U101.Ch1 Computer Fundamentals PDF

# What is a Computer? A computer is an electronic device that operates under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, accepts data, and processes data according to specified rules to produce information and store it for future use. ## Information Processing Cycle The information proc...

# What is a Computer? A computer is an electronic device that operates under the control of instructions stored in its own memory, accepts data, and processes data according to specified rules to produce information and store it for future use. ## Information Processing Cycle The information processing cycle consists of the following steps: 1. **Collects data**: Input 2. **Processing**: 3. **Produces information**: Output 4. **Storing** ### Comparison of Data and Information * **Data**: A collection of unprocessed items like numbers, text, etc. Data is not useful to users. * **Information**: A collection of processed items. Information is useful to users. ## Information Processing Cycle Computers process data into information (output). They carry out processes using instructions that tell the computer how to perform a particular task. A computer often holds data, information, and instructions in storage for future use. Most computers today communicate with other computers. ## Components of Computers * **Hardware**: Physical parts of the computer like the motherboard, keyboard, mouse, etc * **Software**: Non-physical components that control the function of the computer like operating systems, applications, etc. ### Hardware Components **1.** **Input Devices**: Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer: * Mouse * Keyboard * Microphone **2. Output Devices**: Conveys information to one or more people: * Screen * Printer * Sounds **3. Storage Devices**: Holds data, instructions, and information for future use. **4. Communication Devices**: Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices. **5. System Unit**: A case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data. The circuitry of the system unit is usually part of or is connected to a circuit board called the motherboard. #### Components of the Motherboard: * Processor (CPU): Central processing unit that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer. * Memory: ## Advantages of Using Computers 1. **Speed**: Many computers process billions of operations in a single second. 2. **Reliability**: The electronic components in modern computers are dependable and reliable because they rarely break or fail. 3. **Consistency**: Given the same input and processes, the computer will produce the same results. 4. **Storage**: A computer can transfer data quickly from storage to memory, process it, and then store it again for future use. 5. **Communications**: Most computers today can communicate with other computers, often wirelessly. ## Disadvantages of Using Computers 1. **Health Risks**: 2. **Violation of Privacy**: Nearly every life event is stored in a computer somewhere. Individuals have found their privacy violated and identities stolen. 3. **Public Safety**: 4. **Impact on Labor Force**: Although computers have improved, the skills of millions of employees have been replaced by computers. 5. **Impact on Environment**: When computers are discarded in landfills, they release toxic materials. 6. **Green Computing**: Involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste. ## Networks A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly via communication devices and transmission media. ### Advantages of Networks Networks allow computers to share resources such as hardware, software, data, and information. ## The Internet The internet is a worldwide collection of computers and networks that connects millions of businesses, governments, and people. ### Why People Use the Internet Daily * To communicate with and meet other people. * To conduct research and access a wealth of information. * To shop for goods and services. * To bank and invest. * To participate in online training. * To download music and videos. * To share information, photos, and videos. * To access and interact with web applications. ## The Web The web, short for World Wide Web, contains billions of documents called web pages. ### What Is a Web Page? A web page is an electronic document that can contain text, graphics, and animation. ### What Is a Website? A website is a collection of related web pages. ## What Is a Web Application? A web application is a website that allows users to access and interact with software from any computer or device connected to the internet. ## What Is a Social Networking Website? A social networking website is an online social network that encourages members to share their interests, ideas, and photos. ## What Is Software? Software, also called a program, is a series of related instructions organized for a common purpose that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them. ### System Software System software consists of programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. The two types of system software are the operating system and utility programs. #### Operating System An operating system is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices. #### Utility Programs A utility program allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing a computer. ### Application Software Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive or assist them with personal tasks. ## Installing Software Installation is the process of setting up software to work with a computer. ## Software Development A programmer, sometimes called a computer programmer or developer, is someone who develops software or writes instructions. Programmers use a programming language to create computer programs. ## Categories of Computers ### Personal Computers A personal computer (PC) is a computer that can perform all its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself. It contains a processor, memory, and one or more input/output and storage devices. The two popular architectures of personal computers are: * **PC**: Refers to any personal computer design companies like Dell, HP, and Toshiba that sell PC. * **Apple**: Usually uses a Macintosh operating system. #### Types of Personal Computers * **Desktop Computers**: * **Notebook Computers** ### Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices A mobile computer is a personal computer that you can carry from place to place. A mobile device is a computing device small enough to hold in your hand (notebook computer). #### Notebook Computer A notebook computer, also called a laptop, is a personal computer designed to fit in your lap. They are thin and lightweight. Notebook computers are usually more expensive than desktop computers. ### Smart Phones A smart phone is an internet-enabled phone that usually also provides personal information management functions. A smart phone allows you to send and receive email messages. ### Mobile Devices Mobile devices are small enough to fit in a pocket and usually do not have disk drives. ### Game Consoles A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games. ### Servers A server controls access to the hardware, software, and provides a centralized storage for programs, data, and information. **Mainframes** A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users. Mainframes can also act as servers in a network environment. ### Supercomputers A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive type of computer.