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Chapter 1A

Chapter 1A. Computers and Their Uses. Learning Objectives. 1.1 Define computer, and distinguish between analog and digital computer designs 1.2 Identify the main types of single-user and multi-user computers 1.3 Discuss how computers have shaped our current world. What Is a Computer?.

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Chapter 1A

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  1. Chapter 1A Computers and Their Uses

  2. Learning Objectives 1.1 Define computer, and distinguish between analog and digital computer designs 1.2 Identify the main types of single-user and multi-user computers 1.3 Discuss how computers have shaped our current world

  3. What Is a Computer? • A computeris a machine that accepts some kind of information, performs actions and calculations according to a set of instructions, and returns the results of its calculations. • Categories of Computer Design: Analog vs. Digital

  4. Single-User Computers • Most computers, known as personal computers or microcomputers, are meant to be used by one person at a time • Types: • Desktop computers • Workstations • Notebook computers • Tablet computers • Handheld personal computers

  5. Desktop Computers • Sit on or under a desk or table. • Most common type of personal computer • Powerful and versatile • Main component is the system unit • Not easily portable

  6. Workstations • Specialized • More power and features than a standard PC • Popular among scientists, engineers, animators • Accelerated graphics-handling capabilities

  7. Notebook Computers • Also known as laptops • Clamshell design • Portable microcomputers • Docking station for hook-ups • Netbooksoffer compact size and low price • Category: Mobile computers

  8. Tablet Computers • Portable, full-featured • Input from stylusor fingers • On-screen keyboard • Voice input • Recent popularity • iPad • Android tablets

  9. Handheld Personal Computers • Small size • Limited processing power • Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) • Colorful displays • Finger touches and swipes for input • Smart phones= cell phones + PDA • Vast selection of programs

  10. Multi-User Computers • The largest organizational computers support thousands of individual users at the same time, with some working from thousands of miles away. They may be devoted to a single purpose or a wide variety of tasks. • Types: • Network servers • Mainframe computers • Minicomputers • Supercomputers

  11. Network Servers • Primary computer in a network • Special software and equipment • Can be linked to other servers • Clusters / server farms:Large groups of servers • Blade: thin unit housed in a rack

  12. Mainframe Computers • Large, powerful systems • Access via a terminalor a PC • Dumb terminal = input/output device • Intelligent terminal = some processing • Thousands of users at a time • Limited to certain types of tasks

  13. Minicomputers • Often called midrange computers • Capabilities: between a mainframe and a PC • Up to hundreds of users at a time • Access via a terminal or PC

  14. Supercomputers • The most powerful computers • Very large • Up to two quadrillion (1015) calculations per second • Link together hundreds of thousands of processors • Handle large and highly complex problems

  15. Why Computers Are Important • Change how we work and live • Provide ready access to information • Create some kinds of new information

  16. Where Computers Are Used • Homes • Communication • Work-related tasks • Schoolwork • Entertainment • Creativity • Finances • Education/schools • Classes and degrees • Computer applications • Distance learning

  17. Where Computers Are Used • Businesses (small and large) • Accounting and inventory management • Stay in touch with customers • Computer-aided design and manufacturing • Manage shipping routes and schedules • Process-control systems • Governments • U.S. Census Bureau • Internal Revenue Service • Military uses • Police

  18. Where Computers Are Used • Health Care Providers • Delivery of health care: more efficient and accurate • Procedures: MRI, ultrasound, laser surgery • Robotic surgical devices • Medical records

  19. Where Computers Are Used • Green Computing • Minimize waste • Power-efficient hardware • Working from home to reduce pollution • Social Communication • Instant access to other people • Share location and thoughts

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