CS008 TOBY GUSTAFSON
computer
a programmable (usually electronic) machine that converts raw data into useful information
mobile devices
- portable, handheld computers used for business and entertainment - fastest growing segment of computers in terms of sales, especially smartphones
Bit (binary digit)
- smallest unit digital data - basically equates to a single transistor on a computer chip - can have only 2 values (1 or 0)
embedded computer
- A specialized computer that is part of another device - Gasoline pumps, microwave ovens, traffic lights, etc.
midrange computers / minicomputers
- Computers that are larger, more powerful, and more expensive than desktop computers but smaller, less powerful, and less expensive than mainframe computers - Can have dozens or hundreds of concurrent users - Primarily used by medium-sized companies - As high-end desktops have become more powerful, fewer companies are using midrange computers
unicode
- Developed in early 1990's to handle other languages - Uses 16 bits (2 bytes) for each character (instead of 8 bits / 1 byte) - Backwards compatible with ASCII - Can be used to represent characters from (almost) all languages - Has been universally adopted
distributed computing
- Distributes the processing of a task across a group of computers - With distributing computing, a group of less powerful computers can often perform same tasks as more powerful (and more expensive) computers
supercomputers
- Fastest, most expensive computers in the world - Can be a single computer or a group of computers that work together - Perform complex mathematical calculations, such as those used in weather forecasting and medical research - Usually found in major universities and research institutes - Speeds normally measured in petaflops: 1 petaflop = one thousand million million (10^15) floating-point operations per second - top500.org
Alan Turing
- Father of AI - Turing Test - helped break Nazi communication codes during World War 2
Joseph Marie Jacquard
- Jacquard Loom - punched cards - one of the first programmable machines
mainframe computers / enterprise servers
- Large, very fast computers primarily used by large organizations for critical applications and bulk data processing - Can have thousands of concurrent users
multiuser computers
- Systems that allow multiple simultaneous users to connect to them - Advantages include centralized resources and security - Much more powerful (and more expensive) than personal computers and mobile devices
ubiquitous computing
- Technology that recedes into the background and becomes part of the environment - Also known as invisible computing - Is all around us but has become so commonplace we do not notice
Internet of Things (IoT)
- The connection of the physical world to the Internet - Devices located, monitored, and controlled by embedded computers - Example: Smart homes
convergence
- The integration of different technologies onto multifunction devices - One device can replace multiple devices - Most common example: smartphones
Grace Hopper
- accidentally coined the term "computer bug" - created first compilers
Fourth Generation (1970s)
- basically an extension to the third generation - microprocessor - first microprocessors developed were as powerful as the ENIAC - Central Processing Unit (CPU) faster, smaller, more reliable, and cheaper than Third Generation computers - Personal computers developed
Ada Lovelace
- created programs (on punched cards for analytical engine) - considered to be the first programmer
Charles Babbage
- designed the Analytical Engine, a mechanical computer - had the basic components of modern day computers - programmable (punched cards) - never completed... technology of the time was too limited
desktop computers
- fits into a workspace, such as a desk - not portable - offer most speed, power, and upgradability for lowest cost
volunteer computing
- form of distributed computing that uses computers from around the world - SETI@home
tablets
- larger and more powerful than smartphones, but not as powerful as desktop and notebook computers - usually run same operating system as smartphones
notebook (laptop) computers
- portable - can be as powerful as desktop computers, but will be more expensive - convertible notebook - two-in-one notebook
ergonomics
- study of the relationship between workers and their workspaces - jobs involving mostly using computers can lead to health issues (over time) - carpal tunnel syndrome (most common) - eye strain / headaches - back issues - etc.
Third Generation (1960s)
- used integrated circuits (computer chips) that contain large numbers of transistors to process data - faster, smaller, more reliable, and cheaper than Second Generation computers
Second Generation (1950s)
- used transistors to process data - faster, smaller, more reliable, and cheaper than First Generation computers
First Generation (1940s)
- used vacuum tubes to store and process data - were massive in size - not reliable - extremely slow - programming done by manipulating switches (took days)
8 bits = how many bytes?
1 byte
Bill Gates
founded Microsoft
Library
A tool used to gather files that are located in different locations Camera Roll, Documents, Music, Pictures, Saved Pictures, and Videos
Gantt Chart
A chart that shows the schedule and progress of a project Examples: Microsoft Project Basecamp
iCloud
A cloud storage and sync service from Apple Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon Drive, etc.
Table
A collection of related records in a database, arranged in rows and columns
Folder
A container used to store and organize files on a storage device Can contain files and other folders (often called sub-folders) Operating systems come with some folders already created, called a hierarchy. The folder structure created by an operating system.
Subscription
A monthly or yearly fee provides access to the software for a limited time Software updates / newer versions included
application software
A program that performs a useful task for the user, such as productivity, entertainment, and education software.
Field
A single piece of information in an entry in a database table, such as a name, phone number, date, etc.
Customer Relations Management (CRM) System
A system for maintaining customer information and connections Tracks interactions with customers Uses analytics (detecting patterns in data) to help make business decisions
Tax Preparation Software
Allows you to complete your income tax returns yourself on your computer or online TurboTax TaxAct
Programs
Also known as software, applications, executable files On MS-Windows, end with ".exe"
Project Management Software
Application designed to help plan and complete projects, keep within budget, stay on schedule, and collaborate with others
Spreadsheet Software
Application that creates electronic worksheets composed of rows and columns Used for mathematical applications, such as budgeting, grade books, and inventory Examples: Microsoft Excel Numbers for Mac Google Sheets
Word Processing Software
Application that is used to create, edit, and format (mostly) text documents Has various formatting features (font style, font size, page layout, etc.) Spell checking, grammar checking Change tracking, comments Examples: Microsoft Word Pages for Mac Google Docs
Database Software
Application used to create and manage a database Database: A collection of information organized in a useful way (such as for fast retrieval of data) Examples: Microsoft Access SQL Server Oracle Can perform queries and create reports
Presentation Software
Application used to create electronic presentations, such as a set of slides Design template (predefined colors, fonts, and layouts) Examples: Microsoft PowerPoint Keynote for Mac Google Slides
Accounting Software
Application used to to track your business finances and generate reports and graphs Can do expense tracking, invoicing, payroll, and inventory management Examples: Intuit QuickBooks FreshBooks
Personal Information Manager (PIM) Software
Application used to your manage e-mail, calendar, and tasks Can share calendars and schedule meetings Examples: Microsoft Outlook Google Calendar / Google Mail (gmail)
Data files
Created by users (actually, by the programs they are using) Documents, images, audio, videos, etc.
Games
Average age: 32 to 35 years old Roughly 60% male, 40% female
Backup to the Cloud
Backups are done automatically and saved in a remote location (safer) Internet connectivity is required (obviously) Examples: Mozy, Carbonite
OneDrive
Can be used to save files from MS-Office apps directly to the cloud
Personal Software
Can use many of the same applications used for business, such as Microsoft Office, etc. Can often find free / low-cost software as well
ASCII / Extended ASCII
Developed for English, later expanded for similar "Romance" languages Uses 8 bits (1 byte) for each character - Example: A = 0100 0001 - Example: a = 0110 0001 - Example: 0 = 0011 0000 - Example: ? = 0011 1111 -Cannot be used for other languages (EX: Chinese, Japanese)
Lossy
During compression, data (that humans typically cannot detect anyway) is removed from the file, allowing the compressed file to be much smaller than with lossless compression Media files (images, audio files, video files)
Steve Jobs
Founded Apple
Document Management System (DMS)
Enables a company to save, share, search, and audit electronic documents throughout their life cycle Storage is key: rather than keeping files on local drives, files are stored on a server or on the web, making them more accessible and secure Examples: Microsoft Sharepoint Dropbox Google Drive
MS-Windows utility
File History
Default Program Associations
File extensions are used by the Operating System associate a file with the program used to create it Each (registered) file extension has a Default Program Association .exe : executable program .docx : MS-Word .xlsx : MS-Excel .html : A web browser When you double-click on a file, the associated program is executed and the file loaded
Other file properties can be added or edited by the user
File name, permissions (dictate who can view and/or edit a file) Title, author, etc. (optional)
User Folders
For each account created, a personal user folder (with sub-folders) is created
Donationware
Form of freeware where developers accept donations
Personal Finance Software
Helps you keep track of your bank accounts, monitor your investments, create a budget, etc. Quicken YNAB (You Need a Budget)
Cloud Computing: IaaS
Infrastructure as a Service Company uses provider's Internet servers instead of purchasing and maintaining their own Can reduce cost for hardware, software, and support personnel Can just pay for what is needed, increasing or reducing usage as needed
Cell
Intersection of a row and column Can contain text, numbers, or formulas
Open Source
License grants ownership of the software to the end user Source code must be made freely available User can modify and redistribute software (under same license)
Freemium
Mobile app that is free to download and install, but... You have to pay for additional features
Internal Storage
Mobile devices usually do not have a lot of internal storage space to store files
Installing
Most software use an installer, which guides user through a series of steps to install the software
Record
One complete entry in a database table; composed of the individual fields
Updating
Need Internet connection Patch (hotfix): Addresses an individual problem (bug) when discovered Service pack: Larger, planned update that addresses multiple problems and/or adds features Software can be configured to automatically install updates, ask user for permission, or to not check for updates (not recommended)
Cloud Storage
Not quite the same as Cloud Backup Allows you to store working files in the cloud From a user standpoint, you have a "folder" which can contain files, but that "folder" is on a remote cloud server Usually have limits on how much can be stored
Health and Fitness Trackers
Often on mobile devices (like Apple iWatch)
Microsoft Office Online (Office 365)
Online (i.e. web-based), so do not need to install software on your computer Not full-featured
Apache OpenOffice
Open source alternative office suite (can be used instead of MS Office) Google Drive: contains Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, etc. Online (i.e. web-based), so do not need to install software on your computer Makes collaboration easy (multiple users can even edit a document at the same time)
File Management
Opening, closing, saving, naming, copying, moving, deleting, and organizing digital files.
Office Application Suites
Or "Office Suites" for short Apps designed to work together and to provide a common interface and features Examples: Microsoft Office G Suite by Google Google Drive (free)
Media Management Software
Organizes and plays multi-media files such as music files, videos, and podcasts Rip music CDs to your computer Organize playlists Windows Media Player iTunes VLC (free, open source)
Cloud Computing: PaaS
Platform as a Service Provides a programming environment to develop, test, and deploy web applications Used to build, deploy, and maintain SaaS applications
File Properties
Provides information about a file, such as its size, the date it was created, etc. A form of metadata (data that describes other data) Some file properties automatically created with the file and maintained by the Operating System Type, size, date (date created, date last modified)
Boxed software
Purchase at retail stores Purchase online, shipped to you
Finder
The tool used to navigate the file system and work with files, folders, and libraries on a Mac OSX computer
Software Licensing
Purchasing software may not mean you own it, you may only be purchasing a license to use the software, normally on a single computer EULA (End-User License Agreement) - the agreement between the user and the software publisher User typically required to accept the EULA before software can be installed Can be lengthy and contain lots of "fine print"
Freeware
Retail software that can be used at no cost for an unlimited period of time Example: Apple iTunes
Web-Based Applications (Web Apps)
Run in web browsers No installation needed on user's computer, and do not need to update Platform-neutral: They run on any device with a supported browser and Internet access Makes collaborating with other users easy Example: Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, MyITLabs, etc.
Cloud Computing: SaaS
Software as a Service Involves the delivery of applications over the Internet Another name for web applications
Shareware (Trialware)
Software that can be used for free for a period of time At the end of the trial period, user is supposed to purchase or remove software
Photo / Image Editing Software
Sophisticated versions of graphics programs used to create and edit images Can crop, resize, remove red-eyes, add special effects (such as converting to black-and-white or adding special borders), etc. Photoshop GIMP (free) Online (Google Photos, Shutterfly, Flickr)
File Explorer
The tool used to navigate the file system and work with files, folders, and libraries on a Windows computer.
Cloud Computing
The cloud refers to the Internet Cloud computing: takes processing and storage off your hardware and puts it in the cloud (i.e. on a provider's Internet servers) Can save money in software, hardware, and personnel costs Cloud Service Providers (CSP) Companies that deliver cloud services Amazon (AWS), Google, Apple, etc.
System Requirements
The minimum hardware and software specifications required to run an application How much storage space is needed, minimum RAM required, minimum CPU, etc. If your computer's system specs do not meet the system requirements for a program, it may (probably) will not work
Compression
The process of making a file smaller Conserves disk space Can be transferred more quickly
Path
The sequence of folders to a file or folder Root folder: C:\ (Windows) or / (Mac OSX / Linux) Example - C:\docs\classes\notes.txt (MS-Windows) Example - /docs/classes/notes.txt (Mac OSX / Linux)
Lossless
There is no loss of data, so compressed file can later be decompressed User data files (MS-Word docs, MS-Excel spreadsheets, etc.) Zip (MS-Windows), StuffIt (Mac OSX)
Mac OSX
Time Machine
microprocessors
a complex integrated circuit that contains processing circuitry
Uninstalling
Use uninstaller that came with software (mostly for Windows users) Do not just delete files
Retail (Commercial) Software
User pays a fee to use the software (pay for the license, not the software itself) Grants a proprietary software license, which means ownership of the software remains with the publisher
Creating and Using Folders
Users are not limited to the folder structure created by the operating system Users can create their own folders (and sub-folders), so can create their own organizational structures By creating a folder structure and saving files in the appropriate folder, can make it easier to find them later
Educational Software
Very broad category iLearn (Blackboard) / Canvas
Formulas
What makes spreadsheet so useful Usually start with an "=", such as =SUM(A1:A5) or =A1+A2+A3+A4+A5 Performs a calculation, with result shown in a cell Can contain functions (pre-built calculations like SUM) Automatic recalculation
general-purpose machines
can be programmed to do different things, such as most computers
Back up
copying files to another storage device or the cloud Can back up entire device, certain folders, or even just certain files Some external hard drives include backup software
UNIVAC
first commercially available computer, famously predicted outcome of 1952 presidential election
ENIAC
first working digital, general-purpose electronic computer
grid computing
form of distributed computing using a group of computers in one location
output
information returned to the user
storage
information stored for later retrieval
all-in-one
integrated monitor and system unit
External Storage
micro SD cards Cloud storage
information processing cycle
process that converts data into information
input
raw data entered
processing
raw data manipulated to create useful information
smartphones
small computers that combine cellular phone service with internet service, GPS, etc. (by installing apps)
file name
the property that is used to identify it over 250 characters in both MS-Windows and Mac OSX Example: ch_03_homework.docx ch_03_homework is the file name .docx is the file extension Besides letters, file names can have numbers, spaces, and other special characters (though not usually a good idea)
central processing unit (CPU)
the main microprocessor in a computer
Moore's Law
the number of transistors that could be placed on a computer chip would double every 2 years for at least a decade - actual pace was closer to every 18 months - pace actually held until roughly 2016 (about 50 years), not just a decade - more transistors on a chip --> faster and more powerful the chip is
byte
unit of measurement that equals 8 bits
