Chapter 1: Introducing Computer Systems PDF

Chapter 1 Introducing Computer Systems McGraw-Hill Technology Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All  The Computer Defined Electronic device Converts data into information Modern computers are digital – Two digits co...

Chapter 1 Introducing Computer Systems McGraw-Hill Technology Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All  The Computer Defined Electronic device Converts data into information Modern computers are digital – Two digits combine to make data (0, 1) 1A-2  The Computer Defined Older computers were analog – A range of values made data 1A-3  The Computer Defined Older computers were analog – A more manageable type -- the old- fashioned slide rule 1A-4  Computers for Individual Use Computers can be shared by multiple users but can be used by only one person at a time. 1A-5  Computers for Individual Use Although PCs are used by individuals, they also can be connected together to create networks. 1A-6  Computers for Individual Use Desktop computers – The most common type of computer – Sits on the desk or floor – Performs a variety of tasks 1A-7  Computers for Individual Use Desktop computers – Different design types 1A-8  Computers for Individual Use Workstations – Specialized computers – Optimized for science or graphics – More powerful than a desktop 1A-9  Computers for Individual Use Notebook computers – Small portable computers – Weighs between 3 and 8 pounds 1A-10  Computers for Individual Use Notebook computers – About 8 ½ by 11 inches – Typically as powerful as a desktop – Can include a docking station 1A-11  Computers for Individual Use Tablet computers – Newest development in portable computers – Input is through a pen – Run specialized versions of office products 1A-12  Computers for Individual Use Handheld computers, palm computer – Very small computers – Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) – Note taking or contact management – Data can synchronize with a desktop 1A-13  Computers for Individual Use Smart phones – Hybrid of cell phone and PDA – Web surfing, e-mail access 1A-14  Computers for Organizations Network servers – Centralized computer – All other computers connect 1A-15  Computers for Organizations Network servers – Provides access to network resources – Multiple servers are called server farms – Often simply a powerful desktop: Google 1A-16  Computers for Organizations Network servers – Flexibility to different kinds of tasks Computers for Organizations 1A-17  Computers for Organizations Network servers – Users use the Internet as a means of connecting even if away from the offices. 1A-18  Computers for Organizations Mainframes – Used in large organizations – Handle thousands of users – Users access through a terminal 1A-19  Computers for Organizations Mainframes – Large and powerful systems 1A-20  Computers for Organizations Minicomputers – Called midrange computers – Power between mainframe and desktop – Handle hundreds of users – Used in smaller organizations – Users access through a terminal 1A-21  Computers for Organizations Supercomputers – The most powerful computers made – Handle large and complex calculations – Process trillions of operations per second – Found in research organizations 1A-22  Computers in Society More impact than any other invention – Changed work and leisure activities – Used by all demographic groups Computers are important because: – Provide information to users – Information is critical to our society – Managing information is difficult 1A-23  Computers in Society Impact of computers – Like the Impact of automobile 1A-24  Computers in Society The benefits of using computers – As varied as users 1A-25  Computers in Society Computers at home – Many homes have multiple computers – Most American homes have Internet – Computers are used for Communication 1A-26  Computers in Society Computers at home – Computers are used for Business Entertainment Schoolwork Finances 1A-27  Computers in Society Computers in education – Computer literacy required at all levels 1A-28  Computers in Society Computers in small business – Makes businesses more profitable – Allows owners to manage 1A-29  Computers in Society Computers in industry – Computers are used to design products – Assembly lines are automated 1A-30  Computers in Society Computers in government – Necessary to track data for population Police officers Tax calculation and collection – Governments were the first computer users 1A-31  Computers in Society Computers in health care – Revolutionized health care – New treatments possible – Scheduling of patients has improved – Delivery of medicine is safer 1A-32