This document provides an overview of fundamentals of computing technology including: - The main components of a computer are hardware, software, data, people, and procedures. A computer collects input, processes it, stores output for future use, and produces information. - There are several categories of computers including personal computers, mobile devices, servers, mainframes, supercomputers, game consoles, and embedded computers. - Personal computers are designed for individual use and include benefits like low cost and portability. Mobile devices include smartphones, e-readers, and tablets. - Servers provide centralized access to data and programs over a network. Mainframes can handle hundreds of users simultaneously. Supercomputers are the fastest

1. FUNDAMENTALS OF
COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY
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2. Outline
Fundamentals of Computing technology
• Components of a Computer
• Software VS Hardware
• Types of Computing devices
• Elements of Information System
• Memory
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3. 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)
Stores
output (For
Future Use)
Information Processing Cycle
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4. Categories of Computers
Embedded computers
Supercomputers
Mainframes
Servers
Game consoles
Mobile computers and mobile devices
Personal computers
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5. Personal Computers
• Often referred to as a PC
• A computer designed for individual use
• Intended to be operated directly by an end user, rather than by a computer expert or
technician
• Benefits
• Low cost
• Portable
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6. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
Personal computer you
can carry from place to
place
Examples include
notebook computers,
laptop computers,
netbooks, ultra-thins, and
Tablet PCs
Mobile
Computer
Computing device small
enough to hold in your
hand
Examples include smart
phones and PDAs, e-
book readers, handheld
computers, portable
media players, and
digital cameras
Mobile
Device
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7. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices (Cont..)
Notebook computer
Tablet PC
Smart phones
E-book reader
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8. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices (Cont..)
Handheld computer
Portable media player
Digital camera
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9. Game Consoles
• A game console is a mobile
computing device designed for
single-player or multiplayer video
games
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10. Servers
• A server provides the controlled
access to the data, services, or
programs to other computers,
known as clients, over a network.
• Provides a centralized storage area
for programs, data, and information
• Example
• SAP Server
• Slate Server
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11. Mainframes
• A mainframe is a large, expensive,
powerful computer that can handle
hundreds or thousands of
connected users simultaneously
• Google
• Bing
• Chat-GPT
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12. Supercomputers
• A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer
• Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing more than one quadrillion
instructions in a single second
• Used in high performance research labs
• NASA
• Weather prediction
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13. Embedded Computers (1 of 2)
• An embedded computer is a special-purpose computer that functions as a
component in a larger product
Consumer
Electronics
• Digital televisions
• Cameras
• Video recorders
• DVD players and
recorders
• Answering
machines
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
Computer Devices
and Office Machines
• Printers
• Faxes
• Copiers
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14. Embedded Computers (2 of 2)
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15. Elements of an Information System
Hardware Software Data
People Procedures
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16. Elements of an Information System
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17. Examples of Computer Usage
Home User
• Personal financial
management
• Web access
• Communications
• Entertainment
Small Office/Home
Office User
• Look up information
• Send and receive e-mail
messages
• Make telephone calls
Mobile User
• Connect to other computers
on a network or the Internet
• Transfer information
• Play video games
• Listen to music
• Watch movies
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18. Computer Applications in Society
Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
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19. Computer Applications in Society (Cont..)
Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing
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20. Bits and bytes
Binary digits---bits
A byte comprises of 8 bits
and represents 1 character
Data Representation in Computers
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21. DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

22. Text codes
Converts letters into binary format
ASCII
(American English symbols)
Extended ASCII
(Graphics and other symbols)
Unicode
(All languages on the planet)
Data Representation in Computers
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23. DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

24. Data Representation
•Analog signals are continuous and vary in strength and
quality
•Digital signals are in one of two states: on or off
•Most computers are digital
•The binary system uses two unique digits (0 and 1)
•Bits and bytes
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25. Data Representation
Figure 1 The circuitry in a computer or mobile device represents
the on or the off states electronically by the presence or absence of
an electronic charge.
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26. Figure 2 This figure shows how a letter is converted to binary form and back.
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