Chapter 1 Computers and IT2
Chapter 1 Computers and IT2
Instructions...
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Storage
Computer Operations
External Storage
Exercise 1
On-line Enrollment
Input - ?
Processing - ?
Output - ?
Storage - ?
Exercise 2
Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
Input - ?
Processing - ?
Output - ?
Storage - ?
Types of Computers
Supercomputers
Most powerful
Fastest – trillion instructions per second
Most expensive
Several million dollars each
Used only by
Governmental agencies
Large international corporations
Types of Computers
Supercomputers
Sample applications
Weather forecasting
Aerospace/Aeronautics
Oil Exploration
Modeling complex processes like nuclear fission
Military
Types of Computers
Mainframes
Very powerful
Very fast – massive amounts of data and simultaneous users
Used by large corporations and governmental agencies
Operated by computer specialist
Types of Computers
Mainframes
Sample applications
Banks
Insurance companies
Airline reservation
Types of Computers
Minicomputers
Size of filing cabinet
Used by small and medium size companies and institutions
Operated by computer specialist
“Dumb” terminals allow many people to use and access the
computer
Types of Computers
Minicomputers
Sample applications
Manufacturing companies for their Inventory and Production
applications
Accounting applications
Hotel reservation
Types of Computers
Workstations and Servers
High-end personal computers
Massive computing power used by many users to
perform a specific task like running a network or an
internet application
Have large memory and storage capacities
Types of Computers
Microcomputers
Types of Computers
Microcomputers
Desktop
Notebook or laptop computers
Wearable PC
Tablet PC – writing on screen
Handheld Personal Computer – used by people who are very
mobile, to conduct their operations.
Personal Digital Assistant or PDA – multi-function electronic
devices
Mobile devices – use of memory cards
Computer Capabilities
Ability to perform certain logic operation
Computers work on symbols – numbers, characters,
mathematical operators, words, sentences.
Based on the instructions, computers can perform logical
operations – comparison of values to determine a course of
action.
Computer Capabilities
Ability to provide new time dimension
With the speed of computers, “time” as defined in human
effort to perform tasks are given a new perspective.
Tasks that previously took days or weeks to complete,
can be done by computers in a matter of minutes or
seconds.
Computer Capabilities
Ability to store and retrieve information
Storage of all vital information on different storage
devices.
Quick, efficient, and accurate retrieval of information on
different storage devices.
Computer Capabilities
Ability to control error
With the proper instructions, a computer can perform
millions of operations without producing an error.
Routinary tasks performed accurately all the time.
Computer Capabilities
Ability to check itself
Computers perform parity checks (checks on the number
of bits of information) specifically during storage,
transfer of data, generation of output.
Computer Limitations
Dependence on prepared instruction
The computer performs only what it is programmed to do
and nothing else.
All processing is possible if the computer is given the
right instruction.
It cannot do things by itself.
Computer Limitations
Inability to derive meaning from objects
A computer does not have feelings.
It is unable to respond and recognize living objects.