1. Unit 1—Computer Basics
Lesson 1
Understanding Computers and
Computer Literacy

2. Objectives
 Discuss the history of computers.
 Define the term computer and describe a
computer system.
 Describe the five computer classification
categories.
 Describe communications and networks.
 Identify how we use computers and
technology in our daily lives
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3. Introducing Computers
 Computers are considered one of the most
important conventions of the 20th century.
 Their widespread use affects us individually
and as a society.
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4. A Brief History of the Computer
•The first computers were
developed in the late
1940s and early 1950s.
•In 1971, Dr. Ted Hoff
developed the
microprocessor.
•Steve Jobs and Steve
The IBM PC was Wozniak built the first
introduced in
1981.
Apple computer in 1976.
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5. What Is a Computer?
 A computer is an electronic device that
 Receives data (input)
 Processes the data it receives
 Stores the data in memory or on some
storage device, such as a disk or CD
 Outputs information on a device, such as a
monitor or printer
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6. What Is a Computer System?
 A computer system includes hardware,
software, data, information, and people.
 Hardware: The machine including the wires,
transistors, and so on
 Software: Instructions or programs that
control the computer
 Data: Text, numbers, sound, images, video
 Information: Output
 People: Users of the computer
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7. What Makes a Computer So
Powerful?
 Although computers perform only basic
operations, they
 Perform those functions very quickly
 Produce accurate and reliable results
 Store large amounts of data
 Provide versatility through various
applications
 Share resources with other computers
 Are becoming more powerful and easier to
use
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8. Classifying Computers
 Two categories of computers:
 Special purpose
 Used to control devices, such as radar
detection or a microwave oven
 General purpose
 Five categories based on size, function, cost,
and performance
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9. General-Purpose Computers
 Desktop: Personal computer in which
all components fit on or under a desk
 Mobile: Personal computers, such as
notebook computers and tablet PCs
 Mid-range server: Used by medium-
sized companies; generally supports
hundreds of users
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10. General-Purpose Computers
(cont.)
 Mainframes: Large, very expensive
machines that can support thousands of
users; used by large corporations
 Supercomputers: Used for specialized
operations requiring mathematical
operations
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11. Computer Software
 Two basic types
 Application: Performs specific tasks for
users (example: word processing)
 System: Software that controls the
computer’s operating system (example:
Microsoft Windows)
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12. Electronic Communications
 Electronic communication is the
technology that allows computers to talk
to each other and to other devices.
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13. Network Systems
 A network consists of multiple
computers connected to each other to
share data and resources.
 Data and software programs usually are
stored on a central computer called a
server.
 When network computers are located in
the same general area, such as the
same building or a department, it is
called a local area network.
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14. The Internet
 The Internet evolved from a government
research project that enabled the military
and scientists around the world to share
information.
 Today, it is the largest network in the world.
 Millions of people use it daily.
 It is a critical and valuable business tool
used by businesses of all sizes.
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15. Technology for Everyday Life
 Examples of the ways in which our lives are
affected by computers daily:
 Electronic security systems
 Games
 Government research operations
 Computerized appliances
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16. Computers in Our Future
 Computers of the future will be
 Less expensive
 More powerful
 More people will work from home.
 Wireless devices will be commonplace.
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