The document provides an introduction to computers and digital technology. It defines computers and their basic functions. It explores the history of digital technology and how computers have evolved from room-sized machines to personal computers. It categorizes different types of computers based on their uses and capabilities. It examines the typical components of a personal computer system and introduces some basic concepts of software, operating systems, and computer networks.

1. Computer Concepts - Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition UNIT A: Computer and Internet Basics

2. Objectives Introduce digital technology Define computers Explore computer functions Categorize computers Examine personal computer systems Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

3. Objectives Introduce software Introduce the Internet and the Web Understand email basics Talking Points: Who Is Reading Your Email? Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

4. Introducing Digital Technology Digital Technology – includes computers and the Internet Has changed our lives Entertainment, information, communication Allows people in societies around world to Use innovative products Adjust to industries in transformation Watch new markets emerge Deal with complex issues which influence culture, politics, and economics ComputerConcepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

5. Introducing Digital Technology Digital revolution Ongoing process of social, political, and economic change Brought about by digital technology Information society Owning, generating, and distributing information becomes significant economically and socially Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

6. Introducing Digital Technology Digital revolution impacts tools available to you Computers Portable media devices Cameras and camcorders Cell phones Radios and television GPS DVD and CD players Digital voice recorders Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

7. Introducing Digital Technology Digital revolution began in 1940s and 1950s Transistors Integrated circuits – called computer chips Digital watches – 1972 Handheld electronic calculators - 1973 First successful mass-produced computer - Apple II in 1977 Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

8. Introducing Digital Technology Personal computers started slowly in marketplace Apple I (1976) and Apple II (1977) No compelling software IBM introduced IBM PC - 1981 Brought PCs to consumer Computer named Machine of the Year Time magazine - 1982 Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

9. Introducing Digital Technology Why do I need a computer? Create documents Analyze numbers Edit photos Create graphics Access information Communicate Network Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

10. Introducing Digital Technology Digitization Process of converting text, numbers, sound, photos, and video data into data that can be processed by digital devices Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

11. Defining Computers Computer Electronic device that accepts input processes data stores data produces output based on instructions in stored programs Personal Computer (PC) Computer system includes Hardware Peripheral devices Software Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

12. Defining Computers Hardware Electronic and mechanical parts of computer System unit Core hardware in computer system Peripheral device Hardware added to computer system to expand what computer can do Software Computer program tells computer how to perform particular tasks Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

13. Defining Computers Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

14. Defining Computers Input device Used to input data into computer keyboard or mouse, Output device Makes output visible and/or usable Monitor, printer, or speakers Digital convergence Several technologies with distinct functionalities evolve to form single product Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

15. Exploring How Computers Work User ID and password Assigned for security reasons Usually assigned by system administrator Computer program (program) Instructions tell computer how to carry out processing tasks Running program = start program so it is ready for use. Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

16. Exploring How Computers Work Input Anything put into computer Processing Working with data Takes place in processor CPU (Central Processing Unit) Main processor, or brain, of computer Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

17. Exploring How Computers Work Memory Temporarily holds data waiting to be processed, stored, and output Storage Holds data permanently Not immediately needed for processing Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

18. Exploring How Computers Work File Named collection of data on storage medium Hard disk, DVD, CD, flash drive Filename Can give a clue to its contents Consists of two parts Name left of period File extension right of period File extension Period and letters following Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

19. Exploring How Computers Work Output Processed results produced by computer Reports, documents, music, graphs, pictures Output device displays, prints, or transmits results of processing Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

20. Exploring How Computers Work Basic Computer Functions Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

21. Categorizing Computers Computers are categorized by: How used Cost Size Processing capability Helps purchasers make decisions Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

22. Categorizing Computers Personal computers (PC) Desktop computers, notebooks, tablets Designed to meet needs of individuals, schools, home users, small businesses Wide variety of software Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

23. Categorizing Computers Desktop Fits on or under desk Vertical case called Tower Easily upgradeable Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

24. Categorizing Computers Notebook Move computer from place to place Smaller than desktop, same computing power Generally cost more than desktops Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

25. Categorizing Computers Tablet Portable Touch sensitive screen Write or draw Many applications involved handwritten input Used ‘on the go’ Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

26. Categorizing Computers Ultra-mobile Small tablet Runs most software designed for larger computers Many have camera, GPS, games Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

27. Categorizing Computers Handheld computer Essentially a personal digital assistant (PDA) enhanced with features Removable storage, email, Web access, voice communication, camera, GPS Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

28. Categorizing Computers Workstations Powerful desktop computers Designed for specialized tasks Lots of processing speed Medical imaging, full-motion video graphics, design Mainframe computer Large, expensive computer used to process data from hundreds or thousands of users Supercomputer One of fastest computers in world when built Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

29. Categorizing Computers Form factor Refers to physical attributes and intended use of component Server Computer hardware or specific software, or a combination, which serves other computers by supplying them with data Almost any type of computer can be a server Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

30. Examining Personal Computers Computer system refers to a computer and its attached devices PCs vary in size and design, but typically contain similar elements System unit Case that holds power supply, storage and circuit boards, including “motherboard” Display device (monitor) Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

31. Examining Personal Computers Basic computer system parts System unit Case that holds power supply, storage and circuit boards, including “motherboard” Display device (monitor) Keyboard and mouse – input devices Storage devices Hard disk, disk drives, USB flash drives Data is read from and written to storage devices Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

32. Examining Personal Computers Basic computer system parts (cont’d.) Speakers and sound cards Printer – output device Modem and network cards Establish Internet/network connection Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

33. Examining Personal Computers Computer network Two or more computers and other devices connected for purpose of sharing data and programs LAN (Local Area Network) Network located within limited geographical area Internet Largest network in world Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

34. Introducing Software Computers need software to operate Application software help user carry out tasks Word processing, spreadsheets, etc. Windows software designed for Windows operating system Operating system software Master controller of all computer activities Classified as system software Helps computer monitor itself to function efficiently Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

35. Introducing Software Platform Underlying hardware and software of computer system Defined by processor and OS Most OSs use graphical user interface (GUI) Manipulated by mouse Icons, menus, buttons Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

36. Introducing Software Elements of a GUI Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

37. Introducing Software Sharing files depends on system compatibility Windows and Mac platforms originally not compatible Some application software created version for Windows and Mac Can share files if both computers use same software Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

38. Introducing the Internet and the Web Internet offers abundant resources Information Communication Commerce Entertainment Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

39. Introducing the Internet and the Web Communication Email (electronic mail) One of most popular ways to communicate Chat groups Several people communicating in real time by typing comments to each other Internet telephony Allows voice conversations to travel over Internet Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

40. Introducing the Internet and the Web Instant Messaging (IM) Private version of chat Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

41. Introducing the Internet and the Web Social networks MySpace, Facebook Used to stay in touch with friends, family, and other members of same social network Blog Written personal journal posted on Web with free access by general public Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

42. Introducing the Internet and the Web The Web Collection of linked documents graphics, and sound accessed over Internet Web pages Part of Internet used most often Connected through use of hypertext or links Can include text, photos, video, sound, animation Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

43. Introducing the Internet and the Web Browser Program that allows you to view Web pages on computer Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

44. Introducing the Internet and the Web Web site Web pages on related topic that are grouped together Home page Main page of Web site Acts as doorway to rest of site Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

45. Introducing the Internet and the Web Finding information on Web Search engine Web site providing variety of tools to help find information Keyword Word or phrase to describe information you are trying to find Search engine will provide links to pages that match keyword Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

46. Uniform Resource Locator (URL) Unique address for Web page Indicates: computer on which page is stored location on Web server folder name or names in which it is stored Filename and file extension Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) Communications standard used to transfer information over Internet Introducing the Internet and the Web Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

47. Understanding Email Basics Email accounts available through email providers Universities, Gmail, EarthLink Accounts include storage area called mailbox Email address Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

48. Understanding Email Basics In order to send and receive email Computer must be hooked up to Internet Must have email software installed Email message parts Message header Address of receiver(s), message subtext, names of any attachments Body Actual message Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

49. Understanding Email Basics Email message parts Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

50. Understanding Email Basics Email Features Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

51. Understanding Email Basics Store-and-forward technology Communications method in which data can be stored until transmission is possible Email attachments In addition to body of message, you can attach Documents, spreadsheets, photos, video, sounds Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

52. Understanding Email Basics Netiquette (Internet etiquette) Guidelines for maintaining civilized and effective communication in online discussions and email exchanges All caps considered SHOUTING AND RUDE Never write anything personal or damaging in an email Nonprivate form of communication Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

53. Talking Points: WHO IS READING YOUR EMAIL? Who is Reading your Email? Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 2000 Prohibits use of email as evidence unless judge approves search warrant No such protection offered in workplace Many businesses monitor email Patriot Act Relaxes rules for obtaining and implementing search warrant Easier to get email logs and addresses from email provider Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

54. Talking Points: WHO IS READING YOUR EMAIL? Your email might become public Forwarding Technicians might see it during routine maintenance Email exchanges, including those you delete, can be stored as backup on server Some Web-based providers monitor how often you log in May monitor keystrokes to map which links you click Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition

55. Talking Points: WHO IS READING YOUR EMAIL? Computer Concepts – Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition Think of email as postcard, rather than letter Save your controversial comments for face-to-face conversations