1. CIT1100 Fundamentals of Computing
Fall, 2004
Dr. Maureen Markel

2. Computer Acronyms WYSIWYG SCSI BMP CRT LCD ROM RAM PIXEL GUI
Scsi – small computer system interface
Bmp – bit-mapped
Crt – cathode ray tube
Lcd liquid crystal display

3. Basic Organizational Types
Monolith or Component?
What’s the difference?

4. A look at the parts Monitor – how does it differ from a TV?
TV – records reality – live images
Monitor – bit-mapped, creates the images it constructs in its memory.

5. Image dissolves into individual pixels or picture elements – about the size of a dot or an i in 10-pt. type.
Resolution – the number of pixels on your screen (e.g. 1024X768 or 800 X 600)

6. The art of illusion The original button – flat ain’t it?
Hmm… add a little shading and it’s ready to press.

7. How many times does the head hit the bar?

8. How many times does the head hit the bar?

9. RGB Colors Primary colors of light? _____
Any color can be created with some combination of these three colors.
Color Bar
How many colors?
256 * 256 * 256 = 16,777,216

10. Where’s the computer’s work engine?
Motherboard
Cards
Microprocessor /processor
(see figures on p. 14 in text)
Motherboard – printed circuit or PC board
Cards – add functionality to computer (sound, graphic cards)

11. Memory Ways of retrieving information Storage unit: byte
Sequential access
Random access
Storage unit: byte
Kilobyte – megabyte - gigabyte
RAM memory – temporary, volatile
ROM memory – permanent, stable

12. Hard Disk Peripheral device fundamental to all computer systems
Composed of an iron compound that can be magnetized. The magnetism remains when the power is off so the hard drive provides persistent storage.
Why save work often?

13. There’s hardware and there’s . . .
How did it get a name like that?
Categories of software
System
Application
Special purpose

14. Introducing Algorithms
A step-by-step precise method for solving a problem in a limited amount of time
Generally represented by
A flowchart
Pseudocode
Task: devise an algorithm for logging on to the Mount’s computer network.