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Chapter 1 Introduction to Information Technology 9
data. Sharing data makes it possible for many users on the network to see
and access each other’s information. A server generally handles backing
up the stored data for all users so that data can be retrieved if a part of the
system malfunctions.
Personal Computers and Mobile Devices
A personal computer is a processing device r
designed to meet the needs of an individual user,
whether in the home, a business, or a school. It
has a screen, a mouse, and a keyboard, as shown
in Figure 1-6, and is generally connected to the
Internet. Personal computers vary in their speed,
size, and portability. They come in the forms of
desktop models, laptops and related models, and
mobile devices.
Basic Parts and Functions
of a Computer
No matter the size or use for a computer,
all computers contain the same basic types of
components. Hardware is the physical components
Peak
speed
(Rmax)
1017
1015
1013
1011
109
107
105
103
101
10
–1
1940 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
Year
FLOPS
OPS
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Figure 1-5. The capability of supercomputers has constantly increased over the years.
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Figure 1-6. A personal computer has a screen,
mouse, and keyboard in addition to the CPU unit.