Discovering Computers
Fundamentals,
Living in a Digital World
A World of Computers
• Computers are everywhere
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Chapter 1
What Is a Computer?
• A computer is an electronic device, operating
under the control of instructions stored in its own
memory
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Chapter 1
Information Processing Cycle
Collects Produces
data Processing information
(input) (output)
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Chapter 1
The Components of a Computer
• Computer is divided into two main parts
Computer
Hardware Software
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Chapter 1
The Components of a Computer
• A computer contains many electric, electronic, and
mechanical components known as hardware
Input Device • Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer
Output Device • Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people
• Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that
System Unit are used to process data
Storage Device • Holds data, instructions, and information for future use
Communications • Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and
Device information to and from one or more computers or mobile devices
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Chapter 1
The Components of a Computer
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Chapter 1
Computer Software
• Software, also called a program, tells the
computer what tasks to perform and how to
perform them
System Software
Application Software
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Chapter 1
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Using Computers
Advantages of Disadvantages of
Using Computers Using Computers
Speed Violation of Privacy
Reliability Public Safety
Consistency Impact on Labor Force
Storage Health Risks
Communications Impact on Environment
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Chapter 1
Categories of Computers
Personal computers
Mobile computers and mobile devices
Servers
Mainframes Supercomputers
Embedded computers
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Chapter 1
Personal Computers
• A personal computer can perform all of its input,
processing, output, and storage activities by itself
• Two popular architectures are the PC and the
Apple
– Desktop computer
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Chapter 1
Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Notebook computer
Tablet PC
Smart phone
PDA
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ion Chapter 1
Servers
• A server : computer that controls access to the
hardware, software, and other resources on a
network
– Provides a centralized storage area for programs, data,
and information
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Chapter 1
Mainframes
• A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful
computer that can handle hundreds or thousands
of connected users simultaneously
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Chapter 1
Supercomputers
• A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful
computer
– Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing
more than one quadrillion instructions in a single
second
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Chapter 1
Embedded Computers
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose
computer that functions as a component in a
larger product
Consumer
Electronics
Home Automation
Devices
Automobiles
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Chapter 1
Embedded Computers
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Chapter 1
Discovering Computers
Fundamentals,
Living in a Digital World
Chapter 1 Complete
