Understanding computers ch 1

Understanding Computers

Basic Computers

L. Stack

Vocabulary Words

Hardware :The equipment that makes up a computer

Central Processing Unit (CPU): hardware that directs how information flows in, out, and through a computer

Hard Drive: a tool, built into the computer, for storing data and instructions.

Keyboard: the set of keys with numbers and letters used to type information into a computer.

Vocabulary Words

Mouse: a pointing tool that you move with your hand.

Monitor: a screen that shows information on a computer

Input: the information that is put into a computer. Output: the information that comes out of a

computer Software: a set of instructions that tells a

computer what to do.

Vocabulary Terms

Processing – entering data into the computer

Storage – saving data, programs, or output for future use.

Data – Raw, unorganized factsInformation – Data that has been

processed into a meaningful formCommunication – The transmission of

data from one device to another.

What is a computer?

A computer is a machine that uses a set of instructions to do many kinds of jobs.

A computer can do math. It can collect, store, and display

information. It can help write, draw and play games.It can also let you communicate with

people all over the world.

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Computers in Your Life

Before 1980 Computers were large and expensive Very few people had access to them Computers were mostly used for high-volume processing

tasks Microcomputers in the early 80s

Inexpensive personal computers Computer use increased dramatically

Today More than 80% of US households include a computer, and

most use computers at work Electronic devices are converging into single units with

multiple capabilitiesUnderstanding Computers in a Changing Society, 4th Edition

Types of Computers

Personal Computers , PC, Macs, Desktops, Lap tops and Netbooks.

Computers on the Go consumer kiosks ATM machines. Portable computers and Web-enabled mobile devices

Mainframe Very large computerSupercomputer very fast computer

Types of Computers

A personal computer or PC : is a small computer made to be used by one person at time.

It can do a few jobs at one time. People often use personal computers at home,

in school or on the job. Sometimes personal computers can be linked

together to allow more than one person to share or access the same information.

Mainframe

A mainframe is a very large computer compared to a personal computer.

It can be as big as a refrigerator.They can store huge amounts of

information and can do many jobs at the same time.

Supercomputers

Supercomputer is a very fast computer.Supercomputers are used to do jobs at

the fastest speed possible. Often called crunchers.

Uses for Personal Computers

School / Home Take computerized tests. Present computerized

reports. Write letters Play video games. Buy things on the internet. Chat on line Send e-mails

Home/ Work Send e-mails. Track inventory Create memos Create agendas Create presentations Record keeping

Uses of Mainframes

Telephone companies

TV studios Transportation

departments control traffic signals, railroads and subways

Banks keep track of money

Supermarket keep track of goods and prices

Companies keep track of work records, print bills and track customer payments.

Uses of Supercomputers

Weather forecasting predict weather.

Air Traffic controllers locate and track air plains.

NASA launches rockets and guides the space shuttles.

Artist make animated graphics.

Sportscasters figure sport teams statistics

Computers Then

Precomputers Dr. Herman Hollerith’s Punch Card Tabulatin Machine and Sorter used to process the 1890 U.S. Census data.

First –Generation Computers 1946-1957 The were very big and powered by thousands of vacuum tubes. ENAIAC

Computers

Precomputers First Generation Computer

ENIAC Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer.

One of the first computers.

Built in 1945 by J. P. Echert JR. and J. W. Mauchly.

Much larger than today's computers made up of 40 separate units.

Weighed as much as four adult African elephants .

Had to set thousands of switches and rewrite the machine. Worked for 9 years.

Computers

Second Generation Third Generation

Computers

Fourth Generation Fifth Generation

Parts of a computer

All the equipment that makes up a computer is called the computers hardware.

Printer Monitor Keyboard Central Processing Unit (CPU) or Processor Mouse Computer Case Hardware

Computer Parts

Functions of Hardware

CPU CPU directs how

information flows in, out and through the computer.

It is the part that does the math and other jobs performed by the computer.

It is also called the processor.

Hard Drive The hard drive is a tool

for storing data and instruction.

It is built into the computer’s case.

A hard drive is like a filing cabinet. It h olds information until you need it.

Hardware functions

Keyboard / Mouse The keyboard is a set of

keys with numbers and letters, used to type information into the computer.

The mouse is a pointing tool that you move with your hand.

Both the keyboard and mouse let you tell the computer what you want it to do

Monitor / Printer The monitor is a screen

that shows information on a computer.

Printer lets you make paper copies of the work you do on the computer.