of 47
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
1/47
Chapter 1: Computer TechnologyPart 1
Comprehend to Desktop Computer
Prepared by: Nor Zuraida Bt Mohd Gaminan
Department of IT & Communication
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Polytechnic
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
2/47
Topics that will covered on this chapter:
Evolution of computers Differences between firmware, software and hardware.
Identifying different classes of computer
Role of server, workstation and server
Computer chassis form:
- Mini/ Full tower- AT case- ATX case
Display units
- CRT monitor- TFT monitor
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
3/47
Definition: Computer
Computer is an electronic device operating under the
control of instructions stored in its memory unit.
It can accept data (input), process data arithmetically
and logically, produce results (output) from the
processing and store the results for future use.
Produces and stores results
Processes data into information
Data that is organized,meaningful, and useful
Acceptsdata
Raw facts, figures, and
symbols
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
4/47
Evolution of Computers
The history of computer development is often referred
to in reference to the different generations of
computing devices .
A generation refers to the state of improvement in thedevelopment of a product.
With each new generation, the circuitry has gotten
smaller and more advanced than the previous
generation before it.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
5/47
Evolution of Computers: First Generation
1940 1956 (Vacuum Tubes)
Used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums formemory.
Often enormous, taking up entire rooms.
Very expensive to operate
Used great deal of electricity Generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause ofmalfunctions.
Relied on machine language to perform operations, and theycould only solve one problem at a time.
UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first-generationcomputing devices.
The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer delivered to abusiness client, the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
6/47
Evolution of Computers: First Generation
1940 1956 (Vacuum Tubes)
Example of Vacuum Tubes
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
7/47
Evolution of Computers: Second Generation
1956 1963 ( Transistors)
Transistors replaced vacuum tubes.
Transistor is a device composed of semiconductor material thatamplifies a signal or opens or closes a circuit.
Allowed computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, moreenergy-efficient and more reliable than their first-generationpredecessors.
Relied on punched cards for input and printouts for output.
Used assembly languages, which allowed programmers tospecify instructions in words.
High-level programming languages were also being developed atthis time, such as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
8/47
Evolution of Computers: Second Generation
1956 1963 (Transistors)
Example of Transistors
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
9/47
Evolution of Computers: Third Generation
1964 1971 ( Intergrated Circuit)
The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of thethird generation of computers.
Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips, called
semiconductors, which drastically increased the speed andefficiency of computers.
Users interacted with third generation computers throughkeyboards and monitors and interfaced with an operating system,which allowed the device to run many different applications at one
time with a central program that monitored the memoryComputers for the first time became accessible to a massaudience because they were smaller and cheaper than theirpredecessors.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
10/47
Evolution of Computers: Third Generation
1964 1971 (Intergrated Circuit)
Example of an Integrated Circuit
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
11/47
Evolution of Computers: Fourth Generation
1971 - Present ( Microprocessor)
The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers,
as thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon
chip.
1971 - The Intel 4004 chip was developed. Contain all the
components of the computer - from the central processing unit and
memory to input/output controls - on a single chip.
1981 - IBM introduced its first computer for the home user.
1984 - Apple introduced the Macintosh.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
12/47
Evolution of Computers: Fourth Generation
1971 - present (Microprocessor)
Example of microprocessor
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
13/47
Evolution of Computers: Fifth Generation
Present - beyond ( Artificial Intelligence)
Artificial Intelligence is the branch of computer science concernedwith making computers behave like humans.
- John McCarthyat the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1956
Artificial intelligence includes:
1) Games Playing: programming computers to play games such aschess and checkers
- In May, 1997, an IBM super-computer called Deep Bluedefeated world chess champion Gary Kasparov in a chess
match.2) Expert Systems: programming computers to make decisions in
real-life situations (for example, some expert systems helpdoctors diagnose diseases based on symptoms)
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
14/47
Evolution of Computers: Fifth Generation
Present - beyond ( Artificial Intelligence)
3) Natural Language: programming computers to understand
natural human languages.
4) Neural Networks: Systems that simulate intelligence by
attempting to reproduce the types of physical connections that
occur in animal brains.
- Proving successful in a number of disciplines such as voice
recognition and natural-language processing.
5) Robotics: programming computers to see and hear and react to
other sensory stimulation.
- Robots still have great difficulty identifying objects based on
appearance or feel, and they still move and handle objects
clumsily.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
15/47
Evolution of Computers: Fifth Generation
Present beyond (Artificial Intelligence)
Example of a robot build using AI technology
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
16/47
Definition: Firmware
Term often used to denote the fixed, usually rather small,programs and data structures that internally control variouselectronic devices.
Simple firmware typically resides in ROM or PROM, while morecomplex firmware often employs flash memory to allow forupdates.
Common reasons for updating firmware include fixing bugs oradding features to the device.
Examples of firmware include:
1) Timing and control systems for washing machines2) The BIOS found in IBM-compatible personal computers
3) A typical firmware-controlled device, a television remote control
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
17/47
Definition: Software
General term for the various kinds of programs used to operate
computers and related devices.
The two major categories of software are:
1) System software
- System software is made up of control programs such as the
operating system (OS) and database management system (DBMS).
- Examples of OS: Windows, Macintosh, Linux
2) Application software
- Application software is any program that processes data for theuser (inventory, payroll, spreadsheet, word processor, etc.).
- Examples of word processor software: Microsoft Word, Word Star
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
18/47
Definition: Hardware
Hardware, in the computer world, refers to the physical
components that make up a computer system.
There are many, many different kinds of hardware that can beinstalled inside and connected to the outside of a computer.
However, there are several standard pieces of hardware that canbe found as part of nearly every computer:
1) Motherboard
2) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
3) Random Access Memory (RAM)
4) Power Supply
5) Video Card , etc
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
19/47
Differences between firmware, software and hardware
Firmware Software Hardware
Fixed, usually rather small,
programs and data
structures that internally
control various electronic
devices.
Programs used to operate
computers and related
devices.
Physical components that
make up a computer
system.
Example:
Television remote control
is a firmware-controlled
device
Example:
Microsoft Word 2007 is an
example of a software
Example:
CPU is an example of a
hardware
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
20/47
Classes of computer
Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows:
1) Personal Computer
Defined as a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for
an individual user.
Businesses use personal computers for word processing,accounting, desktop publishing, and for running spreadsheet
and database management applications.
At home, the most popular use for personal computers is for
playing games and for surfing the Internet.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
21/47
Classes of computer
Example of a common components in a personal
computer system
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
22/47
Classes of computer
2) Workstation It is a type of computer used for engineering applications, desktop
publishing, software development, and other types of applications
that require a moderate amount of computing power and relatively
high quality graphics capabilities. Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics
screen, at large amount of RAM, built-in network support, and a
graphical user interface.
Most common operating systems for workstations are UNIX andWindows NT.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
23/47
Classes of computer
Example of a workstation by Dell
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
24/47
Classes of computer
3) Supercomputer
Supercomputer is a broad term for one of the fastest computerscurrently available.
Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed forspecialized applications that require immense amounts ofmathematical calculations (number crunching).
- For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers are:
1) scientific simulations
2) (animated) graphics
3) nuclear energy research4) electronic design
5) analysis of geological data (e.g. in petrochemical prospecting).
The best known supercomputer manufacturer is Cray Research.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
25/47
Classes of computer
Example of a super computer by NEC
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
26/47
Classes of computer
4) Mainframe Mainframe is a very large and expensive computer capable of
supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously.
The main difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is
that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a fewprograms as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power
to execute many programs at the same time.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
27/47
Classes of computer
5) Notebook computer / LaptopAn extremely lightweight personal computer.
Notebook computers typically weigh less than 6 pounds and aresmall enough to fit easily in a briefcase.
Notebook computers cost about twice as much as equivalentregular-sized computers.
Notebook computers come with battery packs that enable you torun them without plugging them in. However, the batteries need tobe recharged every few hours.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
28/47
Classes of computer
Example of a laptop (HP Limited Edition)
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
29/47
Server
A computer system in a network that is shared by multiple users.
In information technology, a server is a computer system thatprovides services to other computing systemscalled clientsover
a computer network.
The term server can refer to hardware (such as a Sun computer
system) or software (such as an RDBMS server).
In large companies, servers often reside in racks in the datacenter,
and all access is via their network connections.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
30/47
Server
Example of servers in a datacenter
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
31/47
Workstation
A workstation is a high-end microcomputer designed for technicalor scientific applications.
Intended primarily to be used by one person at a time, they are
commonly connected to a local area network (LAN) and run multi-
user operating systems (example: Windows NT).
Workstations had offered higher performance than personal
computers, especially with respect to CPU and graphics, memory
capacity and multitasking capability.
Presently, the workstation market is highly commoditized and isdominated by large PC vendors, such as Dell and Heward Packard
(HP).
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
32/47
Desktop
A desktop computer is a personal computer (PC) in a formintended for regular use at a single location, as opposed to a mobile
laptop or portable computer.
Most modern desktop computers have separate screens and
keyboards.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
33/47
Computer chassis
A computer case (also known as a computer chassis, cabinet, box,tower, enclosure, housing or simply case) is the enclosure that
contains the main components of a computer.
Cases are usually constructed from steel , aluminum, or plastic,
although other materials such as wood , and Lego have also beenused in case designs.
There are several types of chassis which include:
1) Mini tower
2) Full tower
3) AT case
4) ATX case
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
34/47
Computer chassis
1) Mini tower
The mini tower is the case of choice for many homebuilders.
It is roughly the same size as a desktop case, but due to its
design is generally easier to use and often has more capacity.
It also tends to keep components cooler than a desktop case.
Since it is not nearly as large as a full tower case, many peopleput the mini tower on the desktop, next to the monitor.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
35/47
Computer chassis
2) Full tower
A full tower case is the largest standard PC case available on themarket.
These units are big, heavy and at two to three feet in height,
are intended to be installed on the floor.
Towers are the most flexible, expandable cases, with manydrive bays to support a large number of internal devices.
The best case at keeping components from overheating.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
36/47
A typical mini tower case(AOpen's Mt85)
A full tower case. Note the five5.25" drive bays, and
the extended stabilizing feet atthe bottom.
(In Win's Q600)
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
37/47
Computer chassis
3) AT case
AT case have serial and parallel ports attached to the case in anexpansion slot and connected to the board through cables.
They also have a single keyboard connector soldered onto the
board at the back of the board.
The processor is still at the front of the board and cansometimes get in the way of expansion cards.
The AT design is not conducive to efficient cooling of the
system.
- Air is not blown over the areas that need it, namely the CPU.- Also, the air flow draws in dust. Over time, the AT power supply
will get dusty and the inside of the system will be coated with a
layer of dust
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
38/47
Example of an AT case
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
39/47
Computer chassis
4) ATX case
Many consider the ATX design a vast improvement over thestandard AT design.
Some advanced features of the ATX format:
1. Integrated I/O Connectors
- While the AT uses headers on the board that are attached tothe actual ports on the back of the case, the ATX board has the
actual ports built right onto the board. This makes installation
easier and enhances reliability.
- This includes an integrated PS/2 mouse connector
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
40/47
Computer chassis
2) Reduced Processor Interference with Cards- The processor is moved from the front of the board near the slots
to the back, top of the board, near the power supply.
-This means that a user can install full-length expansion cards in the
slot without having to worry about hitting the CPU or heat sink.
3) Better Cooling Conditions
- The ATX power supply blows air into the case instead of out. This
means that air blows out all the holes in the case and thus keeps
dust out.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
41/47
Example of ATX
cases
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
42/47
Display device: Monitor
Display device is an output device that visually conveysinformation.
Monitor is an example of a display device. It is a computer display
and related parts packaged in a physical unit that is separate from
other parts of the computer. There are two main types of monitor:
1) CRT monitor
2) TFT monitor
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
43/47
Display unit: CRT Monitor
CRT stands for cathode ray tube, describing the technology inside
an analog computer monitor or television set. A CRT monitor or TV is readily recognizable by its bulky form.
The screen is coated with tiny dots of phosphor material
- Each dot consists of a red, blue, and green phosphor
The CRT monitor comes in 15-inch to 21-inch sizes (38
53 cm)and larger, though the actual viewing screen is about 1 inch (2.5 cm)
smaller than the rated size.
Screens are measured diagonally from corner to corner including
the case.
Example of a CRT monitor
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
44/47
Display unit: CRT Monitor
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
45/47
Display unit: TFT Monitor
A TFT monitor uses thin-film transistortechnology for the ultimate
LCD display. LCD monitors, also called flat panel displays, are replacing the old
style cathode ray tubes (CRTs) as the displays of choice.
Nearly all LCD monitors today use TFT technology.
The benefit of a TFT monitor is a separate, tiny transistor for each
pixel on the display.
Because each transistor is so small, the amount of charge needed
to control it is also small.
This allows for very fast re-drawing of the display, as the image is
re-painted or refreshed several times per second.
A typical 17-inch TFT monitor has about 1.3 million pixels and 1.3
million transistors.
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
46/47
Display unit: TFT Monitor
Example of a TFT/ Flat screen monitor by HP
8/4/2019 F1031 Chapter 1 Part 1
47/47
Activity:
1) Define computer and list three types of computer.
2) List the main technology evolved during each of thefive computer generation.
3) Name three of Artificial Intelligence (AI) fields that
evolved during the fifth generation.
4) What is the differences between Firmware, Software
and Hardware?
5) What is the three advantages of using an ATX
case/chassis ?