1. Types of Computers & Computer Hardware
Computer Technology
Day 1

2. Basic Terminology

3. Basic Terminology Computer A device that does 4 things: Accepts input
Processes data
Stores data
Produces out
All according to a series of stored instructions

4. Basic Terminology Hardware
Includes the electronic AND mechanical devices that process the data
Includes computer AND peripheral devices

5. Basic Terminology Software
A computer program that tells the computer how to perform particular tasks.

6. Basic Terminology Network
Two or more computers and/or other devices that are connected, for the purpose of sharing data and programs

7. Examples of peripheral devices for a computer
Basic Terminology
Examples of peripheral devices for a computer
Printer
Monitor
PC Video Camera
CD/DVD Drive
Hard Disk Drive
Microphone
Scanner
Flash Drive
Modem
Digital Camera
Keyboard
Speakers
Peripheral devices
Used to EXPAND the computer’s input, output and storage capabilities

8. Basic Terminology Input Whatever is put into the computer system.
Most common type of input is through the keyboard

9. Basic Terminology Data
Goes in as “0” and “1” (Data)
Data
Refers to the symbols that represent facts, object, or ideas
Information
The results of the computer storing data as bits and bytes; the words, numbers, sounds, and graphics.
To give you (information) you understand

10. Basic Terminology Output
Consists of the processing results produce by a computer.

11. Basic Terminology
Processing
Manipulation of data in many ways.

12. Basic Terminology Storage
Area of the computer that holds data on a permanent basis when it is not immediately needed for processing
Memory
Area of the computer that temporarily holds data waiting to be processed, stored, or output

13. Types of Computers

14. Microcomputer
IBM Personal Computer
(1983)
A personal computer; designed to meet the needs of an individual.
Provides access to a wide variety of computing applications, such as word process, photo editing, , and internet.
Tidbit: In common usage, "microcomputer" has been largely replaced by the term personal computer or PC, which meant to be used by one person at a time. IBM first promoted the term "personal computer" to differentiate themselves from other microcomputers.

15. Desktop Microcomputer
CPU is located inside the system unit.
A microcomputer 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 system unit.
Separate components (keyboard, mouse, etc.) are each plugged into the computer.

16. Laptop {Notebook} Computer
A portable, compact computer that can run on an electrical wall outlet or a batter unit.
All components (keyboard, mouse, etc.) are in one compact unit.
Usually more expensive than a comparable desktop.
Sometimes called a “Notebook”.
PC (Windows) Laptop
Mac (Apple) Laptop

17. Workstation Powerful desktop computer designed for specialized tasks.
Can tackle tasks that require a lot of processing speed.
Can also be an ordinary personal computer attached to a LAN (local area network)
Sun SPARCstation
(early 1990s)

18. Supercomputer
A computer that was the fastest in the world at the time it was construct.
Can tackle tasks that would not be practical for other computers

19. Mainframe
Large expensive computer capable of simultaneously processing data for 100s or 1,000s 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.
The IBM 7094
(1970s)

20. Server Purpose is to “serve”
A computer that has the purpose of supplying its users with data; usually through the use of a LAN (local area network)

21. Handheld {PDA} 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 a appointment book, address book, calculator, and notepad.
Can be synchronized with a personal microcomputer as a backup

22. COMPUTER HARDWARE

23. System Unit & CPU
System Unit
CPU {Central Processing Unit}
Case that holds the power supply, storage devices, and the circuit boards (including the motherboard)
Where the processing in a computer takes place, often called the brain of the computer.

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

25. Types of Input Devices
Keyboard
Mouse
An input device that allows the user to manipulate objects on the screen by moving the device along the surface of a desk
An arrangement of letters, numbers, and special function keys that act as the primary input device to the computer

26. Types of Input Devices
Sound Card
Modem
A circuit board that gives the computer the ability to accept input, play sound files, and produce audio output through speakers or headphones
A device that sends and receives data to and from computers over telephone lines and cable lines.

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

28. Types of Output Devices
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

29. Types of Output Devices
Storage Devices
Used to keep data when the power to the computer is turned off

30. Types of Output Devices
Printer
Speakers
Output device that receives signals from the computer’s sound card to play music, narration, or sound effects.
Output device that produces text or graphical images on paper
Ink Jet Printer
Dot Matrix Printer
Laser Printer

31. Resources
Parson, June Jamrich, and Dan Oja. Computer Concepts. Boston: Course Technology-Thompson Learning