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Delve into the history of computers, data representation, software, hardware, and microcomputer types. Explore communication, software licensees, and components like memory, CPU, and sound inputs and outputs. Learn about operating systems, application software, specialized tools, and more in the world of computing.
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JCM 106 Computer Application for Journalism Lecture 1 – Introduction to Computing
Outline • History of Computer • Bill Gates vs Steve Jobs • What is a Computer? • Data Representation • Software • Hardware • Different type of microcomputer • Communication
What is a computer? • Computer is a electronic devices that process data, converting it information that is useful to people.
Data Representation • All computers are based on the binary number system • A bit or binary digit has one of two values, zero or one • A byte is the smallest addressable unit of memory (8 bits) • ASCII provides for 256 (or 28) characters • 01000001 – A • 01000010 – B • etc. • Unicode 16-32 bits (Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, French,…..) • EDBDIC used in mainframe or supercomputer
Software • The instructions tell a computer what to do • Software = program • Two type of software: • System software • Operating system • Utilities • Device driver • Application software • General purpose • Specialized application
System Software • Operating System • Managing resources - memory, processing, storage, and devices such as printers and monitors. • Provide user interface – How the user interacts with the computer. Almost all newer operating systems use a graphical user interface (GUI). • Running applications - load and run applications such as word processors and spreadsheets. Most operating systems support multitasking, or the ability to switch between different applications stored in memory.
Application software • Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist with personal tasks. • General Application Software • Browser • Internal Explorer • Firefox • Safari
Application software • Specialized Software • MS Office– Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint • Word processing software allows users to create and manipulate documents • Spreadsheet software allows users to organize data in rows and columns and perform calculations. Charting depicts data in a spreadsheet in graphical form • Presentation software allows users to create visual aids for presentations to communicate ideas, messages, and other information to a group • Audio & Video Software – Final Cut Pro ( Mac) • Graphics program – Photoshop, Corel Draw • Web authoring tools and programs – DreamWeaver
Software licensees • A contract distributed with a program that gives you the right to install and use the program on only one computer. • Type of licensees • Single user license, Volume license • Site license • Shareware • Freeware • Electronic software distribution
Memory Input Central processing unit (CPU) Output Communication Device Auxiliary Storage Auxiliary Storage Any Computer System
Sound inputs • Computer equipped with sound cards can accept sound input with microphone • Popular sound formats • Windows WAV, AU sounds, MPEG – MP3/4. • Voice/ Speech recognition • Accept the spoken word by using microphone and then converting into binary code for processing in the computer
Document files • Word processor file – memo, letters • E.g. MS WORD, Pages (Mac) • Spreadsheet file – sales analysis, budget • E.g. MS Excel, Numbers (Mac) • Presentation file – slides, speaker notes • E.g. MS PowerPoint, Keynote (Mac) • Database file • E.g. MS Access