Essay about Class Notes

Submitted By AngelaSpoon1
Words: 974
Pages: 4

Notes

I. The four parts of the information processing cycle utilized by computers are input, processing, output, and storage. a) Input- The computer accepts data from some sources such as the user a program or processing. b) Processing-The computer’s processing components preform actions on the data based on instructions from the program or user. c) Output- The computer is required to display the results of its processing through text, numbers, graph, printer, another computer (network), or internet. d) Storage- The user saves the output on to a storage device such as a hard drive or floppy disk. II. The most common types of computers today and their strengths. a) Desktop Computer-The most common type of computer. They are designed to set on a desk for a easy work station. They are used for tasks such as creating and recording music, generating works of art, calculating numbers, playing games, and recording notes for class. These computers are not made to be easily moved from one place to another. b) Workstations- Single user computers. They are designed for science or graphic applications. They preform much better than a normal desktop. Usually have high definition monitors and enhanced graphic capabilities. c) Notebook computers-Small portable computers weighing between only three and eight pounds. The keyboard is smaller and has a different layout than a desktop. While the components are smaller, a laptop or note book can be just as powerful as a desktop. d) Tablet computers-Newest development in portable computers. Extremely portable. Much smaller than a note book. Instead of a keyboard, a styles or finger is used to navigate the keys through a touch screen. These can be connected to a docking station if a physical keyboard is desired. e) Hand held computers(PDA)Personal Digital Assistant-Used for tasks such as note taking, storing contact information, and accessing the internet. These can often synchronize data with a desktop computer. f) Smart Phone- A combination between a cell phone and a handheld computer. Allows web and email access, storage, and entertainment applications. III. The differences between RAM (random access memory) and ROM (Read only memory). a) RAM-Temporary memory. The processor can received the stored data very fast. Requires constant power supply. If computer is turn off or there is a power outage, data is lost. b) ROM-Permanent Memory. Never loses its contents. Ex: floppy disk, mp3 device, USB drive, and CD

IV. Concepts of magnetic storage and optical storage. a) Magnetic Storage-One of the most common forms of computer storage. A hard drive on a computer contains a series of magnetic disks. Data is written to and read from these disks. b) Optical Storage- Uses lasers to read and write data to an optical storage such as CDs or DVDs. V. Mice. a) Mechanical Mouse- Has a ball that rolls on a flat surface. This ball has sensors that measure the distance, speed and direction of the balls motion. b) Optical Mouse- Emits a beam of light underneath and uses the light direction to judge the movement of the mouse. VI. Ergonomics-Applied science of designing equipment for the work place in order to reduce worker fatigue and injury. VII. Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI)-Common among people who work with a computer that is not ergonomically positioned for them. VIII. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- A common complaint among computer workers. A wrist or hand injury caused by using a computer for a long period of time. IX. Daisy Chaining Devices-The small computer system interface (SCSI) is an adaptor that extends the bus outside the computer by way of a cable. Thus, the SCSI is like an extension cord for the bus. The user can then plug one SCSI device into another