Computers and Computer Computers and Computer SystemsSystems

Computing FundamentalsLesson 1, Part 1

Computer Literacy BasicsMorrison & Wells

How Computers Are UsedHow Computers Are UsedComputers have changed the way:

–we bank–we buy groceries–we shop for toys–we do homework–play video games–watch tv and movies–communicate with each other

What is a Computer?What is a Computer?

An electronic device that – receives data (input)–processes data–stores data–produces a result (output)

A Brief History of the ComputerA Brief History of the ComputerComputers—developed in the late

1940s and early 1950s– Examples: UNIVAC and ENIAC

–First used by the military and government

–Less processing power than today’s iPhone, occupied small buildings, and cost millions of dollars

A Brief History of the ComputerA Brief History of the ComputerComputers—developed in the mid

1950s through early 1970s– Smaller and more powerful

–Still limited in what they could do–Expensive, so only major companies

and government could afford them

A Brief History of the ComputerA Brief History of the Computer– 1971—microprocess developed by Dr. Ted

Hoff– 1976—Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak

built the first Apple computer

–1980—Bill Gates worked with IBM and developed DOS for the IBM PC

–1981—PC became the choice for business

What is a Computer System?What is a Computer System?Hardware, Software, Data, and PeopleHardware, Software, Data, and People

Hardware—the physical equipment that can be seen and touched.

Keyboard, processor, monitor, printer

Software—the set of instructions that tells the computer what to do.

System software programsApplication software programs

What is a Computer System?What is a Computer System?

Data—new facts entered into the computer to be processed– Text– Numbers– Sounds, images, and video

Entered via input device:– Keyboard

– Voice activation

– Storage media

– Scanning

What is a Computer System?What is a Computer System?

People—users of the computers who enter the data and use the output

The Information Processing The Information Processing CycleCycle

Input DataProcess DataOutput DataStore Data and Information

Classifying ComputersClassifying Computers

Special-purpose computers– Used mostly to control something

elseEx.—chip in dishwasher, airport radar

system

General-purpose computers– Divided into categories—next slide

Classifying ComputersClassifying ComputersGeneral-purpose computers

– Desktop and notebook (laptop) computers—most widely used PCsPC & Apple Macintosh

– Server—supports few users or 100s of usersNetwork serversApplication serversWeb serverDatabase serverFile server

Classifying ComputersClassifying ComputersGeneral-purpose computers

– Mobile devices—fit in the palm of your handPersonal Digital Assistants (PDAs)CalculatorsSmart PhonesCell PhonesElectronic organizersHandheld games

Classifying ComputersClassifying ComputersGeneral-purpose computers

– Tablet PC—similar to a laptop but uses a stylus or digital pen with touch screen

– Mainframe computerUsed by large companies to perform tasks for

many users

– SupercomputerFastestUsed by government and large corporationsMillions of dollars

Classifying ComputersClassifying ComputersOther types of computer devices

–Embedded computers—digital watch, MP3 player, household appliances

–Portable music and media players—MP3 players and portable DVD players

–Calculators

–Computer Game Systems—Sony Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft XBox

–Electronic book readers

Computing Fundamentals Computing Fundamentals Lesson 1, Part 1Lesson 1, Part 1

The End!