Chapter 1 Introduction to Computers and the Internet Learning Objectives LO1.1: Explain what computers do LO1.2: Identify types of computers LO1.3: Describe computer networks and the Internet LO1.4: Understand how computers impact society CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 2 1
LO1.1: What is a Computer? Topics Covered: Data vs. Information Hardware and Software Computer Users and Professionals Cloud Computing CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 3 LO1.1: What is a Computer? A computeris a programmable, electronic device that does the following: Accepts data Performs operations on data Presents the results Stores data or results as needed CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 4 2
LO1.1: What is a Computer? The primary four operations of a computer are: Input Processing Output Storage CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 5 LO1.1: What is a Computer? Today s computers also typically perform communications functions, such as sending or retrieving data via the Internet, accessing information located in a shared company database, or exchanging email messages. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 6 3
Data vs. Information A user inputs data into a computer, and then the computer processes it. When data is modified, or processed, into a meaningful form, it becomes information. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 7 Hardware and Software The physical parts of a computer (the parts you can touch) are called hardware. The term software refers to the programs or instructions used to tell the computer hardware what to do and to allow people to use a computer to perform specific tasks CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 8 4
Computer Users and Professionals Computer users, often called end users, are the people who use computers to perform tasks or obtain information. Programmers, on the other hand, are computer professionals who write the programs that computers use. Other computer professionals include: Systems analysts Computer operations personnel Security specialists CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 9 Cloud Computing In general, cloud computing refers to data, applications, and even resources stored on computers accessed over the Internet in a cloud of computers rather than on users computers, and you access only what you need when you need it. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 10 5
LO1.2: Types of Computers Topics Covered: Embedded Computers Mobile Devices Computers Then and Now Personal Computers Midrange Servers Mainframe Computers Supercomputers CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 11 Embedded Computers An embedded computer is a tiny computer embedded into a product designed to perform specific tasks or functions for that product. Examples include: Dishwashers Microwaves Ovens Coffee makers Thermostats Answering machines Treadmills Sewing machines DVD players TVs CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 12 6
Mobile Devices A mobile device is loosely defined as a very small communications device, such as a mobile phone, that has built-in computing or Internet capability. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 13 Computers Then and Now Before 1946: Precomputersand Early Computers Approx. 1946-1957: First-Generation Computers 1958-1963: Second-Generation Computers 1964-1970: Third-Generation Computers Approx. 1971-Present: Fourth-Generation Computers Now and the Future: Fifth-Generation Computers CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 14 7
Personal Computers (PCs) A personal computer (PC) is a small computer designed to be used by one person at a time. Conventional personal computers that are designed to fit on or next to a desk are often referred to as desktop computers. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 15 Personal Computers (PCs) Portable computers are computers that are designed to be carried around easily, such as in a briefcase or pocket, depending on their size. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 16 8
Personal Computers (PCs) Network computers or other devices designed primarily for accessing Web pages and/or exchanging email are called Internet appliances. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 17 Midrange Servers A midrange server (sometimes called a minicomputer) is a medium-sized computer used to host programs and data for a small network. One trend involving midrange servers, as well as the mainframe computers, is virtualization. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 18 9
Mainframe Computers A mainframe computer is a powerful computer used in many large organizations that need to manage large amounts of centralized data. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 19 Supercomputers Supercomputers are the most powerful and most expensive type of computer available. To reduce the cost, supercomputers are often built by connecting hundreds of smaller and less expensive computers into a supercomputing cluster that acts as a single supercomputer. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 20 10
LO1.3: Computer Networks and the Internet A networkis a collection of computers and other devices that are connected to share hardware, software, and data. Topics Covered: The Internet and the World Wide Web Accessing a Network or the Internet Surfing the Web Email CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 21 The Internet and the World Wide Web The Internet is the largest and most wellknown computer network in the world. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 22 11
Accessing a Network or the Internet CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 23 Accessing a Network or the Internet A uniform resource locator (URL) uniquely identifies a specific Web page by specifying the protocol being used to display the Web page, the Web server hosting the Web page, the name of any folders on the server in which the Web page file is stored, and finally, the Web page s filename if needed. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 24 12
Accessing a Network or the Internet CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 25 Accessing a Network or the Internet CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 26 13
Accessing a Network or the Internet To contact people using the Internet, you most often use their email addresses. An email address consists of a username followed by the @ symbol, followed by the domain name for the computer that will be handling that person s email. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 27 Surfing the Web Once you have an Internet connection, you are ready to begin surfing the Web. The first page that your Web browser displays when it is opened is your browser s starting page or home page. To navigate to a new Web page for which you know the URL, type that URL in the appropriate location for your Web browser and press the Enter key. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 28 14
Surfing the Web CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 29 Email Email is the process of ex-changing messages between computers over a network usually the Internet. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 30 15
LO1.4: Computers and Society Topics Covered: Benefits and Risks of a Computer-Oriented Society Understanding Intellectual Property Rights Computers and Health Environmental Concerns CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 31 Benefits and Risks of a Computer- Oriented Society Benefits: Virtually designing, building, and testing products helps create safer products Earlier diagnosis and more effective medical treatments Ability to shop, pay bills, research products, participate in online courses at any time Increased efficiency in routine tasks CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 32 16
Benefits and Risks of a Computer- Oriented Society Risks: Stress and health concerns Security and privacy Legal and ethical dilemmas CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 33 Understanding Intellectual Property Rights CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 34 17
Understanding Intellectual Property Rights CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 35 Ethics Ethics refers to standards of moral conduct. Ethics with respect to the use of computers are referred to as computer ethics. Business ethics are the standards of conduct that guide a business s policies, decisions, and actions. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 36 18
Computers and Health Common physical conditions caused by computer use include eyestrain, blurred vision, fatigue, headaches, backaches, and wrist and finger pain. Some conditions are classified as repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), in which hand, wrist, shoulder, or neck pain is caused by performing the same physical movements over and over again. CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 37 Workspace Design Ergonomics is the science of fitting a work environment to the people who work there CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 38 19
Environmental Concerns Green computing refers to the use of computers in an environmentally friendly manner. Eco-labels CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 39 Environmental Concerns In order to reduce e-trashin landfills, consider other options for disposing of old computer equipment: Bring to recycling centers Send to manufacturers programs Recycle via GreenDisk Repurpose Donate CMPTR Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and the Internet 40 20