computer studies

• Objectives Overview


  • See Page 104 for Detailed Objectives
• Types of computers


  • Desktops and Mobile Computers
  • Servers
  • Supercomputers
  • Terminals
  • Cloud Computing
  • Mobile Devices
  • Game Devices
  • Embedded Computers
• Personal computer (PC)


  A computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself and is intended to be used by one person at a time
• Mobile computer


  A portable personal computer, designed so that a user easily can carry it from place to place
• Desktop


  A personal computer designed to be in a stationary location, where all of its components fit on or under a desk or table
• Laptop


  A thin, lightweight mobile computer with a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base
• Tablet


  A thin, lightweight mobile computer that has a touch screen
• Handheld computer


  A computer small enough to fit in one hand
• Server


  A computer dedicated to providing one or more services to other computers or devices on a network
• Mainframe


  A large, expensive, powerful server that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously
• Supercomputer

  The fastest, most powerful computer — and the most expensive
• Terminal


  A computer, usually with limited processing power, that enables users to send data to and/or receive information from a server, or host computer
• Thin client


  A terminal that looks like a desktop but has limited capabilities and components
• POS terminal


  A terminal used in retail stores to record purchases, process credit or debit cards, and update inventory
• ATM


  A self-service banking terminal that connects to a host computer through a network
• Cloud computing


  An environment of servers that house and provide access to resources users access through the Internet
• Smartphone


  An Internet-capable phone that usually also includes a calendar, an appointment book, an address book, a calculator, a notepad, games, browser, and numerous other apps
• Portable media player


  A mobile device on which you can store, organize, and play or view digital media
• 1. book reader


  A mobile device that is used primarily for reading e-books and other digital publications
• Game console


  A mobile computing device designed for single-player or multiplayer video games
• Handheld game device


  A small mobile device that contains a screen, speakers, controls, and game console all in one unit
• Game controllers


  • Gamepads
  • Joysticks and wheels
  • Dance pads
  • Motion-sensing controllers
• Embedded computer


  A special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product
• A port is the point at which a peripheral device attaches to or communicates with a computer or mobile device so that the peripheral device can send data to or receive information from the computer or mobile device
• Connector


  Joins a cable to a port. A connector at one end of a cable attaches to a port on the computer or mobile device, and a connector at the other end of the cable attaches to a port on the peripheral device
• USB port


  A port that can connect up to 127 different peripheral devices together with a single connector
• Port replicators and docking stations


  Allow users to connect peripheral devices to mobile computers without directly connecting to ports on the mobile computer
• Some peripheral devices use wireless communications technologies instead of connecting to computers and mobile devices with a cable
• Surge protector


  A device that uses electrical components to provide a stable current flow and minimize the chances of an overvoltage reaching the computer and other electronic equipment
• Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)


  A device that contains surge protection circuits and one or more batteries that can provide power during a temporary or permanent loss of power
• Health concerns of using technology

  • Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
  • Computer vision syndrome (CVS)
  • Ergonomics
  • Technology addiction
• Discovering Computers 2014: Chapter 3
• Objectives Overview
• See Page 158 for Detailed Objectives
• © 2016 Cengage Learning®. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
• Program

  A series of related instructions, organized for a common purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them
• Software


  A program
• Application

  Programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks
• Operating system

  A set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer or mobile device hardware
• Software forms

  • Productivity Applications
  • Graphics and Media Software
  • Personal Interest Applications
  • Communications Applications
  • Security Tools
  • File, Disk, and System Management Tools