Digital vs. Analog Computers

Introduction

• Computers are Introduction

  Computers are incredibly prevalent in modern life and are found in homes, cars, and workplaces.

  Computer usage has reshaped lives in the last two decades at home, at work, and in educational settings.

  The vast majority of businesses leverage some kind of computerized processes, and most are internally and externally networked.

  A substantial percentage of homes possesses at least one computer, often connected to the Internet.

  Many workers now interact with computers constantly during their workday.

  All computers essentially operate on the same principles, built from same basic components, and need instructions to make them run.

  The Computer Defined

  A computer is an electronic device converting data into usable information via processing.

  Every computer is controlled by programmed instructions dictating its purpose and actions.

  Digital computers work "by the numbers", breaking information into tiny units represented by numbers.

  Digital computers operate using strict sequences of steps and processing each unit meticulously, following organized instructions.

  Analog computers differ significantly, representing data as variable points on a continuous spectrum of values.

  Analog computers were originally mechanical, using motors and gears for calculations, though slide rules are a simpler form.

  Computers can be categorized by user number, power, price, hardware, and software compatibility.

  Computers for Individual Users

  Most computers, despite potential sharing, are designed for single users at a time.

  Six primary types of computers for individual use: desktop, workstation, notebook, tablet, handheld, and smartphone.

  These systems are personal computers (PCs) or microcomputers due to being among the smallest computers intended for personal use.

  Personal computer or PC refers most often to desktop computers.

  Personal computers can be networked, a critical task for even handheld devices.

  Desktop Computers

  A desktop computer is designed for desk or table placement. Desktop computers are used by all ages for working, learning, communicating, creating, and playing.

  The system unit houses critical components for processing and storage.

  Traditional desktops have horizontal system units, with tower models oriented vertically for floor placement.

  Workstations

  Workstations have greater power and features than standard PCs.

  Workstations suit scientists, engineers, and animators requiring sophisticated performance.

  Features of Workstations include large, high-resolution monitors, and accelerated graphics.

  Workstations are utilized for CAD, advanced architectural or engineering design, modeling, or video editing.

  Notebook Computers

  The size of notebook or laptop computers resembles an 8.5 x 11-inch notebook for portability.

  Notebooks operate using AC power or batteries and typically weigh less than 8 pounds.

  Fully functional microcomputers, notebooks provide desktop computer power on the go.

  Tablet PCs

  Tablet PCs are portable computers that have notebook PC functionality.

  Tablet PCs accept input from a stylus/digital pen to tap or write on the screen.

  Many have built-in microphones, special voice-input software, and fold-out keyboards.

  Tablet PCs can run specialized versions of standard software.

  Handheld PCs

  Handheld PCs are small enough to fit in a hand, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs).

  PDAs are used for note-taking, contacts, and agendas, and can exchange data with other computers

  Some handheld computers offer access to the Internet through a wireless connection.

  Features of Handhelds include cellular telephones, cameras, music players, and GPS.

  Smart Phones

  Some cellular phones act as PCs with features not typical in cellular phones.

  Smart phone features include Web/e-mail access, personal organizers, digital cameras, and music players.

  Some smartphone devices can be split in half to reveal keyboard.

  Computers for Organizations

  Some powerful computer handle the needs of many simultaneous users.

  Organizational computers are used most often by businesses or schools and are at the heart of a network.

  Users interact through their own devices, so they do not have to wait their turn at a single keyboard.

  Large computers serve thousands of simultaneous users from thousands of miles away.

  Organizational computers are general-purpose systems supporting various tasks or special-purpose with a few specific tasks.

  Network Servers

  Most organization networks are based on personal computer systems.

  Individual users have desktop computers connected to centralized network servers.

  A network server is a powerful personal computer that has special software and equipment enabling it to function as the primary computer in the network.

  PC-based networking and servers provide a lot of flexibility to companies.

  Large organizations may have many individual servers; sometimes called clusters or server farms.

  Some groups do not resemble standard PCs and are mounted in racks as blades.

  In large networks, groups may have certain purposes, such as supporting certain sets of users, handling printing tasks, or enabling Internet communications.

  PC-based server gives users flexibility to do different jobs.

  Mainframe Computers

  Mainframe computers are used in large organizations like insurance companies and banks, where many workers frequently need to use the same data.

  In a traditional mainframe environment, each user accesses resources through a device called a terminal.

  One type of terminal is a dumb terminal, which does not process of store date and is an input/output device to a computer somewhere else.

  Another type of terminal is an intelligent terminal, which perform processing operations, but does not have any storage

  Mainframes are powerful, large systems with a lack of flexibility

  The largest handles the processing needs of thousands of users at once.

  Most mainframe systems are designed to handle a specific task.

  A mainframe system might be devoted to storing information without doing other tasks.

  Minicomputers

  Released in the 1960s and gotten their name because of their mall sie compared to other computers.

  The capabilities are somewhere between the mainframes and personal computers.

  Like mainframes, minicomputers handle much more input and output than personal computers

  powerful minis can serve the needs of hundred at a time.

  Users can access with either a terminal or a standard personal computer

  Supercomputers

  Supercomputersare the most powerful computers and are physically some of the largest

  They process huge amounts of data and the fastest can perform more than one trillion instructions pers econd.

  Ideal for complex problems, such as the mapping of the human genome, forecasting weather, etc

  Computers In Society

  Statements may come across as extreme but if you stop and thing about he impact, they may be astonishing

  The impact can be gauged by considering the impact of other inventions.

  Because of car travel, there were now opportunities for businesses to meet the needs of trabeling publics.

  Mass-produced, nature od manafacturing changed and throngs of oeopke began working an assembly lines

  Roadd development now allowed suburbd to be a feasible way to like close a city

  car travel made way for motels, restaurants, and shopping centers sprung up where there hadn previously been anything

  Importance of and choosing the right tool for the job

  Provide freedom to communicate, learn, or work without leaving home for disabled

  Salesman gain the ability to communicate to track leads and manage schedule

  researcher have a workhouse o time taking calaculations Benefits mixed together and distilled gives the single element, information

  Calendars are used to manage schedule on Daily or hourly basis

  portable computers are ideal to carry your data with you.

  Essential components of computers

  Every computer is part of a system, consisting of hardware, software, data, and the user

  Harware consists of electronic devices Sofrware tels the compter what to do. Data consists of individuals facts and pieces of information. People ae the comptuers

  The Information Processing Cycle

  A set of steps that follow to receiev date process taht date and then display it

  Data comes from various sources like the user.

  Hardware categories

  Fall into one of four categories like processor, memory, input and output

  The preocessor like thr brain, organize and carries out intructions

  Ram is like an electronic scratch pad inside thercomputer used to store data but only tempory.

  Input device accept the data.

  Output the function is to present processed data.

  Different kinds of memory

  ram looses content what the pwoer is turned off needs constant power supply to hold data.

  measure in bytes, amount of emory it taked to stroe a single character.

  today comuters have at least 256 millions bytes

  rom premanatly stores even when the computer is turned of

  Input and Output Devices

  without the computer cannot receieve instructions or deliver

  input accept data and istructions from the user

  output deliver data to the user.

  variety types of device like trackballs and pad variation of mouse and joysticks.

  scanner can copy page

  Storage Devices

  function of a computer to keeping things away when they arent in use.

  Storage an electronica fild cadinen

  Storage to hold adata permanently even when the computer if fturned off.

  There are two kinds magnetica and optical

  • Can perform a specific task called software prevalent in modern life and are found in homes, cars, and workplaces. This widespread usage reflects their integration into nearly every aspect of daily activities, suggesting a dependence on computing technology for various functions.

• Computer usage has reshaped lives in the last two decades at home, at work, and in educational settings, transforming how individuals interact, learn, and work. The accessibility and affordability of computers have contributed significantly to this transformation.

• The vast majority of businesses leverage some kind of computerized processes, and most are internally and externally networked. This networking facilitates efficient communication and data exchange both within organizations and with external entities, optimizing operations and productivity.

• A substantial percentage of homes possesses at least one computer, often connected to the Internet. This connectivity not only allows for information access but also facilitates online interactions, commerce, and social networking.

• Many workers now interact with computers constantly during their workday, utilizing a range of applications to perform tasks that were previously done manually, thus enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

• All computers essentially operate on the same principles, built from the same basic components, and need instructions to make them run. This uniformity across different types of computers underscores the foundational understanding needed for working with technology.

The Computer Defined

• A computer is an electronic device converting data into usable information via processing. This transformation of raw data is pivotal in decision-making and various applications across industries.
• Every computer is controlled by programmed instructions dictating its purpose and actions. These instructions, often known as software, are essential for guiding the hardware to perform specific tasks effectively.
• Digital computers work "by the numbers," breaking information into tiny units represented by numbers. This numerical representation is critical in data processing, as it allows for complex calculations and data manipulations.
• Digital computers operate using strict sequences of steps and process each unit meticulously, following organized instructions. This methodological approach ensures that computations are performed accurately and efficiently, maintaining data integrity.
• Analog computers differ significantly, representing data as variable points on a continuous spectrum of values. This representation is beneficial for dealing with real-world physical variables that change continuously.
• Analog computers were originally mechanical, using motors and gears for calculations, though slide rules are a simpler form. They laid the groundwork for early computational devices before the advent of digital technology, illustrating the evolution of computing methods.
• Computers can be categorized by user number, power, price, hardware, and software compatibility. Understanding these categories is essential for selecting the appropriate computer for specific needs and environments.

Computers for Individual Users

• Most computers, despite potential sharing, are designed for single users at a time. This design ensures that individuals can have a personalized computing experience tailored to their specific requirements.
• Six primary types of computers cater to individual users: desktop, workstation, notebook, tablet, handheld, and smartphone. Each type serves specific needs and preferences, addressing different levels of portability, power, and application capabilities.
• These systems are personal computers (PCs) or microcomputers due to being among the smallest computers intended for personal use. Their compact design allows for easy placement in various environments.
• Personal computer or PC refers most often to desktop computers, which remain popular for extensive tasks requiring substantial processing power and larger displays.
• Personal computers can be networked, a critical task even for handheld devices. Networking supports collaboration, sharing resources, and enhancing functionality, enabling access to data and applications across different devices.

Desktop Computers

• A desktop computer is designed for desk or table placement. They are typically more powerful than portable varieties, making them suitable for tasks that require significant processing capability.
• Desktop computers are used by all ages for working, learning, communicating, creating, and playing. Their versatility makes them essential in educational institutions and workplaces alike.
• The system unit houses critical components for processing and storage, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage drives, which contribute to the overall performance of the system.
• Traditional desktops have horizontal system units, with tower models oriented vertically for floor placement. This variety in design allows users to select options that fit their spatial constraints and aesthetic preferences.

Workstations

• Workstations have greater power and features than standard PCs, providing enhanced performance needed for demanding applications. They often incorporate advanced hardware to support high-end tasks.
• Workstations suit scientists, engineers, and animators requiring sophisticated performance. These users benefit from the additional computational power and specialized graphics capabilities.
• Features of Workstations include large, high-resolution monitors, and accelerated graphics, enhancing user experience in graphic-intensive tasks such as 3D modeling and video editing.
• Workstations are utilized for CAD (computer-aided design), advanced architectural or engineering design, modeling, or video editing. These applications demand superior performance, making workstations the preferred choice.

Notebook Computers

• The size of notebook or laptop computers resembles an 8.5 x 11-inch notebook for portability, making them ideal for professionals and students on the go.
• Notebooks operate using AC power or batteries and typically weigh less than 8 pounds, enhancing their portability and convenience for users who travel frequently.
• Fully functional microcomputers, notebooks provide desktop computer power on the go, enabling users to perform various computing tasks from almost anywhere.

Tablet PCs

• Tablet PCs are portable computers that have notebook PC functionality, combining the ease of touch input with the power of traditional computing.
• Tablet PCs accept input from a stylus/digital pen to tap or write on the screen. This functionality allows users to draw, annotate, or take handwritten notes in a natural manner.
• Many have built-in microphones, special voice-input software, and fold-out keyboards, accommodating different styles of interaction and enhancing user comfort.
• Tablet PCs can run specialized versions of standard software, allowing for a wide range of applications from productivity tools to creative software.

Handheld PCs

• Handheld PCs are small enough to fit in a hand, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), providing convenience for users needing access to digital tools without bulk.
• PDAs are used for note-taking, contacts, and agendas, and can exchange data with other computers. This capability ensures seamless integration with other devices, enhancing productivity.
• Some handheld computers offer access to the Internet through a wireless connection. This connectivity opens the door to a vast array of online resources and applications.
• Features of Handhelds include cellular telephones, cameras, music players, and GPS, demonstrating their multifunctionality and integration into daily life.

Smart Phones

• Some cellular phones act as PCs with features not typical in cellular phones, blurring the lines between traditional computing and mobile communication.
• Smart phone features include Web/e-mail access, personal organizers, digital cameras, and music players, providing a comprehensive suite of tools within a single device.
• Some smartphone devices can be split in half to reveal a keyboard, enhancing typing convenience and allowing for a more desktop-like experience.

Computers for Organizations

• Some powerful computers handle the needs of many simultaneous users. These systems are essential in organizational contexts where multiple users require access to resources at the same time.
• Organizational computers are used most often by businesses or schools and are at the heart of a network, facilitating operations and collaboration through shared resources.
• Users interact through their own devices, so they do not have to wait their turn at a single keyboard. This arrangement enhances productivity and allows for more efficient workflows.
• Large computers serve thousands of simultaneous users from thousands of miles away, demonstrating the scalability of modern computing infrastructures.
• Organizational computers are general-purpose systems supporting various tasks or special-purpose systems designed for a few specific tasks, tailoring computing resources to organizational needs.

Network Servers

• Most organization networks are based on personal computer systems. A variety of devices work together to create a networked environment suitable for collaborative efforts.
• Individual users have desktop computers connected to centralized network servers. These servers manage resources and facilitate communication across the network.
• A network server is a powerful personal computer that has special software and equipment enabling it to function as the primary computer in the network. This configuration is vital for handling multiple connections and data requests efficiently.
• PC-based networking and servers provide a lot of flexibility to companies, allowing them to adapt to changing demands and integrate new technologies as needed.
• Large organizations may have many individual servers; sometimes called clusters or server farms. This structure allows for load balancing and redundancy, ensuring continuous service availability.
• Some groups do not resemble standard PCs and are mounted in racks as blades. Blade servers are designed for efficiency, compactness, and scalability in large data centers.
• In large networks, groups may have certain purposes, such as supporting certain sets of users, handling printing tasks, or enabling Internet communications. Such specialization maximizes performance and improves resource management.
• A PC-based server gives users flexibility to do different jobs, enabling teams to collaborate effectively across different locations and functions.

Mainframe Computers

• Mainframe computers are used in large organizations like insurance companies and banks, where many workers frequently need to use the same data. These robust systems are designed to handle heavy data workloads efficiently.

• In a traditional mainframe environment, each user accesses resources through a device called a terminal. These terminals serve as interfaces, connecting users to the mainframe's processing power.

• One type of terminal is a dumb terminal, which does not process or store data and is merely an input/output device serving as a connection point to a computer somewhere else. This design showcases the reliance on centralized computing.

• Another type of terminal is an intelligent terminal, which can perform processing operations but does not have any storage capability. This functionality allows for more autonomy in processing while still depending on the mainframe for data access.

• Mainframes are powerful, large systems with a lack of flexibility, primarily due to their design being focused on specific tasks. They are often optimized for particular functions to ensure efficiency.

• The largest mainframes handle the processing needs of thousands of users at once, showcasing their ability to scale for extensive use across various departments and locations.

• Most mainframe systems are designed to handle a specific task, making them highly efficient for operations such as large-scale transaction processing or data storage.

• A mainframe system might be devoted to storing information without performing additional tasks. This specialization is integral to the management of vast quantities of data in corporate environments.

Minicomputers

• Released in the 1960s, minicomputers got their name because of their small size compared to other computers of the time. They represented a significant advancement in making computing power more accessible.
• The capabilities of minicomputers are somewhere between the mainframes and personal computers. They strike a balance between processing power, capacity, and user accessibility.
• Like mainframes, minicomputers handle much more input and output than personal computers, making them useful in business settings where multiple users need simultaneous access.
• Powerful minis can serve the needs of hundreds at a time, making them suitable for environments that require shared computing resources without moving to larger mainframe systems.
• Users can access minicomputers with either a terminal or a standard personal computer, providing flexibility in how they interact with the system.

Supercomputers

• Supercomputers are the most powerful type of computers and are physically some of the largest, specifically designed to perform complex tasks that require immense processing power.
• They process massive amounts of data, and the fastest can perform more than one trillion instructions per second. This exceptional speed is instrumental in tackling problems that conventional computers cannot efficiently solve.
• Supercomputers are ideal for solving complex problems, such as the mapping of the human genome, forecasting the weather, conducting scientific simulations, and performing advanced data analysis.

Computers In Society

• Statements about the role of computers in society may come across as extreme, but if you stop and think about their impact, the effects can be astonishing and far-reaching.
• The impact of computers can be gauged by considering the impact of other inventions throughout history that have altered human experience significantly, like the steam engine or electricity.
• Because of car travel, new opportunities for businesses to meet the needs of traveling publics emerged, leading to the establishment of service stations, restaurants, and accommodation along routes.
• The mass-produced nature of manufacturing changed significantly during the industrial revolution, resulting in an increase in jobs and the proliferation of assembly lines that transformed production processes.
• Road development now allowed suburbs to become a feasible way to live close to a city, enabling people to reside in more peaceful areas while commuting to work in urban centers.
• As car travel became more commonplace, motels, restaurants, and shopping centers sprang up where there had previously been nothing, revolutionizing the way people travel and consume goods.

Importance of and choosing the right tool for the job

• Providing freedom to communicate, learn, or work without leaving home is especially beneficial for disabled individuals, improving accessibility to information and services.
• Salespeople gain the ability to communicate effectively and tracking leads, manage schedules, and access vital information instantly, which can greatly enhance their productivity and client interactions.
• Researchers benefit from having a data-laden workhouse of tools for conducting calculations, analyzing information, and sharing findings with colleagues. The amalgamation of benefits distills into the single element of information.
• Calendars are utilized to manage schedules on a daily or hourly basis, helping individuals plan effectively and make the most of their time, important in personal and professional contexts.
• Portable computers are ideal for carrying your data with you, offering flexibility to work or study from various locations, whether at home, in a coffee shop, or while traveling.

Essential components of computers

• Every computer is part of a system, consisting of hardware, software, data, and the user, highlighting the cooperative interplay of these elements for successful computing.
• Hardware consists of electronic devices that physically make up the computer system, while software tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to execute them, guiding hardware functionality.
• Data consists of individual facts and pieces of information that software processes to produce meaningful outputs, illustrating the importance of quality data in achieving accurate results.
• People are considered integral to computing systems, as they interact with the hardware and software, bringing life to data through their input and interpretation.

The Information Processing Cycle

• The Information Processing Cycle consists of a set of steps that follow to receive data, process that data, and then display information. This cycle is fundamental to how computers operate and provides a framework for understanding computing tasks.
• Data comes from various sources, such as user input, sensors, or external databases. This variety broadens the scope for data applications across different fields and industries.

Hardware categories

• Hardware falls into one of four categories: processor, memory, input, and output, each playing a critical role in the computer's operations.
• The processor, like the brain of the computer, organizes and carries out instructions as the central unit directing all computing activity and calculations.
• RAM serves as an electronic scratchpad within the computer used to temporarily store data while actively being processed, granting speed and efficiency in computing tasks.
• Input devices accept data from users, acting as the means for users to interact with the computer by providing necessary information and commands.
• The output function is to present processed data to the user, whether on a screen, through printed documents, or via audio, completing the cycle of interaction.

Different kinds of memory

• RAM loses its content when the power is turned off and needs a constant power supply to hold data. This volatility is crucial to consider for tasks requiring memory storage during power outages or system shutdowns.
• Memory is measured in bytes, reflecting how much memory it takes to store a single character or data unit. The size of memory dictates the complexity and quantity of data that a computer can manage effectively.
• Today, computers have at least 256 million bytes (256 megabytes) of RAM, illustrating the significant advancements in memory technology and the growing demands of modern applications.
• ROM permanently stores data even when the computer is turned off, maintaining essential system information and instructions that are critical for booting up the computer.

Input and Output Devices

• Without input and output devices, a computer cannot receive instructions or deliver information. These devices are essential for user interaction and communication.
• Input devices accept data and instructions from the user, including keyboards, mice, and touchscreens, providing various means for users to engage with the system.
• Output devices deliver processed data to the user, encompassing monitors, printers, and speakers, translating digital information into human-readable formats.
• A variety of devices exist, including trackballs and pad variations of mice and joysticks, showcasing different methods of control and interaction according to user preference.
• Scanners can copy pages, enabling the digitization of physical documents, a vital function in modern workplaces that enhances document management.

Storage Devices

• The function of a computer includes keeping things stored away when they aren't in use, ensuring that data is preserved for future access and retrieval.
• Storage devices can be considered as an electronic filing cabinet, safely housing information until needed. This storage is vital for extensive data management.
• Storage must hold data permanently even when the computer is turned off, providing a reliable means for data preservation across sessions.
• Two primary kinds of storage exist: magnetic and optical, each employing different technologies for data retention and access, catering to various user needs and applications.

• Software can perform a specific task, designed to execute a wide range of applications from simple tasks to complex commands, and is an essential component of any computing environment.

Explore the fundamental differences between digital and analog computers. Understand the primary methods of information processing used by each type. Learn how computers are categorized based on power and usage.