Transcript Computer Literacy - 7thgradetechnologyclass

How would you define a
computer?
Computers are. . .
Electronic devices that receives
(input), processes & stores data &
produces a result (output).
What are 4 things
necessary to use a
computer?
Hardware
Machine
Wires
Transistors
Circuits
Software
Instructions or
programs for
controlling the
computer.
Data
Text
Numbers
Sound
Images
Video
People
What are some
advantages of using a
computer rather than
previous ways of
doing things?
Speed
Reliability
Accuracy
Storage
Communication
True or False?
Computers have
been around for
more than 50
years.
True!
Late 1940’s – Early 1950’s
UNIVAC & ENIAC were
examples of the first
computers which were
huge, had less processing
power than today’s
pocket calculators, cost
millions of dollars, and
were mostly used by the
military and government.
Mid 1950’s – Early 1970’s
Somewhat smaller & more
powerful, but still limited
in what they could do.
Remained expensive –
only major companies
could afford them.
History continued. .
1971 - Dr. Ted Hoff
developed the
microprocessor.
Visionaries like
Steve Jobs & Steve
Wozniak saw the future
for microprocessors &
their application to
personal computers.
They built the first Apple
computer in 1976.
1980 – Bill Gates worked
with IBM & developed
the operating system for
the IBM PC, which was
introduced in 1981and
quickly became the PC
of choice in business.
What does it mean to
be computer literate?
Computer Literacy
is . . .
The ability to use a
computer and its
software to accomplish
practical tasks.
How are computers
used today?
2 Categories of
Computers. . .
Special Purpose
General Purpose
Used for many
Used mostly to
purposes.
control something
else with tiny chips.
Divided into 6
categories based on
Ex: dishwasher,
physical size, function,
airport radar
cost & performance.
system
See pg. 8 in textbook.
Electronic Communication
Devices that
share
information.
History:
1969 – ARPANET was
established, a large widearea network created by
the U.S. Defense
Advanced Research
Project Agency, sent first
message via telephone
lines from a computer at
UCLA to another
computer at Stanford
Research Institute.
2 basic types of Computer
Software (programs):

Application Software – a set of programs that
performs specific tasks for users.


Word processing, spreadsheets, databases, etc.
System Software – a set of programs that
controls the operations of the computer and
its devices.

Windows or Mac operating system
Electronic communication
requires 4 components. . .

Sender: the computer that is sending the

Receiver: the computer that is receiving


message
the message
Channel: the media that carries or
transports the message (telephone wire,
coaxial cable, microwave signal, or fiber
optic)
Protocol: rules that govern the transfer of
data
Networks. . .
A group of 2 or more computer systems
linked together via communication devices.

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Enables computers to share resources (printers, data,
information & programs).
Can consist of 2 computers or millions.
Can connect all 5 categories of computers.
 Computers on a network are called nodes or clients.
 Servers are computers that allocate resources on a
network.
What is the world’s
largest network?
The Internet. . .
History:



Evolved from ARPANET
Following the first historic message
between 2 computers in 1969, ARPANET
grew quickly into a global network
consisting of hundreds of military &
university sites.
In 1990, the Internet was born.
How is the Internet
used today?
 Surf
the Internet and
the World Wide Web.
 E-mail
 Chat rooms
 Instant messaging
 Mailing lists
 Newsgroups
 Others???
How will computers
affect our future?




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
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They will be more powerful.
They will be less expensive.
Almost every type of job will somehow
involve a computer.
More people will work from home.
Wireless and mobile devices will become
the norm.
Ability to connect with other computers.
Computer literacy will become even more
important.
Ways we can’t even imagine!!