September 8, 2006

Ok, today was an interesting lesson. We learned about different types of computers, and we also discussed the idea of how the computer has evolved over the years. We discussed how a computer is used in different industries. In addition, we also mentioned the different ways that we receive data when connected to our computer. Telephone wire, coaxial cable, UTP cabling and wireless connections were discussed.

As a group, we established that there are different industries in which computer use has advanced and entirely changed the way a job is done.

Part two of the vocab for this lesson is posted below. Also, a project was assigned.

The project was as follows:

In Project 1-1, learners prepare a 5 paragraph report describing how the computer is used in a career in the field of mathematics such as a teacher, a statistician, account or other you can think of on your own. This project should be typed, double spaced and 12 point font. This project is due on Friday 9/15/06.

See you on Monday!

Vocabulary List #1 (Continued)

Microprocessors
An integrated circuit silicon chip that contains the processing unit for a computer or a computerized appliance.

Minicomputers
Type of computer that is designed to serve multiple users and process significant amounts of data; larger than a microcomputer, but smaller than a mainframe.

Network
Connects one computer to other computers and peripheral devices.

Notebook Computer
Similar to a microcomputer; however, it is smaller and portable.

People
Users of the computers who enter the data and use the output.

Protocol
Standard format for transferring data between two devices. TCP/IP is the agreed upon international standard for transmitting data.

Receiver
Computer that receives a data transmission

Sender
Computer that sends a data transmission

Software
Intangible set of instructions that tells the computer what to do

Supercomputers
Largest and fastest computers, capable of storing and processing tremendous volumes of data

Wide Area Networks
Computer networks that cover a large geographical area. Most WANs are made up of several connected LANs