Fundamentos de Computación: Hardware, Periféricos y Conceptos Clave

Introducción a la Computación

What is a computer? It is an electronic machine which can accept data in a certain form, process the data, and give the result of the processing in a specified format as information.

What can a computer do? It allows you to type and print any kind of document, enables you to interact with other computers, and connects you with people around the world.

Computer applications: They can help students perform mathematical operations and solve difficult questions. Schools use databases and word processors to keep records of students, teachers, and educational materials.

Word processor: It is a computer application used for the production of any sort of printable material.

Conceptos Básicos: Software y Hardware

Hardware: Applies to all tangible, physical parts of a computer system.

Software: Comprises all the necessary computer programs and software components that make the execution of specific tasks possible.

Tipos de Dispositivos: Entrada y Salida

Input (Entrada): Any peripheral used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system.

Output (Salida): Any piece of computer hardware equipment used to communicate the results of data processing to the outside world.

Dispositivos de Entrada (Input Devices)

• Keyboard (Teclado): A typewriter-style device that uses an arrangement of buttons or keys to enter data into a computer.
  • Alphanumeric keys: Letras y números.
  • Function keys: Special shortcuts (e.g., Save, Copy, Cut, Paste, Help).
  • Numeric keypad: Teclado numérico similar al de una calculadora.
  • Editing keys: Teclas de navegación y edición (Supr, Inicio, RePág, Fin).
  • Special keys: Teclas modificadoras y del sistema (Alt, Ctrl).
• Mouse: A pointing device used to facilitate interaction within a graphical environment on a computer.
• Scanner: A device that optically scans images, printed text, or objects and converts them into a digital image.
• Trackball: A pointing device consisting of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect the rotation of the ball about two axes.
• Joystick: An input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling.
• Graphic tablet: A device that allows users to hand-draw images, animations, and graphics directly into the computer.
• Light pen: A computer input device in the form of a light-sensitive wand used in conjunction with a computer's CRT monitor or television screen.

Dispositivos de Salida (Output Devices)

• Monitor: An electronic visual display for computers. It comprises the display device, internal circuitry, and an outer enclosure.
• Printer (Impresora): A peripheral device that produces documents stored in electronic form onto physical print media such as paper or transparencies.
• Speakers: External audio units connected to a computer that replace or supplement the lower-fidelity built-in speakers.
• Headphones: A pair of small loudspeakers held close to a user's ears and connected to a signal source such as an audio amplifier, radio, CD player, or portable media player.

Componentes Internos y Procesamiento

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The primary component of a computer system that interprets and carries out the instructions of a computer program.

Main memory (RAM - Random Access Memory): The working memory in a computer where operating system software, active application programs, and data in current use are kept temporarily for fast access by the CPU.

ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory where data cannot be easily modified or overwritten. It is mainly used to distribute firmware and system boot instructions.

Hard disk: A permanent storage drive used to keep software, files, and operating systems organized in a convenient way. It can hold multiple gigabytes or terabytes of data.

How much access time does a hard drive have? Standard mechanical hard disk drives typically have an average access time ranging from 8 to 14 ms.

Dispositivos de Almacenamiento y Redes

• Router: A networking device that forwards data packets between telecommunications networks, creating an interconnected network infrastructure.
• CD-R: A recordable compact disc format. Data can be recorded in several sessions, but once written, the information cannot be erased or overwritten.
• CD-RW: A rewritable compact disc format used to store data that can be recorded, erased, and rewritten multiple times.
• Tape drive: A storage device that reads and writes data on magnetic tape. Magnetic tape media generally offers a low unit cost and long-term archival stability.

Tipos de Computadoras

• Mainframe: Powerful, high-capacity computers used primarily by large organizations for mission-critical applications, bulk data processing, and large-scale transaction systems.
• Minicomputer: A class of multi-user computers that sits in the middle range of computing power, between large mainframe systems and single-user personal computers.
• Laptop: A portable personal computer equipped with an integrated display and battery, designed for convenient use across different environments.
• Handheld: A mobile, pocket-sized computing device, typically featuring a display screen with touch input and/or a compact miniature keyboard.

Unidades de Medida y Prefijos

Prefijos Comunes

• Deci: Decimal, decimalize, decibel.
• Hexadeci: Hexadecimal.
• Kilo: Kilocycle, kilogram, kilowatt, kilobyte.
• Mega: Megahertz, megalith, megaton, megabyte.
• Giga: Gigantic, gigabyte, gigahertz.
• Mini: Minibus, minimum, minimize.
• Bi: Bidimensional, binary.
• Multi: Multiracial, multi-user, multitasking.

Equivalencias de Almacenamiento Digital

• 1 Kilobyte (KB): Equals 1,024 bytes.
• 1 Megabyte (MB): Equals 1,024 Kilobytes (approximately 1,000,000 bytes).
• 1 Gigabyte (GB): Equals 1,024 Megabytes (approximately 1,000,000,000 bytes / one thousand million bytes).

Acrónimos Comunes en Informática

• CPU: Central Processing Unit
• ALU: Arithmetic Logic Unit
• SIMM: Single Inline Memory Module
• SCSI: Small Computer System Interface
• LCD: Liquid Crystal Display
• DPI: Dots Per Inch
• ADA: Lenguaje de Programación (nombrado en honor a Ada Lovelace)
• VGA: Video Graphics Array
• ASCII: American Standard Code for Information Interchange

Recomendaciones de Uso y Cuidado

Instrucciones y Ergonomía (Instructions and Advice)

1. Do not stare at the screen continuously for long periods of time; take regular visual breaks.
2. Avoid placing the monitor where it reflects direct sources of bright light, such as an open window.
3. Keep the screen clean to prevent dust buildup and distorting reflections or shadows.

Protección de Datos (Protect Your Data)

1. Protect your storage media (such as floppies and external drives) against extreme high temperatures.
2. Keep magnetic disks and media away from water, moisture, and high humidity.
3. Scan for viruses and malware before opening files received from the internet or via email attachments.