Introductory Visualizing Technology
Sixth Edition
Chapter 1
What Is a Computer?
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Learning Objectives
1.1 Explain the Functions of a Computer
1.2 Describe the Evolution of Computer Hardware
1.3 Describe How Computers Represent Data Using Binary Code
1.4 List the Various Types and Characteristics of Personal Computers
1.5 Give Examples of Other Personal Computing Devices
1.6 List the Various Types and Characteristics of Multiuser Computers
1.7 Explain Ubiquitous Computing and Convergence
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3
Learning Objective 1.1
Explain the Functions of a Computer
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Explain the Functions of a Computer
Computers are programmable machines that convert
raw data into useful information
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FIGURE 1.2
The information processing cycle
The information processing cycle converts
data collected from a customer order
form into information used to fulfill the order.
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6
Learning Objective 1.2
Describe the Evolution of Computer Hardware
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Describe the Evolution of Computer Hardware
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First-Generation Computers (1 of 2)
• Used vacuum tubes
Resembled incandescent light bulbs
Emitted a lot of heat
Unreliable
• Massive in size
• Used manual switches to process data
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First-Generation Computers (2 of 2)
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Second-Generation Computers
• Transistors replaced vacuum tubes in 1947
Revolutionized the electronics industry
• More powerful
• Smaller
• More reliable
• Reprogrammed in less time
Transistors
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Third-Generation Computers
• Integrated circuits
Developed in the 1960s
Contained many tiny transistors
on semiconducting material
(silicon)
• Faster, smaller, and more
reliable
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Fourth-Generation Computers
• Microprocessors
Emerged in 1970s
Complex integrated circuits that
contain the central processing
unit (CPU), the brain of a
computer
First microprocessor was as
powerful as the ENIAC
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Moore’s Law
• Gordon Moore
 Made prediction in1965
Number of transistors on an integrated
circuit doubled every 2 years
Prediction of continued exponential
growth
Current trend is closer to 18 months
Affects processing speeds and storage
capacity of modern electronic devices
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14
Learning Objective 1.3
Describe How Computers Represent Data Using Binary Code
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Describe How Computers Represent Data Using
Binary Code
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15
Binary Code Binary Number System: 1s & 0s (1 of 2)
• Binary code has two possible states: on/off, 1/0, yes/no
• Bit – the smallest unit of digital information 8 bits = 1
byte
• With 2 bits, there are four possible combinations of
states (10, 01, 11, 00)
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Binary Code Binary Number System: 1s & 0s (2 of 2)
• ASCII – uses 7 bits and represents 128 characters
With 8 bits there are 256 different possible combinations (28)
• Unicode – extended ACSII; represents over 100,000
characters
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Measuring Data
• Bits measure data transfer rates
• Bytes measure file size and storage capacity
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Learning Objective 1.4
List the Various Types and Characteristics of Personal Computers
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List the Various Types and Characteristics of
Personal Computers
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Desktop Computers
• Desktop computer
• Workstation
• All-in-one computer
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Notebook Computers (1 of 2)
• Portable personal computers
May use a stylus (a digital pen)
• Convertible notebook
Has swivel screen
• Tablet
Preinstalled mobile apps
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Notebook Computers (2 of 2)
• Netbook
Smallest type of notebook
• Subnotebook
Thin and light with high-end
processor
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Mac, PC, or Something Else?
PC
MAC
ADVANTAGES
•
•
•
•
•
Less expensive for similar configuration
Can run many versions of Windows and
Linux
More configuration choices
Preferred platform in most businesses
Most computer games are only
available for Windows PC
ADVANTAGES
•
•
•
•
Easy to set up and use
Great multimedia capabilities
Secure and stable
Productivity and Entertainment
software included
CHROMBOOK
ADVANTAGES
•
•
•
Inexpensive
Relies on web apps and
cloud storage
Fast and secure for everyday
computing tasks
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Ergonomics (1 of 2)
• Ergonomic (proper) workspace:
Proper posture
Use a foot rest
Elbows on arm rest bent at 90°
Monitor below eye level
Frequent breaks
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Ergonomics (2 of 2)
• Improper workspace:
Can affect health, comfort, and productivity
Leads to discomfort and can result in musculoskeletal
disorders
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27
Learning Objective 1.5
Give Examples of Other Personal Computing Devices
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Give Examples of Other Personal Computing Devices
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Mobile Devices
• Smartphones & Tablets
Internet access
Email access
Digital cameras
GPS
Mapping tools
Document editing
Mobile apps
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Wearables & GPS
• GPS (global positioning
system)
Satellite-based navigation
system
Used for:
• Location and navigation
• Tracking
• Mapping
• Wearables
Devices worn on the body
Used for:
• Health monitoring
• Communication
• Military operations
• Entertainment
• Timing
• Geocaching
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Video Game Systems and Simulations (1 of 2)
• Game consoles: (Microsoft Xbox One, Sony PlayStation
4, Nintendo Wii U)
High-end processors
High-end graphics capabilities
Play movies and music
Online game play
Browse the Internet
Use a game controller
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Video Game Systems and Simulations (1 of 2)
• Handheld games: (Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DSi,
PlayStation Portable (PSP) Vita)
Portable
Listen to music and view photos and movies
Chat and access the Internet over cellular or wireless networks
3D photo and graphic capability
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33
Learning Objective 1.6
List the Various Types and Characteristics of Multiuser Computers
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List the Various Types and Characteristics of
Multiuser Computers
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Servers (1 of 2)
• Servers
Provide services such as Internet access and email to a client
system
• Minicomputers
Support fewer than 200 users; users connect via dumb terminals
• Midrange computers
Replace minicomputers; users connect via personal computers
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Servers (2 of 2)
• Mainframes
Process millions of transactions a day
Found in businesses such as banks and insurance companies
• Enterprise servers
Allow thousands of users to use the system concurrently
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Supercomputers
• Very expensive
• Designed to perform limited number of tasks as quickly as
possible
• Perform complex mathematical calculations
Weather forecasting
Medical research
• Can be a single computer with multiple processors or a
group of computers working together
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Distributed and Grid Computing
• Distributed computing
Spreading processing tasks across multiple computers
• Grid computing
Distributed computing
uses computers in one
location
• Volunteer computing
Large-scale form of
distributed computing
Harnesses the power of hundreds or thousands of computers
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39
Learning Objective 1.7
Explain Ubiquitous Computing and Convergence
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Explain Ubiquitous Computing and Convergence
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Embedded Computers
• Specialized computers
• Internet of Things (IoT)
Connection of the physical
world to the Internet
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Convergence
• Convergence—integration of technology on multifunction
devices
Smartphones
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•
•
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Cell phones
Personal information management tools
Email
Web browsing
Document editing
MP3 players
Cameras
GPS
Games
Mobile payment systems
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Questions
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permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
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