COMP6005 An Introduction to ComputingCOMP6005 An Introduction to ComputingSession Two: Computer HardwareHuman and Computer InteractionSession Two: Computer HardwareHuman and Computer Interaction

ObjectivesObjectives

Understand the importance of computer literacy

Discuss why a computer is a powerful tool

Identify the types of computer users

Discuss various computer applications in society

Understand the importance of computer literacy

Discuss why a computer is a powerful tool

Identify the types of computer users

Discuss various computer applications in society

Computer LiteracyComputer Literacy

Having a knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses (Discovering Computers 2005)

Issue 1-1, pg 9

Having a knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses (Discovering Computers 2005)

Issue 1-1, pg 9

Computers As Powerful Tools

Computers As Powerful Tools

Reliability

Speed

Consistency

Accuracy

Storage

communications

Reliability

Speed

Consistency

Accuracy

Storage

communications

QuizQuiz

Get in groups of two and within the given timeframe, see how many questions you get correct from the site below

http://www.scsite.org/dc2005/quiz

Get in groups of two and within the given timeframe, see how many questions you get correct from the site below

http://www.scsite.org/dc2005/quiz

Types of ComputersTypes of Computers

Supercomputers

Mainframes

Midrange servers

Personal computers Desktops Notebooks

Mobile computers and devices

Supercomputers

Mainframes

Midrange servers

Personal computers Desktops Notebooks

Mobile computers and devices

SupercomputersSupercomputers

Fastest, most powerful computer (processing speed of more than 100 trillion instructions in a second)

Most expensive

Used for applications requiring complex sophisticated mathematical calculations Applications in aerospace, medicine,

automotive design, online banking, weather forecasting, nuclear energy research, petroleum exploration

Fastest, most powerful computer (processing speed of more than 100 trillion instructions in a second)

Most expensive

Used for applications requiring complex sophisticated mathematical calculations Applications in aerospace, medicine,

automotive design, online banking, weather forecasting, nuclear energy research, petroleum exploration

MainframesMainframes

Large, expensive, very powerful

Can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously

Stores tremendous amounts of data, instructions, information

Used by banks, airlines, insurance companies

Also used to act as servers on a network environment Access via terminals, PCs, midrange servers, other

mainframes

Large, expensive, very powerful

Can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously

Stores tremendous amounts of data, instructions, information

Used by banks, airlines, insurance companies

Also used to act as servers on a network environment Access via terminals, PCs, midrange servers, other

mainframes

Midrange ServersMidrange Servers

Previously referred to as minicomputers

Less powerful than mainframe; more powerful than workstation

Typically support several hundred (sometimes up to few thousand) connected computers at same time

Previously referred to as minicomputers

Less powerful than mainframe; more powerful than workstation

Typically support several hundred (sometimes up to few thousand) connected computers at same time

Personal Computers (PCs)Personal Computers (PCs)

Can perform all the input, processing, output and storage by itself

One simultaneous user at a time; more if networked

Least expensive;

Small, can fit on a desk (desktop) or on a lap (laptop)

Can be powerful enough to act as a server on a network

Can perform all the input, processing, output and storage by itself

One simultaneous user at a time; more if networked

Least expensive;

Small, can fit on a desk (desktop) or on a lap (laptop)

Can be powerful enough to act as a server on a network

WorkstationsWorkstations

Expensive, powerful desktop

Used for work that requires intense calculation and graphics capabilitiesEngineering, desktop publishing,

graphic art, architecture

Expensive, powerful desktop

Used for work that requires intense calculation and graphics capabilitiesEngineering, desktop publishing,

graphic art, architecture

DiscussionDiscussion

Mac vs PC

Are there two different definitions of a workstation?

Mac vs PC

Are there two different definitions of a workstation?

Categories Of UsersCategories Of Users

Home

Small office/home office

Mobile

Large business

Power

Home

Small office/home office

Mobile

Large business

Power

Applications In SocietyApplications In Society

Education

Finance

Government

Health care

Education

Finance

Government

Health care

Science

Publishing

Travel

Industry

Science

Publishing

Travel

Industry

• Looking Ahead 1-2, pg 33

LinksLinks

ReferenceDiscovering Computers 2005 by

Shelley, Cashman, Vermaat

Of Interesthttp://www.evolution.com/http://www.xybernaut.com/index.asp

ReferenceDiscovering Computers 2005 by

Shelley, Cashman, Vermaat

Of Interesthttp://www.evolution.com/http://www.xybernaut.com/index.asp