Unit 2 Introduction to the World of Computers

Learning Objectives
1. Explain why it is essential to learn about computers today and discuss several ways computers are integrated into our business and personal lives. 2. Dene a computer and describe its primary operations. 3. Identify the major parts of a personal computer, including input, processing, output, storage, and communications hardware. 4. Dene software and understand how it is used to instruct the computer what to do. 5. List the six basic types of computers, giving at least one example of each type of computer and stating what that computer might be used for. 6. Discuss the societal impact of computers, including some benets and risks related to their prominence in our society.
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Overview
This Unit covers:
* What computers are, how they work, and how they are used * Computer terminology * The basic types of computers in use today * Societal impacts of computers

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Computers in Your Life

Before 1980 Computers were large, expensive Very few people had access to them Computers were mostly used for high-volume processing tasks During the 1980s Inexpensive personal computers became popular Computer use increased dramatically
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Computers in Your Life

Checkpoint Ahead!!!

Today More than 80% of US households include a computer, and most use computers at work Electronic devices are converging into single units with multiple capabilities (A computer is no longer an isolated productivity tool) You can check e-mail on your living room television You can view internet content on mobile phone or other mobile device Computer literacy is important & necessary for everyone Knowing about and understanding computers and their uses is an essential skill for everyone
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Computers in the Home

Computers are used for a variety of tasks:
Looking up information and news Exchanging e-mails Shopping and paying bills Watching TV and videos Downloading music and movies Organizing digital photographs Playing games Making vacation plans Connecting with people

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Computers in the Home

o Wireless networking
- Computers can be used in nearly any location

o Smart appliances
- Traditional appliances with built-in computer or communication technology o Smart homes - Household tasks are monitored and controlled by a main computer in the house

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Computers in the Home

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CHECKPOINT 2.1

Due: 4/17

A computer is no longer an isolated productivity tool. What does this statement mean to you as a teenager growing up in the computer generation? Yahoo mail, gmail and IOS mail are 3 of the most popular email clients today.
a) List 3 advantages and 2 disadvantages of email service

We mentioned that connecting with people is a that task that computers perform in the home
a) Other than via email, state 2 other ways that this is done.

What are smart appliances?

a) List 2 popular smart appliances and explain what makes these appliance smart
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Computers in Education

Checkpoint Ahead!!!

Todays youth can be called the computing generation Most students today have access to computers at school
Some schools integrate e-books into their curriculum

Colleges and universities are even more integrated

Wireless hotspots allow usage of personal laptops to connect to the college network Some colleges require a computer for enrollment

Distance learning/online learning

Students participate from locations other than the traditional classroom setting using computers and Internet access
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Computers in Education

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Computers on the Job

Computers have become a universal on-the-job tool for decision-making, productivity, and communication
Used by all types and all levels of employees Used for access control and other security measures Use by service professionals is growing Used extensively by the military Employees in all lines of work need to continually refresh their computer skills

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Computers on the Job

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Computers on the Go
Computers are encountered in nearly every aspect of daily life
* * * * * * * Consumer kiosks ATM transactions POS systems at retail stores Self-checkout systems Consumer authentication systems Portable computers or mobile devices GPS systems
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CHECKPOINT 2.2
What is an e-book? What is a wireless hotspot?
a) State 2 of the most popular e-book readers b) State 1 advantage of an e-book reader

Due: 4/19

When we speak of computers providing access control as a form of security, what do we mean? What is a kiosk?
a) State 2 ways that employers can utilize access control a) Identify the popular kiosk used to rent movies and video games b) What would I use a kiosk for in an airport? a) ATM b) POS

a) Other than schools, list 2 other places that provide wireless hotspots

What do the following acronyms mean?

Identify 2 places where I could nd a self check out system

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a) State 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of self check out systems

What Is a Computer and What Does It Do?

Computer A programmable, electronic device that accepts data, performs operations on that data, and stores the data or results as needed Computers follow instructions, called programs, which determine the tasks the computer will perform Basic operations or functions of a computer Input: Entering data/instructions into the computer Processing: Performing operations on the data Output: Presenting the results/information Storage: Saving data, programs, or information for future use Communications: Sending or receiving data/information
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What Is a Computer and What Does It Do?

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Data vs. Information

o Data
* Raw, unorganized facts * Can be in the form of text, graphics, audio, or video

o Information
* Data that has been processed into a meaningful form

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Hardware
o Hardware: The physical/tangible parts of a computer
Internal hardware
Located inside the main box (system unit) of the computer

External hardware
Located outside the system unit Connect to the computer via a wired or wireless connection

Hardware devices are associated with all ve computer operations/ functions

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Hardware
o Input devices
Hardware used to enter data into the computer Examples: Keyboards, mice, scanners, cameras, microphones, joysticks, touch pads, touch screens, ngerprint readers, web cameras etc.

o Processing devices
Perform calculations and control computers operation Central processing unit (CPU) and memory

o Output devices
Present results/information to the user Examples: Monitors, printers, speakers, projectors, etc.
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Hardware
o Storage devices
Used to store data on or access data from storage media Examples: Hard drives, CD/DVD discs and drives, USB ash drives, card readers etc.

o Communications devices
Allow users to communicate with others and to electronically access remote information Examples: Modems, network adapters, etc.

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Hardware

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Software
o Software
The programs or instructions used to tell the computer hardware what to do

System software (OS & Utilities)

- The Operating System starts up the computer and controls its operation - Without the OS, the computer cannot function - It Boots the computer and launches programs at the users direction - Most use a GUI to interact with the user via windows, icons, menus, buttons, etc. - Examples: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, etc.
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Application Software
o Application software Performs specic tasks or applications for the User Creating letters, budgets, etc. Managing inventory and customer databases Editing photographs Scheduling appointments Viewing Web pages Sending and receiving e-mail Recording/playing CDs and DVDs Designing homes Playing games
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Application Software

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Application Software

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Computers To Fit Every Need

o Six basic categories of computers:
- Embedded computers - Mobile devices - Personal computers - Midrange servers - Mainframe computers - Supercomputers
Checkpoint Ahead!!!

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Embedded Computers
o Embedded computer
- Embedded into a product and designed to perform specic tasks or functions for that product - Cannot be used as general-purpose computers - Often embedded into:
Household appliances Thermostats Sewing machines A/V equipment Answering machines Cars

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Mobile Devices
o Mobile device
- A very small device with some type of built-in computing or Internet capability - Typically have small screens and keyboards - Examples:
Smartphones Handheld gaming devices Portable digital media players Mobile tablets E-readers
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Personal Computers (PCs)

o Personal Computer
A small computer designed to be used by one person at a time Also called a microcomputer Available in dierent sizes and shapes

Desktop computers
Fit on or next to a desk Can use tower case, desktop case, or all-in-one Can be PC- compatible or Macintosh Not designed to be portable
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Portable Computers
o Portable Computers
Designed to be carried around easily Fully functional computers Examples
Notebook (laptop) computers Typically use a clamshell design Tablet Computers Usually use a digital pen/stylus or touch screen Can be slate or convertible tablets
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Portable Computers
Netbooks
Smaller, lighter, and less expensive than conventional notebooks Longer battery life Good for students and business travelers

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Midrange Servers
o Midrange server
A medium-sized computer used to host/store programs and data for a small network Some users connect via a network with a computer, thin client, or dumb terminal Virtualization Creating virtual rather than actual environments (often used to share a server for increased eciency)
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Mainframe Computers
o Mainframe computer
- Powerful computer used by many large organizations to manage large amounts of centralized data - Standard choice for hospitals, universities, large businesses, banks, government oces - Located in climate-controlled data centers and connected to the rest of the company computers via a network - Larger, more expensive, and more powerful than midrange servers - Usually operate 24 hours a day - Also called high-end servers
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Mainframe Computers

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Supercomputers
o Supercomputer
- Fastest, most expensive, most powerful type of computer - Generally run one program at a time, as fast as possible - Commonly built by connecting hundreds of smaller computers, supercomputing cluster - Used for space exploration, missile guidance, satellites, weather forecast, oil exploration, scientic research, complex Web sites, decision support systems, 3D applications, etc.

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Supercomputers

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CHECKPOINT 2.3

Due: 4/23

State one device that is not standard on a netbook that come standard on most notebooks/laptops State 2 dierent places that would utilize a midrange server State one similarity between a midrange server and a mainframe State one advantage of a mainframe over a midrange server Identify the category of computer being below:
a) b) c) d) e) f) Used Send and receive emails on the go Used by Rush Hospital Used in a High school computer Lab Used for weather forecasting Used in a small business Found in your microwave at home
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Computers and Society

Checkpoint Ahead!!!

o The vast improvements in technology over the past decade have had a distinct impact on daily life, both at home and at work o There are many benets of a computer-oriented society
Ability to design products before construction leads to safer products Earlier medical diagnoses and more eective treatment Devices that allow physically and/or visually challenged individuals to perform job tasks Documents e-mailed or faxed in moments (seconds/minutes) Download information, music, programs, movies, and more on demand

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Computers and Society

o There are also many risks in a computer-oriented society
- Stress and health concerns - Spam - Computer viruses and malware - Identity theft and phishing - Privacy issues
- How data is collected - How secure is the collected data

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CHECKPOINT 2.4

Due: 4/25

Identify one major health concern that emerged from a computer oriented society Explain how phishing works What is the purpose of the Privacy Act of 1974
a) State one condition of the Act

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