Computer Fundamentals PDF

# Computer Fundamentals ## Definition - A programmable, electronic device that accepts data and follows instructions called programs. ## Basic Operations 1. **Input:** Entering data into the computer. 2. **Processing:** Performing operations on the data. 3. **Output:** Presenting the results (dat...

# Computer Fundamentals ## Definition - A programmable, electronic device that accepts data and follows instructions called programs. ## Basic Operations 1. **Input:** Entering data into the computer. 2. **Processing:** Performing operations on the data. 3. **Output:** Presenting the results (data). 4. **Storage:** Saving data, programs, or output for future use. 5. **Communications:** Sending or receiving data. ## Data vs. Information - **Data:** Raw, unorganized facts. Can be in the form of text, graphics, audio, or video. - **Information:** Data that has been processed into a meaningful form. ## Computer Generations: The History of Computers | Generation | Description | |---|---| | First | Used vacuum tubes | | Second | Used transistors | | Third | Used integrated circuits (ICs) | | Fourth | Used microprocessors | | Fifth | Used artificial intelligence (AI) | ## Hardware - The physical parts of a computer. ### Devices | Device | Definition | Example | |---|---|---| | Input | Used to input data into the computer | Keyboards, mice, scanners, cameras | | Output | Present results to the user | Monitors, printers, speakers, projectors | | Storage | Used to store data | Hard drives, CD/DVD, USB flash drives | | Processing | Perform calculation and control operation | Central processing unit (CPU) and memory | | Communications | Allow users to communicate with others | Modems, network adapters | ## Software - Programs or instructions used to tell the computer hardware what to do. ### Types | Type | Definition | Examples | |---|---|---| | System software | Operating system starts up the computer, controls its operation and launches programs | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | | Application software | Performs specific tasks or applications | •Creating letters ・Playing games ・Viewing Web pages ・Sending and receiving e-mail | ## Computer Users and Professionals - **Computer users (end users):** People who use a computer to obtain information. - **Computer professionals** include: Programmers, Systems analysts, Security specialists. ## Computer Categories - Six basic categories of computers. ### Categories | Computer | Definition | Examples | |---|---|---| | Embedded | Embedded into a product and designed to perform specific tasks or functions | Household appliances, Sewing machine, Cars | | Mobile device | Very small device with internet capability | Smart phone gaming device | | Personal | Small computer designed to be used by one person at a time. <br> 1. **Desktop computers:** Fit on or next to a desk, use tower case. <br> 2. **Portable Computers** are fully functioning computers ex: Notebook (laptop), Tablet. | | Midrange | Called medium-sized computer used to host programs | Servers minicomputer | | Mainframe | Powerful computer used by several large organizations to manage large amounts of centralized data | Hospitals, universities, banks, government offices | | Supercomputer | Larger, more expensive, and more powerful than servers. Fastest, most expensive, most powerful type of computer. | Space exploration, satellite, weather forecast, oil exploration, scientific research | ## Computer Networks and The Internet - **Computer network:** Collection of computers and other devices that are connected together. - **Internet:** Largest and most well-known computer network in the world. It is technically a network of networks. - **WorldWide Web (WWW):** Collection of Web pages available through the internet. - **Web page:** Document, typically containing hyperlinks to other documents. - **Web site:** Collection of related Web pages usually belonging to an organization or individual. - **Web server:** Computer that is continually connected to the Internet and hosts Web pages. - **Web browser:** Program used to view Web pages.