Introductions

Syllabus

Resources:

• me,
• each other,
• BlackBoard and web site,
• Textbook and web site
• library and web resources

Chapter 1

Characterize what a computer is and what it does

How many computers are in this room?

Definition of "computer" from textbook: machine that transforms information from one form into another

Definition of "computer" from Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org)
(September 2007): A computer is a machine which manipulates data according to a list of instructions which makes it an ideal example of a data processing system.
(September 2005): A computer is a device or machine for processing information according to a program — a compiled list of instructions. The information to be processed may represent numbers, text, pictures, or sound, amongst many other types. Computers are extremely versatile. In fact, they are universal information processing machines.

Describe several ways computers play a critical role in modern life

Comment on the fundamental difference between computers and other machines

Explain the relationship between hardware and software

Describe several trends in the evolution of modern computers

Early electronic computers were analog, now nearly all are digital
(analogies: ramp versus stairs, real numbers versus integers)

Electronic computers have evolved through several "generations" based on technology used to construct its fundamental component, the switch. Switch is binary (two-state) device, like a light switch -- is either ON or OFF.

• First generation (30s and 40s) -- vacuum tube
• Second generations (50s and 60s) -- transister
• Third generation (60s and 70s) -- integrated circuit
• Fourth generation (70s onward) -- microprocessor (all switches combined onto one "chip")

With each generation:

• Reliability increased
• Size per switch decreased
• Speed increased
• Energy efficiency increased
• Cost per switch decreased

Outline the four major types of computers in use today and describe their principal uses

1. Supercomputers and mainframes
2. PCs, Workstations and Servers (PCs and Workstations generally serve single user)
3. Portable computers (notebook/laptop, PDA - Personal Digital Assistant)
4. Embedded computers (special purpose, limited programmability, constitute over 90% of computers)

Describe how the explosive growth of the Internet is changing the way people use computers and information technology

Social and ethical impact of information technology on our society

• privacy
• data security
• intellectual property
• dehumanization of work (lower human skill requirements and thus lower pay)
• digital divide
• risks of failure (e.g. electrical grid, sunspots)
• dependence on the technology (Can you compute square root by hand? Do you know your best friend's telephone number? When you set out to make a specific purchase, do you carry enough cash or checkbook balance to completely pay for it?)