1. PowerPoint Presentation To Accompany
PowerPoint presentation to accompany Visualizing Technology, by Debra Geoghan.
Chapter 1
What Is a Computer?
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2. OBJECTIVES Chapter 1 Explain the functions of a computer.
Describe the evolution of computer hardware, and explain the importance of Moore’s Law.
List the various types and characteristics of personal computers.
List the various types and characteristics of multiuser computers.
Give examples of other computing devices.
List several ways ergonomics can improve the comfort and safety of a computer user.
Explain the terms “ubiquitous computing” and “convergence.”
Identify the certifications and careers related to computers.
This chapter explains the functions of a computer. The chapter objectives are:
Explain the functions of a computer.
Describe the evolution of computer hardware, and explain the importance of Moore’s Law.
List the various types and characteristics of personal computers.
List the various types and characteristics of multiuser computers.
Give examples of other computing devices.
List several ways ergonomics can improve the comfort and safety of a computer user.
Explain the terms “ubiquitous computing” and “convergence.”
Identify the certifications and careers related to computers.
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3. Objective 1: Overview What Does a Computer Do?
Explain the Information Processing Cycle
Briefly review the Industrial Revolution and its contribution to computers
Key Terms
Computer
Data
Information
Information Processing Cycle (IPC)
What does a computer do? This section will discuss the Information Processing Cycle, then review the Industrial Revolution and its contribution to computers.
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4. Information Processing Cycle
Input
Data is collected from customers who submit a form on a website.
Process
The data is then manipulated, or processed, so it can be used to evaluate the customer’s needs.
Storage
The raw data is stored temporarily until it can be processed. The processed information is stored for later retrieval.
Output
The processed raw data – now information – is output as reports and charts that managers can use to help make decisions.
We need to keep in mind that computers are programmable machines based on the four steps of the Information Processing Cycle: input, output, process, storage. During the input stage data is entered or collected. It is then processed, or manipulated so it can be used to create something useful. The information is then stored for later retrieval and is returned to the user in the output stage.
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5. Industrial Revolution EARLY CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMPUTERS
Original computers were people. The Jacquard Loom was the first machine to use punched cards. This was revolutionary because it used the idea of a machine having the ability to follow an algorithm. Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine; Ada Lovelace wrote a program for the Analytical Engine to calculate a series of numbers. Analytical Engine never actually built, as the technology did not exist to build the machine.
Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace
Original computers were people, not machines, and had many errors. Technical and scientific advancements helped to solve this problem. The Industrial Revolution offered many contributions to early computers. In 1801, Joseph Marie Jacquard invented a mechanical loom that simplified the process of manufacturing textiles. It was the first machine to use punched cards. The Jacquard Loom was revolutionary because it used the idea of a machine having the ability to follow an algorithm. Charles Babbage, an English mathematician, originated the concept of a programmable computer. He imagined the concept of an “analytical engine,” a machine that could calculate a series of numbers. Working alongside Babbage, Ada Lovelace wrote a program for Babbage’s Analytical Engine that could calculate a series of numbers. She is considered the first computer programmer. The Analytical Engine was never actually built because the technology did not exist to build the machine.
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6. How did Boole, Bush, Tesla, and Leibniz contribute to the Industrial Revolution?
How did the following people contribute to the Industrial Revolution: Boole, Bush, Tesla, and Leibniz?
Answers may vary yet should include the following:
The science and mathematics that have laid the foundation for the development of computers were founded long before computers were invented. For example:
Vannevar Bush, is known as the Grandfather of the Wired Age. He discovered how the human memory works, linking new ideas to existing known ideas. This information was then used to develop the idea of hyperlinks.
Nikola Tesla discovered how to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and vice versa. He also invented wireless technology which has revolutionized computing in the last 10 years.
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz invented the binary system, which is the very base of all computing in the modern computer.
George Boole was a mathematician who is known as the founder of computer science and also the inventor of Boolean algebra. While computers were not invented until 70 years after his death, Boolean logic is frequently used on the World Wide Web to locate websites that match certain criteria.
Although each of these men was not investing their time to create computers, their collective contributions to science and mathematics provide the cornerstones necessary to fuel computer technology.
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7. Objective 2: Overview A Brief History of Computers
Discuss the four generations of computers and the technology that defined them
Discuss Moore’s Law and its prediction
Key Terms
ENIAC
Integrated circuit (IC)
Microprocessor
Moore’s Law
Transistor
Vacuum tubes
This section discusses the four generations of computers and the technology that defined it. It will also discuss Gordon Moore’s prediction and how it has held true. It is known as Moore’s Law.
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8. First Generation VACUUM TUBES
1941: Z1 - Conrad Zuse
1942: Atanasoff-Berry Computer
1944: Colossus
1944: Harvard Mark 1
1946: ENIAC
1951: UNIVAC
First Generation computers are characterized by vacuum tubes. There were many inventions that used this technology and paved the way to future computing. Conrad Zuse developed the first programmable, general-purpose computer, which he named the Z1. John Atanasoff was an electrical engineer along with Clifford Berry. Together they created the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC). Their machine was capable of solving systems of linear equations. In 1943, the Colossus was secretly designed at Bletchley Park by English engineer Thomas Flowers. Britain used this to decode German messages. In the U.S., Howard Aiken invented the automated general-purpose calculator, called the Mark 1. This computer was able to compute ballistics tables for the U.S. Navy. Mauchly and Eckert also helped the U.S. with a machine that could calculate ballistics tables for the U.S. Army called the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC). This computer wasn’t completed until after World War II ended. Later they designed the UNIVAC , the first general-purpose computer built in the U.S.
2 women are shown operating the ENIAC’s main control panel. (Fig 1.4, Chapter 1, page 7)
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9. First Generation VACUUM TUBES
Date
Computer
Origin
Creator
Z1 - Z3
Germany
Konrad Zuse
1942
ABC (Atanasoff- Berry Computer)
USA
Iowa State Professor John Atanasoff and graduate student Clifford Berry
1944
Colossus UK
Tommy Flowers
Harvard Mark 1
Designed by Howard Aiken, programmed by Grace Hopper
1946
ENIAC
Presper Eckert and John Mauchly at University of Pennsylvania
1951
UNIVAC
Eckert and Mauchly
This table provides a timeline of first-generation computers and spans roughly 15 years.
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10. First Generation VACUUM TUBES
Vacuum tubes resembled incandescent light bulbs
They gave off a lot of heat and were unreliable
Major characteristic of first-generation computers is the vacuum tube
First-generation computers are characterized by vacuum tubes. There were many electronic and electromechanical machines built in 1930s and 1940s. These machines are considered first-generation computers because they used vacuum tubes. Vacuum tubes resembled light bulbs, they gave off a lot of heat, and they were unreliable. Important first-generation computers include Z1, Z3, Colossus, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, Harvard Mark 1, ENIAC, and UNIVAC, all described in the previous slide.
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11. Second Generation TRANSISTORS
Replaced vacuum tubes in 1947
Made computers more powerful, smaller, reliable
Revolutionized the electronics industry
Second-generation computers are characterized by transistors. Transistors are tiny electronic switches. These replaced vacuum tubes in Vacuum tubes made computers more powerful and more reliable. Transistors revolutionized the electronics industry because they could be reprogrammed in less time.
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12. Third Generation INTEGRATED CIRCUIT
Faster, smaller, and more reliable than transistors
Popularized in 1960
Invented by Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce separately at the same time
Third-generation technology introduced the integrated circuit (IC). ICs are silicon chips that contain large numbers of tiny transistors. These replaced transistors because they were faster, smaller, and more reliable. These were popularized in the 1960s. Two separate inventors, Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce, unaware of each other's activities, invented almost identical ICs at nearly the same time.
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13. Fourth Generation MICROPROCESSOR
The microprocessor is an integrated circuit (IC) that contains the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the computer
Emerged in the 1970s
Fourth-generation computers introduced the microprocessor. It was the previous technology of the IC that made the development of the microprocessor possible. The microprocessor emerged in the 1970s. The first one was developed in 1971 and was as powerful as the ENIAC. The microprocessor contains the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the computer.
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14. Moore’s Law
1965: Gordon Moore predicted that the number of transistors on a chip would double every two years. The current trend is closer to doubling every 18 months.
As a result, the increase in its capabilities directly affects processing speeds and storage capacity
In 1965, Intel co-founder Gordon Moore predicted that the number of transistors on a chip would double every two years. However, the current trend is closer to doubling every 18 months. As a result, the increase in capabilities directly affects processing speeds and storage capacity. As technology has improved, sizes and costs have dropped and speed, power, and reliability have grown.
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15. What are some places vacuum tubes and transistors are still used today?
Answers may vary yet should include the following:
Computers have become such an integral part of our lives making computer literacy very important. There are few activities that don’t utilize computing in some form. A car uses a computer in its mechanics, and even making a phone call involves a computer.
Vacuum Tubes found today: radars, lasers, amplification/sound, older TVs
Transistors found today: calculators, transistor radios, space flight, hearing aids, amplifiers, switches and computers
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16. Objective 3: Overview Let’s Get Personal
Discuss the different types of computers
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of computer
Discuss the platform options
Key Terms
All-in-one computers
Desktop computers
Mac vs. PC
Notebook vs. Workstation
Netbook & Tablet PC
This objective discusses the different types of computers and the advantages and disadvantages for each type. It also discusses platform options.
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17. Types of Computer Desktop All-in-one Notebook Tablet Netbook
There are many types of computers from which to select. Your needs and your wallet will determine what type is best for you. Desktop computers give you the most bang for your buck and are slowly evolving into all-in-one computers. Although all-in-one computers are smaller, they are less upgradeable. Notebook computers are portable and have dropped in price. Tablet PCs and netbooks are specialized notebook computers.
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18. What Platform Are You? Platform Pros Cons PC Cost effective
Preferred platform in business sector
Security and virus issues
Operating system stability
Apple
User-friendly
Great multimedia
Secure environment
More expensive than PC
Limited software options
A computer platform is determined by the microprocessor and operating system on which application programs can run. PCs and Apple are the major contenders. There is much debate over which is better, yet it comes down to preference, compatibility, and cost. Some users like PCs because they are the preferred platform of business and are cost effective. Others favor Apples because they are user friendly, have great multimedia, and have a very secure environment. Regardless of which you choose, the major difference between a PC and an Apple is the operating system.
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19. What is computer literacy
What is computer literacy? How does it apply to the career you plan to pursue?
What is computer literacy? How does it apply to the career you plan to pursue?
Answers may vary yet should include the following:
What is computer literacy? Computer literacy is defined as the knowledge and ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, skillfully and effectively.
How does it apply to the career you plan to pursue? Answers will vary yet should include knowing that because of the many developments, computers are an integral part of our lives making computer literacy very important. There are few activities that don’t utilize computing in some form.
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20. Objective 4: Overview Multiuser Computers: More Power to You
Discuss the different types of multiuser computers (servers, minicomputer, mainframe, supercomputers)
Define the characteristics of each type of multiuser computer
Differentiate among distributed, grid, and volunteer computing
Key Terms
Client and server
Distributed computing
Grid computing
Mainframe and supercomputer
This section discusses the multiuser computer and the four categories: servers, minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers. Each type has specific characteristics. This section also differentiates among distributed, grid, and volunteer computing.
Minicomputer
Multiuser computer
Volunteer computing
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21. Types of Computer SERVERS | MAINFRAMES | SUPERCOMPUTERS |MINICOMPUTERS
What type of computer provides services, such as printing? SERVERS What type of computer has been replace by midrange servers? MINICOMPUTERS What type of computer can perform millions of transactions in a day? MAINFRAMES What type of computer is used to perform complex mathematical calculations? SUPERCOMPUTERS
There are four types of computers: servers, minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers. Servers are computers that provide services such as file sharing, print sharing, and to client computers. A minicomputer is a size of a computer between a microcomputer and a mainframe. This midrange computer has been replaced by minisized servers. Mainframes or enterprise computers are large servers that process millions of transactions a day. Supercomputers, as the name implies, are super and can perform complex math calculations.
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22. Computing DISTRIBUTED| GRID| VOLUNTEER
What type of computing distributes the processing of a task across a group of computers? DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING What type of computing is done on a small scale, using few computers in one location? GRID COMPUTING What type of computing uses the processing power of many personal computers? VOLUNTEER COMPUTING
There are also different types of computing. Computing that distributes the processing of a task across a group of computers is called distributed computing. Grid computing is a form of distributed computing that is done on a small scale and uses a few computers in one location. Volunteer computing is another type of distributed computing. With volunteer computing, computer owners donate their computing resources, such as processing power and storage, to one or more "projects." Recent projects include BIONC (Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing), XtremWeb based at the University of Paris, and Xgrid developed by Apple.
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23. How are supercomputers used today? What type of work are they used for?
Answers may vary yet should include the following:
Weather forecasting
Medical research
Aviation and aeronautics
Protecting against weapons of mass destruction
Animation and film
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24. Objective 5: Overview It’s Not Your Father’s Desktop Anymore
Discuss the different types of mobile devices
Key Terms
GPS
Handheld
Mobile device
Video game system
Wearable
This section discusses the different types of mobile devices.
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25. Other Computing Devices
Match the Terms:
A computer that is designed primarily to play games
Xbox, Wii, PS3
Used in cars, boats, and cell phones
Acronym for Global Positioning System
Computers designed to be worn on the body
Pocket-sized computers with many built-in features including , cameras, and Internet
PDAs/smartphones GPS Wearables Video game systems
There are many different types of computing types used today, including PDAs, smartphones, GPS, video game systems, and wearables. PDAs and smartphones are pocket-sized computers with many built-in features, including GPS, Internet, and , along with several application (app) options, depending on phone OS (Apple, BlackBerry, Palm, Android, Windows). A Global Positioning System (GPS) is used in cars, boats, and cell phones. Wearables, as the name implies, are computers designed to be worn on the body. Video game systems are computers that are designed to play games, such as Xbox, Wii, and PS3.
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26. How are medical students using video games
How are medical students using video games? Which schools are using such systems? Are these acceptable to teachers and students?
How are medical students using video games? Which schools are using such systems? Are these acceptable to teachers and students?
Answers may vary yet should include the following:
Medical students can simulate real world scenarios and surgical procedures.
Most colleges, universities and trade schools are utilizing video games to help students learn.
Both teachers and students have embraced this teaching method.
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27. Objective 6: Overview Comfort and Safety
Define ergonomics and how it relates to the workspace
Discuss health issues related to a poorly designed workspace
Key Term
Ergonomics
This section discusses ergonomics and how it relates to your workspace. It also discusses health issues related to a poorly designed workspace.
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28. Ergonomics The relationship between users and their workspace
Sit up straight
Hips at 90°
Knees bent at least 90°
Use a footrest
Elbows on armrest bent at 90°
Ergonomics is the relationship between users and their workspace. Design factors are intended to maximize productivity by minimizing operator fatigue and discomfort. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.
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29. What are the common features of ergonomically designed furniture
What are the common features of ergonomically designed furniture? What is the cost vs. benefit?
What are the common features of ergonomically designed furniture? What is the cost vs. benefit?
Answers may vary yet should include the following:
Ergonomically designed chairs offer steadiness, convenient mobility and flexibility. The arm rests must fulfill their arm length and height should be easily adjustable, allowing for easy movement of limbs. The back is the most essential aspect of office chairs. It must be properly cushioned and tilted to free user of any strain on back and spine.
Keyboards and desks/tables also have ergonomics in mind. It may cost more for ergonomically designed office furniture, yet the health benefits have substantial long term benefits.
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30. Objective 7: Overview Computers Are Everywhere: Ubiquitous Computing
Define “ubiquitous computing”
Define and discuss embedded computers
Discuss the convergence of technology and how it has impacted our lives
Key Terms
Convergence
Embedded computer
Green computing
UBICOMP
This sections discuses ubiquitous computing. It also discusses embedded computers as well as convergence and how it has impacted our lives.
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31. Ubiquitous Computing Technology fades into the background and appears unseen
UBICOMP
Billboards vs. digital signage
Credit card sales vs. cash
Upload vs. print photos
Online banking vs. drive-thru teller
UBICOMP –
when computers become so commonplace we don’t recognize the technology as being a computer.
EMBEDDED COMPUTERS
Wireless devices
Washing machines
Climate control systems
Traffic signals
EMBEDDED COMPUTERS – the “brains” behind many everyday mechanisms.
Ubiquitous computing (UBICOMP) occurs when technology fades into the background and appears unseen. Embedded computers are considered ubiquitous because these are found in many of our everyday mechanisms, like wireless devices, traffic signals, and washing machines. Convergence happens when the technology is integrated on multifunction devices, like television and smartphones. Our world has become environmentally conscious, and green computing is the result. It is the efficient and eco-friendly use of computers and other electronics.
GREEN COMPUTING
Smart homes
Smart appliances
GREEN COMPUTING –
the efficient and eco-friendly use of computers and other electronics.
CONVERGENCE
Smartphones
Television
CONVERGENCE –
the integration of technology on multifunction devices.
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32. Science fiction or fact? Which Star Trek technologies exist today?
Answers may vary yet should include the following:
In the 1970s, Star Trek was a popular science fiction television show. Families watched each episode and imagined what life would be like if some of the technology used in the show was real. Well, some of that technology has now become reality, including cell phones, phaser guns, computer discs, computer tablets, holodeks, wrist phones, and touchscreens. However, computers have not always been so apparent in our lives. In fact, computers are relatively new and have come a long way in the past few centuries.
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33. Objective 8: Overview What Can I Do With Knowledge About Computers?
Discuss how computers have become integral in almost every modern career
Discuss the certifications available and the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
Discuss the advantages that volunteering provides
What can you do with knowledge about computers? This section discusses certifications and careers related to computer knowledge.
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34. Computer Knowledge WHAT CAN I DO?
Certifications (MCDST)
Modern-Day Careers
Volunteer
Computers have become integral in almost every modern career. Certifications show prospective employers your skills and expertise. The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) is a technical certification that includes technical skills and soft skills. Volunteering provides experience, demonstrates initiative, and can open other doors.
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35. Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.  
Publishing as Prentice Hall