Introduction to Computers Lecture Notes PDF

Introduction to Computers and How to Purchase Computers and Mobile Devices Ob Objectives bjectiives After completing this chapter,...

Introduction to Computers and How to Purchase Computers and Mobile Devices Ob Objectives bjectiives After completing this chapter, you will be able to: 1 Define the term computer and discuss the four basic 6 Discuss computer software and explain the difference computer operations: input, process, output, and storage between system software and application software 2 Define data and information 7 Identify several types of application software 3 Identify the differences among desktop computers, notebook 8 Discuss the Internet and World Wide Web computers, and mobile devices 9 Describe various types of Internet and network attacks 4 Explain the primary components of the computer and how to protect against them and their use 10 Explain how to purchase computers and mobile 5 Describe the use of hard disks, flash memory, optical discs, devices and other storage media Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 1 6/1/10 2:59:16 PM  COM 2 Introduction to Computers What Is a Computer? Computers are everywhere: at work, at school, and at home. In the workplace, employees use computers to create correspondence such as e-mail messages, memos, and letters; manage calendars; calculate payroll; track inventory; and generate invoices. At school, teachers use computers to assist with classroom instruction. Students use computers to complete assignments and research. People also spend hours of leisure time using a computer. They play games, communicate with friends and relatives online and using e-mail, purchase goods online, converse in chat rooms, listen to music or radio broadcasts, watch or create videos and movies, read books and magazines, share stories, research genealogy, retouch photos, and plan vacations. At work, at school, and at home, computers are helping people do their work faster, more accurately, and in some cases, in ways that previously would not have been possible. A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own Computers memory, that can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules (process), produce For more information, visit results (output), and store the results (storage) for future use. Generally, the term is used to describe a scsite.com/ic8/weblink and collection of electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware. Figure 1 shows some then click Computers. common hardware components. These components are discussed in more depth later in this chapter. monitor (output device) printer optical disc drive (output device) (storage device) screen Web cam (input device) speakers (output device) hard disk drive (storage device) system unit (processor, memory, mouse and storage devices) keyboard (input device) (input device) scanner (input device) microphone (input device) USB flash drive (storage device) card reader/writer (storage device) external hard disk modem (storage device) (communications device) memory cards (storage device) Figure 1 Common computer hardware components include the keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, Web cam, printer, monitor, speakers, system unit, hard disk drive, external hard disk, optical disc drive(s), USB flash drive, card reader/writer, memory cards, and modem. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 2 6/1/10 2:59:40 PM  Introduction to Computers COM 3 Computers perform four basic operations — input, process, output, and storage. These operations comprise the information processing cycle. Collectively, these operations process data into information and store it for future use. A computer derives its power from its capability to perform the information processing cycle with amazing speed, reliability (low failure rate), and accuracy; its capacity to store huge amounts of data and information; and its capability to communicate with other computers. For a computer to perform operations, it must be given a detailed set of instructions that tells Programs it exactly what to do. These instructions are called a program, or software. Before processing for For more information, visit a specific activity begins, the program corresponding to that activity is stored in the computer. scsite.com/ic8/weblink Once the program is stored, the computer can begin to execute the program’s first instruction. and then click Computer The computer executes one program instruction after another until the activity is complete. Programs. All computer processing requires data. Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video. Computers manipulate data to create information. Information conveys meaning and is useful to people. During the output operation, the informa- Information tion that has been created is put into some form, such as a printed report, or it can be stored on the For more information, visit computer for future use. As shown in Figure 2, a computer processes several data items to produce scsite.com/ic8/weblink and a cash register receipt. then click Information. People who use the computer directly or use the information it provides are called computer users, end users, or sometimes, just users. Users and computer manufacturers can reduce the envi- ronmental impact of computers through green computing. Green computing involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer. DATA INFORMATION Arrow Deli PROCESSES 10 Park Street Maple River, DE 20393 Computes each item’s total price by multiplying (734) 555-2939 the quantity ordered by the item price (i.e., 2 * 1.49 = 2.98). QTY ITEM TOTAL Organizes data. 2 Medium Sodas 2.98 Sums all item total prices to determine order total 1 Small Turkey Sub 3.49 1 Caesar Salad 4.49 due from customer (13.12). 1 Bag of Chips 0.99 Calculates change due to customer by subtracting 3 Cookies 1.17 the order total from amount received (20.00 - 13.12 = 6.88). Total Due 13.12 Amount Received 20.00 Change 6.88 Thank You! Figure 2 A computer processes data into information. In this simplified example, the item ordered, item price, quantity ordered, and amount received all represent data. The computer processes the data to produce the cash register receipt (information). The Components of a Computer The six primary components of a computer are input devices, the processor (control unit and arithmetic/logic unit), memory, output devices, storage devices, and communications devices. The processor, memory, and storage devices are housed in a box-like case called the system unit (shown in Figure 1). A peripheral is a device that connects to the system unit and is controlled by the processor in the computer. Peripherals can include input devices and output devices, as well as some storage devices and communications devices. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 3 6/1/10 2:59:42 PM  COM 4 Introduction to Computers Figure 3 shows how the components of a computer interact to carry out a task. The following sections describe the types of personal computers and mobile devices, as well as their primary components (input devices, processor, memory, output devices, and communications devices). PROCESSOR Figure 3 Most devices connected to the instructions data computer communicate with the processor information to carry out a task. When a user starts a program, for example, its instructions transfer INPUT data MEMORY information OUTPUT from a storage device to memory. Data DEVICES DEVICES needed by the program enters memory either from an input device or a storage device. The instructions data processor interprets and executes instructions information in memory and also performs calculations on the data in memory. Resulting information is STORAGE stored in memory, from which it can be sent DEVICES to an output device or a storage device for future access, as needed. Personal Computers and Mobile Devices A personal computer is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself. A personal computer contains a processor, memory, and one or more input, output, and storage devices. Personal computers also often contain a communications device. A mobile computer is a personal computer you can carry from place to place. Similarly, a mobile device is a computing device small enough to hold in your hand. The most popular type of mobile computer is the notebook computer. Desktop Computers A desktop computer is designed so that the system unit, input devices, output devices, and any other devices fit entirely on or under a desk or table (Figure 4). In some models, the monitor sits on top of the system unit, which is placed on the desk. The more popular style of system unit is the tall and narrow tower, which can sit on the floor vertically. Notebook Computers A notebook computer, also called a laptop computer, is a portable, personal computer often designed to fit on your lap (Figure 5). These Figure 4 A desktop computer. computers are thin and lightweight, yet can be as powerful as the average desktop computer. A netbook, which is a type of notebook computer, is smaller, lighter, and often not as powerful as a traditional notebook computer. Resembling a letter-sized slate, the Tablet PC is a display special type of notebook computer that allows you to write or draw on the screen using a digital pen. keyboard Mobile Devices hinge Mobile devices, which are small enough to carry in a pocket, usually store programs and data permanently on memory inside the system unit or on small storage media such as memory cards. You often can connect optical a mobile device to a personal computer to exchange information. Three disc drive popular types of mobile devices are smart phones, portable media Figure 5 A traditional notebook computer. players, and digital cameras. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 4 6/1/10 2:59:43 PM  Introduction to Computers COM 5 A smart phone is a phone that can connect to the Internet and usually also provides personal information management functions such as a calendar, an appointment book, an address book, a calculator, and a notepad (Figure 6). A portable media player is a mobile device on which you can store, organize, and play digital media (shown in Figure 1 on page COM 2). For example, you can listen to music; watch videos, movies, and television shows; and view photos on the device’s screen. A digital camera is a device that allows users to take pictures and store the photographed images digitally, instead of on traditional film Figure 6 A smart phone is a popular mobile device. (shown in Figure 1). Digital cameras typically allow users to review, and sometimes modify, images while they are in the camera. Input Devices An input device is any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into a Input Devices computer. Depending on your particular program and requirements, the input device you use may For more information, visit vary. Five widely used input devices are the keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, and Web cam scsite.com/ic8/weblink and (shown in Figure 1). The two primary input devices used are the keyboard and the mouse. then click Input Devices. Keyboard A keyboard is an input device that contains keys users press to enter data and instructions into the computer. All desktop computer keyboards have a typing area that includes the letters of the alphabet, numbers, punctuation marks, and other basic keys. Many desktop computer keyboards also have a numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard. Most of today’s desktop computer keyboards are enhanced keyboards. An enhanced keyboard has 12 or more function keys along the top and a set of arrow and additional keys between the typing area and the numeric keypad (Figure 7). Function keys are special keys programmed to issue instructions to a computer. media controls F3 key function keys additional keys Internet controls keyboard NUM LOCK key typing area CTRL key numeric WINDOWS key CTRL key keypad ALT key arrow keys APPLICATION key ALT key wrist rest Figure 7 On a desktop computer keyboard, you type using keys in the typing area and on the numeric keypad. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 5 6/1/10 2:59:47 PM  COM 6 Introduction to Computers A variety of options are available for typing on a smart phone (Figure 8). Many can display an on-screen keyboard, where you press the on-screen keys using your finger or a stylus. A stylus is a small metal or plastic device that looks like a tiny ink pen but uses pressure instead of ink. Some smart phones have one key for each letter of the alphabet, often called a mini-keyboard. Other phones have keypads that contain fewer keys than there are letters in the alphabet. For these phones, each key on the keypad represents multiple characters, which are identified on the key. mini-keyboard keypad on-screen keyboard Figure 8 Users have a variety of options for typing on a phone. Mouse and Other Pointing Devices A mouse is a pointing device that fits comfortably under the palm of your hand (Figure 9). With a mouse, users control the movement of the pointer, which is a small symbol on the screen whose location and shape change as a user moves a pointing device. As you move a mouse, for example, the pointer on the screen also moves. Generally, you use the mouse to move the pointer on the screen to an object such as a button, a menu, an icon, a link, or text. Then, you press a mouse button to perform a certain action associated with that object. The bottom of a mouse is flat and contains a mechanism (ball, optical sensor, or laser sensor) that detects movement of the mouse. left mouse wheel button button right mouse button Figure 9 This mouse uses a laser to detect movement of the mouse. It also includes buttons you push with your thumb thumb that enable forward and backward buttons navigation through Web pages. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 6 6/1/10 2:59:51 PM  Introduction to Computers COM 7 Most notebook computers have a touchpad, a small, flat, rectangular pointing device near the keyboard that allows you to move the pointer by sliding a fingertip on the surface of the pad (Figure 10). Figure 10 Most notebook computers have touchpad a touchpad that allows a user to control the movement of the pointer. Other Input for Mobile Devices Most mobile devices, such as smart phones and PDAs, and some notebook computers, such as Tablet PCs, use a variety of alternatives for entering data and instruc- tions (Figure 11). One of the more popular input devices for mobile devices is the stylus. Some have touch screens, enabling you to touch the screen to perform tasks. obtain maps and directions speak into the microphone that on the phone by attaching wirelessly communicates with this navigation receiver to the phone your vehicle’s window take a picture using the digital camera built into the back of the phone use one end of the stylus to write on the phone’s screen and the other end as a ballpoint pen transfer data and instructions to and from the computer and phone by connecting it to the computer with a cable enter text messages via a wireless keyboard Figure 11 Besides a touch screen and basic stylus, users have a variety of other options for entering data and instructions into a smart phone. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 7 6/1/10 2:59:54 PM  COM 8 Introduction to Computers System Unit The system unit is a case that contains electronic components of the computer used to process data (Figure 12). System units are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The case of the system unit, also called the chassis, is made of metal or plastic and protects the internal components from damage. The motherboard, sometimes called a system board, is the main circuit board of the system unit. Many electronic components attach to the motherboard; others are built into it. The sound card and video card shown in Figure 12 are examples of adapter cards, which are circuit boards that provide connections and functions not built into the motherboard or expand on the capability of features integrated into the motherboard. Processor The processor (bottom of Figure 12), also called the central processing unit (CPU), interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer. Processors contain a control unit and an arithmetic/logic unit. The control unit directs and coordinates most of the operations in the computer. The arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) performs arithmetic, comparison, and other operations. Processor On a personal computer, all functions of the processor usually are on a single chip. A computer For more information, visit chip is a small piece of semiconducting material that contains many microscopic pathways capable scsite.com/ic8/weblink and of carrying electrical current. Today’s processors can perform some operations in less than the time then click Processor. it takes to blink your eye. Memory Memory consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions. Most memory keeps data and instructions temporarily, which means its contents are erased when the computer is shut off. When discussing computer memory, users typically are referring to RAM. Also called main memory, RAM (random access memory) consists of memory chips that can be read from and written to by the processor and other devices. These chips are placed on a memory module (lower left of Figure 12) that fits in a slot on the motherboard in the system unit. Memory The amount of memory in computers is measured in kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, or tera- For more information, visit bytes. A byte usually stores one character, such as the letter A. One kilobyte (KB or K) equals scsite.com/ic8/weblink and exactly 1,024 bytes, and one megabyte (MB) equals approximately one million bytes. One then click Memory. gigabyte (GB) equals approximately one billion bytes, and one terabyte (TB) equals approximately drive bay power supply sound card system unit Figure 12 The system unit video card on a typical personal computer consists of numerous electronic components, some of which are shown in this figure. The sound memory module card and video card are two processor types of adapter cards. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 8 6/1/10 3:00:02 PM  Introduction to Computers COM 9 one trillion bytes. A computer with 4 GB of RAM, therefore, can store approximately four billion characters. For reference, one megabyte can hold approximately 500 letter-size pages of text information, and one gigabyte can hold approximately 500,000 letter-size pages of text information. Output Devices Output devices are hardware components that convey information to one or more people. Output Devices Commonly used output devices include display devices; printers; speakers, headphones, and For more information, visit earbuds; data projectors; and interactive whiteboards. When a computer is used for processing tasks scsite.com/ic8/weblink and such as creating documents, the two output devices widely used are the printer and a display device. then click Output Devices. Printers A printer is an output device that produces text and graphics on a physical medium such as paper. Ink-jet printers and laser print- ers often are used with personal computers. Ink-jet printers produce text and graphics in both black and white and color on a variety of paper types and sizes (Figure 13). Some ink-jet printers, called photo printers, produce photo- lab-quality pictures and are ideal for home or small-business use. The speed of an ink-jet printer is measured by the number of pages per minute (ppm) it can print. Most ink-jet printers print from 12 to 36 pages per minute. Graphics and colors print at the slower rate. Figure 13 Ink-jet printers are a popular type of color printer used in the home. A laser printer is a high-speed, high-quality printer that operates in a manner similar to a copy machine (Figure 14). Laser printers typically use individual sheets of paper stored in one or more removable trays that slide in the printer case. It creates images using a laser beam and powdered ink, called toner, on a special drum inside the printer, forming the images to be printed. Laser printers can cost from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars for the home and small office user, to several hundred thou- sand dollars for large business users. Generally, the more expensive the laser printer, the more pages it can print per minute. A multifunction peripheral, also called an all-in-one device, is a single device that looks like a printer or copy machine but provides the functional- ity of a printer, scanner, copy machine, and perhaps a fax machine. Some use color ink-jet printer technol- ogy, while others include a black-and-white or color laser printer. Figure 14 A color laser printer. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 9 6/1/10 3:00:09 PM  COM 10 Introduction to Computers Display Devices A display device is an output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information. A monitor is a display device that is packaged as a separate peripheral. A widely used monitor is an LCD monitor. The LCD monitor shown in Figure 15 uses a liquid crystal display to produce images on the screen. The surface of the screen of an LCD monitor is com- posed of individual picture elements called pixels. Resolution is the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in a display device. For example, a screen set to a resolution of 1440 3 900 pixels displays up to 1440 pixels per horizontal row and 900 pixels per vertical row, for a total of 1,296,000 pixels to create a screen image. A higher resolution provides a smoother, sharper, clearer image. Mobile computers such as notebook computers, including netbooks and Tablet PCs, and mobile devices such as smart phones, portable media players, PDAs, handheld game consoles, and digital cameras, have built-in LCD screens (Figure 16). speakers Figure 15 The LCD monitor is widely used with desktop computers. notebook computer smart phone PDA portable media player digital camera handheld game console Figure 16 Notebook computers, PDAs, smart phones, handheld game consoles, portable media players, and digital cameras have color LCD screens. Storage Devices A storage device is the computer hardware that records and/or retrieves items to and from storage media. A storage medium (media is the plural) is the physical material on which a computer keeps data, instructions, and information. Three common types of storage media are hard disks, flash memory, and optical discs. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 10 6/1/10 3:00:27 PM  Introduction to Computers COM 11 Hard Disks A hard disk is a storage device that contains one or more inflexible, circular platters that use magnetic particles to store data, instructions, and information. The system unit on most personal computers contains at least one hard disk, sometimes called an internal hard disk because it is not portable. Users store documents, spread- 3 sheets, presentations, databases, e-mail sectors messages, Web pages, digital photos, music, videos, and software on hard disks. Hard disks store data and instructions in 18 1 track 17 2 tracks and sectors on a platter (Figure 17). 16 A track is a narrow recording band that 15 4 forms a full circle on the surface of the disk. The disk’s storage locations consist 14 5 of pie-shaped sections, which break the tracks into small arcs called sectors. On 13 6 a hard disk, a sector typically stores up to 12 7 512 bytes of data. Storage capacities of 11 8 internal hard disks for personal computers 10 9 range from 160 GB to more than 2 TB. On desktop computers, platters most often have a size of approximately 3.5 inches Figure 17 Tracks form circles on the surface of a in diameter. On notebook computers and hard disk platter. The disk’s storage locations are divided mobile devices, the diameter is 2.5 inches into pie-shaped sections, which break the tracks into or less. A typical hard disk has multiple small arcs called sectors. platters stacked on top of one another. Each platter has two read/write heads, one for each side. The hard disk has arms that How a Hard Disk Works move the read/write heads to the proper Step 1 location on the platter (Figure 18). The The circuit board controls hard disk platters spin at a high rate of the movement of the head Step 2 actuator and a small motor. A small motor spins the platters while speed, typically 5,400 to 15,000 revolutions the computer is running. per minute. On today’s computers, the plat- ters typically stop spinning or slow down after a specified time to save power. Step 3 When software requests a When reading or writing, the read/ disk access, the read/write write heads on a hard disk do not actually heads determine the current touch the surface of the disk. The distance or new location of the data. between the read/write heads and the platters is about two millionths of one inch. This close clearance means that dirt, hair, dust, smoke, or other particles could cause the hard disk to have a head crash, when a read/write head touches a platter, usually resulting in loss of data or sometimes the entire disk. Although current hard disks are sealed tightly to keep out contaminants, head crashes do Step 4 occur occasionally. Thus, it is crucial that The head actuator positions the you back up your hard disk regularly. read/write head arms over the A backup is a duplicate of a file, program, correct location on the platters or disk placed on a separate storage to read or write data. medium that you can use in case the original is lost, damaged, or destroyed. Figure 18 This figure shows how a hard disk works. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 11 6/1/10 3:00:38 PM  COM 12 Introduction to Computers Portable Hard Disks Some hard disks are portable. An external hard disk (Figure 19) is a separate freestanding hard disk that connects with a cable to a port on the system unit or commu- nicates wirelessly. A removable hard disk (Figure 20) is a hard disk that you insert and remove from a drive. Both internal and external hard disks are available in miniature sizes to allow users to transport their data easily. one type of removable hard disk removable external hard disk hard disk drive Figure 19 An external hard disk. Figure 20 A removable hard disk. Flash Memory Storage Flash memory is a type of memory that can be erased electronically and rewritten. Flash memory chips are a type of solid state media, which means they consist entirely of electronic components and contain no moving parts. Types of flash memory storage include solid state drives, memory cards, USB flash drives, and ExpressCard modules. Flash Memory A solid state drive (SSD) is a storage device that typically uses flash memory to store data, Storage instructions, and information (Figure 21). With available sizes of 3.5 inches, 2.5 inches, and For more information, visit scsite.com/ic8/weblink and 1.8 inches, SSDs are used in all types of computers, including desktop computers, mobile then click Flash Memory computers, and mobile devices such as portable media players and digital video cameras. Storage Storage. capacities of current SSDs range from 16 GB to 256 GB and more. Figure 21 As the price of SSDs drops, experts estimate that increasingly more users will purchase computers and devices that use this media. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 12 6/1/10 3:00:43 PM  Introduction to Computers COM 13 A memory card is a removable flash memory device, usually no bigger than 1.5 inches in height or width, that you insert and remove from a slot in a computer, mobile device, or card reader/writer (Figure 22). Memory cards enable mobile users easily to transport digital photos, music, or files to and from mobile devices and computers or other devices. card reader digital camera portable media player smart phone memory cards photo printer desktop computer Figure 22 Many types of computers and devices have slots for memory cards. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 13 6/1/10 3:01:03 PM  COM 14 Introduction to Computers Common types of memory cards include CompactFlash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC), microSD, microSDHC, xD Picture Card, Memory Stick PRO Duo, and Memory Stick Micro (M2) (Figure 23). Various Memory Cards Media Type Storage Capacity Use CompactFlash 512 MB to 100 GB Digital cameras, smart phones, PDAs, (CF) photo printers, portable media players, notebook computers, desktop computers Secure Digital 512 MB to 8 GB Digital cameras, digital video cameras, (SD) smart phones, PDAs, photo printers, portable media players SDHC 4 to 32 GB Digital cameras 1 to 2 GB Smart phones, portable media players, microSD handheld game consoles, handheld navigation devices 4 to 16 GB Smart phones, portable media players, microSDHC handheld game consoles, handheld navigation devices xD Picture Card 256 MB to 2 GB Digital cameras, photo printers Memory Stick 1 to 16 GB Digital cameras, smart phones, PRO Duo handheld game consoles Memory Stick 1 to 16 GB Smart phones Micro (M2) Figure 23 A variety of memory cards. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 14 6/1/10 3:01:06 PM  Introduction to Computers COM 15 A USB flash drive, sometimes called a thumb drive, is a flash memory storage device that plugs into a USB port on a computer or mobile device (Figure 24). USB flash drives are convenient for mobile users because they are small and light- weight enough to be transported on a keychain or in a pocket. Current USB flash drives have stor- age capacities ranging from 512 MB to 64 GB. An ExpressCard module is a removable device, about 75 mm long and 34 mm wide or L-shaped with a width of 54 mm, that fits in an ExpressCard slot (Figure 25). ExpressCard modules can be used to add memory, storage, communications, multimedia, and security capa- Figure 24 A close-up of the flash memory and circuitry inside a USB bilities to a computer. ExpressCard modules flash drive. commonly are used in notebook computers. two sizes of ExpressCard modules Figure 25 ExpressCard modules are available in two sizes. Optical Discs An optical disc is a flat, round, portable metal disc with a plastic coating. CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs are three types of optical discs. A CD can hold from 650 million to 1 billion characters. Some DVDs can store two full-length movies or 17 billion characters. Blu-ray Discs can store about 46 hours of standard video, or 100 billion characters. Optical discs used in personal computers are 4.75 inches in diameter and less than one-twentieth of an inch thick. Nearly every personal computer today has some type of optical disc drive installed in a drive bay. On some, you push a button to slide out a tray, insert the disc, and then push the same button to close the tray; others are slot loaded, which means you insert the disc in a narrow opening on the drive (Figure 26). Figure 26 A slot-loaded optical disc drive. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 15 6/1/10 3:01:19 PM  COM 16 Introduction to Computers Many different formats of optical discs exist today. Figure 27 identifies Optical Disc Formats a variety of optical disc formats and specifies whether a user can read Optical p Disc Read Write Erase from the disc, write on the disc, and/or erase the disc. CD-ROM Y N N A CD-ROM, or compact disc read-only memory, is a type of optical disc that users can read but not write (record) or erase — hence, the name read-only. Manufacturers write the contents of standard CD-ROMs. A standard CD-ROM is called a single-session disc because manufacturers write all items on the disc at one time. Software manufac- turers often distribute programs using CD-ROMs. A typical CD-ROM holds from 650 MB to 1 GB of data, instructions, CD CD-R Y Y N and information. To read a CD-ROM, insert the disc in a CD-ROM drive or a CD-ROM player. Because audio CDs and CD-ROMs use the same laser technology, you may be able to use a CD-ROM drive to listen to an audio CD while using the computer. CD CD- CD-RW Y Y Y A CD-R (compact disc-recordable) is a multisession optical disc on which users can write, but not erase, their own items such as text, graph- ics, and audio. Multisession means you can write on part of the disc at one time and another part at a later time. Each part of a CD-R can be DVD- DV Y N N written on only one time, and the disc’s contents cannot be erased. ROM RO A CD-RW (compact disc-rewritable) is an erasable multisession disc BD-ROM BD you can write on multiple times. To write on a CD-RW disc, you must have optical disc burning software and a CD-RW drive. Burning is the process of writing on an optical disc. A popular use of CD-RW and CD-R DVD-R Y Y N discs is to create audio CDs. For example, users can record their own DVD+R music and save it on a CD, purchase and download songs from the Web to BD-R BD DR their computer and then burn the songs on a CD, or rearrange tracks on a purchased music CD. The process of copying audio and/or video data from a purchased disc and saving it on a storage medium is called ripping. Although CDs have large storage capacities, even a CD cannot hold many of today’s complex programs. Thus, some software companies have DVD-RW Y Y Y moved from CDs to the larger DVDs — a technology that can be used to DVD+RW store large amounts of text and even videos (Figure 28). DVD-RAM DV A DVD-ROM (digital versatile disk-read-only memory or digital video BD-RE BD disc-read-only memory) is a high-capacity optical disc on which users can read but not write or erase. Manufacturers write the contents of DVD-ROMs and distribute them to consumers. DVD-ROMs store movies, music, huge databases, and complex software. To read a DVD-ROM, you need a DVD-ROM drive or DVD player. Most DVD-ROM drives also can Figure 27 Manufacturers sell CD-ROM, read audio CDs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs. DVD-ROM, and BD-ROM media prerecorded (written) with audio, video, and software. Users DVD cannot change the contents of these discs. Users, DVD drive however, can purchase the other formats of optical discs as blank media and record (write) their own data, instructions, and information on these discs. CDs For more information, visit scsite.com/ic8/weblink and Figure 28 A DVD-ROM is then click CDs. a high-capacity optical disc. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 16 6/1/10 3:01:25 PM  Introduction to Computers COM 17 A newer, more expensive DVD format is Blu-ray, which is a higher capacity and better quality than standard DVDs, especially for high-definition audio and video. A Blu-ray Disc (BD) has DVDs storage capacities of 100 GB, with expectations of exceeding 200 GB in the future. For more information, visit Many types of recordable and rewritable DVD formats are available. DVD-R, DVD+R, and scsite.com/ic8/weblink and BD-R allow users to write on the disc once and read (play) it many times. DVD-RW, DVD+RW, then click DVDs. and DVD+RAM are three competing rewritable DVD formats. Similarly, BD-RE is a high-capacity rewritable Blu-ray format. To write on these discs, you must have a compatible drive or recorder. Cloud Storage Cloud storage is an Internet service that provides hard disk storage to computer users (Figure 29). Fee arrangements vary. For example, one cloud storage service provides 25 GB of storage free to regis- tered users; another charges $5 per month for 150 GB of storage. For organizations, cloud storage services typically charge for storage on a per gigabyte basis, such as 15 cents per gigabyte. Types of services offered by cloud stor- age providers vary. Figure 30 identifies a variety of cloud storage providers. Figure 29 An example of one Web site advertising its storage service. Cloud Storage Providers Web Site Names Type of Storage Provided Box.net, IDrive, Windows Live SkyDrive Backup or additional storage for any type of file Flickr, Picasa Digital photos YouTube Digital videos Facebook, MySpace Digital photos, digital videos, messages, and personal information Google Docs Documents, spreadsheets, presentations Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail E-mail messages Amazon EC2, Amazon S3, Nirvanix Enterprise-level storage Figure 30 Some of the more widely used cloud storage providers. Communications Devices A communications device is a hardware component that enables a computer to send (transmit) and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices. A widely used communications device is a modem (Figure 1 on page COM 2). Communications occur over transmission media such as cables, telephone lines, cellular radio networks, and satellites. Some transmission media, such as satellites and cellular radio networks, are wireless, which means they have no physical lines or wires. People around the world use computers and communications devices to communicate with each other using one or more transmission media. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 17 6/1/10 3:02:00 PM  COM 18 Introduction to Computers Computer Software Software, also called a program, consists of a series of related instructions, organized for a common purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them. You interact with a program through its user interface. The user interface controls how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen. Software today often has a graphical user application interface. With a graphical user interface (GUI software pronounced gooey), you interact with the software icons using text, graphics, and visual images such as icons. When you buy a computer, it usually has some software on its hard disk. This enables you to use the computer the first time you turn it on. Programs also can be installed after you purchase the com- puter. Installing is the process of adding software to a computer, and uninstalling is the process of removing programs and all associated files from the hard disk. Much software is available at retail stores and on the Web for purchase and/or download. As an alternative, some people use a Web application, which is a Web system software site that allows users to access and interact with software from any computer or device that is connected to the Figure 31 Today’s system software and application software usually Internet. Software can be divided into two categories: have a graphical user interface. system software and application software (Figure 31). System Software System software consists of programs that control the operations of the computer and its devices. Two types of system software are operating systems and utility programs. An operating system is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices. It provides a means for users to communicate with the computer and other soft- Operating Systems ware. Many of today’s computers use Microsoft Windows, the latest version of which is shown in For more information, visit scsite.com/ic8/weblink Figure 31, or Mac OS, Apple’s operating system. When a user starts a computer, portions of the and then click Operating operating system are copied into memory from the computer’s hard disk. These parts of the Systems. operating system remain in memory while the computer is on. A utility program allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs. For example, you can use a utility program to burn digital photos on an optical disc. Most operating systems include several utility programs for managing disk drives, printers, and other devices and media. You also can buy utility programs that allow you to perform additional computer management functions. Application Software Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks. These include personal information management, note taking, project management, accounting, document management, computer-aided design, desktop publishing, paint/image editing, audio and video editing, multimedia authoring, Web page authoring, personal finance, legal, tax preparation, home design/landscaping, travel and mapping, education, reference, and entertainment (e.g., games or simulations). Software is available at stores that sell computer products and at many Web sites. Computer users regularly use application software. Some of the more commonly used programs are word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, database, and e-mail. These programs often are sold together as a unit, called a business suite. When you purchase a collection of programs as a suite, the suite usually costs significantly less than purchasing them individually. Suites also provide ease of use because the programs in the suite normally use a similar interface and share features. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 18 6/1/10 3:02:01 PM  Introduction to Computers COM 19 Word Processing Word processing software is used to create, edit, format, and print documents (Figure 32). A key advantage of word processing software is that users easily can make changes in documents, such as correcting spelling; changing margins; and adding, deleting, or relocating words, sentences, or entire paragraphs. Word Processing Software For more information, visit scsite.com/ic8/weblink and then click Word Processing Software. Figure 32 Word processing software is used to create letters, memos, newsletters, and other documents. Presentation Presentation software is application software that allows users to create visual aids for presentations to communicate ideas, messages, and other information to a group (Figure 33). The presentations can be viewed as slides, sometimes called a slide show, that are displayed on a large monitor or on a projection screen. Presentation Software For more information, visit scsite.com/ic8/weblink and then click Presentation Software. Figure 33 Presentation software allows the user to produce professional-looking presentations. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 19 6/1/10 3:02:02 PM  COM 20 Introduction to Computers Spreadsheet Spreadsheet software allows users to organize data in rows and columns and perform calculations on the data (Figure 34). These rows and columns collectively are called a worksheet. Most spreadsheet software has basic features to help users create, edit, and format worksheets. Spreadsheet Software For more information, visit scsite.com/ic8/weblink and then click Spreadsheet Software. Figure 34 With spreadsheet software, you create worksheets that contain data arranged in rows and columns, and you can perform calculations on the data in the worksheets. Database A database is a collection of data organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval, and use of that data. Database software is application software that allows users to create, access, and manage a database (Figure 35). Using database software, you can add, change, and delete data in a database; sort and retrieve data from the database; and create forms and reports using the data in the database. Database Software For more information, visit scsite.com/ic8/weblink and then click Database Software. Figure 35 Database software allows the user to enter, retrieve, and update data in an organized and efficient manner. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 20 6/1/10 3:02:03 PM  Introduction to Computers COM 21 E-Mail E-mail (short for electronic mail) is the transmission of messages and files via a computer network. Today, e-mail is a primary commu- nications method for both personal and business use. You use an e-mail program to create, send, receive, forward, store, print, and delete e-mail messages (Figure 36). Outlook and Windows Live Mail are two popular desktop e-mail programs. Just as you address a letter when using the postal system, you address an e-mail message with the e-mail address of your intended recipient. Likewise, when someone sends you a message, he or she must have your e-mail address. Networks Figure 36 An e-mail program. and the Internet A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communications devices and transmission media. When a computer connects to a network, it is online. Networks allow users to share resources, such as hardware, software, data, and infor- mation. Sharing resources saves time and money. For example, instead of purchasing one printer for every computer in a company, the firm can connect a single printer and all computers via a network; the network enables all of the computers to access the same printer. Most business computers are networked. These networks can be relatively small or quite extensive. A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area such as a home, school computer laboratory, office building, or closely positioned group of buildings. A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a LAN that uses no physical wires. Often, a WLAN communicates with a wired LAN (Figure 37). high-speed Internet connection wired network wireless access point Figure 37 Computers and mobile devices on a wireless LAN often communicate via wireless network an access point with a wired LAN to access its software, printer, the Internet, and other resources. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 21 6/1/10 3:02:05 PM  COM 22 Introduction to Computers A wide area network (WAN) is a network that covers a large geographic area (such as a city, country, or the world) using a communications channel that combines many types of media such as telephone lines, cables, and radio waves (Figure 38). The Internet is the world’s largest WAN. cellular communications connection satellite main office server telephone network Internet access provider Internet branch office branch office telecommuting employee branch office mobile employee international Figure 38 An office example of a WAN. The Internet The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that links millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals. With an abundance of resources and data acces- sible via the Internet, more than one billion people around the world use the Internet for a variety of reasons, including the following (Figure 39): Communicating with and meeting other people Researching and accessing a wealth of information and news Shopping for goods and services Banking and investing Participating in online training Engaging in entertaining activities, such as planning vacations, playing online games, listening to music, watching or editing videos, and reading books and magazines Sharing information, photos, and videos Downloading music and videos Accessing and interacting with Web applications An access provider is a business that provides individuals and organizations access to the Internet free or for a fee. Access providers are categorized as ISPs, online service providers, and wireless Internet service providers. An ISP (Internet service provider) is a regional or national access provider. A regional ISP usually provides Internet access to a specific geographic area. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 22 6/1/10 3:02:08 PM  Introduction to Computers COM 23 communicate research and access information shop bank and invest online training entertainment download videos share information Web application Web application Figure 39 Users access the Internet for a variety of reasons. Property of Cengage Learning 143908131X_Ch1_FINAL.indd 23 6/1/10 3:02:08 PM  COM 24 Introduction to Computers A national ISP is a business that provides Internet access in cities and towns nationwide. National ISPs usually offer more services and have a larger technical support staff than regional ISPs. Examples of national ISPs are AT&T and EarthLink. In addition to providing Internet access, an online service provider (OSP) also has many members-only features such as instant messaging or their own customized version of a Web browser. The two more popular OSPs are AOL (America Online) and MSN (Microsoft Network). A wireless Internet service provider, sometimes called a wireless data provider, is a company that provides wireless Internet access to computers and mobile devices, such as smart phones and portable media players, with built-in wireless capability (such as Wi-Fi) or to computers using wire- less modems or wireless access devices. Wireless modems usually are in the form of a USB flash drive or a card that inserts in a slot in a computer or mobile device. Examples of wireless Internet service providers include AT&T, Sprint Broadband Direct, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. The World Wide Web One of the more popular services on the Internet is the World Wide Web, also called the Web, which contains billions of documents called Web pages. A Web page can contain text, graph- ics, animation, audio, and video, and has built-in connections, or links, to other documents, graph- ics, or other Web pages. Web pages are stored on computers throughout the world. A Web site is a World Wide Web collection of related Web pages. Visitors to a Web site access and view Web pages using a program For more information, visit called a Web browser. A Web page has a unique address, called a Web address or URL (Uniform scsite.com/ic8/weblink and Resource Locator). then click World Wide Web. As shown in Figure 40, a Web address consists of a protocol, a domain name, sometimes the path to a specific Web page or location in a Web page, and the Web page name. Many protocol domain name path Web page name Web page addresses begin with http://, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, the set of rules that defines http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvist/wildlifeviewing.htm how pages transfer on the Internet. The domain name identifies the Web site, which is stored on a Web server. A Web server is a computer that delivers Address bar requested Web pages to your computer. The term Web 2.0 refers to Web sites that provide a means for users to share personal information (such as social networking Web sites), allow users to modify the Web site contents (such as some blogs), and/or have software built into the site for users to access (such as Web applications). A social networking Web page that is Web site or online social network is an displayed after Web address is entered online community that encourages mem- bers to share their interests, ideas, stories, photos, music, and videos with other reg- istered users. A blog is an informal Web site consisting of time-stamped articles in a diary or journal format. Examples of software available as Web applications