Introduction to Computers
by Kanyanat Meechareon
1. A World of Computers
1.1. Computers are everywhere
2. What Is a Computer?
2.1. A "computer" is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory
2.1.1. Information Processing Cycle
2.1.1.1. Collects >> Processing >> Produces data information (input) (output)
3. The Components of a Computer
3.1. A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as "hardware"
3.1.1. Input Device
3.1.1.1. Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer
3.1.2. Output Device
3.1.2.1. Hardware component that conveys information to one or more people
3.1.3. System Unit
3.1.3.1. Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data
3.1.4. Storage Device
3.1.4.1. Holds data, instructions, and information for future use
3.1.5. Communications Device
3.1.5.1. Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information and from one or more computers or mobile devices
4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computers
4.1. Advantage of Using Coputers
4.1.1. Speed
4.1.2. Reliability
4.1.3. Consistency
4.1.4. Storage
4.1.5. Communications
4.2. Disadvantages of Using Computers
4.2.1. Health Risks
4.2.2. Violation of Privacy
4.2.3. Public Safety
4.2.4. Impact on Labor Force
4.2.5. Impact on Environment
4.3. "Green computing" involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer
4.4. Strategies include : – Recycling – Regulating manufacturing processes – Extending the life of computers – Immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers
5. Networks and the Internet
5.1. A "network" is a collection of computers and devices connected together, often wirelessly, via communications devices and transmission media
5.2. The "Internet" is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals
5.3. People use the Internet for a variety of reasons
5.3.1. Communicate
5.3.2. Research and Access Information
5.3.3. Shop
5.3.4. Bank and Invest
5.3.5. Online Trading
5.3.6. Entertainment
5.3.7. Download Music
5.3.8. Share Videos
5.3.9. Web Application
5.4. A "social networking Web site" encourages members to share their interests with other registered users
6. Computer Software
6.1. "Software", also called a program, tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them
6.1.1. System Software
6.1.1.1. Operating system
6.1.1.2. Utility program
6.1.2. Application Software
6.2. "Installing" is the process of setting up software to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware
6.3. A programmer develops software or writes the instructions that direct the computer to process data into information
7. Categories of Computers
7.1. Personal computers >> Mobile computers and mobile devices >> Game consoles >> Servers >> Mainframes >> Supercomputers >> Embedded computers
8. Personal Computers
8.1. A "personal computer" can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself
8.2. Two popular architectures are the PC and the Apple
8.2.1. Desktop computer
9. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
9.1. Mobile Computer
9.1.1. Personal computer you can carry from place to Computer
9.1.1.1. Notebook computer
9.1.1.2. laptop computers
9.1.1.3. Tablet PCs
9.2. Mobile Device
9.2.1. Computing device small enough to hold in your hand
9.2.1.1. smart phones
9.2.1.2. PDAs
9.2.1.3. handheld computers
9.2.1.4. portable media players
9.2.1.5. digital cameras
10. Game Consoles
10.1. A "game console" is a mobile computing device designed for single‐player or multiplayer video games
10.2. A "server" controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network
11. Servers
11.1. A "server" controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on a network
11.1.1. Provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information
12. Mainframes
12.1. A mainframe is a large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously
13. Supercomputers
13.1. A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer
13.1.1. Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing more than one quadrillion instructions in a single second
14. Embedded Computers
14.1. Consumer Electronics
14.1.1. Mobile and digital telephones
14.1.2. Digital televisions
14.1.3. Cameras
14.1.4. Video recorders
14.1.5. DVD players and recorders
14.1.6. Answering machines
14.2. Home Automation Devices
14.2.1. Thermostats
14.2.2. Sprinkling systems
14.2.3. Security monitoring systems
14.2.4. Appliances
14.2.5. Lights
14.3. Automobiles
14.3.1. Antilock brakes
14.3.2. Engine control modules
14.3.3. Airbag controller
14.3.4. Cruise control
14.4. Process Controllers and Robotics
14.4.1. Remote systemsmonitoring
14.4.2. Power monitors
14.4.3. Machine controllers
14.4.4. Medical devices
14.5. Computer Devices and Office Machines
14.5.1. Keyboards
14.5.2. Printers
14.5.3. Faxes
14.5.4. Copiers