Intro_Ch_01A.pdf
- 1. Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. McGraw-Hill Technology Education Chapter 1A Introducing Computer Systems
- 2. 1A-2 The 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 data
- 3. Analog Computer: • Analog Computer: • It works with continuous values, i.e they process continuous data. • The speed of such computers is less than that of digital computers. • It has very less memory and can store limited amount of data. • The results given by analog computers have very less accuracy. • Examples includes analog clock and thermometer. 1A-3
- 4. Digital Computer: • Digital Computer: • They work with discrete values, i.e they process discrete data. • The speed of digital computers is more in comparison to analog computers. • It has more memory space, hence stores large amounts of data. • It has two steps: On and Off. • It is more reliable. • It provides great performance. • Its processing speed is high. • Examples include laptop, digital camera, digital watches. 1A-4
- 5. 1A-5 Computers 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 desktop
- 6. 1A-6 Computers 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 station
- 7. 1A-7 Computers For Individual Use • Tablet computers – Newest development in portable computers – Input is through a pen – Run specialized versions of office products
- 8. 1A-8 • 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 access Computers For Individual Use
- 9. 1A-9 Computers 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 desktop
- 10. 1A-10 Computers For Organizations • Mainframes • The size of the disk is large. • They have large memory storage. • The speed of processing is fast in comparison to minicomputer. • They are more expensive. • The first successful mainframe computer was invented by IBM. • They can be used to work with thousands and millions of users simultaneously. • Their processing speed is in the range of 3 to 4 MIPS and can go up to 100 MIPS
- 11. 1A-11 Computers For Organizations • Minicomputers – Called midrange computers • The size of disk is small. • They have less memory storage and processing speed is less in comparison to mainframes. • It is not as expensive as mainframes. • The first microcomputer was invented by Bill Pentz. • It can support working of hundreds of users simultaneously. • Their processing speed is in the range of 10 to 30 MIPS.
- 12. 1A-12 Computers For Organizations • Supercomputers – The most powerful computers made – A supercomputer is a computer with a high level of performance as compared to a general- purpose computer. – Handle large and complex calculations – Process trillions of operations per second – Found in research organizations
- 13. 1A-13 Computers In Society • More impact than any other invention – Changed work and freedom activities – Used by all demographic groups • Computers are important because: – Provide information to users – Information is critical to our society – Managing information is difficult
- 14. 1A-14 Computers In Society • Computers at home – Many homes have multiple computers – Most homes have Internet – Computers are used for • Business • Entertainment • Communication • Education
- 15. 1A-15 Computers 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 automated
- 16. 1A-16 Computers In Society • Computers in government – Necessary to track data for population • Police officers • Tax calculation and collection – Eg MTMIS – Governments were the first computer users
- 17. 1A-17 Computers In Society • Computers in health care – Revolutionized health care – New treatments possible – Scheduling of patients has improved – Delivery of medicine is safer