Unit 1: Recognizing Computers Lesson 1: Computers All Around Us Computing Fundamentals Using Windows XP – IC³ Module A

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.2 Lesson 1:Computers All Around Us Supercomputer Mainframe Minicomputer Personal Computer Notebook or Laptop Personal Digital Assistant Pocket PC Cellular Phones Other Electronic Computing Devices

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.3 How Computers Can Be Used Personal computers (PC) very powerful tools – Can perform calculations very quickly – Can complete many complex tasks simultaneously – Called a microcomputer Computers keep getting smaller but large computers still used Power and speed main characteristics that differentiate various types of computers

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.4 Large Systems Supercomputer considered fastest type of computer – Very expensive due to amount of information processed – Generally specialized software programs installed and used for scientific and engineering – Power goes into running and performing calculations

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 5 Large Systems Mainframe computers fill an entire room Can simultaneously handle hundreds of programs and users without sacrificing performance Processes large volumes of data at incredible speeds Commonly found in government agencies or large organizations Sometimes called centralized systems Cray X1 Supercomputer

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 6 Large Systems Minicomputers fill part of a room Process data at slower rate and smaller volumes Noticeable reduction in speed with more users Commonly found in medium-sized manufacturing companies and legal or accounting firms

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 7 Personal Computers Microcomputers sit on, beside or under a desk, process data quickly, and designed for one user Generally two types of microcomputers: PC or Apple Which computer to use depends on what ’ s required, or personal preference Most companies use PCs for variety of software programs Apple machines traditionally used in specialized industries such as graphics design or publishing Newer software have few differences between computers Apple PC

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 8 Notebooks or Laptop Computers Portable microcomputers that are similar to desktop models in speed, performance and usage Not always popular due to weight and design elements Newer models are smaller and lighter and are now the size of a paper notebook Accessories, purchased separately, can enhance enjoyment and experience of using notebook Cost now relatively low compared to when first introduced PC Appl e

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 9 Tablets Similar to notebook but screen can swivel or fold over Can write or select items using special pen for tablet Touch screen capability allows data entry using finger, pen or stylo device, or built-in keyboard Used in hospitals, home inspectors, engineers or sales people Can also be used for electronic/interactive books

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 10 Personal Digital Assistants Small palm-sized computers Software installed with features for organizing information Pocket PC has microprocessor chip and software to create documents as well as organizer program for PDAs Can include digital camera, video/audio, or Internet options Monochrome PDA Color PDAs Pocket PC with Digital Camera

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 11 Personal Digital Assistants Newer cellular phones can include – access to Internet – software to create documents – listen to music – take pictures or video – send text messages or Cost varies with the number of features and capabilities

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.12 Workstations Essentially any computer with no local drive for storage All information comes from central network Usually requires a lot of power for processing files Generally operating system will be Unix or Windows NT Can be connected to network – For multiple users who share same software or data files – Could be used solely by one person

© CCI Learning Solutions Inc.13 Other Types of Computers Can be found in: – Automobiles have computers in engine to help diagnose problems – Automated Teller Machines use specialized software to interact with bank ’ s database network – Manufacturing uses computerized robotic technology and systems to control or run production equipment – Health industry use computerized equipment or customized software to help analyze information Computer very large advanced calculator that performs tasks – Based on hexadecimal computations of 1 or 0 Need network to communicate with others or share information