What is a Computer? Key terms and definitions

It may seem like a silly question, but how would you define a computer? What devices are considered computers? What are the key terms used in the technology world? You'll find the answers here, provided from the textbook Succeeding with Technology by Ken Baldauf and Ralph M. Stair.

A computer is:

 nA digital electronics device that combines hardware and software to accept the input of data, process and store the data, and produce some
useful output.

 Digital Technology

nTechnology refers to tools, materials, and processes that help solve human problems.

nMany of today’s technologies fall under the classification of digital electronics.

 

nDigital electronics devices store and process bits electronically.

¡A bit represents data using 1’s and 0’s

¡Eight bits is a byte – the standard grouping in digital electronics

¡Digitization is the process of transforming information into 1’s and 0’s

Producing Valuable Information

 

nData: items stored on a digital electronics device: numbers, characters, & sounds

nInformation: data organized and presented in a manner that provides value to the user: documents, graphs,

  music, photos

Microprocessor

 

nSometimes called a chip or just a processor, combines microscopic electronic  components on a single integrated circuit that processes bits according to software instructions.

Digital Technology Metrics

 Personal Computer (PC)

 Types of General Purpose Computers:

Supercomputer

Most powerful with fastest processing speeds

Special Purpose Computers

nA kiosk is a computer station that provides the public with specific and useful information and services.

Example:The Kindle

Telecommunications and Computer Networks

nTelecommunications are communications that take place electronically over a distance.

nA computer network is a telecommunications network that connects two or more computers for data communications.

The Internet and Web

nThe Internet is the world's largest public computer network, a network of networks, that provides a vast array of services.

nThe Web is an Internet service that provides convenient access to information through hyperlinks

Wireless networking

nWireless networks use radio signals rather than cables to connect users.

nWi-fi is a popular wireless standard.

The Computer and the Human relationship

Computation

nComputers were invented to compute – calculate solutions to mathematical problems.

Automation

nAutomation involves utilizing computers to control otherwise human actions and activities.

Communication

nComputer systems control, support, or provide many forms of communication.

¡E-mail

¡Instant messaging

¡Blogs

¡Social networking

Entertainment

nDigital technologies not only enrich people’s entertainment experiences, but also have revolutionized entertainment distribution.

Information

nA Computer-based
Information System (CBIS) uses these components to manage and distribute
information.

Information Systems and Information Technology

 

nIT can be defined as issues related to the components of a computer-based information system.

nSystems development is the activity of creating or modifying existing information systems.

Information System Types

•  Expert System
• Decision Support System
• Management Information System (MIS)
• E-commerce

Transaction processing System (TPS)

Information Security

nInformation security refers to the protection of information systems and the information they manage against unauthorized access, use, manipulation, or destruction, and against the denial of service to authorized users.

Does your brain hurt? Having a basic knowledge of the key terms and concepts of computers and technology helps to understand how computers function and in turn can assist with problem solving and trouble shooting.