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What is a computer?

Fundamentals of Information Technology.

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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 probably 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 create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.

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Hardware vs. software

  • Hardware is a part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as a keyboard or mouse. It also includes all of the computer’s internal parts, which you can see in the image below.

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Software

  • Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. It is what guides the hardware and tells it how to accomplish each task. Some examples of software include web browsers, games and word processors. Below, you can see an image of Microsoft Powerpoint, which is used to create presentations.

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Software continued….

  • Everything you do on a computer or tablet will rely on both hardware and software. For example, right now you may be viewing this lesson on a desktop computer or iPad.
  • Each device uses different input devices: a mouse, a keyboard, touch screen, smart board.

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What are the different types of computers?

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  • When most people hear the word computer, they think of personal computer such as desktop or laptop.
  • However, computers come in many shapes and sizes, and they perform many different functions in our daily lives. When your parents or you withdraw money from an ATM, scan groceries at self checkout at the store, or use a calculator, you are using a type of computer.
  • Any others you use on a daily basis?

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Desktop computers

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  • Many people use desktop computers at work, home, school, or the library. They can be small, medium, or large in style, and they usually sit on a desk, table or workstation.
  • You must add external hardware such as a monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

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Laptop computers

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  • The second type of computer you may be familiar with is a laptop computer, or laptop. Laptops are battery- or AC-powered personal computers that are more portable than desktop computers, allowing you to use them anywhere.
  • Where are some extreme places you have seen laptop computers used?
  • Because a laptop is smaller than a desktop, it’s more difficult to access its internal components. This means you may not be able to upgrade them as easily as a desktop.

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Tablet computers

  • Tablet computers or tablets are handheld computers that are even more portable than laptops. Instead of a keyboard input device or a touchpad, tablets use touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. The iPad we use in class is an example of a tablet.
  • Tablets can’t necessarily do anything a laptop or a desktop can do, so you may want to have a desktop or a laptop to run programs or create documents.
  • But if you just want to be able to play games, check email, and social media, or stream music and videos, a tablet may be a good computer replacement.

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Servers

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  • A server is a computer that serves up information to other computers on a network. Many businesses and schools have file servers for employees, teachers, and students to use to store and share files. A server can look like a regular desktop computer, or it can be much larger.
  • Servers also play an important role in making the Internet work
  • They are where webpages are stored.
  • When you use your browser to click a link, a web server delivers the page you requested.

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Other types of computers

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  • Today, there are many everyday devices that are basically specialized computers, even though we don’t always think of them as computers.
  • Mobile Phones: Many mobile phones can do a lot of things computers can do such as browsing the Internet and playing games. These phones are often called smartphones.
  • Examples:

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Other types of computers continued….

  • Game consoles: A game console is a specialized kind of computer that is used for playing video games. Although they are not as fully featured as desktop computers, many newer consoles allow you to perform nongaming tasks like browsing the Web.
  • TV’s: Many TVs now include applications or apps that let you access various types of online content. For example, can view your Facebook News Feed or watch streaming movies on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.

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PCs and Macs

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  • Personal 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.

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PC

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  • This 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 in the world.
  • It usually includes the Microsoft Windows operating system.

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Mac or Macintosh

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  • The Mac 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 Inc., and they almost all use Mac OS X operating system.
  • The reason Mac computers cost more because only one company produces them, instead of hundreds of different companies.

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