Presentation Activity

1
Presentation Activity

• Introduction to Computers
• Heather Hardin
• March 2, 2003
• Hhardin_at_vt.edu

2
THE WORLD OF COMPUTERS
3
History of Computers

• Major Step The development of machines that
  could be programmed. (Early 1800s)
• Computers were used by the U.S. Census in 1890
• 1st Commercial Computer was developed in 1951
  (Only 8 were Sold)

4
History of Computers

• Mid-1970s Apple and Microsoft were established
• Today computers have 1000 times the capability
  then when computers began at a fraction of the
  cost.

5
Computer Systems

• How Computer Systems Work?
• 3 Basic Functions
• Compares numbers or symbols to see if they are
  the same.
• Adds 2 numbers together
• Subtracts 2 numbers from another

6
Types of Computers

• Personal Computers (PC) small inexpensive,
  individual user
• Laptop portable, light weight
• Supercomputer fastest, used by large
  corporations
• Mainframe used at universities and large
  companies
• Minicomputer server, supports multiple users,
  used at medium-sized companies

7
Computer Memory

• Byte unit of storage capable of holding a single
  character
• Random Access Memory (RAM) Main memory
• Read-Only Memory (ROM) Prerecorded, CANNOT BE
  DELETED.

8
Telecommunications
Modem device that connects a computer to a phone
line, allowing data to be transmitted from one
computer to another along that line. Download
Copy from the Internet or other main source
9
Computer Damage

• This is what happens when you dont take care of
  your computer.

10
Summary

• Computer Systems
• 3 basic functions
• Computer Memory
• Telecommunications
• Computer Damage