Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the earliest known meaning of the word 'computer'?
What is the earliest known meaning of the word 'computer'?
The abacus is considered the first electronic computer.
The abacus is considered the first electronic computer.
False (B)
Who is known as the 'father of computers'?
Who is known as the 'father of computers'?
Charles Babbage
The first computer programmer was ______.
The first computer programmer was ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following languages was developed by Grace Hopper?
Which of the following languages was developed by Grace Hopper?
Signup and view all the answers
Apple 1 was the first computer that used WIFI.
Apple 1 was the first computer that used WIFI.
Signup and view all the answers
What company did Bill Gates and Paul Allen form?
What company did Bill Gates and Paul Allen form?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following individuals to their contribution to computer history:
Match the following individuals to their contribution to computer history:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a computer?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a computer?
Signup and view all the answers
Computers can only store a limited amount of data.
Computers can only store a limited amount of data.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for the set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks?
What is the term for the set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks?
Signup and view all the answers
Computer storage is measured in terms of ______, such as KB, MB, and GB.
Computer storage is measured in terms of ______, such as KB, MB, and GB.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following to their correct description:
Match the following to their correct description:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is considered an advantage of using computers?
Which of the following is considered an advantage of using computers?
Signup and view all the answers
Computers are inherently free from virus and hacking attacks.
Computers are inherently free from virus and hacking attacks.
Signup and view all the answers
Name one disadvantage of computer usage as mentioned in the text.
Name one disadvantage of computer usage as mentioned in the text.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Course Objectives
- The course aims to introduce computer fundamentals and relevant IT applications used in business.
What is a Computer?
- In 1613, the term "computer" referred to someone performing calculations, preceding commercial computers.
- A computer is an electronic device that manipulates quantitative and qualitative information quickly and accurately.
- It stores, retrieves, and processes data.
- Also known as an "electronic data processing machine".
Components of a Computer
-
Computer Hardware
- Input Devices
- Output Devices
- Storage Devices
- Internal Component
-
Computer Software
- System Software
- Application Software
History of Computer
- 1642: Blaise Pascal built the first mechanical adding machine.
- 1673: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz improved Pascal's design to handle multiplication and division.
- Abacus: The earliest device regarded as a computer.
- 1822: Charles Babbage, the "father of computers," developed the first mechanical computer (Difference Engine).
- 1833: Charles Babbage designed a more general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine.
- 1853: Swedish inventors Per Georg Scheutz and his son Edvard designed the first printing calculator.
- 1953: Grace Hopper developed the first computer language called COBOL.
- 1975: Bill Gates and Paul Allen introduced the BASIC language and formed Microsoft.
- 1976: Apple I was unveiled.
- 1999: Wi-Fi was introduced.
- 2005: Google bought Android.
Characteristics of a Computer
- Speed: Computers perform tasks much faster than humans. Measured in GHz and MHz.
- Accuracy: Computers generally have higher accuracy than humans. Errors often result from inaccurate data input.
- Memory: Computers can store vast amounts of data. Measured in bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, and gigabytes.
- Versatility: Computers can perform many different tasks.
- Automation: Computers automate tasks, replacing human workers.
Advantages of a Computer
- Multitasking: Perform many tasks at once.
- Speed: Perform tasks very quickly.
- Accuracy: Provide accurate answers.
- Data Security: Securely store data with passwords.
- Task Completion: Complete tasks that human brains can't.
- Communication: Improve communication between devices.
- Productivity: Produce a high volume of output.
- Workload Reduction: Reduce the workload for humans.
- Reliability: Can be used for long periods.
- Storage: Store large amounts of data in a small space.
Disadvantages of a Computer
- Viruses and Hacking Attacks: Vulnerable to cyberattacks.
- Online Cyber Crimes: Targets for online criminal activity.
- High Costs: The initial investment can be expensive.
- Distractions/Disruptions: Can be distracting with internet access.
- Waste of Time: Can lead to misuse and time-wasting.
- High Turnover Rate of New Devices: Devices can become outdated rapidly.
- Health Problems: Extended computer use can lead to health issues.
What is Software?
- A set of instructions, data, or programs that operate computers to execute tasks.
- Represents applications, scripts, and programs running on devices.
- Software provides commands that tell computers what to do.
Hardware vs Software
- Hardware: The tangible components of a computer (physical parts).
- Software: The intangible instructions and programs that control the hardware.
Types of Computers
- Supercomputer: The fastest and largest computers used for complex tasks like weather forecasting, simulations, and nuclear energy research.
- Mainframe Computer: Designed for large numbers of simultaneous users and large volumes of data, suitable for large organizations like banks and telecommunication companies.
- Minicomputer: Medium-sized computers with multiple processors handling 4-200 users simultaneously, typically small businesses, institutions, or departments.
- Workstation Computer: High-powered computers for scientific and technical applications, requiring large storage, better graphics, and powerful CPUs due to its specialized use.
- Personal Computer (PC): General-purpose computers for individual use, including laptops and desktop computers. Suitable for personal tasks, assignments, and entertainment.
- Server Computer: Manages data and programs shared by many users, such as Wikipedia or a company's internal network.
- Analog Computer: Used for continuous data like speed, temperature, or pressure. Process data through continuous readings.
- Digital Computer: Process data with binary code (0s and 1s). Modern computers, including laptops, desktops, and smartphones.
- Hybrid Computer: Combine analog and digital characteristics. Useful in specialized applications needing both types of data processing.
- Tablet and Smartphones: Portable computers known for ease of carry, good hardware capabilities, extensive operating systems, multimedia functions and sensors.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of computers, including hardware and software components, historical context, and IT applications in business. This quiz will cover key concepts and milestones in the evolution of computing, providing a solid foundation for understanding modern technology.
