C1- Computers: Tools for an Information Age We are in an information age.
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Transcript of C1- Computers: Tools for an Information Age We are in an information age.
C1- Computers: Tools for an Information Age
We are in an information age
CORNERSTONES OF OUR ECONOMYHAS CHANGED!
Land Labor
Capital Information
• Bank withdrawal• Supermarket• Drive the car
Where used?
• From physical to mental
• From muscle-power to brain-power
Jobs
Forging a Computer-Based Society:
Do I need a Personal Computer? Will I use a computer in my future
career?
Computer Literacy
Awareness
Importance
Versatility
Pervasiveness in our society
Knowledge
What are computers
How do computers work
Terminology
Interaction
Use some simple computer applications
THE NATURE OF COMPUTERS
Characteristics Speed Reliability Storage capability
Results Productivity Decision making Cost reduction
WHERE COMPUTERS ARE USED
• Graphs and charts• Animated graphics• Visual walk-through
Graphics
• Bar codes for pricing and inventory
• Shipping
Retailing
• National fingerprint files• National files on criminal• Computer modeling of DNA
Law Enforcement
• Teaching and testing aid• Learning by doing• Computer-based instruction
Education
• Locate oil, coal, natural gas, and uranium
• Monitor the power network• Meter reading
Energy
• Cars• Run rapid transit systems• Load containerships• Track railroad cars• Monitor air traffic
Transportation
WHERE COMPUTERS ARE USED
• Record keeping• Banking by phone• Credit cards
Money
• Forecast weather• Manage parks• Process immigrants• Social Security benefits• Taxes
Government
• Monitor patients• Electronic imaging• Diagnose illnesses
Health and Medicine
• Billing• Crop information• Feed combinations• Livestock breeding and performance
Agriculture
• Educational tool• Record keeping• Letter writing• Budgeting• Drawing and editing pictures• Newsletters• Connecting with others
Home
• Perform jobs that are dangerous for humans
• Factory work
Robotics
WHERE COMPUTERS ARE USED
The Sciences Research Simulation
Training Airline pilots Railroad engineers
Connectivity• Communication• Telecommuting
Paperwork• Junk mail• Term paper• Record keeping
Computers are all around!
Grocery store School Library Bank Mail
We interact with computers everyday!We interact with computers everyday!
Computer System
People Computer programmer – person who writes
programs Users or End-users – make use of the
computer’s capabilities Software/Programs
Set of instructions that directs the hardware to do a required task and produce the desired results
Hardware
HardwareBasic Components of a Computer
Computer
A machine that can be programmed to accept data (input), process it into useful information (output), and store it away (in secondary storage device) for safekeeping or later reuse
Process is directed by software but performed by the hardware
Function of Computer System
Data handling
I Input P Process O Output S Storage
Input devices
Accept data or commands and convert them to electronic form
Getting data into the computer Typing on a keyboard Pointing with a mouse Scanning with a wand reader or bar-code
reader Terminal
OUTPUT DEVICES
Monitor or screen Text Numbers Symbols Art Photographs Video
Printer Black and white Color
• Convert from electronic form to some other form
• May display the processed results• Usable information
The Processor
Central Processing Unit (CPU) Converts data to useful information Interpret and execute instructions Communicate with input, output and
storage
Two Types of Storage
Secondary storage long-term storage
Primary storage or memory temporary storage
STORAGE
Memory / Primary Temporary storage Holds input to be
processed Holds results of
processing Contains the
programs to control the computer and manipulate input into output
Volatile
Secondary Storage Long-term storage Non-volatile
Secondary Storage Examples
• Hard disk• Diskette
Magnetic disks – read and written by magnetic disk drive
• CD-ROM• DVD-ROM
Optical disks – read and written by optical disk drives
• Primarily used for back-up
Magnetic tape – read and written by magnetic tape drives
Computer System
Computer CPU Memory
Peripheral equipment Connected to the computer by a cable Input, output, storage
Network
Definition A system that uses communications equipment
to connect computers and their resources. Types
Local area network (LAN) – connects computers in close proximity
Metropolitan are network (MAN) – connect computers between buildings in the same geographic area
Wide are network (WAN) – connects computers over great distances
Home Connectivity
Connect home PC to other computers
Use modem to convert signals between electronic (computer) and analog (voice) formats
Internet
Collection of networks No ownership No central source for services available No comprehensive index of what
information is available
IndividualsBusinessesOrganizations
Libraries Research labsGovernment
Connects Everyone!
Getting Connected
User’s computer must connect to a server
Server must communicate using TCP/IP The user can purchase access to a
server from an ISP (Internet Service Provider)
Internet – What Can You Do?
WWW – World Wide Web FTP – File Transfer Protocol E-mail UseNet IRC – Internet Relay Chat Bulletin Boards
World Wide Web
• Browser – program that allows the user to move around and explore the Internet
• Use the mouse to point and click on text and graphics
• Web page• Web site• Home page
Classifications of Computers
Use the computer that fits your needs Based upon
Size Speed Cost Portability Number of simultaneous users supported Available software Typical use
Personal Computers
Other names PC Microcomputer Home computer
Categories Low-end functional Fully powered Workstations Net computer or net box (Web TV)
Desktop Models
Notebook Computers
Portable Lightweight Fits in a briefcase Battery operated
Laptop Larger Heavier
More expensive that desktop models
Handheld Computers
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) Scheduling Addresses Handwritten input May offer wireless e-mail and fax
Pocket More power than PDA Runs basic productivity software
Other Types of Computers
Mainframes High speed More expensive Used to process large amounts of data quickly Support multiple users Does server tasks
Supercomputers Fastest speed Most expensive
IOA
Objectives
Describe the three fundamental characteristics of computers
Describe at least four areas of society in which computers are used
Identify the basic components of a computer system: input, processing, output, and storage
List some common input, output, and storage media Distinguish data from information Describe the significance of networking Explain the significance of the Internet Explain the various classifications of computers
Contents
Information Age Computer Literacy Where Computers Are Used Computer System Network Classifications of Computers