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Computer Hardware and Types of Computers

This lecture explores computer hardware details, including the different types of computers and their application areas. It also discusses the various input/output devices and secondary storage devices used in micro computers.

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Computer Hardware and Types of Computers

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  1. 1 CHAPTER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, THE INTERNET, AND YOU

  2. Lecture Objectives • Computer Hardware Details • Four Types of Computers • Computer Networks • Network Classifications • Application Software • Integrated Packages • Software Suites • Sharing Data Between Applications

  3. Computer Hardware Details • Computer Classification Basis • Processing Speed – instructions/ second • Data Storage Capacity – Total bytes available • Cost • Size

  4. Types of Computers • Supercomputers • Mainframe computers • Minicomputers • Microcomputers

  5. Super Computers • Most superior on all levels • Fastest • Capable of processing at 120-200 MIPS (Millions of Instructions Per Second)/ expected to keep increasing • Most Spacious for Data storage • Capable of saving data in trillion of bytes (up to 30 TB). • Most costly • Prices begin at about $4 million. • Largest • Occupy large halls • Application Areas • -Primarily used for very demanding applications, where huge amount of data input is involved. • Number Crunching • Weather Forecasting • Aircraft design • Nuclear Research • Seismic Analysis • Space Program

  6. Mainframe Computers Application Areas -Primarily used by medium to large size companies as a central computing resource. For large processing applications in business areas such as- accounting, - sales and marketing, production, and - human resources. • A bit moderate as compared with Super Computers. • First developed computers in the history (50’s) • Specially wired for connecting 100’s of terminals. • Speed • Capable of processing at 10’s of MIPS. • Capacity for Data storage • Capable of saving data in billion of bytes (up to 50-100 GB). • Cost Range • $100,000 or more. • Size • Occupy large rooms

  7. Mini Computers • Smaller & cheaper than main frame in its capabilities. • Came in 70’s to offload the overloaded Mainframes. • Technological advancements result in increased capabilities & reduced prices. • New versions are called Mid Range Computers. • Speed -Comparable to main frame now. • Capacity for Data storage • Capable of saving data in trillion of bytes (up to 4-5 TB). Application Areas -Primarily used by sub-departments of companies to offload the company mainframe’s work. e.g. an inventory department might use a mini to provide better control of stock and to make predictions about future needs.

  8. Micro Computers • Introduced in early 80’s. • Can be sub-classed on speed and portability. • SUPERMICROS • High powered (near to minis) • Used a different processing approach then standard Micros (RISC) • Example: Workstation Micros (Network server, high quality graphics etc.) • -Leading Manufactures for workstations are SUN Microsystems (SPARC) Application Areas -Popularly used as a server machine in a networked environment. -Widely use for business applications.

  9. Micro Computers • DESKTOP MICROS • Keep on increasing in processing power etc. • Mostly in a personal access. • Can run many applications at a time (needs operating system support). • PORTABLE MICROS • Very Compact & Lightweight. • As powerful as desktops. • Used by mobile users • Laptop – about 11 lbs/ can be fitted inside an airplane tray. • Notebook – nearly 7 lbs/ can be accommodated in a brief case. • Palmtop – 2/3 lbs / can fit into a pocket or purse. (Poqet/ HP) • Capabilities: Hand-writing recognition, personal organization tools, travel information, communication means.

  10. Microcomputers • Least powerful • Widely used • Four types • Desktop • Notebook or laptop • Tablet PC • Handheld Application Areas -Almost every where (because of ever falling cost). -Education -Entertainment -Businesses -Mobile Professions (Salespersons, Field data collecting staff etc.)

  11. Micro Computer Hardware • A large diversity of devices are in use. • Four categories. • System Unit • Input/ Output Devices • Secondary Storage Devices • Communication Devices

  12. …Micro Computer Hardware Video Clip: How to build a PC? Part I & II (Available on WebCT) • System Unit • Corresponds to the Circuit board housed inside the computer cabinet. • Also termed as Mother Board. • Every other device has a connection with this circuitry. • Two main components are: • Microprocessor Chip • Controls and manipulates data to produce information. • Memory Chip(s) (RAM) • Holds data & program instructions temporarily (volatile).

  13. …Micro Computer Hardware • Input/ Output Devices • All devices (a variety of them) which do the conversion from human understandable to computer understandable data & vice versa. • Keyboard, mouse – most common input devices. • Monitors, printers – most common output devices.

  14. …Micro Computer Hardware • Secondary Storage Devices • Holds data & program (like RAM) • Permanently store (non-volatile) the contents (unlike RAM). • Floppy • Magnetic media (small capacity/ slower in access) • Hard disk • Metallic media (large capacity/ more fast accessible) • Optical disks • Laser technology (largest capacity/ fast access). • CD-ROMS (only readable)/ CD-RW (read/write)/ DVD (Digital Versatile Discs)

  15. …Micro Computer Hardware • Communication Devices • Controls the communication between Computers. • Sends/ Receives data or program bits on different media like • telephone lines • coaxial cable (Chapter 7 pg155) • fiber optics cable • Satellite links • Modem is the most widely used (Uses telephone lines). • A modem is capable of (Chapter 7 pg153) • MODulate (data to telephone signals) and • DEModulate (telephone signals to data)

  16. Connectivity & Internet • Connecting computers extends their usability to enormous extent. • Information sharing opens new horizons in computing. • Connectivity results in Computer Networks.

  17. Computer Network Classification • Classified on the basis of geographical boundaries. • LAN - within a building • MAN – across buildings • WAN – country wide/ world wide (Chapter 7 pg165) LAN Example WAN Example

  18. Internet & the Web • Internet – the biggest network around • World Wide Web – an Internet based service which allows a multimedia interface to Internet resources (information, storage, email space etc.)

  19. Remaining Topics-Chapter 03

  20. Integrated Packages • A single program that provides the functionality of several widely used programs • Popular with many home users • Classified as personal or home software • Advantages are cost and simplicity • Disadvantages are limited functions • Popular packages areMicrosoft Works & Apple Works Page 77

  21. Software Suites • Collection of separate application programs sold as a group • Four types of suites • Productivity suite • Personal suite • Specialized suite • Utility suite Page 78

  22. Sharing Data Between Applications • Copy and paste • Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) • Powerful and useful features • Connects separate applications • Supports sharing and exchanging files Page 79

  23. A Look to the Future • Web-based application software helps ease maintenance • Use of the Web to connect toan application service provider • No programs to install • Allow for a simplerand cheaper computingsystem Page 81

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