© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Chapter 1A Computers and Their Uses

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 2 2 Learning Objectives 1.1Define computer, and distinguish between analog and digital computer designs 1.2Identify the main types of single-user and multi- user computers 1.3Discuss how computers have shaped our current world

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 3 3 What Is a Computer? A computer is 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.A computer is 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. DigitalCategories of Computer Design: Analog vs. Digital

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 4 4 Single-User Computers Most computers, known as personal computers or microcomputers, are meant to be used by one person at a timeMost computers, known as personal computers or microcomputers, are meant to be used by one person at a time Types:Types: –Desktop computers –Workstations –Notebook computers –Tablet computers –Handheld personal computers

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 5 5 Desktop Computers Sit on or under a desk or table.Sit on or under a desk or table. Most common type of personal computerMost common type of personal computer Powerful and versatilePowerful and versatile Main component is the system unitMain component is the system unit Not easily portableNot easily portable

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 6 6 Workstations SpecializedSpecialized More power and features than a standard PCMore power and features than a standard PC Popular among scientists, engineers, animatorsPopular among scientists, engineers, animators Accelerated graphics- handling capabilitiesAccelerated graphics- handling capabilities

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 7 7 Notebook Computers Also known as laptopsAlso known as laptops Clamshell designClamshell design Portable microcomputersPortable microcomputers Docking station for hook-upsDocking station for hook-ups Netbooks offer compact size and low priceNetbooks offer compact size and low price Category: Mobile computersCategory: Mobile computers

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 8 8 Tablet Computers Portable, full-featuredPortable, full-featured Input from stylus or fingersInput from stylus or fingers On-screen keyboardOn-screen keyboard Voice inputVoice input Recent popularityRecent popularity –iPad –Android tablets

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 9 9 Handheld Personal Computers Small sizeSmall size Limited processing powerLimited processing power Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) Colorful displaysColorful displays Finger touches and swipes for inputFinger touches and swipes for input Smart phones = cell phones + PDASmart phones = cell phones + PDA Vast selection of programsVast selection of programs

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 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.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:Types: –Network servers –Mainframe computers –Minicomputers –Supercomputers

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 11 Network Servers Primary computer in a networkPrimary computer in a network Special software and equipmentSpecial software and equipment Can be linked to other serversCan be linked to other servers Clusters / server farms: Large groups of serversClusters / server farms: Large groups of servers –Blade: thin unit housed in a rack

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 12 Mainframe Computers Large, powerful systemsLarge, powerful systems Access via a terminal or a PCAccess via a terminal or a PC –Dumb terminal = input/output device –Intelligent terminal = some processing Thousands of users at a timeThousands of users at a time Limited to certain types of tasksLimited to certain types of tasks

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 13 Minicomputers Often called midrange computersOften called midrange computers Capabilities: between a mainframe and a PCCapabilities: between a mainframe and a PC Up to hundreds of users at a timeUp to hundreds of users at a time Access via a terminal or PCAccess via a terminal or PC

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 14 Supercomputers The most powerful computersThe most powerful computers Very largeVery large Up to two quadrillion (10 15 ) calculations per secondUp to two quadrillion (10 15 ) calculations per second Link together hundreds of thousands of processorsLink together hundreds of thousands of processors Handle large and highly complex problemsHandle large and highly complex problems

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 15 Why Computers Are Important Change how we work and liveChange how we work and live Provide ready access to informationProvide ready access to information Create some kinds of new informationCreate some kinds of new information

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 16 Where Computers Are Used HomesHomes –Communication –Work-related tasks –Schoolwork –Entertainment –Creativity –Finances Education/schoolsEducation/schools –Classes and degrees –Computer applications –Distance learning

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 17 Where Computers Are Used Businesses (small and large)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 GovernmentsGovernments –U.S. Census Bureau –Internal Revenue Service –Military uses –Police

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 18 Where Computers Are Used Health Care ProvidersHealth Care Providers –Delivery of health care: more efficient and accurate –Procedures: MRI, ultrasound, laser surgery –Robotic surgical devices –Medical records

© 2013 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. 19 Where Computers Are Used Green ComputingGreen Computing –Minimize waste –Power-efficient hardware –Working from home to reduce pollution Social CommunicationSocial Communication –Instant access to other people –Share location and thoughts