1. McGraw-Hill Technology Education
Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

2. Exploring Computers and Their Uses
Chapter 1; Lesson A
Exploring Computers and Their Uses

3. The Computer Defined Electronic device Converts data into information
Modern computers are digital
Two digits combine to make data
Discussion Point
Moore’s Law predicts that data density on a chip, and thus power of a chip, will double every 18 months. Explore the powers of two to compare the power of today’s computer versus those of 10, 20 and 50 years ago.

4. Computers for Individual Use
Desktop computers
The most common type of computer
Sits on the desk or floor
Performs a variety of tasks
Workstations
Specialized computers
Optimized for science or graphics
More powerful than a desktop
Teaching tip
Figure 1A.1 on page 4 shows a traditional desktop PC and a “tower” model.
Insider information
System units are commonly called cases. Many computer enthusiasts customize or ‘mod’ their cases with windows and lights. See for examples of cases and products.
Sun Microsystems makes the most popular workstations on the planet. Sun’s systems are used in diverse applications such as medical imaging and CGI (computer generated image) animation.

5. Computers for Individual Use
Notebook computers
Small portable computers
Weighs between 3 and 8 pounds
About 8 ½ by 11 inches
Typically as powerful as a desktop
Can include a docking station
Discussion point
Have students contrast desktop and notebook computers. Focus on the pros and cons of each type of computer.

6. Computers for Individual Use
Tablet computers
Newest development in portable computers
Input is through a pen
Run specialized versions of office products
Teaching tip
The tablet PC was designed to simulate a piece of paper. Users interact with the tablet as if it was an unlimited paper notebook.
For more information
See for an example of the Tablet PC in action.

7. Computers for Individual Use
Handheld computers
Very small computers
Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)
Note taking or contact management
Data can synchronize with a desktop
Smart phones
Hybrid of cell phone and PDA
Web surfing, access
Insider information
There are two main types of handheld computers: Palm and Pocket PC computers. Palm versions use a customized operating system that is similar to an older Macintosh. Compatibility to computers can be tricky. Pocket PC versions use a version of Windows XP. Pocket PC versions usually include versions of Word and Excel that synchronize nicely with their full size cousins.
Discussion point
Find a features list of a current smart phone. Have students discuss whether the feature list is too large or too small. Be sure to help the students flesh out the learning curve and complexity of the device.
Teaching tip
At this point, refer the students to the productivity tip on page 13. This tip helps the student determine what type of PC is best for them.

8. Computers for Organizations
Network servers
Centralized computer
All other computers connect
Provides access to network resources
Multiple servers are called server farms
Often simply a powerful desktop
Teaching tip
A computer server is often analogous to a waiter (server) in a restaurant. Each client asks the waiter (server) for something. The server then delivers it to the client

9. Computers for Organizations
Mainframes
Used in large organizations
Handle thousands of users
Users access through a terminal

10. 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

11. Computers for Organizations
Supercomputers
The most powerful computers made
Handle large and complex calculations
Process trillions of operations per second
Found in research organizations
Teaching tip
Students have a hard time understanding trillions of calculations. A simple explanation is to add 1 trillion random numbers together in a second. Contrast the speed of a super computer to the fastest desktop computer advertised during the week of class.

12. Parts of the Computer System
Computer systems have four parts
Hardware
Software
Data
User

13. Parts Of The 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
Teaching tip
Suggest to your students that the majority of people who purchase computers do so because of software. They want to , or type letters. Nearly every reason given to purchase a computer is based on software needs.

14. Parts of the Computer System
Data
Pieces of information
Computer organize and present data
Users
People operating the computer
Most important part
Tell the computer what to do
Teaching tip
A good exercise to relate the importance of making data meaningful is to list some random numbers on the board. Then ask what they mean. Without a title, the numbers have no meaning. Once a title is presented, the numbers make sense.

15. Essential Computer Hardware
Computers use the same basic hardware
Hardware categorized into four types

16. Essential Computer Hardware
Processing devices
Brains of the computer
Carries out instructions from the program
Manipulate the data
Most computers have several processors
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Secondary processors
Processors made of silicon and copper
Teaching tip
The interaction between a CPU and secondary processors is much like the interaction between a boss and subordinate. The boss tells the subordinate what to do but not necessarily how to accomplish the task. The subordinate only bothers the boss when guidance or more data is needed.

17. Essential Computer Hardware
Memory devices
Stores data or programs
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Volatile
Stores current data and programs
More RAM results in a faster system
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Permanent storage of programs
Holds the computer boot directions
Insider information
Intel, the manufacturer of popular CPUs, originally made RAM for mainframe and minicomputers. Today Kingston is a leading RAM manufacturer.

18. Essential Computer Hardware
Input and output devices
Allows the user to interact
Input devices accept data
Keyboard, mouse
Output devices deliver data
Monitor, printer, speakers
Some devices are input and output
Touch screens
Teaching tip
It is helpful to have examples of input and output devices in class. Stories of obscure input output devices are typically well received by the students.

19. Essential Computer Hardware
Storage devices
Hold data and programs permanently
Different from RAM
Magnetic storage
Floppy and hard drive
Uses a magnet to access data
Optical storage
CD and DVD drives
Uses a laser to access data
Insider information
A new CD technology is emerging. A shorter wavelength blue laser beam is being used to burn CD’s. This allows more data to be saved on a disk. The technology is in it’s infancy but should be mature in the near future.
DVD writers are available for purchase. They have not been standardized yet. Several competing formats are vying for acceptance. Of these, the DVD+RW seems to have the strongest support.

20. Software Runs the Machine
Tells the computer what to do
Reason people purchase computers
Two types
System software
Application software

21. Software Runs the Machine
System software
Most important software
Operating system
Windows XP
Network operating system (OS)
Windows Server 2003
Utility
Symantec AntiVirus

22. Software Runs the Machine
Application software
Accomplishes a specific task
Most common type of software
MS Word
Covers most common uses of computers

23. Computer Data Fact with no meaning on its own
Stored using the binary number system
Data can be organized into files
Teaching tip
Figure 1A.21 on page 15 shows examples of data versus information.

24. Chapter 1; Lesson A
End of Lesson