Summary

1. Explain the many uses for computers in modern life. Computers are used in business and government around the world. There are the computers we see and those we don't — both large and small, from banking to auto brakes.

2. Describe the components that make up all computers. The system unit is where the computer electronics are stored. The keyboard is used to enter data and instructions. The monitor or video display screen is where you see your work. A separate printer provides a finished copy of the results.

3. Name and identify the different types of computers. The personal computer, or microcomputer as it is sometimes called, is designed for use by a single individual. It's usually small enough to fit on a desktop and is affordable for the average person. The minicomputer is a versatile computer designed so that more than one person can use it at the same time. It is a smaller, less expensive alternative to the mainframe. A mainframe is a large, general-purpose computer capable of performing many tasks simultaneously, while permitting hundreds, even thousands, of people to use if at the same time. The supercomputer is a special type of computer that is commonly used to perform a single, very complex task that requires massive processing power.

4. Understand the difference between data and instructions. Data is defined as facts and numbers suitable for communication or interpretation. An instruction is typically a group of characters the computer understands.

5. Describe the five data processing steps. When we give the computer either instructions or data, it is called input. The computer executes the instructions, which is processing. The product of the processing, or the answer we seek, is termed output. One additional step is storage, or holding the data in computer memory. This may be for a short, indefinite period or permanently, depending on the type of storage we choose. The final step is called results, or presenting the data in a form that a person can use. Most commonly, the results are displayed on the monitor or printed on the printer.

6. Name the two types of software. One is system software, which controls the computer's primary operations. The other form computer software takes is application software, the programs we use to produce useful work.

Review Questions

1. What are the three characteristics that define a personal computer?

2. What are the three components in a personal computer? What is a fourth commonly used with a personal computer?

3. What other type of computer lacks these charac­teristics? Describe some its uses.

4. Describe the five data processing steps and what process or processes characterize each.

5. Why are there two different types of software?

6. What is the difference between data and a docu­ment?

7. When do we need to use a supercomputer?

Multiple-Choice

1. The characteristics of information in the Information Age are:

a. It is a commodity.

b. It can be bought and sold. с It has its own value.

d. All of the above.

2. The following are names of personal computers

a. Apple Macintosh.

b. Commodore Amiga. с IBM.

d. Tandy/Radio Shack.

e. Digital VAX.

f. CDC 6600

3. How have the uses for a mainframe computer changed over the years?

a. It is being used mostly in foreign countries.

b. It is mostly used as a storehouse for corporate data.

c. It is used in conjunction with minis and personal

computers.

d. It is not used for all computing tasks.

e. It is the computer of choice when price is no object.

4. A knowledge worker is:

a. Someone who uses a computer in his or her work.

b. A white-collar worker.

c. The owner of a small business.

d. Someone who wants more work productivity using

computers.

e. All of the above.

5. Data processing is:

a. Programming information into computers.

b. Storing one datum.

с People turning computer data into information.

d. Input, processing, output, storage, and results.

FlLL-IN-THE-BLANK

1. The two central characteristics of a modern computer are_________ and_____________.

2. The name of the first modern computer was_____________.

3. A computer system is made up of

___________,___________,

___________,___________, and

___________.

4. The Information Age states that information has the following three characteristics ___________,_____________ and __________

5. The personal computer has as its standard

components a__________,____________, and__________.

6.The modern computer is___________and____________.

True/False

1. The minicomputer was invented because mainframes became too large to fit in buildings.

2. The software most commonly used by a knowledge worker is systems software.

3. Knowledge workers, using computers, are creating less paper every year.

4 A document is always paper.

5. The three components that make up a personal computer are not the same ones that make up larger computers.

Key Terms

analog application software arithmetic operation computer computer literacy computer system data database system data processing digital document electronic Information Age input instruction keyboard knowledge worker logical operation

mainframe minicomputer monitor output personal computer printer processing program programmer programming results software spreadsheet storage supercomputer system software system unit word processing management