Computer Concepts, 6th Edition

- Illustrated

Computer and Internet Basics

Unit Objectives
•Define computers
•Explore computer functions
•Categorize computers
•Examine personal computer systems
•Explore data, information, and files
•Introduce application and system software
Unit Objectives
•Define Internet basics
•Connect to the Internet
•Understand World Wide Web basics
•Use Web browsers
•Understand e-mail basics
Overview
• Computer literacy
The ability to use computer terms and programs
efficiently, including:
Software
Operating systems
Platform compatibility
Internet
E-mail
 Defining Computers

Prepared by:
Ms. Gian S. Mahusay
 What is a Computer ?
Computer is an electronic device that operates (works)
under the control of programs stored in its own memory
unit.
A computer is an electronic machine that processes raw
data to give information as output.
An electronic device that accepts data as input and
transforms it under the influence of a set of special
instructions called Programs, to produce the desired output
 What is a Computer Program?

A computer Program is a set of related instructions written

in the language of the computer & is used to make the
computer perform a specific task (or, to direct the
computer on what to do).
 What is a Data?

Data is a collection of raw facts, figures or instructions

that do not have much meaning to the user.

Data may be in form of numbers, alphabets/letters or

symbols, and can be processed to produce information.
 Two Types of Data

• Digital (discrete) Data

• Analogue (continuous) data
 What is Digital Data?

Digital data is discrete in nature. It is represented in form

of numbers, alphabets or symbols for it to be processed by
a computer. Digital data is obtained by counting.
 What is Analogue Data?

Analogue data is continuous in nature. It must be

represented in physical nature in order to be processed by
the computer. ­Analogue data is obtained by measurement.
( E.g. Pressure, Temperature, Humidity, Lengths or
currents, etc.­)The output is in form of smooth graphs
from which the data can be read.
The Computer
System
 What is a Computer
System?
Computer System is a collection entities (hardware,
software, and liveware) that are designed to receive,
process, manage and present information in a meaningful
format.
Components of Computer System
• Computer hardware
• Computer software
• Liveware
First of the Computer Component Systems

Computer Hardware
Is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer system. Computer
hardware is the physical parts or components of a computer, such as the monitor,
mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, hard disk drive (HDD), graphic cards,
sound cards, memory, motherboard, and so on, all of which are physical objects that
are tangible.
First of the Computer Component Systems

Computer Hardware
 A monitor

Prepared by:

Ms. Gian S. Mahusay

Second of the Computer Component Systems

Computer Software
Is an instructions that tell a computer what to do.
Software comprises the entire set of programs, procedures,
and routines associated with the operation of a
computer system.
Second of the Computer Component Systems

Two types of Computer Software

 System software controls a computer’s internal functioning, chiefly
through an operating system, and controls peripherals as monitors,
printers, and storage devices.
 Application software are programs that direct the performance of a
particular use, or application, of computers to meet the information
processing needs of end users.
Third of the Computer Component Systems

Liveware
Refers the computer professionals or users. ( e.g. network
administrators, programmers, and computer end-users)
Computer Devices
 What is a Peripheral?

A peripheral is a “device that is used to put information

into or get information out of the computer.”
 Three Types of Peripherals?

• Input Device
• Output Device
• Storage Device
 What is an Input Device?

Alternatively referred to as digital

storage, storage, storage media, or storage medium,
a storage device is any hardware capable of holding
information either temporarily or permanently.
 What is an Output Device?

Output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment

used to communicate the results of data processing carried out by
an information processing system (such as a computer) which
converts the electronically generated information into human-
readable form.
 What is a Storage Device?

Output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment

used to communicate the results of data processing carried out by
an information processing system (such as a computer) which
converts the electronically generated information into human-
readable form.
 Two Types of
Storage Devices

• Primary Storage
• Secondary Storage
 Primary Storage

A primary storage device is a medium that holds memory

for short periods of time while a computer is running.

A primary storage device may also be referred to

as internal memory, main memory, main storage,
and primary memory.
 Primary Storage Examples

• Random Access Memory (RAM)

• Read-only Memory (ROM)
• Cache memory
 Secondary Storage
 Alternatively referred to as external
memory, secondary memory, and auxiliary storage,
a secondary storage device is a non-volatile (long term
or permanent) device that holds data until it is deleted
or overwritten.
 Secondary storage is about two orders of magnitude
cheaper than primary storage.
 Secondary Storage
Examples

• Flash Drives
• External Hard Drives
• Magnetic Tapes
• Punch Cards