CIT1100 Fundamentals of Computing Fall, 2004 Dr. Maureen Markel

Computer Acronyms WYSIWYG SCSI BMP CRT LCD ROM RAM PIXEL GUI Scsi – small computer system interface Bmp – bit-mapped Crt – cathode ray tube Lcd liquid crystal display

Basic Organizational Types Monolith or Component? What’s the difference?

A look at the parts Monitor – how does it differ from a TV? TV – records reality – live images Monitor – bit-mapped, creates the images it constructs in its memory.

Image dissolves into individual pixels or picture elements – about the size of a dot or an i in 10-pt. type. Resolution – the number of pixels on your screen (e.g. 1024X768 or 800 X 600)

The art of illusion The original button – flat ain’t it? Hmm… add a little shading and it’s ready to press.

How many times does the head hit the bar?

How many times does the head hit the bar?

RGB Colors Primary colors of light? _____ Any color can be created with some combination of these three colors. Color Bar How many colors? 256 * 256 * 256 = 16,777,216

Where’s the computer’s work engine? Motherboard Cards Microprocessor /processor (see figures on p. 14 in text) Motherboard – printed circuit or PC board Cards – add functionality to computer (sound, graphic cards)

Memory Ways of retrieving information Storage unit: byte Sequential access Random access Storage unit: byte Kilobyte – megabyte - gigabyte RAM memory – temporary, volatile ROM memory – permanent, stable

Hard Disk Peripheral device fundamental to all computer systems Composed of an iron compound that can be magnetized. The magnetism remains when the power is off so the hard drive provides persistent storage. Why save work often?

There’s hardware and there’s . . . How did it get a name like that? Categories of software System Application Special purpose

Introducing Algorithms A step-by-step precise method for solving a problem in a limited amount of time Generally represented by A flowchart Pseudocode Task: devise an algorithm for logging on to the Mount’s computer network.