LESSON 2.0: DEFINITION, IMPORTANCE, AND ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERSCOMP1: COMPUTER CONCEPTS WITH INTERNET

INSTRUCTOR: SIR JOSHUA HERNANDEZ

DEFINITION OF A COMPUTER

MODERN DEFINITION

A computer is a multipurpose device that accepts

input, processes data, stores data, and produces

output, all according to a series of stored instructions

MODERN DEFINITION

A multipurpose device that:

• 1. accepts input

• input – whatever is put into the computer system.

• ex. words, symbols, numbers, pictures, audio signal,

instructions from a computer program.

• needs an input device

MODERN DEFINITION (CONT’D)

A multipurpose device that:

• 2. process data

• data – refers to symbols that represent facts,

objects, and ideas

• process – a way in which a computer manipulates

data

• this process is controlled by a computer program.

• processing takes place in a CPU (brain of computer)

MODERN DEFINITION (CONT’D)

A multipurpose device that:

• 3. Stores data

• Types of Data Storage

Memory – (volatile/temporary)

• ex. RAM, CMOS

Storage Device –(non-volatile/permanent)

• ex. hard disk, floppy disk, usb flash disk, CDs etc.

MODERN DEFINITION (CONT’D)

A multipurpose device that:

• 4. produces output

• output – is the results produced by a computer.

• ex. reports, documents, music, pictures, videos, etc.,

• needs output devices

MODERN DEFINITION

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERS

1. Word Length

2. Speed

3. Storage

4. Accuracy

5. Versatility

6. Automation

7. Diligence

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS

•How do we classify computer?

• 1.Technology

• 2.Function

• 3.Physical Size

• 4.Performance

• 5.Cost

CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS

ADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS

• Speed: When data, instructions, and information flow along electronic circuits in a computer, they travel at incredibly fast speeds. Many computers process billions or trillions of operations in a single second.

• Reliability: The electronic components in modern computers are dependable and reliable because they rarely break or fail.

• Consistency: Given the same input and processes, a computer will produce the same results —consistently. Computers generate error-free results, provided the input is correct and the instructions work.

• Storage: Computers store enormous amounts of data and make this data available for processing anytime it is needed.

• Communications: Most computers today can communicate with other computers, often wirelessly. Computers allow users to communicate with one another.

DISADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS

• Violation of Privacy: In many instances, where personal and confidential records stored on computers were not protected properly, individuals have found their privacy violated and identities stolen.

• Public Safety: Adults, teens, and children around the world are using computers to share publicly their photos, videos, journals, music, and other personal information. Some of these unsuspecting, innocent computer users have fallen victim to crimes committed by dangerous strangers.

• Impact on Labor Force: Although computers have improved productivity and created an entire industry with hundreds of thousands of new jobs, the skills of millions of employees have been replaced by computers. Thus, it is crucial that workers keep their education up-to-date. A separate impact on the labor force is that some companies are outsourcing jobs to foreign countries instead of keeping their homeland labor force employed.

DISADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS

• Health Risks: Prolonged or improper computer use can lead to health injuries or disorders. Computer users can protect themselves from health risks through proper workplace design, good posture while at the computer, and appropriately spaced work breaks. Two behavioral health risks are computer addiction and technology overload. Computer addiction occurs when someone becomes obsessed with using a computer. Individuals suffering from technology overload feel distressed when deprived of computers and mobile devices.

• Impact on Environment: Computer manufacturing processes and computer waste are depleting natural resources and polluting the environment. Green computing involves reducing the electricity consumed and environmental waste generated when using a computer. Strategies that support green computing include recycling, regulating manufacturing processes, extending the life of computers, and immediately donating or properly disposing of replaced computers.

IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTERS

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER?

• Aaron Swartz and JSTOR

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER?

• Julian Assange and WikiLeaks

ACTIVITY

• Computers are important because information is important.

Knowledge is power. Freedom of Information Bill. Do you think

knowledge is power?

ASSIGNMENT

• 1. What are the basic functions and parts of a computer?

• 2. What is the difference between a 64-bit and 32-bit

computer?

• 3. How do I know if I run 64-bit or 32-bit?

REFERENCES

• Norton, Peter. (2006) Introduction to Computers. New Delhi,

India. McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.

• Oja, D. and Parsons, J.J. (2014) New Perspectives on Computer

Concepts. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning

• Leon, A. and Leon M. (1999) Introduction to Computer. New

Delhi, India: Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd. (library). (Pg. 1.3 -

1.4)