Unit 1- Recognizing Computers
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Understand the importance of computers
Identify significant times in computer history
Describe how all computers function the
same way
Define computers & computer systems
Classify different types of computers
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A computer is a person, instrument, or
machine that gathers, processes, and
stores information.
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In groups, make a computer history timeline
of events
Use an online timeline maker
Mark at least 10 significant events
◦ At least 1 event from the following decades:
 2000’s, 90’s, 80’s, 70’s, 60’s, 50’s
◦ 1 significant tech event from your life
◦ Include a picture of the device for each
◦ Use your own words to describe each
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Massive
ENIAC
Designed for military & government
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Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak created the
first user-friendly personal computer, called
the Apple, with a built-in keyboard, display
screen, and storage unit.
◦ The term personal computer refers to a computer
designed to be used by one person at a time.
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Bill Gates worked with IBM
◦ Developed DOS
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IBM computer in 1981 released
Pictured- $3500
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IBM made the design
available to competing
companies, resulting in
clones or “IBM compatible”
computers
Today, the term PC often
refers to any computer
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AOL (as a service)
◦ 1993
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Internet (as we know
it)
◦ Mid 1990’s
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iPod
◦ 2001
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First Smartphone
◦ 1994
◦ 2001- in US
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Computers and their parts have gotten
smaller & more powerful
Other devices are now considered computers
◦ Phones, gaming systems, Tablets, etc.
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Work is more efficient, communication has
changed/grown, entertainment changed
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Same as before…
Receives data (INPUT),
processes data, stores data,
produces a result (OUTPUT)
Computer includes:
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Hardware
Software
Data
Peripherals
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Who created the first user-friendly computer?
◦ Steve Jobs & Steve Wozniak
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What term describes a computer design made
available to other manufacturers?
◦ Compatible or clone
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What computer took up the size of a city block
back in the 40’s & 50’s?
◦ ENIAC
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What four function does ever computer perform?
◦ Input data, process data, output data, store data
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Personal computer- Windows PC or MAC
Individual user
Case/monitor or all-in-one
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Windows PC or Mac
Portable- They use a battery
As powerful as a desktop
Touchpad for mouse/ Touchscreen
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Laptop running Google’s Chrome OS
Fast boot
Apps instead of software
Cloud-based storage
Use while connected to Internet
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PC in smaller size
Many functions of PC
◦ Has memory, storage, CPU,
touchscreen
◦ Apps, Internet, Email
◦ Android, iOS, Windows
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Using store ads, find the lowest price of each:
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Desktop with monitor
iMac
Laptop
MacBook
Chromebook
Android Tablet (low & high price)
iPad
Windows Tablet
Report the brand & model # with the price
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Cell phone runs
computer
applications
◦ Internet, camera,
music, GPS, phone,
email, text
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Touchscreen or
keyboard
Windows, iOS,
Android
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E-book reader
Portable music player
Handheld game device
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Multiple CPUs, lots of RAM, multiple, highcapacity drives
Video Editing, CAD, Animation, Scientific, CSI,
X-Ray
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Performs functions for computers on a
network (provides a service)
◦ Hold Files/Data
◦ Handle Email
◦ Web Site
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PC connects to it
Huge amounts of
data processing
Hundreds of
thousands $
Large institutions,
hospitals & govt.
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Large & fast
Perform BIG calc’s
Volumes of data
Millions of $$$
Government
Military
Research Labs
NASA
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Name some…
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Managing an airline reservation & ticketing
system or patient records would be best
performed by which class of computer?
◦ Mainframe
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Which device would animators use to make
CG effects for a movie?
◦ Workstation
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What is the fastest type of computer?
◦ Supercomputer
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Appliances have what kind of computer?
◦ Embedded
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What’s the biggest advantage of using a
notebook?
◦ Portability
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T/F. A server is dedicated to sharing
resources & data.
◦ True
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Which type of computer provides services to
other PCs, such as providing a website?
◦ Servers
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What device would have Android OS on it?
◦ Smartphone or Tablet
Unit 1- Recognizing Computers