Computer and Internet Basics

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Computer and Internet Basics

• Unit A

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What is a computer?

• A computer is a device for processing data. More
  precisely a computer is a device that accepts
  input, processes data, stores data, and produces
  output, all according to a series of stored
  instructions.
• A program is a set of instructions to perform a
  task.

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A Computer is a device that

• accepts input
• processes data
• stores data
• produces output

(all according to a series of stored instructions)
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Computer System
Peripherals
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Computer System
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Computer system consists of

• Hardware includes the electronic and mechanical
  devices that process data. Examples
  microprocessor, key board.
• Peripheral devices expand the computers input,
  output, and storage capabilities.
• Examples Printers.
• Software programs

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Computer Network

• A computer network consists of two or more
  computers and other devices that are connected
  for the purpose of sharing data and programs.

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LAN

• A LAN (local Area network) is a computer network
  that is located within a limited geographical
  area, such as a building or campus.

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COMPUTER FUNCTIONS

• Computer Input is whatever is put into a computer
  system.
• Input can be supplied by a person, by the
  environment, or by another computer.
• Data refers to the symbols that represent facts,
  objects, and ideas.

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COMPUTER FUNCTIONS

• Computer manipulate data in many ways, and we
  call this manipulation processing

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COMPUTER FUNCTIONS

• The instructions that tell a computer how to
  carry out the processing tasks are referred to as
  a computer program.
• In a computer most processing takes place in the
  central processing unit (CPU) (also known as
  microprocessor)
• A computer stores data so that it will be
  available for processing.
• Memory is an area of a computer that temporarily
  holds data waiting to be processed, stored, or
  output.
• Storage is the area of a computer that holds data
  on a permanent basis when it is not immediately
  needed for processing.

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Computer Functions
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Categorizing Computers
Cost
Usage
Size
Capability
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Less Powerful Computers

• Videogame console
• Sony PlayStation

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Personal Computer

• A PC is designed to meet the computing needs of a
  person. It typically provides access to a wide
  variety of computing applications, such word
  processing, photo editing, e-mail, etc.
• There are four types desktop, notebook
  computers, workstations, and video game console.
• Workstations are usually powerful desktop
  computers for special purposes.

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Servers

• The purpose of a server is to serve the computers
  on a network by supplying them with data.
• A PC, workstation, mainframe or supercomputer can
  work as a server.

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Mainframes

• A mainframe is a large and expensive computer
  capable of simultaneously processing data for
  hundreds or thousands of users.
• Mainframes are used by businesses, universities,
  or governments to provide centralize storage,
  processing and management of large amount of data.

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Supercomputers

• A computer is a supercomputer if, at the time of
  construction, it is one of the fastest computers
  in the world.
• Supercomputers are used in complex tasks such as
  breaking codes or climate modeling.
• The CPU of a supercomputer contains thousands of
  microprocessors.
• http//www.top500.org

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Computer System
Peripherals
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System Unit

• The system unit is the case that holds the power
  supply, storage devices, and the circuit boards,
  including the main circuit board (also called the
  mother board), which contains the
  microprocessor.

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System Unit
Power Supply
Storage Devices
Circuit Boards
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Input/Output Devices

• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Modem
• Printer
• Speakers/sound card

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Notes

• You can use a modem to establish an Internet
  connection using an standard telephone line.
• Computers have many types of storage devices that
  are used to store data when the power is turned
  off.

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Storage Devices

• Floppy disk drive
• Hard disk drive
• CD-ROM drive
• DVD drive
• CD writer

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Storage Devices

• A floppy disk drive is a storage device that
  reads data from and writes data to a floppy
  disks.
• A hard disk drive can store billions of
  characters of data.
• A CD-ROM drive is a storage device that uses that
  uses laser technology to read data that is
  permanently stored on data or audio CDs.
• A DVD drive can read data from CDs DVDs, or DVD
  movie discs.

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Data vs. Information
Data (symbols) used by computers
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Data

• Computers process and store data using the
  binary number system and several other codes
  designed expressly for electronic data.
• Binary number system has only two digits 0 and
  1.
• Each 0 and 1 is a Bit.
• Byte (8 bits)

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Files

• Collection of data on a storage medium
• Data file (passive)
• Executable file (active)
• Filename and extension

Resume.doc
Word.exe
Image.jpg
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Software

• Application Software is a set of computer
  programs that helps a person carry out a task.
• System Software is a set of computer programs
  that helps a computer carry out basic tasks.

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System Software

• Helps the computer monitor itself in order to
  function efficiently
• Operating system
• Master controller of all computer activities
• Popular operating systems
• PCs Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
• Handhelds Windows CE and Palm OS
• Servers Linux and UNIX

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• Computers that operate in essentially the same
  way are said to be compatible.
• Two of the most important factors that influence
  the compatibility of two computers are the
  microprocessor and the operating system.
• A platform consists of the underlying hardware
  and software of the computer system.

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Platform
Microprocessor Operating system

• Mac and PC compatibility is an issue
• Apple computer Mac platform
• Original IBM computer Windows or PC platform

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Application Software
Designed to carry out a particular task
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Internet Basics (Cyberspace)

• Internet is a collection of local, regional,
  national and international computer networks that
  are linked together to exchange data and
  distribute processing tasks.

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Internet Terminology

• The Internet backbone defines main Internet
  routes
• route telecommunication link
• Constructed and maintained by major
  telecommunications companies.
• TCP/IP is a standard set of rules for
  electronically addressing and transmitting data.
• Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol

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Internet Backbone
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Internet Terminology

• IP Address unique number for each Internet
  computer
• Packets small chunks of data ready to travel the
  Internet
• Router helps send along the packets to correct
  destination

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Internet Resources
Internet Telephony
Usenet
E-commerce
Instant Messaging
Web Sites
E-mail
Internet Radio
Download Or Upload
Chat Groups
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Modem Internet Connections

• Dial-up connection via modem requires a modem,
  which converts your computers digital signals
  into a type of signal that can travel over phone
  lines.
• The maximum speed is 56Kbps, or 56,000 bits per
  second.
• E-mail, E-commerce, and chat.

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Faster Internet Connections

• ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
  provides data transfer speeds of either 64K or
  128K.
• Always-on and expensive
• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a generic name
  for a family of high speed Internet links,
  including ADSL, SDSL, and DSL lite.
• Up to 125 times faster than dialup
• Both ISDN and DSL connections require proximity
  to a telephone switching station.

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Internet Service Provider (ISP)

• An ISP is a company that maintains Internet
  computers and telecommunications equipment in
  order to provide Internet access to businesses,
  organizations and individuals
• User ID and password required
• Email account monthly fee
• Should have local access telephone numbers

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World Wide Web Basics

• The web (or World Wide Web) is a collection of
  files that are interconnected through of
  hypertext.
• Hypertext text, video, pictures.
• A Web pages is a collection of hypertext
  documents and links (or hyperlinks).
• A link is a related document.
• A web site is a collection of web pages with an
  Internet address.
• A Web server is a computer that stores and
  distributes web pages.

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World Wide Web Basics

• URL (uniform resource locator) is the internet
  address of a web site.
• HTTP ( Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the
  communications standard that is used to transport
  web documents over the Internet.
• HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is a language to
  create web pages.
• .htm or .html file extension

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Browsers and Search Engines

• A browser is a software program that runs on
  your computer and helps you access web page.
• A search engine refers to a web site that
  provides a variety of tools to help you find
  information on the Web.

Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape
Navigator
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Computer and Internet Basics

• End