1. GO! All in One Computer Concepts & Applications
Gaskin Vargas Geoghan Graviett

2. Chapter 1 Computers and Information Processing
This chapter focuses on identifying current and future computer trends and traces the steps of the information-processing cycle. As well as recognizing various computing devices and their uses.
Computers and Information Processing

3. Objectives Recognize Computers
List the Various Types and Characteristics of Multiuser Computers
Explain the Functions of a Computer
Explain the Safe and Efficient Use of Technology
Describe How Computers Represent Data Using Binary Codes
Describe the Evolution of Computer Systems
List the Various Types and Characteristics of Personal Computers
Give Examples of Other Personal Computing Devices
In this chapter, you will study of basic concepts related to computers and the effects they have on your daily life.
The objectives of this chapter are:
Recognize Computers
Explain the Functions of a Computer
Describe How Computers Represent Data Using Binary Codes
Describe the Evolution of Computer Systems
List the Various Types and Characteristics of Personal Computers
Give Examples of Other Personal Computing Devices
List the Various Types and Characteristics of Multiuser Computers
Explain the Save and Efficient Use of Technology

4. Recognize Computers Data + Processing = Information
Ubiquitous computing (ubicomp)
Smart homes
Embedded computers
A computer is a programmable machine that processes raw data into useful information. Today, computers are common in our everyday lives, with ubiquitous computing (ubicomp), or invisible computing, taking place all around us. As an example, smart homes automate everything including lights, temperature, security, and entertainment using computer technology.
Embedded computers are found in many devices, and help make our lives easier by monitoring and making adjustments to the devices as needed. For instance, an embedded computer in a home security system may send you a text message if your garage door has been left open, or it may notify the 911 dispatcher if smoke is detected.

5. Recognize Computers (cont.)
Convergence
Mobile payment systems
Green computing
Smart appliances
Smart grid
Convergence is the integration of technology in multifunction devices, such as smartphones. This technology makes computing very portable and convenient. Smartphones are used for , web browsing, document editing, taking photos, entertainment, and more. Technologies such as mobile payment systems take advantage of the processing power of the mobile devices.
Many homes and businesses use green computing to manage devices in an efficient and ecological manner. By controlling lighting, heating and cooling, security, entertainment, and appliances, green computing enables you to save energy. Devices can be coordinated by a programmed scheduled, or turned off and on remotely. Smart appliances monitor signals on the smart grid, enabling them to switch into a power conservation mode if the power grid is stressed.

6. Explain the Functions of a Computer
The information processing cycle (IPC) is a common trait of all computers. There are four steps to the process. In the input step, raw data enters the system. Some examples of raw data include the text you type as part of a paper, or the numbers you enter into a spreadsheet budget. The processing of this data occurs in the next step. The computer programming changes the data into useful information at this stage and gets it ready for the next step in the process. During the output step, the processed data is returned to the user. For instance, you may see subtotals or totals in the budget or misspelled words may be flagged in your document. The storage step enables you to save the information in a digital format and retrieve it later.

7. Describe How Computers Represent Data Using Binary Codes
Computers use switches to represent the data in the system. The binary number system (base 2) has two digits and is used by the computer to interpret inputs. The digital data is represented by a binary code as a series of 0s and 1s. Think of light switches having two states—off or on, or 0 and 1. By adding more switches, you have more possibilities of representing data, and the possibilities increase exponentially.
A bit (binary digit) is the smallest unit available in the binary numbering system. It will contain 0 or 1. Eight bits are combined into a byte and generally represent a single character in the computer. The ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) used a 7-bit system to represent 128 characters on the computer, including both upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and punctuation. Later this system was expanded to represent 256 different characters using an 8-bit system. Unicode is an extended ASCII set and contains codes for over 100,000 characters. This system is used for languages, mathematical systems, and special characters.

8. Describe How Computers Represent Data Using Binary Codes (cont.)
Bits measure data transfer rates, and bytes measure file size and storage capacity. It is common today for a home computer to contain gigabytes or terabytes of file storage.

9. Describe the Evolution of Computer Systems
Analytical Engine–19th century
Turing machines–1936
Turing test–1950
Computers have been around far longer than many people realize. In the early nineteenth century, the Analytical Engine was designed by Charles Babbage. This was a mechanical computer design that relied on punched cards, much like the Jacquard loom, which manufactured textiles. Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer wrote a program for this computer. Unfortunately, the technology to build this computer was not available in this era, and the computer program could not be tested until late in the 20th century—but it worked!
Alan Turing, working in 1936, developed the concept of machines, called Turing machines, performing mathematical computations. Later, in 1950, Turing also developed the Turing test to determine a machine’s ability to display intelligent behavior. This led to the concept of artificial intelligence, which is a branch of science where computers display human-like behaviors.

10. Describe the Evolution of Computer Systems (cont.)
First generation: ENIAC–
Second generation: Transistors–1950s
Third generation: Integrated circuits– 1960s
Fourth generation: Microprocessor– 1970s
ENAIC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was built in the 1940s and used vacuum tubes and manual switches to process data. This first-generation computer weighed almost 30 tons! Transistors, invented in 1947, enabled the development of smaller footprint computers in the second generation. Integrated circuits, which contain tiny transistors integrated into silicon, led to the third generation of computers in the 1960s. The third-generation computers were smaller, faster, and more reliable than any of the previous models. Microprocessors contain all of the processing circuitry that a computer needs. Also called the central processing unit (CPU), it controls all of the functions and processes all of the commands. This is the fourth generation of computers and continues today.
Moore’s Law is an observation that the number of transistors that could be put onto an integrated circuit would double roughly every two years. The current trend is for doubling the number every 18 months, which results in integrated circuits that have better processing speeds and storage capabilities.

11. List the Various Types and Characteristics of Personal Computers
Desktop computer
Workstation
All-in-one computer
A personal computer also referred to as a PC, is designed to be used by one person at a time. There are many forms of personal computers, including notebooks, desktop computers, and mobile devices. Desktop computers offer speed, power, and upgradability for the lowest cost. A workstation, often found in business, is a high-end computer, perhaps costing thousands of dollars, and it might be attached to a network. An all-in-one computer integrates the system unit with the monitor, often saving space.

12. List the Various Types and Characteristics of Personal Computers (cont
Notebook
Netbook
Subnotebook
Laptop
Tablet computer
Portable versions of computers include notebooks and laptops. They are often as powerful as desktop computers and run on battery power when not plugged in to the wall. Typically they have wireless networking, webcams, and widescreen displays. The smallest notebook computers, netbooks, have smaller screens, no CD/DVD drive, and limited computing power and storage, but they have built-in wireless capabilities, which makes them an effective, small computing choice if you work online. A subnotebook is a notebook computer that is thin and light, and features high-end processing and video capabilities. An ultrabook that runs on Windows is an example of a subnotebook. A convertible notebook has a screen that can swivel to fold, it has a touchscreen or a stylus to make them useful for taking notes.
A tablet computer is a mobile device with an LCD display, fairly long battery life, and built-in WiFi or cellular connectivity. Mobile applications, or mobile apps, are programs that add to the functionality of mobile devices such as tablets. You can download these apps from the Internet for free or a small price.

13. List the Various Types and Characteristics of Personal Computers (cont
Mac computers, built by Apple, run the OS X operating system. Many people favor Macs because they are secure, stable, and fun. Out of the box, useful applications are installed and ready to run.
A PC runs the Windows or Linux operating system. Selections are wider when it comes to PCs because there are numerous models, configurations, and price points available.
Chromebooks are subnotebooks that run on the Chrome OS, which is a version of the Linux operating system that was released by Google. They are designed to work best when connected to the Internet and rely on web apps and cloud storage instead of traditional software.
Computer selection depends on personal preferences, the software you need to use, compatibility with work or school computers, and price.

14. Give Examples of Other Personal Computing Devices
Mobile devices:
Smartphones
E-readers
GPS
Many options for personal computing devices are available today. Mobile devices, usually handheld, include smartphones and e-readers. Mobile devices can be general-purpose or they can be specialized, such as devices to measure heart rate, blood pressure, or physical activity. Smartphones combine personal computing power with a cellular connection so you can access the Internet and as well as other applications. You can download other apps to enable you to use the device as you need or want. Choices of apps range from business tools to fun games and puzzles. Smartphones generally have the capability to take photographs and video, and then upload it to social media sites.
E-readers are designed for reading e-books—books in digital format. E-readers are lightweight, and books can be downloaded from many sources. Some e-readers use e-ink to display the text and conserve battery life. Keep in mind that e-readers that use e-ink are not backlit, so you will need another source of light in order to read in the dark.
The GPS or global positioning system sends signals to a GPS receiver, and enables you to accurately determine the position of the receiver through triangulation of the signals. GPS receivers can be found on scientific equipment; in cars, airplanes, and boats; and on cellphones. Some people enjoy geocaching, which is a scavenger hunt where the coordinates of caches are given and participants search for the caches. Internet sites list the locations, and when you find a cache, you can put your information on a log and possibly exchange a small token or prize for the next geocacher to find.

15. Give Examples of Other Personal Computing Devices (cont.)
Video game system
Game console
Game controller
Video game simulation
Another personal computing device is a video game system, which is a computer designed to play games. Gaming systems today are considered seventh-generation and feature high-end processing and graphic capabilities. These systems can be used to play movies, music, and online games with other people around the world. The types of games vary from full-action fantasy games, to more traditional games such as bowling and tennis.
A game console is the system unit for the game, where the processing takes place. It is connected to a television or monitor for viewing. A game controller enables the players to interact with the console, although some game consoles contain motion and voice sensors that allow you to play without using a controller. One thing to consider is the backward capability of the system, which gives you the option to play older games made by the same manufacturer.
On a larger scale, video game simulations can be used to re-create an environment with realistic scenarios. These are useful training tools for medical students, pilots, new drivers, and soldiers.

16. List the Various Types and Characteristics of Multiuser Computers
Centralized resources and security
More powerful computers
Multiuser computers are common in the business environment and feature centralized resources, such as file storage, processing, and security. By connecting workstations to a network, the company can make system-wide upgrades easily and control who has access to different types of data. A server provides services to multiple clients. Common services include Internet access, , file services (such as backup or storage), and print services. The size of the server can be scaled to fit the needs of the company, and likewise, the cost of the server increases as the size of the system increases.

17. Midrange computers Mainframes Enterprise servers Supercomputers
List the Various Types and Characteristics of Multiuser Computers (cont.)
Midrange computers
Mainframes
Enterprise servers
Supercomputers
Midrange computers can support hundreds of users in a client/server environment. Mainframes and enterprise servers are used by businesses with massive amounts of data to be processed and they support thousands of users simultaneously. Supercomputers perform specialized tasks such as weather forecasting, oil exploration, bio-medical research, and gene research. The performance of these computers is measured in petaflops, or one quadrillion calculations per second.

18. List the Various Types and Characteristics of Multiuser Computers (cont.)
A somewhat different take on multiuser computers is distributed computing. The processing load for a project is distributed to various computers that are not working at their fullest processing power. On a small scale, this is known as grid computing. People can volunteer their computer’s excess processing power to a project such as by downloading a screensaver that assigns processing functions to the computer when it is idle. The project analyzes radio telescope data to search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

19. Explain the Safe and Efficient Use of Technology
Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between workers and their workspaces in an effort to reduce illnesses and musculoskeletal disorders. Furniture should be adjusted for the optimal comfort and safety of the user. Remember to also take breaks often, stretch, and move around to avoid stress and strain on your body.
Universal design principles assist people with and without disabilities by designing spaces that are easily accessible. Further, the principles can be applied to user interfaces and suggest design that is both simple and intuitive to use.

20. We are currently experiencing ubiquitous computing and convergence
Summary
We are currently experiencing ubiquitous computing and convergence
Personal computers include desktops and portable devices
Multiuser computers are accessed by clients
In the information processing cycle, data is converted into information
In this chapter, you explored the concepts related to computers, information processing, and ubiquitous systems. Today, we experience ubiquitous computing in many parts of our lives as technology is moved into the background. We also see a convergence of multiple technologies in our mobile devices, such as smartphones.
The information processing cycle describes the path raw data takes as it is processed and becomes useful information. Data is measured in bits and bytes.
Personal computers range from desktops to portable devices. In a multiuser computing environment, clients access the server for processing, file storage, and security.

21. Questions ?
As you complete this study of computers, be sure you ask questions. You want to understand the concepts so that you can continue to build on them in future chapters.

22. Copyright
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