Digital Devices

Computer Basics
Pre-1980s: a person who performs calculations Modern Day: a multipurpose device that accepts

input, processes data, stores data, and produces output, all according to a series of stored instructions

What is Input?
information that is typed, submitted, or transmitted

to a computer system
Examples Words and numbers Temperatures from a thermostat Audio signals from a microphone

Processing Data
Data the symbols that represent facts, objects, and ideas Processing manipulation of data

Examples
Performing calculations Modifying documents and pictures Sorting lists

Processing Data
Occurs in the Central Processing Unit (CPU) Microprocessor electronic component that can be programmed to perform tasks based on data it receives

Storing Data
Storage the area where data can be left on a permanent basis when it is not immediately needed for processing Memory an area of a computer that temporarily holds data waiting to be processed, stored, or output

What is Output?
the displayed, printed, or transmitted results

produced by a computer
Examples Reports Music Documents Graphs

Computers Ability to Store Instructions

Computer Program the series or instructions that tells a computer how to carry out processing tasks Software sets up the computer to perform a certain task Computers run software

Types of Software
Application Software

set of computer programs that helps a person carry out a task Examples

Word processing or Video editing

System Software

helps the computer system monitor itself in order to function efficiently

Examples

Operating Systems (OS)

Computer Categorization
Usage, size, cost, capability Not agreed upon by everyone

Personal Computers
Mainframes Supercomputers

Personal Computers
microprocessor-based computing device designed

to meet the computing needs of an individual

Desktop or portable models

Are Game Consoles Personal Computers?

Originated as simple digital devices that connected to TV sets Contain microprocessors Equipped to produce graphics Have add-ons Send e-mails Keyboard input slots Online activities Fill specialized niche

Mainframes
a large and expensive computer capable of

simultaneously processing data for hundreds or thousands of users

Provide centralized storage, processing

and management of large amounts of information

$100,000 to over $1 million

Supercomputers
computers, at the time of their construction, are one

of the fastest computers in the world

Handheld Devices
Accept Input Process data Classified by function

Produce output Includes storage

capabilities
Mobile phone

Personal Data Assistants (PDAs)

pocket sized digital appointment books with small

keyboards or touch-sensitive screens, designed to run on batteries and be held while using it
First handheld digital devices

Portable Media Players

digital devices whose primary functions include

playing music, showing videos and storing videos

Contains microprocessors Accepts input

Storage capability
Outputs data

Theres an App for That!

Limited compared to applications for full-sized

desktops
Software limitations Small screens and tiny keyboards Hardware limitations Memory and storage capacity Processor speed Battery life