1. Unit One - Computing Fundamentals

2. So what is a computer, really?
A computer is an electronic device that receives data (input), processes data, stores data, and produces a result (output).
It performs only three operations
Arithmetic operations (adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying.)
Logical comparison values (equal to, greater than)
Storage and retrieval operations

3. Types of Computers Type Size Power Purpose Supercomputers Largest
Fastest processing speeds compared to other computers
Cost can be several million dollars
For corporations with lots of data to be processed
Mainframe computers
Large
Less powerful than supercomputers but large compared to personal computers
Can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars
Performs centralized processing tasks for many users
Minicomputers
Larger than microcomputers but smaller than mainframe computers
Same as microcomputers
Used for companies with many users and large amounts of data and can run on any computer hardware
Microcomputers and notebook computers
Fits on a desktop
Not meant for large amount of data
Writing papers, tracking finances, playing games, connecting to the Internet.
PDA’s, Cell phones, calculators, interactive books, digital cameras, game systems are accepted as they make everyday tasks easier to accomplish.

4. Role of the CPU
Role: The CPU also called microprocessor, or brain of the computer, contains millions of switches and pathways to help the computer make decisions. The switches control the flow of electricity as it travels across the pathways. Computer programs are special instructions written to tell the computer which switches to turn on or off.
Speed: deciding factor on which computer to purchase. The system clock is an electronic pulse used to synchronize the processing and determines the speed of the processor, measured in megahertz. The higher MHz the faster the computer.

5. Binary number system
Computers only understand machine language, or binary, which is ones and zeros.
Through the pathways and by turning switches on and off the CPU processes ones and zeros
When electricity is present it represents a one. The absence of electricity represents a zero.
Coding Systems such as American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) determines which combination of zeros and ones represents the letter A or the number 1.
Each one or zero is a bit, and eight bits or combinations of ones and zeros represents a byte.

6. Memory and storage
RAM – (random access memory) often referred to as main memory is the data, information, and program instructions temporarily stored on a RAM chip. If there is a power loss this is the information lost. The amount of Ram can help increase how fast the computer processes data.
ROM – (read only memory) stores specific instructions needed for computer operations. The computer can read from a ROM chip but cannon write or store data on this chip.

7. Memory and storage
Secondary storage devices are used when you want to store a file or information permanently
Computer’s hard disk drive
Floppy disk
CD-ROM
Thumb drive

8. Networking
A network connects one computer to other computers and peripheral devices
Allows computers to share:
Data – special group projects, databases, etc.
Hardware – printers or scanners
Software – instead of purchasing programs for each individual computer, a site license can be purchased for the number of users and it is less expensive
Files – collaborative, allows users to work together

9. Network systems
hub
workstation
Server
Shared Printer

10. Software—Can be categorized into four types
System software
Application software
Educational software
Entertainment software

11. System Software Controls the operations of computer equipment
Operating System software tells the computer how to:
Load
Store
Execute
OS is loaded into memory when the computer is turned on
This process is called booting
Most OS’s use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Provides visual cues such as icons
Each icon represents an application

12. Application Software
Programs that tell a computer how to produce information
Commonly used applications
Word processing
Spreadsheet
Database
Presentation
Financial
Taxing

13. Educational Software Software that can be used for learning purposes
Examples include:
Jump Start Series
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing
Reader Rabbit
Encarta or World Book
Math Blaster
Rosetta Stone Spanish

14. Entertainment Software
Sports games
NHL 2012
The Sims
World of Warcraft
Rollercoaster Tycoon
Final Fantasy
Halo
Myst
Half Life