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Introduction to Computer Science: Literacy and Categories of Computers

Welcome to Computer Science 1L1! In this course, you'll learn the vital role of computer literacy in everyday life. We will explore various categories of computers, from personal devices to supercomputers, and discuss their uses in different contexts such as home, business, and mobile environments. Understanding these concepts is essential as technology continues to evolve and integrate into all aspects of human activities. Be sure to complete registration and familiarize yourself with the course materials for a successful start!

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Introduction to Computer Science: Literacy and Categories of Computers

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  1. WELCOME Computer Science 1L1 • Please fill in the registration slip. • Hand it in exchange for the Departmental Hand Book. • Please read relevant pages _ Cs1L1

  2. Computer Science 1L1 • How to Sign On • Press CTL-ALT-DEL • Enter your login name (e.g. g04a3799) • and your password • BUT BEFORE YOU CLICK ON OK • click on the “advanced” tab • change the context field to indicate your group (G04.RU if your login starts with g04)

  3. Topics of Discussion Computer Science 1L1 • Why it is important to be computer literate. • Categories of computers. • Uses of computers.

  4. Computer Literacy • Computers are present in every aspect of daily living. • Initially we only think of computers found in the workplace or study, e.g. desktop computer. • You encounter many other computers on a daily basis, e.g. VCR, cell phone, ATM card, car.

  5. Computer Literacy • Computers are valuable tools. • Technology advances and computers extend into every facet of our lives. • Essential to have a knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses.

  6. What are Computers??? • Many definitions of what a computer is. • Different kinds of computers for different purposes and users. • Vary in size, expense, appearance and ability. • Standard computers • General categories

  7. Categories of Computers • Five major groups: • Personal computers (desktop & portable) • Internet Appliances. • Mid-range computers. • Mainframe. • Supercomputers.

  8. Personal Computer • Can perform all of its activities by itself. • Their processing power comes from a single chip… CPU (Central Processing Unit) or Microprocessor. • Two major categories: • Desktop • Portable

  9. Desktop Computers • Designed to fit on a desk. • Tower model can be placed vertically on the floor.

  10. Desktop Computers • More expensive and powerful desktop computer is called a workstation. • If computer is not connected to a network it is called a stand-alone computer.

  11. Desktop Computers • Can also function as a server on a network. • A server is a computer that managers the resources on a network. • Other computers on a network are called clients. • Server is faster and has more storage space than a client.

  12. Why use a network? • Communicating with others • Sharing resources • Such as printers and file servers • Access to on-line services • The world wide web, banking, e-commerce, entertainment • Control of remote devices

  13. Portable Computers • Small enough to be carried easily. • Use operating system like Windows CE (Consumer Electronics) • Two types: • Laptop • Handheld

  14. Laptop Computers • Designed for mobility. • Also called a notebook computer.

  15. Handheld Computers • Designed to fit into your hand. • Also called palmtop computers, or pen computers, or pocket PCs • A popular type is the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), which support personal information management applications.

  16. Handheld computer Pen computer

  17. Internet Appliances • Network PC (e.g. the JavaStation) • TV set-top boxes • Embedded systems connected to the Internet • Conventional appliances with Internet capability

  18. Mercedes-Benz’s Comdex 2000 exhibition: “the ultimate mobile computing hardware”

  19. Info-wear

  20. Wireless headgear

  21. Mid-range server • More powerful and larger than a workstation. • Support up to 4000 connected users at a time. • Access a mid-range server via a terminal. • Can be used as servers and back end processors.

  22. Mainframe Computers • Large, expensive and very powerful. • Can handle thousands of connected users simultaneously. • Can also act as a server. • Store tremendous amounts of information.

  23. Supercomputers • Fastest, most powerful and expensive computer. • Used for applications requiring complex, sophisticated mathematical calculations. • For example: • Weather forecasting • Nuclear energy research • Petroleum exploration • View them at http://www.top500.org/

  24. Categories of Computers

  25. Uses of Computers • Home user. • Small business user. • Mobile user. • Large business user. • Power user.

  26. Home User • Entertainment. • Education. • Web.

  27. Small Business User • Also called SOHO (Small Office/Home Office). • Accounting software. • Productivity software.

  28. Cyber Café, Nairobi, Kenya

  29. Hybrid E-Café/ Hair Salon South Africa

  30. Mobile User • Sales reps, insurance agents, etc. • Often have laptop. • Docking station in their offices.

  31. Notebook Docking Station

  32. Large Business User • Hundreds of employees. • Computer network. • Own Web site. • May make use of a kiosk.

  33. Power Users • Powerful computer. • Multimedia developers. • Graphic artists.

  34. Recommended text • Discovering Computers 2007/2008: A Gateway to Information, Introductory Edition

  35. Homework • Read Chapter 1 of your text book Discovering Computers.

  36. Homework • Make sure that you can log in to the Rhodes system • Visit the course web site: • http://www.cs.ru.ac.za/courses/CSc1L1 • Visit the student online companion website • http://www.scsite.com/ • http://oc.course.com/sc/dc2007/ • and work though theTimeline link http://www.scsite.com/tdc4 • Other sites • http://www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/lessonintro.htm • http://www.computerhistory.org

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