Computer Technology

Types of Computers & Computer Hardware

Standard 1: Objective 1 Students will demonstrate an understanding of computer hardware, peripherals, and troubleshooting.

1) Explore various computers available in current technology.

Basic Terminology Computer

A device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and produces output, all according to a series of stored instructions.

HardwareIncludes the electronic

and mechanical devices that process the data; refers to the computer as well as peripheral devices.

SoftwareA computer program that

tells the computer how to perform particular tasks.

NetworkTwo or more computers

and other devices that are connected, for the purpose of sharing data and programs.

Peripheral devicesUsed to expand the

computer’s input, output and storage capabilities.

What Computers Do

Receive input Process Information

Produce Output

Basic Terminology Input

Whatever is put into a computer system. Data

Refers to the symbols that represent facts, objects, or ideas. Information

The results of the computer storing data as bits and bytes; the words, numbers, sounds, and graphics.

OutputConsists of the processing results produced by a computer.

ProcessingManipulation of the data in many ways.

MemoryArea of the computer that temporarily holds data waiting to

be processed, stored, or output. Storage

Area of the computer that holds data on a permanent basis when it is not immediately needed for processing.

Types of Computers

Multi-User Computers

Refers to computer systems that support two or more simultaneous users. All mainframes and supercomputers are multi-user systems, but most personal computers and workstations are not. Another term for multi-user is time sharing

SupercomputerSupercomputers…

the most powerful computers made.Supercomputers cost a fortune to build and are expensive to maintain, which is why only a few exist in the entire world. Furthermore, computing power continues to advance each year, meaning it isn't too long before a ground-breaking supercomputer isn't so super. The good news is that the supercomputers of the past eventually become the personal computers of today. Therefore, your home PC most likely has more computing power than many supercomputers from previous decades. As the name implies, a supercomputer is no ordinary computer. It is a high performance computing machine designed to have extremely fast processing speeds.Can tackle tasks that would not be practical for other computers.

Typical usesPerforming complex scientific calculationsModeling simulationsLarge amounts of 3D graphics

MainframeLarge expensive

computer capable of simultaneously processing data for hundreds or thousands of users.

Used to store, manage, and process large amounts of data that need to be reliable, secure, and centralized.

Usually housed in a closet sized cabinet.

Single-User ComputersMicrocomputer (Personal computers)

A personal computer; designed to meet the computer needs of an individual.

The personal computer (PC) defines a computer designed for general use by a single person. While a Mac is a PC, most people relate the term with systems that run the Windows operating system. PCs were first known as microcomputers because they were a complete computer but built on a smaller scale than the huge systems in use by most businesses

Desktop ComputersA personal computer

that fits on a desk and runs on power from an electrical wall outlet.

The CPU can be housed in either a vertical or a horizontal case(system unit).

Has separate components (keyboard, mouse, etc.) that are each plugged into the computer.

Laptop ComputerA portable, compact

computer that can run on an electrical wall outlet or a battery unit.

All components (keyboard, mouse, etc.) are in one compact unit.

Usually more expensive than a comparable desktop.

Sometimes called a Notebook.

TabletsA tablet, or tablet PC, is a portable

computer that uses a touchscreen as its primary input device. Most tablets are slightly smaller and weigh less than the average laptop.

HandheldAlso called a PDA

(Personal Digital Assistant).

A computer that fits into a pocket, runs on batteries, and is used while holding the unit in your hand.

Typically used as an appointment book, address book, calculator, and notepad.

Can be synchronized with a personal computer as a backup.

WorkstationA workstation is simply a desktop computer

that has a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group of task, such as 3D Graphics or game development.

Server

A computer that has been optimized to provide services to other computers over a network. Servers usually have powerful processors, lots of memory and large hard drives.

Computer Hardware

System unitCase that holds the power supply, storage

devices, and the circuit boards (including the motherboard).

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The processor, or central processing unit (CPU), processes information and performs all the necessary arithmetic calculations.

Where the processing in a computer takes place, often called the brain of the computer

Input DevicesUnits that gather information and transform

that information into a series of electronic signals for the computer.

Input Devices

Computers accept information from the outside world

• The keyboard is the most common input device

• Pointing devices like the mouse also receive input

Keyboard

An arrangement of letters, numbers, and special function keys that act as the primary input device to the computer.

The Omnipresent Keyboard

…and Cursor Keys that allow you to move around the screen

…Function Keys that send special commands…

The Omnipresent Keyboard

Keyboards are used to input and manipulate information with keys such as Letters and Numbers…

MouseAn input device that allows the user to

manipulate objects on the screen by moving the device along the surface of a desk.

MicrophoneA device that inputs sound or audio into

your computer.

Digital CameraA digital camera takes picture or video

files that you can put into a computer. The pictures become information inside of the computer.

Pointing Devices

Touch pad

TrackballJoystick

Track point Touch Screen monitor

Output DevicesDevices that display, print, or transmit the

results of processing from the computer’s memory.

Output Devices

Computers produce information and send it to the outside world.

A video monitor is a common output device.

• Printers also produce output.

Monitor

Display device that forms an image by converting electrical signals from the computer into points of colored light on the screen.Resolution

The density of the grid used to display or print text and graphics; the greater the horizontal and vertical density, the higher the resolution.

PixelsThe smallest unit in a graphic image; computer display devices use a

matrix of pixels to display text and graphics.

PrinterOutput device that produces text or graphical

images on paper.

Speakers

Output devices that receive signals from the computer’s sound card to play music, narration, or sound effects.

ProjectorOutput device takes information out of

the computer and projects it on a screen.

Storage DevicesUsed to keep data when the power to the computer

is turned off.Different forms

Hard diskFloppy or zip disksCDDVDFlash/Jump Drive

Modem

A device that sends and receives data to and from computers over telephone lines.

A modem is considered an input and an output device.

Sound Card

A circuit board that gives the computer the ability to accept audio input, play sound files, and produce audio output through speakers or headphones.

ResourceParsons, June Jamrich, and Dan Oja.

Computer Concepts. Boston: Course Technology - Thompson Learning, 2002.

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/10-types-of-computers.htm#page=8

http://www.techterms.com/definition