Computer Technology

1. ComputerTechnology Standard 1: Technology Operations and Concepts Students will be introduced to and be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of computer technology: what types of technology exist, how types of technology function, what component parts work with specific technologies.

2. Computer • A device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and communicatesoutput, all according to a series of stored instructions. • The software and hardware work together to perform various computing tasks through the Information Processing Cycle outlined above.

3. Input The signals or data received by the computer system. Data Results of the computer storing, 1 and 0’s, bits and bytes. Information The words, numbers, sounds, symbols, and graphics produced by the computer. Output Results produced by a computer. For example, what is communicated, printed, shown on the monitor or transmitted electronically. Basic Terminology

4. Processing The reading of 0’s and 1’s and determining (by software) what action to take. Manipulation of the data in many ways. Memory Area of the computer that temporarily holds data waiting to be processed, stored, or output. Storage Area of the computer that holds data on a long term basis when it is not immediately needed for processing. TerminologyContinued

5. Microcomputer • A microcomputer is a computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit. • Many microcomputers, when equipped with a keyboard and screen, (for input/output or I/O) are called personal computers.

6. Personal Computers • Often called a PC, a personal computer is used by one person at a time. PC's include all the major components of larger computers: microprocessors, memory chips, input devices, storage devices, and output devices • Provide access to a wide variety of computing applications, such as word processing, photo editing, e-mail, and internet.

7. Workstation • Powerful desktop computer designed for specialized tasks. • Can tackle tasks that require a lot of processing speed, and video ram. • Can also be an ordinary personal computer attached to a LAN (local area network).

8. Mobil Devices / Handheld Computers • Examples: • Mobile internet device • Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) • IPod – MP3 Players • Smartphone / Tablet – Mobile Phone • Tablet Computer • Portable Media Player • Handheld Game Con • A computer that fits into a pocket, runs on batteries, and is used while holding the unit in your hand. • Many can be synchronized with a personal microcomputer. • Most come equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS • Calculator • Handheld game console • Portable media player • Digital still camera (DSC) • Digital video camera (DVC or digital camcorder) • Mobile phone • Pager • Personal navigation device (PND)

9. Tablet Computers • A Tablet is a one-piece mobile computer. They typically have a touchscreen with few physical buttons but an on-screen, virtual keyboard is commonly used. • Though generally self-contained, a tablet computer may be connected to a physical keyboard or other input device. • Examples: • Slates– Tablets without dedicated keyboards like the iPad and Android Tablets • Mini Tablet – smaller and lighter than standard tablets. Generally 6 – 7 inches. Kindle Fire, Galaxy Tab • Phablet – Cross between a phone and a regular tablet. LG Optimus Vu, Samsung Galaxy Note, and Dell Streak • Dedicated keyboards – These tablets blur the line between slate tablets and laptops • Convertibles – a slate tablet top-half with a permanently attached keyboard bottom-half. (Panasonic Toughbook, Inspiron Duo) • Hybrids – Hybrid tablets have a standard tablet base with a detachable keyboard that resembles a laptop keyboard. • Booklets - Booklets are dual-touchscreen tablet computers

10. LaptopComputer • A 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 or portable computer.

11. Desktop Computer • A microcomputer that fits on a desk and runs on power from an electrical wall outlet. • Has separate components (keyboard, mouse, etc.) that are each plugged into the computer.

12. Mainframe • Large 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 the size of a large cabinet.

13. Supercomputer • A computer at the frontline of contemporary processing capacity--particularly speed of calculation. • Supercomputers play an important role in the field of computational science, and are used for a wide range of computationally tasks including: • quantum mechanics • weather forecasting • climate research • oil and gas exploration • molecular modeling (computing the structures and properties of chemical compounds, biological macromolecules, polymers, and crystals) • physical simulations (such as simulations of the early moments of the universe, airplane and spacecraft aerodynamics, the detonation of nuclear weapons, and nuclear fusion). China’s Tianhe-2 – 33.86 Quadrillion Operations Per Second The United States Titan machine – 17.59 Quadrillion Operations Per Second

14. Special Purpose Computers • Toys • Light switches/dimmers • Electrical circuit breakers • Smoke alarms • Computers are, in fact, all around you. Microprocessor chips are found in many electronic devices (in your iPod, in your DVD player, in your microwave, in your car, in your phone). These are special-purpose computers that run programs to control equipment and optimize its performance • Examples: • Household appliances • Automobiles • Car keys • Tools • Test instruments

15. Moore’s Law