Discovering

Computers 2012
Your Interactive Guide
to the Digital World

A World of Computers
Computers are everywhere

Pages 4 - 5
Figure 1-1

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

What Is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device,
operating under the control of
instructions stored in its own memory
Collects data
(input)

Processing

Produces
information
(output)

Information Processing Cycle

Page 6

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

Page 6
Figure 1-2

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

The Components of a
Computer
A computer contains many electric, electronic,
and mechanical components known as
hardware
Input
Device Allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer
Output
Device
System Unit

Hardware component that conveys information to one or

more people
Case that contains the electronic components of the
computer that are used to process data

Storage
Device

Records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from

storage media

Communicati
ons Device

Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions,

and information to and from one or more computers or
mobile devices

Pages 6 - 8

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

The Components of a
Computer

Page 7
Figure 1-3

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

Types of Computers
Personal computers
Mobile computers and mobile
devices
Game consoles
Servers
Mainframes
Supercomputers
Embedded computers
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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

Personal Computers
A personal computer can perform all of
its input, processing, output, and storage
activities by itself
Two popular architectures are the PC and
the Apple
Desktop computer

Pages 19 - 20
Figures 1-15 - 1-16

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

Mobile Computers and Mobile

Devices
Mobile
Compu
ter

Pages 20 - 23

Mobile
Device
Personal computer
you can carry from
place to place

Computing device
small enough to
hold in your hand

Examples include
notebook
computers,
laptop
computers,
netbooks, ultrathins, and Tablet
PCs

Examples include
smart phones and
PDAs, e-book
readers,
handheld
computers,
portable media
players, and
digital cameras

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

Mobile Computers and Mobile

Devices
Notebook computer
Tablet PC
Smart phones and
PDAs
E-book reader
Pages 20 - 22
Figures 1-17 1-20

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

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Mobile Computers and Mobile

Devices

Handheld
computer
Portable media
player
Digital camera
Pages 22 - 23
Figures 1-21 1-23

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

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Game Consoles
A game console is a mobile computing
device designed for single-player or
multiplayer video games

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Figure 1-24

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

12

Servers
A server controls
access to the
hardware, software,
and other resources
on a network
Provides a centralized
storage area for
programs, data, and
information

Page 25
Figure 1-25

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

13

Mainframes
A mainframe is a
large, expensive,
powerful computer
that can handle
hundreds or
thousands of
connected users
simultaneously

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Figure 1-26

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

14

Supercomputers
A supercomputer is the fastest, most
powerful computer
Fastest supercomputers are capable of
processing more than one quadrillion
instructions in a single second

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Figure 1-27

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

15

Embedded Computers
An embedded computer is a specialpurpose computer that functions as a
component in a larger product
Consumer
Electronics
Mobile and
digital
telephones
Digital
televisions
Cameras
Video
recorders
DVD players
and recorders
Answering
machines
Page 26

Home
Automation
Devices
Thermostats
Sprinkling
systems
Security
monitoring
systems
Appliances
Lights

Automobiles
Antilock
brakes
Engine control
modules
Airbag
controller
Cruise control

Process
Controllers and
Robotics
Remote
monitoring
systems
Power
monitors
Machine
controllers
Medical
devices

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

Computer
Devices and
Office
Machines
Keyboards
Printers
Faxes
Copiers

16

Embedded Computers

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Figure 1-28

Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

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Elements of a computer
based systems
Data

Software

Hardware

Procedure
s

Connectiv
ity

People

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Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

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Data
Data is a collection of unorganised facts,
unprocessed items, which can include:
Letters, numbers
Line thickness, magnetic strips
Data is an input in the Information
Processing Cycle

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Information
Information is data organised and given
meaning, which can include:
The letter, report, essay or
spreadsheet
The text printed on the sales docket

Data

Processing
Discovering Computers 2012: Chapter 1

Information
20

Software
Software also called program
Software includes all the instructions
that tell the computer what to do
and how to do
Software is the computer
programming that makes the
computer work

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Hardware
The physical things that make up a
computer system:
System unit
Monitor
Keyboard and mouse
Cables
Printers
And so on

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Procedures
Procedures are the steps that must be
followed to complete a particular
computer related task such as:
Instructions
Manuals
On-line help

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Connectivity
So much business is now based upon
networks.
Networks enable Humans, computers,
other devices connected, communicating
and working together

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People
People involved in a computer based
system
There are broad categories such as:
Users/owners
Operators
System Managers
Technicians, technical support
Developers
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