Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

McGraw-Hill Technology Education

Chapter 1

Introducing Computer Systems

Introducing Computer Systems

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Outline

• The Computer Defined• Parts of the Computer System• Information Processing Cycle• Computers For Individual Use• Computers For Organizations• Computers in society

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The Computer Defined

• Electronic device• Converts data into information

• The computers used numbers to represent those pieces of information so they called Digital Computers

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Parts of the Computer System

• Computer systems have four parts

1. Hardware2. Software3. Data4. User

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Parts of the Computer System

1. Hardware

2. Software- Anything that can be touched

-Tell the computer what to doAlso called a program

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Parts of the Computer System

3. Data

4. Users

- Pieces of information

- People operating the computer- Most important part- Tell the computer what to do

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Information Processing Cycle

• Steps followed to process data

• Input• Processing• Output• Storage

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Essential Computer Hardware

• Hardware categorized into four types:

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Essential Computer Hardware

1. Processing devices– Brains of the computer– Most computers have several processors– Central Processing Unit (CPU) , or called

( processer)

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Essential Computer Hardware

2. Memory devices– Stores data or programs– Random Access Memory (RAM)

• Volatile• Stores current data and programs

– Read Only Memory (ROM)• Permanent storage of programs

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Essential Computer Hardware

3. Input and output devices

– Input devices accept data• Keyboard, mouse

– Output devices deliver data• Monitor, printer, speaker

– Some devices are input and output• Touch screens• Digital camera

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Essential Computer Hardware

Touch screens

Digital camera

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Essential Computer Hardware

4. Storage devices– Hold data and programs permanently– Different from RAM

– Floppy and hard drive– CD and DVD drives

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Computers For Individual Use

• The following systems are examples of personal computer (PCs)

1.Desktop computers– The most common type of computer– Sits on the desk or floor– Performs a variety of tasks

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Computers For Individual Use

2. Workstations– Specialized computers– Optimized for science or graphics– More powerful than a desktop

3. Notebook computers– Small portable computers– Also called laptop computers– Typically as powerful as a desktop– Can include a docking station

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Computers For Individual Use

4. Tablet computers– Newest

development in portable computers

– Input is through a pen

– Run specialized versions of office products

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5. Handheld computers– Very small computers– Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)– Note taking or contact management– Data can synchronize with a desktop

6. Smart phones– Hybrid of cell phone and PDA– Web surfing, e-mail access

Computers For Individual Use

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Computers For Organizations

• The largest organizational computers support thousands of individual user at the same time.

1. Network servers– Centralized computer– All other computers connect– Provides access to network resources– Often simply a powerful desktop

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Computers For Organizations

•

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Computers For Organizations

2. Mainframes– Used in large organizations– Handle thousands

of users– Users access through a terminal

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Computers For Organizations

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Computers For Organizations

3. Minicomputers– Called midrange computers– Power between mainframe and desktop– Handle hundreds of users– Used in smaller organizations– Users access through a terminal

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Computers For Organizations

4. Supercomputers– The most powerful

computers made– Handle large and

complex calculations– Process trillions of

operations per second

– Found in research organizations

Computers in society

• Home• Education• Small business• Industry• Government• Health care