Types of Computers and Data representation

1. FUNDAMENTALS OF
COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

2. Outline
Fundamentals of Computing technology
• Components of a Computer
• Software VS Hardware
• Types of Computing devices
• Elements of Information System
• Memory
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

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
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

4. Categories of Computers
Embedded computers
Supercomputers
Mainframes
Servers
Game consoles
Mobile computers and mobile devices
Personal computers
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

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
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

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
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

7. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices (Cont..)
Notebook computer
Tablet PC
Smart phones
E-book reader
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

8. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices (Cont..)
Handheld computer
Portable media player
Digital camera
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

9. Game Consoles
• A game console is a mobile
computing device designed for
single-player or multiplayer video
games
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

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
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

11. Mainframes
• A mainframe is a large, expensive,
powerful computer that can handle
hundreds or thousands of
connected users simultaneously
• Google
• Bing
• Chat-GPT
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

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
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

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
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

14. Embedded Computers (2 of 2)
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

15. Elements of an Information System
Hardware Software Data
People Procedures
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

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
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

18. Computer Applications in Society
Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

19. Computer Applications in Society (Cont..)
Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

20. Bits and bytes
Binary digits---bits
A byte comprises of 8 bits
and represents 1 character
Data Representation in Computers
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

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
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

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
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

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.
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY

26. Figure 2 This figure shows how a letter is converted to binary form and back.
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACY