Computer and Types of Computers - Essay Example

Computer literacy Lecturer Question Two [A Computer and Types of Computers Computer is an electric machine programmed to perform activities and manipulate symbols. It is able to respond to set of instructions that are specific in a manner that is well defined. The machine is set to work in a way that it is able to execute instructions that are prerecorded. In addition, it is able to store as well as retrieve huge amount of information in faster manner (Piccinini 2008, pp.32–73). Examples of computers Generally, computers are categorized indifferent classes depending on their sizes and power. Despite this, a considerable overlap does exist. Types include: Supercomputers- these types of computers are the fastest make available in modern times. They perform several instructions exceeding millions in a single second. These make of computers are expensive and mainly used for specific operations and applications that need huge amount of information and calculations. They are used in weather forecasting among many other places where supercomputers are needed such as nuclear energy research, geological data analysis, and electronic design. Mainframe computers- it is a powerful computer used by several users thus referred to as a multi-user computer. These computers got their names after the small “minicomputers” emerged in the early 1970s. Today, the mainframe computers are very large. They are very expensive since they can support several hundreds of users at the same time. In different ways, it can be said that mainframe computers exhibit superior characteristics compared to supercomputers since they can support several programs simultaneously. On the other hand, supercomputers have the advantage of executing single programs at a faster rate compared to mainframe computers. Minicomputers- these are midsize computers used for applications. Their main uses includes engineering, desktop publishing, development of software and many other applications that needs moderate amount of power to compute. Personal computers-they first came to existence in 1970s. They are small, inexpensive and designed to be used by individual users. The first types of personal computers to come to the market were the Apple II. Personal computers are categorized depending on size and chassis. The chassis is also referred to as the metal frame, which serves as the structural support for electronic components. Personal computers evolved to a point where small portable computers came to being. There are different types of personal computers including Tower model-in this computer, the mass storage, motherboard and the power supply are on top of one another in a cabinet. This is opposite of what exists in the desktop models where these computer components are in a compact set of box. Tower model bears an additional advantage in such a way that it allows easier installation of additional storage devices (Cachelin et al. 1994, pp. 209–254). Desktop-these computers are specifically designed to fit the top of a desk with the monitor sitting right on top of the computer. These models of desktop computers are usually broad and low. This computer make is usually limited to only three mass storage devices internally due to its shape. Other designs of desktops that are specifically meant to be small in shape and size are commonly known as slimline models. Notebook computers- these personal computers are extremely light in weight. They weigh less than six pounds and are small enough to fit in a briefcase. They use several techniques to produce non-bulky display screen. Laptop computers- these are small and portable makes of computers that are capable of sitting on an individual’s lap. Today, most of the laptop computers are referred as to notebook computers. Palmtop- these are small computers that fits on an individual’s palm. They are limited severely when compared to the full-sized computers. These computers are practically used for such functions as calendars and phone books. Those that do not use keyboard for inputs but rather uses pen are called hand-held or PDAs. QUESTION TWO [B]: Relationship between Processor, Primary and Secondary Memory Processor is the main computer circuitry that logically responds to inputs. Today, processor is being used instead of the term central processing unit (CPU) that was commonly known. Types of processors include the microprocessor and the multi-core processor. The microprocessor is embedded in smaller devices or even in the personal computers. On the other hand, multi-core processors are single components that have two or more central processing units that are independent on the same chip carrier or even on the same die. Primary Memory is also referred to as the main memory, primary storage, internal storage, and the random access memory (RAM). The computer circle people use all these terms in references to the main memory. Memory is part of the computer that mainly serves to hold data and instructions used for processing purposes. Memories do store instructions of the programs or the data as long as the program that pertains to it is still operating. In primary memory, the processor functions to store directly the information as well as retrieving it. The CPU in a random fashion manner, only accesses this type of memory. On the other hand, it can be said that the processing unit accesses the memory. Secondary memory is the form of information stored in secondary memory storage devices such as DVDs, CDs among many other sources. It is said to be permanent, much slower compared to the primary memory but less costly. The information stored in secondary memory is permanent unless it is corrupted or is erased. Compared to the primary memory, the secondary memory is non-volatile in nature since the information can be retrieved when power is turned off since the data is not destructed unless the user decides to erase it from the source. The information stored in secondary memory is not limited. This type of memory is capable of storing vast amount of information. They store information permanently and are connected to the computers through cables. Question Two (C): Important feature of a mobile device such as phone and how it influences individual and work Today’s phone features act as the set of services, capabilities and applications. Low-end mobile phones are referred to as feature phones. They mainly offer basic telephony where as those that have advanced features and computing abilities through the incorporation of native software applications are referred to as smartphones. Despite the fact that several mobile devices do have several similar features more features do appear in some of the mobile phones. This has been due to great innovation in the development of mobile phones making the mobile devices influence most of the individual’s life and work. With development in mobile technology, individual lives are becoming simpler with time (Ishigami & Klein 2009, pp.157–164). Today most mobile devices are able to access internet services for more accessibility and connectivity. This feature has been able to influence vast majority of the business world that mainly conducts its operations online. With such services in most mobile devices, it is easy for individuals to carry out their daily work activities at the comfort of their home and place of choice thus a great influence in the life as well as the work of an individual. Mobile phone technology is changing at a very high rate. Today’s mobile phones are incorporated with state of the art GPRS technology that is able to locate things at their exact position and time, high mega pixel cameras among other features such as the features that improves our own security through the use of software’s that help mitigating any security risks. Section C Question One: Similarities and Differences between Google and Duckduckgo Search Engines DuckDuckGo is a new engine for searching materials in the internet and a great competitor for google. The search engine is vigorously promoting itself as a “fair competitor” for its arch rival google and has been endorsed by several other sites. DuckDuckGo does not track an individual’s IP address or any of the search history compared to what google does. Despite this, it has the ability to get one to official websites before directing to Wikipedia answers. In addition, it can also search through Facebook, YouTube and amazon directly. Just like DuckDuckGo, Google has for long been the main source of information in the internet. Google is the only source of information that accepts the use of verb in searching information. In searching information through google, it is able to provide the basic URL for further information about the subject being searched online whereas the DuckDuckGo only provides the information needed without any further source of information. Despites their differences, both DuckDuckGo and Google are competing to be primary search engines today ( Chen 2006, pp.413–427). Question Two: Selling Through Amazon or E-Bay At a glance, market places operating online such as eBay and Amazon are a creation having mutual benefit. I would prefer selling through Amazon. Selling through Amazon makes the products easier to sell and find. Millions of people visit Amazon in search of products. The huge traffic of the people visiting Amazon makes the site one of the most successful internet-selling retailers for selling as well as buying online. On Amazon site, it is easy for customers to find the products and one can benefit from the Amazon’s 1-Click purchase. Selling through Amazon makes instant access to sells of goods and services online. Amazon offers easy and effective way to reaching out to several numbers of buyers who are potential to buy the product (Haucap & Heimeshoff 2014, pp.49–61). Question Three: Microsoft Excel A) Types Of Cell References Relative references- this is one that when copied from one point to another adjusts the formula address on the cell so that it can be able to suit the new position it is in. Absolute reference- is obtained by simply putting dollar sign to the cell address example $D$8. What this means is that absolutely column D and row 8 must be referred to. Mixed reference- this form of references incorporates both relative reference and absolute reference B) HOW THEY CAN BE USED Relative- used in providing table summary Absolute- used commonly when an individual has a specific value and wants to refer to a given formula. This happens in a case where an individual wants to build a mortgage calculator and need to refer to the rate of interest Mixed- ensures the formulas being created in the Microsoft excel are in the correct cells References Chen , Xiaotian , 2006. MetaLib, WebFeat, and Google: The strengths and weaknesses of federated search engines compared with Google. Online Information Review, 30, pp.413–427. Cachelin, A.B., Dempster, J. & Gray, P.T.A., 1994. Computers. In Microelectrode Techniques: The Plymouth Workshop Handbook. pp. 209–254. Haucap, J. & Heimeshoff, U., 2014. Google, Facebook, Amazon, eBay: Is the Internet driving competition or market monopolization? International Economics and Economic Policy, 11, pp.49–61. Ishigami, Y. & Klein, R.M., 2009. Is a hands-free phone safer than a handheld phone? Journal of Safety Research, 40, pp.157–164. PICCININI, G., 2008. COMPUTERS. Pacific Philosophical Quarterly, 89, pp.32–73.  Read More