04study guide chapter 01
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DISCOVERING COMPUTERS 2003STUDY GUIDE
C H A P T E R 1
Introduction to Computers
Chapter Overviewhis chapter introduces basic computer concepts such as what a computer is, how it works, and what makes it a powerful tool. You also learn about the components of a computer. Next, the chapter discusses computer software,
networks, and the Internet. The many different categories of computers and computer users also are presented. This chapter is an overview. Many of the terms and concepts introduced are discussed further in later chapters.
TChapter ObjectivesAfter completing this chapter, you should be able to:
Explain the importance of computer literacy
Define the term computer Identify the components of a
computer Explain why a computer is a
powerful tool Differentiate among the various
types of software
Explain the purpose of a network Discuss the uses of the Internet and
the World Wide Web Describe the categories of computers
and their uses Identify the various types of
computer users Understand how a user can be a Web
publisher
Chapter Outline
I. The digital revolution [p. 1.02]
The digital revolution is upon us, as computers extend into more facets of daily
living. Being computer literate means ___________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
II. What is a computer? [p. 1.04]
A computer is ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
1.1
1.2 CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
A. Data and information [p. 1.04]
Data is ______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Information is ________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Computers process data to create information.
A user is _______________________________________________________
Hardware is __________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Software is __________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
B. Information processing cycle [p. 1.05]
Input is ________________________________________________________
Output is _______________________________________________________
Computers process input ( _____________ ) into output ( ______________ ).
Storage is ______________________________________________________
The information processing cycle is __________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
III. The components of a computer [p. 1.05]
A. Input devices [p. 1.05]
An input device is ________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Common input devices: ___________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
B. Output devices [p. 1.06]
An output device is _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Common output devices: __________________________________________
C. System unit [p. 1.06]
The system unit is ________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
The system unit circuitry usually is part of or is connected to the motherboard.
Two main components on the motherboard are the CPU and memory.
The central processing unit (CPU) is ______________________________
____________________________________________________________
CHAPTER OUTLINE 1.3
Memory is ___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
D. Storage devices [p. 1.06]
A storage device records and retrieves ________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
A storage medium is the physical material on which a computer keeps the
data, instructions, and information.
Common storage devices:__________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
E. Communications devices [p. 1.08]
Communications devices enable ____________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Communications devices: __________________________________________
IV. Why is a computer so powerful? [p. 1.08]
A computer’s power is derived from its:
A. Speed [p. 1.08]
_______________________________________________________________
B. Reliability [p. 1.09]
_______________________________________________________________
C. Accuracy [p. 1.09]
_______________________________________________________________
The phrase garbage in, garbage out (GIGO) points out ___________________
_______________________________________________________________
D. Storage [p. 1.09]
_______________________________________________________________
E. Communications [p. 1.09]
_______________________________________________________________
V. Computer software [p. 1.10]
A computer program is _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
With some programs, you must install the program instructions on the computer’s
hard disk. When the computer executes the program, the instructions are loaded
from the hard disk into the computer’s memory.
Two types of software are system software and application software.
1.4 CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
A. System software [p. 1.12]
System software consists __________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Two types of system software are the operating system and utility programs.
1. Operating system [p. 1.12]
An operating system (OS) is ____________________________________
____________________________________________________________
2. Utility programs [p. 1.12]
A utility program is ___________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
3. User interface [p. 1.12]
The user interface controls how you enter data and instructions and how
information displays on the screen.
With a graphical user interface (GUI) you interact ___________________
____________________________________________________________
B. Application software [p. 1.13]
Application software consists _______________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Popular application software includes ________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Sources of application software:
1. Packaged software [p. 1.13]
Packaged software is __________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
2. Custom software [p. 1.14]
Custom software is ____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
3. Freeware, public-domain software, and shareware [p. 1.14]
Freeware is _______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Public-domain software is ___________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Shareware is ______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
CHAPTER OUTLINE 1.5
4. Application service provider [p. 1.15]
An application service provider is ________________________________
____________________________________________________________
C. Software development [p. 1.15]
A computer programmer is ________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
A systems analyst designs _________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
VI. Networks and the Internet [p. 1.16]
A network is _______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
The Internet is ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
People use the Internet to _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
VII. Categories of computers [p. 1.19]
Computer categories are based on size, speed, processing capabilities, and price.
The six major categories of computers are:
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
VIII. Personal computers [p. 1.19]
A personal computer is ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Two popular series of personal computers are the PC and the Apple Macintosh.
Major categories of personal computers:
A. Desktop computers [p. 1.20]
A desktop computer is ____________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
A tower model has _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
An all-in-one computer is __________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
A workstation is _________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
1.6 CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
B. Notebook computers [p. 1.22]
A notebook computer is ___________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
IX. Handheld computers [p. 1.23]
A handheld computer is ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
A PDA (personal digital assistant) is ____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Some handheld computers are Web-enabled. Other Web-enabled devices:
A Web-enabled cellular telephone allows _____________________________
_______________________________________________________________
A Web-enabled pager is ___________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
X. Internet appliances [p. 1.24]
An Internet appliance is ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
XI. Mid-range servers [p. 1.25]
A mid-range server is ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
XII. Mainframes [p. 1.26]
A mainframe is _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
XIII. Supercomputers [p. 1.26]
A supercomputer is __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
XIV. Elements of an information system [p. 1.27]
An information system is comprised ____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
For an information system to be successful, all of these elements must be present
and work together.
XV. Examples of computer usage [p. 1.28]
Different categories of users rely on computers for a variety of purposes.
CHAPTER OUTLINE 1.7
A. Home user [p. 1.29]
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
The digital divide is ______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
B. Small office/home office user [p. 1.31]
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
E-commerce is __________________________________________________
C. Mobile user [p. 1.32]
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
D. Large business user [p. 1.33]
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Telecommuting is ________________________________________________
E. Power user [p. 1.35]
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Multimedia combines _____________________________________________
XVI. Computer user as a Web publisher [p. 1.36]
In addition to being a recipient of information on the Internet, users can provide
information to other connected users around the world.
Publishing a Web page is _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
1.8 CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
Users publish Web pages for a variety of reasons:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Photo communities are _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SELF TEST 1.9
Self Test
Matching
1. ____ input device
2. ____ output device
3. ____ system unit
4. ____ storage device
5. ____ communications device
6. ____ packaged software
7. ____ custom software
8. ____ freeware
9. ____ public-domain software
10. ____ shareware
a. copyrighted retail software that meets the needs of a wide variety of users
b. allows a user to enter data and instructions into a computer
c. writes the instructions necessary to process data into information
d. tailor-made programs developed at a user’s request to perform specific functions
e. free software donated for public use with no copyright restrictions
f. box-like case that protects a computer’s internal electronic components from damage
g. enables computer users to exchange items with another computer
h. collection of computers connected together via telephone lines, modems, or other means
i. copyrighted software provided by an individual or company at no cost
j. records and retrieves items to and from a medium
k. any component that can convey information to a user
l. copyrighted software distributed free for a trial period
True/False
____ 1. Through computers, society has access to information from all around the globe.
____ 2. Without software, most hardware is useless; hardware needs instructions from software to process data into information.
____ 3. A mouse contains keys that allow you to type letters of the alphabet, numbers, spaces, punctuation marks, and other symbols.
____ 4. A peripheral is any internal device that resides inside the system unit.
____ 5. Storage differs from memory in that it holds items only temporarily while the processor interprets and executes them, whereas memory can hold items permanently.
____ 6. When two or more computers are connected together via communications media and devices, they form a network.
____ 7. A computer program might load into memory from the hard disk each time you execute the program.
____ 8. Hardware is the key to productive use of computers.
____ 9. Most users connect to the Internet in one of two ways: through an Internet service provider or through an online service provider.
____ 10. Few SOHO (small office/home office) computer users communicate with each other through e-mail.
Multiple Choice
____ 1. How does information differ from data?a. information is a collection of raw unprocessed factsb. information can include words, numbers, images, and soundsc. information is organized, meaningful, and usefuld. information is processed to produce data
____ 2. What are examples of input devices?a. the keyboard and the mouseb. the central processing unit (CPU) and memoryc. the printer and the monitord. all of the above
____ 3. What component is not considered a peripheral?a. the keyboardb. the CPUc. a microphoned. a monitor
____ 4. Why is a computer so powerful?a. because it can perform the information processing cycle operations with
amazing speed, reliability, and accuracyb. because it can store huge amounts of datac. because it can communicate with other computersd. all of the above
____ 5. Word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation graphics software are what type of software?a. system softwareb. operating systemsc. application softwared. utility programs
____ 6. Instead of installing software on their computer, some people run programs
SELF TEST 1.11
from the Internet and opt to use what for their software needs?a. an Internet service provider (ISP)b. an online service provider (OSP)c. an application service provider (ASP)d. an executable service provider (ESP)
____ 7. Why do people use the Internet?a. to meet or converse with people around the worldb. to access sources of entertainment and leisurec. to shop for goods and servicesd. all of the above
____ 8. What is a workstation?a. a large, expensive, very powerful computer that can handle hundreds or
thousands of connected users simultaneouslyb. a mainframe computer powerful enough to function as a server on a
networkc. an expensive, powerful desktop computer designed for work that requires
intense calculations and graphics capabilitiesd. a popular type of handheld computer that often supports personal
information management applications
____ 9. What is the fastest, most powerful category of computers – and the most expensive?a. personal computersb. minicomputersc. mainframe computersd. supercomputers
____ 10. A local law practice, accounting firm, travel agency, and florist are examples of what type of computer user?a. mobile userb. small office/home office userc. power userd. large business user
Fill in the Blanks
1. A(n) ____________________ is someone that communicates with a computer or employs the information it generates.
2. During processing, a computer processor places instructions to be executed and data needed by those instructions into ____________________.
3. A graphical user interface uses visual images such as ____________________ that represent programs, instructions, or some other object.
4. You are considered ____________________ when your computer connects to a network.
5. The world’s largest network is the ____________________, a worldwide collection of networks that links together millions of computers.
6. A(n) ____________________ computer can perform the information processing cycle operations by itself without being connected to a network.
7. A(n) ____________________ is a computer that manages the resources on a network.
8. Users typically access a mid-range server via a(n) ____________________, which is a device with a monitor and a keyboard.
9. Some Web sites use a(n) ____________________, which is a video camera with output that can be displayed on a Web page.
10. A(n) ____________________ is a freestanding computer, usually with a touch screen that serves as an input device.
Complete the TableCategories of Computers
Category Physical sizeNumber of simultaneously connected users General price range
Personal computer(desktop or notebook)
Fits on a desk or on your lap
__________________________________________
________________________________
_______________ Fits in your hand
__________________________________________
Several hundred dollars or less
Internet appliance ____________________
Usually one ________________________________
_______________ ____________________
Two to thousands $5,000 to $850,000
Mainframe Partial to full room
__________________________________________
________________________________
_______________ ____________________
Hundreds to thousands Several million dollars and up
Things to Think About1. Do the four operations in the information processing cycle (input, process, output,
and storage) always have to be performed in order? Why or why not?
2. Why is each component of a computer system (input devices, system unit, output devices, secondary storage devices) important?
3. Why is software the key to productive use of computers?
4. Why do mobile users often have notebook computers equipped with a modem?
PUZZLE 1.13
PuzzleAll of the words described below appear in the puzzle. Words may be either forward or backward, across, up and down, or diagonal. Circle each word as you find it.
Interprets and carries out instructions
Allows interaction using visual images
Worldwide collection of networks
PC designed to connect to a network
Computer that can perform all information processing activities
Often supports PIM applications
Process data into information
Collection of unorganized facts
Software provided at no cost to a user
Electronic and mechanical equipment
Small image that represents a program
Organized, meaningful, useful data
Data entered into a computer
Freestanding computer, usually with a touch screen
Can handle thousands of connected users
Temporarily holds data and instructions
More powerful than a workstation
Combines text, graphics, sound, video, and other elements
Collection of connected computers
Result of processing data
People who write computer instructions
Manages network resources
Software distributed free for a trial period
Instructions to process data into information
Where data is held for future use
Fastest, most powerful computer
Box-like case housing computer circuitry
Device with a monitor and a keyboard
Communicates with a computer or uses the information it generates
Expensive and powerful desktop computer
SELF TEST ANSWERS 1.15
Self Test Answers
Matching True/False Multiple Choice Fill in the Blanks
1. b [p. 1.05] 1. T [p. 1.03] 1. c[p. 1.04] 1. user [p. 1.04]
2. memory [p. 1.06]
3. icons [p. 1.12]
4. online [p. 1.16]
5. Internet [p. 1.17]
6. stand-alone [p.
1.21]
7. server [p. 1.21]
8. terminal [p. 1.25]
9. Web cam [p. 1.31]
10. kiosk [p. 1.34]
2. k [p. 1.06] 2. T [p. 1.04] 2. a [p. 1.05]
3. f[p. 1.06] 3. F [p. 1.05] 3. b [p. 1.06]
4. j[p. 1.07] 4. F [p. 1.06] 4. d [p. 1.08]
5. g [p. 1.08] 5. F [p. 1.06] 5. c[p. 1.13]
6. a [p. 1.13] 6. T [p. 1.10] 6. c[p. 1.15]
7. d [p. 1.14] 7. T [p. 1.10] 7. d [p. 1.17]
8. i[p. 1.14] 8. F [p. 1.11] 8. c[p. 1.21]
9. e [p. 1.14] 9. T [p. 1.18] 9. d [p. 1.26]
10. l[p. 1.14] 10. F [p. 1.31] 10. b [p. 1.31]
Complete the Table
Categories of Computers
Category Physical sizeNumber of simultaneously connected users General price range
Personal computer(desktop or notebook)
Fits on a desk or on your lap
Usually one, or many networked _________
Several thousand___dollars or less _____
Handheld computer Fits in your hand
Usually one__________________________
Several hundred dollars or less
Internet appliance Fits on a____countertop ___
Usually one Several hundred___dollars or less _____
Mid-range server_ Small cabinet___________
Two to thousands $5,000 to $850,000
Mainframe Partial to full room
Hundreds to thousands__________________
$300,000 to several_million dollars _____
Supercomputer___ Full room______________
Hundreds to thousands Several million dollars and up
Things to Think About
Answers will vary.
Puzzle Answer