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an Information Age
Chapter 1
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
Information Age
Evolving more rapidly than
Industrial Age
Will continue into the current
century
Greater impact will be felt among
network communities
Computer-based
instruction
E-Learning and
Distance Learning
Computers in Retailing
Bar codes for pricing and
inventory
Recording and monitoring in
Shipping
Computers in Energy
Computer modeling of
DNA – Deoxyribonucleic
Acid
Computers in Transportation
Cars- automatic
Load containerships
Credit cards
Computers in Agriculture
Crop growth information Feed combinations
Manage parks
Process immigrants
Taxes
Electronic imaging
Diagnose illnesses
Assist the disabled
Computers for Robotics
Perform jobs that are dangerous for humans
Factory work
The Sciences
Research
Simulation
Connectivity
Communication
Telecommuting
Where Computers Are Used
Training
Airline pilots
Railroad engineers
Paperwork
• Term paper
• Record keeping
Computers are all around!
Grocery store
School
Library
Bank
Mail
People
Software
Hardware
Dataware
People
Computer programmer – person who
writes programs
Secondary storage
long-term storage
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, within a building or a particular
location
Metropolitan area network (MAN) – connect
computers between buildings in the same geographic
area
Wide area network (WAN) – connects computers over
great distances
Internet
Collection of networks
No ownership
No central source for services available
No comprehensive index of what information is
available
Connects Everyone!
Individuals Libraries
Businesses Research labs
Organizations Government
Getting Connected
User’s computer must connect to a server
UseNet
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
According to purpose
According to data handled
According to size
According to purpose
General purpose- a machine that can be
used to process many types of
applications. Ex microcomputers
Special purpose- a machine that can be
used for a specific application or just ONE
application. Ex: Weather Forecasting and
Airlines Reservation
According to data handled
Analog computers- a computer that
manipulates continuous or approximate
types of data
Digital computers - a computer that
manipulates discrete types of data
Hybrid computers- a computer that can
manipulate both analog or digital types of
data
According to size or capacity
Microcomputer – smallest in size and the cheapest.
It can handle thousands of records.
Minicomputer – the medium size computer, bigger
and more expensive than the microcomputer
Mainframe – a large computer that can handle
millions of data, Support multiple user, does server
tasks
Supercomputer – is a very large computer that
manipulates billions of data
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
Pocket
More power than PDA
Runs basic productivity software