CHAPTER 1

Introduction to Computers

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this chapter, the students should

be able to:
1. Recognize the importance of computer literacy
2. Define ICT
3. Trace the History of Computer
4. Define the term computer
5. Identify the components of a computer
6. Describe the categories of computers
7. Explain the role of technology in media
8. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
using computers.

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 Computers are everywhere: at work, at school, and at
home. Many daily activities either involve the use of
or depend on information from a computer.
Computers are a primary means of communication
for billions of people. People use computers to
correspond with businesses, employees with other
employees and customers, students with teachers,
and family members with friends and other family
members. In addition to corresponding via text
messages, people use computers to send each other
pictures, diagrams, drawings, music, and videos.
Local and national news, weather reports, sports
scores, air line schedules, telephone directories,
maps and directions, job listings, credit reports, and
countless forms of educational material always are
accessible. From the computer, you can meet new
friends, share photographs and videos, shop, fill
prescriptions, file taxes, or take a course.

At home or while on the road, people use computers to manage schedules,

balance check books, pay bills, track personal income and expenses, transfer
funds, and buy or sell stocks. Banks place automated teller machines (ATMs) all
over the world, making it easy for customers to deposit or withdraw funds at
anytime. At the grocery store, a computer tracks purchases, calculates the
amount of money due, and often generates coupons customized to buying
patterns. Vehicles include onboard navigation systems that provide directions, call
for emergency services, and track the vehicle if it is stolen.
In the workplace, employees use computers to create correspondence such as e-
mail messages, memos, and letters, calculate payroll; track inventory; and
generate invoices. Some applications such as automotive design and weather
forecasting use computers to perform complex mathematical calculations. At
school, teachers use computers to assist with classroom instruction Students
complete assignments and do research on computers in lab rooms and at home.
People also spend hours of leisure time using a computer. They play games,
listen to music, watch videos and movies, read books and magazines, research
genealogy, compose music and videos, retouch photographs, and plan vacations.
As technology continues to advance, computers are becoming more a part of
everyday life. Thus, many people believe that computer literacy is vital to success
in today's world. Computer literacy involves having a knowledge and
understanding of computers and their uses.

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 IT versus ICT

When do we use the term ICT ICT is made up of three words, namely
and how does it differ from IT? information, communications, and
ICT, or information and technology.
communications technology, is
Information refers to the knowledge
often used in a more general
obtained from reading, investigation,
sense, and is described as using
study, or research. Some of the tools
computers and other digital
that transmit information are the
technologies to assist individuals
telephone, television, and radio. Not to
or institutions in handling or
be confused with data, information is
using information. ICT is
regarded as processed data.
technology that supports
Computers normally process data that
activities involving information
are later understood as information.
such as gathering, processing,
Information is needed to make
storing, and presenting data.
decisions and to foresee the future.
Increasingly, these activities also
For example, scientists can detect the
involve collaboration and
formation of a tsunami using the latest
communication.
technology and warn the public to
IT, or information technology, avoid disasters in the affected areas.
pertains to the industry that
Processed information is called
involves computers, software,
knowledge. Knowledge helps fulfil
networking, and other IT
daily tasks. For example, knowledge is
infrastructure to help relay or
used to predict tomorrow’s weather
manage information important in
and decides if there is a need to bring
modern-day living as seen
an umbrella. Knowledge is also used
primarily in large companies or
to analyze the stock market and check
corporations.
which company is worth investing in.

Communication is an act of transmitting messages. It is a process in which

information is exchanged between individuals through verbal and non-verbal
means. In the prehistoric days, humans communicated through signs or symbols
as evidenced by cave paintings and drawings, rock art, stone carvings, and the
like. With technology, communication is faster, more convenient, and more
efficient. When face-to-face meeting is not possible, long distance communication
or virtual communication is now common and easy with the use of smart phones
and computers with internet access.
Technology has evolved in ways that improve people's daily activities. As
mentioned above, technology has made communication much easier and faster
through telephones, fax machines, mobile devices, and the internet. It has also
made broadcasting of information, such as news or weather reports, more
effective. Radio, television, satellites, and the World Wide Web are powerful tools
that can be used by individuals to gather needed information to aid them in their
office, school or house work, or in simple day-to-day activities.

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 HISTORY OF COMPUTER

With the evolution of technology, computers have taken a major role in the last
three decades. This is due to the fact that people have become increasingly
dependent on computers to do their daily tasks in school, at work, or in their
routines. What started off as simply for research purposes, computers are now
designed to be more compact, more mobile, and more integrated in people's daily
activities.

First-generation Computer (1946-1959)

The first electronic computer was developed in 1946.
Designed by J. Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly
from the University of Pennsylvania and financed by
the United States Army, the Electronic Numeric
Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC) is considered to be
the first-generation computer.

ENIAC was a modular computer, composed of several panels capable of

performing different functions. However, it could store onlylimited or small
amount of information and only do arithmetic operations such as addition
and subtraction of up to 10 digits. The computer was roughly 167 square
meters in size, and weighed 27 tons.

Second-generation Computer (1959-1965)

In this second generation, the transistor was
used as the interior sections of the computer.
Transistors were much smaller, faster, and
more dependable than the vacuum tubes of
the first generation computer. They generated
less heat and consumed less electricity but
were still very costly.

Third-generation Computer (1965-1971)

In 1965, Jack Kilby invented the integrated circuit
(IC) that was used instead of transistors as the
interior sections to build the computer. A single
IC has many transistors, resistors, and
capacitors that even the full circuit board of a
transistor can be replaced entirely with one chip.
This chip made the computers smaller, unfailing,
and effective. In this third generation, remote
processing, time-sharing, and multiprogramming
operating system were used.

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 Fourth-generation Computer
(1971-1980)
From 1971 to 1980, very large scale
integrated (VLSI) circuits were used to
build computers. These circuits have
about 5,000 transistors and other circuit
elements with their connected circuits
on a single chip known as the
microprocessor. These fourth
generation computers such as personal
computers became more powerful,
dense, reliable, and inexpensive. The
other application of this microprocessor
technology can be used and applied for
pocket calculators, television sets,
automotive devices, and audio and
video appliances
Fifth-generation Computer
(1980 onwards)
In this fifth generation, the VLSI
technology has evolved into what is
called ultra large-scale integration
(ULSI) technology, with the
manufacture of microprocessor
chips having 10 million electronic
components. This generation
involves computer intelligence
which is associated with artificial
intelligence (AI). natural language,
and expert systems that interpret
the means and practices of
producing computers that think like
human beings.

WHAT IS A COMPUTER?

A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions

stored in its own memory, that can accept data, process the data according to
specified rules, produce results, and store the results for future use.

Data and Information

Computers process data into information. Data is a collection of unprocessed
items, which can include text, numbers, images, audio, and video. Information
conveys meaning and is useful to people.
A computer processes data into information. The employee’s name, and address,
hourly pay rate, and hours worked all represent data. The computer processes
the data to produce the payroll check (information).
Information Processing Cycle
Computers process data (input) into information (output). A computer often holds
data, information, and instructions in storage for future use. Instructions are the
steps that tell the computer how to perform a particular task. Some people ref to
series of input, process, output, and storage activities as the information
processing cycle. Most computers today can communicate with other computers.
As a result, communications also has become an essential element of the
information processing cycle.

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 COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

What makes a computer work? By definition, a computer is an electronic device

that manipulates information or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and
process data. It contains both hardware components and software
applications.
The hardware pertains to the computer's physical devices It is any part of the
computer that can be seen and touched. A computer's hardware consists of
interrelated electronic devices that are used to manipulate the computer's
operation, input devices and output devices
Input Devices
Working with a computer would be ineffective if one does not intermingle with it
because the machine cannot accept and receive instructions and/or deliver an
output on its own. Input devices enter or send data and instructions from the user
or from another computer system on the internet while output devices send back
the administered data to the user or to another computer system.
The following are some of the most common and important input devices of a
computer:
• Keyboard - is the most common input device that accepts letters,
numbers, and commands from the user.
• Mouse - lets one select options from on-screen menus. A mouse is used
by moving it on a flat surface, pressing its two buttons (left and right), and
scrolling the wheel that is located between the buttons.
There are also alternatives to using a mouse. A trackball has a ball that can rotate
using a finger or the palm of a hand to move the pointer. A touchpad also called a
trackpad is a touch-sensitive pad that lets the user move the pointer by touching
and dragging his or her finger on the pad. Touchpads are commonly built-in on
laptop computers.
• Microphone - allows a user to speak into the computer to input data and
instructions. While there are available stand-alone microphones for
computers, most of the time, users buy a headset-a combination of
microphone and earphones for the sake of practicality.
• Scanner - converts printed material (such as text and pictures) into a form
the computer can use.
• Digital camera - allows one to take pictures then transfer the photographed
images to the computer or printer instead of storing the images on a
traditional film.
• PC video camera - is a digital video camera tha enables users to create a
movie or take still photographs electronically. With the PC video camera
attached to the computer, users can see each other as they communicate
via the computer.

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Output Devices
An output device is any hardware component that transmits information to one or
more people.
The three commonly used output devices are as follows:
• Printer - produces text and graphics on a physical medium such as paper.
The two types of printer are the impact printer and the non-impact printer.

A non-impact printer does not

use a striking device to produce
An impact printer makes contact with
characters on the paper, and
the paper by pressing an inked ribbon
because it does not hammer
against the paper using a hammer or
against the paper, the printer
pins.
produces less noise.

Non-impact printers are inkjet

Impact printer is the dot-matrix printer printers and laser printers.

• Monitor - displays text, graphics, and videos on a screen. Many monitors look
similar to a television. The three types of monitor available in the market are
the following:

o Cathode ray tube (CRT) is a vacuum tube containing an electron gun

at one end and a fluorescent screen at another end.

o Liquid crystal display (LCD) - is a flat-panel display that consists of a

layer of color or monochrome pixels arranged schematically between a
couple of transparent electrodes and two polarizing filters. Optical effect
is achieved by polarizing the light in varied amounts and making it pass
through the liquid crystal layer.

o Light-emitting diode (LED) - is a flat-panel display that uses light-

emitting diodes for backlighting. The display is of LCD only but the
backlighting is done by LEDs. LED monitors are said to use much

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 lesser power than CRT and LCD, Thus, they are also considered
environment-friendly.

CRT monitor Liquid crystal display Light emitting diode

• Speaker - allows one to hear music, voice, and other sounds. The signal
used to produce the sound that comes from a computer speaker is created
by the computer's sound card.

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 Storage Devices
Other devices that work with a computer
A computer can be utilized with only
processing, memory, input, and
output devices. To make it very
valuable, however, a computer also
needs a place to hold program files
and all related files when they are
not in use. The goal of using storage
is to keep data permanently.
There are many types of storage
devices which include the flash disk
drive, a small portable storage
device often referred to as pen
drives, thumb drives, or jump drives.

Another type of storage is the hard disk drive. Most personal

computers have at least one non-removable hard disk that is regarded
as a non-volatile memory which permanently, stores and retrieves data.

Another storage device is the compact disc. It is a flat, round, and portable metal
disc. One type of compact disc is a CD-ROM which can be accessed using most
CD and DVD drives. Another type of compact disc is a DVD-ROM, which has
enough storage capacity to store a full-length movie

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CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS

Industry experts typically classify computers in seven categories: personal

computers, mobile computers and mobile devices, game consoles, servers,
mainframes, supercomputers, and embedded computers. A computer's size,
speed, processing power, and price deter mine the category it best fits. Due to
rapidly changing technology, however, the distinction among categories is not
always clear-cut. Still, many people refer to these categories when discussing
computers.

Personal computer is a computer that can perform all of its input, processing,
output, and storage activities by itself. A personal computer contains a processor,
memory, and one or more input, output, and storage devices.

Workstation is a powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal

computer, but it has a more powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor.
- is a multi-user computer capable of

Minicomputer is a multiuser computer capable of supporting from 10 to

hundreds of users simultaneously.

Mainframe is a powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting hundreds or

thousands of users simultaneously.

Supercomputer is an extremely fast computer that can perform millions of

instructions per second. Below is a picture of NASA's Pleiades supercomputer
that has 245,536 CPU cores and a total memory of 935 TB.

Computers are also categorized into several types due to the introduction of
mobile devices and the proliferation of internet capable devices. Specialized
computers are now classified according to specific uses.

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The different types of computers are as follows:

Desktop computers - are

computers designed to be placed on
a desk, and are normally made up of
a few different parts, including the
computer case, central processing
unit (CPU), monitor, keyboard, and
mouse,
Laptop computers are battery-
powered computer devices whose
portability makes them possible to
use almost anytime, anywhere.
Tablet computers - are hand-held
computers with touch sensitive
screen for typing and navigation.
Smartphones - are hand-held
telephones which can do things that
computers can do, including
browsing and searching the internet
and even playing console games.
Wearables - include fitness trackers
and smart watches that can be worn
throughout the day.
Smart TVs - are the latest television
sets that include applications present
in computers. For example, videos
can be streamed from the internet
directly onto the TV. The TV can also
be used as a computer monitor and
gaming monitor

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 EMBEDDED COMPUTERS
An embedded computer is a special-
purpose computer that functions as a
component in a larger product.
Embedded computers are everywhere -
at home, in your car, and at work. The
following list identifies a variety of
everyday products that contain
embedded computers.
Consumer Electronics: mobile and
digital telephones, digital televisions,
cameras, video recorders, DVD players
and recorders, answering machines
Home Automation Devices and
Appliances: thermostats, sprinkling
systems, security monitoring systems,
microwave ovens, washing machines
Automobiles: antilock brakes, engine
control modules, airbag controller,
cruise control
Process Controllers and Robotics
remote monitoring systems, power
monitors machine controllers, medical
devices
Computer Devices and Office Machines
keyboards, printers, faxes, copiers
Because embedded computers are
components in larger products, they
usually are small and have limited
hardware. These computers perform
various functions, depending on the
requirements of the product in which
they reside. Embedded computers in
printers, for example, monitor the
amount of paper in the tray, check the
ink or toner level, signal if a paper jam
has occurred, and so on.

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MEDIA IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Media normally refers to the means of communication that uses unique tools to
interconnect among people. The forms of media include television, radio, cellular
phones, and internet (which involves the access and use of various social media
sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, among others). In the
digital age, however, media can be considered as the message, the medium, and
the messenger.
The Message. Media is considered to be the message itself for those who create
and own the rights of content. Below is one of the many examples of media tools
used especially by millennials to generate content.
Blog is a combination of two words web and log. It works the same way as pen
and paper would but privacy becomes irrelevant given that a blog post can be
seen by anyone online. A person who writes blogs is called a blogger.
Keeping a diary or a journal is a traditional method of recording one's thoughts or
expressing one's emotions through writing. With the advent of the internet,
expressing one's feelings and thoughts was given a new concept through online
writing or blogging.
The Medium used refers to the tool or tools used in sending a message from the
source to the destination. One such example is Twitter. Users of this application
can constantly update other Twitter users about a certain topic.
The Messenger is the one who delivers the message. This is why broadcasters,
for example, being the messenger of news are called "media." In the digital space,
however, does the "media" also refer to social network users who create content
themselves but are not professional journalists? Hence, although the media can
be the message, the medium, and the messenger, in the digital age, the
demarcation lines between them are somewhat blurry.

Evolution of Media
The media has transformed itself based on two things (1) how information is
presented; and (2) how the connection is established. Woodcut printing on cloth
or on paper was used in the early 15th century. It was in 1436 when Johannes
Gutenberg started working on a printing press which used relief printing and a
molding system. Now, the modern printing press delivers messages in print, such
as newspapers, textbooks, and magazines In the 1800s, the telegraph was
developed followed by the telephone which made the two-way communication
possible Message sending and receiving can now be done both way
simultaneously.

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 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
OF USING COMPUTERS

Society has reaped many benefits from using computers. Both business and
home users can make well-informed decisions because they have instant access
to information from anywhere in the world. A user is anyone who communicates
with a computer or utilizes the information it generates. Students, another type of
user, have more tools to assist them in the learning process.

Advantages of using computers

Benefits of computers are possible because computers have the advantages of
speed, reliability, consistency, storage, and communications.
Speed: Computer operations occur through electronic circuits. When data,
instructions, and information flow along these circuits, they travel at incredibly fast
speeds. Many computers process billions or trillions of operations in a single
second. Processing involves computing (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing),
sorting organizing, formatting, checking spelling and grammar, charting, displaying
pictures, recording audio clips, playing music, and showing a movie.
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. A computing phrase - known as garbage
in, garbage out - points out that the accuracy of a computer's output depends on
the accuracy of the input. For example, if you do not use the flash on a digital
camera when indoors, the resulting pictures that are displayed on the computer
screen may be unusable because they are too dark.
Storage: A computer can transfer data quickly from storage to memory, process
it, and then store it again for future use. Many 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 with this capability can share any of the
four information processing cycle operations-- input, process, output, and
storage - with another computer or a user

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Disadvantages of using computers
Some disadvantages of computers relate to the violation of privacy, the impact on
the labor force, health risks, and the impact on the environment.
Violation of Privacy
Nearly every life event is stored in
a computer somewhere...in
medical records, credit reports, tax
records, etc. It is crucial that
personal and confidential records
be protected properly. In many
instances, where these records
were not properly protected,
individuals have found their
privacy violated and identities
stolen.
Impact on Labor Force
Although computers have
improved productivity in many
ways 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.
Living in the Information Technology Era
Health Risks
Prolonged or improper computer
use can lead to injuries or disorders
of the hands, wrists, elbows, eyes,
neck, and back. Computer users
can protect themselves from these
health risks through proper
workplace design, good posture
while at the computer, and
appropriately spaced work breaks.
Impact on Environment
Computer manufacturing processes
and computer waste are depleting
natural resources and polluting the
environment. The amount of
resources required to manufacture
a personal computer equals that of
a mid-sized car. When computers
are discarded in landfills, they
release toxic materials and
potentially dangerous levels of lead,
mercury, and flame retardants.
Strategies that can help protect the
environment include recycling,
regulating manufacturing
processes, extending the life of
computers, and immediately
donating replaced computers.
Introduction to Computers Page 15
 The computer learning process is ongoing. The dynamics of a rapidly
advancing computer technology demands a constant updating of skills and
expertise. By their very nature, computers bring about change. With the total
amount of computing capacity in the world doubling every two years, we can
expect even more dramatic change in the future.
We as a society are in effect, trading a certain level of computer dependence
for an improvement in the quality of life. This improvement in the way we live is
not a foregone conclusion. It is our challenge to harness the power of the
computer and direct it toward the benefit of society. To be an active participant in
this age of information, we as a society and as individuals must continue to learn
about and understand computers.

Standards of Conduct: A Code of Ethics

If you follow this ten-point code, it is unlikely that anyone will question your
ethics. Nevertheless, well-meaning people routinely violate this simple code
because they are unaware of the tremendous detrimental impact of their actions.
With the speed and power of computers, a minor code infraction easily can be
magnified to a costly catastrophe.
A code of ethics provides direction for computer professionals and users so
that they act responsibility in their application of information technology. The
following code of ethics is in keeping the spirit of those encouraged by
professional societies for people in the information technology fields:
1. Maintain the highest standard of professional behavior.
2. Avoid situations that create a conflict of interest.
3. Do not violate the confidentiality of your employer or those you service.
4. Continue to learn so your knowledge keeps pace with the technology.
5. Never misrepresent or withhold information that is germane to a
problem or situation of public concern.
6. Use information judiciously and maintain system integrity at all times.
7. Do not violate the rights or privacy of others.
8. Take appropriate action when exposed to unethical or illegal practices.
9. Do not exploit the shortcomings of an employer’s computer system for
personal gain.

10. Accomplish each task to the best of your ability.

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