Introduction to the Computer

FIRST TERM
UNIT 1
Information Processing
What is Data?
Data is a collection of unorganized facts or figures from which we may draw conclusions. It is RAW unprocessed information, usually in a form that we do not understand. It may be presented in the form of images (pictures, shapes), characters (alphabets or numbers) or sounds (music or voice).
In order to understand data we have to process it. Computers can be used to process data. Data can be processed by manipulating it until we can fully understand and draw conclusions from it. Processed data is known as Information.
What is processing?
Processing is stages involved in transforming Data to Information. It involves the manipulation of data using methods such as Calculation, Classification, Animation, Formatting etc.
What is Information?

Information is data received and understood that reduces the recipient's uncertainty. It is data that is useful and meaningful to us and it usually answers the questions we have. Information may appear in many forms. It can be in the form of a document, a word spoken or heard as well as an electronic format which can be stored by a computer for retrieval. Examples of the different kinds of information are letters, calendars, newspapers, receipts, memo's, music, video films, diagrams, certificates, invoices, charts etc.


What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic device, which handles information. It is made up of two main parts known as Hardware and Software. The computer processes input through its input devices like the mouse and the keyboard. The computer displays output through its output devices like the monitor and the printer.
Computers have become indispensable in today’s world. Millions of people use computers. In some countries, knowledge of the computer has become a basic requirement for employment.
A Computer can be used for several purposes. Today you can find computers in almost every office, home and shop.
Types of Computers

There are 3 Main Types of Computers
  1. Mainframes
  2. Minicomputers
  3. Microcomputers
They differ in size, speed of operation, amount of data that can be stored, and the number of simultaneous users.




Desktop - The Desktop is a personal computer that is set up in a permanent location, such as an office desk. Most desktops offer more power, storage and versatility for less cost.


Laptop A Laptop is a portable computer that integrates the display, keyboard, a pointing device or trackball, processor memory and hard drive all in a battery-powered package slightly larger than an average hardcover book.




Workstation - A Workstation is a desktop computer that has a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group of task, such as 3D Graphics or game development.


Palmtop - A palmtop is more commonly known as Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's)
  • Palmtop's are tightly integrated computers that often use flash memory instead of a hard drive for storage
  • These computers usually do not have keyboards but rely on touch screen technology for user input
  • Palmtop's are typically smaller than a paperback novel, very lightweight with a reasonable battery life. A slightly larger and heavier version of the palmtop is the handheld computer.


Server - A server is a computer that has been optimized to provide services to other computers over a network. Servers usually have powerful processors, lots of memory and large hard drives.





Supercomputer- This type of computer usually costs hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Although some supercomputers are single computer systems, most are comprised of multiple high performance computers working in parallel as a single system.






Wearable- The latest trend in computing is wearable computers. Common computer applications (e-mail, database, multimedia, and calendar/scheduler) are integrated into watches, cell phones, even clothing!



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