03-05-2012, 12:35 PM
Hardware and Software Basics
3..ppt (Size: 2.06 MB / Downloads: 69)
History of Computers
Throughout time, humans have invented ingenious calculating machines. One of the earliest was the abacus. It's about 5,000 years old. Mechanical calculators that could add and multiply (but not subtract!) were invented in the 1600s. In 1820, Charles Xavier Thomas de Colman invented the arithmometer, a machine that could add, subtract, multiply and divide. It was Charles Babbage though, in the early 1800s, who designed mechanical calculating machines that were the true ancestor of today's computers. Ada Byron King (Countess of Lovelace) was his programmer and today is considered the mother of computer programming.
Module Objectives
Describe the appropriate use of operating systems, software applications, and networking components.
Compare and contrast the use of various input, processing, output, and primary/secondary storage devices.
Explain the differences between analog and digital technology systems and give examples of each type of system.
Delineate and make necessary adjustments regarding compatibility issues and cross-platform connectivity.
Digital versus Analog
A digital device uses discrete data.
Discrete data is distinct or separate.
Ex: Numbers or digits.
Most computers today are digital. Their circuits have only two possible states, such as “Off” and “On” or “0” and “1”.
Connecting Hardware to the computer
Hardware needs access through some general input/output connection.
Port: The pathway for data to go into and out of the computer from external devices such as keyboards.
There are many standard ports as well as custom electronic ports designed for special purposes.
Ports follow standards that define their use.
SCSI, USB: Multiple peripheral devices (chain).
RS-232, IDE: Individual peripheral devices.
Peripheral device: A piece of hardware like a printer or disk drive, that is outside the main computer.
SIMM and DIMM
The main difference between SIMMs and DIMMs is that DIMMs have separate electrical contacts on each side of the module, while the contacts on SIMMs on both sides are redundant. Another difference is that standard SIMMs have a 32-bit data path, while standard DIMMs have a 64-bit data path.