111McGraw-Hill Technology Education Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.2Chapter 1AIntroducing Computer Systems3The Computer Defined• Electronic device• Converts data into information• Modern computers are digital– Two digits combine to make data• Older computers were analog– A range of values made data224Computers For Individual Use• Desktop computers– The most common type of computer– Sits on the desk or floor– Performs a variety of tasks• Workstations– Specialized computers– Optimized for science or graphics– More powerful than a desktop5Computers For Individual Use• Notebook computers– Small portable computers– Weighs between 3 and 8 pounds– About 8 ½ by 11 inches– Typically as powerful as a desktop– Can include a docking station6Computers For Individual Use• Tablet computers– Newest developmentin portablecomputers– Input is througha pen– Run specializedversions of officeproducts337• Handheld computers– Very small computers– Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)– Note taking or contact management– Data can synchronize with a desktop• Smart phones– Hybrid of cell phone and PDA– Web surfing, e-mail accessComputers For Individual Use8Computers For Organizations• Network servers– Centralized computer– All other computers connect– Provides access to network resources– Multiple servers are called server farms– Often simply a powerful desktop9Computers For Organizations• Mainframes– Used in largeorganizations– Handle thousandsof users– Users accessthrough a terminal4410Computers For Organizations• Minicomputers– Called midrange computers– Power between mainframe and desktop– Handle hundreds of users– Used in smaller organizations– Users access through a terminal11Computers For Organizations• Supercomputers– The most powerfulcomputers made– Handle large andcomplex calculations– Process trillions ofoperations persecond– Found in researchorganizations12Computers In Society• More impact than any other invention– Changed work and leisure activities– Used by all demographic groups• Computers are important because:– Provide information to users– Information is critical to our society– Managing information is difficult5513Computers In Society• Computers at home– Many homes have multiple computers– Most American homes have Internet– Computers are used for• Business• Entertainment• Communication• Education14Computers In Society• Computers in education– Computer literacy required at all levels• Computers in small business– Makes businesses more profitable– Allows owners to manage• Computers in industry– Computers are used to design products– Assembly lines are automated15Computers In Society• Computers in government– Necessary to track data for population• Police officers• Tax calculation and collection– Governments were the first computer users6616Computers In Society• Computers in health care– Revolutionized health care– New treatments possible– Scheduling of patients has improved– Delivery of medicine is safer17Chapter 1AEnd of