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Computers 2012
Your Interactive Guide
to the Digital World
A World of Computers
Computers are everywhere
Pages 4 - 5
Figure 1-1
What Is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device,
operating under the control of
instructions stored in its own memory
Collects data
(input)
Processing
Produces
information
(output)
Page 6
Figure 1-2
The Components of a
Computer
A computer contains many electric, electronic,
and mechanical components known as
hardware
Input
Device Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer
Output
Device
System Unit
Storage
Device
Communicati
ons Device
Pages 6 - 8
The Components of a
Computer
Page 7
Figure 1-3
Types of Computers
Personal computers
Mobile computers and mobile
devices
Game consoles
Servers
Mainframes
Supercomputers
Embedded computers
Page 19
Personal Computers
A personal computer can perform all of
its input, processing, output, and storage
activities by itself
Two popular architectures are the PC and
the Apple
Desktop computer
Pages 19 - 20
Figures 1-15 - 1-16
Pages 20 - 23
Mobile
Device
Personal computer
you can carry from
place to place
Computing device
small enough to
hold in your hand
Examples include
notebook
computers,
laptop
computers,
netbooks, ultrathins, and Tablet
PCs
Examples include
smart phones and
PDAs, e-book
readers,
handheld
computers,
portable media
players, and
digital cameras
10
Handheld
computer
Portable media
player
Digital camera
Pages 22 - 23
Figures 1-21 1-23
11
Game Consoles
A game console is a mobile computing
device designed for single-player or
multiplayer video games
Page 24
Figure 1-24
12
Servers
A server controls
access to the
hardware, software,
and other resources
on a network
Provides a centralized
storage area for
programs, data, and
information
Page 25
Figure 1-25
13
Mainframes
A mainframe is a
large, expensive,
powerful computer
that can handle
hundreds or
thousands of
connected users
simultaneously
Page 25
Figure 1-26
14
Supercomputers
A supercomputer is the fastest, most
powerful computer
Fastest supercomputers are capable of
processing more than one quadrillion
instructions in a single second
Page 25
Figure 1-27
15
Embedded Computers
An embedded computer is a specialpurpose computer that functions as a
component in a larger product
Consumer
Electronics
Mobile and
digital
telephones
Digital
televisions
Cameras
Video
recorders
DVD players
and recorders
Answering
machines
Page 26
Home
Automation
Devices
Thermostats
Sprinkling
systems
Security
monitoring
systems
Appliances
Lights
Automobiles
Antilock
brakes
Engine control
modules
Airbag
controller
Cruise control
Process
Controllers and
Robotics
Remote
monitoring
systems
Power
monitors
Machine
controllers
Medical
devices
Computer
Devices and
Office
Machines
Keyboards
Printers
Faxes
Copiers
16
Embedded Computers
Page 26
Figure 1-28
17
Elements of a computer
based systems
Data
Software
Hardware
Procedure
s
Connectiv
ity
People
Page 27
18
Data
Data is a collection of unorganised facts,
unprocessed items, which can include:
Letters, numbers
Line thickness, magnetic strips
Data is an input in the Information
Processing Cycle
19
Information
Information is data organised and given
meaning, which can include:
The letter, report, essay or
spreadsheet
The text printed on the sales docket
Data
Processing
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
Information
20
Software
Software also called program
Software includes all the instructions
that tell the computer what to do
and how to do
Software is the computer
programming that makes the
computer work
21
Hardware
The physical things that make up a
computer system:
System unit
Monitor
Keyboard and mouse
Cables
Printers
And so on
22
Procedures
Procedures are the steps that must be
followed to complete a particular
computer related task such as:
Instructions
Manuals
On-line help
23
Connectivity
So much business is now based upon
networks.
Networks enable Humans, computers,
other devices connected, communicating
and working together
24
People
People involved in a computer based
system
There are broad categories such as:
Users/owners
Operators
System Managers
Technicians, technical support
Developers
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1
25