Discovering
Computers 2011
Living in a Digital World
A World of Computers
• Computers are everywhere
Pages 4 - 5 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 2
Figure 1-1 Chapter 1
What Is a Computer?
• A computer is an electronic device, operating
under the control of instructions stored in its own
memory
Collects Produces
data Processing information
(input) (output)
Information Processing Cycle
Page 6 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 3
Chapter 1
What Is a Computer?
Page 6 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 4
Figure 1-2 Chapter 1
Chapter 1
5 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World Pages 6 - 8
Device
• Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and
information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices
Communications
• Holds data, instructions, and information for future use
Storage Device
• Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are System Unit
used to process data
• Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people
Output Device
• Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer
Input Device
mechanical components known as hardware
• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and
The Components of a Computer
The Components of a Computer
Page 7 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 6
Figure 1-3 Chapter 1
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
Advantages of Disadvantages of
Using Computers Using Computers
Speed Health Risks
Reliability Violation of Privacy
Consistency Public Safety
Storage Impact on Labor Force
Communications Impact on Environment
Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World
Pages 9 - 10 7
Chapter 1
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
• Green computing involves reducing the electricity
consumed and environmental waste generated when
using a computer
• Strategies include:
– Recycling
– Regulating manufacturing processes
– Extending the life of computers
– Immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers
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Page 10 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 8
Chapter 1
Networks and the Internet
• A network is a
collection of computers
and devices connected
together, often
wirelessly, via
communications
devices and
transmission media
Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World
Pages 10 - 11 9
Chapter 1
Figure 1-6
Networks and the Internet
• The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that
connects millions of businesses, government agencies,
educational institutions, and individuals
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Page 11 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 10
Figure 1-7 Chapter 1
Networks and the Internet
• People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:
Communicate Research and Shop Bank and Invest Online Trading
Access Information
Entertainment Download Videos Share Information Web Application
Pages 12 - 13 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 11
Figure 1-8 Chapter 1
Networks and the Internet
• A social networking Web site encourages
members to share their interests, ideas, stories,
photos, music, and videos with other registered
users
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Page 14 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 12
Figure 1-9 Chapter 1
Computer Software
• Software, also called a program, tells the
computer what tasks to perform and how to
perform them
System Software
• Operating system
• Utility program
Application Software
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Pages 15 - 16 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 13
Figures 1-10 - 1-11 Chapter 1
Computer Software
• Installing is the process of setting up software to
work with the computer, printer, and other
hardware
Pages 16 - 17 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 14
Figure 1-12 Chapter 1
Computer Software
• A programmer develops
software or writes the
instructions that direct
the computer to
process data into
information
Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World
Page 18 15
Chapter 1
Figure 1-13
Categories of Computers
Personal computers
Mobile computers and mobile devices
Game consoles
Servers
Mainframes
Supercomputers
Embedded computers
Page 19 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 16
Chapter 1
Personal Computers
• A personal computer can perform all of its input,
processing, output, and storage activities by itself
• Two popular architectures are the PC and the
Apple
– Desktop computer
Page 19 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 17
Figures 1-15 - 1-16 Chapter 1
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Mobile Mobile
Computer Device
Personal computer you Computing device
can carry from place to small enough to hold in
place your hand
Examples include
Examples include
smart phones, PDAs,
notebook computers,
handheld computers,
laptop computers,
portable media
netbooks, ultra-thins,
players, and digital
and Tablet PCs
cameras
Pages 20 - 23 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 18
Chapter 1
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Notebook computer
Tablet PC
Smart phone
PDA
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Pages 20 - 22 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 19
Figures 1-17 – 1-20 Chapter 1
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Handheld computer
Portable media player
Digital camera
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Pages 22 - 23 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 20
Figures 1-21 – 1-23 Chapter 1
Game Consoles
• A game console is a
mobile computing
device designed for
single-player or
multiplayer video
games
Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World
Page 24 21
Chapter 1
Figure 1-24
Servers
• A server controls access
to the hardware,
software, and other
resources on a network
– Provides a centralized
storage area for
programs, data, and
information
Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World
Page 25 22
Chapter 1
Figure 1-25
Mainframes
• A mainframe is a large,
expensive, powerful
computer that can
handle hundreds or
thousands of connected
users simultaneously
Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World
Page 25 23
Chapter 1
Figure 1-26
Supercomputers
• A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful
computer
– Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing
more than one quadrillion instructions in a single
second
Page 25 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 24
Figure 1-27 Chapter 1
Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a
larger product
Consumer Home Automation Process Controllers Computer Devices
Automobiles
Electronics Devices and Robotics and Office Machines
• Mobile and digital • Thermostats • Antilock brakes • Remote monitoring • Keyboards
telephones • Sprinkling systems • Engine control systems • Printers
• Digital televisions • Security modules • Power monitors • Faxes
• Cameras monitoring systems • Airbag controller • Machine • Copiers
• Video recorders • Appliances • Cruise control controllers
• DVD players and • Lights • Medical devices
recorders
• Answering
machines
Page 26 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 25
Chapter 1
Embedded Computers
Page 26 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 26
Figure 1-28 Chapter 1
Elements of an Information System
Hardware Software Data
People Procedures
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Page 27 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 27
Chapter 1
Elements of an Information System
Page 27 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 28
Figure 1-29 Chapter 1
Examples of Computer Usage
Home User Small Office/Home Mobile User
• Personal financial management Office User • Connect to other computers on
• Web access • Look up information a network or the Internet
• Communications • Send and receive e-mail • Transfer information
• Entertainment messages • Play video games
• Make telephone calls • Listen to music
• Watch movies
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Technology below Chapter 1
Pages 28 – 31 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 29
Figures 1-30 – 1-32 Chapter 1
Examples of Computer Usage
Power User Enterprise User
• Work with multimedia • Communicate among
• Use industry-specific employees
software • Process high volumes
of transactions
• Blog
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Computing below Chapter 1
Pages 31 – 32 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 30
Figures 1-33 – 1-34 Chapter 1
Computer Applications in Society
Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
Pages 34 - 36 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 31
Figures 1-36 – 1-39 Chapter 1
Computer Applications in Society
Science
Publishing
Travel
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Manufacturing
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Pages 36 - 38 Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World 32
Figures 1-40 – 1-43 Chapter 1
Discovering
Computers 2011
Living in a Digital World
Chapter 1 Complete
