Computer Performances & Features

Strand 1: Standard 3 I can understand computer performances & features by… Identifying and comparing features of different types of computers. Explaining the role of memory and storage. Explaining the basics of computer performance and productivity. Describing and understanding different types of productivity programs and their uses. Describing and understanding the different types of communication programs and their uses.

Basic Terminology Computer A device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and produces output, all according to a series of stored instructions. Hardware Includes the electronic and mechanical devices that process the data; refers to the computer as well as peripheral devices. Software A computer program that tells the computer how to perform particular tasks. Network Two or more computers and other devices that are connected, for the purpose of sharing data and programs. Peripheral devices Used to expand the computer’s input, output and storage capabilities.

Computers Have Four Basic Functions Receive input Process Information Produce Output Storage

Basic Terminology Input Whatever is put into a computer system. Data Refers to the symbols that represent facts, objects, or ideas. Information The results of the computer storing data as bits and bytes; the words, numbers, sounds, and graphics. Output Consists of the processing results produced by a computer. Processing Manipulation of the data in many ways. Memory Area of the computer that temporarily holds data waiting to be processed, stored, or output. Storage Area of the computer that holds data on a permanent basis when it is not immediately needed for processing.

There are many different types of computers There are many different types of computers. (Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, Servers, Game Consoles, Embedded Computers that are in toasters, cars, washing machines, TV's etc…)

Types of Computers Tablet Desktop Laptop https://www.slideshare.net/cachs_computing/types-of-computers-24311634 Tablet Desktop Laptop

https://www. slideshare https://www.slideshare.net/cachs_computing/types-of-computers-24311634

https://www. slideshare https://www.slideshare.net/cachs_computing/types-of-computers-24311634 Embedded Computers

Computers in Cars https://www.slideshare.net/cachs_computing/types-of-computers-24311634

Multi-User Computers Refers to computer systems that support two or more simultaneous users. All mainframes and supercomputers are multi-user systems, but most personal computers and workstations are not. Another term for multi-user is time sharing

Supercomputer Supercomputers… the most powerful computers made. Supercomputers cost a fortune to build and are expensive to maintain, which is why only a few exist in the entire world. Furthermore, computing power continues to advance each year, meaning it isn't too long before a ground-breaking supercomputer isn't so super. The good news is that the supercomputers of the past eventually become the personal computers of today. Therefore, your home PC most likely has more computing power than many supercomputers from previous decades. As the name implies, a supercomputer is no ordinary computer. It is a high performance computing machine designed to have extremely fast processing speeds. Can tackle tasks that would not be practical for other computers. Typical uses Performing complex scientific calculations Modeling simulations Large amounts of 3D graphics

Mainframe Large expensive computer capable of simultaneously processing data for hundreds or thousands of users. Used to store, manage, and process large amounts of data that need to be reliable, secure, and centralized. Usually housed in a closet sized cabinet.

Single-User Computers Microcomputer (Personal computers) A personal computer; designed to meet the computer needs of an individual. The personal computer (PC) defines a computer designed for general use by a single person. While a Mac is a PC, most people relate the term with systems that run the Windows operating system. PCs were first known as microcomputers because they were a complete computer but built on a smaller scale than the huge systems in use by most businesses

Desktop Computers A personal computer that fits on a desk and runs on power from an electrical wall outlet. The CPU can be housed in either a vertical or a horizontal case(system unit). Has separate components (keyboard, mouse, etc.) that are each plugged into the computer.

Laptop Computer A portable, compact computer that can run on an electrical wall outlet or a battery unit. All components (keyboard, mouse, etc.) are in one compact unit. Usually more expensive than a comparable desktop. Sometimes called a Notebook.

Tablets A tablet, or tablet PC, is a portable computer that uses a touchscreen as its primary input device. Most tablets are slightly smaller and weigh less than the average laptop.

Handheld Also called a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). A computer that fits into a pocket, runs on batteries, and is used while holding the unit in your hand. Typically used as an appointment book, address book, calculator, and notepad. Can be synchronized with a personal computer as a backup.

Workstation A workstation is simply a desktop computer that has a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group of task, such as 3D Graphics or game development.

Server A computer that has been optimized to provide services to other computers over a network. Servers usually have powerful processors, lots of memory and large hard drives.

Computer Hardware Mouse Keyboard Motherboard CPU Microphone Monitor CD Drive System Unit, Tower, or Case

System unit Case that holds the power supply, storage devices, and the circuit boards (including the motherboard).

CPU (Central Processing Unit) The processor, or central processing unit (CPU), processes information and performs all the necessary arithmetic calculations. Where the processing in a computer takes place, often called the brain of the computer

Input Devices Units that gather information and transform that information into a series of electronic signals for the computer.

Input Devices The keyboard is the most common input device Computers accept information from the outside world The keyboard is the most common input device Pointing devices like the mouse also receive input

The Omnipresent Keyboard …and Cursor Keys that allow you to move around the screen …Function Keys that send special commands…

The Omnipresent Keyboard Keyboards are used to input and manipulate information with keys such as Letters and Numbers…

Mouse An input device that allows the user to manipulate objects on the screen by moving the device along the surface of a desk.

Microphone A device that inputs sound or audio into your computer.

Digital Camera A digital camera takes picture or video files that you can put into a computer. The pictures become information inside of the computer.

Pointing Devices Joystick Trackball Touch pad Track point Touch Screen monitor

Output Devices Devices that display, print, or transmit the results of processing from the computer’s memory.

Output Devices Printers also produce output. Computers produce information and send it to the outside world. A video monitor is a common output device. Printers also produce output.

Monitor Display device that forms an image by converting electrical signals from the computer into points of colored light on the screen. Resolution The density of the grid used to display or print text and graphics; the greater the horizontal and vertical density, the higher the resolution. Pixels The smallest unit in a graphic image; computer display devices use a matrix of pixels to display text and graphics.

Printer Output device that produces text or graphical images on paper.

Speakers Output devices that receive signals from the computer’s sound card to play music, narration, or sound effects.

Projector Output device takes information out of the computer and projects it on a screen.

Storage Devices Used to keep data when the power to the computer is turned off. Different forms Hard disk Floppy or zip disks CD DVD Flash/Jump Drive

Modem A device that sends and receives data to and from computers over telephone lines. A modem is considered an input and an output device.

Sound Card A circuit board that gives the computer the ability to accept audio input, play sound files, and produce audio output through speakers or headphones.

Computer Programs E-mail Instant Messaging Spreadsheet Software Word Processing Software Database Software Presentation Software Finance Software Desktop Publishing Software Art Software (Photoshop, etc…) Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD) E-mail Instant Messaging Hangouts (e.g. Google Hangouts) Blogging Software Social Media Productivity Programs (Help you to be productive.) Communication Programs (Help you to communicate.)

Resource Parsons, June Jamrich, and Dan Oja. Computer Concepts. Boston: Course Technology - Thompson Learning, 2002. http://computer.howstuffworks.com/10-types-of-computers.htm#page=8 http://www.techterms.com/definition https://www.slideshare.net/cachs_computing/types-of-computers-24311634 Created By, Ms. Jennifer Duke T.H. Bell Jr. High School