Intro to Computers Written Assignment 1
Chapter 1
1. What is the most important difference between a computer and a calculator? [RQ, no. 2]
A computer contains a microprocessor that can be programmed to understand data which helps make important decisions. A calculator can only be used to perform numerical mathematical calculations.
2. How are computers today similar to those from World War II? How are they different? [RQ, no. 3]
Since the invention of the computer, the world needed a mechanism that had the power to compute and calculate large amounts of information and data. This is where the similarities end. According to Moore’s Law, the transistors in a microprocessor would double every two years, and with that computers and the need for processing information has grown rapidly. Of course during WWII there were no transistors; only vacuum tubes and microwaves.
3. The way people use the Internet has changed since the early days. How? [RQ, no. 4]
The internet was first used as tool to learn and experience the world from sitting in your home. Today it is a mode of communication, socialization, and entertainment venue as the world has never known. It is also a business tool used to keep a company in constant communication with all employees, as well as a system to buy and sell goods.
4. Is a smart phone a computer? Explain your answer. [RQ, no. 7]
A smart phone is definitely a mini computer that will do the same as a larger computer, as well as work as a phone and a camera. The smart phone processes information through aps to help a user to work, or just to be entertained, as well as surf the internet.
Chapter 2
5. Draw a block diagram showing the major components of a computer and their relationships. Briefly describe the function of each component. [RQ, no. 3]
6. Why is the international computer industry shifting from ASCII to Unicode for representing text? [RQ, no. 4]
The ASCII stands for the American Standards Code and is only set up with 128 code numbers. Today
1. What is the most important difference between a computer and a calculator? [RQ, no. 2]
A computer contains a microprocessor that can be programmed to understand data which helps make important decisions. A calculator can only be used to perform numerical mathematical calculations.
2. How are computers today similar to those from World War II? How are they different? [RQ, no. 3]
Since the invention of the computer, the world needed a mechanism that had the power to compute and calculate large amounts of information and data. This is where the similarities end. According to Moore’s Law, the transistors in a microprocessor would double every two years, and with that computers and the need for processing information has grown rapidly. Of course during WWII there were no transistors; only vacuum tubes and microwaves.
3. The way people use the Internet has changed since the early days. How? [RQ, no. 4]
The internet was first used as tool to learn and experience the world from sitting in your home. Today it is a mode of communication, socialization, and entertainment venue as the world has never known. It is also a business tool used to keep a company in constant communication with all employees, as well as a system to buy and sell goods.
4. Is a smart phone a computer? Explain your answer. [RQ, no. 7]
A smart phone is definitely a mini computer that will do the same as a larger computer, as well as work as a phone and a camera. The smart phone processes information through aps to help a user to work, or just to be entertained, as well as surf the internet.
Chapter 2
5. Draw a block diagram showing the major components of a computer and their relationships. Briefly describe the function of each component. [RQ, no. 3]
6. Why is the international computer industry shifting from ASCII to Unicode for representing text? [RQ, no. 4]
The ASCII stands for the American Standards Code and is only set up with 128 code numbers. Today