Computer Concepts-Illustrated Introductory, Sixth Edition, Enhanced

1
Computer Concepts-Illustrated Introductory, Sixth
Edition, Enhanced

• Unit A
• Computer and Internet Basics

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U n i t O b j e c t i v e s

• Define computers
• Explore computer functions
• Categorize computers
• Examine personal computer systems
• Explore data, information, and files
• Introduce application and system software

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U n i t O b j e c t i v e s

• Define Internet basics
• Connect to the Internet
• Understand World Wide Web basics
• Use Web browsers
• Understand e-mail basics

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Overview

• Computer literacy
• The ability to use computer terms and programs
  efficiently, including
• Software
• Operating systems
• Platform compatibility
• Internet
• E-mail

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Defining Computers

• A computer is a device that
• Accepts input, processes data, and produces
  output
• A computer system includes
• Hardware, peripheral devices, software
• Hardware includes both
• The actual computer
• Peripheral devices
• Printer, scanner, camera, joystick
• Software computer programs

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Defining Computers

• A network is two or more connected computers
• Share data and programs
• A LAN (local area network) is a network confined
  geographically
• The Internet connects local and international
  networks

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Defining Computers

• Input devices transfer input into electronic
  signals
• For example keyboard or mouse
• An output device displays, prints or transmits
  the results

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Exploring Computer Functions

• Accept input
• From a person, environment, or another computer
• Process data using the CPU
• Store data in memory
• Produce output

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Understanding the importance of stored programs

• Instructions for completing a task are stored in
  the computers memory
• Allow you to use computers for different tasks by
  using different stored programs
• Having multiple functions distinguishes computers
  from simpler devices

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Categorizing Computers

• Computers are categorized by
• Cost, size, processing capability
• Categories help purchasers make decisions
• Workstations
• Powerful, specialized desktop computers
• Mainframes
• Process data for hundreds or more users
• Used by governments, business, or schools

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Categorizing Computers

• Personal Computer (PC)
• Also called microcomputer
• Includes desktops, tablets and laptops

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Categorizing Computers

• Handheld Computer
• Blackberry or Palm
• Small keyboard and touch screen
• Not as powerful as PCs, but can add-on to
  increase functionality

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Categorizing Computers

• Supercomputers
• The fastest in the world at the time of
  construction
• Used for code-breaking and weather-modeling
• Servers
• Hardware, software, or combination
• Supply client computers with data
• Almost any computer can be a server

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How do PCs, notebooks, and video consoles differ?

• Desktop
• Separate components
• Uses outlet power and fits on a desk
• Notebook
• Small portable, uses outlet or batteries
• Keyboard, monitor, and system in 1 unit
• Videogame console
• Processor is as fast as a PC
• Sophisticated graphics capabilities

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Examining Personal Computer Systems

• Computer system refers to a computer and its
  attached devices
• PCs vary in size and design, but typically
  contain similar elements
• System unit
• Power supply, storage and circuit boards,
  including motherboard
• Display device (monitor)

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Examining Personal Computer Systems

• Keyboard and mouse
• Storage devices
• Hard disk, disk drives
• Data is read from written to storage devices
• Speakers and sound cards
• Modem and network cards
• Establish Internet/network connection
• Printer

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Exploring data, information, and files

• Data symbols that represent things, people,
  events, or ideas
• Information data presented in a usable format
• Binary code 1s and 0s are bits, 8 bits are a byte

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Exploring data, information, and files

• Data is stored in files on a disk
• Files have names and extensions
• Data file (passive)
• Text document or video frames
• Executable file (active)
• Programs or instructions for tasks

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Introducing Application and System Software

• Application software
• Task-oriented
• System software
• Operating system
• Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Linux, UNIX, Palm OS
• Computers that work the same way are said to be
  compatible

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Defining Internet Basics

• A Web site provides or collects information, or
  provides resources
• Internet backbone connects the major routes
• Every device has its own IP (Internet Protocol)
  address
• Data is divided into packets labeled with an IP
  address
• Routers send packets to their destinations

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Defining Internet Basics

• TCP/IP
• Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol
• Rules to address and transmit data on the
  Internet
• Information is stored on servers
• Download retrieve information to your computer
• Upload send local files to remote computers
• E-commerce business over the Internet

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Defining Internet Basics

• E-mail electronic messages
• Listserv a public list of users who receive
  information about a topic
• Usenet worldwide bulletin board
• Contains forums called newsgroups
• Chat group groups who comment by typing messages
  in real-time
• Instant messaging
• Internet telephony

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What is Podcasting?

• Receiving audio content from the Internet
• Newscasts, radio or TV shows
• Term comes from Apple iPod
• You can subscribe to podcasts
• RSS feed technology

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Connecting to the Internet

• Online connected to the Internet
• Modems convert computer signals
• Dial-up connection uses voiceband modems to
  transfer data over phone lines
• Cable modems use network cards to transfer data
  over cable lines
• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
• A type of always-on connection
• Generic term for high-speed links

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Connecting to the Internet

• DSS (Digital Satellite Service)
• 2-way Internet access
• ISP (Internet Service Provider)
• Maintains computers and equipment that provide
  access to the Internet
• Offers services to subscribers
• User IDs and passwords provide security and allow
  you to log on

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Understanding World Wide Web Basics

• Hypertext
• Imagined in the 1960s by Ted Nelson
• Links related documents on the Web
• Web site a series of Web pages hosted on a
  server
• Each has a URL (uniform resource locator)
• Most begin with HTTP (hypertext transfer
  protocol)
• Main page is called a home page

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Understanding World Wide Web Basics

• URLs
• Never contain spaces
• Indicate where the page is stored, location on
  the server, name of the folder(s) and file, and
  filename extension

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Using Search Engines

• Search engine a Web site with tools to find
  information
• Keywords describe the information you want to
  find
• Different search engines yield different results
• Results can be ranked
• By frequently accessed sites, paid advertisers,
  or frequency that keywords appear

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Using Web Browsers

• Browser software lets users navigate and view Web
  pages
• Allow you to set a home page
• Navigation buttons Back and Forward
• Can print or copy information
• History or Favorites/Bookmark lists
• HTML tags are embedded codes for how data should
  be displayed

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Understanding E-mail Basics

• E-mail accounts are mailboxes
• Each has unique address userID_at_location.com
• E-mail messages
• Contain a message header recipients address,
  subject, name of attached files
• Writing, reading, replying and forwarding
• HTML formatting
• Netiquette e-mail manners

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Understanding E-mail Basics

• E-mail system equipment and software that
  carries e-mails
• POP, IMAP, and Web-based
• E-mail servers sort, store, and route mail
• Store-and-forward technology
• Data is temporarily stored until transmission is
  possible

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Understanding E-mail Basics
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U n i t S u m m a r y

• Define and categorize computers and their
  functions
• Examine PCs
• Application and system software
• Define the Internet and WWW
• Connect to the Internet and use browsers and
  e-mail

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Computer and Internet Basics

• End