Computers: Tools for an Information Age

1
Chapter 1

• Computers Tools for an Information Age

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Computer Literacy

• 3 part definition
• become aware of the importance, versatility, and
  pervasiveness of computers
• learn what computers are and how they work
• use popular application software
• learning to write programs is not a requirement
  of becoming computer literate

3
What is a computer?

• A computer is a machine that can be programmed to
  accept data, process it into useful information,
  and store it for later retrieval and use.
• data - raw facts and figures (input)
• information - data that has been manipulated in
  some way to make it useful (output)
• basic hardware components - processor, primary
  memory, secondary storage, input and output
  devices

4
Computer Characteristics

• speed
• reliability
• storage capacity

5
Where are computers used?

• education
• graphics
• retailing
• energy
• law enforcement
• transportation
• money
• agriculture

• government
• home
• health and medicine
• robotics
• scientific research
• connectivity
• training
• paperwork

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Computer System Elements

• hardware - physical equipment associated with the
  computer
• software - sets of instructions (programs) that
  tell the hardware what to do
• people -
• end users use the hardware and software to
  complete tasks
• programmers develop software

7
Classes of Computers

• personal computers (PCs) - computers designed to
  a single user, can include
• workstations, home computers, notebook computers,
  personal digital assistant (PDA)
• mainframes - large, powerful, general purpose
  computers designed for many users
• supercomputers - computers that use state of the
  art technology to achieve the fastest processing
  speeds currently available