Introduction to Computers and Technology

Introduction to Today's Technologies, Input, Output and Digital Storage

• Computers are integral parts of daily life, used for tasks like completing assignments, streaming videos, accessing news, and managing memories.
• Technology facilitates efficient and effective information access and self-improvement.
• 'Digital literacy' involves understanding computers, mobile devices, the web, and related technologies.

What is a Computer?

• A computer is an electronic device that accepts input, processes data, produces output, and stores information.
• Computer components (hardware) include electrical, electronic, and mechanical parts.
• Desktops are stationary personal computers with components fitted on or under a desk.

Desktop Computers

• Designed to be stationary, with all components within or near the work surface.
• Peripheral devices like keyboards, mouses, and printers are commonly used with desktops.
• The system unit may contain the motherboard, internal hard drive, memory, and more for protection from damage.
• A monitor is a separate component from external devices.

Laptop Computers

• Portable computers with built-in screens and keyboards.
• Offer input devices like keyboards, touchpads, and webcams; output devices like screens and speakers.
• Can run similar software and operate on batteries or power supplies.
• More expensive than comparable desktops, but designed for portability, typically have fewer ports or expansion options.

Tablet Computers

• Portable computers without physical keyboards/keypads usually.
• Entire screen is touch-sensitive for input; no physical keyboard or mouse,
• Less versatile than desktops, but good for second computers or casual use.

All-in-One Computers (AiOs)

• Combine the components of a desktop computer in a single unit.
• More portable than typical desktops.
• Difficult to repair as parts are enclosed.
• Potentially higher long-term costs.

Supercomputers

• Extremely powerful computers for scientific and engineering calculations.
• Used for complex simulations of physical phenomena.

Embedded Computers

• Computers embedded within other devices.
• Designed for specific functions within devices, like calculators, cars, planes, and washing machines.

Computer Software

• Programs that tell computerized equipment how to operate, essential for hardware to function.
• Three types of software:
  • System software controls hardware including operating systems, translators, and utilities.
  • Application software performs specific tasks for users.
  • Utility software performs maintenance functions

Technology Uses

• Computers are widely used in various aspects of daily life, impacting areas like airline booking, business (accounting, communication), banks, cinemas, cartoons, education, and home entertainment.
• They are used for defense and research, in medicine, and for maintaining records in libraries, in managing and controlling satellites.

Input Devices

• Information or data inputted to a computer for operations.
• Include keyboards, pointing devices (e.g., mouse), pen-based input (stylus, tablets), voice input, and scanners (various kinds).

Keyboard

• One of the earliest input devices.
• A collection of keys representing various commands, functions, or characters.
• Arranged into groups such as alphanumeric keys, number keys, cursor keys, and function keys to perform specific tasks.

Pointing Devices (e.g., Mouse)

• Devices used for moving the cursor or pointer on the screen for pointing or selecting.
• Actions include clicking, double-clicking, dragging and dropping objects on the screen to operate software.
• Types include mechanical, optical, and wireless mouses.

Pen Input (e.g., Stylus)

• Devices that function like a pen or stylus enabling the user to interact with the computer screen directly.

Voice Input

• Input method using speech to enter data, instructions into a system via a microphone or headset.

Scanners and Reading Devices

• Input devices used for entering or digitizing visual data like photos, drawings, or documents into computers (optical scanners, bar code readers, and other types)

Library, Medicine, and Space Technology Uses

• Computers and digital tools have revolutionized information management.
• Medical research and human body studies leverage digital technology.
• Satellites, spacecraft, and space technologies rely on computers

Other Output Devices

• Primarily visual display units.
• CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) are two main categories.
• Monitor screens, or displays, display information and output.

Data Projectors

• Project visual content onto a screen.
• Useful for presentations, classes, and demonstrations that use video or computer graphics.
• LCD and DLP projection systems are the most common.

Printers

• Produce hard copies of output.
• Impact printers use a mechanical striking or hammering method to create output.
• Non-impact printers use methods like ink jets or lasers to create a non-mechanical output that's more silent.

Memory

• A computer component used to store data, instructions, and programs.
• Volatile memory (like RAM) is erased when the device is turned off.
• Non-volatile memory (like ROM, Flash memory, CMOS) retains data even when off.

Storage Devices

• Devices that allow for long-term storage of files and data.
• Examples include hard disks, SSDs (Solid State Drives), memory cards, USB drives, optical discs, and cloud storage.

Cloud Storage

• An internet-based data storage service.
• Data stored remotely & accessible from various devices.

Optical Readers (OCR)

• Read and convert images of text into editable machine-readable documents
• Used to process printed documents faster and automatically, with lower error rates and manually enter text or data from printed material.

Barcode Readers

• Reads data encoded in barcodes.
• Used frequently in retail settings for inventory management and for tracking products and data.

Magnetic Stripe Card Readers

• Read data from magnetic stripes on cards and devices.
• Used for credit card transactions and other applications.

MICR

• Reads data written with special magnetic ink (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) common in checks
• used for processing financial documents.

Storage Capacity (and Access)

• Storage capacity refers to the amount of data a device or system can hold and store
• Access time refers to the speed with which data can be retrieved and read from a variety of storage media & devices.

Additional Storage Devices (USB Flash Drive, External Hard Drives, Optical Discs, Card Readers/Writers)

• USB Flash Drives
• External Hard Drives
• Different optical discs