PREFACE

As an individual with a deep-rooted passion for Computer Science, I started to find out materials that can provide me a comprehensive and systemic understandings towards Computer Science and I am thrilled to introduce this book to you.

“Computing Essentials” serves as a comprehensive guide, providing a brief yet impactful introduction to the world of information technology. By reading “Computing Essentials,” I have gained valuable insights into the inner workings of computers, learn about emerging technologies and trends, and develop a critical mindset towards the role of IT in today’s society.

I hope that this book sparks your interest and serves as a stepping stone in your journey within the vast realm of Computer Science. Embrace the knowledge it offers, and let it ignite your passion for all things related to computing.

CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, THE INTERNEST, AND YOU

Information Systems

The way to think about a personal computer is to realize that it is one part of an information system. There are several parts of an information system:

• People are an essential part of the system. The purpose of information systems is to make people, or end users like you, more productive.
• Procedures are rules or guidelines to follow when using software, hardware, and data. They are typically documented in manuals written by computer professionals.
• Software (programs) provides step-by-step instructions to control the computer to convert data into information.
• Hardware consists of the physical equipment. It is controlled by software and processes data to create information.
• Data consists of unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images, and sound.
• Information is data that has been processed by the computer.
• The Internet allows computers to connect and share information.

Software

Software, or programs, consists of system and application software.

1. System software is the set of programs that enables the computer’s hardware devices and application software to work together. It includes the operating system and utility programs.
   • OS: coordinate resources, provide an interface, and run applications. Three types are embedded (real-time, RTOS), stand-alone, and network (NOS).
   • Utilities: perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources. Examples include antivirus, file compression, and backup.
2. Application software

• General-purpose applications: word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and note-taking.
• Specialized applications: graphics, audio/video editing, web authoring, and personal finance.
• Apps: small programs that run on smartphones and tablets. They are available from app stores.

Hardware

Hardware is the physical equipment that processes data to create information. It consists of input, output, storage, and communication devices.

Types of Computers

• Supercomputers: the fastest and most powerful computers. They are used for applications requiring complex mathematical calculations.
• Mainframes: large, expensive, powerful computers that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously.
• Midrange (server): less powerful and smaller than mainframes. They are used in businesses that need to share data and information across departments.
• Personal computers (PCs): desktop, notebook, tablet, and handheld.

Personal Computer Hardware

• System Unit: the case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used to process data. It includes the motherboard, processor, memory, adapter cards, ports, and connectors. Random-access memory (RAM) holds the program and data currently being processed.
• Input/Output devices: input devices are used to enter data and instructions into the computer. Output devices display data and information in a form suitable for the user.
• Secondary storage holds data and programs. It is nonvolatile, meaning it does not lose its contents when the computer is turned off. It includes hard disks, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, memory cards, and optical discs (CD, DVD, and Blu-ray).
• Communication devices allow person computers to communicate with other computer systems. They include modems, network cards, and wireless access points.

Data

Data is unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images, and sound. It is stored in files. A file is a named collection of data that exists on a storage medium, such as a hard disk, CD, DVD, or flash drive. A folder is a named collection of files.

• Document files: created by word processors
• Worksheet files: created by spreadsheets
• Database files: created by database management systems
• Presnetation files: created by presentation graphics programs

Connectivity

Connectivity describes the ability of end users to use resources well beyond their desktops. Central to the concept of connectivity is the network or communication system connecting two or more computers. The Internet is the world’s largest computer network. The web provides a multimedia interface to resources available on the Internet.

• Cloud computing users the Internet and the web to shift many computer activities from a user’s computer to computers on the Internet.
• Wireless revolutiuon has changed the way we communicate and use computer technology. Wireless devices include tablets, smartphones, and e-readers.
• The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects that contain embedded technology to communicate and sense or interact with their internal states or the external environment.

CHAPTER 2: THE INTERNET, THE WEB, AND ELECTRONIC COMMERCED

Internet and Web

The Internet

Launched in 1969 with ARPANET, the Internet consists of the actual physical network.

Web

Introduced in 1991, the web (World Wide Web, WWW) provides a multimedia interface to Internet resources. Four generations:

• Web 1.0 (links existing information, search engines)
• Web 2.0 (creates dynamc content and social interaction, social media sites)
• Web 3.0 (identifies relationships between data)
• Web 4.0 (futureists predict connecting data and devices to physical life)

Internet Access Technologies

Providers

Internet service providers connected to the Internet provide a path to access the Internet. Connection technologies include DSL, cable, and wireless modems.

Browers

Browers (mobile and desktop) provide access to web resources.

• URLs: locations or addresses to the web resources; two parts are protocol and domain name; top-level (TLD) or web suffix identifies type of organization.
• HTML: commands to display web pages; hyperlinks (links) are connections.

Web utilities

Web utilities are specialized uility programs that make using the Internet and the web easier and safer.

Filters

Filters are used by parents and organization to block certain sites and to monitor user of the Internet and the Web.

File Transfer Utilities

File transfer utilities are used to download and upload files to and from other computers on the Internet.

• File transfer protocol (FTP) and secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) allow you to efficiently copy files across the Internet.
• BitTorrent distributes file transfers across many different computers.
• Web-based file transfer services allow you to upload and download files using a web browser.

Internet Security Suite

Internet security suites are software packages that protect users from Internet and network threats. They include antivirus, antispyware, antispam, and firewall programs.

Communication

• Email
• Messaging

Electronic Commerce

• Business-to-consumer (B2C)
• Consumer-to-consumer (C2C)
• Business-to-business (B2B)

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the use of the Internet and the web to shift many computer activities from a user’s computer to computers on the Internet.

• Clients: corporations and end users.
• Internet: provides the connection between clietns and providers.
• Service providers: organizations with computers connected to the Internet that are willing to provide access to software, data, and storage.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a continuing development of the internet allowing everyday objects embedded with electronic devices to send and receive data over the Internet.

Objects include cell phones, wearable devices, and even coffeemakers.

• The Fitbit is an IoT device (bracelet) that monitors health data and sends that data to a cell phone or personal web page.
• Apple’s Health App is a Web 3.0 application that can access Fitbit data, combine it with other related health data, analyze the data, and report back to you through a cell phone.

The Apple Health App reports provide information about users’ health, including heart rate, steps taken each day, and an estimate of daily calories burned.

CHAPTER 3: APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Application Software

Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks. It includes general-purpose, specialized and mobile.

User Interfaces

User interfaces are the portion of the application that allows users to enter and manipulate data and commands. A graphical user interface (GUI) uses icons selected by a mouse-controlled pointer. A window contains a document, program, or message. Software programs with a traditional GUI have

• Menus: present commands listed on the menu bar.
• Toolbars: contain buttons that provide quick access to commonly used commands.
• Dialog boxes: display additional information and request user input.

Software programs with a Ribbon GUI have:

• Ribbons: replace menus and toolbars.
• Tabs: contain groups of related commands. Some tabs, called contextual tabs, appear only when they are needed and contain commands related to the selected object.
• Galleries: like dialog boxes, display a set of choices.

Specialized Application Software

• Video editors
• Image editors (photos)
• Illustration and drawing programs
• Desktop publishing programs (page layout programs)
• Video Game Design Software
• Web Authoring programs (webpage editors, HTML editors) -> WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get)

Software Suites

Software suites are collections of application software that are sold as a single package. They include word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.

• Office suites (office software suites or productivity suits): Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Apple iWork, LibreOffice, and Apache OpenOffice.
• Cloud suites (online office suites): are stored on servers and available through the Internets.
• Speclialized suites: include graphics suites, home design and landscaping suites, and legal suites.
• Uility suites (to make computing easier and safer): include antivirus, security, and maintenance programs.

CHAPTER 4: SYSTEM SOFTWARE

System Software

System software consists of programs that control the operations of the computer and its devices. It serves as the interface between the user, the application software, and the computer’s hardware. It includes operating systems, utilities, and device drivers.

• Operating systems: coordinate computer resources, provide an interface between users and the computer, and run applications.
• Utilities: perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources.
• Device drivers: allow the operating system to communicate with peripheral devices.
• Language translators: convert the programming instructions written by programmers into a language that computers understand and process.

Operating Systems

An operating system (OS), software environments, software platforms, handle technical details.

Functions of Operating Systems

Functions of operating systems include: managing resources, providing user interface, voice assist tools, running applications, and controlling hardware. Mulititasking: allows more than one program to run at a time. Current programs run in foreground, while others run in background.

Features

Booting starts (cold) or restarts (warm) the computer. The desktop is the main screen area that contains the icons, taskbar, and other features. Data and programs are stored in a system of files and folders.

Categories

• Embedded: also known as real-time operating systems (RTOS); used with handheld computers; operating system sotred within the device.
• Stand-alone (desktop): controls a single computer; located on the hard disk
• Network (NOS): controls and coordinates networked computers; located on the network server.

Mobile Operating Systems

Mobile operating systems are used with smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. They include Apple iOS, Google Android, and Microsoft Windows 10 Mobile.

• Android: developed by Google; open source; used by many manufacturers; available on many devices.
• iOS: developed by Apple; closed source; used only on Apple devices.

Desktop Operating Systems

• Windows is the most popular desktop operating system. It is used on more than 90% of all personal computers. Innovations include Cortana (accepts commands through text or speech); support for Windows apps on desktops and mobile devices; improved gaming with the Xbox gaming environment; a new web browser; and support for Microsoft HoloLens, an augmented reality tool.

• macOS is the desktop operating system for Apple computers. It is a closed source operating system adn runs on Macintosh computers. macOS X is the most widely used Mac desktop operation. Its two recent versions are (1) macOS Mojave with Dark Mode (darker color palettes) and improved consistency with iOS (Apple’s mobile OS) and (2) macOS High Sierra, which provided a new file system, more secure data storage, improved video compression, and virtuality support.

• UNIX nad Linux UNIX was originally designed to run on minicomputers in network environments. Now, it is widely used by servers on the web, mainframe computers, and very powerful personal computers. There are many different versions of UNIX. One version, Linux, a popular and powerful alternative to the Windows operating system, is open-source software. Google’s Chrome OS is based on Linux. It integrates with web servers to run applications and to perform other traditional operating system functions. Chrome OS is a popular choice for inexpensive notebook computers using cloud computing and cloud storage. One limitation of these computers is that their efficiency is dependent upon the speed of their Internet connection.

• Virtualization Virtualization allows a single physical computer to support multiple operating systems. Virtualization software (Parallels and VMware) allows the single physical computer to operate as two or more separate and independent computers known as virtual machines. Host operating systems run on the physical machine. Guest operating systems operate on virtual machines. Parallels creates and runs virtual machines on Apple’s macOS X.

Uilities

Operating System Utilities

Utilities are specialized programs designed to make connection.

• Search programs: find files that meet criteria specified by the user.
• Storage management programs: optimize the use of storage devices.
• Backup programs: copy files to a storage medium.
• Antivirus programs: protect a computer against viruses.
• Troubleshooting (diagnostic) programs: identify and fix operating system problems.
• Virtual assistants: respond to user questions and commands.

Utitlity Suites

Utility suites are collections of individual programs available together as a unit. They include antivirus, security, and maintenance programs.

CHAPTER 5: THE SYSTEM UNIT

The system unit, also known as the system chassis, is a container that houses most of the electronic components that make up a computer system. Some system units are located in a separate case, whereas others share a case with other parts of the computer system.

A personal computer is the most widely used type of computer. It is the most affordable and is designed to be operated directly by an end user. The five most common types are cell phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and wearable computers. Each has a unique type of system unit.

Smartphones

Smartphones are the most popular type of personal computer. They are effectively a thin slab that is almost all monitor, with the system unit, secondary storage, and all electronic components located behind the monitor. Designed to comfortably fit into the palm of one hand and accept finger touches on the monitor as the primary input, cell phones have become the indispensable handheld computer.

Tablets

Mini tablets are a type of tablet with a smaller screen. Although mini tablets operate like a traditional tablet, they typically do not have all the functionality of the bigger tablets. Their most significant advantage is that they are easier to transport in pockets and purses.

A tablet is not designed to be used as a phone and, typically, cannot be connected to phone networks.

Laptops

Their larger monitor is separate from the rest of the computer and attached to the system unit with a hinge. Unlike cell phones and tablets, most laptops do not accept input by touching the screen. Rather, laptops typically use an attached keyboard and a mouse as the primary input devices. There are several specialized laptops with features that make them unique. Some of them are

• Two-in-one laptops, which include a touch screen and the ability to fold flat like a tablet computer. These laptops offer the advantages of a laptop with the convenience of a tablet.
• Gaming laptops, which include high-end graphics hardware and very fast processors. As laptops have become more powerful, gaming laptops have become a favorite, primarily due to their portability.
• Ultrabooks, also known as ultraportables or mini notebooks, are lighter and thinner with longer battery life than most laptops. They accomplish these advantages by leaving out components such as optical drives and using energy-efficient microprocessors.

Desktops

Desktops are the most powerful type of personal computer. Like cell phones and tablets, some desktop computers, like Apple’s iMac, have their monitor and system unit housed together in the same case. These computers are known as all-in-one desktops.

However, most desktops have their system unit in a separate case. This case contains the system’s electronic components and selected secondary storage devices. Input and output devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, and monitor, are located outside the system unit. This type of system unit is designed to be placed either horizontally or vertically. Desktop system units that are placed vertically are sometimes referred to as a tower unit or tower computer.

Gaming

1. Mobile Gaming: Mobile devices, like cell phones and tablets, offer exciting game-play experiences on the go.
2. Console Gaming: The most popular video game hardware isn’t a desktop or laptop computer. It is a specialized computer called a gaming console. Consoles have specialized hardware that produce high-quality graphics and sound and are designed to take advantage of TVs and home theaters. They provide wireless controllers for playing from the living room couch and HDMI ports to support standard TV resolutions and sound configurations. Also, because consoles are standardized and popular, they often have large libraries of games to choose from.
3. PC Gaming: While mobile devices and console systems are the most common and popular gaming devices, gaming desktops and laptops offer unparalleled experiences that attract video games’ biggest fans. Gaming PCs offer the highest degree of customizability, with specialized graphics cards and input devices. Although an entry-level gaming desktop isn’t much more expensive than a typical desktop, the price can quickly escalate as you approach the cutting edge of graphics and sound ​ technology.

Beyond offering the highest-quality video game experience, gaming PCs also have access to niche and independent (indy) video game ​who cannot easily release games on consoles or mobile devices.

Wearable Computers

Wearable computers, also known as wearable devices, are one of the first evolutionary steps to the Internet of Things (IOT). These devices contain an embedded computer on a chip that is typically much smaller and less powerful than a cell phone’s. The most common wearable computers are smartwatches and activity trackers.

Components

Personal computers come in a variety of different sizes, shapes, and capabilities. Although they look different and each has its own unique features, they share surprisingly similar components, including system boards, microprocessors, and memory

System Board

POSTSCRIPT

REFERENCES

Computing Essentials 2021, 28th Edition By Timothy O’Leary, Linda O’Leary and Daniel O’Leary