basic computer concepts course - prelim

1. LESSON 2.0: DEFINITION,
IMPORTANCE, AND
ADVANTAGES OF
COMPUTERS
COMP1: COMPUTER CONCEPTS WITH INTERNET
INSTRUCTOR: SIR JOSHUA HERNANDEZ

2. DEFINITION OF A COMPUTER

3. MODERN DEFINITION
A computer is a multipurpose device that accepts
input, processes data, stores data, and produces
output, all according to a series of stored instructions

4. MODERN DEFINITION
A multipurpose device that:
• 1. accepts input
• input – whatever is put into the computer system.
• ex. words, symbols, numbers, pictures, audio signal,
instructions from a computer program.
• needs an input device

5. MODERN DEFINITION (CONT’D)
A multipurpose device that:
• 2. process data
• data – refers to symbols that represent facts,
objects, and ideas
• process – a way in which a computer manipulates
data
• this process is controlled by a computer program.
• processing takes place in a CPU (brain of computer)

6. MODERN DEFINITION (CONT’D)
A multipurpose device that:
• 3. Stores data
• Types of Data Storage
 Memory – (volatile/temporary)
• ex. RAM, CMOS
 Storage Device –(non-volatile/permanent)
• ex. hard disk, floppy disk, usb flash disk, CDs etc.

7. MODERN DEFINITION (CONT’D)
A multipurpose device that:
• 4. produces output
• output – is the results produced by a computer.
• ex. reports, documents, music, pictures, videos, etc.,
• needs output devices

8. MODERN DEFINITION

9. CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERS
1. Word Length
2. Speed
3. Storage
4. Accuracy
5. Versatility
6. Automation
7. Diligence

10. CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
•How do we classify computer?
• 1.Technology
• 2.Function
• 3.Physical Size
• 4.Performance
• 5.Cost

11. CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS

12. ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS

13. ADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS
• Speed: When data, instructions, and information flow along electronic circuits in
a computer, they travel at incredibly fast speeds. Many computers process
billions or trillions of operations in a single second.
• Reliability: The electronic components in modern computers are dependable and
reliable because they rarely break or fail.
• Consistency: Given the same input and processes, a computer will produce the
same results —consistently. Computers generate error-free results, provided the
input is correct and the instructions work.
• Storage: Computers store enormous amounts of data and make this data
available for processing anytime it is needed.
• Communications: Most computers today can communicate with other
computers, often wirelessly. Computers allow users to communicate with one
another.

14. DISADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS
• Violation of Privacy: In many instances, where personal and confidential records
stored on computers were not protected properly, individuals have found their
privacy violated and identities stolen.
• Public Safety: Adults, teens, and children around the world are using computers
to share publicly their photos, videos, journals, music, and other personal
information. Some of these unsuspecting, innocent computer users have fallen
victim to crimes committed by dangerous strangers.
• Impact on Labor Force: Although computers have improved productivity and
created an entire industry with hundreds of thousands of new jobs, the skills of
millions of employees have been replaced by computers. Thus, it is crucial that
workers keep their education up-to-date. A separate impact on the labor force
is that some companies are outsourcing jobs to foreign countries instead of
keeping their homeland labor force employed.

15. DISADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS
• Health Risks: Prolonged or improper computer use can lead to health injuries or
disorders. Computer users can protect themselves from health risks through
proper workplace design, good posture while at the computer, and appropriately
spaced work breaks. Two behavioral health risks are computer addiction and
technology overload. Computer addiction occurs when someone becomes
obsessed with using a computer. Individuals suffering from technology overload
feel distressed when deprived of computers and mobile devices.
• Impact on Environment: Computer manufacturing processes and computer
waste are depleting natural resources and polluting the environment. Green
computing involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste
generated when using a computer. Strategies that support green computing
include recycling, regulating manufacturing processes, extending the life of
computers, and immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced
computers.

16. IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTERS

17. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

18. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER?
• Aaron Swartz and JSTOR

19. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER?
• Julian Assange and WikiLeaks

20. ACTIVITY
• Computers are important because information is important.
Knowledge is power. Freedom of Information Bill. Do you think
knowledge is power?

21. ASSIGNMENT
• 1. What are the basic functions and parts of a computer?
• 2. What is the difference between a 64-bit and 32-bit
computer?
• 3. How do I know if I run 64-bit or 32-bit?

22. REFERENCES
• Norton, Peter. (2006) Introduction to Computers. New Delhi,
India. McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.
• Oja, D. and Parsons, J.J. (2014) New Perspectives on Computer
Concepts. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning
• Leon, A. and Leon M. (1999) Introduction to Computer. New
Delhi, India: Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd. (library). (Pg. 1.3 -
1.4)