CS-101 Ch.1
Terms
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- Computer
- A device that takes data in one form, processes it, and transforms into a more useful form.
- Binary Device
- One built of electronic circuits. Each can be set to only one of two possible conditions.
- Electronic Computer
- A computer built from transistors and electrical circuits. Transistors and circuits must be connected to a source of electricity to work.
- Mechanical Computer
- A computer built from a various different mechanical devices like springs and levers.
- Special-Purpose computer
-
A computer designed to be used in a limited way
ex.
Bathroom scale
Cd Player - General-Purpose computer
- A computer that can be used in many situations and for many different and unrelated tasks.
- Workstation
- A personal computer given additional capacity and power by being connected to other computers and storage devices through the use of a network. It is usually provided with a high-quality printer, monitor, and other devices, and intended for use by one person.
- Analog Computer
-
Functions in continuously varying quantities and produces continuously varying results.
Ex. Pulling wagon up ramp - Digital Computer
-
Functions in dicretely varying quantities and produces discretely varying results.
Ex. Carying package up flight of stairs. - Mainframe
- A large, powerful computer used by large businesses, schools, and gov't agencies. Many users can be connected to a single mainframe computer simultaneously.
- Computer Hardware
- The electronics and associated mechanical parts of the computer. It is distinguied by the fact that it has a physical presence. That is, you can see and touch the hardware.
- Computer Software
- Consists of instructions that control the hardware and cause the desired outcome.
- Central Processing Unit
- The brain of the computer which controls all operations, processes information, and computes results.
- Productivity Tools
-
First targeted increased speed and accuracy but today are widely used.
Ex.
Word processors
Electronic Spreadsheets
Database management system
Presentation Graphics - Operating Systems
-
Collection of programs that manages and controls all opperations and coordinates all hardware components.
Ex.
Windows, Unix, MacOS, VMS, Linux, OS/2. - Utility Programs
-
Used to keep an expensive machine well tuned and properly running.
Ex. PC-Tools, Norton Utilities, Virex, WinZip, Graphix Converter, Disk Doctor - Web Browser
-
The most commonly used tool to access the world wide web.
Ex.
Microsoft Explorer
Netscape Navigator - Search Services
- HotBot, Altavista, Google, Yahoo