6. Computers for Individual Use
Computers can be shared by
multiple users but can be used by
only one person at a time.
7. Computers for Individual Use
Embedded Computers
An embedded computer is a tiny computer embedded into a product designed
to perform specific tasks or functions for that product
8. Computers for Individual Use
Desktop computers
The most common type of computer
Sits on the desk or floor
Performs a variety of tasks
9. Computers for Individual Use
Portable Computers
fully functioning computers designed to be carried around easily.
This portability makes them very flexible.
Notebook computers (also called laptop computers)
Tablet computers
Hybrid notebook-tablet computers (also called convertible tablets)
Netbooks
10. Mobile Devices
A mobile device is loosely defined as a very small (typically pocket-sized) device that
has built-in computing or Internet capability
Computers for Individual use
11. Computers for Individual Use
Workstations
Specialized computers
Optimized for science or graphics
More powerful than a desktop
12. Computers for Individual Use
Although PCs are used by individuals,
they also can be connected together
to create networks.
13.
14. Computers for Organizations
Network servers
Centralized computer
All other computers connect
Users use the Internet as a means of
connecting even if away from the offices.
Flexibility to different kinds of tasks
Provides access to network resources
Multiple servers are called server farms
Often simply a powerful desktop: Google
15. Computers for Organizations
Mainframes
Used in large organizations
Handle thousands of users
Users access through a terminal
16. 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
17. Computers for Organizations
Supercomputers
The most powerful computers made
Handle large and complex calculations
Process trillions of operations per second
Found in research organizations
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18. 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
19. Computers in Society…
Impact of computers
Like the Impact of automobile
The benefits of using computers
As varied as users
Computers at home
Many homes have multiple computers
Most American homes have Internet
Computers are used for
Communication
Computers in education
Computer literacy required at all levels
20. Computers in Society…
Computers in small business
Makes businesses more profitable
Allows owners to manage
Computers in government
Necessary to track data for population
Police officers
Tax calculation and collection
Governments were the first computer users
Computers in health care
Revolutionized health care
New treatments possible
Scheduling of patients has improved
Delivery of medicine is safer
22. The Parts of a Computer System
Hardware
Mechanical devices in the computer
Anything that can be touched
Software
Tell the computer what to do
Also called a program
Thousands of programs exist
23. The Parts of a Computer System…
Data
Pieces of information
Computers organize and present data
Users
People operating the computer
Most important part
Tell the computer what to do
26. Essential Hardware Components
Input – the component through which a user instructs a
computer about what to do
Processor – the engine that processes the instructions
given by the user
Memory – where the processor stores information that is
required during its computations
Storage – where information that is required to be used
much later is stored
Output – the component that communicates the results
of a computation to the user
27. Input and output devices
Allows the user to interact
Input devices accept data
Keyboard, mouse
Output devices deliver data
Monitor, printer, speaker
Some devices are input and output
Touch screens
Modem (MODulate and DEModulate)
