Computer Functions, Binary Language and Computer Types

Computer Functions

• A computer's primary functions include input, processing, output, and storage.
• Input involves gathering data and allowing users to enter it.
• Processing manipulates, calculates, or organizes data.
• Output displays data and information.
• Storage saves data and information.

Binary Language

• A bit is a binary digit represented as 0 or 1.
• A byte is a unique combination of 8 bits, consisting of 0s and 1s.
• Storage capacities include kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, and petabytes.
• 1 tweet contains 280 bytes
• 1 small Instagram picture contains about 50 kilobytes
• A 3 minute MP3 is about 5 megabytes
• A 1080p HD movie is about 5 gigabytes
• Twitter's typical daily volume is about 140 gigabytes
• Wikipedia contains about 10 terabytes
• Facebook's server capacity is 100 petabytes

Types of Computers

• Common types of computers include cell phones, tablets, and laptops.
• Laptop variants include Ultrabooks, Chromebooks, and 2-on-1 devices.
• Stationary computers and all-in-one computers are also common.
• Mainframe computers, supercomputers, and embedded computers represent other types.
• A smartphone weighs about 0.25 lbs
• A tablet weighs less than 2 lbs
• A 2-in-1 computer weighs between 1 to 3 lbs
• An ultrabook weighs less than 3 lbs
• A laptop weighs between 5 to 8 lbs

Input Devices

• Input devices are used to enter data and instructions into the computer.
• Examples include Keyboards, touch screens, stylus, and virtual keyboards.

Mice and Pointing Devices

• Mice, touchpads (trackpads), and game controllers all serve as pointing devices.

Image/Sound Input

• Digital cameras, camcorders, mobile device cameras, flatbed scanners and webcams can be utilized for image input.
• Microphones with voice recognition software are popular for sound input.

Common Sensors

• Magnetometers, proximity sensors, light sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, thermometers, pedometers, fingerprint sensors, heart rate monitors, LiDar and barometers.

Output Devices

• Computers send data out in the form of text, pictures, sounds, and video.
• Monitors, printers, and speakers/headphones/earbuds are common output devices.

Display Screens

• Display screens come in varieties such as Liquid crystal display (LCD), Light-emitting diode (LED), and Organic light-emitting diode (OLED).
• Elements that affect how displays work are pixels, aspect ratio and resolution.
• Large group displays include projectors and interactive whiteboards.

Speakers/Headphones

• Speakers are primarily output devices for sound, which include surround sound and wireless systems.
• Headphones or earbuds can damage hearing if used at excessive volumes.

Printers

• Inkjet printers are affordable, produce high-quality color, and are quick/quiet.
• Laser printers have faster printing speeds and produce higher quality printouts, but can be more expensive.
• All-in-one printers can print, scan, copy and fax.
• Large format printers print oversize images.
• 3D printers can print 3-dimensional physical objects.

Motherboard

• The motherboard includes the CPU, ROM, RAM, cache, slots for expansion cards, sound/video cards, and a network interface card.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The CPU is the "brain" of the computer, controlling its functions.
• The CPU processes all commands and instructions.
• CPU speed is measured in gigahertz (billions of tasks per second).
• CPU performance is also measured in Number of Cores, such as Single, Dual, Quad and Ten.

Data Storage

• Storage options include hard disk drives (HDDs) as primary, nonvolatile, internal, and external drives.
• Solid-state drives (SSDs) provide another alternative for local storage.
• Portable storage options consist of external drives, flash drives, and flash memory cards.
• Cloud storage offers online file storage, with some free space and the option to purchase more.

Ports

• Thunderbolt ports can transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps.
• Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports can transfer speeds of 40 Gbps.
• Connectivity ports, like Ethernet, can reach speeds up to 10,000 Mbps.
• HDMI ports are also used for connections.

Power Management

• Power management involves considering battery drain, power supply, sleep mode, warm/cold booting, and hibernation settings.

Ergonomics

• Principals of ergonomics involve monitor positioning, adjustable chairs, proper typing posture, taking breaks, and having adequate lighting.
• Assistive technologies like voice recognition, special keyboards, and trackballs can help users with impairments.