An introduction to computers and computer systems
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Contents

  • Introduction
  • Introduction
  • 1 The first computers
  • 2 The parts of a computer
  • 3 The general purpose, programmable computer
  • 4 Computers and data
  • 5 Computers today
  • 6 Summary of Session 1
  • Introduction
  • 1 A Personal Computer
  • 2 Processors
    • 2.1 Multi-core processors
    • 2.2 Processors in ‘invisible’ computers
  • 3 Memory
    • 3.1 Memory in ‘invisible’ computers
    • 3.2 Memory beyond the computer
  • 4 Peripheral devices
    • 4.1 Input and output devices for physically impaired users
  • 5 Connecting the devices
  • 6 Computers as systems
  • 7 Summary of Session 2
  • Introduction
  • 1 Processor statistics
  • 2 What does a processor look like?
  • 3 Moore’s law
  • 4 Summary of Session 3
  • Introduction
  • 1 Switches
  • 2 Representing data: bits
  • 3 Representing data: bytes
  • 4 An alternative to binary?
  • 5 Representing text in binary
  • 6 Representing numbers in binary
  • 7 Representing pictures and music in binary
  • 8 Representing images in binary
  • 9 Representing audio in binary
  • 10 This session’s quiz
  • 11 Summary of Session 4
  • Introduction
  • 1 The personal computer
  • 2 Electronic kitchen scales
  • 3 Digital camera
  • 4 Summary of Session 5
  • Introduction
  • 1 Software
  • 2 Operating systems
  • 3 Using flowcharts to describe a task
  • 4 Using flowcharts to describe a task 2
  • 5 Tasks for a typing tutor
  • 6 Developing an application program
  • 7 The language of the web
  • 8 Summary of Session 6
  • Introduction
  • 1 Technologies
    • 1.1 An example network
    • 1.2 Routers and switches
    • 1.3 Local Area network (LAN)
    • 1.4 Wide Area Network (WAN)
    • 1.5 Wireless networks
  • 2 The internet
    • 2.1 Out of this world
  • 3 The Internet of Things
  • 4 Summary of Session 7
  • Introduction
  • 1 Pervasive computing
    • 1.1 Ubiquitous computing
    • 1.2 Calm technology
    • 1.3 Ethical implications
  • 2 Green computing
    • 2.1 Carbon emissions
    • 2.2 Home working
  • 3 This session’s quiz
  • 4 Summary of Session 8
  • 5 Course summary
  • Next steps
  • Glossary
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

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