Visualizing Technology - Chapter 1

Visualizing Technology - Chapter 1

• Computers are programmable machines that convert raw data into usable information.
• The information processing cycle has stages: input, storage, processing, and output.
• Input collects data from sources.
• Storage temporarily holds raw data until it can be processed and stores processed data for later use.
• Processing manipulates data to be evaluated.
• Output presents the processed information.
• Learning Objectives outlined: explaining computer functions, describing computer hardware evolution, explaining how computers use binary code, identifying various types and characteristics of personal computers, listing other computing devices, describing multiuser computers, and explaining ubiquitous computing and convergence.

Learning Objective 1.1

• Explain the Functions of a Computer.

Learning Objective 1.2

• Describe the Evolution of Computer Hardware.
• First-generation computers (1936-1951) used vacuum tubes, resembled light bulbs, were massive, and used manual switches.
  • Examples include the Z1-Z3, Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC), Colossus, Harvard Mark 1, ENIAC, and UNIVAC.

Second-Generation Computers

• Transistors replaced vacuum tubes in 1947.
• They were more powerful, smaller, more reliable, and could be reprogrammed faster.

Third-Generation Computers

• Integrated circuits, developed in the 1960s, contained many tiny transistors on a semiconductor material (silicon).
• Resulting in faster, smaller, and more reliable computers.

Fourth-Generation Computers

• Microprocessors emerged in the 1970s.
• Complex integrated circuits that contain the central processing unit (CPU).
• First microprocessors had the processing power comparable to earlier large computers like the ENIAC.

Moore's Law

• Gordon Moore made a prediction in 1965.
• The number of transistors on an integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years.
• This prediction has roughly been followed over time.
• Current trend is closer to 18 months.
• The rate of increases in processing speeds, and storage capacity for electronic devices is affected by Moore's prediction.

Learning Objective 1.3

• Describe How Computers Represent Data Using Binary Code.
• Computers use binary code (1s and 0s) to represent data.
• A bit is the smallest unit of digital information.
• 8 bits equal 1 byte.
• ASCII uses 7 bits, representing 128 characters, and 8 bits representing 256 possible combinations (2^8).
• Unicode is an extended ASCII system and represents over 100,000 characters.

Quantum Computing

• Quantum computers use quantum properties of superposition and entanglement to create multiple states using qubits (quantum bits).
• Superposition describes a spinning coin being both heads and tails simultaneously.
• Quantum computers are capable of simulating chemical reactions, financial markets, improving weather forecasting, breaking encryption, and developing new drugs.

Measuring Data

• Bits are used to measure data transfer rate.
• Decimal prefixes (kilo, mega, giga, tera, peta) are added to the base unit (bit or byte).
• Bytes measure file size and storage capacity.
• Binary prefixes (kibi, mebi, gibi) are used for RAM.
• A megabyte (MB) is equal to 1,000,000 bytes and a mebibyte (MiB) is equal to 1,048,576 bytes.

Learning Objective 1.4

• List the Various Types and Characteristics of Personal Computers.
• Personal computers come in variations of desktop computers, workstations, and all-in-one computers.

Notebook Computers

• Portable personal computers also known as laptops or notebooks.
• Convertible notebooks have screens that swivel to convert from a laptop to a tablet form.
• Two-in-one notebooks have detachable screens to act as a tablet.
• Tablets are mobile devices.
• Subnotebooks are light and thin.

Mac, PC, or Something Else?

• Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of Mac, PC, and Chromebooks.

Ergonomics

• Proper workspace design (posture, foot rests, elbow support, monitor placement) is essential to maintain well-being for prolonged computer use.
• Improper workplace posture and ergonomics can lead to discomfort, health issues, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Learning Objective 1.5

• Give Examples of Other Computing Devices.
• Examples include mobile devices.

Mobile Devices

• Smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, GPS systems, mapping tools, document editing tools, and mobile apps.

Wearables and GPS

• Devices worn on the body that can include health monitoring, communication, military operations, and entertainment.
• GPS is a satellite-based navigation system enabling location and navigation, tracking, mapping, and timing. Examples include geocaching.

Video Game Systems and Simulations

• Game consoles (Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation) are high-end graphics, processors, to play movies, music, and online games.
• Devices include handheld games, portable devices, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR).

Learning Objective 1.6

• List the Various Types and Characteristics of Multiuser Computers.
• Servers, mainframes, and supercomputers.

Servers

• Provide services like Internet access and email to client systems.
• Perform complex calculations and store data, including customer information and transactions.

Mainframes

• Process millions of transactions daily.
• Replaced in many cases with enterprise servers.

Supercomputers

• Very expensive computers designed to perform a limited number of tasks very quickly.
• Used for weather forecasting and medical research.

Distributed and Grid Computing

• Distributed computing spreads processing tasks across multiple computers.
• Grid computing is where computers are in one location.
• Volunteer computing uses thousands of computers.

Learning Objective 1.7

• Explain Ubiquitous Computing and Convergence.

Ubiquitous Computing and Convergence

• Integration of technology on multifunction devices.
• Mobile devices, smartphones, personal information management tools, email, web browsing, document editing, MP3 players, cameras, GPS, Games, mobile payment systems, and convergence integration are all explored.
• Drones (unmanned aircraft systems), piloted by remote control or onboard computers also discussed, along with commercial applications in agriculture, land management, energy, and construction.
• IoT (internet of things) explored. Embedded computers are specialized computer parts for other devices.

Summary

• These study notes cover the different types of computers, their characteristics, functions, and history. These are key topics needed to understand computing as a whole.