Unit 7. Evolution of computers Show
Click play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section. Computer Hardware Basics– any physical device or equipment used in or with a computer system (anything you can see and touch). External hardware
Internal hardware
Computer Software BasicsComputer software
Application software
System Software
– it is designed to run a computer’s hardware and application software, and make the computer system available for use. It serves as the interface between hardware, application software, and the user.
– a software that controls and coordinates the computer hardware devices and runs other software and applications on a computer. It is the main part of system software and a computer will not function without it.
– a software program that is designed to control a particular hardware device that is attached to a computer.
– a type of system software that helps set up, analyze, configure, strengthen, maintain a computer and performs a very specific task (e.g. antivirus software, backup software, memory tester, screen saver, etc.). Lesson 2: What is a Computer?/en/computerbasics/about-this-tutorial/content/ What is a computer?A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer to type documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos. Watch the video below to learn about different types of computers. Looking
for the old version of this video? You can still view it here. Hardware vs. softwareBefore we talk about different types of computers, let's talk about two things all computers have in common: hardware and software.
Everything you do on your computer will rely on both hardware and software. For example, right now you may be viewing this lesson in a web browser (software) and using your mouse (hardware) to click from page to page. As you learn about different types of computers, ask yourself about the differences in their hardware. As you progress through this tutorial, you'll see that different types of computers also often use different types of software. What are the different types of computers?When most people hear the word computer, they think of a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop. However, computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform many different functions in our daily lives. When you withdraw cash from an ATM, scan groceries at the store, or use a calculator, you're using a type of computer. Desktop computersMany people use desktop computers at work, home, and school. Desktop computers are designed to be placed on a desk, and they're typically made up of a few different parts, including the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and
mouse. Laptop computersThe second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop computer, commonly called a laptop. Laptops are battery-powered computers that are more portable than desktops, allowing you to use them almost anywhere. Tablet computersTablet computers—or tablets—are handheld computers that are even more portable than laptops. Instead of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. The iPad is an example of a tablet. ServersA server is a computer that serves up information to other computers on a network. For example, whenever you use the Internet, you're looking at something that's stored on a server. Many businesses also use local file servers to store and share files internally. Other types of computersMany of today's electronics are basically specialized computers, though we don't always think of them that way. Here are a few common examples.
PCs and MacsPersonal computers come in two main styles: PC and Mac. Both are fully functional, but they have a different look and feel, and many people prefer one or the other. PCsThis type of computer began with the original IBM PC that was introduced in 1981. Other companies began creating similar computers, which were called IBM PC Compatible (often shortened to PC). Today, this is the most common type of personal computer, and it typically includes the Microsoft Windows operating system. MacsThe Macintosh computer was introduced in 1984, and it was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). All Macs are made by one company (Apple), and they almost always use the Mac OS X operating system. /en/computerbasics/basic-parts-of-a-computer/content/ Which of the following devices is not considered a mobile device?The desktop PC is not a mobile device.
Which of the following is an example of a mobile device?Typical examples include smartphones, tablets, laptop computers, smart watches, e-readers, and handheld gaming consoles.
Which of the display is commonly used for mobile devices and digital cameras?Handheld computer devices will typically have a LCD or OLED flat screen interface, providing a touchscreen interface with digital buttons and keyboard or physical buttons along with a physical keyboard.
What computing device falls between a smartphone and a notebook computer?A tablet is a wireless, portable personal computer with a touchscreen interface. The tablet form factor is typically smaller than a notebook computer, but larger than a smartphone.
|