Understanding Computers: Hardware, Software, and Applications, Lecture notes of Introduction to Computers

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Introduction to ComputersIntroduction to Computers

Computer LiteracyComputer Literacy^ 

Involves having current knowledge andunderstanding of computers and theiruses.  Since technology is always changing, onemust keep up with this changes to remainliterate.

Data and InformationData and Information^ 

Data is a collection of unprocessed items,which can include text, numbers, images,audio, and video.  Information conveys meaning and is usefulto people.

Information Processing CycleInformation Processing Cycle^ 

Computers process data (input) intoinformation (output).  Instructions are the steps a computertakes to process the data and producethe information.  Software is related instructions organizedfor a common purpose.

Input DevicesInput Devices^ 

Any hardware component that allows youto enter data and instructions into thecomputer.  The most common types of input devicesare the keyboard, mouse, microphone,scanner, and web cam.

Output DevicesOutput Devices^ 

Any hardware component that conveysinformation to one or more people.  Common output devices are the monitor,speakers, and the printer.

Storage DevicesStorage Devices^ 

Storage media is where a computer keepsdata, instructions, and information.  These include hard drives, USB flashdrives, optical discs, and memory cards.  A storage device records and/or retrieves(reads and/or writes) items to and fromstorage medium.

Communication DevicesCommunication Devices^ 

A hardware component that enables acomputer to send and receive data,instructions, and information to and fromone or more computers and mobiledevices.  Most common communication devices isa modem.

DisadvantagesDisadvantages^ 

Health Risks: Prolonged or improper usecan lead to injuries or disorders of thehands, wrists, elbows, eyes, neck, andback. Also, behavioral risks such ascomputer addiction and technologyoverload.  Violation of Privacy: If not protectedproperly, information can be stolen.  Public Safety: Sharing of information thatcan be used to identify or locate aperson.

Disadvantages (cont.)Disadvantages (cont.)^ 

Impact on Labor Force: The skills of manyhave been replaced by the usage ofcomputers.  Impact on Environment: Computermanufacturing processes and computerwaste are depleting natural resources andpolluting the environment.

Networks and the InternetNetworks and the Internet^ 

A network is a collection of computersand devices connected together viacommunications devices and transmissionmedia.  When connected to a network, thecomputer is said to be online.

The InternetThe Internet^ 

The Internet is a worldwide collection ofnetworks that connects millions ofbusinesses, government agencies,educational institutions, and individuals.  More than one billion people around theworld use the Internet daily.  The Web, or World Wide Web (www),contains billions of documents called Webpages, which can contain text, graphics,animation, audio, and video.  A Web site is a collection of related WebPages.

System SoftwareSystem Software^ 

Consists of the programs that control ormaintain the operations of the computerand its devices.  It serves as the interface between theuser, the application software, and thecomputer’s hardware.

Operating SystemOperating System^ 

A set of programs that coordinates all theactivities among computer hardwaredevices.  Such as, Microsoft’s Windows andApple’s Mac OS.