Basic Computer Introduction

Basic Introduction to Computers

• Computers are electronic devices operating under instructions stored in their own memory.
• Computers collect data (input), process it, and produce information (output)
• This is the information processing cycle.
• Computers have various components: input devices, output devices, system units, storage devices, and communication devices.
• Examples of input devices include keyboards, mice, scanners, webcams, and microphones.
• Examples of output devices are monitors, printers, speakers, and projectors.
• The system unit includes the CPU (central processing unit), memory, and storage devices.
• Storage devices include hard drives, optical discs, and flash drives.
• Communication devices enable computers to connect to networks, such as modems and network cards.
• Computer users come in different types, each with a unique way of interacting with computers: home users, small office/home office users, mobile users, power users, enterprise users.
• Society uses computers for: education, finance, government, healthcare, science, publishing, travel, and manufacturing.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers

• Advantages: Speed, reliability, consistency, storage, and communications.
• Disadvantages: Violation of privacy, public safety concerns, impact on the labor force, health risks, and impact on the environment.

Green Computing

• Green computing involves reducing electricity consumption and environmental waste generated by computers.
• Strategies include recycling, regulating manufacturing processes, extending the life of computers, and properly disposing of replaced computers.

Networks and the Internet

• A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communication devices and transmission media.
• The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks connecting millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.

Computer Software

• Software, also known as a program, tells the computer tasks and how to perform them.
• System software includes operating systems and utility programs.
• Application software performs specific tasks for users
• Installing software involves setting up software for its use with the computer or printer.
• A programmer writes instructions for software that directs the computer to process data into information.

Computer Categories

• Personal computers, mobile computers and mobile devices, game consoles, servers, mainframes, supercomputers, and embedded computers.

Specific Computer Types

• Personal Computers: Capable of performing all input, processing, output, and storage functions independently. Common architectures include PC and Apple.

• Mobile Computers and Devices: Personal computers that can be carried (notebook computers, laptops, netbooks, tablet PCs). A mobile device is a small computing device that fits in one's hand (e.g., smartphones, PDAs, e-book readers, handheld computers, portable media players, digital cameras).

• Game Consoles: Mobile computing devices designed for single-player or multi-player video games

• Servers: Control access to hardware, software, and resources on a network; centrally providing programs and data

• Mainframes: Large, expensive computers capable of handling hundreds or thousands of concurrent users

• Supercomputers: The fastest, most powerful computers, capable of quadrillion instructions per second

• Embedded Computers: Special-purpose computers functioning as components within larger products (consumer electronics, home automation devices, automobiles, process controllers, robotics, computer devices and office machines).

Examples of Computer Usage

• Home Users: Personal financial management, web access, communications, and entertainment.
• Small/Home Office Users: Searching information, emails, and making calls.
• Mobile Users: Connect to other computers, transferring information, playing games, listening to music, and watching movies.
• Power Users: Working with multimedia and industry-specific software.
• Enterprise Users: Communicating amongst employees, processing large transactions, and blogging.

Computer Applications in Society

• Applications include education, finance, government, healthcare, science, publishing, travel, and manufacturing.

Explore the fundamental concepts of computers, including their components and the information processing cycle. This quiz will cover types of users and the various input and output devices that form the basis of computer functionality.