Seguin’s COMPUTER Concepts Third EditionPersonal ComputersA computer is an electronic device that has been programmed to process, store, and output data. Data consists of the characters the computer has accepted as input. Computers come in many sizes and shapes to meet a variety of computing needs. Most people are familiar with desktops, laptops, and tablets and recognize them as computers. Other electronic devices that contain programmed chips—such as digital cameras, game consoles, GPSs, and even some children’s toys—also have computer capabilities designed to perform specific functions. A computer needs both hardware (physical components and devices) and software (instructions that tell the computer what to do, also called applications or programs to be useful. You will learn about hardware in Chapter 3, operating system programs in Chapter 4, and productivity software applications in Chapter 5.Personal ComputersA personal computer (PC) is a computer in which the input, processing, storage, and output are self-contained. A PC is generally used by one person at a time, although PCs can be connected to a network where other people can access PC resources, such as files on storage media. A PC is sometimes referred to as a microcomputer.History of the PC The personal computer evolved from second-generation, bulky, large, expensive computers used mainly by government and corporations to small, custom-made computers made by individual hobbyists in the 1970s. The Computer History Museum credits John Blankenbaker’s Kenbak-1 as the first commercially available PC advertised for sale in 1971 at $750. Other PCs emerged in the 1970s, such as the Apple I and the Commodore PET, but it was the release of IBM’s Personal Computer in 1981 (Figure 1.1) that started the dramatic change in the workplace with widespread use of PCs as business tools. As companies innovated processing, speed, and storage capabilities, PCs became household items that we have come to rely on for many daily activities.PC Platform A computing platform describes the combination of hardware architecture and operating system (OS) software that determines the applications that can be used on the PC. The PC is generally identified as a PC-compatible computer or a Mac computer. PC-compatible computers are made by several technology companies, such as Acer, Lenovo, Dell, and HP. Most use the Windows operating system, but some may operate another operating system such as Chrome OS. Mac is the exclusive brand made by Apple and runs its own operating system called macOS.Desktop ComputersA desktop computer is a PC designed to sit on a desk or table. Traditional desktop PCs house the processor, memory, and main storage device within a horizontal or vertical case called the system unit. A separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse connect to the system unit. A vertical case is sometimes referred to as a tower.1.1Read & LearnPersonal ComputersThe personal computer continues to become lighter in weight and more mobile. The tablet shown is a wireless, portable personal computer with a touchscreen. A tablet is smaller than a laptop and larger than a smartphone. Its compact design and touchscreen make it a popular device when on the go.Figure 1.1The introduction of the IBM PC in 1981 made owning a PC affordable. Other companies soon made their own versions from IBM’s design, but at a lower cost, advertising their “clones” as IBM-compatible.© Paradigm Publishing, LLC Seguin’s COMPUTER Concepts, Third Edition: Topic 1.1 Read & Learn LessonChapter 1 Living in a Digital WorldModern desktops integrate the system unit and monitor into one case as an all-in-one PC. Figure 1.2a shows a traditional desktop computer with a tower. Figure 1.2b shows a modern all-in-one desktop PC.Mobile ComputersA mobile computer is a PC that can be moved from place to place. Mobile computers come in a number of configurations that vary in size, shape, and weight. A laptop computer, also referred to as a notebook, fits comfortably on a person’s lap. These PCs often replace desktops for workers and for home users who want the ability to move easily from room to room with their PCs. A typical laptop has a clamshell-style design (Figure 1.3a). When the laptop is opened, the monitor swivels up to reveal a keyboard. The processor, memory, storage media, and battery are housed below the keyboard.A tablet (also called a tablet PC) is a small, lightweight laptop with a touchscreen that you interact with using touch gestures or with a special pen called a stylus. Slate tablets have an on-screen keyboard only (Figure 1.3b), while other tablets come with a keyboard that pivots or plugs in so that the tablet acts more like a traditional laptop. Technology manufacturers developed a 2-in-1 laptop to combine the laptop and tablet experience in a single device. A 2-in-1 laptop (Figure 1.3c) has a touchscreen that swivels or can be folded down for use as a tablet and has the computing power and software capability of a laptop. An older version of a 2-in-1 laptop was called a convertible laptop or hybrid laptop.Figure 1.2(a) A desktop computer may have a vertical system unit, which is sometimes called a tower. (b) An all-in-one PCrequires less desk space because the monitor, processor, memory, and storage media are housed in one unit.abFigure 1.3(a) A laptop, or notebook, has a clamshell design in which the monitor opens up to reveal the system unit. (b) A tablethas a touchscreen that you tap or use touch gestures to navigate (a keyboard is not necessary). A slate tablet has anon-screen keyboard only. (c) A 2-in-1 laptop can be used as either a tablet when the screen is folded down or as alaptop for more intensive tasks such as word processing or data input.bacBlog This! Is the PC Dead?© Paradigm Publishing, LLC Seguin’s COMPUTER Concepts, Third Edition: Topic 1.1 Read & Learn LessonNext >