
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Examples of Computer Usage
What is available for
a mobile user?
Hardware
Notebook computers
Tablet PCs
Internet-enabled PDAs
Smart phones
Software
Word processing
Spreadsheet
Presentation graphics
software
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Examples of Computer Usage
What are the needs of a power user?
Speed and large amounts of
storage
Types of power users
Engineers
Scientists
Architects
Desktop publishers
Graphic artists
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Examples of Computer Usage
What are the needs of the large business user?
Payroll
Inventory
E-commerce
Desktop
publishing
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Computer Applications in Society
What are some examples
of computer applications
in society?
Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
Quick Review Question
1) Define the term computer literacy
2) Define the term a user
3) Differentiate between data and information
4) List the categories of computers
5) Differentiate between notebook and desktop computers
6) Define handheld computers
7) List the five elements in an Information System
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends Slide 33 (of 57)
Summary of Main Teaching Points
Basic computer concepts
The components of a computer
The categories of computers
The advantages and disadvantages of using
computers
Types of users
Elements of an Information System
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends Slide 34 (of 57)
Question and Answer Session
Q&A
Slide 35 (of 57)
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends
What we will cover next
Chapter 3
The Internet and WWW
CT002-4-0 Computing and IT Computer Historical Perspective & Future Trends Slide 36 (of 57)
