Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts ITE 115

1. Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts ITE 115  Chapter 1 Computer and Internet Basics

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

9. Understanding the importance of stored programs • Instructions for completing a task are stored in the computer’s memory • Allow you to use computers for different tasks by using different stored programs • Having multiple functions distinguishes computers from simpler devices

10. 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

11. Categorizing Computers • Personal Computer (PC) • Also called microcomputer • Includes desktops, tablets and laptops

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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)

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. Understanding E-mail Basics • E-mail accounts are mailboxes • Each has unique address: userID@location.com • E-mail messages • Contain a message header: recipient’s address, subject, name of attached files • Writing, reading, replying and forwarding • HTML formatting • Netiquette: e-mail manners

31. 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

32. Understanding E-mail Basics

33. 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

34. Computer and Internet Basics End