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COMP101UNIT1

The document provides an overview of computer basics, including definitions, functions, advantages, and disadvantages of computers. It traces the history and evolution of computers from early mechanical devices to modern electronic systems, detailing key inventions and generations of computers. Additionally, it classifies computers into categories based on size and processing capabilities, highlighting the significance of supercomputers in handling complex computations.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
4 views28 pages

COMP101UNIT1

The document provides an overview of computer basics, including definitions, functions, advantages, and disadvantages of computers. It traces the history and evolution of computers from early mechanical devices to modern electronic systems, detailing key inventions and generations of computers. Additionally, it classifies computers into categories based on size and processing capabilities, highlighting the significance of supercomputers in handling complex computations.

Uploaded by

ladigohonpatty
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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West Visayas State University 2020

UNIT Introduction to Computer Basics

Learning Outcome:
 Traced the history and evolution of computer
 Classified the different kinds of computer
 Defined the concepts and functions of a
computer
 Demonstrated attentiveness and care for the
equipment

The Computer
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What is a Computer?
A computer is an electronic hardware device. It operates and functions under the
control of instruction in its memory called programs.

5 Basic Elements of Computer

 Electronic- all computers are powered by electricity. They must run on


electricity in one form or another, which means that they are exclusively a
product of the 20th century.
 Programmable- a computer must be able to follow a set of instructions (called
programs) to operate.
 Storage- a computer must be able to store information (like programs and
data) to be used at another time. This computer feature turns the machine into
an electronic filing cabinet.
 Retrieve- on top of being able to store information, a computer must be able
to retrieve the information that it has stored. Storing is meaningless without
the capability to retrieve,
 Process- a computer must be able to process information. In other words, a
computer must be able to manipulate and transform the information it has
stored.

Data and Information

Data is raw, unprocessed facts. It has the potential to become useful


information, but first it has to be manipulated and transformed. The best way
to do that is to feed data into a computer. Data is what computers feed on.
You may have figured out by now that information is processed data. It is
the data that has already have been manipulated and transformed into
something useful.

REPORT
Levi Ackerman 1. Levi Ackerman
Natsu Dragneel 2. Natsu Dragneel
Ging Freecs 3. Ging Freecs

DATA PROCESSING INFORMATION

Four Basic Functions:

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 Input- the procedure of feeding data into a computer is called input. A typical
way of feeding or entering data into a computer is by typing on a keyboard.
 Process- this is the operation of manipulating and transforming data into
something useful. A program, which is a set of written instructions, is what tells
the computer how to manipulate and transform the data it was given into
information.
 Output- this is the result of the processing function. Once the data has been
processed into information, the computer then must produce and present that
information in a form that you can understand. Two common computer output
types are information displayed on a monitor screen, and information printed
on paper.
 Storage-computers can save data so that it can be used in another time.

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTERS

Following are certain advantages of computers.

High Speed

 Computer is a very fast device.


 It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount of data.
 The computer has units of speed in microsecond, nanosecond, and even the
picosecond.
 It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as compared to man
who will spend many months to perform the same task.

Accuracy

 In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.


 The calculations are 100% error free.
 Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided that the input is
correct.

Storage Capability

 Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.


 A computer has much more storage capacity than human beings.
 It can store large amount of data.
 It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text, audio, etc.

Diligence

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 Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony, tiredness, and lack
of concentration.
 It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
 It can perform repeated tasks with the same speed and accuracy.

Versatility

 A computer is a very versatile machine.


 A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
 This machine can be used to solve the problems related to various fields.
 At one instance, it may be solving a complex scientific problem and the very
next moment it may be playing a card game.
Reliability
 A computer is a reliable machine.
 Modern electronic components have long lives.
 Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.
Automation
 Computer is an automatic machine.
 Automation is the ability to perform a given task automatically. Once the
computer receives a program i.e., the program is stored in the computer
memory, then the program and instruction can control the program execution
without human interaction.

Reduction in Paper Work and Cost

 The use of computers for data processing in an organization leads to reduction


in paper work and results in speeding up the process.
 As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when required, the problem
of maintenance of large number of paper files gets reduced.
 Though the initial investment for installing a computer is high, it substantially
reduces the cost of each of its transaction.

Disadvantages of Computers

Following are certain disadvantages of computers.

No I.Q.

 A computer is a machine that has no intelligence to perform any task.


 Each instruction has to be given to the computer.
 A computer cannot take any decision on its own.

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Dependency
 It functions as per the user’s instruction; thus it is fully dependent on humans.

Environment

 The operating environment of the computer should be dust free and suitable.

No Feeling

 Computers have no feelings or emotions.


 It cannot make judgment based on feeling, taste, experience, and knowledge
unlike humans.

History of Computers

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Earliest Computer

•Originally calculations were computed by humans, whose job title was computers.

• These human computers were typically engaged in the calculation of a mathematical


expression.

• The calculations of this period were specialized and expensive, requiring years of
training in mathematics.

• The first use of the word "computer" was recorded in 1613, referring to a person
who carried out calculations, or computations, and the word continued to be used in
that sense until the middle of the 20th century

Tally Sticks

A tally stick was an ancient memory aid device to record and document numbers,
quantities, or even messages.

Abacus

• An abacus is a mechanical device used to aid an individual in performing


mathematical calculations.

• The abacus was invented in Babylonia in 2400 B.C.

• The abacus in the form we are most familiar with was first used in China in around
500 B.C. • It used to perform basic arithmetic operations.

Napier’s Bones

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• Invented by John Napier in 1614.

• Allowed the operator to multiply, divide and calculate square


and cube roots by moving the rods around and placing them in
specially constructed boards.

Slide Rule

• Invented by William Oughtred in 1622.

• Is based on Napier's ideas about logarithms.

• Used primarily for – multiplication – division – roots – logarithms


– Trigonometry

• Not normally used for addition or subtraction. • Invented by


William Oughtred in 1622.

• Is based on Napier's ideas about logarithms.

• Used primarily for – multiplication – division – roots – logarithms – Trigonometry

• Not normally used for addition or subtraction.

Pascaline
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• Invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642.

• It was its limitation to addition and subtraction.

• It is too expensive.

Stepped Reckoner

• Invented by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in 1672.

• The machine that can add, subtract, multiply and divide


automatically.

Jacquard Loom

• The Jacquard loom is a mechanical loom, invented by Joseph-Marie Jacquard in 1881.

• It an automatic loom controlled by punched cards.

Arithmometer

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• A mechanical calculator invented by Thomas de Colmar in 1820,

• The first reliable, useful and commercially successful calculating machine.

• The machine could perform the four basic mathematic functions.

• The first mass-produced calculating machine.

Difference Engine and


Analytical Engine

• It an automatic, mechanical
calculator designed to tabulate
polynomial functions.

• Invented by Charles Babbage in 1822 and 1834

• It is the first mechanical computer.

Tabulating Machine

• Invented by Herman Hollerith in 1890.

• To assist in summarizing information and accounting.

Havard Mark 1

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• Also known as IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (ASCC).

• Invented by Howard H. Aiken in 1943

• The first electro-mechanical computer.

Z1

• The first programmable computer.


• Created by Konrad Zuse in Germany from 1936 to 1938.

• To program the Z1 required that the user insert punch tape into
a punch tape reader and all output was also generated through
punch tape.

Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC)

• It was the first electronic digital computing device.

• Invented by Professor John Atanasoff and graduate student


Clifford Berry at Iowa State University between 1939 and 1942.

ENIAC

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• ENIAC stands for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer.

• It was the first electronic general purpose computer.

• Completed in 1946.

• Developed by John Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchl.

First Computer Programmer

• In 1840, Augusta Ada Byron (Ada Lovelace) suggests to Babbage that he use the
binary system.

• She writes programs for the Analytical Engine.

Scheutzian Calculation Engine

• Invented by Per Georg Scheutz in 1843.

• Based on Charles Babbage's difference engine.

• The first printing calculator.

UNIVAC 1

• The UNIVAC I (UNIVersal Automatic Computer


1) was the first commercial computer.

• Designed by J. Presper Eckert and John


Mauchly.

EDVAC

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• EDVAC stands for Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer

• The First Stored Program Computer

• Designed by Von Neumann in 1952.

• It has a memory to hold both a stored


program as well as data.

The First Portable Computer

• Osborne 1 – the first portable


computer.

• Released in 1981 by the Osborne


Computer Corporation.

The First Computer Company

• The first computer company was the Electronic Controls Company.

• Founded in 1949 by J. Presper Eckert and


John Mauchly.

Computer Generations

There are five generations of computer:

• First generation – 1946 - 1958

• Second generation – 1959 - 1964

• Third generation – 1965 - 1970 • Fourth generation – 1971 – today

• Fifth generation – Today to future

The First Generation

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• The first computers used vacuum tubes (left pic) for circuitry and magnetic drums
for memory, and were often enormous, taking up
entire rooms.

• They were very expensive to operate and in


addition to using a great deal of electricity,
generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause
of malfunctions.

• First generation computers relied on machine


language, the lowest-level programming language
understood by computers, to perform operations,
and they could only solve one problem at a time.

• Input was based on punched cards and


paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts.

The Second Generation

• Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and ushered in the


second generation of computers.

• One transistor replaced the equivalent of 40 vacuum


tubes.

• Allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper,


more energy-efficient and more reliable.

• Still generated a great deal of heat that can damage the


compute.

• Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary


machine language to symbolic, or assembly, languages,
which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words.

• Second-generation computers still relied on punched cards for input and printouts
for output.

• These were also the first computers that stored their instructions in their memory,
which moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology.

The Third Generation

• The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation
of computers.

• Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors,


which drastically increased the speed and efficiency of computers.

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• Much smaller and cheaper


compare to the second
generation computers. • It could
carry out instructions in
billionths of a second.

• Users interacted with third


generation computers through
keyboards 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 memory.

• Computers for the first time became accessible to a mass audience because they
were smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.

The Fourth Generation

• The microprocessor brought the


fourth generation of computers, as
thousands of integrated circuits were
built onto a single silicon chip.

• As these small computers became


more powerful, they could be linked
together to form networks, which
eventually led to the development of
the Internet.

• Fourth generation computers also


saw the development of GUIs, the
mouse and handheld devices.

• Based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

• Still in development.

• The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to make artificial


intelligence a reality.

• The goal is to develop devices that respond to natural language input and are capable
of learning and self-organization.

• There are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today.

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Classification of Computer

From this point onwards, we will limit our discussion to electronic and digital computing
machines. The term electronic refers to a machine that uses such components as
vacuum tubes, transistors or silicon chips. All electronic devices, whether a vacuum-
tube powered stereo amplifier or transistor radio., require electricity. Digital computers
on the other hand make use of binary arithmetic system as the basis for its operation.

Computers were traditionally divided into three main groups namely mainframe
computer, minicomputers and microcomputers. The factor which best differentiates
one group from another is size. There was once a time that the computer’s size
indicated its speed and processing capabilities. For example, mainframe computers
were once considered as the most powerful computers. To a certain extent, this belief
still holds true at the present but technological advancements specially in
miniaturization enabled manufacturers to come up with smaller and equally powerful
computers.

Generally, sizes of computers determine the processing abilities. Larger computers


have higher processing speeds while smaller ones offer the better experience for
personal computing.

Supercomputers
These are arguably the most powerful in terms of speed and accuracy. They are types
of computers used in solving complex mathematical computations. They are capable
of executing trillions of instructions per second, which is calculated in floating point
operations per second (FLOPS).

The typical personal computer used at home and the office is only capable of
calculating millions of instructions per second (MIPS). Supercomputers can go even
faster with the rate of petaFLOPS (or PFLOPS). This could bring up their processing
numbers up to the quadrillion.

Supercomputers were made popular in the 1960s by Seymore Cray. They soon became
the choice for complex projects. They have evolved from the grid to cluster systems
of massively parallel computing.

Cluster system computing means that machines use multiple processors in one system,
rather than arrays of separate computers in a grid.

The operating systems that run in supercomputers vary depending on the


manufacturer but are generally based on the Linux Kernel. A few popular ones include,

 CNK OS used in Blue Gene from IBM


 Cray Linux Environment used in Titan
 Sunway Raise OS in Sunway TaihuLight
These computers are the largest in terms of size. They can occupy anything from a
few feet to hundreds of feet. They also don’t come cheap as they can be priced
between $200,000 to over $100 million.

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The Top Supercomputers Since 2008

Name of Speed in
Year Manufacturer
Supercomputer PFLOPS

2008 Roadrunner IBM - USA 1.105

2009 Jaguar Cray - USA 1.759

2010 Tianhe - 1A NUDT - China 2.566

2011 K Computer Fugitsu - Japan 10.51

2012 Titan Cray - USA 17.59

2013 Tianhe - 2 NUDT - China 33.86

2014 Tianhe - 2 NUDT - China 33.86

2015 Tianhe - 2 NUDT - China 33.86

2016 Sunway TaihuLight NSC -China 93.01

2017 Sunway TaihuLight NSC -China 93.01

Uses of Supercomputers
Because of their superiority, supercomputers are not intended for your everyday tasks.
They handle exhaustive scientific applications that require complex and real-time
processing.

 In the field of science, researchers use these machines to compute and model
properties of biological compounds like protein and human blood. They are also
used to interpret new diseases and strains, and predict illness behavior and
treatment.

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 The military use supercomputers to test new aircraft, tanks, and a host of
weaponry and camouflage. They also use them to understand the effects they
will have on soldiers and wars. These machines are also used to help encrypt and
decrypt sensitive data.
 In entertainment, supercomputers are used to help make a flawless online
gaming experience. Games like World of Warcraft demand intense processing.
When thousands of gamers around the world are playing, supercomputers help
stabilize the game performance.
 Meteorologists use them to simulate weather behavior. They can also be used to
predict earthquakes.
 Scientists use them to simulate and test the effects of nuclear weapon detonation.
 Scientists also use them to simulate the events of the Big Bang and other space
related projects.
 Hollywood uses supercomputers to create realistic animations.
 The famous supercomputers Deep Blue and Watson defeated chess Grandmaster
Gary Kasparov and quiz expert Ken Jennings respectively.
Mainframes

 Mainframe computers are large sized computer types. They are equally powerful
but fall short in terms of the computation ability in supercomputers. They are
like big file servers, enabling multiple users from nearby and remote locations to
access resources at the same time. Also known as big iron, these systems can
handle massive amounts of
data going in and out
simultaneously. This makes
them popular with businesses.
 They are also resilient as they
are capable of operating for
over 10 years without failing.
 Users access the mainframe
using terminals or personal
computers. This can happen
within the same building or via
wide area network (WAN).
 Most of these systems run the
z/OS (operating system) on
64bit architecture.

Uses of Mainframes
They are used in large organizations where thousands of clients have to access data
simultaneously.

For examples:

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 Performing ATM cash withdrawals and deposits. During the process,


communication between the mainframe and remote computer will help
accomplish the financial transactions at hand.
 Business transactions that use credit cards or pre-paid cards.
 Online electronic transactions.
 Cloud storage.
 Handling of patient records in major hospitals.
 Making reservations and travel schedules for airline companies.
 Manipulation and tallying of data for census and electoral purposes.
The price of mainframe computers, especially from IBM, start at $75,000 and can go
up to $1 million.

Minicomputers
Minicomputers are general purpose devices without the monumental expenses
associated with a larger system. Their processing power is below that of mainframe
systems but above the capabilities of personal computers.
Also known as mid-range computers, these became popular in the late 1960s but have
become almost extinct because of the popularity of personal computers. The latter can
now perform most of the tasks reserved for minis.

The first minicomputer was unveiled in 1967 by Digital


Equipment Corporation and was followed later by
designs from IBM and other companies.

They became popular for control related functions as


opposed to computing prowess. Over the years, their
usage was limited to dedicated control assignments in
mid-range organizations.

Minicomputers were intended for a number of activities


listed below:

 Switchboard control.
 Dedicated applications for graphics and
computer design.
 Time-sharing, to allow multiple users to interact
concurrently on a single system.
 Control and monitoring of manufacturing activities.
 Monitoring and control of laboratory equipment.
Texas Instrument TI-990, K-202 and MicroVAX II are examples of minicomputers.

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Servers
These are types of computers used to
provide resources, services, and
functionality to client computers in a
server-client network model.
Resources provided are based on the
functions of a particular server, which
may fall under these categories:

 File server
 Database server
 Print server
 FTP servers
 Application server
 Web server
Their sizes will depend on purpose and tasks in the network. Of course bigger and
more multitasking installations will require multiple system and storage installation.

A common errand is that desktop systems can be used as servers. Far from it, true
server systems are specialized computers with abilities far beyond what personal
computers can deliver.

Servers are optimized to run 24 hours and are capable of hot swapping of storage and
other hardware without having to shut down the system.
Microcomputers/Personal Computers
Microcomputers are the smallest, least expensive and the most used types of
computers. They have a small memory, less processing power, are physically smaller,
and permit fewer peripherals compared to super and mainframe computers. They are
more commonly known as personal computers or simply PCs. The term was initially
used to refer to IBM compatible computers.

They became popular in the 70s and 80s, at the dawn of the microprocessor chips.
These chips meant that a machine used by one individual was now feasible.

The advent of PCs meant cheaper alternatives to more expensive and centralized
systems. They were more affordable for office use and created cheaper networking
environments. By the mid-1990s, they became the de facto computer of choice for
offices and homes. The last 20 years have seen the proliferation of even smaller
systems.

This signaled the start of the mobile age, which continued to go with the trend of
smaller devices as the new century progressed. This ultimately gave birth to wearable
computers and gadgets.

The operating system used in personal computers vary, but the common ones include,

 Windows
 Mac OS X
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 Linux
 IOS
 Android

Categories of personal computers include:

 Desktop computers
 Mobile computers
 Wearable computers

1. Desktop Computers
Desktop computers are made up of separate components such as:

 The system unit; a rectangular case that contains important parts like the
motherboard, microprocessor, memory modules, disk drive, and optical drive.
 The monitor.
 A mouse.
 A keyboard.

2. Mobile Computers
Mobile devices have become the norm in recent years. Most users opt for laptops and
tablets due to ease of use on the go, and battery power.

Particular features that make mobile systems a favorite include:

 Extended battery use.


 Wi-Fi capabilities.
 Mobility.

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The most common types of mobile computers include:

 Laptop computers.
 Tablets.
 Smartphones.
 Personal Digital Assistants (PDA).

Laptops
Laptops are lightweight mobile PCs with a thin screen. They were initially called
notebook computers because of their small size. They operate on batteries.

Unlike desktops, these systems combine the microprocessor, screen, and keyboard in
a single case. The screen folds down onto the keyboard when not in use.

Ultrabooks
Ultrabooks are special laptops specifically designed to be thin and lightweight. They
usually have longer lasting batteries (5 hours minimum) and have strong hardware
and processing power to run any software around.

Ultrabooks also ship with the faster SSD storage in place of the slower hard disk drives
that are commonly used.

Chromebooks
Chromebooks are low-end laptops that only runs the web-based Chrome operating
system. After the installation of Chrome OS, additional software can only be installed
via the Chrome Web Store.

The OS allows you to achieve traditional PC functionality online. You can type
documents, edit them, implement group discussions, have teleconferencing, and use
basic online tools like search engines and e-mail.

These devices are increasingly targeted for users that spend most of their time online
for social activities. Their hardware includes the Intel Atom microprocessor, Wi-Fi and

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wired network connectivity, solid state disks (SSD), and an average of five hours of
battery life. They usually do not have optical drives.

Netbooks
Netbooks can be thought of as mini laptops. They are smaller in size, price, and
processing power. Just like Chromebooks, they are primarily designed for web
browsing, electronic communication, and cloud computing. They are catered to users
who require less powerful client computers.

Their specs are similar to Chromebooks. The biggest difference is that they can run
the lightweight Linux operating system.

Tablets
A tablet is a mobile computer equipped with a touch screen or hybrid screen, which
allows the user to operate it by use of a digital pen or fingertip.

Most tablets today are both multi-touch and multi-tasking, making it possible to
manipulate them using multiple fingers and accomplishing multiple tasks
simultaneously.

Tablets are handy, especially when normal notebooks and laptops are simply too bulky
for the mobile user.

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Smartphones
Back in 1996, a company called Palm Computing developed a gadget called Palm 1000.
It was revolutionary in conception but did not actually build consumer excitement.

While the idea of a miniaturized computer was not new, the fact that someone had
actually been able to make a device with an operating system that could work within
its limitations was a huge leap forward. It was one of the biggest innovations in the
tech industry.

The iPhone, released in 2007, was the first true smartphone. It became an instant hit
with consumers worldwide. It started the smartphone industry that still persists today.

Most smartphones today use an operating system such as IOS and Android. They often
have the ability to add applications. This is in contrast to regular cellular phones which
only support sandboxed applications like Java games. In terms of features,
smartphones support full email capabilities as well as multiple functions to serve as a
complete personal organizer.

Depending on the manufacturer, other functions might include additional interfaces


such as miniature QWERTY keyboards, touch screens, built-in cameras, contact
management, built-in navigation software, ability to read office documents in PDF and
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Word file formats, media software for playing music, browsing photos, and viewing
video clips.

Personal Digital Assistants


Personal digital assistants (PDAs), also called handheld computers, pocket PCs, or palm
top computers, are battery-powered devices that are small enough to carry almost
anywhere.

While weaker to larger systems, these are useful for scheduling appointments, storing
addresses and phone numbers, and playing games. Some have more advanced
capabilities, such as making telephone calls or accessing the Internet.

PDAs seem to have been overtaken by tablets and smartphones, almost rendering
them obsolete.

3. Wearable Gadgets

Like the term suggests, wearable computers, or simply wearables, are miniature
devices that are designed to be worn or attached onto your body.

Wearables are designed to function as smart devices similar to smartphones. They


typically provide specific functions like health monitoring.

Whereas general purpose wearables offer a fuller computing experience that includes
reading emails, the lesser systems will ship as embedded devices capable of minimal
functions.

Examples of these devices include smartwatches, smart glasses, smart clothes, smart
shoes.

Smartwatches
These became popular around 2013, when Samsung launched Gear, a wristwatch
fitted with sensors to communicate directly with a smartphone.

Dubbed the smartphone and phablet companion, a smartwatch gives features like
internet connectivity and text messaging among others.

It also provides communication between the user and other devices.

The leading tech companies in the world are all scrambling for opportunities in
manufacturing smartwatches. Samsung launched Gear in 2013 and Apple has the
Apple Watch. Other competitors include Sony, LG, and Google.

Head Mounted Displays


Another wearable being developed is the heads up display unit (HUD) or head mounted
display unit (HMD).

This device is meant to be worn or attached to the head and uses a transparent glass
display that interfaces with the human eye. It does not interfere with the user’s sight.

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Earlier HUDs were used for military purposes. They went from using a cathode ray
tube to a liquid crystal display. The technology eventually embraced laser-based
projection for images and motion pictures.

The current leader in this tech is Google Glass, which permits a number of functions
like voice communication and reading tweets.

Smartware

Smart shoes and smart clothes are intended for health-related functions like measuring
heart rate and waveform measurement. These devices are intended to encourage the
wearer to have an active lifestyle.

Smart shoes and smart clothes can also be used for competitive purposes, such helping
athletes keep track of their running distance and speed.

One of the first initiatives into developing these devices was the partnership between
Apple and Nike. They created the Nike+iPod Sports Kit, a device for measuring
distance and pace by the user. It worked by having the iPod communicate to the Nike
show via voice prompts.
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Embedded Systems

These are computer-based systems which are standalone electronic hardware


designed to perform dedicated computing tasks. They are not general purpose
installations like the personal computer. Actually, they are computers which may not
always seem to be computers!

They include a combination of the outer hardware, microprocessor chip, and software.
The core of such systems is the microprocessor or micro-controller which execute the
assigned task.

The embedded software, usually firmware, is but not always fixed onto volatile
memory which may not always require post-installation configurations. In any case,
the hardware does repetitive assignments.

The old cell phones used well before the smartphones became a phenomenon, could
easily fall under the category of embedded systems since their sole purpose was to
make and receive calls. Smartphones today, however, have evolved into general
purpose mobile computers.

Firmware on these systems is written in the read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory
chips. Despite the seemingly persistent firmware which is deemed unaltered, they can
be re-programmed to suit evolving demands.

Popular devices that may be categorized under embedded systems are listed below:

 Set-top boxes
 MP3 players
 DVD players
 Drones
 Printers
 Antilock braking systems

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 USB devices like internet dongles


 Streaming players like Google Chromecast and Roku
 Thermostats
 Calculators
 Toys
 Digital cameras
 ATM machines
 Video game consoles
 Routers and network peripherals
 Computer add-on cards and peripherals
 Digital watches

CONCEPTS AND TERMS TO REMEMBER

Computers Microcomputers
First Generation Computer
Minicomputers
Second Generation Computer
Mainframe computers
Third Generation Computer
Data
Fourth Generation Computer
Transistors Information

Vacuum Tubes Electronic


supercomputers

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UNIT 1 EXERCISES
NAME: ____________________________________
COURSE/YR.& SEC: __________________________
INSTRUCTOR: ______________________________
DATE: ____________________________________

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