Chapter 19: Computer Basics

Computer Hardware

The Importance of Computers

People depend on computers to handle all kinds of tasks. * When a person pays a bill online, buys gasoline, or withdraws money from a bank, computers handle the transactions.
Laptops and tablet PCs allow people to work outside the office.
Handheld devices track appointments, telephone numbers, and other data.
Most businesses consider computers to be essential. * A $computer$ is an electronic device that accepts, processes, stores, and outputs data at high speeds, based on programmed instructions. * A personal computer, or PC, is a small computer that is intended to be used by one person. * A desktop computer is a personal computer that is small enough to fit in an individual workspace.
In most companies, computers are linked through either a central mainframe computer or a network.
A mainframe is a fast, powerful computer with a large storage capacity.
A well-organized computer workstation is important for both business and home use.
$Ergonomics$ are design factors for the workplace that are intended to maximize productivity by minimizing a worker’s discomfort.
$E-learning$ , or electronic learning, is the process of learning online. * With e-learning, workers can be trained in an efficient and cost- effective way.

Parts of a Computer System

A computer system includes three main parts: hardware, software, and data.
The physical components of a computer system are the $hardware$ .
Computer systems include at least four hardware elements: a microprocessor; memory; input and output devices; and data storage devices. * A microprocessor is a small computer chip. It is the brain of a computer. * It is also called the central processing unit (CPU), or microchip. * Memory is hardware that stores information for instant retrieval and processing. * It can be thought of as a kind of scratch pad. * The computer uses its $random access memory (RAM)$ to hold all the data and instructions required during operations. * An input device is hardware that is used for entering data into a machine, such as a computer. * Input devices include keyboards, computer mice, touchpads, joysticks, and scanners. * An output device is hardware that is used for producing results from a machine. * Output devices include computer monitors, printers, fax machines, and speakers. * There are a variety of devices for storing large amounts of data. * $Data storage devices$ —which include hard drives, CD-ROM drives, and DVD drives—save information for later use.

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Computer Software

Software Programs

$Software$ is a computer program that contains a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. * Software is also referred to as a program or an application.
An $operating system$ is software that controls the operation of a computer and directs the processing of programs.
A suite is a collection of integrated application programs or software applications that works as a single program
$Word processing$ is the writing, editing, and production of documents, such as letters and reports, through the use of a computer program. * Word-processing software, such as Microsoft Word, is used to create, edit, and print documents.
A $spreadsheet$ program is a computerized worksheet for entering and charting data. * Sales figures, quantities, prices, and production costs can be listed and compared with a spreadsheet.
A $database management$ program is used to store data organized especially for rapid search and retrieval.
A $presentation program$ includes software for creating slide shows for presentations
$Desktop publishing$ software is used to produce publications such as reports, newsletters, and magazines.
Accounting software helps people keep accurate records and prepare reports.
Communications software allows access to databases, accounts, schedules, and other shared files.
Speech recognition software allows a user to enter text and give commands to the computer by speaking into a microphone.
Groupware is project management software. * It provides tools for groups of users on a computer network to plan, develop, and complete a project
There are three categories of groupware: communication tools, conferencing tools, and collaborative management (or coordination) tools. * Communication tools send messages, files, data, or documents between people. * Conferencing tools also facilitate the sharing of information, but in a more interactive way. * Collaborative management tools facilitate and manage group activities.